EPA Discharge Regulations

Discussion area for political and legal issues affecting Alaskan salmon fisheries.
Post Reply
ata
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Posts: 396
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:25 pm

EPA Discharge Regulations

Post by ata »

Hello All:

I was just informed this morning by the EPA that they have put out two federal register notices to try and correct the court ruling ordering discharge permits for all vessels. As usual, the comment period couldn't fall at a worse time - 45 days, starting now. There are public meetings and hearings scattered around the country, but they are at the worse time ever - starting this week through July 21, when the big hearing in DC will take place.

The news is good, in that EPA is trying to find a way to place you under a general permit, but I'm not yet sure what the terms of the permit are.

ATA will submit comments and try to attend one of the hearings, which are very poorly timed to be either accessible or affordable for fishermen. Will see if there's any chance of postponing the comment period deadline/hearing schedule, but don't hold out a lot of hope, as the EPA is under court order to remove the current exemption by Nov.1.

After I get a chance to review the regs it is likely ATA will draft a petition for the fleet and send to our board members and the processors, so be on the lookout. And, if you are inclined to do that yourselves, please do! Just be sure and send us a copy with enough time for me to submit it - ATA 130 Seward #205 Juneau 99801 or Fax: 907-586-4473

You can look up info on this topic here: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels

Federal Register Notice June 17, 2008: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-13615.htm

Comment deadline is August 1.
You can submit written comments here: http://www.epa.gov/edocket

Our congressional delegation has also been working on a fix and have a bill in play, so hopefully the regs mirror that.

I apologize for not having a grasp of the proposed regs yet, just got them a few minutes ago and thought it more important to immediately spread the word so you can review them yourselves before you leave town.

Oh, and if your dues aren't paid, you can certainly use the address above to get them in, or call 907-586-9400 and I can take your credit card order right over the phone. All these issues demand time and money.

Good morning...

Dale
Post Reply