[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 118 (Thursday, June 19, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 36790]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15516]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-7515-1]


Clean Water Act Section 303(d): Availability of List Decision

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of availability and opportunity to comment.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's decision 
identifying water quality limited segments and associated pollutants in 
Wisconsin to be listed pursuant to the Clean Water Act section 
303(d)(2), and requests public comment. Section 303(d)(2) requires that 
states submit and EPA approve or disapprove lists of waters for which 
existing technology-based pollution controls are not stringent enough 
to attain or maintain state water quality standards and for which total 
maximum daily loads (TMDLs) must be prepared.
    On May 19, 2003, EPA partially approved and partially disapproved 
Wisconsin's submittal. Specifically, EPA approved Wisconsin's listing 
of 596 waters, associated pollutants, and associated priority rankings. 
EPA disapproved Wisconsin's decision not to list ten water quality 
limited segments and associated pollutants. EPA identified these 
additional water bodies and pollutants along with priority rankings for 
inclusion on the 2002 section 303(d) list.
    EPA is providing the public the opportunity to review its decision 
to add waters and pollutants to Wisconsin's 2002 section 303(d) list, 
as required by EPA's Public Participation regulations. EPA will 
consider public comments in reaching its final decision on the 
additional water bodies and pollutants identified for inclusion on 
Wisconsin's final list.

DATES: Comments on this document must be received in writing by July 
21, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on today's notice may be submitted to Jo 
Lynn Traub, Director, Water Division, Attn: Wisconsin 303(d) list, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, 
Illinois 60604. As an alternative, EPA will accept comments 
electronically. Comments should be sent to the following Internet Email 
Address: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Keclik, Watersheds and Wetlands 
Branch, at the EPA address noted above or by telephone at (312) 886-
6766.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) 
requires that each state identify those waters for which existing 
technology-based pollution controls are not stringent enough to attain 
or maintain state water quality standards. For those waters, states are 
required to establish TMDLs according to a priority ranking.
    EPA's Water Quality Planning and Management regulations include 
requirements related to the implementation of section 303(d) of the CWA 
(40 CFR 130.7). The regulations require states to identify water 
quality limited waters still requiring TMDLs every two years. The lists 
of waters still needing TMDLs must also include priority rankings and 
must identify the waters targeted for TMDL development during the next 
two years (40 CFR 130.7). On March 31, 2000 EPA promulgated a revision 
to this regulation that waived the requirement for states to submit 
section 303(d) lists in 2000 except in cases where a court order, 
consent decree, or settlement agreement required EPA to take action on 
a list in 2000 (65 FR 17170).
    Consistent with EPA's regulations, Wisconsin submitted to EPA its 
listing decision under section 303(d)(2) on November 4, 2002. On May 
19, 2003, EPA approved Wisconsin's listing of 596 waters and associated 
priority rankings. EPA disapproved Wisconsin's decision not to list ten 
water quality limited segments and associated pollutants. EPA 
identified these additional waters and pollutants along with priority 
rankings for inclusion on the 2002 section 303(d) list. EPA solicits 
public comment on its identification of ten additional waters and 
associated pollutants for inclusion on Wisconsin's 2002 section 303(d) 
list.

    Dated: June 12, 2003.
Timothy C. Henry,
Acting Director, Water Division, EPA Region 5.
[FR Doc. 03-15516 Filed 6-18-03; 8:45 am]
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