Water pollution; discharge of pollutants (NPDES): New Mexico et al.; concentrated animal feeding operations; general permits for discharge,

[Federal Register: January 26, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 16)]

[Notices]

[Page 3942-3943]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr26ja99-83]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-6224-5]

Notice of Environmental Assessment on the Proposed Reissuance of General Permits for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice; request for comment on environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact.

SUMMARY: The Regional Administrator of EPA Region 6 has preliminarily determined that reissuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permits authorizing discharges from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Texas (TXG800000, TXG810000), Oklahoma

[[Page 3943]]

(OKG800000, OKG810000), and New Mexico (NMG800000, NMG810000) will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and that preparation of an environmental impact statement for further evaluation of that action is thus unnecessary. The environmental assessment (EA) supporting that preliminary determination describes the EPA's currently preferred alternatives, which differ in some instances from alternatives previously described in the notice proposing these permit actions. Interested Federal, State and local agencies, environmental groups, and individuals are invited to submit written comments on the preliminary determination and on the EA.

DATES: Written comments on EPA's finding of no significant impact (FONSI) or the EA may be submitted to the address below on or before February 25, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FONSI and supporting environmental assessment (EA) may be obtained from Robert D. Lawrence, Acting Associate Director, Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division (6EN-XP), EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733; Telephone (214) 665-2258. Written comments should be submitted to Mr. Lawrence at the same address.

The FONSI and EA are also available on the internet at the following website address: http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/npdes/ genpermt

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on this matter, please write or call Mr. Lawrence at the above address and telephone number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA Region 6 proposed to reissue NPDES permits authorizing discharges from CAFOs in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico at 63 FR 34874 (June 26, 1998). On September 11, 1998, the Agency reopened the comment period to solicit additional comments on a number of specific issues. See 63 FR 48731. EPA is still considering numerous comments it received on the proposed permits.

The Agency has prepared an EA to assist it in determining whether the proposed permit action may significantly affect the quality of the human environment and thus require preparation of an environmental impact statement pursuant to section 102(2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In some areas, the EA describes EPA's currently preferred alternatives, which differ somewhat from alternatives described in its June 26, 1998, proposal. The public is also welcome to comment on this revised thinking/analysis. EPA will make no final decision on the FONSI or proposed permits until it considers all timely comments it receives. Samuel J. Coleman, Director, Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division (6EN), Region 6.

[FR Doc. 99-1755Filed1-25-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-P