[Federal Register: March 19, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 53)]
[Notices]
[Page 13303-13306]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19mr03-81]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-7469-9]
Notice of Request for Initial Proposals (IP) for Projects To Be
Funded From the Water Quality Cooperative Agreement Allocation (CFDA
66.463--Water Quality Cooperative Agreements)
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: EPA Region 6 is soliciting Initial Proposals (IP) from State
water pollution control agencies, interstate agencies, other public or
nonprofit agencies, institutions, organizations, and other entities as
defined by the Clean Water Act (CWA) interested in applying for Federal
assistance for Water Quality Cooperative Agreements under the CWA
section 104(b)(3) in the States of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma and Texas. Region 6 EPA will award an estimated $1 million to
eligible applicants through assistance agreements ranging in size, on
average, from $40,000 up to $200,000 (Federal) for innovative projects/
demonstrations/studies that can be used as models relating to the
prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. From the IPs
received, EPA estimates up to10 to 12 projects may be selected to
submit full applications. The Agency reserves the right to reject all
IPs and not make awards. A request for proposals for tribal governments
will be issued under a separate notice.
DATES: EPA will consider all proposals received on or before 12 p.m.
midnight central standard time May 5, 2003. IPs received after the due
date will not be considered for funding.
ADDRESSES: IPs should be mailed to: Terry Mendiola (6WQ-AT), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Water Quality Protection
Division, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. Overnight
delivery may be sent to the same address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Mendiola by telephone at 214-
665-7144 or by e-mail at mendiola.teresita@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of This Request for Initial Proposals
EPA Region 6's Water Quality Protection Division is requesting
proposals from State water pollution control agencies, interstate
agencies, other public or nonprofit agencies, institutions,
organizations, and other entities as defined by the CWA for unique and
innovative projects that address the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) program with special emphasis on
concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) permitting, sanitary
sewer overflow (SSO) impact studies, watershed integration through
NPDES, homeland security, and promotion of ``good data'' efforts to
support NPDES decisions, as well as, water quality projects relating to
water quality standards, assessment methods, and reporting, ecoregion
and subregion delineation, and improved approaches to total maximum
daily load (TMDL) modeling.
An organization whose IP is selected for Federal assistance must
complete an EPA Application for Assistance, including the Federal SF-
424 form (Application for Federal Assistance, see 40 CFR 30.12 &
31.10). Organizations who have an existing agreement under this program
are eligible to compete for new awards.
EPA Region 6 Has Identified the Following High Priority Areas for
Consideration
WQCAs awarded under section 104(b)(3) may only be used to conduct
and promote the coordination and acceleration of activities such as
research, investigations, experiments, training, education,
demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects,
extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution.
These activities, while not defined in the statute, advance the state
of knowledge, gather information, or transfer information. For
instance, ``demonstrations'' are generally projects that demonstrate
new or experimental technologies, methods, or approaches and the
results of the project will be disseminated so that others can benefit
from the knowledge gained. A project that is accomplished though the
performance of routine, traditional, or established practices, or a
project that is simply intended to carry out a task rather than
transfer information or advance the state of knowledge, however
worthwhile the project may be, is not a demonstration. Research
projects may include the application of the practices when they
contribute to learning about an environmental concept or problem.
EPA Region 6 has identified several subject areas for priority
consideration. EPA will award WQCAs for research, investigations,
experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys and studies related to
the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination
[[Page 13304]]
of water pollution in the following subject areas:
CAFO Permitting Support
Demonstration of treatment/reuse/disposal technologies and controls
that are designed to reduce CAFO-based nutrients in watersheds, with a
demonstration of amount of loading reductions from those technologies,
e.g., handling phosphorus-rich poultry litter in northwest Arkansas/
northeast Oklahoma; efficacy of wetlands to polish runoff or overflow
from ponds and/or land application processes.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Demonstrate treatment/reuse/disposal technologies and
controls through testing and/or modeling.
[sbull] Report on the efficiencies.
Demonstration of nutrient indicator tracing in CAFO dominated,
nutrient impaired watersheds, e.g., ribo-typing study to determine
source of bacteria and pathogens, or nitrogen-ion study to determine
source of nitrogen in waters, or hormone or antibiotic study to
determine sources of excreted waste material.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Demonstrate nutrient indicator tracing in CAFO dominated,
nutrient impaired watersheds, with identification and differentiation
of sources of animal/CAFO wastes from human wastes.
Sanitary Sewer Overflow Studies
Impact studies and/or innovative implementation processes to
control SSOs. Innovative pilot projects associated with collection
systems and treatment facilities at the headworks for POTWs, to
demonstrate the impact to water quality in receiving waters from
control technologies on SSOs, e.g., control technologies to reduce
pollutant loads from SSOs with emphasis on innovation.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Overall cost analysis of technologies or controls to
implement on a full or larger scale, estimated O&M costs, and a
technical evaluation of treatment, based on mass and volume.
Biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and pathogen
evaluations are essential, along with other pertinent pollutant
identification and evaluation.
Watershed Integration of Water Programs Under the CWA Through NPDES
Development of innovative permit tool(s) supporting watershed-based
permitting activities for specific parameters. Establish a technique
for identifying all dischargers and their respective contribution
levels for parameter(s) of concern within an impaired watershed. Should
determine the overall impact of point and non-point dischargers on
receiving waters. Pollutant data for water quality parameters, such as
nutrients, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, etc., could be used in the
development of a model (such as self-implementing general permits) for
permitting activities. The model may incorporate unique permitting
approaches including effluent trading scenarios (in accordance with the
Water Quality Trading Policy, January 13, 2003), which may be
implemented in the general permit for specific water quality
parameters.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Include consideration of all waterbodies in a watershed.
[sbull] Include consideration of all point sources.
[sbull] Consider net contribution of non-point sources in aggregate
effects.
[sbull] Provide aggregate water quality modeling which determines
aggregate affects in the watershed.
Homeland Security for NPDES
Studies of ability of conventional or innovative wastewater
treatment plant processes to effectively treat, remove, or render
harmless biological, chemical, or radiological agents, which could be
introduced into the collection or treatment system.
Development of models for hardening of collection systems, lift
stations, and wastewater treatment plant processes to prevent
introduction of harmful biological, chemical, or radiological agents.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Actual performance data of processes vs. technical
predictions of performance.
[sbull] Enhanced security procedure models and development of model
emergency operating plans.
Promotion of ``Good Data'' Efforts of EPA and State Agencies To Support
NPDES Decisions
Survey of laboratories to identify inconsistencies, errors, and
adherence to appropriate QA/QC for whole effluent toxicity (WET)
testing and test organism culturing.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Surveying a sampling of the major laboratories in Region 6,
which perform whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing for NPDES
permittees.
[sbull] A minimum of six laboratories shall be surveyed/audited.
[sbull] Investigation shall be performed in accordance with
``Manual for the Evaluation of Laboratories Performing Aquatic Toxicity
Testing EPA/600/4-90/031'', all sampling and testing conditions
normally required in NPDES permits issued in EPA Region 6, and
requirements contained in 40 CFR part 136 for purposes of ensuring
compliance with State narrative criteria for the protection of aquatic
life.
Indicators of Ecological Condition
Estimation of the extent of waters supporting their designated
beneficial uses, and determination of causes of impairment, based on a
core set of indicators of ecological condition and environmental
stressors. Biological measures should form the primary basis for
assessing attainment of the aquatic life use with chemical, physical,
and watershed measurements used to assess and rank the relative
importance of stressors.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Mechanisms to evaluate the interrelationships between
biological assemblages, ambient water chemistry, fish tissue
contaminants, physical habitat, and/or watershed characteristics.
[sbull] Offer the potential to improve a State's approaches to make
decisions about whether or not water quality standards are being
attained.
[sbull] Apply a probabilistic approach to site selection to support
estimates of conditions across an entire study area.
[sbull] Result in the ability to compare environmental indicator
data across State and regional boundaries for ambient and reference
conditions.
[sbull] Offer the potential to improve a State's approach to
estimate the extent of waterbody impairment statewide.
Nutrient Criteria
Development of effects based nutrient criteria and assessment
methods, based on the relationship(s) between evidence of impairment of
biological integrity, and/or other response indicators, and instream
nutrient concentrations observed at reference waterbodies.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Demonstrate approaches or provide tools that may be applied
in other areas.
[sbull] Apply the latest scientific approaches or innovative
techniques to establish and validate the relationship(s) between
elevated nutrient concentrations and indicator response.
[sbull] Result in recommendations for numeric water quality
criteria standards
[[Page 13305]]
or criteria that can be applied to a class of waters (rather than
individual waters).
[sbull] Include mechanisms for technology transfer.
Improved Approaches to TMDL Modeling
Development of best management practice (BMP) performance equations
and/or statistical tools to assist in evaluation of waterbody recovery,
based on a study of the physical, chemical, and biological processes
governing the stochastic properties of pollutants in the environment.
The project may lead to TMDL development, implementation, and/or water
quality trading on a watershed basis.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Description of methods to be used to quantify the
uncertainty in load estimates and load allocations, and/or the
effectiveness of individual BMPs.
[sbull] Development of tools that may be transferred to meet the
needs of others faced with developing TMDLs or monitoring waterbody
recovery.
Ecoregion and Subregion Delineation
Ecoregion and subregion delineation providing an improved basis for
waterbody classification, supporting definition of water quality
management goals and expectations, development of water quality
standards, and water quality monitoring and assessment.
The following specific criteria will be used to evaluate this
priority area:
[sbull] Conducted in Louisiana, New Mexico, or Oklahoma.
[sbull] High degree of coordination among natural resource and
environmental management agency scientists.
[sbull] Result in completion of ecoregion and subregion boundaries
and descriptions for an entire state.
[sbull] Conducted using methods comparable to those employed in
other states by the EPA Office of Research and Development, National
Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, to achieve level
IV subregionalization.
[sbull] Result in a nationally consistent set of subregion
management units.
Statutory Authority, Applicable Regulations, and Funding Level
Funding is authorized under the provisions of the CWA sec.
104(b)(3), 33 U.S.C. 1254(b)(3).
The regulations governing the award and administration of Water
Quality Cooperative Agreements are in 40 CFR part 30 (for institutions
of higher learning, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations) and
40 CFR part 31 (for States, local governments, and interstate
agencies).
Applicants requested to submit a full application will be required
to comply with Intergovernmental Review requirements (40 CFR part 29)
and the Quality Assurance requirements (40 CFR part 30.54 and 31.45) if
projects involve environmentally related measurements or data
generation.
Total funding available for award by Region 6 is dependent on EPA's
appropriation for Fiscal Year 2003; however, it is estimated that $1
million, including the tribal allocation, will be available for funding
approved projects. The average size of an award is anticipated to be
approximately $100,000. A minimum match of five percent will be
required for all approved projects and should be included in the total
funding requested for each proposal submitted.
Construction projects, except for the construction required to
carry out a demonstration project, and acquisition of land are not
eligible for funding under this program. New or on-going programs to
implement routine environmental controls are not eligible for funding
under this program.
Proposal Format and Contents
IPs should be no more than three pages with a minimum font size of
10 pitch in Wordperfect/Word or equivalent. Failure to follow the
format or to include all requested information could result in the IP
not being considered for funding. Full application packages should not
be submitted at this time. It is recommended that confidential
information not be included in this IP. The following format should be
used for all IPs:
Name of Project:
Priority Area Addressed: (i.e., CAFO Permitting Support, SSO
Studies, Homeland Security for NPDES, etc.)
Point of Contact: (Individual and agency/organization name,
address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address.)
Is this a Continuation of a Previously Funded Project: (If so,
please provide the status of the current grant or cooperative
agreement.)
Proposed Federal Amount:
Proposed Non-Federal Match (Minimum of 5%):
The match is based on the total project cost not the Federal
amount. To determine a proposed minimum match of 5%, use the following
example:
Federal amount = $25,000.
Total Project Cost = T.
The Federal amount is 95% of T, therefore:
$25,000 = T x 0.95;
$25,000 / 0.95 = T;
$26,316 = T (round the decimal).
If the total project cost is $26,316, then:
$26,316 x 0.05 = $1,316 non-Federal match.
Proposed Total Award Amount:
Description of General Budget Proposed to Support Project:
Project Description: (Should not exceed two pages of single-spaced
text.)
Expected Accomplishments or Product, with Dates, and Interim
Milestones: This section should also include a discussion of a
communication plan for distributing the project results to interested
parties.
Describe How the Project Meets the Evaluation Criteria Specified
Below:
EPA IP Evaluation Criteria
EPA Region 6 will award WQCA on a competitive basis and evaluate
IPs based on the specific criteria listed in each priority area and the
following general criteria:
[sbull] Adequacy of proposal, including the relationship of the
proposed project to the priorities identified in this notice,
innovation of project proposal and level of multi-organizational
support, if needed. (10 points)
[sbull] Compliance with proposal format/guidance, including how
well the proposal follows the solicitation notice, clearly defined
milestones/schedule and clearly identified deliverables. (5 points)
[sbull] Cost effectiveness/likelihood of success of the proposal,
including adequacy of resources committed to project/realistic budget,
realistic implementation schedule and clearly defined measures of
success that are reasonably attainable. (5 points)
[sbull] Applicant's past performance, if applicable. (3 points)
The IPs will be evaluated by regional staff in a two phased
approach. Initially, each IP will be evaluated against the specific
criteria listed under the priority area for which it was submitted. In
order for the IP to be considered in the second evaluation phase, it
must address, at a minimum, ALL the specific criteria listed under the
priority area. In the second phase, each IP will be evaluated against
the general criteria listed above for a possible total score of 20.
Points will be taken away for poor past performance if knowledge of
applicant's past performance is available to EPA.
IP Selection
Final selection of IPs will be made by the Director of Water
Quality Protection Division, EPA Region 6. Selected
[[Page 13306]]
organizations will be notified in writing and requested to submit full
applications. Applications, including workplans, are subject to EPA
review and approval.
It is expected that unsuccessful applicants will be notified in
writing.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants for assistance agreements under section
104(b)(3) of the CWA are State water pollution control agencies,
interstate agencies, other public or nonprofit agencies, institutions,
organizations, and other entities as defined by the CWA. IPs received
for projects outside of Region 6 will not be considered.
Application Procedure
Please mail three copies of the IP(s).
Dispute Resolution Process
Procedures located in 40 CFR part 30.63 and 30.70 apply.
Type of Assistance
It is expected that all the awards under this program will be
cooperative agreements. States and interstate agencies meeting the
requirements in 40 CFR part 35.504 may include the funds for WQCA in a
Performance Partnership Grant (PPG) in accordance with the regulations
governing PPGs in 40 CFR part 35, subparts A and B. For States and
interstate agencies that choose to do so, the regulations provide that
the workplan commitments that would have been included in the WQCA must
be included in the PPG workplan.
A description of the Agency's substantial involvement in
cooperative agreements will be included in the final agreement.
Schedule of Activities
This is the estimated schedule of activities for submission, review
of proposals and notification of selections:
May 5, 2003--Proposals due to EPA.
July 2, 2003--Initial approvals identified and sponsors of projects
selected for funding will be requested to submit a formal application
package.
A list of selected projects will be posted on the Region 6 Water
Quality Protection Division, Assistance Programs Branch Web site http:/
/www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/sttribal.htm.
This Web site may also
/www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/sttribal.htm. This Web site may also
contain additional information about this request. Deadline extensions,
if any, will be posted on this Web site and not in the Federal
Register.
Dated: March 10, 2003.
Miguel I. Flores,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division, Region 6.
[FR Doc. 03-6576 Filed 3-18-03; 8:45 am]
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