Opinion ID: 195693
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Procedural Framework

Text: 8 An applicant initiates the NPDES process when it files a permit application providing information regarding the planned facility and its proposed discharges. See 40 C.F.R. Sec. 124.3. The applicant must also provide the EPA with certification from the state in which the discharge originates. 33 U.S.C. Sec. 1341. By its certification, the state confirms that the discharge, as permitted, assures compliance with all applicable state water quality standards and, if necessary, specifies any additional effluent limitations, or other permit conditions, needed to ensure compliance with the state's water quality standards. See id.; 40 C.F.R. Sec. 124.55. 9 The EPA then prepares and issues a draft permit and explanatory fact sheet. See 40 C.F.R. Secs. 124.6, 124.8, and 124.56. The EPA gives public notice, which initiates a 30-day public comment period. See 40 C.F.R. Sec. 124.10(a)(1)(ii) and (b)(1). During the public comment period, all persons who believe any condition of a draft permit is inappropriate must raise all reasonably ascertainable issues and arguments in support of their positions. 40 C.F.R. Sec. 124.13. During this period, any interested person can request a public hearing. 40 C.F.R. Sec. 124.11. After the close of the public comment period, the Regional Administrator determines whether a final permit should be issued, based on the administrative record compiled during the public comment period. See 40 C.F.R. Secs. 124.15, 124.18. 10 After the EPA issues a final permit decision, an interested party may request an evidentiary hearing to contest the resolution of any questions raised during the public comment period. See 40 C.F.R. Sec. 124.74(a). The Regional Administrator then grants or denies the request for a hearing. See 40 C.F.R. Sec. 124.75(a)(1). 11 If a Regional Administrator denies a request for an evidentiary hearing, the denial becomes final agency action within thirty days unless an appeal is made to the Environmental Appeals Board (the EAB). See 40 C.F.R. Secs. 124.60(c)(5) and 124.91. An EAB order denying review renders the Regional Administrator's previous decision final. See 40 C.F.R. Sec. 124.91(f)(1). Finally, once an EPA permit decision has become final, any interested person may obtain judicial review of the decision by petitioning for review in the Circuit Court of Appeals. 33 U.S.C. Sec. 1369(b)(1).