[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 12628]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05444]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9924-27-Region-6]


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

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA's) decision to partially approve and proposal to 
partially disapprove Louisiana's 2014 Clean Water Act Section 303(d) 
submission of water quality limited segments and associated pollutants. 
EPA requests public comment on waters associated with the proposed 
disapproval and may, based on comment, amend its proposal prior to 
final action.
    On February 26, 2015, EPA partially approved and proposed to 
partially disapprove Louisiana's 2014 Section 303(d) submission, or 
list. Specifically, EPA approved Louisiana's listing of 279 waterbody-
pollutant combinations, and associated priority rankings. EPA proposed 
to disapprove Louisiana's decision not to list 43 water quality limited 
segments and associated pollutants constituting 93 waterbody-pollutant 
combinations. EPA also proposed to add these waterbody-pollutant 
combinations to the 2014 Section 303(d) list because applicable numeric 
water quality standards were not attained in these segments for one of 
the following parameters: Dissolved oxygen (marine criterion); 
turbidity; and minerals (individually or a combination of sulfates, 
chlorides, and/or total dissolved solids).
    EPA is providing the public the opportunity to review its proposed 
additions to Louisiana's 2014 Section 303(d) list. EPA will consider 
and respond to public comments specific to the proposed addition of 43 
segments and associated pollutants and may, based on comment, amend its 
proposed additions before finalizing Louisiana's 2014 Section 303(d) 
list. Comments not associated with the segments proposed for addition 
to the 2014 Section 303(d) list or associated with the 279 waterbody 
pollutant combinations previously approved by EPA are not solicited.

DATES: Comments must be submitted in writing to EPA on or before March 
30, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the decisions should be sent to Evelyn 
Rosborough, Environmental Protection Specialist, Water Quality 
Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6, 
1445 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75202-2733, telephone (214) 665-7515, 
facsimile (214) 665-6490, or email: [email protected]. Oral 
comments will not be considered. Copies of the documents which explain 
the rationale for EPA's decisions and a list of the 43 water quality-
limited segments and associated pollutant combinations EPA proposes for 
inclusion on Louisiana's Final 2014 Section 303(d) list can be obtained 
at EPA Region 6's Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/npdes/tmdl/index.htm, or by writing or calling Ms. Rosborough at the above 
address. Underlying documents from the administrative record for these 
decisions are available for public inspection at the above address. 
Please contact Ms. Rosborough to schedule an inspection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Evelyn Rosborough at (214) 665-7515.

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 Total Maximum Daily Loads (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 list 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).
    Consistent with EPA's regulations, Louisiana submitted to EPA its 
listing decisions under Section 303(d) on August 19, 2014. On February 
26, 2015, EPA approved Louisiana's listing of 279 waterbody-pollutant 
combinations and associated priority rankings. EPA proposed to 
disapprove Louisiana's decisions not to list 43 waterbodies. These 
waterbodies were proposed for addition by EPA because the applicable 
numeric water quality standards for dissolved oxygen; or turbidity; or 
mineral(s) were not attained in these segments. EPA solicits public 
comment on its identification of 43 additional waters and associated 
pollutants constituting 93 waterbody pollutant combinations for 
inclusion on Louisiana's Final 2014 Section 303(d) list.

    Dated: February 26, 2015.
William K. Honker,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division.
[FR Doc. 2015-05444 Filed 3-9-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P