Effluent Guidelines

Aquatic Animal Production Industry

Fact Sheet: Notice of Data Availability

EPA 821-F-03-018; December 2003

• Summary
• Background
• Notice of New Data
• For Further Information

Summary

EPA is publishing new data and information related to the September 2002 proposed rule. The Federal Register notice describes the comments we received on the 2002 proposal, new information we have gathered, and how we may use this information in developing the final rule. EPA requests comment on the new data and its implications for a final rule.

(back to top)

Background

In September 2002, EPA published a proposal to establish, for the first time, technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the concentrated aquatic animal production (CAAP) industry. At proposal, we estimated that the final rule would cover about 222 facilities; however, we now estimate it would cover about 500 facilities (reflecting newer and more complete information). The proposed rule would reduce the discharge of total suspended solids (TSS) by at least 4.1 million pounds per year and, consequently, reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and nutrients by at least 8.7 million pounds per year. Implementing the BMP plans will control possible discharge of any toxic and non-conventional pollutants.

In the proposal, EPA asked for comment on several issues, particularly our estimate for costs and pollutant load reductions. We received about 300 individual comment letters from various stakeholders, including state and local regulatory authorities, environmental groups, individual producers, industry trade associations, and private citizens.

(back to top)

Notice of New Data

This notice summarizes data we received in comments and additional data we collected since proposal. It also describes how we might use these data to develop final CAAP regulations. We are evaluating how the comments and new data might affect the regulatory options. We are also looking at the underlying data and methodology that EPA uses to estimate the costs, pollutant load reductions, and financial impacts in light of the comments and new information.

This notice describes our current thinking on these subjects and discusses how the new data and information might affect the limitations and standards. We seek public comment on the issues and information presented in this notice of data availability and in the administrative record supporting this notice. We are particularly interested in learning about the existing practices for the disposal of drugs and chemicals, the best management practices used in a state permit that would be reasonable to implement, and the findings that alligator production operate similarly to CAFOs rather than CAAPs.

(back to top)

For Further Information

To learn more about this notice or the proposed rule, you can contact Ms. Marta Jordan at (202) 566-1049 or send an e-mail to jordan.marta@epa.gov. You can also visit EPA's web site at http://epa.gov/guide/aquaculture.

(back to top)

EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us