Notice of Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for the Eastern Portion of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the Gulf of Mexico (GEG460000); Availability of Draft National Environmental Policy (NEPA) Categorial Exclusion (CatX), 37878-37880 [2023-12292]
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<![CDATA[
37878
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 2023 / Notices
determined to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI).
DATES: Access to the confidential data
will occur no sooner than June 16, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
technical information contact: Colby
Lintner/Adam Schwoerer, Program
Management and Operations Division
(7407M), Office of Pollution Prevention
and Toxics, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone
number: (202) 564–8182; email address:
lintner.colby@epa.gov or (202) 564–
4767; schwoerer.adam@epa.gov.
For general information contact: The
TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422
South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY
14620; telephone number: (202) 554–
1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@
epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
This action is directed to the public
in general. This action may, however, be
of interest to all who manufacture,
process, or distribute industrial
chemicals. Because other entities may
also be interested, the Agency has not
attempted to describe all the specific
entities that may be affected by this
action.
Decision Services, LLC will require
access to CBI submitted under all
Sections of TSCA to perform
successfully the duties specified under
the contract. Agile Decision Services,
LLC personnel will be given access to
information claimed or determined to be
CBI information submitted to EPA
under all sections of TSCA.
EPA is issuing this notice to inform
all submitters of information under all
sections of TSCA that EPA will provide
Agile Decision Sciences, LLC access to
these CBI materials on a need-to-know
basis only. All access to TSCA CBI
under this contract will take place at
EPA Headquarters in accordance with
EPA’s TSCA CBI Protection Manual and
the Rules of Behavior for Virtual
Desktop Access to OPPT Materials,
including TSCA CBI.
Access to TSCA data, including CBI,
will continue until March 31, 2026. If
the contract is extended, this access will
also continue for the duration of the
extended contract without further
notice.
Agile Decision Sciences, LLC
personnel will be required to sign
nondisclosure agreements and will be
briefed on specific security procedures
for TSCA CBI.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.
Dated: June 5, 2023.
Pamela Myrick,
Director, Project Management and Operations
Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and
Toxics.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
B. How can I get copies of this document
and other related information?
The docket for this notice, identified
[FR Doc. 2023–12319 Filed 6–8–23; 8:45 am]
by docket identification (ID) number
EPA–HQ–OPPT–2003–0004, is available BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
at https://www.regulations.gov. The data
being transferred is not in the docket.
For the latest status information on EPA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
dockets, visit https://www.epa.gov/
dockets.
[FRL–10164–01–R4]
II. What action is the Agency taking?
Under contract number
68HERD23D0003, task order number
68HERD23F0044, contractor Agile
Decision Sciences, LLC located at 350
Voyager Way Suite 100B, Huntsville, AL
35806–3200 will assist the Office of
Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT)
by managing the Non-Confidential
Business Information Center (NCIC).
They will also provide current and
historical reports on all TSCA non-CBI
submissions received in compliance
with TSCA; organize, distribute and
prepare records for permanent storage;
and handle all docket-related records for
OPPT, in accordance with the TSCA
Security Manual.
In accordance with 40 CFR 2.306(j),
EPA has determined that under EPA
contract number 68HERD23D0003, task
order number 68HERD23F0044, Agile
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:49 Jun 08, 2023
Jkt 259001
Notice of Draft National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) General Permit for the
Eastern Portion of the Outer
Continental Shelf (OCS) of the Gulf of
Mexico (GEG460000); Availability of
Draft National Environmental Policy
(NEPA) Categorial Exclusion (CatX)
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of proposed reissuance of
NPDES general permit, notice to states
of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida for
consistency review with approved
Coastal Management Programs.
AGENCY:
The Regional Administrator
of EPA Region 4 (the ‘‘Region’’) is today
proposing to reissue the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) general permit for the Outer
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Continental Shelf (OCS) of the Gulf of
Mexico (General Permit No.
GEG460000) for discharges in the
Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and Gas
Extraction Point Source Category. The
draft permit pertains to discharges from
exploration, development, and
production facilities located in, and
discharging to, all federal waters of the
eastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico
seaward of the outer boundary of the
territorial seas, and it covers existing
and new source facilities with
operations located on federal leases
occurring in water depths seaward of
200 meters, occurring offshore the
coasts of Alabama and Florida. The
western boundary of the coverage area
is demarcated by Mobile and Visoca
Knoll lease blocks located seaward of
the outer boundary of the territorial seas
from the coasts of Mississippi and
Alabama. Individual permits will be
issued for operating facilities on lease
blocks traversed by and shoreward of
the 200-meter water depth.
DATES: Comments must be received by
July 10, 2023.
ADDRESSES: The draft NPDES general
permit, permit fact sheet, draft CatX and
other relevant documents are on file and
may be inspected any time between 8:15
a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday at the address shown below.
Copies of the draft NPDES general
permit, permit fact sheet, draft CatX and
other relevant documents may be
obtained by writing the U.S. EPARegion 4, Water Division (WD), NPDES
Section, Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal
Center, 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta,
Georgia 30303–8960, Attention: Ms.
Bridget Staples, or by calling (404) 562–
9783. Alternatively, copies of the draft
NPDES general permit, permit fact
sheet, draft CatX, Essential Fish Habitat
Determination and preliminary Ocean
Discharge Criteria Evaluation may be
downloaded at: www.epa.gov/npdespermits/eastern-gulf-mexico-offshoreoil-gas-npdes-permits.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Bridget Staples, EPA Region 4, WD,
NPDES Section, by mail at the Atlanta
address given above, by telephone at
(404) 562–9783 or by email at
Staples.Bridget@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As
proposed, this draft NPDES general
permit includes, best conventional
pollutant control technology (BCT), and
best available technology economically
achievable (BAT) limitations for existing
sources and new source performance
standards (NSPS) limitations for new
sources as promulgated in the effluent
guidelines for the offshore subcategory.
The draft permit also includes the
E:\FR\FM\09JNN1.SGM
09JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 2023 / Notices
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
following changes to the current permit:
(1) New whole effluent toxicity testing
limits for well treatment, completion,
and workover fluids not discharged
with produced wastewaters; and (2)
clarification definitions for ‘‘discharge
of a pollutant, ‘‘facility’’, ‘‘floating
offshore facility’’, ‘‘manned facility’’,
‘‘mobile offshore drilling unit’’, and
‘‘barrels per day’’. Region 4 is also
making available a draft National
Environmental Policy (NEPA) Categorial
Exclusion (CatX) for review during the
30-day public comment period for this
general permit. The draft CatX is an
exclusion from a detailed environmental
analysis since the changes in draft
NPDES permit were not significant from
conditions in the current permit; the
proposed federal action was determined
to not have a significant effect on the
human environment (reference 40 Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR)
§ 1508.1(d).
I. Procedures For Reaching a Final
Permit Decision
Pursuant to 40 CFR 124.13, any
person who believes any condition of
the permit is inappropriate must raise
all reasonably ascertainable issues and
submit all reasonably available
arguments in full, supporting their
position, by the close of the comment
period. All comments on the draft
NPDES general permit and the draft
CatX received within the 30-day
comment period will be considered in
the formulation of final determination
regarding the NEPA review and the
permit reissuance. After consideration
of all written comments and the
requirements and policies in the Clean
Water Act (CWA) and appropriate
regulations, the EPA Regional
Administrator will make a
determination regarding the final CatX,
Finding of No Significant Impact, and
permit reissuance. If the determination
results in a permit that is substantially
unchanged from the draft permit
announced by this notice, the Regional
Administrator will so notify all persons
submitting written comments. If the
determination results in a permit that is
substantially changed, the Regional
Administrator will issue a public notice
indicating the revised determination.
A formal hearing is available to
challenge any NPDES permit issued
according to the regulations at 40 CFR
124.15 and 124.19, except for a general
permit, as provided at 40 CFR 124.19(o).
Persons affected by a general permit
may not challenge the conditions of a
general permit as a right in further
Agency proceedings. They may instead
either challenge the general permit in
court, or apply for an individual permit
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:49 Jun 08, 2023
Jkt 259001
as authorized at 40 CFR 122.28, in
accordance with the application
requirements set forth at 40 CFR 122.21,
and then request a formal hearing on the
issuance or denial of an individual
permit. Additional information
regarding these procedures is available
by contacting Mr. Paul Schwartz,
Associate Regional Counsel, Office of
Regional Counsel, at (404) 562–9576.
II. Procedures For Obtaining General
Permit Coverage
Notice of Intent (NOI) requirements
for obtaining coverage for operating
facilities are stated in Part I Section A.4
of the general permit. Coverage under
the reissued general permit is effective
upon receipt of notification of coverage
with an assignment of an NPDES
general permit number from the EPARegion 4, Director of the Water Division.
EPA will act on the NOI within a
reasonable period of time.
III. Exclusion of Non-Operational
Leases
This permit does not apply to nonoperational leases, i.e., those on which
no discharge has taken place in the two
(2) years prior to the effective date of the
reissued general permit. EPA will not
initially accept NOIs for such leases,
and the general permit will not cover
such leases, except as set forth below.
Non-operational leases will lose
coverage under the previous general
permit on the effective date of the
reissued general permit. No subsequent
exploration, development or production
activities may take place on these leases
until and unless the lessee has obtained
coverage under the new general permit
or an individual permit. EPA will not
accept an NOI or individual permit
application for non-operational or new
acquired leases until such time as an
Exploration Plan Document or the
Development Operations Coordination
Document has been prepared and
submitted to Bureau of Energy
Management.
IV. State Water Quality Certification
Because state waters are not included
in the area covered by the OCS general
permit, its effluent limitations and
monitoring requirements are not subject
to state water quality certification under
CWA Section 401. However, the states
of Alabama, Florida and Mississippi
have been provided a copy of this draft
general permit, draft CatX to review and
submit comments. Copies of these
documents have also been provided to
EPA Headquarters for their review.
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
37879
V. State Consistency Determination
This Notice will also serve as Region
4’s requirement under the Coastal Zone
Management Act (CZMA) to provide all
necessary information for the states of
Mississippi, Alabama and Florida to
review this action for consistency with
their approved Coastal Zone
Management Programs. A copy of the
consistency determination on the
proposed activities is being sent to each
affected State, along with a letter
including this FR notice, which
provides the EPA website where
electronic copies can be obtained of the
draft NPDES general permit, permit fact
sheet, preliminary Ocean Discharge
Criteria Evaluation, and draft CatX.
Other relevant information for their
review is available upon request from
each State. Comments regarding State
Consistency are invited in writing
within 30 days of this notice to the WD,
U.S. EPA-Region 4, NPDES Section,
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center, 61
Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303–
8960, Attention: Ms. Bridget Staples.
VI. Public Comment Period and Public
Hearings
The public comment period for the
draft NPDES permit, draft CatX will
begin on the date of publication of this
notice in the Federal Register and end
30 calendar days later.
VII. Administrative Record
The draft NPDES general permit,
permit fact sheet, draft CatX and other
relevant documents are on file and may
be inspected any time between 8:15 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
at the address shown below. Copies of
the draft NPDES general permit, permit
fact sheet, draft CatX and other relevant
documents may be obtained by writing
the U.S. EPA-Region 4, WD, NPDES
Permitting Section, Sam Nunn Atlanta
Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street, SW,
Atlanta, GA 30303–8960, Attention: Ms.
Bridget Staples, or by calling (404) 562–
9783, or by email at Staples.Bridget@
epa.gov. Alternatively, copies of the
draft NPDES general permit, permit fact
sheet, draft CatX, Essential Fish Habitat
Determination and preliminary Ocean
Discharge Criteria Evaluation may be
downloaded at: www.epa.gov/npdespermits/eastern-gulf-mexico-offshoreoil-gas-npdes-permits.
VIII. Executive Order 12866
This action is a significant regulatory
action that was submitted to the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) for
review.
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09JNN1
37880
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 2023 / Notices
IX. Paperwork Reduction Act
The information collection required
by this permit has been submitted to
OMB under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq., in submission made for the
NPDES permit program and assigned
OMB control number 2040–0004
[(NPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports
(DMRs)].
Because this permit is very similar in
reporting and application requirements
and in discharges which are required to
be monitored as the previous Eastern
Gulf of Mexico OCS general permit
(GEG460000), the paperwork burdens
are expected to be nearly identical. The
only new requirement is entry of acute
5 ..............
Media .........................................
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
Dated: June 2, 2023.
Denisse Diaz,
Acting Director, Water Division.
[FR Doc. 2023–12292 Filed 6–8–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
DATES:
[60Day–23–1309; Docket No. CDC–2023–
0047]
Proposed Data Collection Submitted
for Public Comment and
Recommendations
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS).
ACTION: Notice with comment period.
AGENCY:
The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of
its continuing effort to reduce public
burden and maximize the utility of
Government information, invites the
general public and other Federal
agencies the opportunity to comment on
a continuing information collection, as
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995. This notice invites
comment on a proposed information
collection project titled Enterprise
Laboratory Information Management
System (ELIMS). This data collection is
used by CDC to record specimen
metadata and patient data related to test
order requests submitted by external
partners (SPHLs, International
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:49 Jun 08, 2023
Jkt 259001
[FR ID 147101]
Deletion of Item From June 8, 2023
Open Meeting
June 6, 2023.
The following item was adopted and
released by the Commission on June 5,
2023 and deleted from the list of items
scheduled for consideration at the
Thursday, June 8, 2023, Open Meeting.
The item was previously listed in the
Commission’s Sunshine Notice on
Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Title: Restricted Adjudicatory Matter.
Summary: The Commission will consider a restricted adjudicatory matter.
[FR Doc. 2023–12355 Filed 6–8–23; 8:45 am]
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
organizations, Federal institutions,
hospitals, doctor’s offices, etc.) to the
CDC Infectious Diseases testing
laboratories.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
WET tests results for well treatment,
completion and workover fluids
discharged separately than produced
wastewaters into the electronic system.
When it issued the previous OCS
general permit, EPA estimated it would
take an affected facility three hours to
prepare the request for coverage and 38
hours per year to prepare DMRs. It is
estimated that the time required to
prepare the request for coverage and
DMRs for the reissued permit will be
approximately the same.
CDC must receive written
comments on or before August 8, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by Docket No. CDC–2023–
0047 by either of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Jeffrey M. Zirger, Information
Collection Review Office, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 1600
Clifton Road NE, MS H21–8, Atlanta,
Georgia 30329.
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the agency name and
Docket Number. CDC will post, without
change, all relevant comments to
www.regulations.gov.
Please note: Submit all comments
through the Federal eRulemaking portal
(www.regulations.gov) or by U.S. mail to
the address listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To
request more information on the
proposed project or to obtain a copy of
the information collection plan and
instruments, contact Jeffrey M. Zirger,
Information Collection Review Office,
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS
H21–8, Atlanta, Georgia 30329;
Telephone: 404–639–7570; Email: omb@
cdc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA)
(44 U.S.C. 3501–3520), Federal agencies
must obtain approval from the Office of
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Management and Budget (OMB) for each
collection of information they conduct
or sponsor. In addition, the PRA also
requires Federal agencies to provide a
60-day notice in the Federal Register
concerning each proposed collection of
information, including each new
proposed collection, each proposed
extension of existing collection of
information, and each reinstatement of
previously approved information
collection before submitting the
collection to the OMB for approval. To
comply with this requirement, we are
publishing this notice of a proposed
data collection as described below.
The OMB is particularly interested in
comments that will help:
1. Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility;
2. Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
3. Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected;
4. Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submissions
of responses; and
5. Assess information collection costs.
E:\FR\FM\09JNN1.SGM
09JNN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 111 (Friday, June 9, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37878-37880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12292]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-10164-01-R4]
Notice of Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) General Permit for the Eastern Portion of the Outer Continental
Shelf (OCS) of the Gulf of Mexico (GEG460000); Availability of Draft
National Environmental Policy (NEPA) Categorial Exclusion (CatX)
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of proposed reissuance of NPDES general permit, notice
to states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida for consistency review
with approved Coastal Management Programs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Regional Administrator of EPA Region 4 (the ``Region'') is
today proposing to reissue the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) general permit for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of
the Gulf of Mexico (General Permit No. GEG460000) for discharges in the
Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source
Category. The draft permit pertains to discharges from exploration,
development, and production facilities located in, and discharging to,
all federal waters of the eastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico seaward
of the outer boundary of the territorial seas, and it covers existing
and new source facilities with operations located on federal leases
occurring in water depths seaward of 200 meters, occurring offshore the
coasts of Alabama and Florida. The western boundary of the coverage
area is demarcated by Mobile and Visoca Knoll lease blocks located
seaward of the outer boundary of the territorial seas from the coasts
of Mississippi and Alabama. Individual permits will be issued for
operating facilities on lease blocks traversed by and shoreward of the
200-meter water depth.
DATES: Comments must be received by July 10, 2023.
ADDRESSES: The draft NPDES general permit, permit fact sheet, draft
CatX and other relevant documents are on file and may be inspected any
time between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the
address shown below. Copies of the draft NPDES general permit, permit
fact sheet, draft CatX and other relevant documents may be obtained by
writing the U.S. EPA-Region 4, Water Division (WD), NPDES Section, Sam
Nunn Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia
30303-8960, Attention: Ms. Bridget Staples, or by calling (404) 562-
9783. Alternatively, copies of the draft NPDES general permit, permit
fact sheet, draft CatX, Essential Fish Habitat Determination and
preliminary Ocean Discharge Criteria Evaluation may be downloaded at:
www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/eastern-gulf-mexico-offshore-oil-gas-npdes-permits.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Bridget Staples, EPA Region 4, WD,
NPDES Section, by mail at the Atlanta address given above, by telephone
at (404) 562-9783 or by email at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As proposed, this draft NPDES general permit
includes, best conventional pollutant control technology (BCT), and
best available technology economically achievable (BAT) limitations for
existing sources and new source performance standards (NSPS)
limitations for new sources as promulgated in the effluent guidelines
for the offshore subcategory. The draft permit also includes the
[[Page 37879]]
following changes to the current permit: (1) New whole effluent
toxicity testing limits for well treatment, completion, and workover
fluids not discharged with produced wastewaters; and (2) clarification
definitions for ``discharge of a pollutant, ``facility'', ``floating
offshore facility'', ``manned facility'', ``mobile offshore drilling
unit'', and ``barrels per day''. Region 4 is also making available a
draft National Environmental Policy (NEPA) Categorial Exclusion (CatX)
for review during the 30-day public comment period for this general
permit. The draft CatX is an exclusion from a detailed environmental
analysis since the changes in draft NPDES permit were not significant
from conditions in the current permit; the proposed federal action was
determined to not have a significant effect on the human environment
(reference 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Sec. 1508.1(d).
I. Procedures For Reaching a Final Permit Decision
Pursuant to 40 CFR 124.13, any person who believes any condition of
the permit is inappropriate must raise all reasonably ascertainable
issues and submit all reasonably available arguments in full,
supporting their position, by the close of the comment period. All
comments on the draft NPDES general permit and the draft CatX received
within the 30-day comment period will be considered in the formulation
of final determination regarding the NEPA review and the permit
reissuance. After consideration of all written comments and the
requirements and policies in the Clean Water Act (CWA) and appropriate
regulations, the EPA Regional Administrator will make a determination
regarding the final CatX, Finding of No Significant Impact, and permit
reissuance. If the determination results in a permit that is
substantially unchanged from the draft permit announced by this notice,
the Regional Administrator will so notify all persons submitting
written comments. If the determination results in a permit that is
substantially changed, the Regional Administrator will issue a public
notice indicating the revised determination.
A formal hearing is available to challenge any NPDES permit issued
according to the regulations at 40 CFR 124.15 and 124.19, except for a
general permit, as provided at 40 CFR 124.19(o). Persons affected by a
general permit may not challenge the conditions of a general permit as
a right in further Agency proceedings. They may instead either
challenge the general permit in court, or apply for an individual
permit as authorized at 40 CFR 122.28, in accordance with the
application requirements set forth at 40 CFR 122.21, and then request a
formal hearing on the issuance or denial of an individual permit.
Additional information regarding these procedures is available by
contacting Mr. Paul Schwartz, Associate Regional Counsel, Office of
Regional Counsel, at (404) 562-9576.
II. Procedures For Obtaining General Permit Coverage
Notice of Intent (NOI) requirements for obtaining coverage for
operating facilities are stated in Part I Section A.4 of the general
permit. Coverage under the reissued general permit is effective upon
receipt of notification of coverage with an assignment of an NPDES
general permit number from the EPA-Region 4, Director of the Water
Division. EPA will act on the NOI within a reasonable period of time.
III. Exclusion of Non-Operational Leases
This permit does not apply to non-operational leases, i.e., those
on which no discharge has taken place in the two (2) years prior to the
effective date of the reissued general permit. EPA will not initially
accept NOIs for such leases, and the general permit will not cover such
leases, except as set forth below. Non-operational leases will lose
coverage under the previous general permit on the effective date of the
reissued general permit. No subsequent exploration, development or
production activities may take place on these leases until and unless
the lessee has obtained coverage under the new general permit or an
individual permit. EPA will not accept an NOI or individual permit
application for non-operational or new acquired leases until such time
as an Exploration Plan Document or the Development Operations
Coordination Document has been prepared and submitted to Bureau of
Energy Management.
IV. State Water Quality Certification
Because state waters are not included in the area covered by the
OCS general permit, its effluent limitations and monitoring
requirements are not subject to state water quality certification under
CWA Section 401. However, the states of Alabama, Florida and
Mississippi have been provided a copy of this draft general permit,
draft CatX to review and submit comments. Copies of these documents
have also been provided to EPA Headquarters for their review.
V. State Consistency Determination
This Notice will also serve as Region 4's requirement under the
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) to provide all necessary information
for the states of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida to review this
action for consistency with their approved Coastal Zone Management
Programs. A copy of the consistency determination on the proposed
activities is being sent to each affected State, along with a letter
including this FR notice, which provides the EPA website where
electronic copies can be obtained of the draft NPDES general permit,
permit fact sheet, preliminary Ocean Discharge Criteria Evaluation, and
draft CatX. Other relevant information for their review is available
upon request from each State. Comments regarding State Consistency are
invited in writing within 30 days of this notice to the WD, U.S. EPA-
Region 4, NPDES Section, Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth
Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303-8960, Attention: Ms. Bridget Staples.
VI. Public Comment Period and Public Hearings
The public comment period for the draft NPDES permit, draft CatX
will begin on the date of publication of this notice in the Federal
Register and end 30 calendar days later.
VII. Administrative Record
The draft NPDES general permit, permit fact sheet, draft CatX and
other relevant documents are on file and may be inspected any time
between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the address
shown below. Copies of the draft NPDES general permit, permit fact
sheet, draft CatX and other relevant documents may be obtained by
writing the U.S. EPA-Region 4, WD, NPDES Permitting Section, Sam Nunn
Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30303-8960,
Attention: Ms. Bridget Staples, or by calling (404) 562-9783, or by
email at [email protected]. Alternatively, copies of the draft
NPDES general permit, permit fact sheet, draft CatX, Essential Fish
Habitat Determination and preliminary Ocean Discharge Criteria
Evaluation may be downloaded at: www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/eastern-gulf-mexico-offshore-oil-gas-npdes-permits.
VIII. Executive Order 12866
This action is a significant regulatory action that was submitted
to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review.
[[Page 37880]]
IX. Paperwork Reduction Act
The information collection required by this permit has been
submitted to OMB under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., in submission made for the NPDES permit program
and assigned OMB control number 2040-0004 [(NPDES Discharge Monitoring
Reports (DMRs)].
Because this permit is very similar in reporting and application
requirements and in discharges which are required to be monitored as
the previous Eastern Gulf of Mexico OCS general permit (GEG460000), the
paperwork burdens are expected to be nearly identical. The only new
requirement is entry of acute WET tests results for well treatment,
completion and workover fluids discharged separately than produced
wastewaters into the electronic system. When it issued the previous OCS
general permit, EPA estimated it would take an affected facility three
hours to prepare the request for coverage and 38 hours per year to
prepare DMRs. It is estimated that the time required to prepare the
request for coverage and DMRs for the reissued permit will be
approximately the same.
Dated: June 2, 2023.
Denisse Diaz,
Acting Director, Water Division.
[FR Doc. 2023-12292 Filed 6-8-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
