[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 6]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR650.21]

[Page 446-447]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
   CHAPTER VI--NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 650--COMPLIANCE WITH NEPA--Table of Contents
 
                Subpart B--Related Environmental Concerns
 
Sec. 650.21  Working relations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and related State environmental agencies.

    (a) Background. The authorities and missions of NRCS, EPA, and state 
environmental agencies make it imperative that an effective cooperative 
and coordinative working relationship be developed and maintained in 
areas of mutual concern. These common areas include air quality, water 
quality, pesticides, waste recycling and disposal, environmental 
considerations in land use, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS's) and 
environmental considerations in the conservation and development of 
natural resources.

[[Page 447]]

    (b) Policy. NRCS will work closely with EPA in accordance with the 
provisions of the EPA-USDA Memorandum of Understanding July 31, 1974, at 
all administrative levels and with related state agencies to meet 
statutory requirements and to achieve harmonious implementation of all 
actions of mutual concern directed to improving or maintaining the 
quality of the environment.
    (c) Responsibility--(1) NRCS national office. The Deputy 
Administrator for Field Services is responsible for overall coordination 
with EPA at the national office level. The Deputy Administrator for 
Water Resources is responsible for contacts with EPA in relation to 
activities of the Water Resources Council on water and related land 
resource planning and for coordinating work with EPA on EIS development.
    (2) Technical service center. The TSC director is responsible for 
contacts and coordination with EPA regional offices within the group of 
states served by the TSC.
    (3) NRCS state office. The state conservationist is responsible for 
contacts and coordination with regional representatives of EPA and state 
environmental agencies in matters of mutual concern within his state.
    (d) Coordination and implementation. (1) The NRCS national office 
will:
    (i) Within the framework of USDA agreements and guidelines, develop 
agreements for undertaking specific activities or projects of national 
significance and mutual advantage.
    (ii) Assist EPA as requested in developing EPA policy, guidelines, 
and standards.
    (iii) Consider EPA needs in soil survey and land, inventory, and 
monitoring activities.
    (iv) Maintain needed liaison and develop mutual guidelines with EPA 
on water resources work and in coordinating EIS's.
    (v) Advise EPA regarding soils, plant materials, and soil and water 
conservation techniques.
    (vi) Establish procedures for periodic review of NRCS national 
standards for treatment systems and practices for agricultural pollution 
abatement, including wind and water erosion and sediment control, 
transport of pesticides, organic matter and fertilizers, and burning of 
residues or clearing debris.
    (2) The TSC director will:
    (i) Within the framework of NRCS memorandums and guidelines 
coordinate with the EPA regional administrator(s) the development of 
needed agreements for undertaking specific activities or projects of 
multistate significance and mutual advantage.
    (3) The state conservationist will:
    (i) Obtain early input of EPA and interested state and local 
environmental agencies in the planning process for projects or measures 
within the state impacting on the environment.
    (ii) Coordinate preparations of NRCS practice standards and 
procedures for agricultural pollution abatement within the state with 
EPA and related state agencies.
    (iii) Encourage the development of a coordinated review and approval 
process within the state with EPA and appropriate state and local 
agencies including conservation districts for actions of mutual concern.
    (iv) Attempt to resolve all EPA areas of concern on NRCS assisted 
project-type actions within the state before a final EIS is prepared.