U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL NVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ROTECTION AGENCY

OFFICE OF WASTEWATER ASTEWATER MANAGEM

ANAGEM

OWM Accomplishments Report OWM Accomplishments Report

2007
2 

Message from 

the Director 

February 2008 

The OWM 2007 Accomplishments Report provides a snapshot of 

the most significant performance milestones for the Office of 

Wastewater Management (OWM) during the year. New initiatives and accomplishments in areas such as green infrastructure, 

energy management and water efficiency will help our nation 

keep our water clean and protect the health of future generations

With the assistance of our partners, including state and local 

governments, tribes and non-government organizations, OWM 

has made great progress in meeting the goals of the Office of 

Water and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But it i

our talented and dedicated staff who create the energy to keep us 

moving forward to meet those goals and hold true to its core 

mission: to keep our water clean. 

Jim Hanlon 

Director 

Office of Wastewater Management 
3 

Contents 

Message from the Director......................2 

OWM Mission.......................................4 

About OWM.........................................5 

Program Highlights................................7 

OWM Results Areas 

Clean Water State Revolving Fund...........8 

Rural Program......................................9 

Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative.........10 

Wet Weather / Stormwater Program........11 

State & Regional Program.....................12 

State & Tribal Capacity Building..............13 

Industrial Program...............................14 

Sustainable Communities......................15 
4 

OWM Mission OWM Mission

To help meet the nation’s clean water To help meet the nation’s clean water 

goals by ensuring that appropriate goals by ensuring that appropriate 

regulatory standards, voluntary regulatory standards, voluntary 

management approaches, information, management approaches, information, 

financial resources, and technical financial resources, and technical 

assistance are provided to states, assistance are provided to states, 

communities, and regulated entities. communities, and regulated entities.
5 

programs are designed to ensure that not only is our water safe to 

drink, but that our surface waters and aquatic ecosystems protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide 

healthy habitat for fish, plants, and wildlife. Our office supports EPA’s 

goals for clean and safe water, and healthy communities and ecosystems. 

While OWM helps regulate and promote effective and responsible 

wastewater treatment, our programs consist of more than just wastewater management: 

• Our Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances a wide range of 

water quality protection projects for nonpoint source pollution control, 

and watershed and estuary management, in addition to wastewater 

treatment projects. 

• One of our newest programs, WaterSense, makes it easy for consumers to find products and services 

that save water while ensuring product 

performance. 

• Our Green Infrastructure initiative 

focuses renewed attention on a 

blossoming approach to stormwater 

management and treats stormwater 

as a valuable resource rather than 

as a problem. It promotes the use of 

green roofs, rain gardens, porous 

pavements and other techniques 

that result in improved water and air 

quality, energy and costs savings, 

enhanced water supplies, habitat 

creation and source water protection. 

• The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 

Program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that 

discharge pollutants into our surface waters. 

• Our Stormwater Program oversees the control of stormwater runoff 

through the issuance of NPDES stormwater permits and provides 

outreach and support to EPA regions and states on issuance and 

oversight of those permits. It also educates local governments, industries, builders, and the public about the impact stormwater has on our 

local waterways and how to keep pollutants out of stormwater. 

• Under our Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative, OWM is promoting 

widespread adoption of better management practices, water efficiency, full cost pricing and watershed approaches to reduce costs 

and increase system investments. 

OWM Leadership 

James Hanlon, Directo

Judy Davis, Deputy Dir

Planning, Information 

Resources Manageme

Staff 

Len Bechtel, Director 

Municipal Support Div

Sheila Frace, Director 

Sylvia Bell, Deputy Dire

Municipal Assistance B

 Benjamin Hamm, Chie

Municipal Technology B

 Phil Zahreddine, Chie

State Revolving Fund B

 George Ames, Chief 

Water Permits Divisio

Linda Boornazian, Dire

Elaine Brenner, Assoc. D

State/Regional Branch 

 Tom Laverty, Chief 

Municipal Branch 

 Donald Brady, Chief 

Rural Branch 

 Allison Wiedeman, Ch

Industrial Branch 

 Deborah Nagle, Chief 
6 

employees promote effective and responsible water use, treatm

disposal and management, and encourage the protection and 

tion of watersheds. OWM is comprised of an Immediate Office 

Director, the Water Permits Division (WPD), the Municipal Sup

sion (MSD) and the Planning, Information and Resources Man

Staff (PIRMS). 

MSD conducts activities related to the national managemen

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) programs, assist

small communities and Indian tribes, US-Mexico Border comm

and Alaska Native Villages, and special appropriations acts pro

The division maintains and regularly updates inventories and c

mates of existing and needed future municipal wastewater trea

works and capital investments to meet the goals of the CWA. 

tion, the Division publishes technical information about conven

and innovative municipal wastewater collection systems and tr

technologies, and provides support and technical assistance to 

Regions and states to promote the proper management of on-

decentralized wastewater systems nationwide. It also is promo

national ethic of water efficiency and enhancing the market for 

efficient products, programs, and practices through the new 

WaterSense program. 

WPD provides national program direction to the National P

Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, pretreatment, 

age sludge management programs under sections 401, 402, a

the Clean Water Act, including: development of regulations, po

guidance, development of national strategies, implementation 

ment, compliance assurance and overview of regional and sta

erations. The division also coordinates with the Office of Scien

Technology (OST) in the development of national standards fo

source controls, indirect dischargers, and biosolids use and dis

OWM is committed to helping ensure that our Nation’s 

water resources will be available for future generations

 — Jim Hanlon, Directo

Budget

OWM accounts for more 

than $1.4 billion or 

nearly one-fifth of the 

EPA’s budget. Through 

its programs and initiatives, OWM promotes 

compliance with the 

requirements of the 

Clean Water Act (CWA). 

Under the CWA, OWM 

works in partnership with 

EPA’s regions, states, 

local governments and 

tribes to regulate point 

source discharges into 

surface waters such as 

wetlands, lakes, rivers, 

estuaries, bays and 

oceans. 

Our Partners 

• EPA Regional Offices 

• State, Interstate, Tribal 

and Local Programs 

• Water and Wastewater 

Agencies 

• Non-government 

Organizations 

• Private Industry 

• Regulated Community 

• Academic Institutions 

• Private Citizens 
7 

$5.3 billion in 2007 to fund water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, nonpoint source pollution control, and watershed and 

estuary management. CWSRFs have funded over $63 billion, providing over 20,700 low-interest loans to date. 

Green Infrastructure — OWM orchestrated a statement of intent, 

signed by EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, with four national 

organizations to promote the use of "green infrastructure" approaches, 

such as rain-catching roofs and gardens, to lessen sewer overflows 

and runoff after storms. We also initiated a pilot project with the West 

Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to develop language 

in a small general MS4 permit to advance infiltration, reuse and 

evapotranspiration concepts in municipal stormwater programs. 

Priority Permits — More than 95% of Priority Permits targeted for FY 

07 were issued. OWM also revised the Priority Permit measure for 

FY08 to include an expanded universe of environmentally significant 

permits. 

NPDES Permit Backlog Reduction — On a national basis, approximately 90% of all individual and non-stormwater general permits are 

now current. 

Sustainable Management — OWM orchestrated a ground-breaking 

agreement with six national associations to promote effective utility 

management to help sustainable infrastructure operations. The agreement is based on Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities, Keys to 

Management Success, and Utility-Specific Performance Measures. 

Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) — Authorized states and EPA 

regions exceeded the goal for NPDES permits for CSO communities 

with enforceable schedules for implementation of a long-term control 

plan based on other requirements of the CSO Control Policy. The goal 

was a total of 532 permits with enforceable schedules by the end of 

FY07. That goal was exceeded by 27 permits – a total of 559 permits, 

or 67% included schedules consistent with the CSO Control Policy. 

Water Efficiency — The WaterSense program released final specifications for both high efficiency toilets and faucets. In order to earn the 

WaterSense label, these products must use less water and also meet 

performance standards for quality, confirmed through third-party testing. Projected annual savings of 128 billion gallons of water per year 

are expected once our target-market penetration (ten percent replacement of existing fixures) is met. 

Mexico Border — OWM worked with OCFO, OIA, and Regions 6 

and 9 to finalize the US-Mexico Border Fiscal Policy to optimize 

Border Environment Infrastructure Fund (BEIF) project completions 

and improve fiscal management of program funds. Sixty-seven BEIF 

projects certified as of September 2007 provide the capacity to eliminate nearly 300 million gallons per day of untreated or inadequately 

treated wastewater discharges. The Mexicali wastewater treatment 

plant, completed in 2007, is treating an estimated 15 million gallons 

per day of sewage that once flowed untreated into the New River and 

into the United States. 

Our Wo

• The NPDES Per

• Clean Water Sta

Fund (CWSRF) 

• Clean Watershe

Survey 

• Sustainable Infra

• WaterSense wat

program 

• Onsite/Decentra

water Systems P

• Innovative Mana

Systems (EMS, 

Management, C

• Infrastructure Gr

(Congressional E

• Outreach, Techn

Assistance, and 

Programs 

• State and Tribal 

Assistance (CWA 

106) 

• Small Communit

• U.S./Mexico Bor

• Wastewater Trea

Technologies 

• Water Quality Co

Agreements (10
8 

PISCES Awards 

The Performance and Innovation 

in the SRF Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) 

Awards were created in 2005 to 

recognize the extraordinary 

successes of the states' CWSRF 

programs. The 2007 awards 

recognize and showcase the 

outstanding, innovative achievements of one state in each of the 

10 regions. 

These states further the 

Agency’s water quality goals by 

their exemplary performance, 

integrity, and creativity in improving infrastructure sustainability, 

leveraging resources, establishing innovative partnerships, 

implementing innovative lending 

practices, and promoting creative use of technologies. Winners 

are listed at: www.epa.gov/owm/

cwfinance/cwsrf/2006pisces.htm 

FACT

A new financing comparison tool 

developed by EPA will help 

states, municipalities, utilities 

and other borrowers identify the 

most cost effective method to 

fund water quality projects. The 

Financing Alternatives Comparison Tool (FACT) calculates and 

compares costs associated with 

financing options for infrastructure projects. In 2007, FACT 

was widely distributed and 

lauded by a wide range of local, 

municipal and state officials as 

being exceptionally useful in 

weighing potential water infrastructure financing options. 

 

grams provided $5.3 billion in 2007 to fund w

quality protection projects for wastewater tre

nonpoint source pollution control, and waters

estuary management. CWSRFs have funded 

$63 billion, providing over 20,700 low-interes

date. CWSRFs offer low interest rates, flexible terms, significa

ing for nonpoint source pollution control and estuary protectio

tance to a variety of borrowers, and partnerships with other fu

sources. 

High Return on Federal Investment 

The ratio of CWSRF project disbursements (i.e., total cash ou

invoices) compared to total federal outlays for projects (cash 

from federal funds) is a measure of return on the federal inves

date. Over the past 5 years, for every federal dollar invested, 

CWSRFs have provided twice as much funding for high priori

quality projects. 

Paying for Sustainable Water Infrastructure: 

Innovations for the 21st Century 

OWM organized a national conference in March that brought 

over 600 stakeholders from all levels of government and the p

sector to explore creative 

methods to pay for sustainable water infrastructure in addition to the 

SRF programs. It is the 

first of its kind to address the challenge of integrating the man

tools and strategies to pay for sustainable water infrastructure

Tapping the Untapped Potential of the CWSRF 

In collaboration with the State/EPA Work Group, OWM has de

a white paper, “Tapping the Untapped Potential of the CWSR

ing at underutilized eligibilities and options for using CWSRF 

in innovative ways. The paper was discussed in a series of he

quarters and regional roundtable sessions and at the State/E

Group meeting in November. 

Environmental Benefits 

In 2005, EPA began collecting environmental and health-relat

to document how the CWSRFs directly support the goals of th

Water Act. The measures link each project to a river, lake, or 

 and to the beneficial uses of that waterb

the $12.3 billion of financed projects rep

$8.9 billion targeted water quality improv

$6.6 billion was directed to achieve com

$8.2 billion focused on protecting and re

freshwater fisheries, $2.1 billion protecte

restored drinking water sources, and $8

protected and restored recreational uses
9 

oping and implementing NPDES programs that target rural areas and 

rural populations. The program develops regulations and policies; develops technical implementation guidance and outreach for EPA regions, states and the general public. Significant achievements in 2007 

include the following: 

Grant for Environmental Assistance to Livestock Operators 

EPA requested applications from organizations for a $7.9 million grant 

to provide environmental assessments and technical assistance to livestock operators, including animal feeding operations, for the prevention 

of water discharges and reduction of air emissions. Two awards were 

made, with each grantee receiving $3.95 million. Western states will be 

served by one grantee, and eastern states will be served by the other, 

with work beginning in 2008. 

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Rulemaking 

In July, OWM finalized a rule extending certain compliance dates 

necessary to allow the agency time to respond adequately to public 

comments on issues raised by the February 2005 Waterkeeper decision before those compliance 

dates take effect. It extended 

the date by which facilities 

newly defined as CAFOs under 

the 2003 rule must seek 

NPDES permit coverage to 

February 27, 2009. In addition, 

all permitted CAFOs now have 

until February 27, 2009, to 

develop and implement nutrient 

management plans. The extensions provide time for states 

and the agricultural community 

to adjust to the new requirements once they are finalized. 

Pesticides 

OWM promulgated the final NPDES regulation for application of pesticides over, in, or near waters of the U.S. in November 2006. Since 

then, petitions from both environmental groups and industry were filed 

and the case will be heard in the 6th Circuit. EPA supported the Department of Justice in their development of the initial brief to the court 

which was submitted on November 6, 2007. 

Water Quality Trading Awards Program 

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s Nitrogen Credit 

Exchange Program won EPA’s first Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading 

Award. The program allows 79 publicly-owned treatment works to trade 

pounds of nitrogen in order to cost-effectively reduce hypoxia in the 

western end of the Long Island Sound. The EPA award highlights 

programs which have achieved environmental and economic benefits 

and also showcases programs that align well with EPA’s Water Quality 

Trading Policy. 

The Water Qu

Trading Toolk

Permit Writer

Published in Augus

first “how-to” manua

ing and implementi

quality trading prog

toolkit helps NPDES 

authorities incorpor

provisions into perm

provides stakeholde

detailed guidance o

mental concepts of 

which can accelera

quality improvemen

reduce compliance 

help improve the qu

consistency of all tr

programs across th

Training on W

Quality Tradin

OWM provided sev

sessions to USDA, 

and EPA regions on 

apply trading to nut

tion programs and p

This training progra

ments the Water Q

ing Toolkit that was 

in August. The toolk

training, combined, 

regulated communi

and implement volu

quality trading prog

sistent with EPA's N

Water Quality Trad
10 

In less than two years, Water 

Sense has already become a 

national standard for water 

efficiency among utilities, plumbing manufacturers, retailers, and 

consumers. More than 125 

toilets and 30 faucets have 

earned the WaterSense label, 

which helps consumers make 

informed decisions when buying 

water-efficient products. More 

than 600 manufacturers, retailers, utilities, and irrigation professionals have partnered with 

the program. Highlights for 2007: 

Toilet Specifications 

WaterSense released a final 

specification for the latest 

generation of water-saving, highefficiency toilets. Those that use 

less than 1.28 gallons per flush 

and meet strict performance 

standards can earn the Water 

Sense label. 

Faucet Specification 

WaterSense labeled faucets and 

faucet aerators use about 30% 

less water than standard faucets 

with no sacrifice in product 

performance. 

Landscape Irrigation 

Professionals 

OWM issued its first Water 

Sense label for landscape irrigation. As part of the agency's new 

water-efficiency partnership 

program, four certification 

programs for landscape irrigation 

professionals received the 

WaterSense label for their 

adherence to water-saving 

techniques. 

reaching the end of their useful lives in the next 20 to 40 years

pace with infrastructure needs of the future, OWM is focusing 

the Four Pillars of Sustainable Infrastructure – better managem

cost pricing, water efficiency, and watershed approaches. Usin

tools of technology, innovation, and collaboration, we are com

helping ensure that our water resources will be available for fu

erations. 

Sustainable Management 

OWM led efforts resulting in the signing of a ground-breaking a

ment with six national associations to promote effective utility m

ment in the water sector. The agreement is based on ten Attrib

Effectively Managed Utilities, Keys to Management Success, a

Utility-Specific Performance Measures. EPA and the associatio

now working on a resource toolbox, new materials to help utilit

ing the attributes, and a targeted list of utility performance mea

gauge progress. 

Energy Management

In partnership with EPA Region 1, OWM completed a workboo

water and wastewater utilities develop an energy managemen

to manage their energy costs and reduce environmental impac

energy use. 

Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS) 

OWM worked with EPA, state and local partners and various E

fices to develop a new Data Entry Portal for CWNS 2008. The 

try portal provides significant efficiency and quality improveme

for the first time, enables local community access for updating 

needs data directly. 

Asset Management 

More than 2500 personnel have now participated in the Advan

Management workshops provided by OWM. EPA’s reputation f

lence in this training is recognized by other federal agencies. E

day advanced Asset Management Workshops were held in 20

ginia, New Mexico, Kansas (2), Washington, Iowa, Florida, Ca

and Colorado. 

In addition, OWM worked with the Local Government Advisory 

tee to produce and distribute a video on water infrastructure su

ity which is receiving national acclaim. Water Infrastructure: Su

Strategies for Local Leadership presents the perspective of loc

cials on the importance of water infrastructure and has been e

well received, receiving a 2007 Telly Award for Film/Video. 

Municipal Technology Reports 

OWM published a three-part series of reports that present tech

cost information to assist municipal wastewater system owners 

operators evaluate and select innovative and sustainable tech

The reports are: Emerging Technologies for Conveyance Sys

New Installations and Rehabilitation Methods; Emerging Techn

for Wastewater Biosolids Management and, Emerging Techno

Wastewater Treatment and In-Plant Wet Weather Managemen
11 

EPA priority because of the potential impacts on 

human health and the environment. Among the 

sources for which the CWA provides us with regulatory tools, urban wet weather sources are the most 

significant sources of water pollution today. Adverse 

effects from wet weather are typically tied to the 

condition, type and extent of the infrastructure. 

Green Infrastructure 

EPA launched a significant effort to promote 

the use of “Green Infrastructure” techniques 

to solve stormwater, CSO, and nonpoint 

source water quality problems. This effort 

was launched at an Earth Day ceremony in 

April with Administrator Stephen Johnson. 

EPA and four national organizations signed 

a statement of intent to promote the use of 

green infrastructure approaches. An accompanying statement of support has been signed by over 50 organizations. A draft green infrastructure strategy that highlights projects and 

activities that will be completed over the next several years was also 

published. A green infrastructure web site highlighting the many activities is available at www.epa.gov/npdes/greeninfrastructure. 

Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan 

(SWPPP): A Guide for Construction Sites 

This new guide is designed to help improve the quality of stormwater 

pollution prevention plans at regulated construction sites. Applicable 

nationwide, it contains detailed information on all aspects of preparing 

an effective SWPPP and selecting, operating, and maintaining best 

management practices for the site to minimize erosion and control sediment. The guide also contains a detailed SWPPP template and sample 

inspection form that construction site operators can tailor to meet the 

requirements of their permit and the conditions at their site. 

Guide for Evaluating Municipal Stormwater Programs

OWM published a new guide to assist regions and states in their effort 

to evaluate Phase I and II local stormwater programs. This new evaluation guide contains detailed information on conducting an audit or 

evaluation of a municipal stormwater program, including detailed questions on each of the six minimum measures and worksheets to help 

document the evaluation. The evaluation guide may also be used by 

local governments to conduct self-audits of their programs. 

Stormwater Webcast Series 

OWM hosted six very well attended (average audience 1000+) webcasts for stormwater managers across the country in 2007 on topics 

such as financing local stormwater programs, social marketing, and 

illicit discharge detection and elimination. All 11 webcasts in this series 

were recorded and are now available on the NPDES website 

(www.epa.gov/npdes/training). The webcasts have been attended by 

over 17,000 people and downloaded over 100,000 times. 

CSO Long-Term 

Control Plans 

Authorized states and E

regions exceeded the go

number of CSOs having 

or other enforceable me

in place to implement Lo

Control Plans (LTCP). A 

559 were in place by the 

FY07—27 more than the 

goal of 532. 

LTCP-EZ Templat

Small Communit

EPA developed an intera

form to assist the many 

communities that must d

CSO Long-Term Contro

a requirement of the NP

permits. The “LTCP-EZ” 

small communities in a q

and answer format, thro

process of developing a

Report to Congre

CSO Discharges 

Lake Michigan B

This EPA Report to Con

provides an assessment 

occurrences of combine

overflows from Publicly O

Treatment Works (POTW

the Lake Michigan basin

report also provides info

about the enforcement o

regulations concerning d

and the future steps EPA 

take to minimize such ov

CSO Training 

OWM conducted severa

ful training events for CS

munities. In May, a two

cast on the CSO program 

conducted for approxima

attendees. 
12 

help implement the NPDES program. Through coordination wit

and EPA regions, the program guides consistent and effective 

tion of water quality goals and standards into permit limits and 

tions. It resolves legal barriers that prevent optimal program im

tation and provides proactive and consistent management of ex

legal drivers. It also provides timely information on the integrity 

NPDES program implementation while working cooperatively to 

efficient processes and measurable results. 

Watershed-Based NPDES Permitting Technical Guida

OWM published a new technical guidance that will help integra

NPDES permits into watershed management plans. It is a follo

the 2003 implementation guidance and leads NPDES authoritie

other interested parties through the analysis of watershed data 

helps them develop a framework for implementing an NPDES p

The guidance supports approaches to permitting that may help 

the watershed's most pressing environmental needs. The appr

will help achieve water quality-based effluent limitations based 

quality standards while providing opportunities for cost reductio

improved efficiencies such as water quality trading. The guidan

cludes case studies describing how watershed approaches inv

NPDES permitting have been implemented across the country. 

Methylmercury Fish Tissue Criterion: 

Draft Implementation Guidance 

This draft document provides technical guidance to states and authorized tribes about how 

to use the January 2001 fish tissue-based recommended water quality criterion for methylmercury in related to water quality standards 

adoption (e.g., site-specific criteria, variances) 

and its implementation in surface water protection programs (e.g., monitoring TMDLs, 

NPDES permitting). OWM worked collaboratively with the Office of Science and Technology and other Office of Water programs to ensure that the draf

ance addresses questions related to NPDES permitting, includ

oping guidance on how to determine when a water quality-base

limit is needed, and where appropriate, how to express that lim

ing recommendations for mercury pollutant minimization progra

Alaska and Other Program Approvals 

OWM continued to work closely with Region 10 and the State o

as it seeks authorization to administer the NPDES program. It i

pated that Alaska will receive authorization in FY08. 

Compliance Schedules 

OWM resolved a very complicated set of legal, policy and tech

sues to produce a memo that succinctly explained when compl

schedules could be used in NPDES permits. It provided 11 pri

for determining whether a compliance schedule to implement w

quality-based effluent limits is consistent with the Clean Water 

Priority Permits 

For three consecutive years 

(FY2005 - 2007), states and regions have issued over 95% of 

the priority permits to which they 

committed. In addition, OWM 

conducted a preliminary review 

of how states and regions determined which permits were high 

priority. Criteria that were evaluated include location on an 

impaired waterbody, change in 

water quality standards, permits 

expired greater than ten years, 

and the issuance of new general 

permits. Final results will be 

available in early 2008. 

Permit Quality Reviews 

In ongoing efforts to ensure the 

integrity of the national permitting 

program, OWM established a 

Permit Quality Review (PQR) 

process. OWM developed a 

strategy that targets both geographic and topical areas for 

review. In 2007, PQRs were 

conducted in Regions 1, 7, & 9. 

Permit Backlog 

Reduction 

For the first time since OWM 

began tracking the backlog in 

1999, states and regions met the 

national goal of 90% current for 

individual and non-stormwater 

general permits. 

Action Items 

Regions, states and territories 

have committed to approximately 

300 action items (or “to do” items) 

resulting from the Permitting for 

Environmental Results review of 

state and regional permitting 

authorities. By the end of FY 

2007, 184 of the items (62%) 

were completed. 
13 

assistance to states (including territories, the District of Columbia, and 

Indian tribes) and interstate agencies to establish and implement ongoing water pollution control programs. 

Prevention and control measures supported by state water quality 

management programs include permitting, pollution control activities, 

surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement; advice and assistance to 

local agencies; and the provision of training and public information. 

Funding for Indian Tribes

During the past 10 years, EPA has increased 

funding available for Section 106 grants to 

Indian tribes from $3 million to $25 million per 

year. 

Permit Fee Incentive Program 

OWM proposed a rule that would provide a 

financial incentive to states to charge fees to 

support a clean water permit program. EPA's 

rule would allot up to three percent of state 

water pollution control grant funds to states 

that have adequate National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit 

fee programs. 

The increased cost of administering water permit programs has 

prompted some states to levy permit fees to cover shortfalls. Certain 

states, however, still operate with little or no reliance on permit fees. 

The proposed NPDES Permit Fee Incentive for Clean Water Act Section 106 Grants; Allotment Formula is designed to create financial 

incentives to prompt more states to implement adequate fee programs 

and shift part of the financial burden to those who benefit from the permits. It will also allow states to move funds to other critical water 

quality program activities. 

Guidance on Use o

Section 106 Grant 

for FY 07 and Out-

OWM issued a draft gui

the use of grant funds p

states and interstate age

under Section 106 of the 

Water Act. The draft gui

intended to support stat

interstates in allocating 

106 funds among those 

water program activities 

fit the needs of the state 

state agency and are m

to attain clearly defined 

urable goals for water q

provement. In addition, 

priority areas where stat

focus in order to align th

ties with national goals a

objectives. 

Under Goal 2 (Clean an

Water) of its Strategic P

2006 – 2011, EPA deve

priority strategic target a

attaining water quality s

for impaired waterbodie

ticular, by 2012, EPA ho

attain water quality stan

all pollutants and impair

more than 2,200 waterb

identified in 2002 as not 

standards. 

Sec. 106 Program Funding

0

50

100

150

200

250

96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Year

Dollars (millions)

Program Funds Monitoring Set-aside
14 

at levels that affect the quality of receiving waters. OWMs indu

program works to protect and improve water quality through tec

ogy-based and water quality-based permitting. Stormwater, pre

ment, and industrial permitting are within its scope. As part of th

NPDES permit program, it establishes specific requirements th

the pollutant discharges from industrial sources. 

Proposal for NPDES Permitting of Vessels 

In June, OWM issued a Federal Register notice seeking inform

from the public on vessel characteristics, the nature of discharg

dental to their normal operation, and control technologies and p

Comments were solicited to assist EPA in developing an NPDE

permitting framework 

charges incidental to 

normal operation of v

During 2008, OWM w

develop draft permit(s

will again seek public 

ment. Unless there a

changes to an existin

order vacating the pe

clusion, our goal is to 

permits in place prior 

court’s September 30

vacatur date. 

In addition, EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard entered into a Mem

of Understanding to collaborate in the development of a progra

Environmental Impact Statement for the Coast Guard’s upcomi

posed rulemaking to establish a ballast water treatment standa

are a cooperating agency on that document, along with Nationa

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wi

Service, and, most recently, the Department of Agriculture’s An

Plant Health Inspection Service. 

Pretreatment Streamlining Implementation

OWM issued several fact sheets and updated existing docume

signed to help regions, states, and POTWs implement the prov

the Pretreatment Streamlining rule that was published in the Fe

Register on October 14, 2005. The documents currently posted 

OWM pretreatment website are: 

• Model Sewer Use Ordinance Checklist: Pretreatment Prog

Legal Reviews (for Sewer Use Ordinance) 

• Summary of Changes 

• Required Changes 

• Equivalent Mass Limits 

• New Classifications for CIUs 

• Best Management Practices 

• Slug Control Plans 

An additional eight implementation assistance documents are s

uled for completion in the next year. 

Oversight of SIUs 

Discharging to POTWs 

States and regions report that nationwide, more than 1,600 known 

categorical industrial users (CIUs) 

which are significant industrial users (SIUs) discharge to publicly 

owned treatment works (POTWs) 

without approved pretreatment 

programs. In the absence of an 

approved POTW pretreatment program, approved states or EPA regions serve as the control authority 

for these CIUs. 

On May 18, 2007, OWM issued a 

memorandum to regional and state 

permitting authorities that identifies 

these requirements (e.g., regulatory 

frequency of inspections and sampling, and other activities) and describes the oversight options for 

state and regional control 

authorities. 
15 

Indian reservations, and communities along the U.S.Mexico border 

have historically experienced difficulty in achieving Clean Water Act 

goals, due in part to lack of resources and technical expertise. The Sustainable Communities program aims to provide small and underserved 

communities with the financial and technical assistance and education 

necessary to achieve sustainable, appropriate and cost-effective water 

infrastructure. 

State Onsite Wastewater Management Programs Receive 

EPA Recognition 

On February 28, 2007, state onsite wastewater program managers from 

AL, AZ, FL, IA, NC, NJ, OK, and RI were recognized by the EPA for their 

role in improving management of onsite systems in their states by adopting EPA’s Voluntary National Guidelines for 

Management of Onsite and Clustered 

(Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. Recognized as a key component of 

our nation’s waste water infrastructure, onsite (septic) systems are used in 25 percent 

of all existing homes and 33 percent of new 

development. 

Clean Water Indian Set-Aside (CWISA) Grant Program 

The CWISA program awarded $16.2 million in grants to Indian tribes for 

planning, design and construction of wastewater treatment facilities in 

Indian Country. Over 7,200 homes in Indian Country received assistance 

from the CWISA Program to meet basic wastewater needs. A new 

program brochure will help tribal officials and tribal assistance providers 

gain a better understanding of the CWISA Program. The Clean Water 

Indian Set-Aside Grant Program: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions provides easy to find information about project eligibility, program 

administration and regional program contacts. 

Operator On-site Technical Assistance Program 

Awarded $1.18 million in grants to 47 states and/or training centers to 

provide technical assistance to small community waste-water treatment 

facilities to help them comply with NPDES permit requirements. Last 

year, the program prevented more than 4 million pounds of pollutants 

from entering into our nation’s waters. 

Alaska Native Village (ANV) Program

With support from Region 10, the ANV program has 

coordinated with the Safe Drinking Water Act Program and the Clean Water Act Indian Set-aside Program to increase the percentage of homes in Alaska 

with drinking water or sewer services from about 60 

percent in 1993 to nearly 90 percent in 2008. The 

program was reassessed by OMB under the PART 

process and received a significantly improved score. 

The results reflect substantial changes in program 

management and accountability. Remaining actions include completion 

of a web-based project tracking system, development of a more meaningful program efficiency measure, and clarification of program procedures and requirements.

US-Mexico Bo

Fiscal Policy 

OWM worked with O

and EPA Regions 6 

finalize the US-Mexic

Fiscal Policy. The po

the responsible fisca

ment of program fun

provides clear guida

intended to optimize 

ronment Infrastructu

(BEIF) project compl

Eleven new projects

for construction in 20

benefit more than 30

ple once completed. 

US-Mexico Bo

Water Infrastru

Program 

The program provide

million for the plannin

and construction of b

supply drinking wate

water collection and 

systems in communi

the U.S.-Mexico Bord

approximately 73,47

gained wastewater s

nections for the first 

1,276 homes gained 

water service connec
16 

United States Environmental Protection Agency 

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, (4201M) 

Washington, DC 20460 

February 2008 — 832-R-08-005 

www.epa.gov/owm

Recycled/Recyclable--Printed with vegetable oil based inks on 100% postconsumer, process 

chlorine free recycled paper. 

We welcome you your comments! 

Thank you for your interest in the OWM annual report. We welcome all comments 

and suggestions about how we can make this report a more useful and informative 

document for our readers. Please send comments to barranco.greg@epa.gov or: 

Gregory Barranco 

Communications Director 

Office of Wastewater Management 

US Environmental Protection Agency 

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

Mail Code 4201M 

Washington, DC 20460