Clean Water Act Section 303(d): Final Agency Action on 2 Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Notice of availability.

SUMMARY:

This notice announces final agency action on 2 TMDLs prepared by EPA Region 6 for waters listed in Louisiana's Barataria river basin, under section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Documents from the administrative record file for the 2 TMDLs, including TMDL calculations and responses to comments, may be viewed at http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/tmdl.htm. The administrative record file may be examined by calling or writing Ms. Ellen Caldwell at the following address. Please contact Ms. Caldwell to schedule an inspection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ellen Caldwell, Environmental Protection Specialist, Water Quality Protection Division, U.S. EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202-2733, telephone (214) 665-7513.

SUPPLEMENTARY 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. 96-0527, (E.D. La.). Among other claims, plaintiffs alleged that EPA failed to establish Louisiana TMDLs in a timely manner.

By this notice EPA is taking final agency action on the following 2 TMDLs for waters located within the Barataria river basin:

EPA requested the public to provide EPA with any significant data or information that may impact the 2 TMDLs in 69 FR 5985-5986 (February 9, 2004). The comments received and EPA's response to comments may be found at http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/tmdl.htm.