98-7642. The General NPDES Permit for Seafood Processors Operating in Kodiak, AK (General NPDES Permit No. AK-G52-8000)  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 61 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 15403-15414]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-7642]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    [FRL-5985-3]
    
    
    The General NPDES Permit for Seafood Processors Operating in 
    Kodiak, AK (General NPDES Permit No. AK-G52-8000)
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Notice of final general NPDES permit.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The Director, Office of Water, EPA Region 10, is issuing 
    General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit 
    no. AK-G52-8000 for owners and operators of shore-based seafood 
    processing facilities and a by-product recovery facility in Kodiak, 
    Alaska, pursuant to the provisions of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 
    1251 et. seq. The final general NPDES permit authorizes discharges from 
    facilities discharging through outfalls to St. Paul Harbor and Near 
    Island Channel. The existing ten shore-based facilities and a by-
    product recovery facility are engaged in the processing of fresh, 
    frozen, canned seafood, surimi, and fish meal/powder. Discharges 
    authorized by the proposed permit include processing wastes, process 
    disinfectants, sanitary wastewater and other wastewaters, including 
    domestic wastewater, cooling water, boiler water, freshwater pressure 
    relief water, refrigeration condensate, water used to transfer seafood 
    to a facility, and live tank water. One facility discharges treated 
    domestic and sanitary wastewater to St. Paul Harbor. The final permit 
    authorizes discharges to waters of the United States in and contiguous 
    to the State of Alaska.
        The processing facilities are required to collect and route all 
    seafood processing wastes and wastewater to a treatment system 
    consisting of 1 mm screens or equivalent technology. All seafood solid 
    wastes are collected and transported to the by-product recovery 
    facility or are recovered through an in-house fish powder plant.
        The final general permit for seafood processors in Kodiak, Alaska, 
    will not authorize discharges of petroleum hydrocarbons, toxic 
    pollutants, or other pollutants not specified in the permit.
    
    [[Page 15404]]
    
        The final general permit contains the same effluent guidelines 
    limitations as the previous individual permits. Separate monitoring of 
    the surimi and fish meal/powder waste streams are new additions to the 
    general permit.
        Notice of the draft Kodiak permit was published on December 18, 
    1997, in the Federal Register [62 FR 66367] and the Kodiak Mirror.
        The final permit is printed below and establishes effluent 
    limitations, standards, prohibitions, monitoring requirements, and 
    other conditions on discharges from seafood processors and fish meal/
    powder processors in Kodiak, Alaska.
        Changes made in response to public comments are addressed in full 
    in a document entitled ``Response to Public Comments on the Proposed 
    Issuance of the Kodiak Seafood Processors General NPDES Permit.'' This 
    document is being sent to all commenters, current permittees, and 
    applicants and is available to other parties upon request from the 
    address below.
    
    ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise noted in the permit, correspondence 
    regarding this permit should be sent to The Environmental Protection 
    Agency, Region 10, NPDES Compliance Unit (OW-133), 1200 Sixth Avenue, 
    Seattle, Washington, 98101.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Florence Carroll, of EPA Region 10, at 
    the address listed above or telephone (206) 553-1760. Copies of the 
    final Kodiak General NPDES Permit are available upon request from the 
    Region 10 Public Environmental Resource Center at the following 
    telephone numbers: 1-800-424-4EPA (4372) for Idaho, Oregon, and 
    Washington; 1-206-553-1200 for Alaska and for all other states.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA issues this Kodiak seafood processors 
    general NPDES permit pursuant to its authority under sections 301(b), 
    304, 306, 307, 401, 403, and 501 of the Clean Water Act. The fact sheet 
    for the draft permit, the response to comments document, the 401 
    certification issued by the State of Alaska, and the coastal zone 
    management plan consistency determination issued by the State of Alaska 
    set forth the principal facts and the significant factual, legal, and 
    policy questions considered in the development of the terms and 
    conditions of the final permit presented below.
        The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation 
    (ADEC), has issued a Certificate of Reasonable Assurance that the 
    subject discharges comply with the Alaska State Water Quality 
    Standards.
        The State of Alaska, Office of Management and Budget, Division of 
    Governmental Coordination, has certified that the Kodiak seafood 
    processors general NPDES permit is consistent with the approved Alaska 
    Coastal Management Program.
        Changes have been made from the draft permit to final permit in 
    response to public comments received on the draft permit and the final 
    coastal management plan consistency determination from the State of 
    Alaska.
        The following identifies several specific areas of change, among 
    others which have been included in the final permit: (1) Requirements 
    for fish powder in the draft permit were less stringent than is usually 
    required of fish meal production so EPA determined that the production 
    of fish powder and the production of fish meal are essentially the same 
    and has applied the effluent limitation guidelines for fish meal to the 
    two facilities operating fish meal/powder plants, thereby allowing 
    Kodiak Fishmeal Company to be covered by the Kodiak general permit; (2) 
    a new provision allows individual processors to transport solid fish 
    wastes (ground to 0.5 inch particles before discharge) to the ocean 
    dumping site upon notice and approval of ADEC and EPA when the by-
    product facility cannot take additional wastes; and (3) a map showing 
    the location of the ocean dumping site.
        Appeal of Permit: Within 120 days following this service of notice 
    of EPA's final permit decision under 40 CFR 124.15, any interested 
    person may appeal the permit in the Federal Court of Appeals in 
    accordance with section 509(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act. Persons 
    affected by a general permit may not challenge the conditions of the 
    permit as a right of further EPA proceedings. Instead, they may either 
    challenge the permit in court or apply for an individual NPDES permit 
    and then request a formal hearing on the issuance or denial of an 
    individual permit.
    
        Dated: March 16, 1998.
    Philip G. Milliam,
    Director, Office of Water.
    
    Authorization to Discharge Under the National Pollutant Discharge 
    Elimination System for Seafood Processors Operating Shorebased 
    Facilities in Kodiak, Alaska
    
    [General NPDES Permit No. AK-G52-8000]
    
        In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 
    1251 et seq., (hereafter, CWA or the Act), the owners and operators of 
    seafood processing facilities and a by-product recovery facility in 
    Kodiak, Alaska, are authorized to discharge seafood processing wastes 
    and the concomitant wastes set out in this Permit to waters of the 
    United States, named St. Paul Harbor and Near Island Channel, Alaska, 
    in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and 
    other conditions set forth herein. The discharge of wastes not 
    specifically set out in this Permit is not authorized under this 
    Permit.
        Upon the effective date of this Permit, it is the controlling 
    document for regulation of seafood processing wastes and other 
    designated wastewaters discharged to St. Paul Harbor and Near Island 
    Channel, Alaska. A copy of this Generaly Permit must be kept at the 
    seafood processing facility where the discharge occurs.
        This Permit shall become effective 30 days after issuance.
        This Permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at 
    midnight five years from the effective date of the permit.
    
        Signed this 16th day of March, 1998.
    Philip G. Millam,
    Director, Office of Water, Region 10, U.S. Environmental Protection 
    Agency.
    
    Table of Contents
    
    1  Authorized Facilities
    
    1.1  Existing Facilities
    1.2  New Facilities
    
    2  Authorized Discharges
    
    2.1  Seafood Processing Wastewaters
    2.2  Process Disinfectants
    2.3  Domestic and Sanitary Wastewaters
    2.4  Non-process Wastewaters
    2.5  Unauthorized Discharges
    
    3  Effluent Conditions and Monitoring Requirements
    
    3.1  Butchering Waste Stream
    3.2  Surimi Processing Waste Stream
    3.3  Fish Meal/Powder Waste Stream
    3.4  Domestic and Sanitary Waste Stream
    3.5  Waste Disposal Practices
    3.6  Discharge Requirements
    3.7  Environmental Effects
    3.8  Alaska State Water Quality Standards
    3.9  Reopening of Permit
    
    4  Waste Minimization and Monitoring Requirements
    
    4.1  Best Management Practices Plan.
    4.2. Seafloor Monitoring
    
    5  Quality Assurance Requirements
    
    5.1  Purpose and Objectives
    5.2  Requirements
    
    6  General Monitoring and Records Requirements
    
    6.1  General Monitoring
    6.2  Records Requirements
    
    7  Reporting Requirements
    
    7.1  Noncompliance Reporting
    7.2  Planned Changes
    
    [[Page 15405]]
    
    7.3  Notice of New Introduction of Pollutants
    7.4  Anticipated Noncompliance
    
    8  General Compliance Responsibilities
    
    8.1  Duty to Comply
    8.2  Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions
    8.3  Need to Halt or Reduce Activity Not a Defense
    8.4  Duty to Mitigate
    8.5  Proper Operation and Maintenance
    8.6  Bypass of Treatment Facilities
    8.7  Upset Conditions
    8.8  Toxic Pollutants
    
    9  General Provisions
    
    9.1  Permit Actions
    9.2  Duty to Reapply
    9.3  Duty to Provide Information
    9.4  Other Information
    9.5  Signatory Requirements
    9.6  Availability of Reports
    9.7  Inspection and Entry
    9.8  Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability
    9.9  Property Rights
    9.10  Severability
    9.11  Transfers
    9.12  State Laws
    
    10  Definitions and Acronyms
    
    1  Authorized Facilities
    
    1.1  Existing Facilities
    
        The facilities listed below are authorized to discharge to the 
    designated receiving water under this general Permit and are assigned 
    the following NPDES number:
    
    AK-G52-8110--Alaska Fresh Seafoods, Near Island Channel
    AK-G52-8434--Alaska Pacific Seafoods, St. Paul Harbor
    AK-G52-8486--Cook Inlet Processing, St. Paul Harbor
    AK-G52-8426--East Point Seafoods, Near Island Channel
    AK-G52-8353--International Seafoods-Shelikof, St. Paul Harbor
    AK-G52-8266--International Seafoods-Marine, Near Island Channel
    AK-G52-8234--Kodiak Fish Meal Company, St. Paul Harbor
    AK-G52-8493--Ocean Beauty-King Crab, St. Paul Harbor
    AK-G52-8361--Tyson Enterprise Seafoods-Alcod, Near Island Channel
    AK-G52-8833--Tyson Enterprise Seafoods-Star, Near Island Channel
    AK-G52-8825--Western Alaska Fisheries, St. Paul Harbor
    
    1.2  New Facilities
    
        In order to be authorized to discharge any of the pollutants set 
    out in 2.0 of this general NPDES Permit, a seafood processing facility 
    in Kodiak, Alaska, must apply for coverage under this Permit. Any new 
    applicants (other than those listed above) wishing authorization to 
    discharge under this Permit shall submit EPA Form 3510-1 General 
    Information, EPA Form 3510.2C NPDES, and the State of Alaska Coastal 
    Project Questionnaire and Certification Statement.
        In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 1501 et 
    seq., the Office of Management and Budget has approved the collection 
    of information in an NPDES application (OMB No. 2040-0086).
        A qualified applicant will be authorized to discharge under this 
    Permit upon its certified receipt from EPA of written notification of 
    inclusion and the assignment of an NPDES permit number.
    
    2  Authorized Discharges
    
        This Permit authorizes the discharge of the following pollutants 
    subject to the limitations and conditions set forth herein.
    
    2.1  Seafood Processing Wastewaters
    
        Seafood processing wastewaters include screened process wastewater 
    from conventional or mechanized butchering of seafood, from the 
    production of surimi and/or fish paste that is washed repeatedly in 
    water then pressed to remove residual water, and from the processing of 
    seafood wastes into fish meal/powder.
    
    2.2  Process Disinfectants
    
        Disinfectants and detergents may be added to wash down water and 
    scrubber water to facilitate the removal of wastes and to maintain 
    sanitary standards during processing. The discharge of residual amounts 
    of process disinfectants used to sanitize seafood processing areas is 
    permitted.
    
    2.3  Domestic and Sanitary Wastewaters
    
        Cook Inlet Processing is the only facility authorized to discharge 
    treated domestic and sanitary wastewater to St. Paul Harbor. Domestic 
    and sanitary wastewaters from all other facilities shall be discharged 
    to the Kodiak municipal wastewater treatment facility.
    
    2.4  Non-Process Wastewaters
    
        Non-process wastewaters include non-contact cooling water, boiler 
    water, freshwater pressure relief water, refrigeration condensate, 
    water used to transfer seafood to the facility, live tank water, and 
    other non-process water (except wastewater from floor drains). These 
    wastewaters may be discharged without treatment to the receiving water 
    through conveyances, provided that the discharges are in compliance 
    with Alaska State Water Quality Standards. Persistent foam or scum 
    generated by the discharge of non-process wastewaters, e.g., water used 
    to transfer seafood, shall be a violation of the Alaska State Water 
    Quality Standards and conditions of this Permit.
    
    2.5  Unauthorized Discharges
    
        Discharge of wastes and pollutants not specifically set out above 
    are not authorized under this Permit.
    
    3  Effluent Conditions and Monitoring Requirements
    
    3.1  Butchering Waste Stream
    
        During the effective term of this Permit, the permittee is 
    authorized to discharge process wastewater from the butchering of 
    seafood to St. Paul Harbor or Near Island Channel. Treatment of the 
    butchering waste stream prior to discharge shall be accomplished 
    through the use of fine mesh screening (1 mm) or equivalent technology. 
    Seafood wastes shall not be pulverized, chopped, ground or otherwise 
    altered prior to screening and discharge through the facility's 
    outfall.
    
    3.1.1  Limitation on pH
    
        The effluent pH shall not be less than 6.5 standard units nor 
    greater than 8.5 standard units.
    
    3.1.2  Mechanized Limitations
    
        If 50% or more of the weight of the solid wastes are generated from 
    the use of one or more automated or mechanized method, then select the 
    mechanized limitations for reporting. (See 11.1 and 11.2 for the method 
    of calculating multi-processing limits.)
    
    3.1.3  Specific Limitations
    
        Discharges from the conventional or mechanized butchering of 
    seafood shall be limited as specified below (limitations are based upon 
    the raw products processed on the day samples are collected):
    
    [[Page 15406]]
    
    
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Conventional/hand-butchered  lbs/1000 lbs                      Mechanized  lbs/1000 lbs              
                                               -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Total suspended solids          Oil and grease         Total suspended solids         Oil and grease      
                  Type of seafood              -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                       Monthly                              
                                                  Daily max   Monthly aver    Daily max   Monthly aver   Daily max       aver       Daily max   Monthly aver
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Bottom Fish...............................           3.1           1.9          4.3           0.56           22           12           9.9           3.9
    Salmon....................................           2.6           1.6          0.31          0.19           44           26          29            11  
    Herring Frozen Whole......................           2.6           1.6          0.31          0.19  ...........  ...........  ............  ............
    Shrimp....................................         320           210           51            17     ...........  ...........  ............  ............
    Scallops..................................           6.6           1.4          7.7           0.24  ...........  ...........  ............  ............
    Crab, whole/sections......................          12             3.9          1.3           0.42  ...........  ...........  ............  ............
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Daily discharges shall be calculated as follows:
    lbs pollutant/1000 lbs raw product = (Flow, mgd)  x  (pollutant, mg/L) 
    x  (8.34)  Total lbs processed during the sampling day
    
        Bottom Fish includes Flounder (e.g., Arrowtooth), Rockfish/Red 
    Snapper, Pacific Cod, Halibut, Pollock, Black
    Cod/Sablefish, Grey Cod, Flatfish/Sole,Whitefish
        Salmon includes Pink, Chum, Sockeye, Coho, Silver and others
        Crab includes King, Tanner (Opilio and Bairdi), Dungeness
        Other incidental seafood, such as sea cucumbers, snails, skates, 
    sea urchins etc.
    3.1.4  Monitoring Requirements
        Effluent monitoring shall be conducted as follows:
    
                                           Butchering Waste Stream Monitoring                                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Parameter                           Frequency                          Sample type              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Flow (MGD)..............................  Daily.......................  24-Hour Record.*                        
    Total Suspended Solids (TSS; lbs/1000     Weekly......................  Composite/Grab.**                       
     lbs, mg/L).                                                                                                    
    Oil and Grease*** (O&G; lbs/1000 lbs, mg/ Weekly......................  Grab.                                   
     L).                                                                                                            
    Settleable Solids (ml/L)................  Weekly......................  Composite/Grab.**                       
    pH (standard units).....................  Weekly......................  Grab.                                   
    Production (raw; lbs)...................  Weekly......................  Calculated.                             
    Number of Processing Days...............  Monthly.....................  Measured.                               
    Water Surface and Shoreline.............  Daily.......................  Visual Inspection.                      
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    *Flow may be estimated if there is no dedicated flow meter measuring the flow for the butchering waste stream.  
      The DMR sample type should be filled in to reflect that the flow is estimated.                                
    **Grab samples may be taken during intermittent processing.                                                     
    ***Analyze using the Collins/Tenny test procedure or any other EPA approved method.                             
    
    3.1.5  Other Monitoring Requirements
        Samples shall be taken from the effluent stream after screening and 
    prior to its discharge to the receiving water.
        Daily flow used shall be recorded or estimated on the same day 
    effluent samples are taken. The flow measurement shall only include the 
    amount of water used for the butchering process. Flow may be estimated; 
    an explanation of how the flow is estimated shall accompany the first 
    monthly report.
        Sampling shall be representative of the waste stream flow. When 
    processing is for short or intermittent periods, samples are to be 
    taken midway during processing, provided the processing period is more 
    than 6 hours.
        Monitoring results for the conventional or mechanized butchering 
    wastewater shall be reported on the monthly Discharge Monitoring 
    Reports (DMRs) as both pollutant concentrations (mg/L) and loading 
    values (lbs pollutant parameter per 1000 lbs raw product).
        The water surface and shoreline shall be visually inspected daily 
    for floating solids, garbage, grease, foam, and visible oil sheen. 
    Positive results from the water surface or shoreline inspections shall 
    be reported in accordance with ``Other Noncompliance'' [7.1.3], except 
    in circumstances of persistent conditions.
    
    3.2  Surimi Processing Waste Stream
    
        During the effective term of this Permit, the permittee is 
    authorized to discharge wastewater from processing of fish into surimi.
    3.2.1  Effluent Limitations
        Surimi wastewater shall be discharged to St. Paul Harbor or Near 
    Island Channel provided that the waste stream is screened to 1 mm or 
    equivalent technology.
    3.2.2  Monitoring Requirements
        The surimi waste stream shall be sampled prior to screening and 
    commingling with the final effluent discharge waste stream. The surimi 
    waste stream total concentration of TSS and O&G shall be determined by 
    laboratory analysis and subtracted from the final effluent discharge 
    (after screening) waste stream total concentration of TSS and O&G.
        Monitoring shall be conducted as follows:
    
    [[Page 15407]]
    
    
    
                                             Surimi Waste Stream Monitoring                                         
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Parameter                           Frequency                          Sample Type              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Flow (MGD)..............................  Daily.......................  24-hour Record.*                        
    Total Suspended Solids (TSS; mg/L)......  Weekly......................  Composite/Grab.**                       
    Biochemical Oxygen Demand--5 day (BOD5;   Weekly......................  Composite/Grab.**                       
     mg/L).                                                                                                         
    Oil and Grease*** (O&G; mg/L)...........  Weekly......................  Grab.                                   
    Production (lbs of fish into surimi)....  Weekly......................  Calculated.                             
    Number of Processing Days...............  Monthly.....................  Measured.                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    *Flow may be estimated if there is no dedicated flow meter measuring the flow for surimi processing. The DMR    
      sample type should be filled in to reflect that the flow is estimated.                                        
    **Grab samples may be taken during intermittent processing.                                                     
    ***Analyze using the Collins/Tenny test procedure or any other EPA approved method.                             
    
    3.2.3  Other Monitoring Requirements
        Daily flow of the surimi waste stream shall be recorded or 
    estimated on the same day effluent samples are taken. The flow 
    measurement shall only include the amount of water used for the surimi 
    processing.
        Sampling is to be representative of the waste stream flow. When 
    processing is for short periods or intermittent periods, samples are to 
    be taken midway during processing, provided the processing period is 
    more than 6 hours. Monitoring results for surimi processing wastewater 
    shall be reported on the appropriate monthly Discharge Monitoring 
    Reports (DMRs) as pollutant concentrations (mg/L).
    
    3.3  Fish Meal/Powder Waste Stream
    
        During the effective term of this Permit, the permittee is 
    authorized to discharge effluent from the processing of fish wastes 
    into fish meal/powder, including effluents from scrubber, evaporator 
    condensate, separator, cooker, decanter, and dryer.
    3.3.1  Effluent Limitations
        Wastewater from the processing of fish wastes into fish meal/powder 
    shall be discharged to St. Paul Harbor after screening to one (1) mm or 
    equivalent technology.
    3.3.2  Limitations on pH
        The instream measurement of pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard 
    units nor greater then 9.0 standard units.
    3.3.3  Specific Limitations
        Discharges from the processing of fish wastes into fish meal/powder 
    shall be limited as specified below (limitations are based upon the raw 
    product processed on the day samples are collected):
    
                    Fish Meal/Powder Waste Stream Limitations               
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Monthly       Daily   
             Pollutant parameter (units)             Average*      Maximum* 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Biochemical Oxygen Demand--5 day.............          3.8           6.7
    (BOD5; lbs/1000 lbs, mg/L)...................  ............  ...........
    Total Suspended Solids.......................          1.5           3.7
    (TSS; lbs/1000 lbs, mg/L.....................  ............  ...........
    Oil and Grease (O&G; lbs/1000 lbs, mg/L).....          0.76         1.4 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    *Daily of pounds of pollutants per 1,000 lbs of seafood wastes input    
      will be calculated as follows:                                        
    lbs pollutant/1000 lbs raw product = (Flow, mgd) x (pollutant, mg/L) x  
      (8.34)--total lbs processed during the sampling day.                  
    
    3.3.4  Other Limitations
        Temperature shall not exceed the Alaska Water Quality Standards.
        Color shall not exceed the Alaska Water Quality Standards.
        The effluent shall not cause a foam, film, sheen, emulsion, sludge 
    or solid residue on the surface or floor of the receiving water or on 
    the adjoining shorelines.
    3.3.5  Monitoring Requirements
        The fish meal/powder processing waste stream shall be sampled prior 
    to screening and commingling with the final effluent discharge waste 
    stream. The fish meal/powder processing waste stream total 
    concentration of TSS and O&G shall be determined by laboratory analysis 
    and subtracted from the final effluent discharge (after screening) 
    waste stream total concentration of TSS and O&G. Monitoring shall be 
    conducted as follows:
    
                                        Fish Meal/Powder Waste Stream Monitoring                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Parameter (units)                       Frequency                          Sample Type              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Flow (mgd)..............................  Daily.......................  24-hour Record*                         
    Biochemical Oxygen Demand--5 day (BOD5;   Weekly......................  Composite/Grab**                        
     lbs/ 1000 lbs, mg/L).                                                                                          
    Total Suspended Solids (TSS; lbs/1000     Weekly......................  Composite/Grab**                        
     lbs, mg/L).                                                                                                    
    Oil and Grease*** (O&G; lbs/1000 lbs, mg/ Weekly......................  Grab                                    
     L).                                                                                                            
    pH (standards units)....................  Monthly.....................  Grab                                    
    Temperature (degree F.).................  Weekly......................  Grab                                    
    Settleable Solids (ml/L)................  Weekly......................  Composite/Grab**                        
    Number of Processing Days...............  Monthly.....................  Measured                                
    
    [[Page 15408]]
    
                                                                                                                    
    Color (color units).....................  Monthly.....................  Grab                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * Flow may be estimated if there is no dedicated meter measuring the flow for fish meal/powder processing. The  
      DMR sample type should be filled in to reflect that the flow is estimated.                                    
    **Grab samples may be taken during intermittent processing.                                                     
    ***Analyze using the Collins/Tenny test procedure or any other EPA approved method.                             
    
    3.3.6  Other Monitoring Requirements
        Daily flow of the fish meal/powder processing waste stream shall be 
    recorded or estimated on the same day effluent samples are taken. The 
    flow measurement will only include the amount of water used for the 
    fish meal/powder processing.
        Sampling is to be representative of the waste stream flow. When 
    processing is for short periods or intermittent periods, samples are to 
    be taken midway during processing, provided the processing period is 
    more than 6 hours.
        Monitoring results for fish meal/powder processing wastewater shall 
    be reported on the appropriate monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports 
    (DMRs) in accordance with the parameter pollutant units noted in the 
    monitoring table at 3.3.3 and 3.3.5 above.
    3.3.7  Stickwater Recycling and Monitoring
        The discharge of stickwater will be allowed as long as the 
    permittee prevents or minimizes the generation and discharge of 
    stickwater from its facility. Stickwater shall be reduced at the source 
    or recycled in an environmentally safe manner whenever feasible.
        The permittee will monitor stickwater recycling and discharge as 
    follows:
        Percentage of stickwater recycled per day on a monthly average.
        Total gallons of stickwater recycled monthly.
        Total gallons of stickwater discharged monthly.
        Using grab samples, monitor BOD5, TSS, and O&G 
    concentrations (mg/L) weekly when fish meal/powder is being produced; 
    when processing is for short periods or intermittent periods, samples 
    are to be taken midway during processing, provided the processing 
    period is more than 6 hours.
    3.3.8  Best Management Practices
        Through implementation of a BMP Plan a permittee will prevent or 
    minimize the generation and discharge of wastes and pollutants from the 
    facility to the waters of the United States. Pollution shall be 
    prevented or reduced at the source or recycled in an environmentally 
    safe manner whenever feasible. Disposal of wastes into the environment 
    shall be conducted in such a way as to have a minimal environmental 
    impact.
    
    3.4  Domestic and Sanitary Waste Stream
    
        All domestic and sanitary wastes shall be routed through a sanitary 
    waste treatment system and treated prior to discharge to meet the 
    secondary treatment limitations for BOD5 and TSS of 60 mg/L 
    daily maximum, 45 mg/L weekly average, and 30 mg/L monthly average. 
    Monthly monitoring records are to be kept at the facility and made 
    available for ADEC or EPA inspectors, upon request.
    
    3.5  Waste Disposal Practices
    
        Disposal of all solid seafood processing wastes shall be to a by-
    product recovery facility. The by-product recovery facility is allowed 
    to dispose of solid seafood processing wastes at the ocean dumping site 
    (See Attachment 11.3 for the location of the ocean dum ping site) when 
    the amount of fish wastes exceeds the by-product facility capacity or 
    other circumstances when the by-product recovery facility is unable to 
    take the solids wastes. The solid seafood processing wastes to be 
    disposed of in the ocean dumping site shall be ground to 0.5 inch 
    particle size prior to discharge.
    3.5.1  Permittees' Use of the Ocean Dumping Site
        Individual permittee will be allowed to transport solid seafood 
    wastes to the ocean jumping site upon notification and approval of EPA 
    and ADEC. The solid seafood processing wastes to be disposed of in the 
    ocean dumping site shall be ground to 0.5 inch particle size prior to 
    discharge. Logs of any ocean dumping shall be submitted with the 
    monthly DMR (See. 3.5.3 below).
    3.5.2  Unsuitable Species for By-Product Recovery
        If a species of fish or shellfish is classified as unsuitable for 
    processing at a by-product recovery facility, the permittee may submit 
    a written request to EPA and ADEC to dispose of the seafood waste in 
    the ocean dumping site. The written request must include the reason a 
    species would be considered unsuitable for by-product recovery. If EPA 
    and ADEC approve the permittee's request and classifies a species as 
    unsuitable for processing at a by-product recovery facility, that 
    classification shall remain in effect for the term of this Permit.
    3.5.3  Ocean Dumping Log
        Any use of the ocean dumping site must be documented in a log with 
    the date, an estimate of the quantity of seafood wastes dumped, the 
    name and address of the company barging the seafood wastes to the 
    dumping zone, and the latitude and longitude of area where the seafood 
    wastes are being disposed of in the dumping site. Notation shall also 
    be made of any marine mammals in the dumping area. Any such dumping 
    must occur while the vessel is underway.
    
    3.6  Discharge Requirements
    
        The permittee shall discharge its process wastewaters through 
    outfalls in the general configuration described in the permittee's 
    NPDES application.
        There shall be no discharge if the outfall line is severed, fails, 
    leaks, or is displaced from designed specifications or location.
    
    3.7  Environmental Effects
    
        There shall be no discharge of floating solids, visible foam, or 
    oily wastes which product a sheen on the surface of the receiving 
    water.
        There shall be no accumulation of seafood processing wastes on the 
    shoreline.
        There shall be no accumulation of wastes on the seafloor of the 
    receiving water.
    
    3.8  Alaska State Water Quality Standards
    
        All discharges shall be in compliance with Alaska State Water 
    Quality Standards.
    
    3.9  Reopening of Permit
    
        If these Permit requirements are insufficient to achieve Alaska 
    State Water Quality Standards, EPA, in consultation with ADEC, may 
    reopen and modify the Permit in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.44(d)(1)(C)(4) and 40
    
    [[Page 15409]]
    
    CFR 122.62 to include more stringent effluent limitations and/or 
    additional monitoring requirements.
    
    4  Waste Minimization and Monitoring Requirements
    
    4.1  Best Management Practices Plan 4.1.1 Applicability
        During the term of this Permit all permittees shall operate in 
    accordance with a Best Management Practices (BMP) Plan.
    4.1.2  Purpose
        Through implementation of a BMP Plan a permittee shall prevent or 
    minimize the generation and discharge of wastes and pollutants from the 
    facility to the waters of the United States. Pollution shall be 
    prevented or reduced at the source or recycled in an environmentally 
    safe manner whenever feasible. Disposal of wastes into the environment 
    shall be conducted in such a way as to have a minimal environmental 
    impact.
    4.1.3  Objectives
        A permittee shall develop its BMP Plan consistent with the 
    following objectives:
        The number and quantity of wastes and pollutants shall be minimized 
    by a permittee to the extent feasible by managing each effluent waste 
    stream in the most appropriate manner; Standard Operating Procedures 
    (SOPs) shall ensure proper operation and maintenance of the facility; 
    Evaluations for the control of wastes and pollutants shall include the 
    following: Examination of each facility component or system for its 
    waste minimization opportunities and its potential for causing a 
    release of significant amounts of pollutants to receiving waters due to 
    the failure or improper operation of equipment; Examination of all 
    normal operations, including raw material and product storage areas, 
    in-plant conveyance of product, processing and product handling areas, 
    loading or unloading operations, spillage or leaks from the processing 
    floor and dock, and sludge and waste disposal; Examination of all 
    facility equipment for potential failure and any resulting overflow of 
    wastes and pollutants to receiving waters, including storm water; 
    provision shall be made for emergency measures to be taken in such an 
    event; and Examination of emergency release provision, e.g., ammonia or 
    chlorine discharge.
    4.1.4  Requirements
        The BMP Plan shall be documented in narrative form, shall include 
    any necessary plot plans, drawings or maps, and shall be developed in 
    accordance with good engineering practices. The BMP Plan shall be 
    organized and written with the following structure:
        Name and location of the facility; Statement of BMP policy; 
    Materials accounting of the inputs, processes and outputs of the 
    facility; Risk identification and assessment of pollutant discharges; 
    Specific management practices and standard operating procedures to 
    achieve the above objectives, including, but not limited to, the 
    modification of equipment, facilities, technology, processes and 
    procedures, and the improvement in management, inventory control, 
    materials handling or general operational phases of the facility; Good 
    housekeeping; Preventative maintenance; Inspections and records; and 
    Employee training.
    4.1.5  BMP Review
        The BMP Plan shall include the following provisions concerning its 
    review: Be reviewed by the facility manager and appropriate staff; and 
    Include a statement that the above review has been completed and that 
    the BMP Plan fulfills the requirements set forth in this Permit. The 
    statement shall be certified by the dated signature of the facility 
    manager.
    4.1.6  Implementation
        A permittee shall develop and implement a BMP Plan within six 
    months from the date of issuance of this Permit.
    4.1.7  Documentation
        No later than six months from the date of issuance of this Permit, 
    a permittee shall submit to EPA and ADEC written certification (See 
    9.5.4) signed by a principal office or a duly appointed representative 
    of the permittee, that a BMP plant has been completed and implemented. 
    A permittee shall maintain a copy of its BMP plan at its facility and 
    shall make the plan available to EPA or ADEC upon request.
    4.1.8  BMP Plan Modification
        A permittee shall amend the BMP Plan whenever there is a change in 
    the facility or in the operation of the facility which materially 
    increases the generation of pollutants and their release or potential 
    release to the receiving waters. A permittee shall also amend the Plan, 
    as appropriate, when facility operations covered by the BMP Plan 
    change. Any such changes to the BMP Plan shall be consistent with the 
    objectives and specific requirements listed above. All changes in the 
    BMP Plan shall be reviewed by the facility manager.
    4.1.9  Modification for Ineffectiveness
        At any time, if a BMP Plan proves to be ineffective in achieving 
    the general objective of preventing and minimizing the generation of 
    pollutants and their release and potential release to the receiving 
    waters and/or the specific requirements above, this Permit and/or the 
    BMP Plan shall be subject to modification to incorporate revised BMP 
    requirements.
    
    4.2  Seafloor Monitoring
    
    4.2.1  Applicability
        All permittees covered under this Permit shall conduct a seafloor 
    monitoring program to determine compliance with Alaska Water Quality 
    Standards for settleable residues in marine waters. Alaska 
    Administrative Code Part 18--70.020 states that ``(Settleable residues) 
    shall not * * * cause a sludge, solids, or emulsion to be deposited * * 
    * on the bottom.''
    4.2.2  Objective
        The seafloor monitoring program shall determine the areal extent 
    (in square feet) of any continuous deposit of sludge, solids, or 
    emulsion from seafood processing wastes on the seafloor bottom of St. 
    Paul Harbor or Near Island Channel.
    4.2.3  Schedule
        Each permittees covered under this Permit shall conduct the 
    seafloor monitoring program by September 30, 2000, and submit the 
    report to EPA and ADEC no later than December 31, 2000.
    4.2.4  Method
        The seafloor survey shall include the following elements: Location 
    (including distance from shore and company orientation), depth and 
    condition of the outfall line (including presence, size and location of 
    any breaks or cracks; Water depth at the end of the outfall pipe; 
    Inspection of the area at the end of the outfall pipe and documentation 
    of the type, depth, areal extent, estimated volume, and size of 
    particles of any waste accumulation; Description of the methodology 
    used by the surveyor including transects and location devices; Types of 
    substrate and habitat in and adjacent to the outfall area; Dates, time, 
    tidal movements, weather conditions, name and signature of surveyor, 
    name of company, and NPDES permit number(s); and Video and/or other 
    photographic documentation.
    
    [[Page 15410]]
    
    4.2.5  Signatory Requirement
        Each permittee shall ensure that the seafloor monitoring report is 
    signed by a principal officer or a duly appointed representative of the 
    permittee. EPA recommends that the permittee require any of its 
    contractors or agents responsible for this monitoring to certify the 
    truth, accuracy, and completeness of the data reported in accordance 
    with the ``Signatory Requirements'' [9.5] of this Permit.
    
    5  Quality Assurance Requirements
    
        Each permittee covered under this Permit shall ensure the 
    development and written specification of quality assurance provisions 
    in effluent monitoring plans.
    
    5.1  Purpose and Objectives
    
        The purpose of quality assurance and control requirements is to 
    assure the integrity and quality of the data collected in the 
    monitoring required by this Permit and to assist in planning for the 
    collection and analysis of effluent samples and in explaining data 
    anomalies when they occur.
    
    5.2  Requirements
    
    5.2.1  Reference Documents
        Throughout all sample collection and analysis activities, each 
    permittee shall use the EPA recommended quality assurance, quality 
    control, and chain-of-custody procedures described in EPA QA/R-5 
    ``Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans'' and EPA QA/G-5 
    ``Guidance on Quality Assurance Project Plans.'' The following 
    reference may be helpful in preparing the Quality Assurance Plan for 
    this permit: ``The Volunteer Monitors Guide to Quality Assurance 
    Project Plans'' (EPA 841-B-96-003, September 1996). [These documents 
    may be found on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/offices/
    oea/qaindex.htm]
    5.2.2  QA/QC Plan
        The QA/QC plan shall include sampling techniques, the number of 
    samples, type of sample containers, preservation of samples, holding 
    times, type and number of quality assurance field samples, analytical 
    methods, analytical detection and quantitation limits (or method 
    detection level) for each target compound, precision and accuracy 
    requirements, sample preparation requirements, sample shipping methods, 
    and laboratory data delivery requirements.
        Name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the laboratories, 
    used by or proposed to be used by the permittee, shall be specified in 
    the Plan.
    5.2.3  Retention of Laboratory Records
        All laboratory bench sheets used in the analyses shall be maintain 
    for inspection by EPA or ADEC for a period of at least five years (See 
    ``Retention of Records'' [6.2]).
    5.2.4  Laboratory Director Certification
        Each permittee shall require the laboratory director of each 
    laboratory providing measurement results in support of this Permit to 
    sign and submit to EPA the following statement on a monthly basis with 
    the DMR: I certify that this data is in compliance with requirements 
    under 40 CFR 136 and other analytical requirements specified in this 
    NPDES Permit, AK-G52-8000.
    
    Signature--------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Date-------------------------------------------------------------------
    5.2.5  EPA Support of Quality Assurance and Control
        Each permittee may obtain copies of all references cited in this 
    part of the Permit from the following address: Quality Assurance and 
    Data Unit, Office of Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, Region 10 OEA-
    095, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
    5.2.6  Documentation
        A permittee shall submit to EPA and ADEC written certification (See 
    9.5.4), signed by a principal office or a duly appointed representative 
    of the permittee, of the development and implementation of the QA/QC 
    plan not later than 12 months from the date of issuance of this Permit. 
    A permittee shall maintain a copy of its QA/QC plan at its facility and 
    shall make the plan available to EPA or ADEC upon request.
    
    6  General Monitoring and Records Requirements
    
    6.1  General Monitoring
    
    6.1.1  Monitoring Procedures
        Monitoring shall be conducted according to test procedures approved 
    under 40 CFR 136 or EPA approved methods, unless other test procedures 
    have been specified in the Permit. The Collins-Tenney test method is 
    allowed for testing of Oil and Grease. EPA Method 1664 for Oil Grease 
    has been approved as an alternative test procedure for Region 10.
    6.1.2  Representative Effluent Sampling
        Samples taken in compliance with the effluent monitoring 
    requirements of the Permit shall be collected from the effluent stream 
    prior to discharge into the receiving waters. Samples and measurements 
    shall be representative of the volume and nature of the monitored 
    discharge.
    6.1.3  Additional Monitoring by the Permittee
        If any pollutant is monitored more frequently than the Permit 
    requires, using test procedures approved under 40 CFR 136 or EPA 
    approved methods or as specified in the Permit, the results of this 
    monitoring shall be reported with the data submitted in the report of 
    effluent monitoring.
    6.1.4  Submittal of Reports
        Monitoring results shall be summarized each month on a Discharge 
    Monitoring Report (DMR). The reports shall be submitted monthly and are 
    to be postmarked by the 10th day of the following month. Legible copies 
    of these, and all other reports, shall be signed and certified in 
    accordance with the requirements of ``Signatory Requirements'' [9.5] 
    and ``Certification'' [9.5.4] and submitted to EPA and ADEC at the 
    following addresses:
        Original to: U.S. EPA, Region 10, NPDES Compliance Unit OW-133, 
    1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101.
        Copy to: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Water 
    Permits 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.
        In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501, et 
    seq., the Office of Management and Budget has approved the collection 
    of information in a Discharge Monitoring Report (OMB No. 2040-0004).
    
    6.2  Records Requirements
    
    6.2.1  Records Contents
        All effluent monitoring records shall bear the hand-written 
    signature of the person who prepared them. In addition, all records of 
    monitoring information shall include: the date, exact place, and time 
    of sampling or measurements; the names of the individual(s) who 
    performed the sampling or measurements; the date(s) analyses were 
    performed; the names of the individual(s) who performed the analyses; 
    the analytical techniques or methods used; and the results of such 
    analyses.
    6.2.2  Retention of Records
        Each permittee shall retain copies of all monitoring information, 
    including all calibration and maintenance records and all original 
    strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, 
    copies of all reports required by this Permit, and records of all data 
    used to complete the application for this Permit, for a period of at 
    least five years from
    
    [[Page 15411]]
    
    the date of the sample, measurement, report or application. This period 
    may be extended by request of the Director or ADEC at any time.
    6.2.3  On-site Availability of Records and Reports
        Copies of this NPDES Permit, monitoring reports, and other 
    technical documents required under the Permit shall be maintained on-
    site during the duration of activity at the permitted location.
    
    7  Reporting Requirements
    
    7.1  Noncompliance Reporting
    
    7.1.1  Twenty-Four Hour Notice of Noncompliance
        The following occurrences of noncompliance shall be reported by 
    telephone to EPA (206-553-1846) and ADEC (907-269-7500) within 24 hours 
    from the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances:
        Any noncompliance which may endanger health or the environment; Any 
    violation of a maximum daily discharge limitation for any of the 
    pollutants listed in the Permit (See ``Effluent Limitations'' [3.1.2]); 
    Any unanticipated bypass which exceeds any effluent limitations in the 
    Permit (See ``Bypass of Treatment Facilities'' [8.6]); Any upset which 
    exceeds any effluent limitation in the Permit (See ``Upset Conditions'' 
    [8.7]); or Instances of persistent floating solids, visible foam, or 
    oily wastes and shoreline accumulations (See ``Environmental Effects 
    [3.1.3 and 3.1.4]).
    7.1.2  Written Notice of Noncompliance
        A written notice of the preceding occurrences of noncompliance 
    shall also be provided to EPA and ADEC (See ``Submittal of Reports'' 
    [6.1.4]) within five days of the time that a permittee becomes aware of 
    the circumstances which lead to the noncompliance.
    7.1.3  Other Noncompliance
        Instances of noncompliance not required to be reported within 24 
    hours (such as monthly average exceedances) shall be reported at the 
    time that the next discharge monitoring report is submitted. The 
    written submittal shall contain: A description of the noncompliance and 
    its cause; The period of noncompliance, including exact dates and 
    times; The estimated time noncompliance is expected to continue if it 
    has not been corrected; and Steps taken or planned to reduce, 
    eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance.
    
    7.2  Planned Changes
    
        A permittee shall give 60 days advance notice to EPA and ADEC as 
    soon as possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to 
    the permitted facility. Notice is required only when:
        The alteration of, or addition to, the facility could result in 
    noncompliance with the explicit effluent limitation of the Permit; The 
    alteration of, or addition to, the facility could significantly change 
    the nature or increase the quantity of pollutants discharged which are 
    not limited explicitly in the Permit; or The alteration of, or addition 
    to, the facility may meet one of the criteria for determining whether 
    the facility is a new source as determined in 40 CFR 122.29(b).
    
    7.3  Notice of New Introduction of Pollutants
    
        The permittee shall provide 60 days advance notice to EPA and ADEC 
    of: Any new introduction of pollutants into the treatment works from an 
    indirect discharger which would be subject to Sections 301 or 306 of 
    the Act if it were directly discharging those pollutants; and Any 
    substantial change in the volume or character of pollutants being 
    introduced into the treatment works by a source introducing pollutants 
    into the treatment works at the time of issuance of the Permit.
    
    7.4  Anticipated Noncompliance
    
        The permittee shall also give advance notice to EPA and ADEC of any 
    planned changes in the permitted facility or activity which may result 
    in noncompliance with Permit requirements.
    
    8  General Compliance Responsibilities
    
    8.1  Duty To comply
    
        Each permittee shall comply with all conditions of this Permit. Any 
    permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Act and is grounds 
    for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and 
    reissuance, or modification; or for denial of a permit renewal 
    application.
    
    8.2  Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions
    
    8.2.1  Civil and administrative penalties
        Sections 309(d) and 309(g) of the Act provide that any person who 
    violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 
    308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be subject to a civil penalty not to 
    exceed $27,500 per day for each violation or an administrative penalty 
    not to exceed $11,000 per violation.
    8.2.2  Criminal Penalties
        Negligent Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
    negligently violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be punished by a fine of 
    not less than $2,500 nor more than $25,000 per day of violation, or by 
    imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or by both.
        Knowing Violations. The Act provides that any person who knowingly 
    violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 
    308, 318, or 405 of the act shall be punished by a fine of not less 
    than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by 
    imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or by both.
        Knowing Endangerment. The Act provides that any person who 
    knowingly violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    303, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act, and who knows at that time 
    that he thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or 
    serious bodily injury, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of 
    not more than $250,000 or imprisonment of not more than 15 years, or 
    both. A person which is an organization shall be subject to a fine of 
    not more than $1,000,000.
        False Statements. The Act provides that any person who knowingly 
    makes any false material statement, representation, or certification in 
    any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or 
    required to be maintained under this Act or who knowingly falsifies, 
    tampers with, or renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method 
    required to be maintained under this Act, shall be punished by a fine 
    of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, 
    or by both. Except as provided in permit conditions in ``Bypass of 
    Treatment Facilities'' [8.6] ``Upset Conditions'' [8.7], nothing in 
    this Permit shall be construed to relieve a permittee of the civil or 
    criminal penalties for noncompliance.
    
    8.3  Need To Halt or Reduce Activity Not a Defense
    
        It shall not be a defense for a permittee in an enforcement action 
    that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted 
    activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this 
    Permit.
    
    8.4  Duty To Mitigate
    
        A permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent 
    any
    
    [[Page 15412]]
    
    discharge in violation of this Permit that has a reasonable likelihood 
    of adversely affecting human health or the environment.
    
    8.5  Proper Operation and Maintenance
    
        A permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all 
    facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related 
    appurtenances) that are installed or used by a permittee to achieve 
    compliance with the conditions of this Permit. Proper operation and 
    maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls and appropriate 
    quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of 
    back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar systems only when the 
    operation is necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of 
    this Permit.
    
    8.6  Bypass of Treatment Facilities
    
    8.6.1  Bypass Not Exceeding Limitations
        Bypass of wastewater treatment is prohibited if such bypass will 
    produce a discharge which exceeds the effluent limitations of the 
    Permit. EPA or ADEC may take enforcement action against a permittee for 
    a bypass, unless: The bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, 
    personal injury, or severe property damage; There were no feasible 
    alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment 
    facilities, retention of untreated wastes, or maintenance during normal 
    periods of equipment downtime. This condition is not satisfied if 
    adequate back-up equipment shall have been installed in the exercise of 
    reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a bypass that occurred 
    during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance; 
    and A permittee submitted notices as follows:
        Notice of an anticipated bypass. If a permittee knows in advance of 
    the need for a bypass, it shall submit prior notice, if possible at 
    least 10 days before the date of the bypass.
        Notice of an unanticipated bypass.A permittee shall submit notice 
    of an unanticipated bypass as required under ``Noncompliance 
    Reporting'' [7.1].
    8.6.2  Bypass Approval
        EPA and ADEC may approve an anticipated bypass, after considering 
    its adverse effects, if EPA and ADEC determine that it will meet the 
    three conditions listed above in 8.6.1 of this Permit.
    
    8.7  Upset Conditions
    
    8.7.1  Effect of an Upset
        An upset constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought 
    for noncompliance with such technology-based permit effluent 
    limitations if a permittee meets the requirements of 8.7.2. No 
    determination made during administrative review of claims that 
    noncompliance was caused by upset, and before an action for 
    noncompliance, is final administrative action subject to judicial 
    review.
    8.7.2  Conditions Necessary for a Demonstration of Upset
        A permittee who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of 
    upset shall demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous 
    operating logs, or other relevant evidence that: An upset occurred and 
    that a permittee can identify the cause(s) of the upset; The permitted 
    facility was at the time being properly operated; The permittee 
    submitted notice of the upset as required under ``Reporting of 
    Noncompliance'' [7.1]; and The permittee complied with any remedial 
    measures as required under ``Duty to Mitigate'' [8.4].
    8.7.3  Burden of Proof
        In any enforcement proceeding, the permittee seeking to establish 
    the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof.
    
    8.8  Toxic Pollutants
    
        Each permittee shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions 
    established under Section 307(a) of the Act for toxic pollutants within 
    the time provided in the regulations that establish those standards or 
    prohibitions.
    
    9  General Provisions
    
    9.1  Permit Actions
    
        This Permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated 
    for cause. The filing of a request by a permittee for a permit 
    modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a 
    notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance, does not 
    stay any permit condition.
    
    9.2  Duty To Reapply
    
        If a permittee intends to continue an activity regulated by this 
    Permit after the expiration date of this Permit, a permittee must apply 
    for and obtain a new permit.
    
    9.3  Duty To Provide Information
    
        A permittee shall furnish to EPA and ADEC, within the time 
    specified in the request, any information that EPA or ADEC may request 
    to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and 
    reissuing, or terminating this Permit, or to determine compliance with 
    this Permit. A permittee shall also furnish to EPA or ADEC, upon 
    request, copies of records required to be kept by this Permit.
    
    9.4  Other Information
    
        When a permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any 
    relevant facts in a permit application, or that it submitted incorrect 
    information in a permit application or any report to EPA or ADEC, it 
    shall promptly submit the omitted facts or corrected information.
    
    9.5  Signatory Requirements
    
        All applications, reports. or information submitted to EPA and ADEC 
    shall be signed and certified.
    9.5.1  Permit Applications
        All permit applications shall be signed as follows: For a 
    corporation: by a responsible corporate officer; For a partnership or 
    sole proprietorship: by a general partner or the proprietor, 
    respectively; For a municipality, state, federal, or other public 
    agency: by either a principal executive officer or ranking elected 
    official.
    9.5.2  Required Reports and Information
        All reports required by this Permit and other information requested 
    by EPA or ADEC shall be signed by a person described above or by a duly 
    authorized representative of that person. A person is a duly authorized 
    representative only if: The authorization is made in writing by a 
    person described above and submitted to EPA and ADEC, and the 
    authorization specifies either an individual or a position having 
    responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated facility or 
    activity, such as the position of plant manager, superintendent, 
    position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position 
    having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the 
    company. (A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named 
    individual or any individual occupying a named position.)
    9.5.3  Changes to Authorization
        If an authorization under ``Signatory Requirements'' [9.5] is no 
    longer accurate because a different individual or position has 
    responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, a new 
    authorization satisfying the requirements of this section must be 
    submitted to EPA and ADEC prior to or
    
    [[Page 15413]]
    
    together with any reports, information, or applications to be signed by 
    an authorized representative.
    9.5.4  Certification
        Any person signing a document required by this Permit shall make 
    the following certification:
        I certify under penalty of law that this document and all 
    attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 
    accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel 
    properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my 
    inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those 
    persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the 
    information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, 
    accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties 
    for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and 
    imprisonment for knowing violations.
    
    9.6  Availability of Reports
    
        Except for data determined to be confidential under 40 CFR 2, all 
    reports prepared in accordance with this Permit shall be available for 
    public inspection at the offices of EPA and ADEC. A permittee may claim 
    certain types of information as business confidential. When the 
    information is submitted in response to a permit requirement, the 
    permittee will need to identify which documents or portions of 
    documents are company confidential (See 40 CFR 2.203(b)). As required 
    by the Act, permit applications, permits, and effluent data shall not 
    be considered confidential.
    
    9.7  Inspection and Entry
    
        A permittee shall allow EPA, ADEC, or an authorized representative 
    (including an authorized contractor acting as a representative of the 
    Administrator), upon the presentation of credentials and other 
    documents as may be required by law, to: Enter upon a permittee's 
    premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or 
    conducted, or where records must be kept under the conditions of this 
    Permit; Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that 
    must be kept under the conditions of this Permit; Inspect at reasonable 
    times any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control 
    equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this 
    Permit; and Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purpose of 
    assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Act, any 
    substances or parameters at any location.
    
    9.8  Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability
    
        Nothing in this Permit shall be construed to preclude the 
    institution of any legal action or relieve a permittee from any 
    responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which a permittee is or 
    may be subject under Section 311 of the Act.
    
    9.9  Property Rights
    
        The issuance of this Permit does not convey any property rights of 
    any sort, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury 
    to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any 
    infringement of federal, state or local laws or regulations.
    
    9.10  Severability
    
        The provisions of this Permit are severable. If any provision of 
    this Permit, or the application of any provision of this Permit to any 
    circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to 
    other circumstances, and the remainder of this Permit, shall not be 
    affected thereby.
    
    9.11  Transfers
    
        This Permit may be automatically transferred to a new permittee if: 
    The current permittee notifies EPA at least 30 days in advance of the 
    proposed transfer date; The notice includes a written agreement between 
    the existing and new permittees containing a specific date for transfer 
    of permit responsibility, coverage, and liability between them; and EPA 
    does not notify the existing permittee and the proposed new permittee 
    of his or her intent to modify, or revoke and reissue the permit. If 
    this notice is not received, the transfer is effective on the date 
    specified in the agreement mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
    
    9.12  State Laws
    
        Nothing in this Permit shall be construed to preclude the 
    institution of any legal action or relieve a permittee from any 
    responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to any 
    applicable state law or regulation under authority preserved by Section 
    510 of the Act.
    
    10  Definitions and Acronyms
    
        ADEC means Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
        BMP means best management practices.
        Bottom Fish includes Flounder (e.g., arrowtooth), Rockfish/Red 
    Snapper, Pacific and Grey Cod, Halibut, Pollock, Black Cod/Sablefish, 
    Flatfish/Sole, Whitefish.
        Bypass means the intentional diversion of waste streams from any 
    portion of a treatment facility (See 8.6).
        CFR means the Code of Federal Regulations.
        Cooling water means once-through non-contact cooling water.
        CWA means the Clean Water Act.
        Crab includes King, Tanner (Opilio and Bairdi), and Dungeness.
        Daily discharge means the discharge of a pollutant measured during 
    a calendar day or any 24-hour period that reasonably represents the 
    calendar day for purposes of sampling. For pollutants with limitations 
    expressed in units of mass, the ``daily discharge'' is calculated as 
    the total mass of the pollutant discharged over the day. For pollutants 
    with limitations expressed in other units of measurement, the ``daily 
    discharge'' is calculated as the average measurement of the pollutant 
    over the day.
        Discharge of a pollutant means any addition of any ``pollutant'' or 
    combination of pollutants to ``waters of the United States'' from any 
    ``point source.''
        Domestic wastes means materials discharged from showers, sinks, 
    safety showers, eye-wash stations, hand-wash stations, fish-cleaning 
    stations, galleys, and laundries.
        EPA means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
        Maximum means the highest measured discharge or pollutant in a 
    waste stream during the time period of interest.
        mg/L means milligrams per liter.
        Monthly average means the average of daily discharges over a 
    monitoring month, calculated as the sum of all daily discharges 
    measured during a monitoring month divided by the number of daily 
    discharges measured during that month. One sample taken in a monitoring 
    month is not considered a monthly average.
        NOI means a ``Notice of Intent,'' that is, an application for 
    authorization to discharge under a general NPDES permit.
        Ocean Dumping Site means a area in Chiniak Bay beginning at 
    approximately 150 deg.22'W to approximately 150 deg.11' W along the 50 
    fathom line, north of Humpback Rock to the base line from east end of 
    Long Island to Cape Chiniak. Solid seafood wastes are allowed to be 
    dumped within this area provided the dumping vessel is underway and the 
    seafood wastes are ground to a 0.5 inch particle size prior to 
    discharge.
        Persistent means that floating solids, visible foam, or oily wastes 
    (including a sheen) on the surface of the receiving water above the 
    outfall terminus and/or
    
    [[Page 15414]]
    
    immediately adjacent to a permittee's dock and shoreline are visible 
    longer than one tidal cycle.
        Pollutant means dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, 
    filter backwash, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical 
    wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or 
    discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt and industrial, municipal, 
    and agricultural waste discharged into water.
        Salmon includes Pink, Chum, Sockeye, Coho, Silver, and others.
        Sanitary wastes means human body waste discharged from toilets and 
    urinals.
        Seafood means the raw material, including freshwater and saltwater 
    fish and shellfish, to be processed, in the form in which it is 
    received at the processing plant.
        Seafood process waste means the waste fluids, organs, flesh, bones, 
    woody fiber and chitinous shells produced in the conversion of aquatic 
    animals and plants from a raw form to a marketable form.
        Severe property damage means substantial physical damage to 
    property, damage to the treatment facilities which causes them to 
    become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural 
    resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a 
    bypass. Severe property damage does not mean economic loss caused by 
    delays in production.
        Sewage means human body wastes and the wastes from toilets and 
    other receptacles intended to receive or retain body wastes.
        Upset means an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional 
    and temporary noncompliance with technology-based permit effluent 
    limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the 
    permittee. An upset does not include noncompliance due to inadequate 
    treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or 
    improper operation (See 8.7).
        U.S.C. means United States Code.
        Water depth means the depth of the water between the surface and 
    the seafloor as measured at mean lower low water (0.0).
    
    [FR Doc. 98-7642 Filed 3-30-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
03/31/1998
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of final general NPDES permit.
Document Number:
98-7642
Pages:
15403-15414 (12 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FRL-5985-3
PDF File:
98-7642.pdf