[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 9 (Thursday, January 13, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2165-2176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-733]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-6521-8]


Final NPDES General Permit for Discharges From Ready-Mixed 
Concrete Plants, Concrete Products Plants and Their Associated 
Facilities in Texas (TXG110000)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).


[[Page 2166]]


ACTION: Final issuance of NPDES general permit.

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SUMMARY: EPA Region 6 today issues a National Pollutant Discharge 
Elimination System (NPDES) general permit authorizing discharges of 
facility waste water and contact storm water from ready-mixed concrete 
plants, concrete products plants and their associated facilities in 
Texas. This permit covers facilities having Standard Industrial 
Classification (SIC) Codes 3273 (manufacture of Ready-Mixed Concrete), 
3272 (manufacture of concrete products, except block and brick) and 
3271 (manufacture of concrete block and brick). This permit does not 
authorize the discharge of domestic sewage.
    The permit has limits on Oil and Grease, Total Suspended Solids and 
pH. There is also a requirement of no acute toxicity as determined by 
requiring greater than 50 % survival in 100 % effluent using a 24 hour 
acute test. In addition, the permit has limits on arsenic, barium, 
cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver 
and zinc as contained in Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission 
(TNRCC) Regulations for Hazardous Metals (30 TAC 319, Subchapter B). 
There is also the requirement to develop and implement a pollution 
prevention plan for the storm water discharges authorized by this 
permit.

DATES: The limits and monitoring requirements in this permit shall 
become effective on February 14, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Evelyn Rosborough, EPA Region 6, 
1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, telephone (214) 665-7515. 
Copies of the complete response to comments may be obtained from Ms. 
Rosborough. The complete response to comments and final permit can also 
be found on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/6wq.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulated categories and entities include:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Category                  Examples of regulated entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry............................  Operators of ready-mixed concrete
                                       plants, concrete products plants
                                       and their associated facilities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be regulated by this 
action. This table lists the types of entities that EPA is now aware 
could potentially be regulated by this action. Other types of entities 
not listed in the table could also be regulated. To determine whether 
your (facility, company, business, organization, etc.) is regulated by 
this action, you should carefully examine the applicability criteria in 
Part I, Section A.1 of this permit. If you have questions regarding the 
applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person 
listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
    Pursuant to section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C. 
section 1342, EPA proposed and solicited public comment on NPDES 
General Permit TXG110000 at 63 FR 40279 (July 28, 1998). The comment 
period closed on September 28, 1998. Region 6 received written comments 
from Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and Texas 
Aggregates & Concrete Association.
    EPA Region 6 has considered all comments received. In response to 
the comments, EPA agrees to reduce the monitoring frequency for the 24 
hour acute toxicity requirement from twice per year to once per year, 
and to allow a facility with multiple storm water outfalls discharging 
substantially identical storm water effluents to collect and analyze an 
effluent sample for one of those outfalls and report that the data also 
applies to the other substantially identical outfalls. In addition, the 
time period for existing dischargers to submit Notices of Intent to be 
covered by this permit was extended to within 90 days of the permit's 
effective date. The permit was also updated to reflect that, since 
TNRCC has now assumed NPDES authority for these types of discharges, 
Notices of Intent to be covered by this permit and Discharge Monitoring 
Reports are to be sent to TNRCC instead of EPA. At the request of 
TNRCC, Discharge Monitoring Report submission requirements were changed 
from annually to quarterly.

Other Legal Requirements

A. State Certification

    Under section 401(a)(1) of the Act, EPA may not issue an NPDES 
permit until the State in which the discharge will originate grants or 
waives certification to ensure compliance with appropriate requirements 
of the Act and State law. The Region has received certification, dated 
August 27, 1998, from the Texas Natural Resources Conservation 
Commission for NPDES General Permit TXG110000.

B. Endangered Species Act

    EPA has determined that issuance of this general permit is unlikely 
to adversely affect any threatened or endangered species or its 
critical habitat. EPA sought written concurrence from the United States 
Fish and Wildlife Service on this determination. In a letter dated 
September 2, 1998, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
concurred with EPA's finding that issuance of this general permit is 
not likely to adversely affect any federally listed species, provided 
that two general concerns were addressed in the permit. The first 
concern was in regard to the 24-hour acute testing requirement. The 
Service was concerned that the permit language does not specify as to 
how test organisms, daphnia pulex and the fathead minnow, are used in 
testing. The Service stated that the permit should state that testing 
of the effluent requires both species and that failure with either 
species beyond the 50% survival in 100% effluent would constitute 
failure. The second concern was that the permit should include language 
that permittees located in counties overlying the San Antonio and 
Barton Springs portion of the Edwards Aquifer (Kinney, Travis, 
Williamson, Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, Blanco, Hays, and Comal Counties) 
must consult the Edwards Aquifer Rules (30 TAC Chapter 213) and its 
amendments. In response to the Service's concerns, a requirement has 
been added to the Part I.C of the final permit requiring compliance 
with 30 TAC 213 (Edwards Aquifer Rules). The requirements for 24-hour 
acute testing contained in Part I.C and I.F of the permit already 
address the Service's concern regarding the 24 hour acute testing 
requirement.

C. Coastal Coordination Act

    Pursuant to Section 506.20 of 31 TAC of the Coastal Coordination 
Act, the Texas Coastal Coordination Council has reviewed the permit for 
consistency with the Texas Coastal Management Program. The Council has 
determined that the permit is consistent with the Texas Coastal 
Management Program goals and policies.

D. Historic Preservation Act

    Facilities which adversely affect properties listed or eligible for 
listing in the National Register of Historical Places are not 
authorized to discharge under this permit.

E. Economic Impact (Executive Order 12866)

    Under Executive Order 12866 [58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993)], the 
Agency must determine whether a regulatory action is ``significant'' 
and therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the 
Executive Order. The Order defines ``significant regulatory action'' as 
one that is likely

[[Page 2167]]

to result in a rule that may have an annual effect on the economy of 
$100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, 
a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal 
governments or communities; create a serious inconsistency or otherwise 
interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; materially 
alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan 
programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or raise 
novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the 
President's priorities, or the principles set forth in the Executive 
Order. EPA has determined that this general permit is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' under the terms of Executive Order 
12866 and is therefore not subject to formal OMB review prior to 
proposal.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection required by this permit has been 
approved by OMB under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq., in submission made for the NPDES permit program 
and assigned OMB control numbers 2040-0086 (NPDES permit application) 
and 2040-0004 (discharge monitoring reports).

G. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 201 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), Public Law 
104-4, generally requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of 
their ``regulatory actions'' on State, local, and tribal governments 
and the private sector. UMRA uses the term ``regulatory actions'' to 
refer to regulations. (See, e.g., UMRA section 201, ``Each agency shall 
* * * assess the effects of Federal regulatory actions * * * (other 
than to the extent that such regulations incorporate requirements 
specifically set forth in law)'' (emphasis added)). UMRA section 102 
defines ``regulation'' by reference to section 658 of Title 2 of the 
U.S. Code, which in turn defines ``regulation'' and ``rule'' by 
reference to section 601(2) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). 
That section of the RFA defines ``rule'' as ``any rule for which the 
agency publishes a notice of proposed rulemaking pursuant to section 
553(b) of [the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)], or any other law * 
* *''
    NPDES general permits are not ``rules'' under the APA and thus not 
subject to the APA requirement to publish a notice of proposed 
rulemaking. NPDES general permits are also not subject to such a 
requirement under the CWA. While EPA publishes a notice to solicit 
public comment on draft general permits, it does so pursuant to the CWA 
section 402(a) requirement to provide ``an opportunity for a hearing.'' 
Thus, NPDES general permits are not ``rules'' for RFA or UMRA purposes.
    EPA thinks it is unlikely that this permit issuance would contain a 
Federal requirement that might result in expenditures of $100 million 
or more for State, local and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or 
the private sector in any one year.
    The Agency also believes that the permit issuance would not 
significantly nor uniquely affect small governments. For UMRA purposes, 
``small governments'' is defined by reference to the definition of 
``small governmental jurisdiction'' under the RFA. (See UMRA section 
102(1), referencing 2 U.S.C. 658, which references section 601(5) of 
the RFA.) ``Small governmental jurisdiction'' means governments of 
cities, counties, towns, etc., with a population of less than 50,000, 
unless the agency establishes an alternative definition.
    The permit issuance also will not uniquely affect small governments 
because compliance with the proposed permit conditions affects small 
governments in the same manner as any other entities seeking coverage 
under the permit.

H. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq, requires that 
EPA prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis for regulations that have 
a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Compliance with the permit requirements will not result in a 
significant impact on dischargers, including small businesses, covered 
by this permit. EPA Region 6 therefore concludes that issuance of this 
permit will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

Authorization To Discharge Under the National Pollutant Discharge 
Elimination System

    In compliance with the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq: the ``Act''), this 
permit authorizes discharges to Waters of the United States of facility 
waste water and contact storm water from ready-mixed concrete plants, 
concrete products plants and their associated facilities in Texas. The 
discharges are authorized in accordance with effluent limitations and 
other conditions set forth in Parts I and II of this permit.
    In order for discharges to be authorized by this permit, operators 
of facilities discharging waste waters from ready-mixed concrete 
plants, concrete products plants and their associated facilities must 
submit written notification to the Regional Administrator that they 
intend to be covered (See Part I.A.2). For existing discharges, the 
notification must be submitted no later than 90 days after the 
effective date of this permit. For new dischargers, the notification 
must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the beginning of a 
discharge. Unless otherwise notified in writing by the Regional 
Administrator after submission of the notification, operators 
requesting coverage are authorized to discharge under this general 
permit. Operators who fail to notify the Regional Administrator of 
intent to be covered are not authorized to discharge under this general 
permit.
    Facilities which adversely affect properties listed or eligible for 
listing in the National Register of Historic Places are not authorized 
to discharge under this permit.
    This permit shall become effective at midnight, Central Time on 
February 14, 2000.
This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at 
midnight, Central Time on February 14, 2005.

    Signed this 23rd day of December, 1999.
William B. Hathaway,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division, EPA Region 6.

Part I.

Section A. Permit Applicability and Coverage Conditions

1. Discharges Covered
    This permit covers discharges of facility waste water and contact 
storm water from ready-mixed concrete plants, concrete products plants 
and their associated facilities in Texas. This permit covers facilities 
having Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes 3273 (manufacture 
of Ready-Mixed Concrete), 3272 (manufacture of concrete products, 
except block and brick) and 3271 (manufacture of concrete block and 
brick). This permit does not authorize the discharge of domestic 
sewage.
    Ready-mixed concrete plants are facilities, including temporary 
concrete batch plants, primarily engaged in mixing and delivering 
ready-mixed concrete as classified by SIC Code 3273.
    Concrete products plants are facilities primarily engaged in 
manufacturing concrete products as classified by SIC Code 3272, and 
facilities primarily

[[Page 2168]]

engaged in manufacturing concrete building blocks and bricks from a 
combination of cement and aggregate as classified by SIC Code 3271.
    Associated facilities are facilities associated with ready-mixed 
concrete plants or concrete products plants and establishments where 
maintenance and washing of ready-mix vehicles (both interior and 
exterior) or equipment occurs.
    Contact storm water means storm water which comes in contact with 
any raw material, product, by-product, co-product, intermediate or 
waste material.
    Domestic sewage means waterborne human or animal waste and waste 
from domestic activities, such as washing, bathing and food 
preparation.
    Facility waste water means any waste water which is generated at 
ready-mixed concrete plants, concrete products plants or associated 
facilities authorized by this permit, but not including domestic 
sewage.
2. Notice of Intent (NOI) To Be Covered
    Dischargers desiring coverage under this general NPDES permit must 
submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) which shall include the legal name and 
address of the operator, the location of the discharge (including the 
street address, if applicable, and the county of the facility for which 
the notification is submitted), the name of the receiving water, and a 
description of the facility(s) (ready-mixed concrete and/or concrete 
products plant and associated facilities, whether contact storm water 
is discharged). This NOI must be submitted within 90 days of the 
effective date of this permit for existing discharges and, for new 
discharges, at least 30 days before beginning the discharge.
    NOI's must be submitted on a form provided by TNRCC. The form may 
be obtained by telephoning Mr. Charles Eanes at (512) 239-4563, or by 
writing Mr. Eanes at the following address: Mr. Charles Eanes, MC-148, 
Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, P.O. Box 13087, 
Austin, Texas 78711-3087.
    Upon receipt of the notification, TNRCC will notify the facility of 
its specific facility identification number that must be used on all 
correspondence with the Commission.
3. Termination of Operations
    When all discharges associated with activities authorized by this 
permit are eliminated, or when the operator of the discharge associated 
with activity at a facility changes, the operator of the facility must 
submit a Notice of Termination that is signed in accordance with Part 
II.D.11 of this permit. The Notice of Termination shall include the 
following information: legal name, mailing address and telephone number 
of the operator; the facility identification number assigned by the 
Agency; and the location of the discharge.

Section B. Individual Permits

    1. Any operator authorized by this permit may request to be 
excluded from the coverage under this general permit by applying for an 
individual permit. The operator shall submit an application together 
with the reasons supporting the request to the Executive Director of 
TNRCC.
    2. When an individual NPDES permit is issued to an operator 
otherwise subject to this general permit, the applicability of the 
general permit to the permittee is automatically terminated on the 
effective date of the individual permit.

Section C. General Permit Limits

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              Parameter                                Daily max limit                            Sample type                 Monitoring  frequency
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow................................  N/A.............................................  Estimate.......................  1/month.
Oil and Grease......................  15 mg/l.........................................  Grab...........................  1/month.
Total Suspended Solids..............  65 mg/l.........................................  Grab...........................  1/month.
pH..................................  6.0-9.0 Std. Units..............................  Grab...........................  1/month.
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                                                                      Monthly        Daily max      Single grab
                                                                   average limit       limit           limit
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Arsenic(1)......................................................         .1 mg/l         .2 mg/l         .3 mg/l
Barium(1).......................................................        1.0 mg/l        2.0 mg/l        4.0 mg/l
Cadmium(1) (Inland Waters)......................................        .05 mg/l         .1 mg/l         .2 mg/l
Cadmium(1) (Tidal Waters).......................................         .1 mg/l         .2 mg/l         .3 mg/l
Chromium(1).....................................................         .5 mg/l        1.0 mg/l        5.0 mg/l
Copper(1).......................................................         .5 mg/l        1.0 mg/l        2.0 mg/l
Lead(1).........................................................         .5 mg/l        1.0 mg/l        1.5 mg/l
Manganese(1)....................................................        1.0 mg/l        2.0 mg/l        3.0 mg/l
Mercury(1)......................................................       .005 mg/l       .005 mg/l        .01 mg/l
Nickel(1).......................................................        1.0 mg/l        2.0 mg/l        3.0 mg/l
Selenium(1) (Inland Waters).....................................        .05 mg/l         .1 mg/l         .2 mg/l
Selenium(1) (Tidal Waters)......................................         .1 mg/l         .2 mg/l         .3 mg/l
Silver(1).......................................................        .05 mg/l         .1 mg/l         .2 mg/l
Zinc(1).........................................................        1.0 mg/l        2.0 mg/l       6.0 mg/l
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 (1) Monitoring frequency shall be a minimum of once per year using grab samples. See Section I.D of this
  permit.

    There shall be no acute toxicity as determined by requiring greater 
than 50% survival in 100% effluent using a 24 hour acute test. See 
Section I.F of this permit. Monitoring shall be a minimum of once per 
year using grab samples. See Section I.D of this permit.
    Permittees are prohibited from causing or allowing any activity 
pursuant to this permit which would be in violation of Title 30 Texas 
Administrative Code, Chapter 213 (Edwards Aquifer rules).

Section D. Monitoring at Substantially Identical Storm Water Outfalls

    Note: The requirements of this section apply to storm water only 
outfalls. They do not apply to outfalls containing facility waste 
water.
    When a facility has two or more storm water outfalls that, based on 
a consideration of industrial activity, significant materials, and 
management practices and activities within the area drained by the 
outfall, the permittee reasonable believes discharge

[[Page 2169]]

substantially identical effluents, the permittee may test the effluent 
of one of such outfalls and report that the quantitative data also 
applies to the substantialy identical outfalls provided that the 
permittee includes in the storm water pollution prevention plan a 
description of the location of the outfalls and explains in detail why 
the outfalls are expected to discharge substantially identical 
effluents. In addition, for each outfall that the permittee believes is 
representative, an estimate of the size of the drainage area (in square 
feet) and an estimate of the runoff coefficient of the drainage area 
(e.g., low (under 40%), medium (40 to 65 %), or high (above 65%)) shall 
be provided in the plan. The permittee shall include the description of 
the location of the outfalls, explanation of why outfalls are expected 
to discharge substantially identical effluents, and estimate of the 
size of the drainage area and runoff coefficient with the Discharge 
Monitoring Report.

Section E. Pollution Prevention Plan

    A Pollution Prevention Plan shall be prepared and implemented for 
each facility covered by this permit which discharges contact storm 
water. The plan shall identify potential sources of pollution that may 
reasonably be expected to affect the quality of contact storm water 
discharges from the facility. In addition, the plan shall describe and 
ensure the implementation of practices that are to be used to reduce 
the pollutants in contact storm water discharges at the facility and to 
assure compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit. 
Facilities must implement the provisions of the storm water pollution 
prevention plan as a condition of this permit. The plan shall be signed 
in accordance with Part II of the permit (Signatory Requirements) and 
be retained onsite at the facility that generates the storm water 
discharge in accordance with Part II (Retention of Records) of the 
permit.
    The Director, or authorized representative, may notify the 
permittee at any time that the plan does not meet one or more of the 
minimum requirements of this permit. Such notification shall identify 
those provisions of the permit that are not being met by the plan, and 
identify which provisions of the plan requires modifications in order 
to meet the minimum requirements of this part. Within 30 days of such 
notification, the permittee shall make the required changes to the plan 
and shall submit to the Director a written certification that the 
requested changes have been made.
    The permittee shall amend the plan whenever there is a change in 
design, construction, operation, or maintenance, that has a significant 
effect on the potential for the discharge of pollutants to waters of 
the United States or if the storm water pollution prevention plan 
proves to be ineffective in eliminating or significantly minimizing 
pollutants from sources identified in the contents of the plan, or in 
otherwise achieving the general objectives of controlling pollutants in 
the contact storm water discharges.
    The plan shall include, at a minimum, the following items:
    1. Pollution Prevention Team. Each plan shall identify a specific 
individual or individuals within the facility organization as members 
of a storm water Pollution Prevention Team that are responsible for 
developing the storm water pollution prevention plan and assisting the 
facility or plant manager in its implementation, maintenance and 
revision. The plan shall clearly identify the responsibilities of each 
team member. The activities and responsibilities of the team shall 
address all aspects of the facility's storm water pollution prevention 
plan.
    2. Description of Potential Pollutant Sources. Each plan shall 
provide a description of potential sources that may reasonably be 
expected to add significant amounts of pollutants to storm water 
discharges or that may result in the discharge of pollutants during dry 
weather from separate storm sewers draining the facility. Each plan 
shall identify all activities and significant materials that may 
potentially be significant pollutant sources. Each plan shall include, 
at a minimum:
    a. Drainage. (i) A site map indicating an outline of the portions 
of the drainage area of each storm water outfall that are within the 
facility boundaries, each existing structural control measure to reduce 
pollutants in storm water runoff, surface water bodies, locations where 
significant materials are exposed to precipitation, locations where 
major spills or leaks identified under Part c (Spills and Leaks), 
below, have occurred, and the locations of the following activities 
where such activities are exposed to precipitation: Fueling stations, 
vehicle and equipment maintenance and/or cleaning areas, loading/
unloading areas, locations used for the treatment, storage or disposal 
of wastes, liquid storage tanks, processing areas and storage areas. 
Facilities shall also identify, on the site map, the location of any: 
Bag house or other dust control device; recycle/sedimentation pond, 
clarifier or other device used for the treatment of process wastewater 
and the areas that drain to the treatment device. The map must indicate 
the outfall locations and the types of discharges contained in the 
drainage areas of the outfalls.
    (ii) For each area of the facility that generates contact storm 
water discharges with a reasonable potential for containing significant 
amounts of pollutants, a prediction of the direction of flow, and an 
identification of the types of pollutants that are likely to be present 
in the storm water discharges. Factors to consider include the toxicity 
of chemical; quantity of chemicals used, produced or discharged; the 
likelihood of contact with storm water; and history of significant 
leaks or spills of toxic or hazardous pollutants. Flows with a 
significant potential for causing erosion shall be identified.
    b. Inventory of Exposed Materials. An inventory of the types of 
materials handled at the site that potentially may be exposed to 
precipitation. Such inventory shall include a narrative description of 
significant materials that have been handled, treated, stored or 
disposed in a manner to allow exposure to storm water between the time 
of 3 years prior to the date of the submission of a Notice of Intent 
(NOI) to be covered under this permit and the present; method and 
location of onsite storage or disposal; materials management practices 
employed to minimize contact of materials with storm water runoff 
between the time of 3 years prior to the date of the submission of a 
Notice of Intent (NOI) to be covered under this permit and the present; 
the location and a description of existing structural and nonstructural 
control measures to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff; and a 
description of any treatment the storm water receives.
    c. Spills and Leaks. A list of significant spills and significant 
leaks of toxic or hazardous pollutants that occurred at areas that are 
exposed to precipitation or that otherwise drain to a storm water 
conveyance at the facility after the date of 3 years prior to the date 
of the submission of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to be covered under this 
permit. Such list shall be updated as appropriate during the term of 
the permit.
    d. Sampling Data. A summary of existing discharge sampling data 
describing pollutants in storm water discharges from the facility, 
including a summary of sampling data collected during the term of this 
permit.
    e. Risk Identification and Summary of Potential Pollutant Sources. 
A narrative description of the potential pollutant sources from the 
following activities:

[[Page 2170]]

Loading and unloading operations, outdoor storage activities, outdoor 
manufacturing or processing activities, significant dust or particulate 
generating processes, and onsite waste disposal practices. The 
description shall specifically list any significant potential source of 
pollutants at the site and, for each potential source, any pollutant or 
pollutant parameter (for example, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), etc.) 
of concern shall be identified.
    3. Measures and Controls. Each facility covered by this permit 
shall develop a description of storm water management controls 
appropriate for the facility, and implement such controls. The 
appropriateness and priorities of controls in a plan shall reflect 
identified potential sources of pollutants at the facility. The 
description of storm water management controls shall address the 
following minimum components, including a schedule for implementing 
such controls:
    a. Good Housekeeping. Good housekeeping requires the maintenance of 
areas that may contribute pollutants to storm water discharges in a 
clean, orderly manner.
    (i) Facilities shall prevent or minimize the discharge of spilled 
cement, aggregate (including sand or gravel), settled dust or other 
significant materials in storm water from paved portions of the site 
that are exposed to storm water. Measures used to minimize the presence 
of these materials may include regular sweeping, or other equivalent 
measures. The plan shall indicate the frequency of sweeping or other 
measures. The frequency shall be determined based upon consideration of 
the amount of industrial activity occurring in the area and frequency 
of precipitation, but shall not be less than once per week when cement 
or aggregate is being handled or otherwise processed in the area.
    (ii) Facilities shall prevent the exposure of fine granular solids 
such as cement to storm water. Where practicable, these materials shall 
be stored in enclosed silos, hoppers or buildings, in covered areas, or 
under covering.
    b. Preventive Maintenance. A preventive maintenance program shall 
involve routine inspection and maintenance of storm water management 
devices (for example, cleaning oil/water separators, catch basins) as 
well as inspecting and testing facility equipment and systems to 
uncover conditions that could cause breakdowns or failures resulting in 
discharges of pollutants to surface waters, and ensuring appropriate 
maintenance of such equipment and systems.
    c. Spill Prevention and Response Procedures. Areas where potential 
spills that can contribute pollutants to storm water discharges can 
occur, and their accompanying drainage points, shall be identified 
clearly in the storm water pollution prevention plan. Where 
appropriate, specifying material handling procedures, storage 
requirements, and use of equipment such as diversion valves in the plan 
should be considered. Procedures for cleaning up spills shall be 
identified in the plan and made available to the appropriate personnel. 
The necessary equipment to implement a clean up should be available to 
personnel.
    d. Inspections. Qualified facility personnel shall be identified to 
inspect designated equipment and areas of the facility specified in the 
plan. The inspection frequency shall be specified in the plan based 
upon a consideration of the level of industrial activity at the 
facility, but shall be a minimum of once per month while the facility 
is in operation. The inspection shall take place while the facility is 
in operation and shall at a minimum include all of the following areas 
that are exposed to storm water at the site: Material handling areas, 
above ground storage tanks, hoppers or silos, dust collection/
containment systems, truck wash down and equipment cleaning areas. 
Tracking or follow-up procedures shall be used to ensure that 
appropriate actions are taken in response to the inspections. Records 
of inspections shall be maintained.
    e. Employee Training. Employee training programs shall inform 
personnel responsible for implementing activities identified in the 
storm water pollution prevention plan or otherwise responsible for 
storm water management at all levels of responsibility of the 
components and goals of the storm water pollution prevention plan. 
Training should address topics such as spill response, good 
housekeeping, truck wash out procedures, equipment wash down procedures 
and material management practices. The pollution prevention plan shall 
identify periodic dates for such training.
    f. Record Keeping and Internal Reporting Procedures. A description 
of incidents (such as spills, or other discharges), along with other 
information describing the quality and quantity of storm water 
discharges shall be included in the plan required under this part. 
Inspections and maintenance activities shall be documented and records 
of such activities shall be incorporated into the plan.
    g. Sediment and Erosion Control. The plan shall identify areas 
that, due to topography, activities, or other factors, have a high 
potential for significant soil erosion, and identify structural, 
vegetative, and/or stabilization measures to be used to limit erosion.
    h. Management of Runoff. The plan shall contain a narrative 
consideration of the appropriateness of traditional storm water 
management practices (practices other than those that control the 
generation or source(s) of pollutants) used to divert, infiltrate, 
reuse, or otherwise manage storm water runoff in a manner that reduces 
pollutants in storm water discharges from the site. The plan shall 
provide that measures that the permittee determines to be reasonable 
and appropriate shall be implemented and maintained. The potential of 
various sources at the facility to contribute pollutants to storm water 
discharges (see Item 2 of this section--Description of Potential 
Pollutant Sources) shall be considered when determining reasonable and 
appropriate measures. Appropriate measures may include: reuse of 
collected storm water (such as for a process or as an irrigation 
source), inlet controls (such as oil/water separators), snow management 
activities, infiltration devices, and wet detention/retention devices 
or other equivalent measures.
    4. Comprehensive Site Compliance Evaluation. Qualified personnel 
shall conduct site compliance evaluations at appropriate intervals 
specified in the plan, but, in no case less than once a year. Such 
evaluations shall provide:
    a. Areas contributing to contact storm water discharges, including 
but not limited to: material handling areas, above ground storage 
tanks, hoppers or silos, dust collection/ containment systems, truck 
wash down and equipment. Cleaning areas shall be visually inspected for 
evidence of, or the potential for, pollutants entering the drainage 
system. Measures to reduce pollutant loadings shall be evaluated to 
determine whether they are adequate and properly implemented in 
accordance with the terms of the permit or whether additional control 
measures are needed. Structural storm water management measures, 
sediment and erosion control measures, and other structural pollution 
prevention measures, such as recycle ponds, identified in the plan 
shall be observed to ensure that they are operating correctly. A visual 
inspection of equipment needed to implement the plan, such as spill 
response equipment, shall be made.
    b. Based on the results of the evaluation, the description of 
potential

[[Page 2171]]

pollutant sources identified in the plan in accordance with Item 2 of 
this section (Description of Potential Pollutant Sources) and pollution 
prevention measures and controls identified in the plan in accordance 
with Item 3 of this section (Measures and Controls) shall be revised as 
appropriate within 2 weeks of such evaluation and shall provide for 
implementation of any changes to the plan in a timely manner, but in no 
case more than 12 weeks after the evaluation.
    c. A report summarizing the scope of the evaluation, personnel 
making the evaluation, the date(s) of the evaluation, major 
observations relating to the implementation of the storm water 
pollution prevention plan, and actions taken in accordance with Item 
4.b, above, shall be made and retained as part of the storm water 
pollution prevention plan for at least 3 years after the date of the 
evaluation. The report shall identify any incidents of noncompliance. 
Where a report does not identify any incidents of noncompliance, the 
report shall contain a certification that the facility is in compliance 
with the storm water pollution prevention plan and this permit. The 
report shall be signed in accordance with signatory requirements of the 
permit.
    d. Where compliance evaluation schedules overlap with inspections 
required under Item 3.d, above, the compliance evaluation may be 
conducted in place of one such inspection.

Section F. Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing

24-Hour Acute Testing for Discharges into Fresh Receiving Waters
1. Scope and Methodology
    a. The following test species shall be used:
    Daphnia pulex and pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow) acute static 
nonrenewal 24-hour toxicity tests. Use ``Methods for Measuring the 
Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and 
Marine Organisms'' (EPA/600/4-90/027F) or the latest update thereof. A 
minimum of 5 replicates with 8 organisms per replicate must be used in 
the control and in each effluent dilution of this test.
    b. The permittee shall test the effluent for lethality in 
accordance with the provisions of this section. Such testing will 
determine if an effluent sample meets the requirement of greater than 
50% survival of the appropriate test organisms in 100% effluent for a 
24-hour period.
    c. The permittee shall submit the results of these tests on the 
Discharge Monitoring Report.
    d. In addition to an appropriate control (0% effluent), a 100% 
effluent concentration shall be used in the toxicity tests.
2. Required Toxicity Testing Conditions
    a. Control/dilution water--Control and/or dilution water used in 
the test shall normally consist of a standard, synthetic, moderately 
hard, reconstituted water of similar pH and alkalinity to the closest 
downstream perennial water.
    b. Control Survival--If more than 10% of the test organisms in any 
control die within 24 hours, that test including the control and the 
100% effluent shall be repeated with all results from both tests 
reported as required in Item 3, below, of this section.
    c. The permittee shall repeat a test, including the control and all 
effluent dilutions, if the procedures and quality assurance 
requirements defined in the test methods or in this permit are not 
satisfied. A repeat test shall be conducted within the required 
reporting period of any test determined to be invalid, in accordance 
with Item 2.b of this section.
    d. Sample Collection and Preservation--Samples shall be collected 
at a point following the last treatment unit. One flow-weighted 
composite sample representative of normal operating flows will be 
collected from each outfall, and a discrete test will be run on each 
composite sample. Samples shall be chilled to 4 degrees Centigrade 
during collection, shipping, and/or storage. The toxicity tests must be 
initiated within 36 hours after collection of the sample. The composite 
sample must be collected such that the sample is representative of any 
periodic episode of chlorination, biocide usage, or other potentially 
toxic substance discharged on an intermittent basis.
3. Reporting
    a. The permittee shall prepare a full report of the results of all 
tests conducted pursuant to this Part in accordance with the Report 
Preparation section of EPA/600/4-90/027F for every valid or invalid 
toxicity test initiated, whether carried to completion or not. The 
permittee shall retain each full report pursuant to the provisions of 
Part II.C.3 of this permit. The permittee shall submit the information 
contained in any full report upon the specific request of the Agency.
    b. The permittee shall report the following results of each 
toxicity test on the DMR in accordance with Part II.D.4 of this permit:
    For pimephales promelas (Parameter No. TIE6D) and for daphnia pulex 
(Parameter No. TIE3D) enter the following codes on the DMR:
    ``0'' if mean survival at 24 hours is greater than 50% in 100% 
effluent;
    ``1'' if the mean survival at 24 hours is less than or equal to 50% 
in 100% effluent.
24-Hour Acute Testing for Discharges Into Marine Receiving Waters
1. Scope and Methodology
    a. The following test species shall be used:
    Mysidopsis bahia (Mysid shrimp) and menidia beryllina (Inland 
Silverside minnow) acute static nonrenewal 24-hour toxicity test. Use 
``Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving 
Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms'' (EPA/600/4-90/027F) or the 
latest update thereof. A minimum of 5 replicates with 8 organisms per 
replicate must be used in the control and in each effluent dilution of 
this test.
    b. The permittee shall test the effluent for lethality in 
accordance with the provisions of this section. Such testing will 
determine if an effluent sample meets the requirement of greater than 
50% survival of the appropriate test organisms in 100% effluent for a 
24-hour period.
    c. The permittee shall submit the results of these tests on the 
Discharge Monitoring Report.
    d. In addition to an appropriate control (0% effluent), a 100% 
effluent concentration shall be used in the toxicity tests.
2. Required Toxicity Testing Conditions
    a. Control/dilution water--Control and/or dilution water used in 
the test shall normally consist of a standard, synthetic, reconstituted 
seawater.
    b. Control Survival--If more than 10% of the test organisms in any 
control die within 24 hours, that test including the control and the 
100% effluent shall be repeated with all results from both tests 
reported as required in Item 3, below, of this section.
    c. Repeat Test--the permittee shall repeat a test, including the 
control and all effluent dilutions, if the procedures and quality 
assurance requirements defined in the test methods or in this permit 
are not satisfied. A repeat test shall be conducted within the required 
reporting period of any test determined to be invalid, in accordance 
with Item 2.b of this section.
    d. Sample Collection and Preservation--Samples shall be

[[Page 2172]]

collected at a point following the last treatment unit. One flow-
weighted composite sample representative of normal operating flows will 
be collected from each outfall, and a discrete test will be run on each 
composite sample. Samples shall be chilled to 4 degrees Centigrade 
during collection, shipping, and/or storage. The toxicity tests must be 
initiated within 36 hours after collection of the sample. The composite 
sample must be collected such that the sample is representative of any 
periodic episode of chlorination, biocide usage, or other potentially 
toxic substance discharged on an intermittent basis.
3. Reporting
    a. The permittee shall prepare a full report of the results of all 
tests conducted pursuant to this Part in accordance with the Report 
Preparation section of EPA/600/4-90/027F for every valid or invalid 
toxicity test initiated, whether carried to completion or not. The 
permittee shall retain each full report pursuant to the provisions of 
Part II.C.3 of this permit. The permittee shall submit the information 
contained in any full report upon the specific request of the Agency.
    b. The permittee shall report the following results of each 
toxicity test on the DMR in accordance with Part II.D.4 of this permit:
    For menidia beryllina (Parameter No. TIE6B) and mysidopsis bahia 
(Parameter No. TIE3E), enter the following codes on the DMR:
    ``0'' if mean survival at 24 hours is greater than 50% in 100% 
effluent;
    ``1'' if the mean survival at 24 hours is less than or equal to 50% 
in 100% effluent.

Part II

Section A. General Conditions

1. Introduction
    In accordance with the provisions of 40 CFR Part 122.41, et. seq., 
this permit incorporates by reference ALL conditions and requirements 
applicable to NPDES Permits set forth in the Clean Water Act, as 
amended, (hereinafter known as the ``Act'') as well as ALL applicable 
regulations.
2. Duty To Comply
    The permittee must comply with all conditions of this permit. Any 
permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Act and is grounds 
for enforcement action, for terminating coverage under this permit, or 
for requiring a permittee to apply for and obtain an individual NPDES 
permit.
3. Toxic Pollutants
    a. Notwithstanding Part II.A.4, if any toxic effluent standard or 
prohibition (including any schedule of compliance specified in such 
effluent standard or prohibition) is promulgated under Section 307(a) 
of the Act for a toxic pollutant which is present in the discharge and 
that standard or prohibition is more stringent than any limitation on 
the pollutant in this permit, this permit shall be modified or revoked 
and reissued to conform to the toxic effluent standard or prohibition.
    b. The permittee shall comply with effluent standards or 
prohibitions established under Section 307(a) of the Act for toxic 
pollutants within the time provided in the regulations that established 
those standards or prohibitions, even if the permit has not yet been 
modified to incorporate the requirement.
4. Permit Flexibility
    This permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated 
for cause in accordance with 40 CFR 122.62-64. The filing of a request 
for a permit modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, 
or a notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance, does 
not stay any permit condition.
5. Property Rights
    This permit does not convey any property rights of any sort, or any 
exclusive privilege.
6. Duty To Provide Information
    The permittee shall furnish to the Director, within a reasonable 
time, any information which the Director may request to determine 
whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or 
terminating this permit, or to determine compliance with this permit. 
The permittee shall also furnish to the Director, upon request, copies 
of records required to be kept by this permit.
7. Criminal and Civil Liability
    Except as provided in permit conditions on ``Bypassing'' and 
``Upsets'', nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the 
permittee from civil or criminal penalties for noncompliance. Any false 
or materially misleading representation or concealment of information 
required to be reported by the provisions of the permit, the Act, or 
applicable regulations, which avoids or effectively defeats the 
regulatory purpose of the Permit may subject the Permittee to criminal 
enforcement pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1001.
8. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability
    Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the 
institution of any legal action or relieve the permittee from any 
responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the permittee is 
or may be subject under Section 311 of the Act.
9. State Laws
    Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the 
institution of any legal action or relieve the permittee from any 
responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to any 
applicable State law or regulation under authority preserved by Section 
510 of the Act.
10. Severability
    The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision 
of this permit or the application of any provision of this permit to 
any circumstance is held invalid, the application of such provision to 
other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be 
affected thereby.

B. Proper Operation and Maintenance

1. Need To Halt or Reduce Not a Defense
    It shall not be a defense for a permittee in an enforcement action 
that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted 
activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this 
permit. The permittee is responsible for maintaining adequate 
safeguards to prevent the discharge of untreated or inadequately 
treated wastes during electrical power failure either by means of 
alternate power sources, standby generators or retention of 
inadequately treated effluent.
2. Duty To Mitigate
    The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or 
prevent any discharge in violation of this permit which has a 
reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the 
environment.
3. Proper Operation and Maintenance
    a. The permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain 
all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related 
appurtenances) which are installed or used by permittee as efficiently 
as possible and in a manner which will minimize upsets and discharges 
of excessive pollutants and will achieve compliance with the conditions 
of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also

[[Page 2173]]

includes adequate laboratory controls and appropriate quality assurance 
procedures. This provision requires the operation of backup or 
auxiliary facilities or similar systems which are installed by a 
permittee only when the operation is necessary to achieve compliance 
with the conditions of this permit.
    b. The permittee shall provide an adequate operating staff which is 
duly qualified to carry out operation, maintenance and testing 
functions required to insure compliance with the conditions of this 
permit.
4. Bypass of Treatment Facilities
a. Bypass Not Exceeding Limitations
    The permittee may allow any bypass to occur which does not cause 
effluent limitations to be exceeded, but only if it also is for 
essential maintenance to assure efficient operation. These bypasses are 
not subject to the provisions of Parts II.B.4.b. and 4.c.
b. Notice
(1) Anticipated Bypass
    If the permittee knows in advance of the need for a bypass, it 
shall submit prior notice, if possible at least ten days before the 
date of the bypass.
(2) Unanticipated Bypass
    The permittee shall, within 24 hours, submit notice of an 
unanticipated bypass as required in Part II.D.7.
c. Prohibition of Bypass
    (1) Bypass is prohibited, and the Director may take enforcement 
action against a permittee for bypass, unless:
    (a) Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal 
injury, or severe property damage;
    (b) There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the 
use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, 
or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This 
condition is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have 
been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to 
prevent a bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment 
downtime or preventive maintenance; and,
    (c) The permittee submitted notices as required by Part II.B.4.b.
    (2) The Director may allow an anticipated bypass after considering 
its adverse effects, if the Director determines that it will meet the 
three conditions listed at Part II.B.4.c(1).
5. Upset Conditions
a. Effect of an Upset
    An upset constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought 
for noncompliance with such technology-based permit effluent 
limitations if the requirements of Part II.B.5.b. are met. No 
determination made during administrative review of claims that 
noncompliance was caused by upset, and before an action for 
noncompliance, is final administrative action subject to judicial 
review.
b. Conditions Necessary for a Demonstration of Upset
    A permittee who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of 
upset shall demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous 
operating logs, or other relevant evidence that:
    (1) An upset occurred and that the permittee can identify the 
cause(s) of the upset;
    (2) The permitted facility was at the time being properly operated;
    (3) The permittee submitted notice of the upset as required by Part 
II.D.7; and,
    (4) The permittee complied with any remedial measures required by 
Part II.B.2.
c. Burden of Proof
    In any enforcement proceeding, the permittee seeking to establish 
the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof.
6. Removed Substances
    Unless otherwise authorized, solids, sewage sludges, filter 
backwash, or other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or 
waste water control shall be disposed of in a manner such as to prevent 
any pollutant from such materials from entering navigable waters.

C. Monitoring and Records

1. Inspection and Entry
    The permittee shall allow the Director, or an authorized 
representative, upon the presentation of credentials and other 
documents as may be required by the law to:
    a. Enter upon the permittee's premises where a regulated facility 
or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept 
under the conditions of this permit;
    b. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that 
must be kept under the conditions of this permit;
    c. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including 
monitoring and control equipment), practices or operations regulated or 
required under this permit; and
    d. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purpose of 
assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Act, any 
substances or parameters at any location.
2. Representative Sampling
    Samples and measurements taken for the purpose of monitoring shall 
be representative of the monitored activity.
3. Retention of Records
    The permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, 
including all calibration and maintenance records and all original 
strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, 
copies of all reports required by this permit, and records of all data 
used to complete the application for this permit, for a period of at 
least 3 years from the date of the sample, measurement, report, or 
application. This period may be extended by request of the Director at 
any time.
4. Record Contents
    Records of monitoring information shall include:
    a. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements;
    b. The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements;
    c. The date(s) and time(s) analyses were performed;
    d. The individual(s) who performed the analyses;
    e. The analytical techniques or methods used; and
    f. The results of such analyses.
5. Monitoring Procedures
    a. Monitoring must be conducted according to test procedures 
approved under 40 CFR Part 136, unless other test procedures have been 
specified in this permit or approved by the Regional Administrator.
    b. The permittee shall calibrate and perform maintenance procedures 
on all monitoring and analytical instruments at intervals frequent 
enough to insure accuracy of measurements and shall maintain 
appropriate records of such activities.
    c. An adequate analytical quality control program, including the 
analyses of sufficient standards, spikes, and duplicate samples to 
insure the accuracy of all required analytical results shall be 
maintained by the permittee or designated commercial laboratory.

[[Page 2174]]

D. Reporting Requirements

1. Planned Changes
    The permittee shall give notice to the Director as soon as possible 
of any planned physical alterations or additions to the permitted 
facility. Notice is required only when:
    a. The alteration or addition to a permitted facility may meet one 
of the criteria for determining whether a facility is a new source in 
40 CFR part 122.29(b); or,
    b. The alteration or addition could significantly change the nature 
or increase the quantity of pollutants discharged. This notification 
applies to pollutants which are subject neither to effluent limitations 
in the permit, nor to notification requirements listed at part 
II.D.10.a.
2. Anticipated Noncompliance
    The permittee shall give advance notice to the Director of any 
planned changes in the permitted facility or activity which may result 
in noncompliance with permit requirements.
3. Transfers
    Coverage under these permits is not transferable to any person 
except after notice to the Director.
4. Discharge Monitoring Reports and Other Reports
    The discharger shall report all analytical results on a Discharge 
Monitoring Report (DMR) Form (EPA Form 3320-1) in accordance with the 
``General Instructions'' provided on the form. Results of sampling 
activities shall be submitted to the TNRCC's Enforcement Division (MC-
224) on a quarterly basis and should arrive by the 20th day in the 
months of April, July, October and January. The permittee shall submit 
the original DMR signed and certified as required by Part II.D.11 and 
all other reports required by Part II.D. to the TNRCC at the following 
address: Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, Attn: Water 
Quality Management Information Systems Team, MC-224, P.O. Box 13087, 
Austin, Texas 78711-3087.
5. Additional Monitoring by the Permittee
    If the permittee monitors any pollutant more frequently than 
required by this permit, using test procedures approved under 40 CFR 
part 136 or as specified in this permit, the results of this monitoring 
shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data 
submitted in the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). Such increased 
monitoring frequency shall also be indicated on the DMR.
6. Averaging of Measurements
    Calculations for all limitations which require averaging of 
measurements shall utilize an arithmetic mean unless otherwise 
specified by the Director in the permit.
7. Twenty-Four Hour Reporting
    a. The permittee shall report any noncompliance which may endanger 
health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally to 
the EPA Region 6 24-hour voice mail box telephone number 214-665-6593 
within 24 hours from the time the permittee becomes aware of the 
circumstances. A written submission shall be provided within 5 days of 
the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The report 
shall contain the following information:
    (1) A description of the noncompliance and its cause;
    (2) The period of noncompliance including exact dates and times, 
and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time 
it is expected to continue; and,
    (3) Steps being taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence 
of the noncomplying discharge.
    b. The following shall be included as information which must be 
reported within 24 hours:
    (1) Any unanticipated bypass which exceeds any effluent limitation 
in the permit;
    (2) Any upset which exceeds any effluent limitation in the permit; 
and,
    (3) Violation of a maximum daily discharge limitation for any 
pollutants listed by the Director in Part II of the permit to be 
reported within 24 hours.
    c. The Director may waive the written report on a case-by-case 
basis if the oral report has been received within 24 hours.
8. Other Noncompliance
    The permittee shall report all instances of noncompliance not 
reported under Parts II.D.4 and D.7 and Part I.C at the time monitoring 
reports are submitted. The reports shall contain the information listed 
at Part II.D.7.
9. Other Information
    Where the permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any 
relevant facts in a permit application, or submitted incorrect 
information in a permit application or in any report to the Director, 
it shall promptly submit such facts or information.
10. Changes in Discharges of Toxic Substances
    The permittee shall notify the Director as soon as it knows or has 
reason to believe:
    a. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result 
in the discharge, on a routine or frequent basis, of any toxic 
pollutant listed at 40 CFR part 122, Appendix D, Tables II and III 
(excluding Total Phenols) which is not limited in the permit, if that 
discharge will exceed the highest of the following ``notification 
levels'':
    (1) One hundred micrograms per liter (100 ug/L);
    (2) Two hundred micrograms per liter (200 ug/L) for acrolein and 
acrylonitrile; five hundred micrograms per liter (500 ug/L) for 2,4-
dinitro-phenol and for 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol; and one milligram 
per liter (1 mg/L) for antimony;
    (3) Five (5) times the maximum concentration value reported for 
that pollutant in the permit application; or
    (4) The level established by the Director.
    b. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result 
in any discharge, on a non routine or infrequent basis, of a toxic 
pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will 
exceed the highest of the following ``notification levels'':
    (1) Five hundred micrograms per liter (500 ug/L);
    (2) One milligram per liter (1 mg/L) for antimony;
    (3) Ten (10) times the maximum concentration value reported for 
that pollutant in the permit application; or
    (4) The level established by the Director.
11. Signatory Requirements
    All applications, reports, or information submitted to the Director 
shall be signed and certified.
    a. all permit applications shall be signed as follows:
    (1) by a responsible corporate officer. For the purpose of this 
section, a responsible corporate officer means:
    (a) A president, secretary, treasurer, or vice-president of the 
corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other 
person who performs similar policy or decision making functions for the 
corporation; or,
    (b) For a Corporation--The manager of one or more manufacturing, 
production, or operating facilities employing more than 250 persons or 
having gross annual sales or expenditures exceeding $25 million (in 
second-quarter 1980 dollars), if authority to sign documents has been

[[Page 2175]]

assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate 
procedures.
    (2) For a Partnership or Sole Proprietorship--by a general partner 
or the proprietor, respectively.
    b. All Reports required by the permit and other information 
requested by the Director shall be signed by a person described above 
or by a duly authorized representative of that person. A person is a 
duly authorized representative only if:
    (1) The authorization is made in writing by a person described 
above;
    (2) The authorization specifies either an individual or a position 
having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated 
facility or activity, such as the position of plant manager, operator 
of a well or a well field, superintendent, or position of equivalent 
responsibility, or an individual or position having overall 
responsibility for environmental matters for the company. A duly 
authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or an 
individual occupying a named position; and,
    (3) The written authorization is submitted to the Director.
c. Certification
    Any person signing a document under this section shall make the 
following certification:
    ``I certify under penalty of law that this document and all 
attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 
accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel 
properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my 
inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those 
persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the 
information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, 
accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties 
for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and 
imprisonment for knowing violations.''
12. Availability of Reports
    Except for applications, effluent data, permits, and other data 
specified in 40 CFR 122.7, any information submitted pursuant to this 
permit may be claimed as confidential by the submitter. If no claim is 
made at the time of submission, information may be made available to 
the public without further notice.

E. Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions

1. Criminal
    a. Negligent Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
negligently violates permit conditions implementing Section 301, 302, 
306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act is subject to a fine of not less 
than $2,500 nor more than $25,000 per day of violation, or by 
imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both.
    b. Knowing Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
knowingly violates permit conditions implementing Sections 301, 302, 
306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act is subject to a fine of not less 
than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by 
imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or both.
    c. Knowing Endangerment. The Act provides that any person who 
knowingly violates permit conditions implementing Sections 301, 302, 
303, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act and who knows at that time 
that he is placing another person in imminent danger of death or 
serious bodily injury is subject to a fine of not more than $250,000, 
or by imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or both.
    d. False Statements. The Act provides that any person who knowingly 
makes any false material statement, representation, or certification in 
any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or 
required to be maintained under the Act or who knowingly falsifies, 
tampers with, or renders inaccurate, any monitoring device or method 
required to be maintained under the Act, shall upon conviction, be 
punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not 
more than 2 years, or by both. If a conviction of a person is for a 
violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this 
paragraph, punishment shall be by a fine of not more than $20,000 per 
day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 4 years, or by 
both. (See Section 309.c.4 of the Clean Water Act)
2. Civil Penalties
    The Act provides that any person who violates a permit condition 
implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act 
is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $27,500 per day for each 
violation.
3. Administrative Penalties
    The Act provides that any person who violates a permit condition 
implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act 
is subject to an administrative penalty, as follows:
    a. Class I Penalty. Not to exceed $11,000 per violation nor shall 
the maximum amount exceed $27,500.
    b. Class II Penalty. Not to exceed $11,000 per day for each day 
during which the violation continues nor shall the maximum amount 
exceed $137,500.

F. Definitions

    All definitions contained in Section 502 of the Act shall apply to 
this permit and are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise 
specified in this permit, additional definitions of words or phrases 
used in this permit are as follows:
    1. Act means the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et. seq.), as 
amended.
    2. Administrator means the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency.
    3. Applicable effluent standards and limitations means all state 
and Federal effluent standards and limitations to which a discharge is 
subject under the Act, including, but not limited to, effluent 
limitations, standards or performance, toxic effluent standards and 
prohibitions, and pretreatment standards.
    4. Applicable water quality standards means all water quality 
standards to which a discharge is subject under the Act.
    5. Associated facilities means facilities, including temporary 
concrete batch plants, primarily engaged in mixing and delivering 
ready-mixed concrete as classified by SIC Code 3273.
    6. Bypass means the intentional diversion of waste streams from any 
portion of a treatment facility.
    7. Concrete products plants means facilities primarily engaged in 
manufacturing concrete products as classified by SIC Code 3272, and 
facilities primarily engaged in manufacturing concrete building blocks 
and bricks from a combination of cement and aggregate as classified by 
SIC Code 3271.
    8. Contact storm water means storm water which comes in contact 
with any raw material, product, by-product, co-product intermediate or 
waste material.
    9. Daily max discharge limitation means the highest allowable 
``daily discharge'' during the calendar month.
    10. Director means the Executive Director of TNRCC or an authorized 
representative.
    11. Domestic sewage means waterborne human or animal waste and 
waste from domestic activities, such as washing, bathing and food 
preparation.
    12. Environmental protection agency means the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency.
    13. Facility (as defined in 40 CFR 122.2) means any NPDES ``point 
source'' or any other facility or activity

[[Page 2176]]

that is subject to regulation under the NPDES program.
    14. Facility waste water means any waste water which is generated 
at ready-mixed concrete plants, concrete products plants or associated 
facilities, but not including domestic sewage.
    15. Grab sample means an individual sample collected in less than 
15 minutes.
    16. National pollutant discharge elimination system means the 
national program for issuing, modifying, revoking and reissuing, 
terminating, monitoring and enforcing permits, and imposing and 
enforcing pretreatment requirements, under Sections 307, 318, 402, and 
405 of the Act.
    17. Ready-mixed concrete plants means facilities, including 
temporary concrete batch plants, primarily engaged in mixing and 
delivering ready-mixed concrete as classified by SIC Code 3273.
    18. Severe property damage means substantial physical damage to 
property, damage to the treatment facilities which causes them to 
become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural 
resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a 
bypass. Severe property damage does not mean economic loss caused by 
delays in production.
    19. Upset means an exceptional incident in which there is 
unintentional and temporary noncompliance with technology-based permit 
effluent limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control 
of the permittee. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent 
caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, 
inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or 
careless or improper operation.
    20. The term ``MGD'' shall mean million gallons per day.
    21. The term ``mg/L'' shall mean milligrams per liter or parts per 
million (ppm).

[FR Doc. 00-733 Filed 1-12-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P