ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

NOTICE OF PROPOSED GENERAL NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PERMIT FOR DISCHARGES INTO OFFSHORE WATERS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA
AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is proposing to reissue the General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit ALG280000 regulating discharges of wastewater associated with offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities consisting of the discharge of deck drainage from platform complexes, remote well structures, pigging platforms, temporary rigs, floating construction facilities, and waste collection barges; treated sanitary and domestic wastewater of less than 10,000 gallons per day; noncontact cooling water and boiler blowdown; and low volume miscellaneous discharges discharging to offshore waters of the State of Alabama (not designated Outstanding National Resource Water or Outstanding Alabama Water).  The discharge of well treatment, completion, and workover fluids; produced sand; produced water; drilling muds and cuttings; and discharges incidental to the normal and proper operation of a vessel while being used as a means of transportation are not authorized by this permit, nor are any discharges to areas of biological concern.

Individual facilities and/or operations may propose to operate under this general permit, if reissued, by notifying the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and providing the required documentation.  After receiving such notice of intent, the Department may regulate discharges under the General Permit.

The Department has tentatively determined that the reissuance of the General Permit is consistent with the Water Quality Program regulations, and for those in the coastal area, are consistent with the Alabama Coastal Management Program.

Copies of the draft permit, conditions, limitations and a fact sheet as applicable describing the methodology for setting the limitations and conditions and other applicable NPDES forms and related documents are available for public inspection electronically via http://adem.alabama.gov/newsEvents/publicNotices.cnt, and at the following location Monday – Friday (except legal holidays), 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  A nominal fee for copying and/or mailing may be charged.  Arrangements for copying should be made in advance.

Russell A. Kelly, Chief
Permits and Services Division
ADEM
1400 Coliseum Blvd.
[Mailing address: PO Box 301463; Zip 36130-1463]
Montgomery, Alabama 36110-2400
(334) 271-7714
permitsmail@adem.alabama.gov

Persons wishing to comment may do so, in writing, to the Department's named contact above within 30 days following the publication date of this notice.  In order to affect final decisions, comments must offer technically substantial information that is applicable to the proposed permit.

A written request for a public hearing may also be filed within that 30-day period and must state the nature of the issues proposed to be raised in the hearing.  The Director shall hold a public hearing whenever it is found, on the basis of hearing requests, that there exists a significant degree of public interest in the draft permit.  The Director may also hold a hearing if he determines that it would clarify one or more issues involved in the permit decision.

After consideration of all written comments, review of any public hearing record, and consideration of the requirements of the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and applicable regulations, the Department will make a final determination.  The Department will develop a response to comments, if applicable, which will become part of the public record and will be available to persons upon request.  Notice will be sent to any person requesting notice of the final action.

The Department maintains a list of interested individuals who are mailed legal notices regarding proposed permits. If you wish to receive such notices, contact the Permits & Services Division via telephone (334-271-7714), e-mail (permitsmail@adem.alabama.gov), or postal service (P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, AL  36130-1463).

This notice is hereby given 4th day of December, 2019, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

Lance R. LeFleur,

Director

Nondiscrimination Statement:  The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in the administration of its programs.