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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 01-908

NOTICES

General NPDES Permit for Wet Weather Discharges from Combined Sewer Systems (PAG-6)

[31 Pa.B. 2744]

   In compliance with the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.A. § 1251 et seq.) and The Clean Streams Law (35 P. S. §§ 691.1--691.101), sections 1905-A, 1917-A and 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. §§ 510-5, 510-17 and 510-20), 25 Pa. Code § 92.82 (relating to public notice and public hearing), the Department of Environmental Protection (Department) by this notice seeks public comments on the proposed revisions to the Pennsylvania General NPDES Permit for Wet Weather Discharges from Combined Sewer Systems (PAG-6), the Notice of Intent (NOI) and other related permit documents. The general permit being revised now was last issued August 12, 2000, and is scheduled to expire on August 11, 2005.

   This is an amendment to the Department's NPDES CSO general permit (PAG-6) issued in compliance with 25 Pa. Code §§ 92.81--92.83 (relating to general NPDES permits; public notice and public hearing; and inclusion of individual dischargers in general NPDES permits). This general permit is consistent with the technical and substantive requirements in § 92.81(a)(1)--(8). Wet weather discharges from Combined Sewer Systems (CSOs) are eligible discharges for regulation under general permit because they:

   --Deal with the same or similar systems (that is, combined sewer systems),

   --Discharge the same type of wastes (that is, a combination of sewage and industrial waste pollutants),

   --Generally require same effluent limitations or other conditions (that is, nine minimum controls (NMCs) and long term control plans (LTCPs) as effluent limitations, best management practices and special conditions),

   --Require the same or similar monitoring conditions (that is, monthly and annual monitoring reports),

   --Do not discharge toxic or hazardous pollutants,

   --Can be appropriately controlled under general permits,

   --Are not expected to individually or cumulatively cause significant adverse environmental impacts,

   --Do not authorize discharge to waters classified as ''special Protection'' (that is, the general permit is not applicable in ''special Protection'' waters)

   The proposed revisions are necessary to clarify the General NPDES Permit as it relates to EPA's CSO policy and to clarify previous language. There is no change to the current permit application fee of $100 for general and $500 for an individual permits. The following paragraphs summarize proposed revisions to the current permit documents:

   (1)  The permit was reformatted to comply with a standard outline format. Modifications to the existing language were made to page 2, paragraphs 5 and 6; page 3 item I.D., item I.E. and the last paragraph on page 5 to clarify previous language. In addition, changes were made to page 7, item IV.A; page 16, items III.D. and E.; and page 17, item IV.B.2.c. for clarification. Additional changes were made throughout the document to clarify language. These changes do not constitute major changes to the document, but rather, a clarification of prior language.

   (2)  The provisions of Part C item III.A. previously required that until completion of the implementation of the Long Term Control Plan, the Combined Sewer Overflow could not contain any pollutant in amounts or concentrations that cause or contribute to an instream excursion above State water quality standards. New language has replaced this existing language to clarify that the provisions of 25 Pa. Code § 93.6 apply.

   The draft permit document package has been completed and is on file in the Department's Central Office in the Division of Wastewater Management, Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Management at the location noted. The draft documents are also available on DEP website at: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/Wqp/Forms/Forms_Home.htm. The package can be obtained by writing to the following address or by calling the telephone number given: Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Management, Division of Wastewater Management, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P. O. Box 8774, 11th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774, (717) 787-8184, e-mail address: marymille@state.pa.us.

   This notice provides for a process and an opportunity for public comments and input in finalization of the proposed revisions. The Department of Environmental Protection invites public comments on the proposed revisions and any other recommended changes that should be made to the general permit and related documents. All comments must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the publication of this notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. If there is significant public interest in the general permit or if requested, the comment period may be extended at the discretion of the Department for an additional 15-day period. Only the comments received within the specified period will be considered in the formulation of the final documents for this general permit. Persons wishing to comment should include their name, address, telephone number and a concise comment statement to inform the Department of the exact basis of the comment and the relevant facts upon which it is based. A public meeting or hearing may be held if the Department considers the public interests and/or comments significant. Written comments should be submitted at the previous address. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or on voice mail. Comments will also be accepted by e-mail and should be sent to: rpatel@state.pa.us.

   Persons with a disability may use the AT&T Relay Service by calling (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users). Following the specified comment period, the Department will review all submitted comments, prepare a written comments and response document (CRD) and prepare final documents package for this permit. An availability of the final permit documents will be announced in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Anyone wishing to also receive a copy of the final documents may request them by contacting the previous addresses or telephone numbers.

DAVID H. HESS,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-908. Filed for public inspection May 25, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]


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