Clarifying Federal General Permits Act
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act regarding general permits. It authorizes the Administrator to issue general permits for categories of similar discharges on a State, regional, or nationwide basis. If the Administrator does not publish a notice deciding not to issue a new permit, the terms of the expired permit continue to apply until a new permit is issued or a specific deadline passes.
Key points
Issuance of Permits: The Administrator may issue general permits for delineated areas or on a nationwide basis for categories of activities with similar discharges.
Notice Requirement: If the Administrator decides not to issue a new permit upon expiration, a notice must be published in the Federal Register at least two years in advance.
Continuity of Terms: If a permit expires without a prior non-renewal notice, its terms and conditions continue to apply until the situation is resolved.
Introduced
Citizen Poll