Environmental Protection Agency October 31, 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On January 18, 2017, the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, published Recommended Best Practices for Environmental Reviews and Authorizations for Infrastructure Projects, available at https://www.permits.performance.gov. In accordance with Section 41006 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST- 41), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment. Specifically, EPA is seeking feedback on whether any of the best practices are generally applicable on a delegation or authorization-wide basis to permitting under FAST-41.

In accordance with section 122(h)(1) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended (``CERCLA''), notice is hereby given of a proposed administrative settlement concerning the Bandera Road Ground Water Plume Superfund Site, located in City of Leon Valley, Bexar County, Texas. The settlement requires Savings Square Partners, Ltd., settling party, to pay a total of $1,820,000 as payment of past response costs to the Hazardous Substances Superfund. The settlement includes a covenant not to sue pursuant to sections 106 and 107(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9606 and 9607(a). For thirty (30) days following the date of publication of this notice, the Agency will receive written comments relating to this notice and will receive written comments relating to the settlement. The Agency will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to the settlement if comments received disclose facts or considerations which indicate that the settlement is inappropriate, improper, or inadequate. The Agency's response to any comments received will be available for public inspection at 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing plans to hold information sessions on: November 8, 2017 in Denver, Colorado; November 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee; and November 29, 2017 in Lenexa, Kansas. In addition, EPA will host a series of webinars covering the same topics on December 6, 13, and 20, 2017. The purpose of both the sessions and webinars is to provide prospective borrowers with a better understanding of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program requirements and application process. Under WIFIA, EPA can provide long-term, low-cost supplemental loans and loan guarantees for regionally and nationally significant water infrastructure projects. During each information session, EPA will provide an overview of the program's statutory and eligibility requirements, application and selection process, and creditworthiness assessment. It will also explain the financial benefits of WIFIA credit assistance and provide tips for completing the application materials. The intended audience is prospective borrowers including municipal entities, corporations, partnerships, and State Revolving Fund programs, as well as the private and non-governmental organizations that support prospective borrowers.