Water Management Task Force Status Summary CBIA EPC

Transcription

1 DEEP Programs Wastewater Permits Surface Water General Permit - Preliminary Stormwater Permits DEEP is working on a surface water general permit for discharges to surface waters and groundwater. This GP will be similar to DEEP s Misc. Wastewater General Permit for sanitary sewer discharges. On October 20th, DEEP noticed proposed extension on the deadline for four general permits that cover discharges to surface waters and groundwater. Comments were due November 20, MS4 General Permit Water Quality Standards Draft State of Connecticut Integrated Water Quality Report available for review. Tentative Determination to renew the General Permit with changes was issued on July 7, Final report of the Triennial Review of Connecticut Water Quality Standards submitted to EPA on July 8, Public comment period ended August 29, The current general permit to be extended to January 8, Public Hearing to be held on December 17, Written comments due by January 9, 2015 Regulatory changes to the WQS have been identified and will be pursued during 2014 and Summary of Triennial Report Findings (Plan Forward) is available on DEEP website: Document available for review at: Q:\\Water Programs Status Report November 2014.docx Page 1 of 6

2 Stream Flow Regulations Stream flow classifications for State under development. Finalized Eastern Connecticut. Final stream flow classifications for the following basins: Southeast Coastal Pawcatuck Thames Major River Classifications and response to public comments posted on DEEP website. The maps are available on-line at: CT State Water Plan Effort Inland Water Resources Non-Point Source Management Plan Coastal Programs Five Proposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) in East Lyme, Waterford, Old Saybrook and Old Lyme Army Corps Permit Looking to develop a comprehensive water strategy for the State with a goal of recommending potential legislation. EPA approved Plan September 29, 2014 TMDL documents are proposed for 23 estuary segments in these municipalities. Comment period closed August 30, New Legislative Workgroup with three sub-committees. Well represented by industry, business, and environmental nonprofits still time to participate The Plan is a framework for the activities for the next five years of DEEP s Nonpoint Source Program funded under EPA Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. DEEP also submits an annual work plan and receives a grant each year from EPA. An approved five year Program Plan is required for DEEP to be eligible for annual 319 funding. Could have an impact on industrial activities in these watersheds with regard to bacteria monitoring. Q:\\Water Programs Status Report November 2014.docx Page 2 of 6

3 Programmatic General Permit (PGP) EPA Programs CWA 316b Rule (Cooling Water Intake) Sufficiently Sensitive Test Methods for NPDES Permit Applications & Reporting WQS Plan to Discontinue Use of Regional PGP Phase II rule published. DEEP is working to get information to issue permits for 4 facilities in early Other facilities with intakes will follow after that. Finalize August 19, Effective September 18, 2014 The EPA is proposing to revise the WQS regulation in 40 CFR part 131 in 6 key areas: (1) EPA Administrator s Determinations; (2) Designated The District Engineer has decided to discontinue the regional approach of the New England General Permit proposal and instead pursue general permits on a state-bystate basis. The Army Corps is now working to expedite the issuance of new general permits in Massachusetts prior to the expiration of the existing Massachusetts General Permit on January 20, 2015 Christine Gleason is permit engineer for all the affected permits. They are (with one exception) being done in order of oldest to most recently renewed permit. The rulemaking clarifies that NPDES applicants and permittees must use EPAapproved analytical methods capable of detecting and measuring pollutants at or below applicable water quality criteria or permit limits. This final rule is based on CWA requirements and clarifies existing EPA regulations. The amendments in this rulemaking affect only chemical-specific methods; they do not apply to Whole Effluent Toxicity methods or their use. States have up to one year (until September 18, 2015) to revise their NPDES regulations if needed or up to two years if statutory changes are required. Q:\\Water Programs Status Report November 2014.docx Page 3 of 6

4 Uses; (3) Triennial Reviews of State and Tribal WQS; (4) Antidegradation Implementation; (5) Variances to WQS; and (6) Compliance Schedule Authorizing Proposed Rule to Clarify Protection under the Clean Water Act Provisions. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on April 21, The comment period was first extended until October 21, The Science Advisory Board (SAB) will soon complete its peer review of the report on the connectivity of streams and wetlands. To provide the public with the opportunity to comment on the SAB review and in response to requests for additional time to comment on the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule, the agencies are extending the public comment The proposed rule clarifies protection for streams and wetlands. Most seasonal and rain-dependent streams are protected. Wetlands near rivers and streams are protected. Other types of waters may have more uncertain connections with downstream water and protection will be evaluated through a case specific analysis of whether the connection is or is not significant. EPA Office of Research and Development produced a draft report in September 2013 report on the connectivity of streams and wetlands to downstream waters. The SAB is peer reviewing the report on this connectivity. Panel will meet in December (16 th 18 th ) in D.C. Q:\\Water Programs Status Report November 2014.docx Page 4 of 6

5 period to Friday, November 14, There is also an archived webcast seminar on the proposed rule. Watch the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act webcast here.. Website Launched for 40th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act Visit the site EPA has launched a webpage that includes an overview of the Act, a timeline of milestones since 1974, resources for K-12 educators, and more. The site provides access to drinking water reports for area water authorities. Q:\\Water Programs Status Report November 2014.docx Page 5 of 6

6 EPA Small Vessel General Permit The EPA published the svgp on September 10, 2014 to provide NPDES permit coverage for discharges from nonmilitary, non-recreational vessels less than 79 feet (i.e., small vessels ) operating in a capacity as a means of transportation. All discharges incidental to the normal operation of these vessels are eligible for coverage under this permit beginning December 19, 2014 when the NPDES permit requirement for these discharges goes into effect. The svgp is designed to be an easily implemented permit with common sense best management practices that will reduce environmental pollution. US Army Corps of Engineers The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District has issued an update on the proposed New England General Permits (NE GPs) announcing that we have decided to discontinue the regional approach of the NE GP proposal and instead pursue general permits on a state-by-state basis. ACOE is first working to re-issue the Massachusetts General Permit prior to the expiration date in January 2015 and will then work on the other New England state General Permits. Q:\\Water Programs Status Report November 2014.docx Page 6 of 6