82 FR 11218 - Washington State Department of Ecology Prohibition of Discharges of Vessel Sewage; Final Affirmative Determination
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 33 (February 21, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 33 (February 21, 2017)
| Page Range | 11218-11221 | |
| FR Document | 2017-03353 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 21, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 11218-11221] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-03353] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9959-09-Region 10] Washington State Department of Ecology Prohibition of Discharges of Vessel Sewage; Final Affirmative Determination AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of determination. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Regional Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, has determined that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably available for all marine waters of Washington State inward from the line between New Dungeness Lighthouse and the Discovery Island Lighthouse to the Canadian border, and fresh waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union, and connecting waters between and to Puget Sound. This notice constitutes EPA's final determination on the petition submitted by the Washington State Department of Ecology on July 21, 2016, pursuant to Section 312(f)(3) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1322, for a determination that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably available for the waters of Puget Sound. This determination does not itself constitute the designation of a no-discharge zone, rather, the State of Washington may now in its discretion [[Page 11219]] finalize its proposed designation in accordance with state law and take the steps it deems appropriate to implement and enforce the discharge prohibition. EPA Response to Public Comments on the November 7, 2016 Preliminary Affirmative Determination On November 7, 2016, EPA published notice of its preliminary affirmative determination that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably available for the waters subject to Washington's proposed no-discharge zone [FR Number 2016-26877; 81 FR 78141, November 7, 2016] with a 30-day public comment period. At the request of stakeholders, EPA extended the 30-day public comment period from December 7, 2016 to December 23, 2016. EPA received a total of 40,462 comments via letter, email, online using the Federal eRulemaking Portal, and in person. All forms of input were considered equally. Of the comments received, 328 were individual letters and 40,134 were form letters, mass mailers and/or petitions, a few with minor additions. Of the individual letters, approximately two- thirds supported and one-third opposed EPA's preliminary affirmative determination. Two mass mailers totaling 72 signatures opposed EPA's tentative affirmative determination and 40,062 supported it. Comments were submitted by individuals, environmental organizations, vessel associations, boating and yacht clubs, industry representatives, port authorities, county, federal, local and tribal governmental entities, and other interested groups. In addition to comments expressing support or opposition to a Puget Sound no-discharge zone, many commenters specifically addressed the adequacy and availability of pumpout facilities, while others focused on broader issues beyond the scope of EPA's review and determination. All of the relevant comments received have been considered. EPA has prepared a response to comments that supports this determination. The response to comments document can be found at this Web site: https://www.epa.gov/puget-sound/epas-final-determination-no-discharge-zone-puget-sound. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Catherine Gockel, U.S. EPA Region 10, Office of Water and Watersheds, 1200 Sixth Ave., Seattle, Washington 98101; telephone number (206) 553-0325; fax number (206) 553-1280; email address [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Ecology has petitioned the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 10, pursuant to section 312(f)(3) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1322, for a determination that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably available for the waters of Puget Sound. As described in the State's petition, submitted to EPA on July 21, 2016, the Washington State Department of Ecology has determined that the protection and enhancement of the quality of the waters of Puget Sound requires greater environmental protection, and petitioned the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, for a determination that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably available for those waters, so that the State may completely prohibit the discharge from all vessels of any sewage, whether treated or not, into such waters. According to the Ecology's petition, the western boundary of the NDZ would be the exit of the Strait of Juan de Fuca near the entrance of Admiralty Inlet. This boundary is known and visible to vessel operators as it is the line between New Dungeness Lighthouse and Discovery Island Lighthouse. The northern boundary would be the border with Canada and heading south including all marine waters down to the south end of the south Sound and Hood Canal. The fresh waters of Lake Washington, Union Bay, Montlake Cut, Portage Bay, Lake Union, Fremont Cut, the Lake Washington Ship Canal, and Salmon Bay (the connecting waters from Lake Washington to Puget Sound) would be included. For more information regarding the State's planned no-discharge zone, please go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/nonpoint/CleanBoating/nodischargezone.html. Washington State Department of Ecology's Certificate of Need The Washington State Department of Ecology developed its petition in order to establish a vessel sewage no-discharge zone for all marine waters of Washington State inward from the line between New Dungeness Lighthouse and the Discovery Island Lighthouse to the Canadian border, and fresh waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union, and connecting waters between and to Puget Sound, and has submitted a certificate that the protection and enhancement of the waters described in the petition require greater environmental protection than the applicable Federal standard. Adequacy and Availability of Sewage Pumpout Facilities EPA's determination is based on the information provided in Ecology's July 21, 2016 petition as well as supplemental information that Ecology submitted to EPA on October 14, 2016, regarding commercial vessel pumpout availability in Puget Sound. In reaching this final determination, EPA has conducted additional outreach to verify and confirm the information provided in Ecology's submittals and follow up on comments received. The information obtained further supports EPA's determination that adequate pumpout out facilities for the safe and sanitary removal of sewage are reasonably available for both commercial and recreational vessels. Additional detail is provided below and in EPA's response to comments document. Guidelines issued pursuant to the Clean Vessel Act for recreational vessels recommend one pumpout station for every 300-600 boats [Clean Vessel Act: Pumpout Station and Dump Station Technical Guidelines, Federal Register, Vol. 59, No. 47, March 10, 1994]. In its petition, the State described the recreational vessel population in Puget Sound as well as the stationary pumpout facilities and mobile pumpout services that are available for use. The State used two methods to develop a reasonable estimate of the recreational vessel population in Puget Sound. The first method was based on boater registration records obtained from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Using data from the DOL, the maximum estimated number of recreational vessels in each of the Washington State counties bordering Puget Sound that might require access to pumpout facilities or services under NDZ regulations (i.e., boats larger than 21 feet) is 43,677. Vessels under 21 feet were not included in the estimate because they typically do not have an installed toilet. Because boater registration data may include a number of small, locally registered, commercial vessels such as fishing boats or tug boats, the total may be an overestimate. The second method was based on the number of moorages and slips available to boaters, using Google Earth imagery captured during the summers of 2011 and 2012 to count vacant and occupied marina slips and moored vessels. Using this method, the State estimates a recreational vessel population of 23,555. The State believes that this also may be an overestimate, albeit less of an overestimate than the number [[Page 11220]] calculated using the DOL boater registration data. The State's petition also provided information about 173 pumpout units at 102 locations, and 21 mobile pumpout boats available for recreational vessels in Puget Sound. EPA's review of Ecology's petition and the comments received has confirmed that the total number, location and availability of these pumpout facilities and services track the overall distribution of the recreational vessel population. The ongoing costs for recreational vessels to pumpout is minimal, with most pumpouts being free or $5 per pumpout. The majority of pumped sewage is sent to wastewater treatment plants; however, some is sent to onsite septic tanks that meet federal requirements. The most conservative estimate of the ratio of pumpout facilities to recreational vessels is 1:171 boats for each pumpout facility, not including the mobile services. Based on DOL vessel registration data, there is a maximum of 43,677 recreation vessels in Puget Sound that could require access to pumpout facilities. As noted above, this is the State's most conservative (high) estimate. Using a 40 percent peak occupancy rate recommended by the Clean Vessel Act Technical Guidelines cited above, EPA has calculated that 17,471 of the 43,677 boats recreational vessels would require access to a pumpout facility during peak boating season. The State identified 102 recreational pumpout locations, which results in a ratio of 171 recreational vessels for each pumpout location, not including the mobile services. Applying the same 40% occupancy rate to the lower recreational vessel estimate of 23,555 obtained from the moorage count results in a ratio of 92 recreational vessels for each pumpout location, not including the mobile services. Accordingly, even using the more conservative vessel count, the resulting ratio well exceeds the recommended minimum ratio of 1:600. In addition, EPA has confirmed that numerous mobile pumpout trucks and vessels are available to provide service for recreational vessels throughout Puget Sound. As set forth in Table 8 of Ecology's supplement information, there are 194 mobile pumpout companies; of these, at least 52 vacuum trucks and two mobile pumpout vessels are available for pumping out larger recreational vessels. Mobile pumpout services are available seven days a week, with extended hours during the busy summer months. These mobile services provide additional pumpout options to address concerns raised regarding location or access issues. Additional information is provided in EPA's response to comments document. Based on this information, EPA determines that adequate pumpout facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage for recreational vessels are reasonably available for the waters of Puget Sound. Puget Sound is also used by many different sizes and types of commercial vessels. The State used a study conducted by the Puget Sound Maritime Air Forum (Starcrest, 2007) to develop a reasonable estimate of commercial vessel use of Puget Sound. The study concluded that there were 2,937 entries of large oceangoing vessels into Puget Sound in 2005, and an estimated 678 other commercial vessels that operate mostly within Puget Sound (e.g., escort tugs) or have Puget Sound as their home port (e.g., the fleet of fishing vessels that travels to Alaska each year). According to the State, current commercial vessel statistics are estimated to be similar to the data from 2005. Based on information provided by a commenter, updated information in 2013 may raise this number to 709. As discussed below, this difference of 31 vessels does not make a measurable difference in terms of EPA's conclusions regarding the ratio of commercial vessels to available pumpout facilities. The large, oceangoing transient commercial vessels that are only in Puget Sound for a short period of time (e.g., large cruise ships, freighters and tankers) have large enough holding tanks to hold their waste during the time they are in Puget Sound, with some exceptions. Although included in the initial overall vessel estimate, these vessels do not have a need to pumpout and were not included when assessing the adequacy of pumpout facilities. Washington State Ferries (WSDOT ferries) and U.S. military vessels have holding tanks and use large- scale, dedicated pumpout facilities where they are moored. Smaller commercial vessels, such as ferries, tugboats, excursion vessels, and fishing vessels with installed toilets can use the stationary pumpouts, mobile pumpout service vessels, some of the recreational pumpouts, or shore-based pumper trucks, described in more detail below. The State identified eight stationary pumpouts dedicated to WSDOT ferries, three dedicated to U.S. Navy vessels, one dedicated to the Victoria Clipper vessels and one for the McNeil Island Department of Corrections vessels. The Port of Bellingham cruise terminal area also has three stationary pumpouts, one of which is used for Alaska Marine Highway vessels and two other pumpouts that can serve other commercial vessels. Although not included in this analysis, EPA notes that two more commercial pumpouts are being installed, one in Seattle for all commercial vessels and another at the Port of Bellingham mostly for fishing vessels. Estimated dates for completion are March and September 2017, respectively. The State's supplemental information identified five companies that specialize in commercial marine work and that are capable of removing sewage from commercial vessel holding tanks. These five companies have a combined total of approximately 52 trucks (capacity ranging from 2,200-7,000 gallons each) and two mobile barges (capacity of 3,000 gallons each). These companies serve all of Puget Sound and can provide pumpout services at a variety of docks and ports for all types of commercial vessels, including tugs, fishing vessels, USCG vessels, smaller cruise ships, tankers, and other vessels. EPA contacted four of the commercial marine work companies identified in Ecology's supplemental information document and confirmed that the information provided was accurate. The State's petition and supplemental information also identified 21-23 mobile pumpout vessels. These mobile pumpouts primarily service recreational boats, but several have serviced commercial vessels such as charter boats, fishing vessels, U.S. Coast Guard vessels, and passenger vessels. The mobile pumpout boats have a capacity between 40 and 450 gallons and cover vast areas geographically as they are able to move to vessels, although some stay within their own marina or harbor area. In addition to the pumpouts described above, there are approximately 140 licensed or certified pumper truck companies in Puget Sound that primarily pump out septic tanks, but that can also pump out vessel sewage. The number of trucks in each company ranges from 1-13, and approximately half of these companies contacted by the State are currently, or are willing to, pump out commercial vessel sewage. The State indicates that the number of commercial vessels that are likely to be in regular need of pumpout facilities within a no- discharge zone would include the non-ocean going vessels that include tugboats, commercial fishing vessels, small passenger vessels, NOAA research and survey vessels, WSDOT Ferries, military and other government vessels, excursion and other commercial vessels. Given that the WSDOT Ferries, military vessels, and Victoria Clipper vessels all have dedicated stationary pumpouts, they have been removed [[Page 11221]] from the count and EPA has not included their 14 dedicated pumpout facilities in the analysis below. Using the starting number of 678 from the 2005 Starcrest survey, this leaves an approximate 600 vessels that would be in need of other pumpout facilities. Using the starting number of 709 from the 2013 Starcrest survey would leave 631 vessels in need of pumpout facilities. With the two stationary commercial pumpouts, at least 52 Sound-wide commercial pumper trucks, and the two Sound-wide mobile commercial pumpout barges described above, this amounts to at least 56 pumpouts available for commercial vessels which results in an approximate ratio of 11:1, using either the 600 or 631 vessel estimates cited above. In addition to this ratio, EPA has considered the fact that these mobile pumpouts provide service throughout Puget Sound, provide sufficient capacity for commercial vessels, and generally do not experience dock access issues. Moreover, these pumpout services can be scheduled by appointment to accommodate vessel needs and itineraries, and are sufficiently diversified such that they do not experience seasonal fluctuations. Given the widespread availability and flexibility of these services and the overall ratio of 11:1, EPA determines that adequate pumpout facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage for commercial vessels are reasonably available for the waters of Puget Sound. EPA further notes that the estimated ratio may be conservative, given that a number of the mobile pumpout boats and pumper trucks described above may also provide commercial pumpout services. Table of Facilities A list of pumpout facilities, phone numbers, locations, hours of operation, water depth, and fees is provided at this link to the Washington Department of Ecology Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/nonpoint/CleanBoating/VesselPumpoutTables.pdf. Based on the information above, the EPA hereby makes a final affirmative determination that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably available for the waters of Puget Sound. Dated: February 13, 2017. Michelle L. Pirzadeh, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 10. [FR Doc. 2017-03353 Filed 2-17-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![11218 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 33 / Tuesday, February 21, 2017 / Notices
approximately 1,760 feet above mean (P–14807) in the docket number field to of Executive Departments and Agencies
sea level (msl) created through access the document. For assistance, to temporarily postpone for sixty days
construction of new roller-compacted contact FERC Online Support. from the date of the memorandum the
concrete or rock-filled dams and/or Dated: February 14, 2017. effective dates of all regulations (defined
dikes; (2) excavating a new lower Kimberly D. Bose,
in the January 20, 2017 memorandum to
reservoir with a surface area of 131 acres include ‘‘an interpretation of a statutory
Secretary.
and a total storage capacity of 5,040 or regulatory issue’’) that had been
acre-feet at a surface elevation of 1,099 [FR Doc. 2017–03323 Filed 2–17–17; 8:45 am]
published in the Federal Register but
feet msl; (3) a new 900-foot-long, 48- BILLING CODE 6717–01–P had not yet taken effect. The Federal
inch-diameter penstock connecting the Register Notice entitled ‘‘Statutory
upper reservoirs; (4) a new 3,387-foot- Requirements for Substantiation of
long, 48-inch-diameter penstock ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Confidential Business Information (CBI)
connecting the upper and lower AGENCY Claims Under the Toxic Substances
reservoirs; (5) a new 150-foot-long, 50- [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2017–0026; FRL–9959–39] Control Act (TSCA)’’ is subject to the
foot-wide powerhouse containing two effective date delay. The new effective
turbine-generator units with a total rated Statutory Requirements for date for this action is March 21, 2017.
capacity of 300 megawatts; (6) a new Substantiation of Confidential If deemed appropriate, EPA may
transmission line connecting the Business Information (CBI) Claims consider delaying the effective date of
powerhouse to a nearby electric grid Under the Toxic Substances Control this action beyond March 21, 2017.
interconnection point with options to Act (TSCA); Delay of Effective Date Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.
evaluate multiple grid interconnection
locations; and (7) appurtenant facilities. AGENCY: Environmental Protection Dated: February 13, 2017.
Possible initial fill water and make-up Agency (EPA). Wendy Cleland-Hamnett,
water would come from Catawissa ACTION: Delay of effective date. Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of
Creek. The proposed project would have Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
an annual generation of 867,187 SUMMARY: In accordance with the [FR Doc. 2017–03352 Filed 2–17–17; 8:45 am]
megawatt-hours. Presidential directive as expressed in BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
Applicant Contact: Adam Rousselle, the memorandum of January 20, 2017,
Merchant Hydro Developers, LLC, 5710 from the Assistant to the President and
Oak Crest Drive, Doylestown, PA 18902; Chief of Staff, entitled ‘‘Regulatory ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
phone: (267) 254–6107. Freeze Pending Review’’, this action AGENCY
FERC Contact: Tim Looney; phone: delays until March 21, 2017, the
[FRL–9959–09–Region 10]
(202) 502–6096. effective date of the Federal Register
Deadline for filing comments, motions Notice entitled ‘‘Statutory Requirements Washington State Department of
to intervene, competing applications for Substantiation of Confidential Ecology Prohibition of Discharges of
(without notices of intent), or notices of Business Information (CBI) Claims Vessel Sewage; Final Affirmative
intent to file competing applications: 60 Under the Toxic Substances Control Act Determination
days from the issuance of this notice. (TSCA)’’, published in the Federal
Competing applications and notices of Register on January 19, 2017 (82 FR AGENCY: Environmental Protection
intent must meet the requirements of 18 6522, FRL–9958–34). Agency (EPA).
CFR 4.36. DATES: This action is effective February ACTION: Notice of determination.
The Commission strongly encourages
21, 2017. The effective date of the SUMMARY: The Regional Administrator
electronic filing. Please file comments,
Federal Register Notice entitled of the Environmental Protection
motions to intervene, notices of intent,
‘‘Statutory Requirements for Agency, Region 10, has determined that
and competing applications using the
Substantiation of Confidential Business adequate facilities for the safe and
Commission’s eFiling system at http://
Information (CBI) Claims Under the sanitary removal and treatment of
www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)’’, sewage from all vessels are reasonably
Commenters can submit brief comments
published in the Federal Register on available for all marine waters of
up to 6,000 characters, without prior
January 19, 2017 (82 FR 6522, FRL– Washington State inward from the line
registration, using the eComment system
9958–34), is delayed from March 20, between New Dungeness Lighthouse
at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
2017 to a new effective date of March and the Discovery Island Lighthouse to
ecomment.asp. You must include your
21, 2017. the Canadian border, and fresh waters of
name and contact information at the end
of your comments. For assistance, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lake Washington, Lake Union, and
please contact FERC Online Support at Scott M. Sherlock, Attorney Advisor, connecting waters between and to Puget
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) Environmental Assistance Division, Sound. This notice constitutes EPA’s
208–3676 (toll free), or (202) 502–8659 Office of Pollution Prevention and final determination on the petition
(TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please Toxics, Environmental Protection submitted by the Washington State
send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Department of Ecology on July 21, 2016,
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone pursuant to Section 312(f)(3) of the
First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. number: (202) 564–8257; email address: Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1322, for a
sherlock.scott@epa.gov. determination that adequate facilities
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
The first page of any filing should
include docket number P–14807–000. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA bases for the safe and sanitary removal and
More information about this project, this action on the Presidential directive treatment of sewage from all vessels are
including a copy of the application, can as expressed in the memorandum of reasonably available for the waters of
be viewed or printed on the ‘‘eLibrary’’ January 20, 2017, from the Assistant to Puget Sound. This determination does
link of the Commission’s Web site at the President and Chief of Staff, entitled not itself constitute the designation of a
http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ ‘‘Regulatory Freeze Pending Review’’. no-discharge zone, rather, the State of
elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number That memorandum directed the heads Washington may now in its discretion
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finalize its proposed designation in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The require greater environmental protection
accordance with state law and take the Department of Ecology has petitioned than the applicable Federal standard.
steps it deems appropriate to implement the United States Environmental
Adequacy and Availability of Sewage
and enforce the discharge prohibition. Protection Agency (EPA), Region 10,
Pumpout Facilities
pursuant to section 312(f)(3) of the
EPA Response to Public Comments on EPA’s determination is based on the
Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1322, for a
the November 7, 2016 Preliminary information provided in Ecology’s July
determination that adequate facilities
Affirmative Determination 21, 2016 petition as well as
for the safe and sanitary removal and
On November 7, 2016, EPA published treatment of sewage from all vessels are supplemental information that Ecology
notice of its preliminary affirmative reasonably available for the waters of submitted to EPA on October 14, 2016,
Puget Sound. As described in the State’s regarding commercial vessel pumpout
determination that adequate facilities
petition, submitted to EPA on July 21, availability in Puget Sound. In reaching
for the safe and sanitary removal and
2016, the Washington State Department this final determination, EPA has
treatment of sewage from all vessels are
of Ecology has determined that the conducted additional outreach to verify
reasonably available for the waters
protection and enhancement of the and confirm the information provided
subject to Washington’s proposed no-
quality of the waters of Puget Sound in Ecology’s submittals and follow up
discharge zone [FR Number 2016–
requires greater environmental on comments received. The information
26877; 81 FR 78141, November 7, 2016]
protection, and petitioned the United obtained further supports EPA’s
with a 30-day public comment period.
States Environmental Protection determination that adequate pumpout
At the request of stakeholders, EPA
Agency, Region 10, for a determination out facilities for the safe and sanitary
extended the 30-day public comment removal of sewage are reasonably
period from December 7, 2016 to that adequate facilities for the safe and
sanitary removal and treatment of available for both commercial and
December 23, 2016. recreational vessels. Additional detail is
sewage from all vessels are reasonably
EPA received a total of 40,462 provided below and in EPA’s response
available for those waters, so that the
comments via letter, email, online using to comments document.
State may completely prohibit the
the Federal eRulemaking Portal, and in Guidelines issued pursuant to the
discharge from all vessels of any
person. All forms of input were Clean Vessel Act for recreational vessels
sewage, whether treated or not, into
considered equally. Of the comments recommend one pumpout station for
such waters.
received, 328 were individual letters every 300–600 boats [Clean Vessel Act:
and 40,134 were form letters, mass According to the Ecology’s petition, Pumpout Station and Dump Station
mailers and/or petitions, a few with the western boundary of the NDZ would Technical Guidelines, Federal Register,
minor additions. Of the individual be the exit of the Strait of Juan de Fuca Vol. 59, No. 47, March 10, 1994]. In its
letters, approximately two-thirds near the entrance of Admiralty Inlet. petition, the State described the
supported and one-third opposed EPA’s This boundary is known and visible to recreational vessel population in Puget
preliminary affirmative determination. vessel operators as it is the line between Sound as well as the stationary
Two mass mailers totaling 72 signatures New Dungeness Lighthouse and pumpout facilities and mobile pumpout
opposed EPA’s tentative affirmative Discovery Island Lighthouse. The services that are available for use.
determination and 40,062 supported it. northern boundary would be the border The State used two methods to
Comments were submitted by with Canada and heading south develop a reasonable estimate of the
individuals, environmental including all marine waters down to the recreational vessel population in Puget
organizations, vessel associations, south end of the south Sound and Hood Sound. The first method was based on
boating and yacht clubs, industry Canal. The fresh waters of Lake boater registration records obtained
representatives, port authorities, county, Washington, Union Bay, Montlake Cut, from the Washington State Department
federal, local and tribal governmental Portage Bay, Lake Union, Fremont Cut, of Licensing (DOL). Using data from the
entities, and other interested groups. the Lake Washington Ship Canal, and DOL, the maximum estimated number
Salmon Bay (the connecting waters from of recreational vessels in each of the
In addition to comments expressing Lake Washington to Puget Sound) Washington State counties bordering
support or opposition to a Puget Sound would be included. For more Puget Sound that might require access
no-discharge zone, many commenters information regarding the State’s to pumpout facilities or services under
specifically addressed the adequacy and planned no-discharge zone, please go to: NDZ regulations (i.e., boats larger than
availability of pumpout facilities, while http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/ 21 feet) is 43,677. Vessels under 21 feet
others focused on broader issues beyond nonpoint/CleanBoating/ were not included in the estimate
the scope of EPA’s review and nodischargezone.html. because they typically do not have an
determination. All of the relevant
Washington State Department of installed toilet. Because boater
comments received have been
Ecology’s Certificate of Need registration data may include a number
considered. EPA has prepared a
of small, locally registered, commercial
response to comments that supports this
The Washington State Department of vessels such as fishing boats or tug
determination. The response to
Ecology developed its petition in order boats, the total may be an overestimate.
comments document can be found at
to establish a vessel sewage no- The second method was based on the
this Web site: https://www.epa.gov/
discharge zone for all marine waters of number of moorages and slips available
puget-sound/epas-final-determination-
Washington State inward from the line to boaters, using Google Earth imagery
no-discharge-zone-puget-sound.
between New Dungeness Lighthouse captured during the summers of 2011
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: and the Discovery Island Lighthouse to and 2012 to count vacant and occupied
Catherine Gockel, U.S. EPA Region 10, the Canadian border, and fresh waters of marina slips and moored vessels. Using
Office of Water and Watersheds, 1200 Lake Washington, Lake Union, and this method, the State estimates a
Sixth Ave., Seattle, Washington 98101; connecting waters between and to Puget recreational vessel population of 23,555.
telephone number (206) 553–0325; fax Sound, and has submitted a certificate The State believes that this also may be
number (206) 553–1280; email address that the protection and enhancement of an overestimate, albeit less of an
gockel.catherine@epa.gov. the waters described in the petition overestimate than the number
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from the count and EPA has not FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION standards in section 4 of the BHC Act
included their 14 dedicated pumpout (12 U.S.C. 1843). Unless otherwise
facilities in the analysis below. Using Sunshine Act Meetings noted, nonbanking activities will be
the starting number of 678 from the conducted throughout the United States.
AGENCY: Federal Election Commission.
2005 Starcrest survey, this leaves an Unless otherwise noted, comments
DATE AND TIME: Thursday, February 23, regarding each of these applications
approximate 600 vessels that would be
in need of other pumpout facilities. 2017 at 10:00 a.m. must be received at the Reserve Bank
Using the starting number of 709 from PLACE: 999 E Street NW., Washington, indicated or the offices of the Board of
the 2013 Starcrest survey would leave DC (Ninth Floor) Governors not later than March 17,
631 vessels in need of pumpout STATUS: This meeting will be open to the 2017.
facilities. public. A. Federal Reserve Bank of
With the two stationary commercial ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED: Minneapolis (Jacquelyn K. Brunmeier,
pumpouts, at least 52 Sound-wide Draft Advisory Opinion 2016–23: Assistant Vice President) 90 Hennepin
commercial pumper trucks, and the two Socialist Workers Party Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sound-wide mobile commercial Management and Administrative 55480–0291:
pumpout barges described above, this Matters 1. Stearns Financial Services, Inc.
amounts to at least 56 pumpouts Individuals who plan to attend and Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Saint
available for commercial vessels which require special assistance, such as sign Cloud, Minnesota; to retain and acquire
results in an approximate ratio of 11:1, language interpretation or other additional stock and increase its
using either the 600 or 631 vessel reasonable accommodations, should ownership interest up to 23.594 percent
estimates cited above. In addition to this contact Dayna C. Brown, Acting of Stearns Financial Services, Inc., Saint
ratio, EPA has considered the fact that Secretary and Clerk, at (202) 694–1040, Cloud, Minnesota, and thereby
these mobile pumpouts provide service at least 72 hours prior to the meeting indirectly increase its control of Stearns
throughout Puget Sound, provide date. Bank National Association, Saint Cloud,
sufficient capacity for commercial Minnesota; Stearns Bank of Upsala,
PERSON TO CONTACT FOR INFORMATION:
vessels, and generally do not experience National Association, Upsala,
Judith Ingram, Press Officer, Telephone:
dock access issues. Moreover, these Minnesota; and Stearns Bank of
(202) 694–1220.
pumpout services can be scheduled by Holdingford, National Association,
Signed: Holdingford, Minnesota.
appointment to accommodate vessel
needs and itineraries, and are Dayna C. Brown, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
sufficiently diversified such that they do Acting Secretary and Clerk of the System, February 14, 2017.
not experience seasonal fluctuations. Commission. Yao-Chin Chao,
Given the widespread availability and [FR Doc. 2017–03456 Filed 2–16–17; 4:15 pm] Assistant Secretary of the Board.
flexibility of these services and the BILLING CODE 6715–01–P [FR Doc. 2017–03257 Filed 2–17–17; 8:45 am]
overall ratio of 11:1, EPA determines BILLING CODE 6210–01–P
that adequate pumpout facilities for the
safe and sanitary removal and treatment FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
of sewage for commercial vessels are FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
reasonably available for the waters of Formations of, Acquisitions by, and
Puget Sound. Mergers of Bank Holding Companies Notice of Proposals To Engage in or
EPA further notes that the estimated To Acquire Companies Engaged in
The companies listed in this notice
ratio may be conservative, given that a Permissible Nonbanking Activities
have applied to the Board for approval,
number of the mobile pumpout boats pursuant to the Bank Holding Company The companies listed in this notice
and pumper trucks described above may Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.) have given notice under section 4 of the
also provide commercial pumpout (BHC Act), Regulation Y (12 CFR part Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C.
services. 225), and all other applicable statutes 1843) (BHC Act) and Regulation Y, (12
Table of Facilities and regulations to become a bank CFR part 225) to engage de novo, or to
A list of pumpout facilities, phone holding company and/or to acquire the acquire or control voting securities or
numbers, locations, hours of operation, assets or the ownership of, control of, or assets of a company, including the
water depth, and fees is provided at this the power to vote shares of a bank or companies listed below, that engages
link to the Washington Department of bank holding company and all of the either directly or through a subsidiary or
Ecology Web site: http:// banks and nonbanking companies other company, in a nonbanking activity
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/ owned by the bank holding company, that is listed in § 225.28 of Regulation Y
nonpoint/CleanBoating/ including the companies listed below. (12 CFR 225.28) or that the Board has
VesselPumpoutTables.pdf. The applications listed below, as well determined by Order to be closely
Based on the information above, the as other related filings required by the related to banking and permissible for
EPA hereby makes a final affirmative Board, are available for immediate bank holding companies. Unless
determination that adequate facilities inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank otherwise noted, these activities will be
for the safe and sanitary removal and indicated. The applications will also be conducted throughout the United States.
treatment of sewage from all vessels are available for inspection at the offices of Each notice is available for inspection
the Board of Governors. Interested at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
reasonably available for the waters of
Puget Sound. persons may express their views in The notice also will be available for
writing on the standards enumerated in inspection at the offices of the Board of
Dated: February 13, 2017. the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1842(c)). If the Governors. Interested persons may
Michelle L. Pirzadeh, proposal also involves the acquisition of express their views in writing on the
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 10. a nonbanking company, the review also question whether the proposal complies
[FR Doc. 2017–03353 Filed 2–17–17; 8:45 am] includes whether the acquisition of the with the standards of section 4 of the
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P nonbanking company complies with the BHC Act.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Feb 17, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_11251/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-01 15:04:14
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 15:04:14
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of determination. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 11218 |
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