AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

EPA published the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Electronic Reporting Rule (“NPDES eRule”) on 22 October 2015. The 2015 rule required EPA and states to modernize Clean Water Act (CWA) reporting. The NPDES eRule included a phased implementation schedule. In this notice, EPA proposes postponing the compliance deadlines for Phase 2 implementation by three years and providing states with additional flexibility to request additional time as needed. Further, this notice proposes changes to the NPDES eRule that would clarify existing requirements and eliminate some duplicative or outdated reporting requirements. Taken together, these changes are designed to save the NPDES authorized programs considerable resources, make reporting easier for NPDES-regulated entities, streamline permit renewals, ensure full exchange of NPDES program data between states and EPA, enhance public transparency, improve environmental decision-making, and protect human health and the environment.

DATES:

Comments must be received on or before April 28, 2020. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), comments on the information collection provisions are best assured of consideration if the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) receives a copy of your comments on or before March 30, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OECA-2019-0408, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or withdrawn. EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/​dockets/​commenting-epa-dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information, please contact Mr. Carey A. Johnston, Office of Compliance (mail code 2222A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-566-1014; or email: johnston.carey@epa.gov (preferred). Also see the following website for additional information regarding the rulemaking: https://www.epa.gov/​compliance/​npdes-ereporting.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. General Information

II. Background

III. Changes to Phase 2 Compliance Deadlines

IV. Alternative Phase 2 Compliance Deadlines

V. Clarifying Edits for More Efficient Implementation and 2019 NPDES Updates Rule Changes

VI. Assistance to States To Implement Phase 2

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

Entities potentially affected by this action include all NPDES-permitted facilities, whether covered by an individual permit or general permit, industrial users located in cities without approved local pretreatment programs, facilities subject to EPA's biosolids regulations, and governmental entities that have received NPDES program authorization or are implementing portions of the NPDES program in a cooperative agreement with EPA. These entities include:

This table is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but rather provides some examples of the types of entities potentially regulated by this action. Other types of entities not listed in this table may also be regulated. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this proposed action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

B. What action is the agency taking?

EPA published the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Electronic Reporting Rule (“NPDES eRule”) on 22 October 2015. The 2015 rule required EPA and states to modernize Clean Water Act (CWA) reporting for municipalities, industries and other facilities. The rule divided implementation into two “Phases.” The deadline for Phase 1 implementation passed on December 21, 2016. The deadline for Phase 2 is currently December 21, 2020. Some state authorized NPDES programs have provided feedback to EPA on how to improve Phase 2 implementation of the NPDES eRule and, in particular, have recommended changes to the schedule for Phase 2 implementation to allow both EPA and states sufficient time to develop and implement the information technology solutions necessary for electronic reporting of the Phase 2 data (see DCN 0001 to 0009). This notice proposes a change to the compliance deadlines for Phase 2 implementation and other changes to the NPDES eRule to allow for a smoother transition from paper to electronic reporting for the NPDES program.

C. What is the agency's authority for taking this action?

Pursuant to the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., EPA promulgated the NPDES eRule, which added a new part to title 40 (40 CFR part 127) and made changes to existing NPDES regulations. The EPA promulgated the NPDES eRule under authority of the CWA sections 101(f), 304(i), 308, 402, and 501. EPA is using the same authority to propose the changes in this notice. EPA notes that the Congressional Declaration of Goals and Policy of the CWA specifies in section 101(f) that “It is the national policy that to the maximum extent possible the procedures utilized for implementing this chapter shall encourage the drastic minimization of paperwork and interagency decision procedures, and the best use of available manpower and funds, so as to prevent needless duplication and unnecessary delays at all levels of government.”

Harnessing information technology that is now a common part of daily life is an important step toward reaching the goals of the CWA. EPA is promulgating this rule under the authority of CWA section 304(i) that authorizes EPA to establish minimum procedural and other elements of state programs under section 402, including reporting requirements and procedures to make information available to the public. In addition, EPA is promulgating this rule under section 308 of the CWA. Section 308 of the CWA authorizes EPA to require access to information necessary to carry out the objectives of the Act, including sections 301, 305, 306, 307, 311, 402, 404, 405, and 504. Section 402 of the CWA establishes the NPDES permit program for the control of the discharge of pollutants into the nation's waters. EPA is promulgating this rule under CWA sections 402(b) and (c), which require each authorized state, tribe, or territory to ensure that permits meet certain substantive requirements, and provide EPA information from point sources, industrial users, and authorized programs in order to ensure proper oversight. Finally, EPA is promulgating this rule under the authority of section 501, which authorizes EPA to prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out provisions of the Act.

D. What are the incremental costs and benefits of this action?

EPA identified only minimal incremental costs of this proposed rule as the overall impact of these proposed changes would be to allow states to more efficiently implement the NPDES eRule. EPA proposes postponing the compliance deadlines for Phase 2 implementation by three years and providing states with additional flexibility to request an extension if more time is necessary but with no extension allowed beyond December 21, 2026.

This rule also proposes changes to the NPDES eRule that would clarify existing requirements and eliminate some duplicative or outdated reporting requirements. For example, EPA proposes to eliminate three data elements from the minimum set of NPDES program data (Appendix A to 40 CFR part 127): Reportable Noncompliance Tracking, Reportable Noncompliance Tracking Start Date, and Applicable Categorical Standards. This will reduce the costs to authorized NPDES programs in collecting, managing, and sharing these data. EPA also anticipates that the clarifications contained in this proposed rule will help states avoid unnecessary implementation costs. For example, the proposed changes would make clear that the electronic reporting requirement for Notices of Termination (NOTs) applies only to general permit covered facilities (see Table 1 to Appendix A, 40 CFR part 127) and not to individually permitted facilities.

II. Background

EPA published the NPDES eRule on 22 October 2015. The 2015 rule required EPA and states to modernize Clean Water Act (CWA) reporting for municipalities, industries and other facilities. That rule replaced most paper-based NPDES reporting requirements with electronic reporting. This rule converted the following paper reports to electronic: (1) Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs); (2) general permit reports (e.g., Notices of Intent to discharge in compliance with a general permit); and (3) other specified program reports. The NPDES eRule included a phased implementation schedule (40 CFR 127.26). Most states and permittees have successfully implemented Phase 1 of the NPDES eRule, which includes electronic submission of DMRs and the Federal Biosolids Annual Report where EPA is the Regulatory Authority.

The NPDES eRule requires EPA to calculate electronic reporting participation rates for each authorized NPDES program six months after the deadline for conversion from paper to electronic submissions and annually thereafter [see 40 CFR 127.26(j)]. The compliance deadlines for Phase 1 of the NPDES eRule were 21 December 2016 and they included NPDES Data Groups No. 3 (Discharge Monitoring Reports or “DMRs”) and No. 4 [Sewage Sludge/Biosolids Annual Program Reports, where EPA implements the biosolids program (40 CFR part 503)]. EPA's first three assessments have shown considerable progress in Phase 1 implementation (see DCN 0012—0014), although more work needs to be done to achieve the full benefits of Phase 1. Current tracking of Phase 1 implementation is available through the “NPDES eRule Readiness Dashboard.” See: https://echo.epa.gov/​trends/​npdes-erule-dashboard-public.

Electronic submission of all other reports and notices covered by the NPDES eRule are part of Phase 2 implementation. See Table 1 to 40 CFR 127.16. The online “NPDES eRule Phase 2 Implementation Dashboard” provides an inventory of all general permits and program reports covered by the NPDES eRule. See: https://edap.epa.gov/​public/​extensions/​eRule_​Phase2/​eRule_​Phase2.html. This dashboard also provides an updated view of EPA's progress in gathering information and deploying NPDES electronic reporting tools for Phase 2 general permits and program reports (see DCN 0015).

EPA and states are now focusing on implementing Phase 2 of the NPDES eRule and also continuing to work on completing Phase 1 reporting deadlines. EPA and states are now gathering information and deploying NPDES electronic reporting tools for Phase 2 reports. EPA and states are collaborating and sharing information through multiple workgroups. The EPA-state General Permit and Program Report Technical Workgroup focuses on the EPA Regional and state general permits and program reports that will use EPA's NPDES Electronic Reporting Tool (NeT) for Phase 2 data.

The EPA-state NPDES Noncompliance Report (NNCR) workgroup discusses how to identify, categorize, sort, and display violations on the NNCR. This workgroup is discussing how best to implement the new NNCR regulations in 40 CFR 123.45. EPA held three listening sessions with the EPA-state NNCR workgroup to discuss updated language in 40 CFR 123.45. States provided feedback on how to clarify the category I noncompliance criteria for enforcement order violations, permit effluent limit violations, and reporting violations. EPA incorporated comments and other minor clarifying text and formatting issues from these workgroup discussions in this proposed rule.

EPA received letters from authorized NPDES programs on how to improve Phase 2 implementation of the NPDES eRule which recommended changes to the schedule for Phase 2 implementation to allow both EPA and states sufficient time to develop and implement the information technology solutions necessary for electronic reporting of the Phase 2 data (see DCN 0001 to 0009). In response to the feedback from the states in the letters and oral communications, this notice proposes changes to the NPDES eRule to allow for a smoother transition from paper to electronic reporting for the NPDES program.

EPA collected these changes over the past few years as EPA and states began implementing the NPDES eRule. These suggested changes are intended to clarify and streamline NPDES eRule implementation. These changes also update the required minimum set of NPDES program data to include recent changes to the NPDES program. EPA recently updated the NPDES permit application regulations (40 CFR 122.21) and the related forms with the 2019 NPDES Applications and Program Updates final rule. See February 12, 2019; 84 FR 3324. Taken together, these data standardizations and the corresponding electronic reporting requirements are designed to save the NPDES authorized programs considerable resources, make reporting easier for NPDES-regulated entities, streamline permit renewals (as permit writers typically review previous noncompliance events during permit renewal), improve the accuracy and completeness of NPDES program data shared with EPA from authorized states, ensure transparency of NPDES program data to the public, improve environmental decision-making, and protect human health and the environment.

Finally, in a separate rulemaking, EPA has proposed to update the minimum set of NPDES program data (Appendix A to 40 CFR part 127) for the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) sector. See April 20, 2019; 84 FR 18200. These changes to the NPDES eRule will correct obsolete citations and current inconsistencies with the newly modified MS4 Phase II regulations. See December 8, 2016; 81 FR 89320. These updates would not change the burden associated with complying with the NPDES eRule but, rather, the changes would assist permitting authorities and MS4 permittees in implementing NPDES electronic reporting. Today's proposal does not address those previously-proposed changes to the MS4 data elements.

III. Changes to Phase 2 Compliance Deadlines

This notice proposes to postpone the compliance deadlines for Phase 2 implementation of the NPDES eRule from December 21, 2020, to December 21, 2023 (see Table 1 to 40 CFR 127.16). EPA has received feedback from authorized NPDES programs on how to improve Phase 2 implementation of the NPDES eRule. This state feedback, in particular, recommended changes to the schedule for Phase 2 implementation to allow both EPA and states sufficient time to develop and implement the information technology solutions necessary for electronic reporting of the Phase 2 data (see DCN 0001 to 0009). One letter submitted by the Association of Clean Water Agencies (“ACWA”) noted that, “the new deadline should take into consideration the resources and time EPA will need to invest in updating ICIS-NPDES, the resources and time EPA will need to invest to complete work on the NPDES Electronic Tool, known as “NeT,” and the resources and time states will then need to complete their implementation of the rule given the new information.”

The reason for this proposal is to allow EPA additional time to complete the development of electronic tools that the States may use to comply with the electronic reporting requirements. EPA had intended for these tools to be available as an option for the states to use by December 2020, but EPA has experienced unexpected delays since EPA promulgated the 2015 NPDES Rule. These delays include the modernization of its pre-existing electronic reporting tool for the collection of DMRs (called “NetDMR”) and the switch from using a commercially license software platform to an open-source software platform for general permits and program reports (called “NPDES Electronic Report Tool” or “NeT”). The NetDMR changes involved migrating tens of thousands of NetDMR users to the Agency's Central Data Exchange (CDX) system for account management. This simplified NetDMR account management for EPA, states, and NetDMR users. EPA made the switch to open-source software platform for NeT to lower its costs. EPA estimates that these tools will be available by December 21, 2023 (see DCN 0017). EPA has gathered basic information on all general permits and program reports that will use NeT (see NPDES eRule Phase 2 Implementation Dashboard). EPA expects to build the necessary NeT applications in order to meet the new Phase 2 compliance deadlines as it has already deployed general permit electronic reporting tools for more than 27,000 facilities that are subject to federal or authorized state general permits (approximately 55% of the estimated number of facilities that will use NeT). An extension of the Phase 2 compliance deadlines will also assist states who have experienced similar challenges in developing the information technology infrastructure to implement electronic reporting tools for their general permit covered facilities.

The following are the proposed regulatory changes that EPA is considering for the Phase 2 compliance deadlines:

• Change the Phase 2 compliance deadlines in Table 1 to 40 CFR 127.16 from December 21, 2020, to December 21, 2023 for general permit reports and program reports.
• Change the Phase 2 compliance deadlines in the NPDES regulations in 40 CFR parts 122, 403, and 503. These provisions originated the reporting requirements.

EPA proposes to change the Phase 2 compliance (deadline) date for the following NPDES reporting requirements in 40 CFR parts 122, 403, and 503:

• Low Erosivity Waivers (LEW)—40 CFR 122.26(b)(15)(i)(C);
• No Exposure Certifications (NOE)—40 CFR 122.26(g)(1)(iii);
• Notice of Intent to discharge (NOI)—40 CFR 122.28(b)(2)(i);
• Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program Report—40 CFR 122.34(d)(3);
• Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Report—40 CFR 122.41(l)(6)(i), 122.41(l)(7), 122.41(m)(3)(i), and 122.41(m)(3)(ii);
• Medium or Large MS4 Program Report—40 CFR 122.42(c);
• CAFO Annual Report—40 CFR 122.42(e)(4);
• Notice of Terminations (NOT)—40 CFR 122.64(c);
• Significant Industrial User Compliance Reports in Municipalities Without Approved Pretreatment Programs—40 CFR 403.12(e) and (h);
• Pretreatment Program Report—40 CFR 403.12(i); and
• Biosolids Annual Report—40 CFR 503.18, 503.28, 503.48.

In addition to moving the compliance deadlines to December 21, 2023, EPA proposes to add a reference to the proposed alternative Phase 2 compliance deadlines provisions at 40 CFR 127.24(e) or (f). This is discussed in more detail below. Other than the changes to the deadlines for complying with Phase 2 compliance deadlines and the addition of the reference to the alternative Phase 2 compliance deadlines provisions, EPA is not proposing any changes to the requirements in these sections and will not respond to any public comments on issues other than the dates.

Finally, EPA regulations set the NNCR publication date at December 21, 2021. EPA originally picked this date as it needed time to develop this report and that it was one year after the Phase 2 compliance deadlines for electronic reporting. As previously noted, EPA and states have made significant progress in implementing Phase 1 and EPA has held frequent meetings with states on how to develop the NNCR.

EPA does not see the need to extend the NNCR publication compliance deadline for an additional three years, as it has some Phase 1 data that can be incorporated into the NNCR. EPA plans to incorporate Phase 2 data into the NNCR as these data become available. The benefit of this approach would be to give EPA, states, and the public a complete inventory of facilities with violations based on the most currently available set of NPDES program data. This will help EPA and states identify noncompliance issues that might impact human health or the environment.

However, EPA needs additional time to work with states on completing Phase 1 reporting and how best to categorize and display non-compliance in the NNCR based on Phase 1 data. In addition, EPA is already working with states on reducing the level of Significant Non-Compliance with NPDES requirements using the Phase 1 data as one of its National Compliance Initiatives for 2020-2023.^[1] Therefore, EPA is proposing to delay the public release date of the NNCR by one year, to December 21, 2022. This date will allow EPA and states to use the new NNCR as EPA is making decisions on its next round of National Compliance Initiatives. EPA solicits comment on this proposed NNCR publication date.

IV. Alternative Phase 2 Compliance Deadlines

In addition to changing the Phase 2 compliance deadline, EPA is proposing new regulatory provisions to create additional flexibility for Phase 2 compliance deadlines in case they are needed. These new provisions respond to the requests from ACWA and other authorized NPDES programs for more time to develop and implement the information technology solutions necessary for electronic reporting of the Phase 2 data (see DCN 0001 to 0009).

The EPA proposes a new regulatory provision [40 CFR 127.24(e)] that would allow authorized NPDES programs to request additional time beyond December 21, 2023 to implement Phase 2 of the NPDES eRule. Under this provision, an authorized NPDES program would send a request for EPA to review and approval. This request would identify the facilities, general permits, program reports, or data elements for which the authorized NPDES program needs additional time beyond December 21, 2023. For example, under this option a state could seek approval from the EPA to postpone implementation of electronic reporting for a NPDES general permit until an agreed-upon time after December 21, 2023, but no later than December 21, 2026. This waiver might be helpful if a state has a permit or program report that is a lower priority for electronic reporting (e.g., a general permit that provides coverage for 10 or fewer NPDES-regulated entities) and for which electronic reporting tool development is delayed.

While states may make multiple requests for compliance deadline extensions beyond December 21, 2023, the proposed rule would not allow EPA to grant extensions beyond December 21, 2026. Each alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline request would need to:

• Be submitted to EPA by the Director, as defined in 40 CFR 122.2;
• Identify each general permit, program report, and related data elements covered by the request and the corresponding alternative compliance deadline(s);
• Identify each facility covered by the request and the corresponding alternative compliance deadline(s) (Note: This only applies if the request covers some but not all facilities covered by the relevant general permit or program report requirement);
• Be submitted at least 120 days prior to the then-applicable compliance deadline(s) in Table 1 to 40 CFR 127.16 or a previously EPA approved alternative compliance deadline; and
• Provide a rationale for the delay and enough details (e.g., tasks, milestones, roles and responsibilities, necessary resources) to clearly describe how the program will successfully implement electronic reporting for general permit, program report, and related data elements covered by the request.

EPA would review each alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline request to determine if it provides enough detail to accurately assess if the state has a reasonable plan to deploy electronic reporting by the requested alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline. EPA would return alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline requests with insufficient detail back to the Director within 30 days of receipt and provide recommendations. EPA would approve or deny each complete alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline request within 120 days of receipt of a sufficiently detailed request. EPA would provide notice to the authorized NPDES program of EPA's approval or denial. The authorized NPDES program could re-apply if the initial request were denied by EPA.

Under the proposal, EPA could elect to deny an alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline request and then could continue to follow the procedure in the existing rule for determining the initial recipient of electronic NPDES information (see 40 CFR 127.27). EPA must become the initial recipient of electronic NPDES information from NPDES-regulated facilities if the state, tribe, or territory does not consistently maintain electronic data transfers in compliance with the NPDES eRule [see 40 CFR 127.27(d)(2)]. EPA would update its website with each alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline request and the corresponding Agency approval or denial notice. EPA would provide updated information at: https://www.epa.gov/​compliance/​npdes-ereporting. EPA would also update its website and online “NPDES eRule Phase 2 Implementation Dashboard” to clearly identify the approved alternative Phase 2 compliance deadlines for each facility, general permit report, program report, and related data elements by authorized NPDES program.

EPA is also proposing a separate regulatory provision [40 CFR 127.24(f)] that would authorize EPA to, on its own initiative, allow for additional time for one or more states to implement NPDES electronic reporting beyond December 21, 2023. Under this proposal, EPA could establish an alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline for electronic reporting and data sharing for one or more facilities, general permit reports, program reports, and related data elements (see Table 2 to Appendix A to 40 CFR part 127). Under the proposal, EPA could set an alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline for up to three years but not beyond December 21, 2026. EPA would update its website and online “NPDES eRule Phase 2 Implementation Dashboard” to clearly identify the alternative Phase 2 compliance deadlines for each facility, general permit report, program report, and related data elements by authorized NPDES program. Separately, EPA would provide notice to the one or more authorized NPDES program covered by each alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline through email or letters. This notice would include a rationale for the delay and enough details (e.g., tasks, milestones, roles and responsibilities, necessary resources) to clearly describe how EPA would successfully implement electronic reporting for general permit, program report, and related data elements covered by the extension. This additional flexibility would also allow more time for EPA and authorized NPDES programs to resolve any issues related to the sharing of Phase 2 data.

V. Clarifying Edits for More Efficient Implementation and 2019 NPDES Updates Rule Changes

The following are proposed clarifying edits to the 2015 NPDES eRule. These changes are based on EPA and state experience over the past few years during NPDES eRule implementation. These proposed changes are intended to clarify and streamline NPDES eRule implementation. The last two changes also include two new data sharing requirements related to NAICS codes and variance requests that were recently added to the NPDES application forms. See the 2019 NPDES Applications and Program Updates Rule (February 12, 2019; 84 FR 3324).

A. Correct the Title for 40 CFR 123.45

EPA proposes to delete “by the Director” in the title for this section. EPA proposes this deletion as the NPDES eRule eliminated the previous noncompliance reports that were authored by state NPDES programs and replace them with one noncompliance report (i.e., NPDES Noncompliance Report or “NNCR”). The NNCR is authored by EPA rather than any state “Director.”

B. Provide Greater Clarity and Specificity for the NNCR Category I Noncompliance Definitions

The NPDES eRule also eliminated state noncompliance reporting [e.g., Quarterly Noncompliance Report (QNCR), Annual Noncompliance Report (ANCR)] and required EPA to produce a public inventory of NPDES violations (called the NPDES Noncompliance Report or “NNCR”). The NPDES eRule also revised and update the violation classification definitions to specifically identify Category I violations with all other violations as Category II violations. EPA proposes the following changes to the NNCR Category I violation classification definitions, which are listed at 40 CFR 123.45(a)(2). EPA regulatory:

• Re-order the violation categories to better match the order EPA previously used in the pre-2015 version of 123.45 for the Category I noncompliance definitions;
• Correct the label and definition used for violations of administrative or judicial enforcement orders;
• Correct the label for permit effluent limit violations;
• Clarify the definition of Category I noncompliance for reporting violations; and
• Clarify the text in Appendix A to 40 CFR 123.45 and update the formatting to correctly show labels and groups of pollutants.

EPA solicited feedback from the EPA-state NNCR workgroup on these proposed changes. EPA received feedback from states that it would be helpful to re-order the noncompliance categories to better match the order EPA used prior to promulgating the 2015 NPDES eRule. States also provided feedback to EPA that several NNCR Category I definitions should be clarified and refined. States suggested that EPA change “Compliance schedule violations” to “Enforcement order violations,” as this category of violations relates to violations of “any requirement or condition in administrative or judicial enforcement orders, other than compliance construction violations and reporting violations.” This proposed change would remove the word “permit” from this definition as these types of violations are not related to permit requirements. EPA is proposing to change the label “Effluent limits” to “Permit effluent limits” as this category of violations only relates to violations or effluent limits that are in NPDES permits.

States also suggested deleting the word “complete” in the “Reporting violations” violation category. Some states indicated that this definition could be interpreted to mean that the submission of an incomplete report could trigger Category I noncompliance (e.g., failure to report one value on a DMR as opposed to the entire DMR). EPA proposes to delete the word “complete” to make clear that a Category I reporting violation only occurs when an NPDES-regulated entity fails to file an entire report within the appropriate reporting period.

EPA is retaining in the NNCR the identification of Category I reporting violations for facilities that do not provide the required data for an entire DMR but instead report a noncompliant reason for not providing these data. An example of this kind of noncompliance is when a facility fails to conduct any sampling or analysis during the reporting period as required by its NPDES permit. The facility would use the DMR form to report this noncompliance to the authorized NPDES program. These noncompliant reasons at the DMR form level will continue to be classified as Category I noncompliance reporting violations.

States also requested more clarity on the type of reporting violations that would always trigger Category I noncompliance. EPA is proposing to retain the 30-day grace period and list the reports that must be filed within 30 days: (1) Final compliance schedule progress reports; (2) Discharge Monitoring Reports [see 40 CFR 122.41(l)(4)(i)], and (3) program reports [see 40 CFR 127.2(f)]. These reports are critical compliance monitoring information and closely align with NPDES eRule (see Table 1 to 40 CFR 127.16). EPA is also retaining violations of the twenty-four reporting and five-day reporting NPDES requirements [see 40 CFR 122.41(l)(6)] in the “Reporting violations” violation category as these reporting violations relate to “noncompliance which may endanger health or the environment.” States also provided feedback that they would like the ability to use their discretion to identify other reporting violations as Category I violations. EPA notes that the NNCR already includes this flexibility as the “Other violations” category includes, “any violation or group of violations, which in the discretion of the Director or EPA, are considered to be of concern.”

Finally, EPA proposes to clarify the text in Appendix A to 40 CFR 123.45 and update the formatting to correctly show labels and groups of pollutants. These proposed clarifications would fix an inaccurate reference and use the same wording from the “Violation classifications” section of the NNCR. EPA intends no substantive change to the scope of Category I noncompliance through these changes.

C. Correct Appendix A Deficiency Descriptions To Match Current Practices of Authorized NPDES Programs

EPA proposes to delete the last sentence in the data description for the following four `deficiency' data elements in Appendix A to 40 CFR part 127: “The values for this data element will distinguish between noncompliance and significant noncompliance (SNC).”

• Deficiencies Identified Through the Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Compliance Monitoring
• Deficiencies Identified Through the MS4 Compliance Monitoring
• Deficiencies Identified Through the Pretreatment Compliance Monitoring
• Deficiencies Identified Through the Sewer Overflow/Bypass Compliance Monitoring

EPA is also proposing to delete the regulation citation to 40 CFR 123.45 for these four data elements.

EPA proposes to delete the last sentence in the data description for the four `deficiency' data elements as only violations affect compliance status. This change would make clear that these four `deficiency' data elements should not be used to affect compliance status. These separate data elements mirror the current inspection and violation identification practices of authorized NPDES programs. In general, EPA and state inspectors document their findings made during inspections and note any `deficiencies.' EPA created four different `deficiency' data elements to identify and track these instances of potential noncompliance. The inspector's manager will typically review these `deficiencies' and decide if any of them warrant separate identification as violations. These violations are already tracked with the “Violation Code” data element. Deleting this sentence from the descriptions for these four data elements will eliminate any potential confusion as to whether the identified deficiency automatically created an instance of non-compliance.

D. Correct Data Element Name and Description and Reference for Biosolids or Sewage Sludge—Land Application or Surface Disposal Deficiencies

EPA proposes to rename the “Biosolids or Sewage Sludge—Land Application or Surface Disposal Deficiencies” data element to “Biosolids or Sewage Sludge—Violations” and update the related data description.

EPA mislabeled the “Biosolids or Sewage Sludge—Land Application or Surface Disposal Deficiencies” data element in the NPDES eRule. This element is part of the Federal biosolids annual report and allows NPDES-regulated entities to self-report violations on all regulated biosolids management practices (i.e., land application, surface disposal, and incineration) (see 22 October 2015; 80 FR 64079). This change also makes clear that this data element tracks self-reported violations for the three biosolids management practices regulated under EPA's Federal biosolids regulations (40 CFR part 503). EPA is also proposing to add the corresponding CFR reference for the biosolids incineration annual report (40 CFR 503.48). This change will help reduce confusion with the data element “Deficiencies Identified Through the Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Compliance Monitoring;” these deficiencies are not violations and do not affect compliance status.

E. Correct the Title of the “Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Report” in Table 1 of Appendix A and Table 1 of 40 CFR 127.16

EPA used an incorrect title in two sections of the NPDES eRule for the report that provides information on sewer overflows and bypass events. EPA used the incorrect title, “Sewer Overflow Event Reports [40 CFR 122.41(l)(6) and (7)],” at Table 1 to 40 CFR 127.16 and Table 1 to Appendix A, 40 CFR part 127. The correct title is, “Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports [40 CFR 122.41(l)(4), (6), (7), and 122.41(m)(3)].” EPA used the correct title in all other references to this report. EPA is also proposing to make conforming changes to the “Program area” column and the “Minimum frequency” column in Table 1 (Appendix A 40 CFR part 127).

F. Deletion of the Following Two Data Elements: Reportable Noncompliance Tracking and Reportable Noncompliance Tracking Start Date

EPA proposes deleting the following two data elements as these data are no longer used for EPA's national NPDES program:

• Reportable Noncompliance Tracking; and
• Reportable Noncompliance Tracking Start Date.

EPA mistakenly included these two data elements in Appendix A. These two data elements are no longer needed to address unforeseen circumstances when the authorized NPDES program needs to turn off automatic violation detection by EPA's NPDES data system. The current recommended approach to turn off compliance tracking in EPA's NPDES data system is for EPA or authorized NPDES programs to use the Permit Compliance Tracking Status and DMR Non-Receipt data elements. See “NPDES Electronic Reporting Implementation Guidance for Tracking Compliance and Major Designations,” 28 December 2016, https://www.epa.gov/​compliance/​data-entry-guidance-and-technical-papers.

G. Provide Greater Clarity for the “Facility Concentrated Aquatic Animal Production (CAAP) Status” Data Element Name and Description

EPA proposes to make changes to the “Facility CAAP Status” data element name and description. States provided feedback to EPA that the current name and description of this data element could be interpreted to mean that this data element applies to all NPDES-regulated entities as the current data description provides “Yes” and “No” as example reference values. This interpretation implies that states would need to provide a “Yes” or “No” for all NPDES-regulated entities.

The proposed changes would make clear that this data element only applies to aquatic animal production facilities. The proposed change would ensure that states do not need to share these data with EPA for facilities that do not have aquatic animal production (i.e., lower data entry burden for states). Moreover, the proposed changes would also provide the information necessary to distinguish between the two CAAP identification methods. EPA proposes to change the name of this data element from “Facility CAAP Designation” to “Facility CAAP Status.” The proposed change from “Designation” to “Status” makes clear that this data element tracks both methods for identifying an aquatic animal production facility as a CAAP facility. The first method is solely based on production amounts provided by the facility and the second method is a manual designation process performed by the authorized NPDES program.

• Method #1 (Based on Facility Production Data)—CAAP identification is automatic based on the comparison of permit application/NOI information against the criteria used in EPA's CAAP NPDES regulations (see 40 CFR 122.24(b)); and
• Method #2 (Authorized NPDES Program Designation)—Using a case-by-case approach the RA may designate any warm or cold-water aquatic animal production facility as a concentrated aquatic animal production facility upon determining that it is a significant contributor of pollution to waters of the United States (see 40 CFR 122.24(c)).

The two methods are sequenced as follows. Facilities seeking NPDES permit coverage that acquire the CAAP status under Method #1 are not evaluated under Method #2 [i.e., Facility CAAP Status is set to “Yes (Based on Facility Production Data)”]. Conversely, facilities seeking NPDES permit coverage that do not acquire CAAP status under Method #1 can be designated by the authorized NPDES program as a CAAP facility under Method #2 [i.e., Facility CAAP Status is set to “Yes (Authorized NPDES Program Designation)”]. The proposed changes would also require NPDES programs to share data with EPA on aquatic animal production facilities that they inspect under Method #2 and found to not be a CAAP facility [i.e., Facility CAAP Status is set to “No (Authorized NPDES Program Determination)”].

H. Provide Greater Clarity on the `Permit Component' Data Element With Respect to Unpermitted Facilities

EPA proposes changes to the “Permit Component” data element description to clarify its applicability to unpermitted facilities subject to NPDES inspections. EPA proposes these changes as EPA's regulations require authorized NPDES programs to have “inspection and surveillance procedures to determine, independent of information supplied by regulated persons, compliance or noncompliance with applicable program requirements.” See 40 CFR 123.26(b). EPA's NPDES Compliance Monitoring Strategy (CMS) also provides compliance monitoring goals for authorized NPDES programs and guidance regarding inspection of facilities without NPDES permit coverage.^[2] For example, this document notes, “Regions and states should also conduct compliance monitoring activities to locate industrial facilities that have failed to obtain permit coverage or file a `no exposure certification' under 40 CFR 122.26(g). Inspections of unpermitted industrial stormwater facilities, including those with `no exposure certification,' will count toward the annual industrial stormwater coverage goal of 10%.” ^[3] EPA provided a discussion of when states must share data on unpermitted facilities with EPA in the preamble to the final rule (October 22, 2015; 80 FR 64078).

This change would clarify that this data element applies to unpermitted facilities when states are required by EPA regulations to share data about these unpermitted facilities with EPA. This change would also update the regulatory citation for this data element to explicitly include certain unpermitted facilities [e.g., certain unpermitted facilities subject to a CWA NPDES inspection, facilities regulated by the Federal biosolids regulation (40 CFR part 503)]. This change would help EPA and states ensure that unpermitted facilities can be properly sorted into their respective NPDES programs (e.g., industrial stormwater, construction stormwater, CAFOs). EPA estimates that this change would only be a minor increase in costs to states as most states already share these data for tracking compliance with the CMS and other programmatic needs. For example, EPA uses this data element to mask facility information in public search tools for unpermitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) that EPA or state inspectors found were not discharging and do not require an NPDES permit (see 22 October 2015; 80 FR 64092).

I. Provide Greater Clarity on the Notice of Termination (NOT) Electronic Reporting Requirements

EPA proposes to make changes to the Notice of Termination (NOT) section in the NPDES regulations (40 CFR 122.64(c)). The NPDES eRule made clear that the electronic reporting requirement for NOTs only applied to general permit covered facilities (see Table 1 to Appendix A, 40 CFR part 127). This proposed language clarifies the electronic reporting requirement for NOTs and helps ensure that the state burden associated with implementing the NPDES eRule is minimized.

J. Provide Greater Clarity on the “Applicable Effluent Limitations Guidelines” Data Element and Delete the Duplicative Data Element, “Applicable Categorical Standards”

EPA proposes to update the data description for the “Applicable Effluent Limitations Guidelines” data element to make clear that this data element applies to all NPDES-regulated entities and to clarify EPA's expectation that the authorized NPDES program should identify all applicable effluent limitations guidelines. Making these changes will also allow EPA to delete the “Applicable Categorical Standards” data element. EPA is also proposing to make conforming changes to the regulatory citation and “NPDES Data Group” columns in Table 2 (Appendix A to 40 CFR part 127).

This proposed change will help reduce the burden on states to create a duplicative data element, “Applicable Categorical Standards.” This change will help ensure that EPA and states have an accurate inventory of facilities that meet the applicability criteria of the one or more effluent guidelines as well as allow EPA to maintain an accurate inventory of facilities that do not have any applicable effluent guidelines. Finally, these changes will also help reduce state data sharing burden as the data description makes clear that the Control Authority can use pretreatment program report and the state can use the NOI submissions to manage these data.

K. Provide Greater Clarity on the “Receiving Waterbody Name for Permitted Feature” Data Element Name and Description

EPA proposes to delete the word “Receiving” from the “Receiving Waterbody Name for Permitted Feature” data element name and update the data description. EPA is also proposing to add conforming regulatory citations to 40 CFR 122.21(f)(9) for this data element as well as the “Source Water for Cooling Purposes” data element.

EPA recently updated the NPDES regulations governing individual NPDES permit applications (see 12 February 2019; 84 FR 3324). The Rule added 40 CFR 122.21(f)(9), requires individual permit applications to include the following cooling water information: “An indication of whether the facility uses cooling water and the source of the cooling water.” EPA now proposes a conforming change to the data element in Appendix A. This proposed change would also make clear that this data element is optional for other intake structures. EPA proposes to update the data sharing requirements for both individual and general permit covered facilities. This would ensure that there is consistent and complete reporting nationwide of industrial classification data, which are useful for regulatory decisions and program oversight.

L. Requiring NAICS Code Data To Match the 2019 NPDES Applications and Program Updates Final Rule

EPA proposes to update the data descriptions for the “NAICS Code” and “NAICS Code Primary Indicator” data elements. EPA is also proposing to add conforming regulatory citations to 40 CFR 122.21(f)(3) and 122.28(b)(2)(ii) for these data elements.

EPA proposes these changes to conform to its updated NPDES permit application regulations (see 12 February 2019; 84 FR 3324), which became effective on June 12, 2019. Since this date, applicants for EPA-issued NPDES permits are required to meet the new application requirements. EPA proposes to update each of the eight NPDES application forms to conform to the February 12, 2019 final rule and improve clarity and usability. States that are authorized to administer the NPDES program might require use of EPA's application forms or might have developed their own state-specific application forms. In either case, the final NPDES Applications and Program Updates Rule provides states up to one year to make conforming programmatic and regulatory changes, and up to two years if statutory changes are needed.

The 2019 NPDES Applications and Program Updates Final Rule requires permit applications to include data on the four-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and the six-digit NAICS codes. Prior to this 2019 rulemaking, EPA only required NPDES permit applications to include SIC code data. EPA is proposing to update the data sharing requirements for both individual and general permit covered facilities. This would ensure that there is consistent and complete reporting nationwide of industrial classification data, which are useful for regulatory decisions and program oversight. EPA is proposing to require states to share these NAICS code data with EPA when they approve NPDES permit coverage. This will help lower the implementation costs to states.

M. Add Variance Data Elements to Appendix A To Match the 2019 NPDES Applications and Program Updates Final Rule

EPA proposes to make changes to variance related data elements in Appendix A as well as add new variance related data elements. These variances relate to the following provisions in the CWA:

• Fundamentally different factors (FDFs) (CWA section 301(n));
• Non-conventional pollutants (CWA section 301(c) and (g));
• Water quality related effluent limitations (CWA Section 302(b)(2));
• Thermal discharges (CWA Section 316(a)); and
• Discharges to marine waters (CWA Section 301(h))].

EPA proposes to make conforming changes to the data element citations. EPA proposes to amend Table 2 to Appendix A for these variance data elements to include references to 40 CFR 123.41 (`Sharing of Information') for variances that do not expire (e.g., FDFs) as well as references to NPDES permit application variance information sections at 40 CFR 122.21(f)(10) and 122.21(j)(1)(ix).

EPA proposes to include these revised and new data elements in the minimum set of NPDES program data (Appendix A to 40 CFR part 127) as these data would allow EPA and states to better track variance requests and related statuses for the NPDES program. EPA recently updated the NPDES permit application regulations (40 CFR 122.21) and the related forms with the 2019 NPDES Applications and Program Updates final rule. EPA proposes updating the data sharing requirements for both individual and general permit covered facilities. This would ensure that there is consistent and complete reporting nationwide of variance data. EPA is proposing to require states to share these variance data with EPA when they approve NPDES permit coverage. This approach will integrate with the authorized NPDES program's data collection and sharing activities.

VI. Assistance to States To Implement Phase 2

EPA will continue to provide technical assistance and support to authorized NPDES programs during the transition to electronic reporting. This includes building electronic reporting tools for authorized NPDES programs that elect to use these tools and to support the development of new data transfer protocols. Authorized NPDES programs can request EPA's assistance for electronic reporting by submitting a request to NPDESeReporting@epa.gov.

EPA offers authorized programs financial assistance through the Exchange Network Grant Program. This program provides funding to states, territories, and federally recognized Indian tribes to support the development of the National Environmental Information Exchange Network. The primary outcome expected from Exchange Network assistance agreements is improved access to, and exchange of, high-quality environmental data from public and private sector sources. More information on this program is available at: https://www.epa.gov/​exchangenetwork/​exchange-network-grant-program.

EPA will continue to work with authorized NPDES programs to implement NPDES electronic reporting. This includes the use of workgroups to help authorized NPDES programs share data with EPA and to provide recommendations on how EPA should build the NNCR. Authorized NPDES programs can contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to learn how to join these workgroups.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

This action is not a significant regulatory action and was therefore not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review.

B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulations and Controlling Regulatory Costs

This action is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory action because this action is not significant under Executive Order 12866.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection activities in this proposed rule have been submitted for approval to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the PRA. The Information Collection Request (ICR) document that the EPA prepared has been assigned EPA ICR number [2617.01]. You can find a copy of the supporting statement for this ICR in the docket for this rule (see DCN 0016). It is briefly summarized here.

EPA has primary responsibility for ensuring the CWA's NPDES program is effectively and consistently implemented nationwide, thus ensuring that public health and environmental protection goals of the CWA are met. EPA is taking this action pursuant to CWA sections 101(f), 304(i), 308, 402, and 501. The accurate, complete, and timely information collected under this ICR will help EPA and states more efficiently implement the 2015 NPDES eRule. The improved information sharing would increase transparency and accountability and help EPA and authorized NPDES programs collaborate and measure progress in implementing the 2015 NPDES eRule. This information collection would provide EPA with more timely, consistent, and accurate inventory of all general permits and program reports, the number of facilities that must electronically submit reports, and the online location of state electronic reporting tools.

Receiving current high-level data on general permits and program reports is critical to EPA's ability to oversee and manage authorized NPDES programs. Authorizing the burden under this ICR will allow EPA to provide timely assistance to authorized NPDES programs as they implementation the NPDES eRule. The general permits and program reports inventory will help promote efficiencies in NPDES eRule implementation as states will be able to use this information to identify other states that have already developed electronic reporting tools. Additionally, with the implementation of this information collection activity, regulated entities would be able to ensure that they are fully aware of the compliance deadlines and electronic reporting tools for their reporting obligations.

Respondents/affected entities: This ICR covers the 47 states and one U.S. Territory authorized to implement the NPDES program.

Respondent's obligation to respond: EPA is taking this action pursuant to CWA sections 101(f), 304(i), 308, 402, and 501.

Estimated number of respondents: This ICR covers the 48 authorized NPDES programs.

Frequency of response: EPA estimates that twelve authorized NPDES programs will provide updated information on general permits and program reports and the related electronic reporting tools each month. Additionally, all 48 authorized NPDES programs will conduct an annual review and update of EPA's inventory. Finally, EPA estimates that approximately 15 authorized NPDES programs will prepare and submit an alternative Phase 2 compliance deadline request during the three-year period covered by the ICR.

Total estimated burden: 416 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).

Total estimated cost: $25,418 (per year), includes $0 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for the EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.

Submit your comments on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden to the EPA using the docket identified at the beginning of this rule. You may also send your ICR-related comments to OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs via email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attention: Desk Officer for the EPA. Since OMB is required to make a decision concerning the ICR between 30 and 60 days after receipt, OMB must receive comments no later than March 30, 2020. The EPA will respond to any ICR-related comments in the final rule.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

I certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. This action will not impose any requirements on small entities. This action does not affect small entities as the proposed changes in this action only cover states, tribes, and territories that have NPDES program authorization. The RFA defines “small governmental jurisdiction” as the government of a city, county, town, township, village, school district, or special district with a population of less than 50,000 (5 U.S.C. 601(5)). For the purposes of the RFA, States and tribal governments are not considered small governments.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

This action does not contain an unfunded mandate of $100 million or more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The proposed changes in this action help streamline the implementation of the NPDES eRule and provide states with more flexibility. EPA estimates that the additional time and flexibility afforded by the proposed changes will help lower the implementation costs.

F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments

This action does not have tribal implications as specified in Executive Order 13175. This action does not affect small entities as the proposed changes in this action only cover states, tribes, and territories that have NPDES program authorization. Currently there are no tribal governments that are authorized for the NPDES program. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action.

H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks

This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it is not economically significant as defined in Executive Order 12866, and because the EPA does not believe the environmental health or safety risks addressed by this action present a disproportionate risk to children. The proposed changes in this action only cover states, tribes, and territories that have NPDES program authorization.

I. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution or Use

This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, because it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.

J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)

This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.

K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

The EPA believes that this action does not have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority populations, low-income populations and/or indigenous peoples, as specified in Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). The proposed changes in this action only cover states, tribes, and territories that have NPDES program authorization.

List of Subjects

40 CFR Part 9

• Environmental protection
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

40 CFR Part 122

• Environmental protection
• Administrative practice and procedure
• Confidential business information
• Hazardous substances
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Water pollution control

40 CFR Part 123

• Environmental protection
• Administrative practice and procedure
• Confidential business information
• Hazardous substances
• Indians-lands
• Intergovernmental relations
• Penalties
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Water pollution control

40 CFR Part 127

• Environmental protection
• Administrative practice and procedure
• Automatic data processing
• Electronic data processing
• Hazardous substances
• Intergovernmental relations
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Sewage disposal
• Waste treatment and disposal
• Water pollution control

40 CFR Part 403

• Environmental protection
• Confidential business information
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Waste treatment and disposal
• Water pollution control

40 CFR Part 503

• Environmental protection
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Sewage disposal

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, EPA proposes to amend 40 CFR parts 9, 122, 123, 127, 403, and 503 as follows:

PART 9—OMB APPROVALS UNDER THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 135 et seq., 136-136y; 15 U.S.C. 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2601-2671; 21 U.S.C. 331j, 346a, 31 U.S.C. 9701; 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., 1311, 1313d, 1314, 1318, 1321, 1326, 1330, 1342, 1344, 1345 (d) and (e), 1361; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp. p. 973; 42 U.S.C. 241, 242b, 243, 246, 300f, 300g, 300g-1, 300g-2, 300g-3, 300g-4, 300g-5, 300g-6, 300j-1, 300j-2, 300j-3, 300j-4, 300j-9, 1857 et seq., 6901-6992k, 7401-7671q, 7542, 9601-9657, 11023, 11048.

2. In § 9.1, add the entry “127.24” in numerical order under the undesignated center heading “NPDES Electronic Reporting” to read as follows:

PART 122—EPA ADMINISTERED PERMIT PROGRAMS: THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM

3. The authority citation for part 122 continues to read as follows:

Authority: The Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

4. In § 122.26, revise paragraphs (b)(15)(i)(C) and (g)(1)(iii) to read as follows:

5. In § 122.28, revise paragraph (b)(2)(i) to read as follows:

6. In § 122.34, revise paragraph (d)(3) to read as follows:

7. In § 122.41, revise paragraphs (l)(6)(i), (l)(7), (m)(3)(i) and (ii) to read as follows:

8. In § 122.42, revise paragraphs (c) and (e)(4) to read as follows:

9. In § 122.64, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:

PART 123—STATE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

10. The authority citation for part 123 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

11. In § 123.45:

a. Revise the section heading.

b. Revise the introductory text.

c. Revise paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (iv).

d. Revise appendix A to § 123.45.

The revisions read as follows:

PART 127—NPDES ELECTRONIC REPORTING

12. The authority citation for part 127 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

13. In § 127.16, revise the table in paragraph (a) to read as follows:

14. In § 127.21, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:

15. In § 127.24:

a. Revise the section heading.

b. Add paragraphs (e) and (f).

The revision and additions read as follows:

16. In appendix A to part 127:

a. In table 1:

i. Revise the entry “9”.

b. In table 2:

i. Revise the entries “Permit Component”, “Applicable Effluent Limitations Guidelines”, “NAICS Code”, and “NAICS Code Primary Indicator” under the “Basic Permit Information” center heading.

ii. Delete the “Reportable Noncompliance Tracking” and “Reportable Noncompliance Tracking Start Date” entries under the “Basic Permit Information” center heading.

iii. Revise the entry “Receiving Waterbody Name for Permitted Feature” to “Waterbody Name for Permitted Feature” and related description under the “Permitted Feature Information” center heading.

iv. Revise the center heading from “Animal Feeding Operation Information on NPDES Permit Application or Notice of Intent” to “Animal Feeding Operation Information.”

v. Revise the entry “Facility CAAP Designation” to “Facility CAAP Status” and related description under the proposed revised “Animal Feeding Operation Information” center heading.

vi. Delete the entry “Applicable Categorical Standards” under the “Pretreatment Information on NPDES Permit Application or Notice of Intent (this includes permit application data required for all new and existing POTWs [40 CFR 122.21(j)(6)]” center heading.

vii. Revise the entry “Source Water for Cooling Purposes” under the “Cooling Water Intake Information on NPDES Permit Application or Notice of Intent” center heading.

viii. Revise the center heading from “CWA section 316(a) Thermal Variance Information on NPDES Permit Application or Notice of Intent” to “NPDES Variance Information.”

ix. Revise the entry “Thermal Variance Request Type” to “Variance Type” and “Thermal Variance Granted Date” to “Variance Action Date” and related descriptions under the proposed revised center heading “NPDES Variance Information.”

x. Add the following entries “Variance Request Version”, “Variance Status”, and “Variance Submission Date” under the proposed revised center heading “NPDES Variance Information.”

xi. Revise the entries “Deficiencies Identified Through the Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Compliance Monitoring”, “Deficiencies Identified Through the MS4 Compliance Monitoring”, “Deficiencies Identified Through the Pretreatment Compliance Monitoring”, and “Deficiencies Identified Through the Sewer Overflow/Bypass Compliance Monitoring” under the “Compliance Monitoring Activity Information (Program Data Generated from Authorized NPDES Programs and EPA)” center heading.

xii. Revise the entry “Biosolids or Sewage Sludge—Land Application or Surface Disposal Deficiencies” to “Biosolids or Sewage Sludge-Violations” under the “Compliance Monitoring Activity Information (Data Elements Specific to Sewage Sludge/Biosolids Annual Program Reports)” center heading.

The revisions and additions read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 127—Minimum Set of NPDES Data

PART 403—GENERAL PRETREATMENT REGULATIONS FOR EXISTING AND NEW SOURCES OF POLLUTION

17. The authority citation for part 403 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

18. In § 403.12, revise paragraphs (e)(1), (h), and (i) to read as follows:

PART 503—STANDARDS FOR THE USE OR DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE SLUDGE

19. The authority citation for part 503 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Sections 405(d) and (e) of the Clean Water Act, as amended by Pub. L. 95-217, sec. 54(d), 91 Stat. 1591 (33 U.S.C. 1345(d) and (e)); and Pub. L. 100-4, title IV, sec. 406(a), (b), 101 Stat., 71, 72 (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.).

20. Revise § 503.18 to read as follows:

21. Revise § 503.28 to read as follows:

22. Revise § 503.48 to read as follows:

Footnotes