EPA proposed two options for obtaining basic information from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) under the CWA; under one option, EPA would obtain certain identifying information from all CAFOs, and under the second option, EPA would obtain this information from CAFOs that fall within areas that have been identified as having water quality concerns likely associated with CAFOs. 

EPA announced the availability of the final 2010 Effluent Guidelines Program Plan, which identifies any new or existing industrial dischargers, both those discharging directly to surface waters and those discharging to POTWs, selected for effluent guidelines rulemaking and provides a schedule for such rulemakings. 

EPA Region 6 proposed to reissue the NPDES general permit authorizing discharges from oil and gas exploration, development, and production facilities located in and discharging to the territorial seas off Texas.

United States v. Ryland Group, Inc., No. 3:11-cv-00499 (W.D.N.C. Oct. 7, 2011). A settling CWA defendant responsible for stormwater violations must pay a $625,000 civil penalty and must institute a companywide management, reporting, and training program to improve compliance with stormwater requirements.

United States v. City of Welch, No. 1:11-cv-00647 (S.D. W. Va. Sept. 21, 2011). Settling CWA defendants that violated NPDES permit requirements must pay a $5,000 civil penalty to the United States and West Virginia, must pay stipulated penalties for periods of noncompliance, and must perform a series of injunctive relief measures.

United States v. Smith, No. 3:10-cv-05364-BHS (W.D. Wash. Oct. 6, 2011). Settling CWA defendants that discharged pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit must pay a civil penalty contingent upon certain circumstances.

United States v. Nicholson, No. C01-809RBL (W.D. Wash. Sept. 28, 2011). Settling CWA defendants that discharged pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit must pay a civil penalty, must perform mitigation, and must enter into a separate agreement with the Lummi Nation regarding a shore defense structure.

United States v. Newport Sand & Gravel Co., Inc., No. 2:11-cv-228 (D. Vt. Sept. 26, 2011). Settling CWA defendants that discharged process and stormwater at concrete plants in New Hampshire and Vermont must pay a $200,000 civil penalty and must implement other measures to prevent unauthorized stormwater discharges.

EPA Region 2 received a petition to determine whether adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably available for the New York state portion of Lake Ontario.

United States v. Eddie's Service Station, No. 5:10-cv-6126 (E.D. Mo. June 20, 2011). Settling CWA defendants that discharged pollutants without a permit into waters of the Untied States must pay a civil penalty, must conduct a mitigation project, and must enter into several environmental covenants on the affected property.