Federal Register: December 11, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 238)

DOCID: FR Doc 01-30586

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Environmental Protection Agency

FRL ID: [FRL-7115-6]

NOTICE: NOTICES

ACTION: Water pollution control:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of public comment period continuation.

SUBJECT CATEGORY:

Clean Water Act Section 303(d): Availability of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs) and Determinations That TMDLs Are Not Needed; Public Comment Continuation

DATES: Comments must be submitted for these TMDLs published 10/15/2001 (dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and ammonia) in writing to EPA on or before December 21, 2001.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY:

This notice announces the continuation of the public comment period for the TMDLs published in Federal Register and the determinations that TMDLs are not needed, published on October 15, 2001 at 66 FR 5240352404. These TMDLs were completed in response to a court order dated October 1, 1999, in the lawsuit Sierra Club, et al. v. Clifford et al., No. 960527, (E.D. La.).

SUMMARY:

Total maximum daily loads—; Mermentau and Vermilion/Tech river basins, LA; determinations that TMDLs are not needed,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

In 1996, two Louisiana environmental groups, the Sierra Club and Louisiana Environmental Action Network (plaintiffs), filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against the EPA, styled Sierra Club, et al. v. Clifford et al., No. 960527, (E.D. La.). Among other claims the plaintiffs alleged that EPA failed to establish Louisiana TMDLs in a timely manner. Discussion of the court's order may be found at 65 FR 54032 (September 6, 2000).

EPA will review all data and information submitted during the continued public comment period and revise the TMDLs and determinations that TMDLs are not necessary where appropriate. EPA will then forward the TMDLs to the Court and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). LDEQ will incorporate the TMDLs into its current water quality management plan. EPA also will revise the Louisiana 303(d) list as appropriate.

Dated: November 29, 2001.
Jayne Fontenot,
Acting Director, Water Quality Protection Division, Region 6. [FR Doc. 0130586 Filed 121001; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 656050P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Ellen Caldwell at (214) 665-7513.