Document ID: EPA_FRDOC_0001-26836
Agency: epa
Document Type: Notice
Title: Clean Water Act: No-Discharge Zones for Vessel Sewage in Maryland and Virginia
Posted Date: 2021-05-11T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 11, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25856-25860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09957]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL 10021-74-Region 3]

Clean Water Act: No-Discharge Zones for Vessel Sewage in Maryland 
and Virginia

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice--final determination.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On behalf of the State of Maryland, the Secretary of the 
Maryland Department of Natural Resources requested that the Regional 
Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3 approve a 
no-discharge zone for thirteen water bodies in Anne Arundel County, 
Maryland pursuant to the Clean Water Act. After review of Maryland's 
application, EPA determined that adequate facilities for the safe and 
sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are 
reasonable available for all thirteen waterbodies within Anne Arundel 
County. The application is available upon request from EPA (at the 
email address below).

DATES: This approval is effective upon the date of publication in the 
Federal Register on May 11, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ferry Akbar Buchanan, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency--Region III. Telephone: (215) 814-2570; 
email address: AkbarBuchanan.Ferry@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Clean Water Act section 
312(f)(3), if any state determines that the protection and enhancement 
of the quality of some or all of the state's waters require greater 
environmental protection, the state may designate the waters as a 
vessel sewage no-discharge zone. However, the state may not establish 
the no-discharge zone until EPA has determined that adequate pumpout 
facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage 
from all vessels are reasonably available for the proposed waters. 
EPA's implementing regulations, 40 CFR part 140, require that the state 
apply to EPA to obtain such a determination, and identify the types of 
information that must be included in the application. This includes a 
certification of need for the no-discharge zone and information 
regarding the vessel population and pumpout facilities.
    The proposed no-discharge zone includes thirteen water bodies 
wholly within Anne Arundel County, Maryland: Stoney Creek, Rock Creek, 
Bodkin Creek, the Atlantic Marina Resort, Magothy and Little Magothy 
Rivers, Severn River, South River, West and Rhode Rivers, Podickory 
Creek, Sandy Point/Mezick Ponds, Whitehall Bay, Oyster Cove and Fishing 
Creek. While these waterbodies constitute nearly all of the county's 
waters, a few water bodies have not been proposed for the no-discharge 
zone designation. These include two inter-jurisdictional rivers that 
border the county, the Patapsco River and Patuxent River, as well as 
Curtis Creek. The proposed no-discharge zone encompasses a total area 
of 27,379 acres, expanding upon an existing 3,500 acre no-discharge 
zone for Herring Bay that was approved in 2002 (67 FR 1352, January 10, 
2002). The table below provides the coordinates delineating the 
proposed no-discharge zone boundaries for each of the thirteen 
waterbodies.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Waterbody                 Waterbody limits      Area  (acres)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stony Creek....................  39.1723 [deg]N, 76.5171             677
                                  [deg]W to 39.1725
                                  [deg]N, 76.5126 [deg]W.
Rock Creek.....................  39.1614 [deg]N, 76.5004             524
                                  [deg]W to 39.1625
                                  [deg]N, 76.4862 [deg]W.

[[Page 25857]]

 
South Shore, Patapsco River....  39.1472 [deg]N, 76.4589               2
                                  [deg]W to 39.1471
                                  [deg]N, 76.4588 [deg]W.
Bodkin Creek...................  39.1346 [deg]N, 76.4398             609
                                  [deg]W to 39.1321
                                  [deg]N, 76.4378 [deg]W.
Magothy and Little Magothy       39.0597 [deg]N, 76.4332           5,879
 Rivers.                          [deg]W to 39.0527
                                  [deg]N, 76.4382 [deg]W.
Podickory Creek................  39.0328 [deg]N, 76.4040               9
                                  [deg]W to 39.0317
                                  [deg]N, 76.4048 [deg]W.
Sandy Point/Mezick Ponds.......  39.0082 [deg]N, 76.4031              47
                                  [deg]W to 39.0081
                                  [deg]N, 76.4033 [deg]W.
Whitehall Bay..................  38.9748 [deg]N, 76.4547           1,599
                                  [deg]W to 38.9871
                                  [deg]N, 76.4268 [deg]W.
Severn River...................  38.9748 [deg]N, 76.4547           7,497
                                  [deg]W to 38.9411
                                  [deg]N, 76.4502 [deg]W.
Oyster Creek...................  38.9274 [deg]N, 76.4638              34
                                  [deg]W to 38.9273
                                  [deg]N, 76.4634 [deg]W.
Fishing Creek..................  38.9147 [deg]N, 76.4590             228
                                  [deg]W to 38.9073
                                  [deg]N, 76.4600 [deg]W.
South River....................  38.9073 [deg]N, 76.4600           5,904
                                  [deg]W to 38.8877
                                  [deg]N, 76.4898 [deg]W.
West and Rhode Rivers..........  38.8877 [deg]N, 76.4898           4,370
                                  [deg]W To 38.8531
                                  [deg]N, 76.4959 [deg]W.
                                                         ---------------
    Total Area.................  .......................          27,379
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the application, Maryland certified that the waters of the City 
of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County require greater environmental 
protection than provided by currently applicable Federal standards for 
vessel sewage discharges. The Magothy River, Whitehall Bay/Meredith 
River, Severn River, South River, Rhode River and West River have been 
listed on current or previous Clean Water Act 303(d) lists of impaired 
waters by Maryland as impaired for shellfish harvesting due to fecal 
coliform. As such, many shellfish beds are restricted or closed. All 
except Whitehall Bay/Meredith Creek are also impaired for nutrients 
(nitrogen and phosphorus) and all except the Whitehall Bay/Meredith 
Creek and West River for total suspended solids. The state anticipates 
that a no-discharge zone designation would help reduce levels of 
nutrients, total suspended solids, and fecal coliform within these 
impaired waters.
    The application also highlights the importance of boating in Anne 
Arundel County. The county is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, has 
hosted the U.S. Sailboat and Powerboat Shows annually since 1970, and 
is known as the ``The Nation's Sailing Capital.'' According to the 
application's sources, there are approximately 96 recreational boating 
businesses in Anne Arundel County, plus additional businesses that 
support and depend on recreational crabbing and fishing.
    The State of Maryland provided documentation indicating that the 
maximum total vessel population is estimated to be 29,789 vessels, the 
majority of which are recreational. The most conservative vessel 
population estimates provided by Maryland suggest that there are 7,182 
vessels less than 16 feet in length, 10,307 vessels between 16 feet and 
26 feet in length, 9,072 vessels between 26 feet and 40 feet in length, 
and 3,228 vessels greater than 40 feet in length. Commercial traffic on 
these waterways is limited to boat rental companies, public charter 
vessels and several small cruise ships. Based on the number and size of 
vessels and EPA guidance on the subject (``Protecting Coastal Waters 
from Vessel and Marina Discharges: A Guide for State and Local 
Officials, Volume 1. Establishing No-Discharge Areas under section 312 
of the Clean Water Act'' (EPA 842-B-94-004, August 1994)), the 
estimated number of vessels requiring pumpout facilities in the City of 
Annapolis and Anne Arundel County during peak occupancy is 2,924 
vessels.
    Based on Maryland's vessel population estimates and EPA guidance, 
approximately 46 pumpout facilities are needed to adequately service 
the vessel population. Maryland identified 61 marinas offering public 
pumpout service, including 59 stationary units, nine portable units and 
three mobile pumpout boats. The application provides additional 
information regarding height and draft limitations for accessing 
pumpout facilities. EPA has determined that vessels using the proposed 
waters will not be excluded due to any such limitations. A list of the 
facilities, phone numbers, locations and hours of operation follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Off  season         Limited
            Station                 Location           Phone            Hours         Depth        operation         overhead             Address
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                AREA: PATAPSCO RIVER (11)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Marina Resort........  Patapsco River      410-437-6926  9-5 Daily.......         4'  No..............  NA..............  2010 Knollview Ave,
                                 (mouth).                                                                                           Pasadena, MD 21122.
Blake's Bar Harbor............  Patapsco River      410-255-5500  8-6 Daily.......         4'  No..............  NA..............  208 Bar Harbor Rd,
                                 Rock Creek.                                                                                        Pasadena, MD 21122.
Fairview Marina...............  Patapsco River      410-437-3400  Mon-Fri 8-4; Sat-        5'  No..............  NA..............  1575 Fairview Beach
                                 Rock Creek.                       Sun 8-3.                                                         Rd, Pasadena, MD
                                                                                                                                    21122.
Hammock Island Marina.........  Patapsco River      410-437-1870  10-4 daily......         7'  No..............  NA..............  8083 Ventnor Rd,
                                 Bodkin Creek.                                                                                      Pasadena, MD 21122.
Maryland Yacht Club...........  Patapsco River      410-255-4444  8-4 daily.......        17'  Yes.............  NA..............  1500 Fairview Beach
                                 Rock Creek.                                                                                        Rd, Pasadena, MD
                                                                                                                                    21122.
Nabbs Creek Marina............  Patapsco River      410-437-0402  8:30-5 daily....         6'  No..............  Yes.............  864 Nabbs Creek Rd,
                                 Stoney Creek.                                                                                      Glen Burnie, MD
                                                                                                                                    21060.
Oak Harbor Marina.............  Patapsco River      410-255-4070  24-7............        15'  No..............  NA..............  1343 Old Water Oak
                                 Rock Creek.                                                                                        Point Rd, Pasadena,
                                                                                                                                    MD 21122.
Pasadena Yacht Yard...........  Patapsco River      410-255-1771  9-5 daily.......         4'  No..............  NA..............  8631 Fort Smallwood
                                 Rock Creek.                                                                                        Road Pasadena, MD
                                                                                                                                    21122.
Pleasure Cove Marina..........  Patapsco River      410-437-6600  Mon-Thur 9-6;            8'  Yes.............  NA..............  1701 Poplar Ridge Rd,
                                 Bodkin Creek.                     Fri-Sun 9-8.                                                     Pasadena, MD 21122.
Ventnor Marina................  Patapsco River      410-255-4100  9-5 daily.......        10'  Yes.............  NA..............  8070 Ventnor Rd,
                                 Bodkin Creek.                                                                                      Pasadena, MD 21122.
White Rocks Marina & Boatyard.  Patapsco River      410-255-3800  Mon-Fri 9-3; Sat        14'  No..............  NA..............  1402 Colony Rd,
                                 Rock Creek.                       11-2.                                                            Pasadena, MD 21122.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 25858]]

 
                                                                 AREA: MAGOTHY RIVER (7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Marina on the Magothy  Magothy River/      410-360-2500  9-5 daily.......         6'  No..............  NA..............  487 New York Ave,
                                 Grays Creek.                                                                                       Pasadena, MD 21122.
Fairwinds Marina..............  Magothy Marina..    410-974-0758  8-5 daily.......         6'  No..............  NA..............  1000 Fairwinds Dr,
                                                                                                                                    Annapolis, MD 21409.
Ferry Point Marina............  Magothy River/      410-544-6368  7am-8pm daily...        14'  Yes.............  NA..............  1606 Marina Dr,
                                 Mill Creek.                                                                                        Trappe, MD 21673.
Hamilton Harbour Marina.......  Magothy River...    410-647-0733  Thurs-Tues 9-5..        12'  No..............  NA..............  368 North Dr, Severna
                                                                                                                                    Park, MD 21146.
Magothy Marina................  Magothy River...    410-647-2356  Mon-Thur 8-6,           16'  No..............  NA..............  360 Magothy Rd,
                                                                   Fri-Sun 8-8.                                                     Severna Park, MD
                                                                                                                                    21146.
Podickory Point Yacht Club....  Chesapeake Bay..    410-757-8000  9-5 daily.......         5'  No..............  NA..............  2116 Bay Front
                                                                                                                                    Terrace, Annapolis,
                                                                                                                                    MD 21409.
Sandy Point State Park........  Chesapeake Bay..    410-974-2149  24-7............         6'  No..............  NA..............  1100 E College Pkwy,
                                                                                                                                    Annapolis, MD 21409.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 AREA: SEVERN RIVER (17)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annapolis City Marina.........  Severn River Spa    410-268-0660  8-8 daily.......        14'  Upon Request....  NA..............  410 Severn Ave,
                                 Creek.                                                                                             Annapolis, MD 21403.
Annapolis Landing Marina......  Severn River        410-263-0090  10-5 daily......         6'  No..............  NA..............  980 Awald Rd,
                                 Back Creek.                                                                                        Annapolis, MD 21403.
Annapolis Maryland Capital      Severn River        410-269-5219  9-5 daily.......         8'  No..............  NA..............  16 Chesapeake
 Yacht Club.                     Back Creek.                                                                                        Landing, Annapolis,
                                                                                                                                    MD 21403
Bert Jabin's Yacht Yard.......  Severn River        410-268-9667  8-4:30 daily....         8'  No..............  NA..............  7310 Edgewood Rd,
                                 Back Creek.                                                                                        Annapolis, MD 21403.
Chesapeake Harbour Marina.....  Chesapeake Bay..    410-268-1969  9-5 daily.......         8'  No..............  NA..............  2030 Chesapeake
                                                                                                                                    Harbour Dr E,
                                                                                                                                    Annapolis, MD 21403.
City of Annapolis Pumpout Boat  Severn River Spa    410-320-6852  Mon-Sat 8-4:30..         NA  NA..............  NA..............  NA.
                                 Creek.
Eastport Yacht Center.........  Severn River        410-280-9988  8-4 daily.......         8'  No..............  NA..............  726 2nd St,
                                 Back Creek.                                                                                        Annapolis, MD 21403.
Horn Point Harbour Marina.....  Severn River        410-263-0550  9-5 daily.......         8'  No..............  NA..............  105 Eastern Ave,
                                 Back Creek.                                                                                        Annapolis, MD 21403.
JPort Marina..................  Severn River        410-280-8692  9-5 daily.......         9'  No..............  NA..............  7074 Bembe Beach Rd,
                                 Back Creek.                                                                                        Annapolis, MD 21403.
Little John Marina............  Severn River        410-841-6491  9-5 daily.......        15'  No..............  NA..............  134 Sherwood Forest
                                 Brewer Creek.                                                                                      Road, Sherwood
                                                                                                                                    Forest, MD 21405.
Mears Marina..................  Severn River        410-268-8282  24-7............        10'  No..............  NA..............  519 Chester Ave,
                                 Back Creek.                                                                                        Annapolis, MD 21403.
Pines on the Severn...........  Severn River/       410-370-2948  24-7............        10'  No..............  NA..............  21012, Arnold, MD
                                 Chase Creek.                                                                                       21012.
Port Annapolis Marina.........  Severn River        410-269-1990  8-4:30 daily....        10'  Yes.............  NA..............  7074 Bembe Beach Rd,
                                 Back Creek.                                                                                        Annapolis, MD 21403.
Smith's Marina................  Severn River        410-923-3444  8-8 daily.......         7'  No..............  Yes.............  529 Ridgley Rd,
                                 Little Round                                                                                       Crownsville, MD
                                 Bay.                                                                                               21032.
The President Point...........  Severn River Spa    410-991-9381  7-7 daily.......         5'  No..............  NA..............
                                 Creek.
Watergate Pointe Marina.......  Severn River/       443-926-1303  24-7............         7'  No..............  NA..............  655 Americana Dr,
                                 Back Creek.                                                                                        Annapolis, MD 21403.
Yacht Haven of Annapolis......  Severn River Spa    410-267-7654  Mon-Fri 7:30-           11'  No..............  NA..............  326 First St,
                                 Creek.                            4:30.                                                            Annapolis, MD 21403.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 AREA: SOUTH RIVER (13)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anchor Yacht Basin............  South River         410-798-1431  8-5 daily.......         5'  No..............  NA..............  1048 Turkey Point Rd,
                                 Selby Bay.                                                                                         Edgewater, MD 21037.
Arundel on the Bay............  South River/        443-253-0596  Dawn to dusk....       4-6'  Yes.............  NA..............  P.O. Box 4665,
                                 Fishing Creek.                                                                                     Annapolis.
Fishing Creek.................  South River       ..............  24-7............         7'  No..............  NA..............  122 Cherry Lane,
                                 Duvall Creek.                                                                                      Annapolis 21403.
Holiday Point Marina..........  South River         410-956-2208  Mon-Fri 7:30-4;          6'  Yes.............  NA..............  3774 Beach Dr, Blvd #
                                 Selby Bay.                        Sat by                                                           C, Edgewater, MD
                                                                   appointment.                                                     21037.
Liberty Marina................  South River.....    410-266-5633  8-4:30 daily....        15'  Yes.............  Yes.............  64 Old South River
                                                                                                                                    Rd, Edgewater, MD
                                                                                                                                    21037.
Mayo Ridge Marina.............  South River         410-798-1952  9-7 daily.......         5'  Yes.............  NA..............  1293 Mayo Ridge Rd,
                                 Ramsey Lake.                                                                                       Edgewater, MD 21037.
Norris Marina.................  South River         410-798-0275  8-4 daily.......         8'  No..............  Yes.............  1111 Turkey Point Rd,
                                 Ramsey Lake.                                                                                       Edgewater, MD 21037.
Oak Grove Marine Center.......  South River.....    410-266-6696  Mon-Fri 10-6;            9'  No..............  NA..............  2820 Solomons Island
                                                                   Sat-Sun 8-7.                                                     Rd, Edgewater, MD
                                                                                                                                    21037.
Oyster Harbor.................  South River/        410-280-8999  24-7............         6'  No..............  NA..............  P.O. Box 3174,
                                 Oyster Creek.                                                                                      Annapolis.
Pier 7 Marina.................  South River.....    410-956-2288  9-5 daily.......        12'  No..............  Yes.............  48 S River Road
                                                                                                                                    South, Edgewater, MD
                                                                                                                                    21037.
Pocahontas Marina.............  South River/        410-533-8752  24-7............        10'  Yes.............  NA..............  3365 Pocahontas
                                 Pocahontas                                                                                         Drive, Edgewater, MD
                                 Creek.                                                                                             21037.
Selby Bay Marina..............  South River         410-798-0232  9-5 daily.......         8'  Yes.............  NA..............  931 Selby Blvd,
                                 Selby Bay.                                                                                         Edgewater, MD 21037.

[[Page 25859]]

 
Turkey Point Marina...........  South River         410-798-1369  Tues-Sat 9-5....         4'  No..............  No..............  1107 Turkey Point Rd,
                                 Ramsey Lake.                                                                                       Edgewater, MD 21037.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  AREA: RHODE RIVER (5)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Water Marina.............  Rhode River,        410-798-6968  10-5 daily......        10'  No..............  NA..............  1024 Carrs Wharf Rd.,
                                 Bear Neck Creek.                                                                                   Edgewater, MD 21037.
Cadle Creek Marina............  Rhode River         410-798-1915  9-5 daily.......         6'  No..............  NA..............  4159 Cadle Creek Rd,
                                 Cadle Creek.                                                                                       Edgewater, MD 21037.
Casa Rio Marina...............  Rhode River         410-798-4731  Mon-Fri 8-4.....         5'  Yes.............  NA..............  4079 Cadle Creek Rd,
                                 Cadle Creek.                                                                                       Mayo, MD 21106.
Rhode River Marina............  Rhode River Back    410-798-1658  8-5 daily.......         9'  No..............  NA..............  3932 Germantown Rd,
                                 Neck Creek.                                                                                        Edgewater, MD 21037.
West/Rhode Riverkeeper Pumpout  Rhode River.....    443-221-5104  Fri-Mon 8-6.....  .........  No..............  NA..............  4800 Atwell Road,
 Boat.                                            or VHF channel                                                                    Edgewater, MD 21037.
                                                              71
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  AREA: WEST RIVER (7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backyard Boats................  West River/         301-261-5115  8-4 daily.......        10'  Yes.............  NA..............  4819 Woods Wharf Rd
                                 Parrish Creek.                                                                                     Shady Side, MD
                                                                                                                                    20764.
Chesapeake Yacht Club.........  West River......    410-867-1500  Wed-Mon 9-4.....         8'  No..............  NA..............  4943 Hine Dr, Shady
                                                                                                                                    Side, MD 20764.
Hartge Yacht Harbor...........  West River......    443-607-6306  Mon-Fri 8-5; Sat-       10'  No..............  NA..............  4883 Church Ln,
                                                                   Sun 9-5.                                                         Galesville, MD
                                                                                                                                    20765.
Shady Oaks Marina.............  West River......    410-267-1808  8-8 daily.......         5'  No..............  NA..............  846 Shady Oaks Rd,
                                                                                                                                    West River, MD
                                                                                                                                    20778.
West/Rhode River Keeper Pump    West River......    443-221-5104  Fri-Mon 8-6.....  .........  No..............  NA..............  4800 Atwell Road,
 out.                                             or VHF channel                                                                    Edgewater, MD 21037.
                                                              71
West River Fuel Dock..........  West River......    410-867-1444  M-Th 9-5, S/S 8-         8'  No..............  NA..............  4801 Riverside Dr.
                                                                   6, Fri 9-6.                                                      Galesville, MD
                                                                                                                                    20765.
West River Yacht Harbor Condo.  West River......    301-672-3473  8-6 daily.......         7'  Yes.............  NA..............  4801 Riverside Dr,
                                                                                                                                    Galesville, MD
                                                                                                                                    20765.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 AREA: WHITEHALL BAY (1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hinkley Yacht Club............  Whitehall Creek.    443-951-4380  M-F 8-9,                12'  Yes.............  NA..............  1656 Homewood Landing
                                                                   Weekends by                                                      Road Whitehall,
                                                                   appointment.                                                     Annapolis, MD 21409.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As part of the determination, EPA considered the costs associated 
with the adequacy and availability of pumpout facilities and determined 
that costs are minimal. As shown in the table below, pumpout facilities 
located within the proposed no-discharge zone charge fees that range 
from $3 to $50, with 52 of 61 available facilities charging $5 or less, 
including 15 facilities that are free to use. According to Maryland's 
application, the majority of commercial vessels operating in the 
proposed no-discharge zone are already equipped with holding tank 
capacity and therefore are not expected to experience incremental cost 
increases as a result of the designation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Proportion of
                                             Number of        pumpout
                   Fee                        pumpout       facilities
                                            facilities       (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free....................................              15              24
$3......................................               1             1.5
$5......................................              37              62
$10.....................................               5               8
$15.....................................               2               3
$50.....................................               1             1.5
                                         -------------------------------
  Total.................................              61             100
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In order to solicit input on Maryland's application, EPA published 
a tentative affirmative determination in the Federal Register on 
September 23, 2020, thereby opening a 30-day public comment period (85 
FR 59788). EPA received comments from five individuals regarding 
establishment of a no-discharge zone in Anne Arundel County and its 
tributaries. Of those, one supported and three opposed the effort. The 
other commenter neither supported nor opposed the no-discharge zone, 
and instead inquired whether the commenter could receive a temporary 
exemption from enforcement of this no-discharge zone. Since EPA does 
not enforce this requirement once approved, that comment is outside the 
scope of EPA's authority to respond. Comments critical of establishing 
a no-discharge zone focused on three primary issues.
    Issue 1: Nearby municipalities lack the proper waste treatment 
system that often overflow and result in spilling sewage to nearby 
waters.
    Response 1: In Maryland's application, the state identifies how 
collected waste is handled by each individual pumpout facility. Some 
pumpout facilities temporarily store sewage onsite in a holding tank 
for later pumpout by a septic hauler that ultimately transports the 
sewage to a wastewater treatment plant licensed to operate in the state 
of Maryland. The remaining facilities are directly served by the public 
sewer, where sewage is directly deposited into the public sewer 
systems. Maryland confirms that these systems comply all applicable 
regulations. Treatment facilities are regulated by Maryland through 
NPDES permits under CWA section 402 and addressed in the Code of 
Maryland Regulations. Any specific overflows or spills from such 
facilities may further be addressed further through enforcement and/or 
compliance efforts. EPA reviewed recent data pertaining to overflows 
and found no significant violations of such permit requirements. 
Additionally, there are no Combined Sewer Systems in the proposed 
waters. EPA does not believe the closest CSO communities have any 
significant impact on these waters; furthermore, those programs are 
being adequately addressed through ongoing separation projects and/or 
in accordance with the schedule for approved long term control plans.

[[Page 25860]]

    Issue 2: The number of available pumpouts is sufficient for the 
resident vessel population but not for the transient vessel population 
in Whitehall Bay.
    Response 2: In addition to the stationary pumpout facility open for 
public use in Whitehall Bay, nearby facilities are available to the 
southwest in Severn River (16 facilities) and to the northeast in Sandy 
Point/Mezick's Pond (one facility). As such, transient vessel operators 
have an option available to them while operating within Whitehall Bay, 
as well as before or after transiting through the area.
    Issue 3: Most pumpout facilities are not open after dark and very 
few are open during winter.
    Response 3: The commenter is correct that few pumpout facilities 
offer around-the-clock service. However, numerous facilities across the 
proposed no-discharge zone are available to service vessels into the 
late afternoon and evening. It is reasonable to expect that vessel 
operators can identify suitable times and locations to pumpout during 
facility operating hours. During the off-season (winter) months, 
vessels can be pumped out at the six different pumpout facilities 
across the proposed no-discharge zone that continue to operate. The 
Annapolis City pumpout boat also remains in service during this time. 
While most pumpout facilities are closed, Maryland estimates that only 
a small percentage of vessels operate during the off-season, and 
typically only do so for short day trips. As such, EPA has determined 
that, because the reduction in pumpout service capacity coincides with 
a reduction in demand for pumpout services, the available facilities 
during the off-season months remain adequate and reasonably available 
to the small number of vessels requiring pumpouts.
    Based on the information provided by the State of Maryland and 
after consideration of the comments received, as well as information 
otherwise available to EPA, EPA hereby issues a final affirmative 
determination that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary 
removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably 
available for the thirteen identified waterbodies located in the City 
of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and its tributaries such that the 
State of Maryland may establish a vessel sewage no-discharge zone.
    Through this notification, EPA also amends one of the geographic 
coordinates from an existing no-discharge zone for Perrin River. EPA's 
final affirmative determination for Sarah Creek and Perrin River, 
Virginia, published in the Federal Register on September 23, 2020, 
incorrectly identified one of the coordinates delineating the no-
discharge zone boundary at the mouth of the Perrin River as 
37[deg]15'47.18'' N, 76[deg]25'20.73'' W (85 FR 59796). This 
notification hereby corrects this coordinate to 37[deg]15'43.52'' N, 
76[deg]25'25.71'' W (NAD 83).

Diana Esher,
Acting Regional Administrator, EPA Region III.
[FR Doc. 2021-09957 Filed 5-10-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P