EPA is planning to update the NPDES Application Forms via the ICR process. EPA has indicated the “minor” changes they are considering do not require modifying the application regulations at 40 CFR 122.21 and do not require any new information to be submitted.   These changes include:

• In some of the forms, the directions for which forms apply to which facilities did not correctly route applicants to all applicable forms. Our proposed changes would ensure that applicants are directed to complete the correct forms.
• Several forms had a ‘yes/no’ format for information specifically required by the regulations. Checking “no” would mean an incomplete application. We propose deleting the “no” option to eliminate this potential misunderstanding.
• In several places in the instructions, clarifying text to assist in completing the application was placed in the middle or at the end of a section after where the applicant was intended to reference. This was most likely done due to pagination concerns. We are proposing minor formatting changes to make the instructions have a better logical flow and be more helpful to the applicant.

The eight revised application forms with proposed modifications and a table with detailed information on the specific use of each form are attached.

Please send suggestions and comments to Joshua Baehr, Baehr.Joshua@nullepa.gov, no later than September 27, 2021. If you feel strongly about a particular revision, please cc: ACWA as well.