Opinion ID: 3184650
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The EPA Policy Memo

Text: The EPA published the Policy Memo to “respond[] to requests from municipalities and NPDES permit writers for clarification about regulations which do not appear to address reapplication requirements, i.e., permit reissuance.” 61 Fed. Reg. at 41,698. In the Policy Memo, the EPA first explains that it does not require an applicant to repeat in full the process in 40 C.F.R. § 122.26(d)(1)-(2). Id. The EPA explained that it would be redundant to “request the same information again [including characterization of data at § 122.26(d)(2)(iii)], where it has already been provided and has not changed.” Id. But an applicant “should identify any proposed changes or improvements” to “monitoring activities.” Id. If MS4 applicants and permit writers wish to change programs in future permits, the EPA explains, they may not only “de-emphasize” but also propose to eliminate a program component. Id. at 41,699; see id. at 41,698 (“MS4 permit applicants and NPDES permit writers have considerable discretion to customize appropriate and streamlined reapplication requirements on a case-by-case basis.”). De-emphasis may be justified based on the discharger’s experience during the first permit term. Id. By way of example, the EPA stated that “new information on the relative magnitude of a problem” and “new data on water quality impacts of storm water discharges” could justify program changes. Id. Moreover, elimination could be justified “when a different water quality program would 56 serve the same goals.” Id. We construe the phrase “same goals” as referring to the CWA’s objective in Chapter 26 of Title 33 of “restor[ing] and maintain[ing] the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.” 33 U.S.C. § 1251(a); see 33 U.S.C. § 1318(a)(1)(A)(i) (“Whenever required to carry out the objective of this chapter [26: Water Pollution Prevention and Control], . . . . the Administrator shall require the owner or operator of any point source to establish and maintain such records . . . [and use such monitoring methods] . . . as he may reasonably require.”) (emphasis added). If MS4 applicants and permit writers wish to change monitoring programs, the EPA encouraged them “to determine if storm water monitoring efforts are appropriate and useful.” 61 Fed. Reg. 41,699. The EPA then suggested alternative techniques: “municipalities may wish to consider using monitoring techniques other than end-of-the pipe chemical-specific monitoring, including habitat assessments, bioassessments, and/or other biological methods.” Id. (emphasis added).