Notice of Availability of Draft National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Discharges at Hydroelectric Generating Facilities in the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire and Indian Lands in the State of Massachusetts

The Director of the Office of Ecosystem Protection, Environmental Protection Agency-Region 1, is today providing notice of availability of the Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit for specific discharges at Hydroelectric Generating Facilities to certain waters of the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire and Indian Lands in the State of Massachusetts. This draft general permit establishes Notice of Intent (NOI) requirements, effluent limitations, standards, prohibitions, and best management practices for classes of discharges at hydroelectric generating facilities. Owners and/or operators of hydroelectric generating facilities with discharges, including those facilities currently authorized to discharge under individual NPDES permits, will be encouraged to submit an NOI to EPA-Region 1 to be covered by the general permit and will receive a written notification from EPA of permit coverage and authorization to discharge under one of the general permits. The eligibility requirements are discussed in detail in the fact sheet and in the general permit. This general permit does not cover new sources as defined under 40 CFR 122.2.