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EPA/WATER RIN: 2040-AD87 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: Statement of Policy--NPDES Permit Requirements for Peak Wet Weather Discharges From Publicly Owned Treatment Work Treatment Plants Serving Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems 
Abstract: During periods of wet weather, wastewater flows received by municipal sewage treatment plants can significantly increase, which can create operational challenges for sewage treatment facilities. Where peak flows approach or exceed the design capacity of a treatment plant they can seriously reduce treatment efficiency or damage treatment units. In addition to hydraulic concerns, wastewater associated with peak flows may have low organic strength, which can also decrease treatment efficiencies. One engineering practice that some facilities use to protect biological treatment units from damage and to prevent overflows and backups elsewhere in the system is referred to as wet weather blending. Wet weather blending occurs during peak wet weather flow events when flows that exceed the capacity of the biological units are routed around the biological units and blended with effluent from the biological units prior to discharge. Regulatory agencies, sewage treatment plant operators, and representatives of environmental advocacy groups have expressed uncertainty about National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements addressing such situations. EPA requested public comment on a proposed policy published on November 7, 2003, and on a revised proposed policy on December 22, 2005. EPA did not finalize the policy. The policy options associated with this activity are still under review. EPA is holding a meeting with key stakeholders in July 2011 to discuss the issues addressed in the draft policy. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 122.41(m)   
Legal Authority: 33 USC 1311    33 USC 1318    33 USC 1342    33 USC 1361   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
1st Draft Policy  11/07/2003  68 FR 63042   
1st Draft Policy Comment Period End  01/09/2004    
2nd Draft Policy  12/22/2005  70 FR 76013   
Final Policy  To Be Determined    
Additional Information: EPA Docket information: EPA-HQ-OW-2005-0523
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.epa.gov/npdes  
Sectors Affected: 22132 Sewage Treatment Facilities 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Greg Schaner
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
Mail Code 4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 564-0721
Fax:202 564-0742
Email: schaner.greg@epa.gov

Kevin Weiss
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 564-0742
Fax:202 564-0717
Email: weiss.kevin@epa.gov