<PRE>
[Federal Register: April 14, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 73)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 20314]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap00-37]                         


[[Page 20314]]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 9, 141 and 142

[FRL-6576-1]
RIN 2040-AD43

 
Revisions to the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 
(IESWTR), the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule 
(Stage 1 DBPR) and Revisions to State Primacy Requirements To Implement 
the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is proposing minor revisions to the Interim Enhanced 
Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR) and the Stage 1 Disinfectant and 
Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 1 DBPR) which were published 
December 16, 1998, and the Revisions to State Primacy Requirements to 
Implement the SDWA Amendments (Primacy Rule) published April 28, 1998. 
Today's proposed rule revises the compliance dates for the IESWTR and 
the Stage 1 DBPR. This change will shift the monitoring periods to 
coincide with calendar quarters which will facilitate the 
implementation of these rules. This proposed rule will also extend the 
use of new analytical methods included in the IESWTR and the Stage 1 
DBPR to compliance monitoring for long standing drinking water 
regulations for total trihalomethanes. This proposed rule also includes 
several changes to the regulatory language for clarification. In the 
``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, EPA is also 
promulgating these changes as a direct final rule because we view this 
a noncontroversial revision and anticipate no adverse comments. We have 
explained our reasons in the preamble to the direct final rule. If we 
receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this 
proposed rule. If we receive adverse comment, we will withdraw the 
direct final rule and it will not take effect. We will address all 
public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. 
We will not institute a second comment period on this action. Any 
parties interested in commenting must do so at this time.

DATES: Written comments must be received by May 15, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to the Comment Clerk, docket number W-
99-11, Water Docket (MC 4101), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 
401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460. The record for this proposed 
rule is established under docket number W-99-11. The record is 
available for inspection from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 
excluding legal holidays at the Water Docket, East Tower Basement, US 
EPA, 401 M Street, SW, Washington DC. For access to docket materials, 
please call 202-260-3027 to schedule an appointment. Comments may be 
hand-delivered to the Water Docket, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency; 401 M Street SW, East Tower Basement, Washington, DC 20460. 
Comments may be submitted electronically to <A HREF="mailto:ow-docket@epamail.epa.gov">ow-docket@epamail.epa.gov</A>. 
No facsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
section for further details about comment submission.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Melch, Implementation and 
Assistance Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (MC-
4606), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW, 
Washington DC 20460, (202) 260-7035. Information may also be obtained 
from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline. Callers within the United 
States may reach the Hotline at (800) 426-4791. The Hotline is open 
Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 
5:30 p.m. EST.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document concerns Revisions to the 
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR), the Stage 1 
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (DBPR), and the Primacy 
Rule. For further information, please see the information provided in 
the direct final action which is located in the ``Rules and 
Regulations'' section of this Federal Register publication. At times, 
EPA included text from current regulations to make the revisions to the 
tables easier to understand. These revisions are to 
Secs. 141.132(b)(1)(i), 141.134(b)-(d), 141.135(b)(2), and are 
distinguished in the preamble to the direct final rule. EPA is not 
soliciting comment on any regulatory text that has not been revised and 
will not address any such comments.

Additional Information for Commenters

    Please submit an original and three copies of your comments and 
enclosures (including references). Comments must be received or 
postmarked by May 15, 2000.
    Commenters who want EPA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
should enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Electronic comments 
must be submitted as a WP5/6/7/8 file or an ASCII File, avoiding the 
use of special characters and form and encryption. Electronic comments 
must be identified by the docket number W-99-11.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 141 and 142

    Environmental protection, Analytical methods, Drinking water, 
Intergovernmental relations, Public utilities, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Reservoirs, Utilities, Water supply, 
Watersheds.

    Dated: April 4, 2000.
Carol M. Browner,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 00-9090 Filed 4-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

</PRE>