95-11792. Water Pollution Control; Approval of Application by the State of Florida to Administer the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 92 (Friday, May 12, 1995)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 25718-25723]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-11792]
    
    
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    [FRL-5206-5]
    
    
    Water Pollution Control; Approval of Application by the State of 
    Florida to Administer the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 
    System (NPDES) Program
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Approval of application.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: On May, 1, 1995, the Regional Administrator for the 
    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region IV, approved the 
    application by the State of Florida to administer the National 
    Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program for regulating 
    point source discharges of pollutants into surface waters within the 
    State. The State NPDES program, as authorized, is a phased NPDES 
    program encompassing permitting for: (1) domestic discharges; (2) 
    industrial discharges, including those which also have storm water 
    discharges; and (3) the pretreatment program for Publicly Owned 
    Treatment Works. Storm water discharges from municipal separate storm 
    sewer systems (MS4's), individual storm water-only discharges, storm 
    water general permits, and Federal facility discharges are to be phased 
    in by the year 2000. Further, the State of Florida is not being 
    authorized to administer a sewage sludge management program.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: May 1, 1995.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Dee Stewart, Environmental 
    Engineer, Permits Section, U.S. EPA Region IV, 345 Courtland Street, 
    NE. Atlanta, Georgia, 30365, 404/347-3012, ext. 2928. The 
    administrative record (which comprises approximately 1650 pages) can be 
    obtained from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) 
    office in Tallahassee, Florida or the EPA office in Atlanta, Georgia at 
    a minimal cost per page.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Governor of Florida requested NPDES 
    program approval on November 21, 1994, by submitting a complete program 
    application. Several modifications were made to the application based 
    on public comments and discussions between the EPA and FDEP, and as 
    allowed by Federal regulations. These modifications include the 
    clarification of Section III.C. and additions of Attachments A, B, and 
    C, to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Attachment A, represents 
    permits under active Federal enforcement at the time of authorization 
    which EPA will complete the enforcement action but FDEP will assume 
    permitting, compliance, and future enforcement authority for. 
    Attachment B represents permits for which an evidentiary hearing has 
    been requested at the time of program authorization and EPA will retain 
    full jurisdiction until the matter is resolved. Attachment C represents 
    certain facilities as agreed upon by FDEP and EPA where EPA will retain 
    full jurisdiction of these NPDES permits following authorization. 
    Section IV.C.1.a of the MOA was changed to [[Page 25719]] allow for EPA 
    review of all discharges which may affect the waters of another state 
    or Indian Lands. The final changes, including the signing of the MOA by 
    the Regional Administrator for EPA, Region IV and the Secretary for 
    FDEP, were completed on May 1, 1995.
        Florida's application was described in the Federal Register on 
    January 27, 1995, at 60 FR 5390 and in notices published in: The 
    Orlando Sentinel, Pensacola News-Journal, Tallahassee Democrat, News-
    Press, The Tampa Tribune, The Palm Beach Post, Key West Citizen, The 
    Florida Times-Union, and The Miami Herald, on that same date. Copies of 
    Florida's application were available for review at the EPA Region IV 
    office and at any FDEP office, copying was also available at a minimal 
    cost per page.
        As part of the public comment process, EPA conducted four public 
    hearings on Florida's application. The hearings occurred on March 7, 
    1995, in Orlando, Florida, and on March 9, 1995, in Tallahassee, 
    Florida, at 10:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m. on each day. EPA accepted written 
    comments from the public until March 13, 1995. All comments or 
    objections presented at the public hearings or received in writing by 
    EPA Region IV by March 13, 1995, were considered by EPA.
        Comments were received regarding the following issues: (1) The 
    language in Section IV.E. of the MOA representing endangered species, 
    (2) The language in Section IV.B. of the MOA representing procedures 
    and policies by which draft and proposed permits will be reviewed, (3) 
    Concern regarding Florida's ability to administer the NPDES program, 
    (4) Concern with FDEP and the South Florida Water Management District 
    regarding its water quality obligations as provided in the Federal 
    Everglades Case Settlement, (5) Concern with the Florida Everglades 
    Forever Act, (6) Concern with Florida's implementation and enforcement 
    of its Minimum Water Flows and Level Law, (7) Concern regarding the 
    possible degradation of the Central Everglades following state program 
    approval, (8) Concern that the United States (including the 
    Environmental Protection Agency) owes the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians 
    of Florida a trust responsibility to protect tribal land and resources 
    which might be violated by delegation of the Florida NPDES program, (9) 
    Concern that NPDES authorization should be held in abeyance until 
    existing and future NPDES challenges pertaining to the Everglades Storm 
    Water Treatment Areas are settled, (10) Concern that discharges beyond 
    the territorial seas (Federal waters) will continue to be permitted by 
    EPA, and (11) Comments regarding overall benefits resulting from 
    authorization. EPA's response to all comments are contained in this 
    notice. The comments and hearing record are contained in the 
    administrative record supporting this notice.
    
    I. Comment Concerning the Language in Section IV.E. of the MOA 
    Representing Endangered Species
    
        Informal consultation was initiated under Section 7 of the 
    Endangered Species Act (ESA) during a meeting scheduled between the 
    National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
    Service (FWS), FDEP, and EPA on June 16, 1994. This consultation was 
    opened to utilize the expertise of the NMFS and FWS to evaluate EPA's 
    assessment of potential effects on Federally listed species and 
    critical habitat in the State of Florida. Since NMFS was unable to 
    attend, a letter dated June 23, 1994, was sent to the NMFS reaffirming 
    the initiation of informal consultation with NMFS.
        A mechanism to address possible adverse impacts to Federally listed 
    species and their habitats associated with state-issued NPDES permits 
    was developed through discussions with FDEP, NMFS, FWS, and EPA. The 
    measures and provision agreed upon are represented in Section IV.E. of 
    the MOA. In letters, both dated December 16, 1994, EPA requested 
    concurrence from NMFS and FWS with EPA's determination that the 
    authorization of the FDEP NPDES permit program is ``not likely to 
    adversely affect'' listed species or their critical habitat, pursuant 
    to 50 CFR 402.13. FWS concurred with this determination on December 21, 
    1994, and NMFS concurred with this determination on January 18, 1995.
        On December 15, 1994, EPA requested concurrence from the Florida 
    Bureau of Historic Preservation with EPA's determination that NPDES 
    program approval for FDEP will have no effect on the preservation of 
    historic properties within the State of Florida with respect to the 
    National Historic Preservation Act. Florida's Bureau of Historic 
    Preservation concurred with EPA's determination in a letter dated March 
    3, 1995.
    
    A. Comments
    
        Two organizations provided specific comments suggesting 
    clarification that all ESA issues resulting in an EPA objection be 
    limited to impacts associated to the permitted discharge. Their 
    comments pertained to Section IV.E. of the MOA and the concern that it 
    could provide a framework by which a Section 7 review of a draft permit 
    being reviewed by EPA would focus upon the permit issuance or other 
    aspects of the permit process that are unrelated to the discharge 
    allowed under the permit.
    
    B. EPA's Response
    
        Section 7 of the ESA requires interagency cooperation between the 
    Services and all Federal agencies. Section 7(a)(1) requires all 
    agencies to review and utilize their programs in furtherance of the 
    purposes of the ESA. Section 7(a)(2) requires each Federal agency, in 
    consultation with and with the assistance of the Services, to insure 
    that any action is not likely to jeopardize an endangered species or 
    adversely affect critical habitat. The Federal action which underwent 
    Section 7(a)(2) consultation with the Services was EPA's approval of 
    Florida's administration of the NPDES program.
        Section IV.E. of the MOA was an important factor in developing 
    EPA's approval of the State NPDES program. Because issuance of a state 
    NPDES permit and EPA's review of a proposed state permit does not 
    trigger Section 7 of the ESA, the MOA calls for close coordination 
    between EPA, the State, and the Services to ensure that the state-
    issued permits are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of 
    Federally listed species. Since the Services are natural resource 
    agencies with several areas of responsibilities and maintain the right 
    to comment on any issue, as does the public, the MOA should not attempt 
    to limit the scope of the Services' review of a draft state NPDES 
    permit. The authority provided by the CWA, on the other hand, only 
    allows the State and EPA to ensure that the permitted discharge will 
    comply with applicable CWA requirements, including compliance with 
    state water quality standards. EPA is moreover only authorized to 
    object to a state permit that is outside the guidelines and 
    requirements of the CWA (402(d)). EPA's review therefore will focus on 
    impacts on the discharge subject to CWA requirements. EPA believes that 
    the MOA between the State of Florida and EPA adequately and 
    appropriately addresses ESA concerns.
    
    II. The Language in Section IV.B. of the MOA Representing Procedures 
    and Policies by Which Draft and Proposed Permits Will Be Reviewed
    
    A. Comments
    
        One organization provided comments requesting that Section IV.B. of 
    the MOA be changed to require that the basis of EPA's objections be 
    provided to [[Page 25720]] the permit applicant when EPA makes an 
    objection to a proposed permit, and FDEP denies the permit or issues 
    the permit in accordance with the EPA objections.
    
    B. EPA's Response
    
        EPA does not believe that additional notification in the MOA is 
    necessary. Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Section 620.510(18)(b) 
    (November 29, 1994) requires that if EPA objects in accordance with 40 
    CFR 123.44 to the issuance of an NPDES permit, FDEP shall address EPA's 
    objections in the issuance or denial of the NPDES permit. In accordance 
    with the FAC, FDEP will advise the applicant of the basis for the EPA 
    objections and EPA believes that additional language for the MOA is not 
    necessary. In addition, EPA is required by 40 CFR 123.44(a)(1) to send 
    a copy of any comment, objection or recommendation on any draft NPDES 
    permit to the permit applicant.
    
    III. Concern Regarding Florida's Ability to Administer the NPDES 
    Program
    
    A. Comments
    
        Three commentors contend that Florida is unqualified to administer 
    the NPDES program for regulating discharges of pollutants into water of 
    the U.S. The commentors stated that FDEP was unable to maintain an un-
    biased position and an objective appearance while collecting and 
    evaluating information required for an NPDES permit, especially with 
    respect to FDEP's Northeast District Office. One commentor expressed 
    concern that Florida does not utilize a centralized wastewater 
    permitting system and stated that delegation to local government 
    agencies within the state would be in violation of the Clean Water Act 
    (CWA).
    
    B. Response
    
        EPA disagrees. EPA is not in the practice of speculating on future 
    program implementation. EPA reviewed the State program submission and 
    found it complete and sufficient under Federal law. On November 21, 
    1994, the State of Florida submitted its formal State Program 
    Submission requesting EPA approval for authorization to administer the 
    NPDES program under Sections 402(b) and 304(i) of the CWA. The 
    submittal included a complete program description (including funding, 
    personnel requirements and organization, and enforcement procedures), 
    an Independent Counsel's Statement, copies of applicable State statutes 
    and regulations, and a MOA to be executed by the EPA, Region IV, 
    Regional Administrator and the FDEP Secretary. On December 28, 1994, 
    EPA informed the State of Florida that EPA had reviewed the submittal 
    and found it ``complete'' under the requirements of 40 CFR Part 123. 
    Modifications to this package, based on discussions between EPA and 
    FDEP, were submitted to EPA in a letter, with attachments, dated 
    February 2, 1995. EPA reviewed the program submittal and modifications 
    and determined that it meets the requirements of Section 402(b) of the 
    CWA and Federal regulations, which include, among other things, 
    authority to issue permits which comply with the CWA, authority to 
    impose civil and criminal penalties for permit violations, and 
    authority to ensure the public is given notice and opportunity for a 
    hearing on each proposed NPDES permit issuance. Finally, EPA examined 
    all public comments and considered the overall advantages and 
    disadvantages of authorizing NPDES program administration by the State 
    of Florida.
        The State program MOA as approved, also provides ample opportunity 
    for continuing Federal oversight of the State program. EPA may review, 
    in accordance with Section IV.C of the MOA, certain draft permits, 
    sufficiency of permit applications, permit revisions, revocations, and 
    reissuances for: (a) Discharges which may affect the waters of another 
    state or Indian Tribe, (b) discharges proposed to be regulated by 
    general permits, (c) discharges from Publicly Owned Treatment Works 
    with a permitted daily average discharge of at least 1.0 million 
    gallons per day, (d) discharges from any major facility or facilities 
    within any of the industrial categories listed in Appendix A to 40 CFR 
    Part 122, (e) discharges from sources other than a. through d. with an 
    average discharge exceeding 0.5 million gallons per day, and (f) 
    discharges from Publicly Owned Treatment Works required to have a 
    pretreatment program. In accordance with the MOA, EPA has the right to 
    request review, at any time, on any other NPDES permit.
        The EPA permit review process is outlined in the MOA. On the date 
    the draft permit is sent to the applicant, FDEP will send EPA Region IV 
    one copy of the public notice, draft permit, application, and the fact 
    sheet or statement of basis associated with the draft permit. When 
    applicable, the submittal will be accompanied by a new source/new 
    discharger determination. If the initial permit information supplied by 
    FDEP is inadequate to determine whether the draft permit meets the 
    guidelines and requirements of the CWA, EPA may, in accordance with 40 
    CFR 123.44(d)(2) request additional information. If EPA determines the 
    draft permit is insufficient, EPA shall have 90 days from the date the 
    draft permit is sent to EPA to supply specific grounds for objection, 
    and the terms and conditions which should be included in the permit. 
    These written objections must be based upon one or more of the criteria 
    identified in 40 CFR 123.44(c). Following expiration of the period for 
    public comment for the draft permit, FDEP will prepare a proposed 
    permit. If the proposed permit is the same as the draft permit defined 
    in the public notice, EPA has not objected to such draft permit, and 
    valid and significant public comments have not been made, FDEP may 
    assume EPA has waived their review of the proposed permit and issue the 
    permit without further review by EPA. In all other cases, FDEP will 
    send EPA one copy of the proposed permit, recommendations of any other 
    affected State, and copies of written comments and hearing records, 
    including the response to comments prepared under 40 CFR 124.17 to EPA 
    for review. If EPA objects to the proposed permit, in accordance with 
    40 CFR 123.44, FDEP will deny the proposed permit or will issue a 
    permit in accordance with EPA objections and will mail a copy of the 
    final permit to EPA. This review process will ensure that FDEP is 
    operating an authorized NPDES program in accordance with the 
    requirements of the CWA.
        In response to the commentors other concern, as the State Program 
    is approved, there will be no subdelegation of permitting authority 
    outside of the FDEP. Although in 1987, the CWA was amended to allow for 
    NPDES program authorization to more than one state agency, the state 
    program request must demonstrate equivalent scope and stringency to the 
    CWA and the agency(ies) seeking program approval must have statewide 
    jurisdiction over the class or categories of discharges it seeks to 
    regulate. As is provided in the MOA, the FDEP will be the State Agency 
    implementing the NPDES permitting program and EPA concurs with the 
    management of the NPDES program in this manner. The State is not 
    authorized to delegate any authority to any local agency.
    
    IV. Concern with FDEP and the South Florida Water Management District 
    and Its Water Quality Obligations as Provided in the Federal Everglades 
    Case Settlement
    
    Comment
    
        One commentor contended that the Florida Department of 
    Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water 
    [[Page 25721]] Management District have violated and continue to 
    violate their water quality obligations in the Federal Everglades Case 
    Settlement [United States of America vs. South Florida Water Management 
    District et al., 847 F.Supp. 1567 (S.D. Fla. 1992)]. The commentor 
    asserted that the proposed changes to the settlement attest those 
    violations.
    
    Response
    
        EPA reviewed the program submittal and modifications and determined 
    that it meets the requirements of Section 402(b) of the CWA and Federal 
    regulations. (See response to Comment III, above.) The Federal 
    Everglades Case Settlement is not relevant to EPA's determination.
    
    V. Concern With the Florida Everglades Forever Act
    
    Comment
    
        One commentor contended that Chapter 373.4592 (Supp. 1994), Florida 
    Statutes, also known as the Everglades Forever Act of 1994 (EFA), 
    violates the Federal Everglades Case Settlement and the CWA, and that 
    Florida is failing to enforce water quality standards as a result of 
    the passage of the EFA. The commentor contended that its testimony to 
    the Florida Legislature, a summary authored by the U.S. Department of 
    Interior, and other documented statements, outline the deficiencies of 
    the EFA. The commentor further claimed that the refusal by FDEP to 
    allow the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC) to consider 
    its petition for a numeric phosphorus standard, and statements by FDEP 
    in appellate court act as admissions of weakening water quality 
    standards and estops the State of Florida from claiming otherwise. In 
    addition, the commentor stated that FDEP did not properly submit the 
    EFA for EPA review, that FDEP has failed to respond to EPA's questions 
    about the law, and that the authorization of the NPDES program should 
    not be decided while litigation against EPA is pending concerning the 
    necessity of EPA approval of the EFA under the CWA.
    
    Response
    
        This issue is not relevant to EPA's determination of completeness 
    or sufficiency of the State NPDES Program submission. EPA has made a 
    determination the Florida's NPDES program submission and modifications 
    meet the requirements of Section 402(b) and 304(i) of the CWA. The 
    passage of the EFA was a State action, and the litigation concerning 
    the necessity of EPA approval of the EFA is not relevant to EPA's 
    determination concerning NPDES program authorization. It must be noted 
    that the EFA was submitted by the State to EPA on October 1, 1994. 
    Based upon review of the entire statute, EPA does not consider the EFA 
    to be a revision of existing water quality standards, or to change 
    existing designated uses. FDEP and EPA are in agreement that the EFA is 
    not a change to water quality standards but instead provides a 
    compliance schedule for bringing existing sources of pollution into 
    compliance with State water quality standards.
    
    VI. Concern With Florida's Implementation and Enforcement of Its 
    Minimum Water Flows and Level Law
    
    Comment
    
        One commentor asserted that FDEP and the South Florida Water 
    Management District have failed to implement and enforce the State's 
    minimum water flows and levels law for more than two decades and is 
    thus unqualified to administer the NPDES Program.
    
    Response
    
        EPA has made a determination the Florida's NPDES program submission 
    and modifications meet the requirements of Section 402(b) and 304(i) of 
    the CWA. As part of this determination, EPA reviewed FDEP's resources 
    and believes that FDEP has adequate resources to administer the NPDES 
    program. Chapter 373.042, Florida Statutes, Minimum Water Flows and 
    Levels, is a state law which is not relevant to the NPDES regulations 
    in Section 402 of the CWA or EPA's determination because it deals with 
    a quantity and not a water quality issue. In addition, if necessary, 
    EPA retains federal oversight authority, as discussed above.
    
    VII. Concern Regarding Potential Degradation of the Central Everglades 
    Following State Program Approval
    
    Comment
    
        One commentor claimed that the State of Florida has improperly 
    allowed continued degradation and pollution of the central Everglades, 
    which include Water Conservation Area (WCA) 3-A and the lands of 
    Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. The commentor further asserted 
    that the lack of enforcement on the part of the State has irreparably 
    harmed and degraded the Everglades and allowed phosphorus-laden 
    discharges into the Everglades and other state water bodies in excess 
    of two hundred (200) parts per billion.
    
    Response
    
        EPA has made a determination the Florida's NPDES program submission 
    and modifications meet the requirements of Section 402(b) and 304(i) of 
    the CWA. The issue to which the commentor refers is being addressed by 
    the Federal Everglades Case Settlement [United States of America vs. 
    South Florida Water Management District et al., 847 F.Supp. 1567 (S.D. 
    Fla. 1992)]. That case and the issues associated with it are not 
    relevant to EPA's decision on authorization of Florida's application 
    for the NPDES program.
    
    VIII. Comment Stating that the United States (Including the 
    Environmental Protection Agency) Owes the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians 
    of Florida (Miccosukee Tribe) a Trust Responsibility to Protect Tribal 
    Land and Resources Which Might be Violated by Delegation of the Florida 
    NPDES Program
    
    Comment
    
        One commentor contended that the United States (including the EPA) 
    owes the Miccosukee Tribe a trust responsibility to protect tribal land 
    and resources, and that said trust responsibility would be violated by 
    the delegation of the State of Florida's NPDES program.
    
    Response
    
        As a Federal agency, EPA recognizes the Federal trust 
    responsibility to the Miccosukee Tribe and other Indian Tribes. 
    However, EPA believes that the authorization to the State of Florida to 
    administer the NPDES program will not violate that trust 
    responsibility.
        EPA must reiterate that, at this time, it retains full jurisdiction 
    to administer the NPDES program on the Miccosukee Tribe's Reservation. 
    Until the Miccosukee Tribe seeks program authorization, all permit 
    application and related issues concerning discharges on the Miccosukee 
    Reservation must be directed to EPA Region IV. Further, as noted above, 
    EPA retains the authority to ensure compliance with water quality 
    standards, including any water quality standard set by and approved by 
    EPA by one Miccosukee Tribe. In addition, the Miccosukee Tribe may 
    petition for water quality standards and Section 401 certification 
    authority or NPDES program authority under Sections 303, 402, 405 and 
    518 of the CWA.
        Finally, as noted in Comment III above, EPA does not ``delegate'' a 
    state permitting program. Rather, EPA authorizes the state to implement 
    the [[Page 25722]] permitting program, as provided for under the CWA 
    and 40 C.F.R. Part 123, while retaining program oversight authority for 
    permitting and enforcement activities. Should the State of Florida fail 
    to implement its NPDES program in accordance with the CWA, EPA has the 
    authority to rescind authorization.
    
    IX. Comment that NPDES Authorization Should be Held in Abeyance Until 
    Existing and Future NPDES Challenges Pertaining to the Everglades Storm 
    Water Treatment Areas are Settled
    
    Comment
    
        One commentor asserted that the State of Florida's application for 
    authorization to administer the NPDES program should be denied or held 
    in abeyance until the existing and future NPDES permit challenges 
    pertaining to the Everglades Storm Water Treatment Areas (STAs) are 
    settled.
    
    Response
    
        EPA disagrees. This comment is not relevant to EPA's decision on 
    authorization of Florida's application for the NPDES program. The NPDES 
    permit for the Everglades Nutrient Removal (ENR) Project (NPDES No. 
    FL0043885), referenced in Comment IX above, is one of several permits 
    currently being challenged through the evidentiary hearing process (40 
    CFR Part 124). Section III.C.3. of the MOA states that, for permits for 
    which an evidentiary hearing has been requested at the time of program 
    authorization, EPA will retain full jurisdiction until resolution of 
    the administrative challenge or expiration of the permit. These permits 
    are listed in Attachment B to the MOA. In addition, in accordance with 
    Section III.C.4. and listed on Attachment C to the MOA, which 
    represents certain facilities as agreed upon by FDEP and EPA where EPA 
    will retain full jurisdiction to issue these NPDES permits following 
    authorization, EPA and FDEP have agreed that EPA will retain full 
    jurisdiction for the ENR Project (NPDES No. FL0043885), until such time 
    that FDEP and the permittee are notified by EPA that full jurisdiction 
    has been transferred to FDEP. FDEP shall retain its rights under 
    Section 401 of the CWA to consider certification to any NPDES permit 
    issued by EPA. Any NPDES permit issued to any STA must meet state water 
    quality standards and all applicable Federal regulations. Therefore, 
    EPA believes that the argument presented above by the commentor is not 
    relevant to EPA's determination.
    
    X. Concern that Discharges Beyond the Territorial Seas (Federal Waters) 
    Will Continue to be Permitted by EPA
    
    A. Comments
    
        One commentor suggested that EPA specifically state in the MOA that 
    dischargers to waters beyond the territorial seas (Federal waters) will 
    not be included in the State of Florida's NPDES program authorization.
    
    B. Response
    
        EPA, as listed in Attachment C of the MOA (which represents certain 
    facilities as agreed upon by FDEP and EPA where EPA will retain full 
    jurisdiction to issue these NPDES permits following authorization), 
    will contain all facilities which discharge into waters outside the 
    jurisdiction of the State (i.e., beyond the territorial sea (Federal 
    waters)).
    
    XI. Comments Regarding Overall Benefits Resulting from 
    Authorization
    
    A. Comments
    
        EPA received comments from three organizations supporting the 
    delegation of NPDES authority to Florida. These comments clearly 
    indicated support for delegation because:
        1. It would result in the consolidation of wastewater permitting 
    into one permitting agency,
        2. Provide cost benefits to those who pay to have facilities 
    permitted,
        3. As well as, reduce the confusion of separate permitting and 
    enforcement.
        These comments stated the opinion that State and Federal 
    governments, the public, and the environment will benefit from 
    delegation of NPDES authority to Florida.
    
    B. Response
    
        Comment noted and supported by EPA's response to comment number 
    III. above.
    
    Conclusion
    
        EPA is announcing today the approval of the State of Florida NPDES 
    permitting program on May 1, 1995. The State of Florida has 
    demonstrated that it adequately meets the requirements for program 
    authorization as defined in Sections 402 and 304(i) of the CWA and at 
    40 CFR Parts 123 and 403. The State program will implement state law in 
    lieu of the Federally administered program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
    Service concurred with the EPA ``not likely to adversely affect'' 
    determination. This authorization also represents a phased NPDES 
    program authorization encompassing permitting for: (1) Domestic 
    discharges; (2) Industrial discharges, including those which also have 
    storm water discharges; and (3) pretreatment. Storm water discharges 
    from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4's), individual storm 
    water-only discharges, storm water general permits, and Federal 
    facility discharges are to be phased in by the year 2000 for 
    administration by the State. The State is required to submit a program 
    modification for authorization of jurisdiction of these types of NPDES 
    permits to EPA for approval in accordance with the schedule set forth 
    in the MOA. This authorization does not include the sludge management 
    program.
        At this time, EPA has full jurisdiction of NPDES program authority 
    for Indian Lands. All permit applications and related issues concerning 
    discharges on Federal Indian Reservations or Indian Tribal Lands will 
    be directed to EPA Region IV.
    
    Federal Register Notice of Approval of State NPDES Programs or 
    Modifications
    
        EPA must provide Federal Register notice of any action by the 
    Agency approving or modifying a State NPDES program. Today's Federal 
    Register notice is to announce the approval of Florida's authority to 
    administer the phased NPDES permit program.
    
    Review Under Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866
    
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, EPA is required to prepare a 
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for all rules that may have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of entities.
    
    State NPDES Program Status
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Approved to                      Approved   
                                                      Approved State     regulate     Approved State      general   
                          State                        NPDES permit       federal      pretreatment       permits   
                                                          program       facilities        program         program   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Alabama.........................................        10/19/79        10/19/79        10/19/79        06/26/91
    Arkansas........................................        11/01/86        11/01/86        11/01/86        11/01/86
    California......................................        05/14/73        05/05/78        09/22/89       09/22/89 
    [[Page 25723]]
                                                                                                                    
    Colorado........................................        03/27/75  ..............  ..............        03/04/83
    Connecticut.....................................        09/26/73        01/09/89        06/03/81        03/10/92
    Delaware........................................        04/01/74  ..............  ..............        10/23/92
    Georgia.........................................        06/28/74        12/08/80        03/12/81        01/28/91
    Hawaii..........................................        11/28/74        06/01/79        08/12/83        09/30/91
    Illinois........................................        10/23/77        09/20/79  ..............        01/04/84
    Indiana.........................................        01/01/75        12/09/78  ..............        04/02/91
    Iowa............................................        08/10/78        08/10/78        06/03/81        08/12/92
    Kansas..........................................        06/28/74        08/28/85  ..............        11/24/93
    Kentucky........................................        09/30/83        09/30/83        09/30/83        09/30/83
    Maryland........................................        09/05/74        11/10/87        09/30/85        09/30/91
    Michigan........................................        10/17/73        12/09/78        04/16/85        11/29/93
    Minnesota.......................................        06/30/74        12/09/78        07/16/79        12/15/87
    Mississippi.....................................        05/01/74        01/28/83        05/13/82        09/27/91
    Missouri........................................        10/30/74        06/26/79        06/03/81        12/12/85
    Montana.........................................        06/10/74        06/23/81  ..............        04/29/83
    Nebraska........................................        06/12/74        11/02/79        09/07/84        07/20/89
    Nevada..........................................        09/19/75        08/31/78  ..............        07/27/92
    New Jersey......................................        04/13/82        04/13/82        04/13/82        04/13/82
    New York........................................        10/28/75        06/13/80  ..............        10/15/92
    North Carolina..................................        10/19/75        09/28/84        06/14/82        09/06/91
    North Dakota....................................        06/13/75        01/22/90  ..............        01/22/90
    Ohio............................................        03/11/74        01/28/83        07/27/83        08/17/92
    Oregon..........................................        09/26/73        03/02/79        03/12/81        02/23/82
    Pennsylvania....................................        06/30/78        06/30/78  ..............        08/02/91
    Rhode Island....................................        09/17/84        09/17/84        09/17/84        09/17/84
    South Carolina..................................        06/10/75        09/26/80        04/09/82        09/03/92
    South Dakota....................................        12/30/93        12/30/93        12/30/93       *12/30/93
    Tennessee.......................................        12/28/77        09/30/86        08/10/83        04/18/91
    Utah............................................        07/07/87        07/07/87        07/07/87        07/07/87
    Vermont.........................................        03/11/74  ..............        03/16/82        08/26/93
    Virgin Islands..................................        06/30/76  ..............  ..............  ..............
    Virginia........................................        03/31/75        02/09/82        04/14/89        05/20/91
    Washington......................................        11/14/73  ..............        09/30/86        09/26/89
    West Virginia...................................        05/10/82        05/10/82        05/10/82        05/10/82
    Wisconsin.......................................        02/04/74        11/26/79        12/24/80        12/19/86
    Wyoming.........................................        01/30/75        05/18/81  ..............        09/24/91
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Totals......................................              40              35              28             39 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Number of Fully Authorized Programs (Federal Facilities, Pretreatment, General Permits) = 25.                   
    
    Review Under Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866
    
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, EPA is required to prepare a 
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for all rules that may have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of entities. The proposed 
    approval of the Florida NPDES program does not alter the regulatory 
    control over any industrial category. No new substantive requirements 
    are established by this action. Therefore, because this notice does not 
    have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities, a 
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not needed.
        On October 12, 1993, the Office of Management and Budget exempted 
    this Agency action from the requirements of Executive Order 12866.
    John H. Hankinson, Jr.,
    Regional Administrator.
    [FR Doc. 95-11792 Filed 5-11-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
5/1/1995
Published:
05/12/1995
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Approval of application.
Document Number:
95-11792
Dates:
May 1, 1995.
Pages:
25718-25723 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FRL-5206-5
PDF File:
95-11792.pdf