Coverage under this general permit will be initiated by submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) for any operator who will exceed an annual treatment area threshold defined in Part I.C.2 of the general permit. Pursuant to ADEM Admin Code r. 335-6-6-.23(15)(c), and given the type and expected number of discharges, the Department is proposing that other operators that do not exceed this annual treatment threshold may be authorized to discharge under this general permit without having to submit a NOI.

The Department has tentatively determined that the issuance of the General Permit is consistent with the Water Quality Program regulations; and with EPA�s proposed pesticide general permit.

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://www.adem.state.al.us/PublicNotice/PublicNotice.htm, 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.

Persons wishing to comment may do so, in writing, to the Department's named contact above prior to 5pm on May 6, 2011. In order to affect final decisions, comments must offer technically substantial information that is applicable to the proposed permit.

The Department held a public hearing on April 4, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Hearing Room at the ADEM Central Office location at 1400 Coliseum Blvd. in Montgomery. The public hearing was held to receive data, views, and arguments from interested persons regarding the proposed permit. Attendance at the hearing was not necessary to present such data, views, arguments, or comments as the same may be submitted in writing, but must be received by the Hearing Officer prior to 5:00 p.m. on May 6, 2011. Written submissions and other inquiries should be directed to: ADEM Hearing Officer, Office of General Counsel, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, AL 36130-1463 (street address: 1400 Coliseum Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36110-2059) or by email at hearing.officer@adem.state.al.us.

After consideration of all written comments and the 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, 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.state.al.us), or postal service (P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, AL 36130-1463).

This notice extension is hereby given this April 4, 2011, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.