Source: https://openei.org/wiki/RAPID/Roadmap/14_(1)
Timestamp: 2019-05-22 06:56:01
Document Index: 709572880

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 14', '§ 807', '§1263', '§ 15', '§1021', '§ 301', '§77', '§77', '§220']

RAPID/Roadmap/14 (1)
Hydropower Water Quality Overview (14)
Information current as of 2018
A hydropower developer should consider the proposed project’s impact on water quality. The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law in the United States governing water pollution. The goal of the act is to drastically reduce water pollution in the United States’ water supply, to make surface waters suitable for human consumption, sports and recreation, and aquatic ecosystems.
Hydropower development activities that can cause water quality concerns include:
Activities that cause soil erosion, including construction of the intake and dam, which could increase turbidity and suspended sediment transport;
Weathering of newly exposed soils, which could cause leaching and oxidation, thereby releasing chemicals into the water;
Discharges of waste or sanitary water; and
Untreated groundwater used to control dust could deposit dissolved salts on the surface allowing the salts to enter surface water systems.
Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development – Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Website.
Hydropower development activities could also alter the surface flow in a river. Construction and operational activities may discharge wastewater and stormwater affecting surface and groundwater flows. Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development – Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Website.
The CWA requires a Section 404 Permit to discharge dredge or fill material into waters of the United States and, Section 401 compliance with state water quality standards through a Water Quality Certification process. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary agency responsible for implementing the CWA, other federal and state agencies administer the CWA as well. In particular, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers Dredge and Fill Permits for wetlands in compliance with Section 404 of the CWA. State agencies also regulate state water quality standards pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA.
Water Quality Overview Process
14.1 to 14.2 – Will the Project Require the Discharge or Dredge or Fill into Waters of the U.S.?
CWA Section 404 establishes a program to regulate the discharge of dredge and fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. The CWA applies only to “waters of the United States” which has a particular definition discussed below. All Section 404 permits also require Water Quality Certification under Section 401 of the CWA.
In 2015, EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) promulgated a rule modifying the definition of “waters of the United States.” Thirty-One states and other parties sought judicial review in multiple actions in Federal district courts and circuit courts of appeal, raising concerns about the scope and legal authority of the 2015 Rule. The Sixth Circuit stayed the 2015 Rule nationwide to restore the “pre-Rule regime, pending judicial review” (see Ohio, et al. v. EPA, Order of Stay). In light of the Sixth Circuit’s order, EPA and USACE continue to implement the CWA through the prior regulatory definition under 40 CFR 230.3(s); 33 CFR 328.
Complicating the issue further, however, are challenges to the Sixth Circuit’s jurisdiction to issue the preliminary injunction. On October 11, 2017, the Supreme Court held oral argument on the question of whether the Sixth Circuit has original jurisdiction to review challenges to the 2015 Rule. The Supreme Court could issue a decision resolving the question at any time.
On February 28, 2017, the President of the United States issued Executive Order 13778– Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the Waters of the United States Rule. The Executive Order directed EPA and USACE to issue a proposed rule rescinding or revising the 2015 Rule. On July 27, 2017, EPA and USACE proposed a new rule to rescind the 2015 Rule and replace it with the legal principles established prior to the 2015 Rule. In additional rulemaking, EPA and USACE are proposing that the new legal principles (IE: the legal principles established prior to the 2015 rule) not be implemented until two years after the publication date of the final rule to ensure that there is sufficient time to consider all the relevant factors involved. During this time, the agencies will continue to implement the previous regulatory definition of “waters of the United States” as they are currently doing under the Sixth Circuit's stay. Given this uncertainty, developers should anticipate continued litigation on this matter and continue to monitor the issue at the state and national level. The EPA provides up-to-date information on the Environmental Protection Agency - Clean Water Rule Website.
(viii) All waters located within the 100-year floodplain of a water identified in 40 CFR 230.3(o)(1)(i) through (iii) and all waters located within 4,000 feet of the high tide line or ordinary high-water mark of a water identified in 40 CFR 230.3(o)(1)(i) through (v) where they are determined on a case-specific basis to have a significant nexus to a water identified in paragraphs 40 CFR 230.3(o)(1)(i) through (iii). For waters determined to have a significant nexus, the entire water is a water of the United States if a portion is located within the 100-year floodplain of a water identified in 40 CFR 230.3(o)(1)(i) through (iii) or within 4,000 feet of the high tide line or ordinary high-water mark. Waters identified in this paragraph shall not be combined with waters identified in 40 CFR 230.3(o)(1)(vi) when performing a significant nexus analysis. If waters identified in this paragraph are also an adjacent water under 40 CFR 230.3(o)(1)(vi), they are an adjacent water and no case-specific significant nexus analysis is required.
The waters of the United States do not include numerous sources of water even where they otherwise meet the terms of 40 CFR 230.3(o)(1)(iv) through (vii). Generally, not included are waters associated with waste treatment systems, prior converted cropland, ditches, numerous types of artificial features, groundwater, stormwater control features, and structures related to wastewater recycling (for a detailed description see 40 CFR 230.3(o)(2)). Responsibility for administering and enforcing Section 404 is shared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA. The Army Corps of Engineers administers the day-to-day program, including individual permit decisions and jurisdictional determinations; develops policy and guidance; and enforces Section 404 provisions. EPA develops and interprets environmental criteria used in evaluating permit applications, identifies activities that are exempt from permitting, reviews/comments on individual permit applications, enforces Section 404 provisions, and has authority to veto Army Corps of Engineers permit decisions. In addition, Section 404 Dredge and Fill permits for activities that impact wetlands are administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The basic premise of the program is that no discharge of dredged or fill material may be permitted if: (1) A practicable alternative exists that is less damaging to the aquatic environment or (2) The nation’s waters would be significantly degraded.
Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit:
EPA’s - Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permitting Webpage
14.3 to 14.4 – Does the Project Require a Water Quality Certification?
Any project that requires a federal license or permit, such as a Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permit, and may result in any discharge to navigable waters must obtain a Section 401 CWA Water Quality Certification. CWA Section 401(a).
Section 401 of the CWA provides states with the authority to issue 401 Water Quality Certification to ensure that federal agencies do not issue permits or licenses that violate the water quality standards, or other authorities, of a state or tribe.
Both a CWA Section 404 Dredge and Fill Discharge Permit and a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license require a CWA 401 Water Quality Certification. FPA § 14(a), 16 U.S.C. § 807(a). Of note, for projects that require CWA Section 404 Dredge and Fill Discharge Permits and a FERC license, the developer likely must complete the CWA Section 401 certification process two times.
If the project is constructed on Bureau of Reclamation land requiring a Lease of Power Privilege, and is not licensed by FERC, the developer will not need to obtain additional Water Quality Certification under Section 401 of the CWA.
In Alaska, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for projects that require a FERC license or a USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Arkansas, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality for projects that require a FERC license or a USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In California, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the California State Water Resources Control Board and/or the regional water quality control for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Colorado, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Illinois, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Indiana, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Iowa, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Kentucky, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Louisiana, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Minnesota, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Mississippi, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Missouri, the hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In New York, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water Resources for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In North Dakota, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the North Dakota Department of Health for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Ohio, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Pennsylvania, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Tennessee, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Vermont, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. Vermont also requires a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver for FERC exempt projects. For more information, see:
In Washington, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Washington State Department of Ecology for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In West Virginia, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
In Wisconsin, a hydropower developer needs a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for projects that require a FERC license or USACE approval and may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. For more information, see:
14.5 to 14.6 – Will the Project Discharge Stormwater from an Impervious Surface?
A developer may need a Stormwater Discharge Permit (Operational Stormwater Discharge Permit) for some hydropower projects.
Alaska does not require state operational stormwater approval for hydropower projects.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Arkansas.
California does not require state operational stormwater approval for hydropower projects.
Colorado does not require state operational stormwater approval for hydropower projects.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Illinois.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Indiana.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Iowa.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Kentucky.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Louisiana.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Minnesota.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Mississippi.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Michigan.
New York does not require state operational stormwater approval for hydropower projects.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in North Dakota.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Ohio.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Pennsylvania.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Tennessee.
In Vermont, a hydropower developer may need a Individual Stormwater Discharge Permit or General Stormwater Discharge Permit from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources for a project (new development, expansion, redevelopment, and/or existing impervious surface) that discharges regulated stormwater runoff. Discharge Permit, 10 V.S.A. §1263 (a). For more information, see:
Operational Stormwater Permit:
Washington does not require state operational stormwater approval for hydropower projects.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in West Virginia.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding operational stormwater approvals for hydropower development in Wisconsin.
Note: A hydropower developer may also need a Construction Stormwater Permit for stormwater discharges from construction activities that result in a total land disturbance of equal to or greater than one (1) acre or that are part of a larger common plan of development that will disturb one (1) or more acres, where those discharges enter state waters or a conveyance leading to state waters. For more information, see:
Construction and Transportation Permits Overview: 6
14.7 to 14.8 – Will the Project Diffuse a Nonpoint Source Pollution Into a Watershed?
The developer may need to consult with the appropriate state water management authority if the project will diffuse a nonpoint source pollution into a watershed.
Nonpoint source pollution generally results from land runoff, precipitation, atmospheric deposition, drainage, seepage, or hydrologic modification. Nonpoint source pollution, unlike pollution from an industrial and sewage plants (point source) comes from any diffuse sources. Nonpoint pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwaters. Typical pollutants that cause nonpoint source pollution include:
Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septic systems.
Environmental Protection Agency – Nonpoint Source Pollution Website.
The 1987 amendments to the CWA established the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program. Section 319 addresses the need for greater federal leadership to help focus state and local nonpoint source efforts. Under Section 319, states, territories and tribes receive grant money that supports a wide variety of activities including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects and monitoring to assess the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects. Environmental Protection Agency – Nonpoint Source Pollution Website.
In Alaska, a hydropower developer may need to consult with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for projects that may diffuse a nonpoint source into a watershed. For more information, see:
Nonpoint Source Pollution Program Overview:
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Arkansas. For more information, see:
California does not have a state nonpoint source pollution requirement for hydropower projects.
In Colorado, the hydropower developer may need to consult with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division if the project will diffuse a nonpoint source pollution into a watershed. Colorado 2012 Nonpoint Source Management Plan, at p. 2-3, 7. For more information, see:
Nonpoint Source Pollution Program:
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Illinois.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Indiana.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Iowa.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Kentucky.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Louisiana.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Minnesota.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Mississippi.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Missouri.
New York does not have a state nonpoint source pollution requirement for hydropower projects.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in North Dakota.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Ohio.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Pennsylvania.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Tennessee.
Vermont does not have a state nonpoint source pollution requirement for hydropower projects.
Washington does not have a state nonpoint source pollution requirement for hydropower projects.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in West Virginia.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding nonpoint source pollution for hydropower development in Wisconsin.
14.9 to 14.11 – Will the Project Alter, Change, or Deposit Materials Into a Streambed or Lakebed?
The developer may need to obtain a state approval if the project may alter, change, or deposit materials into a streambed or lakebed.
In Alaska, authorization to alter a streambed or lakebed is addressed through the state’s 401 Water Quality Certification process regulated by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. For more information, see:
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Arkansas.
In California, a hydropower developer needs a Streambed/Lakebed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for projects that may alter, change, or deposit materials into a streambed or lakebed as described in Section 1602 of California’s Fish and Game Code, either during construction or as a permanent installation. California Fish and Game Code Section 1602. For more information, see:
Streambed/Lakebed Alteration Agreement:
In Colorado, authorization to alter a streambed or lakebed is addressed through the state’s 401 Water Quality Certification process regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division. For more information, see:
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Illinois.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Indiana.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Iowa.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Kentucky.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Louisiana.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Minnesota.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Mississippi.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Missouri.
In New York, the hydropower developer may need a Protection of Waters Permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation if the project will modify or disturb the course, channel or bed of any stream or remove any sand, gravel or other material from the bed or banks of a stream. N.Y. Env. Cons. L. § 15-0501(1)-(2); New York – Protection of Waters Program. For more information, see:
Protection of Waters Permit:
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in North Dakota.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Ohio.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Pennsylvania.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Tennessee.
In Vermont, the hydropower developer may need a Stream Alteration permit if the project will change, alter, or modify the course, current, or cross section of a stream within or along the boundaries of Vermont. Regulation of Stream Flow, 10 V.S.A. §1021(a); Stream Alteration Rule, CVR 12-030-022 § 301(a). Also, note that if a 401 Water Quality Certification is required often times stream alteration protections are conditioned within the 401 Water Quality Certification and an additional Stream Alteration Permit would not be required. For more information, see:
Vermont Stream Alteration Permit:
In Washington, hydropower developer may need a Hydraulic Project Approval from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for “any construction or performance of work that uses, diverts, obstructs, or changes the natural flow or bed of any fresh water or saltwater in the state…” W.R.C. §77.55.011(11); W.R.C. §77.55.021; W.A.C. §220-660-010. For more information, see:
Hydraulic Project Approval:
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in West Virginia.
Currently, the RAPID Toolkit does not have state specific content regarding streambed or lakebed alteration approvals for hydropower development in Wisconsin.
Title 33 CFR 323 Permits for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material Into Waters of the United States
Title 40 CFR 230 Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines for Specification of Disposal Sites for Dredged or Fill Material
Title 40 CFR 232 404 Program Definitions
Executive Order 13778– Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the Waters of the United States Rule
Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development – Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Website
Environmental Protection Agency – Nonpoint Source Pollution Website
North Dakota, et al. v. EPA, Memorandum Opinion and Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction
Ohio, et al. v. EPA, Order of Stay
Edit U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Section 404 Regulatory Contacts Visit Website
Edit Bureau of Reclamation
Hydropower Program: Power Resources Office Directory Visit Website
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This page was last modified on 1 May 2019, at 14:45.