[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 5 (Monday, January 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 915-916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00096]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-10152-03-R10]


Reissuance of NPDES General Permit for Federal Aquaculture 
Facilities and Aquaculture Facilities Located in Indian Country in 
Washington (WAG130000)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Reissuance of NPDES General Permit.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, is reissuing 
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General 
Permit for Federal Aquaculture Facilities and Aquaculture Facilities 
Located in Indian Country in Washington (WAG130000).

DATES: The reissuance date of the general permit is January 8, 2024. 
The

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general permit will be effective March 1, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the general permit, 2022 fact sheet, 2023 fact 
sheet addendum, and response to comments document are available online: 
https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/npdes-general-permit-federal-aquaculture-facilities-and-aquaculture-facilities-located.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests may be made to Audrey 
Washington at (206) 553-0523. Requests may also be electronically 
mailed to: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    On September 7, 2022, EPA Region 10 proposed to reissue the general 
permit (87 FR 54688). In response to requests from the regulated 
community, EPA Region 10 extended the end of the public comment period 
from November 7 to December 22, 2022 (87 FR 66178). On July 18, 2023, 
EPA Region 10 initiated a second public comment period focused 
exclusively on four changes made to the General Permit (88 FR 45901). 
Eligible facilities include Concentrated Aquatic Animal Production 
(CAAP) facilities, non-CAAP facilities, aquaculture research 
facilities, and dam fish passage facilities. Currently, there are 32 
facilities covered under the existing administratively continued 
general permit. Existing aquaculture facilities may request 
authorization to discharge under the general permit by submitting a 
Notice of Intent (NOI) no more than ninety (90) days following the 
effective date of the general permit. New facilities that begin 
operations after the effective date of the general permit must submit a 
NOI at least 180 days prior to initiation of operations. Upon receipt, 
EPA will review the NOI to ensure that all permit requirements are met. 
If determined appropriate by EPA, a discharger will be granted coverage 
under the general permit upon the date that EPA provides written 
notification.
    Please see the general permit and fact sheet.

Other Legal Requirements

    This action is not a significant regulatory action and was 
therefore not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
for review.
    In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an 
Environmental Assessment (EA) and associated Finding of No Significant 
Impact (FONSI) for a proposed facility at Cassimer Bar was available 
for review and comment along with this general permit.
    Compliance with Endangered Species Act, Essential Fish Habitat, 
Paperwork Reduction Act, and other requirements are discussed in the 
2022 fact sheet to the general permit.
    Appeal of Permit: Any interested person may appeal the final permit 
action on or before May 7, 2024 (i.e., 120 days from the issuance date 
of this permit) in the Federal Court of Appeals in accordance with 
section 509(b)(1) of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. 1369(b)(1).

Caleb Shaffer,
Acting Director, Water Division, Region 10.
[FR Doc. 2024-00096 Filed 1-5-24; 8:45 am]
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