[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 108 (Monday, June 5, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 35695]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14020]


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SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION


Notice of Compliance Incentive Program for SRBC Regulations

A. Purpose

    The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) approved Resolution 
2000-03 on April 18, 2000 establishing a ``Compliance Incentive 
Program'' to encourage existing, unapproved water users to come into 
compliance with SRBC's water withdrawal and consumptive water use 
regulations. During the compliance incentive period, SRBC will not 
assess penalties provided that applications are submitted by specified 
deadlines and the noncompliance has not: (1) Adversely affected the 
environment; or (2) interfered with other water users. Because 
penalties are being waived, the need for settlements is likewise 
avoided (including those involving payments for prior consumptive water 
use). SRBC's objective is to have all water users in the basin 
compliant with SRBC's water management regulations. Universal 
compliance serves to enhance SRBC's ability to properly plan for and 
manage the basin's water resources.

B. SRBC's Existing Regulations Subject to Compliance Incentive 
Program

     18 CFR 803.42--Consumptive Use of Water (This Requirement 
is not applicable to Agriculture)--more than 20,000 gallons per day 
(gpd) (averaged over 30 consecutive days) from any ground or surface 
water sources as of January 23, 1971. This regulation does not apply to 
projects that existed before January 23, 1971, UNLESS they increased 
their consumptive water use by more than 20,000 gpd after that date. 
Consumptive use of water is use in such a manner that the water does 
not return to the river basin; e.g. evaporation, incorporation into a 
product, diversion into another river basin.
     18 CFR 803.43--Ground-Water Withdrawals--more than 100,000 
gpd (averaged over 30 consecutive days) as of July 13, 1978. This 
regulation does not apply to projects that existed before July 13, 
1978, UNLESS they increased their ground-water withdrawals by more than 
100,000 gpd after that date.
     18 CFR 803.44--Surface Water Withdrawals--more than 
100,000 gpd (averaged over 30 consecutive days) as of November 11, 
1995. This regulation does not apply to projects that existed before 
November 11, 1995 UNLESS they increased their ground-water withdrawals 
by more than 100,000 gpd after that date.

C. Eligible Applicants

    To be eligible, unapproved water users must submit their water 
withdrawal and/or consumptive use applications by JUNE 30, 2001 (except 
for previously notified golf courses that are subject to alternate 
deadlines). During the eligibility period, the SRBC will not assess 
penalties. As noted above, because penalties are being waived, the need 
for settlements is likewise avoided (including those involving payments 
for prior consumptive water use).
    The approved method of compliance for consumptive use will be 
effective January 1, 2001, regardless of when SRBC acts on the 
applications. Application fees are not waived during this compliance 
incentive period.

D. Where to Obtain Additional Information

    To obtain more information, contact the Susquehanna River Basin 
Commission, 1721 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102-2391; Phone: 
717-238-0423, fax: 717-238-2436. We also encourage you to visit our 
website at http://www.srbc.net where the text of Resolution 2000-03 and 
SRBC's regulations and application forms are available. You may also e-
mail us at [email protected].

    Dated: May 18, 2000.
Paul O. Swartz,
Executive Director.
[FR Doc. 00-14020 Filed 6-2-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7040-01-P