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EPA/WATER

RIN: 2040-AC87

Publication ID: Fall 1997

Title: Streamlining the State Sewage Sludge Management Regulations
Abstract: The requirements for States seeking authorization of their sewage sludge programs are set out at 40 CFR parts 123 (for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) programs) and 501 (for non-NPDES programs). These requirements were modeled on the NPDES requirements for authorization of wastewater effluent discharge programs. Many States manage sewage sludge through their solid waste programs, which are often structured differently from NPDES programs. As a result, States may not always be able to meet all the requirements of parts 123 or 501. The Agency wants States with well-run sewage sludge management programs to be eligible for authorization without having to make unnecessary administrative changes to their programs. Proposed changes would streamline the existing regulations to ease the authorization process for States and ensure that decisions are made based on true environmental and public health considerations.
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 123 40 CFR 501
Legal Authority: 33 USC 1345(f) Clean Water Act sec 405(f)

Statement of Need: EPA wants States with well-run biosolids management programs to be able to become authorized without having to make unnecessary administrative changes to their programs. This rule will streamline the current regulations to ease the authorization process for States.

Summary of the Legal Basis: This action is not required by law or court order.

Alternatives: Several drafts were distributed for wide-spread comment. These drafts ranged from minimum changes to very extensive revisions. The proposed alternative was a compromise based on comments.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: There are no anticipated costs to this rule. It provides States with additional flexibility in complying with pre-existing rules. The anticipated benefits are that more States will become authorized to manage the Federal biosolids program.

Risks: This rule should not have any effect on risks to public health, safety, or the environment since it is a rule to streamline program management requirements.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	03/11/1997	62 FR 11270
Final	12/00/1997

Additional Information: SAN No. 3788. ^PRFA: N
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
Agency Contact: Wendy Bell Environmental Protection Agency Water 4203M, Washington, DC 20460 Phone:202 564-0746 Fax:202 564-6392 Email: bell.wendy@epamail.epa.gov