[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 140 (Tuesday, July 22, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 43355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18614]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-7534-4]


State of Wisconsin Prohibition on Marine Discharges of Vessel 
Sewage Into Waters of Lake Superior; Receipt of Petition and Tentative 
Determination

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of tentative determination.

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SUMMARY: Today's notice announces that, by letter dated June 24, 2003, 
the United States Environmental Protection Agency has tentatively 
determined that there is a reasonable availability of adequate 
facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage 
from all vessels on the waters of Lake Superior under the jurisdiction 
of the State of Wisconsin.

DATES: Comments and views regarding this petition and EPA's tentative 
determination may be filed on or before August 21, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Irvin J. Dzikowski, United States 
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Water Division WN-16J, 77 
West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604, (312) 886-6100.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A petition to the Regional Administrator, 
EPA, dated February 28, 2003, was received from the Secretary, State of 
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, requesting a determination 
pursuant to section 312(f)(3) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C. 
1322(f)(3) and 40 CFR 140.4(a) that there is a reasonable availability 
of adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment 
of sewage from all vessels on the waters of Lake Superior under the 
jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin. There are 13 waterfront 
facilities that operate sanitary waste pumpout facilities and or dump 
stations in the proposed Wisconsin Waters Lake Superior No Discharge 
Area. In addition to the sanitary waste pumpout facilities, numerous 
shoreline restroom facilities are available at public boat launches, 
docks and parks. Commercial vessels use the facilities at the Port of 
Duluth Superior. On May 18, 2003, the State supplemented its petition 
with a ``Greater Protection and Enhancement Certification.'' Once the 
EPA determines that adequate facilities are available, the State of 
Wisconsin has the authority pursuant to section 312(f)(3) and 40 CFR 
140.4(a), to completely prohibit the discharge from all vessels of any 
sewage, whether treated or not, into the waters of Lake Superior under 
its jurisdiction. The EPA hereby makes a tentative affirmative 
determination that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary 
removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably 
available in the Lake Superior area under the jurisdiction of the State 
of Wisconsin. A final determination on this matter will be made by the 
Regional Administrator following the 30 day period for public comment.

    Dated: June 24, 2003.
Thomas V. Skinner,
Regional Administrator, Region 5.
[FR Doc. 03-18614 Filed 7-21-03; 8:45 am]
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