State Applies for NPDES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2006 No. 06-124

Alaska Applies for Clean Water Act Permitting Authority

(Juneau) — The State of Alaska today formally applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for authority to permit wastewater discharges in Alaska in lieu of EPA’s Seattle-based permitting program.

The state is seeking to join 45 other states that administer their own programs of issuing permits for wastewater discharges and monitoring compliance. Only Alaska, Idaho, New Mexico, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts do not currently issue National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.

“Our application to EPA reflects nearly two years of hard work, cooperation and diligence,” said Governor Frank H. Murkowski. “The results we’re hoping to achieve for Alaska – local management and accountability, a more streamlined process, and better environmental outcomes – will be well worth the time and effort.”

“We greatly appreciate the amount of time and effort DEC has invested in this request for delegated authority,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Bogert. “In reviewing the package, engaging interested stakeholders, and consulting with tribes, EPA is committed to working with the state to establish a permit program that protects and enhances water quality throughout Alaska.”

The multi-year effort took a major step forward in 2005 when Governor Murkowski sponsored, and the Legislature passed, Senate Bill 110, directing DEC to seek and assume authority for the program. The legislation set a deadline of July 1, 2006 for submitting an application. The application, which fills three notebooks, includes a comprehensive review of state statutes to ensure DEC has all the authority required to implement the Clean Water Act program. It also includes state regulations under which the program will operate.

Now that the application has been submitted, it will be subject to EPA review and approval, including substantial opportunity for public review and comment.

###

Contact: Lynn Kent, DEC Director of Water, at 269-6281.