WaterNews for November 2, 2004

Benjamin Grumbles
Acting Assistant Administrator
Office of Water

WaterNews is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water.

In This Week’s WaterNews:

1. EPA Issues Proposed Cooling Water Intake Regulations
2. EPA Takes Action on Clean Water Act Detection & Quantitation Test Methods
3. OW Announces Request for Proposals Supporting Biological Criteria Program
4. Acting Assistant Administrator Speaks at Annual Governor's Conference
5. Acting AA Participates in Clinton River Review 2004
6. Subscribe to WaterNews

1. EPA Issues Proposed Cooling Water Intake Regulations

EPA's Administrator signed a Federal Register Notice proposing a rule to establish location, design, construction and capacity standards for cooling water intake structures at certain existing facilities not already regulated by EPA's "Phase II" regulations for large-flow existing power plants. Phases I and II addressed most new facilities and 554 large existing power plants that use more than 90 percent of all cooling water. This proposal addresses additional facilities that, collectively, use less than 10 percent of all water withdrawn from waters of the U.S. for cooling.

The proposal also covers new offshore and coastal oil and gas extraction facilities. After the Federal Register Notice is published, you can learn more about this action by visiting EPA's web site at www.epa.gov/waterscience/316b/ph3.htm.

2. EPA Takes Action on Clean Water Act Detection & Quantitation Test Methods

On November 1, EPA's Administrator signed a Federal Register Notice withdrawing a proposed rule that would have modified the current Agency Detection & Quantitation procedures used in Clean Water Act Programs. EPA is also releasing a revised assessment document entitled "Revised Assessment of Detection and Quantitation Approaches" incorporating public comment on the February 2003 draft assessment document. Both of these actions complete the terms of a settlement agreement with industry Petitioners. After the FR Notice is published, you can learn more about this action by visiting EPA's web site at www.epa.gov/waterscience/methods/det/.

3. OW Announces Request for Proposals Supporting the Biological Criteria Program

OW's Biological Criteria Program has announced the availability of funds and requested proposals to support research to support the development and implementation of biological assessments and criteria. State water pollution control agencies, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, institutions of higher education, interstate agencies, and other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, organizations and individuals are eligible to apply. EPA will accept proposals until January 1, 2005. You can learn more about this Request for Proposals by visiting EPA's web site at www.epa.gov/waterscience/biocriteria/rfp.pdf.

4. Acting Assistant Administrator Speaks at Annual Governor's Conference

Acting Assistant Administrator Benjamin Grumbles spoke to the 28th Annual Governor's Conference on the Environment on Wednesday, Oct. 26, in Lexington, Kentucky. His talk
described the benefits of clean water to watershed ecosystems and community economies. The conference theme, Clean Water: The Commonwealth's Greatest Liquid Asset, focused on how a vigorous economy and a sound environment can co-exist in Kentucky. The conference was sponsored by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) of the State of Kentucky.

5. Acting AA Participates in Clinton River Review 2004

Benjamin Grumbles, Water's Acting Assistant Administrator, spoke at the Clinton River Review 2004 on Friday, Oct. 22, at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Sponsored by the Clinton River Watershed Council, the event included presentations about cleaning up contaminated sediments, threats to freshwater mussels, river monitoring, watershed management, grassroots efforts, and a panel discussion about the future of the river. Grumbles recognized accomplishments in the watershed over the years and outlined water program priorities. Formed in 1972, the Watershed Council is one of the first watershed efforts in the country. The Council coordinates local governments, businesses, community groups and individuals in working together to improve water quality, promote innovative watershed management techniques, and celebrate the river as a natural and recreational resource.

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