[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 186 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65901-65917]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22882]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 130

[EPA-HQ-OW-2014-0622; FRL-9952-61-OW]
RIN 2040-AF52

Treatment of Indian Tribes in a Similar Manner as States for
Purposes of Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In section 518(e) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), Congress
authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to treat eligible
federally recognized Indian tribes in a similar manner as a state for
purposes of administering section 303 and certain other provisions of
the CWA, and directed the agency to promulgate regulations effectuating
this authorization. EPA has issued regulations establishing a process
for federally recognized tribes to obtain treatment in a similar manner
as states (TAS) for several provisions of the CWA; for example, 53
tribes have obtained TAS authority to issue water quality standards
under CWA section 303(c). EPA has not yet promulgated regulations
expressly establishing a process for tribes to obtain TAS authority to
administer the water quality restoration provisions of CWA section
303(d), including issuing lists of impaired waters and developing total
maximum daily loads (TMDLs), as states routinely do. EPA is now
remedying this gap. By establishing regulatory procedures for eligible
tribes to obtain TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing
and TMDL Program, this final rule enables eligible tribes to obtain
authority to identify impaired waters on their reservations and to
establish TMDLs, which serve as plans for attaining and maintaining
applicable water quality standards (WQS). The rule is comparable to
similar regulations that EPA issued in the 1990s for the CWA Section
303(c) WQS and CWA Section 402 and Section 404 Permitting Programs, and
includes features designed to minimize paperwork and unnecessary
reviews.

DATES: This final rule is effective October 26, 2016.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this rule under Docket
identification (ID) No. EPA-HQ-OW-2014-0622. All documents in the
docket are listed and accessible for viewing at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Chemerys, Assessment and
Watershed Protection Division, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and
Watersheds (4503T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax
number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email address<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This supplementary information is organized
as follows:

I. General Information
    A. Does this action apply to me?
    B. Over what area may tribes apply for TAS for the CWA Section
303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?
    C. How was this rule developed?

    D. What is the Agency's authority for issuing this rule?
II. What is the statutory and regulatory history of TAS under the
CWA?
    A. Statutory History
    B. Regulatory History
III. Why might a tribe be interested in seeking TAS authority for
the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?
IV. What program responsibilities will tribes have upon obtaining
TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL
Program?
    A. Identification of Impaired Waters and Submission of Section
303(d) Lists
    B. Establishment and Submission of TMDLs
    C. EPA Review of Lists and TMDLs
V. What are EPA's procedures for a tribe to seek TAS for the CWA
Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?
VI. What special circumstances may exist regarding qualification for
TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL
Program?
VII. What procedure will EPA follow in reviewing a tribe's TAS
application?
    A. Notice to Appropriate Governmental Entities
    B. Avoidance of Duplicative Notice and Comment Procedures
    1. What did EPA consider regarding the notice and comment
exemption?
    2. What is EPA's position on certain public comments regarding
notice and comment?
    C. Treatment of Competing or Conflicting Claims
    D. EPA's Decision Process
VIII. What are EPA's expectations regarding WQS and WQS TAS as
prerequisites for tribes applying for TAS authority for the 303(d)
Program?
    A. What did EPA consider regarding WQS and WQS TAS as
prerequisites for 303(d) TAS?
    B. What is EPA's position on certain public comments regarding
WQS and WQS TAS as prerequisites for 303(d) TAS?
IX. What financial and technical support is available from EPA to
tribes as they choose to develop and implement a CWA Section 303(d)
Impaired Water Listing and TMDL
    Program?
X. What is EPA's position on certain other public comments received?
    A. Impact on State/Local Authority for CWA Programs
    B. Relation to May 16, 2016, Interpretive Rule
XI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
    A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and
Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
    B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
    D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
    E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
    F. Executive Order 13175: Tribal Consultation and Coordination
    G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
    H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
    I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
    K. Congressional Review Act

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    This rule applies to federally recognized tribal governments with
reservations interested in seeking TAS eligibility to administer the
CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program. Although
this rule applies directly only to Indian tribes applying for TAS,
state and local governments, as well as other entities including other
Indian tribes, may be interested to the extent they are adjacent to the
Indian reservation \1\ lands of TAS applicant tribes, share water
bodies with such tribes, and/or discharge pollutants to waters of the
United States located within or adjacent to such reservations. The
table below provides examples of entities that could be affected by
this action or have an interest in it.
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    \1\ See ``Over What Area May Tribes Apply for TAS for the CWA
Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?'' below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Examples of potentially
                 Category                      affected or interested
                                                      entities
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Tribes....................................  Federally recognized tribes
                                             with reservations that are
                                             interested in applying for
                                             TAS for CWA Section 303(d)
                                             Impaired Water Listing and
                                             TMDL Program, and other
                                             interested tribes.
States....................................  States adjacent to
                                             reservations of potential
                                             applicant tribes.
Industry dischargers......................  Industrial and other
                                             commercial entities
                                             discharging pollutants to
                                             waters within or adjacent
                                             to reservations of
                                             potential applicant tribes.
Municipal dischargers.....................  Publicly owned treatment
                                             works or other facilities
                                             discharging pollutants to
                                             waters within or adjacent
                                             to reservations of
                                             potential applicant tribes.
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    If you have questions regarding the effect of this rule on a
particular entity, please consult the person listed in the preceding
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

B. Over what area may Tribes apply for TAS for the CWA Section 303(d)
Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?

    Under section 518(e) of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. 1377(e), Indian tribes
may seek TAS authorization to administer certain CWA programs
pertaining to water resources of their reservations. Tribes are not
eligible to administer CWA programs pertaining to any non-reservation
Indian country \2\ or any other type of non-reservation land. The term
``federal Indian reservation'' is defined at CWA section 518(h)(1) to
include all land within the limits of any Indian reservation under the
jurisdiction of the United States Government notwithstanding the
issuance of any patent, and including rights-of-way running through the
reservation. CWA sections 518(e)(2), (h)(1); see also 40 CFR 131.3(k).
EPA's longstanding position is that reservations include both formal
reservations (e.g., named reservations established through federal
treaties with tribes, federal statutes, or Executive Orders of the
President) as well as tribal trust lands that may not be formally
designated as reservations, but that qualify as informal reservations.
See, e.g., 56 FR 64876, 64881, December 12, 1991; Arizona Public
Service Co. v. EPA, 211 F.3d 1280, 1292-1294 (D.C. Cir. 2000), cert.
denied sub nom., Michigan v. EPA, 532 U.S. 970 (2001). Tribes may seek
TAS authorization for both formal and informal reservations, and both
types of lands are referred to herein as ``reservations.''
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    \2\ The term Indian country is defined at 18 U.S.C. 1151.
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    Although this rule facilitates eligible tribes' administration of
an additional regulatory program, nothing in this rule changes,
expands, or contracts the geographic scope of potential tribal TAS
eligibility under the CWA.

C. How was this rule developed?

    In developing this rule, EPA conducted consultation and
coordination with tribes and states before proposing this rule in the
Federal Register on January 19, 2016. 81 FR 2791. On March 28, 2014,
EPA initiated consultation and coordination with federally recognized
Indian tribes concerning the planned proposed rulemaking. On September
19, 2014, EPA invited input from intergovernmental associations and met
with them on October 1, 2014. Additional consultation and coordination
occurred in 2015. During the 60-day public comment period in 2016, EPA
provided informational webinars for the public, tribes, and states, and
conducted further consultation and coordination with tribes and states.
Following the public comment period, EPA also participated in
informational meetings with tribes.
    EPA received over 830 public comments on the proposed rule. EPA
received over 800 mass email comments in support of the rule, as well
as individual comments from nine tribes and tribal associations,
expressing support for the rule. EPA also received individual comments
from eight states, one local government, one local non-governmental
organization, two regulated entities, several private citizens, and one
federal agency. Most states generally were neutral regarding the
proposed rule overall. Some states cited special circumstances
regarding applicability of the rule in their states. Two states and the
two local entities opposed the proposed rule, citing concern regarding
impacts on state and local programs, as well as objections to EPA's
proposed (now final) interpretive rule regarding tribal jurisdiction
under the Clean Water Act. Revised Interpretation of Clean Water Act
Tribal Provision, 80 FR 47430 (August 7, 2015) (proposed rule); 81 FR
30183 (May 16, 2016) (final rule).
    This final rule establishing regulatory procedures for eligible
tribes to obtain TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing
and TMDL Program reflects EPA's careful consideration of all the
comments. The comments and EPA's responses to the comments are
available in the public docket at http://www.regulations.gov.

D. What is the Agency's authority for issuing this rule?

    The CWA, 33.U.S.C. 1251, et seq, including section 518 (33
U.S.C.1377).

II. What is the statutory and regulatory history of TAS under the CWA?

A. Statutory History

    Congress added section 518 to the CWA as part of amendments made in
1987. Section 518(e) authorizes EPA to treat eligible Indian tribes in
the same manner as it treats states for a variety of purposes,
including administering each of the principal CWA regulatory programs
and receiving grants under several CWA funding authorities. Section
518(e) is commonly known as the ``TAS'' provision. Section 303 is
expressly identified in section 518(e) as one of the provisions
available for TAS.
    Section 518(e) also requires EPA to promulgate regulations
specifying the TAS process for applicant tribes. Section 518(h) defines
``Indian tribe'' to mean any Indian tribe, band, group, or community
recognized by the Secretary of the Interior and exercising governmental
authority over a federal Indian reservation.

B. Regulatory History

    Pursuant to section 518(e), EPA promulgated several final
regulations establishing TAS criteria and procedures for Indian tribes
interested in administering programs under the Act. The relevant
regulations addressing TAS requirements for the principal CWA
regulatory programs are:
     40 CFR 131.8 for section 303(c) water quality standards,
published December 12, 1991 (56 FR 64876);
     40 CFR 131.4(c) for CWA section 401 water quality
certification, published December 12, 1991 (56 FR 64876);
     40 CFR 123.31-34 for CWA section 402 National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and other provisions, and
40 CFR 501.22-25 for the sewage sludge management program, published
December 22, 1993 (58 FR 67966); and
     40 CFR 233.60-62 for CWA section 404 dredge or fill
permits, published February 11, 1993 (58 FR 8172).
    In 1994, EPA amended the above regulations to simplify the TAS
process and eliminate unnecessary and duplicative requirements. 59 FR
64339 (December 14, 1994) (``Simplification Rule''). For example, the
Simplification Rule eliminated the need for a tribe to prequalify for
TAS before applying to administer the section 402 and section 404
permit Programs. Instead, the rule provided that a tribe would seek to
establish its TAS eligibility at the Program approval stage (subject to
notice and comment procedures in the Federal Register). However, the
rule retained the separate TAS prequalification requirement (including
local notice and comment procedures) for section 303(c) water quality
standards and section 401 water quality certifications. Id.; see also,
40 CFR 131.8(c)(2), (3).\3\ The TAS regulations for CWA regulatory
programs have remained intact since promulgation of the Simplification
Rule. EPA is now addressing a gap in its current TAS regulations by
finalizing regulations that specify how tribes may seek TAS for the CWA
Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program.
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    \3\ Under the CWA and EPA's regulations, tribes may
simultaneously (1) apply for TAS under CWA section 518 for the
purpose of administering water quality standards and (2) submit
actual standards for EPA review under section 303(c). Although they
may proceed together, a determination of TAS eligibility and an
approval of actual water quality standards are two distinct actions.
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    On May 16, 2016, EPA published an interpretive rule revising the
Agency's approach to tribal jurisdiction under the CWA. Revised
Interpretation of Clean Water Act Tribal Provision, 81 FR 30183 (May
16, 2016). In the interpretive rule, EPA concluded definitively that
section 518 includes an express delegation of authority by Congress to
Indian tribes to administer regulatory programs over their entire
reservations, subject to the eligibility requirements in section 518.
This reinterpretation eliminates the need for applicant tribes to
demonstrate inherent authority to regulate under the CWA, thus allowing
tribes to implement the congressional delegation of authority. The
reinterpretation also brings EPA's treatment of tribes under the CWA in
line with EPA's treatment of tribes under the Clean Air Act, which has
similar statutory language addressing tribal regulation of Indian
reservation areas.
    The interpretive rule did not result in any revisions to the
application procedures of EPA's TAS regulations as codified in the Code
of Federal Regulations. EPA will continue to review CWA TAS
applications in accordance with existing TAS regulations, which provide
the procedural infrastructure for the TAS application and review
processes. This rule, which is closely based on the existing CWA TAS
regulations, provides similar regulatory infrastructure for tribes
interested in applying to administer the section 303(d) Program. Any
application of the interpretive rule would occur solely in the context
of an EPA final decision approving a tribe's TAS application based on
the revised interpretation of tribal jurisdiction. See, e.g., 81 FR at
30185.

III. Why might a tribe be interested in seeking TAS authority for the
CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?

    TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL
Program provides a tribe with the opportunity to participate directly
in restoring and protecting its reservation waters through implementing
the Program, as Congress authorized under CWA section 518(e). In the
rest of this notice, EPA refers to the functions identified in CWA
section 303(d) regarding listing of impaired waters and establishment
of TMDLs as the ``Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL
Program'' or ``303(d) Program.'' Section 303(d) provides for states and
authorized tribes to (1) develop lists of impaired waters (and
establish priority rankings for waters on the lists) and (2) establish
TMDLs for these waters. By listing impaired waters, a state or
authorized tribe identifies those waters in its territory that are not
currently meeting EPA-approved or EPA-promulgated WQS (collectively
referred to as ``applicable WQS''). A TMDL is a planning document
intended to address impairment of waters, including the calculation and
allocation to point and nonpoint sources of the maximum amount of a
pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet applicable WQS,
with a margin of safety.
    By obtaining TAS for section 303(d), tribes can take the lead role
under the CWA in identifying and establishing a priority ranking for
impaired water bodies on their reservations and in establishing TMDLs
and submitting them to EPA for approval. These are important
informational and planning steps that tribes can take to restore and
maintain the quality of reservation waters.
    TMDLs must allocate the total pollutant load among contributing
point sources (``waste load allocations'' or ``WLAs'') and nonpoint
sources (``load allocations'' or ``LAs''). 40 CFR 130.2. Point source
WLAs are addressed through the inclusion of water quality-based
effluent limits in national pollutant discharge elimination system
(NPDES) permits issued to such sources. Under EPA's regulations, NPDES
permitting authorities shall ensure that ``[e]ffluent limits developed
to protect a narrative water quality criterion, a numeric water quality
criterion, or both, are consistent with the assumptions and
requirements of any available waste load allocation for the discharge
prepared by the State and approved by EPA pursuant to 40 CFR 130.7.''
40 CFR 122.44(d)(1)(vii)(B). WLAs under 40 CFR 122.44(d)(1)(vii)(B)
would include WLAs developed by a tribe with TAS authorization and
approved by EPA pursuant to 40 CFR 130.7. For water bodies impaired by
pollutants from nonpoint sources, authorized tribes would not acquire
new or additional implementation authorities when listing such impaired
water bodies and establishing TMDLs. Instead, the mechanisms for
implementing the nonpoint source pollutant reductions, or LAs,
identified in any tribal TMDLs would include existing tribal
authorities, other federal agencies' policies and procedures, as well
as voluntary and incentive-based programs.
    This rule does not require anything of tribes that are not
interested in TAS for the 303(d) Program. Based on pre- and post-
proposal input, EPA understands that not all tribes will be interested
in obtaining TAS for 303(d), and some may consider other approaches
that might benefit their reservation waters. Clean Water Act section
319 watershed-based plans, for example, may help tribes protect and
restore water resources threatened or impaired by nonpoint source
pollution.\4\
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    \4\ See Handbook for Developing and Managing Tribal Nonpoint
Source Pollution Programs under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act,
February 2010, available at http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/2010_02_19_nps_tribal_pdf_tribal_handbook2010.pdf.
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IV. What program responsibilities will tribes have upon obtaining TAS
for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?

    The goal of the CWA is ``to restore and maintain the chemical,
physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters.'' CWA
section 101(a). Identification of impaired waters and TMDLs are
important tools for achieving that goal. After a tribe receives EPA
approval of its eligibility to implement a CWA Section 303(d) Impaired
Water Listing and TMDL Program, it is treated in a manner similar to a
state and, for purposes of list and TMDL development, it would become
an ``authorized tribe.'' Generally, the federal statutory and
regulatory requirements for state 303(d) Programs would be applicable
to authorized tribes. See 40 CFR 130.16(c)(5). The following paragraphs
identify important 303(d) Program responsibilities that tribes with TAS
would assume and implement.

A. Identification of Impaired Waters and Submission of Section 303(d)
Lists

    Under section 303(d) of the CWA, every two years, authorized tribes
will be required to develop lists of waters not meeting, or not
expected to meet, applicable water quality standards. 40 CFR 130.7(d).
These lists are commonly called ``impaired waters lists'' or ``303(d)
lists.'' Impaired waters are waters for which technology-based
limitations and other required controls are not stringent enough to
meet applicable CWA water quality standards. Threatened waters are
waters that currently attain applicable WQS, but for which existing and
readily available data and information indicate that applicable WQS
will likely not be met by the time the next list of impaired or
threatened waters is due to EPA.\5\ The authorized tribe's section
303(d) list would include all impaired and threatened waters within the
scope of its 303(d) TAS authorization. In this notice, EPA uses the
term ``impaired waters'' to refer to both impaired and threatened
waters.\6\ The authorized tribe would be required to ``assemble and
evaluate all existing and readily available information'' in developing
its section 303(d) list. 40 CFR 130.7(b)(5). EPA's regulations include
a non-exhaustive list of water quality-related data and information to
be considered. Id. The tribe would establish priorities for development
of TMDLs for waters on its section 303(d) list based on the severity of
the pollution and the uses to be made of the waters. 40 CFR
130.7(b)(4).\7\ The tribe would then submit its list of impaired waters
to EPA for review and approval.
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    \5\ Guidance for 2006 Assessment, Listing and Reporting
Requirements Pursuant to Sections 303(d), 305(b) and 314 of the
Clean Water Act, July 29, 2005, available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/2006irg-report.pdf.
    \6\ Under EPA's regulations, ``water quality limited segments''
include both impaired waters and threatened waters, and are defined
as ``any segment where it is known that water quality does not meet
applicable water quality standards, and/or is not expected to meet
applicable water quality standards, even after the application of
the technology-based effluent limitations required by sections
301(b) and 306 of the Act.'' 40 CFR 130.2(j).
    \7\ Section 303(d)(1) requires states to ``establish a priority
ranking'' for the segments it identifies on the list, taking into
account the severity of the pollution and the uses to be made of
such segments, and to establish TMDLs ``in accordance with the
priority ranking.'' EPA will review the priority ranking but does
not take action to approve or disapprove it. See Guidance for 2006
Assessment, Listing and Reporting Requirements Pursuant to Sections
303(d), 305(b) and 314 of the Clean Water Act, July 29, 2005,
available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/2006irg-report.pdf.
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    Like states, authorized tribes are required to submit their
``303(d) lists'' to EPA for approval every two years on April 1 (lists
are due April 1 of even-numbered years). As indicated in

section 130.16(c)(5) of this rule, a tribe gaining TAS status is
provided at least 24 months to submit its first impaired waters list to
EPA. The tribe's first impaired waters list is due to EPA the next
listing cycle due date that is at least 24-months from the later of (1)
the date the tribe's TAS application for 303(d) is approved or (2) the
date EPA-approved/promulgated WQS for the tribe's waters are effective.
(See section VII for the procedure EPA will follow in reviewing a
tribe's TAS application.). Thus, for example, if EPA approves a tribe's
TAS application on March 15, 2017 and the tribe's WQS on June 30, 2017,
the tribe's first list would be due on April 1, 2020. The tribe could
submit its list to EPA prior to that date, if it chooses.
    Most tribes that would be eligible for TAS authorization under this
rule are likely to be recipients of CWA section 106 grants and would
thus be required to submit section 106 grant work plans annually. If a
tribe's CWA section 106 grant work plan includes ambient water quality
monitoring activities, the tribe is also required to develop a tribal
assessment report (TAR) pursuant to the CWA section 106 grant reporting
requirements.\8\ EPA encourages tribes that obtain TAS for the CWA
Section 303(d) Program and also develop CWA section 106 TARs to
consider combining their CWA section 303(d) impaired waters list with
their CWA section 106 TAR, and to submit the integrated report
electronically through the Assessment TMDL Tracking and Implementation
System (ATTAINS).\9\ ATTAINS is a database and Web site used for state
reporting and displaying of CWA 303(d) and 305(b) \10\ ``Integrated
Report'' \11\ and TMDL data. EPA is working with tribes on a pilot for
submitting TAR information into ATTAINS.
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    \8\ Final Guidance on Awards of Grants to Indian Tribes under
Section 106 of the Clean Water Act, (http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-09/documents/final-tribal-guidance.pdf) at
page 8-1.
    \9\ ``Water Quality Assessment and TMDL Information,'' available
at http://ofmpub.epa.gov/waters10/attains_index.home.
    \10\ CWA section 305(b) requires states to provide every two
years an assessment of the quality of all their waters. EPA
explicitly exempted tribes from the section 305(b) reporting
requirement. 40 CFR 130.4(a); 54 FR 14354, 14357 (April 11, 1989).
    \11\ Guidance for 2006 Assessment, Listing and Reporting
Requirements Pursuant to Sections 303(d), 305(b) and 314 of the
Clean Water Act, July 29, 2005, available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/2006irg-report.pdf.
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B. Establishment and Submission of TMDLs

    Under the CWA, each state and authorized tribe must, ``from time to
time,'' establish and submit TMDLs for pollutants causing impairments
in all the waters on its 303(d) list. CWA sections 303(d)(1)(C) and
303(d)(2). States and authorized tribes set priorities for developing
TMDLs for their listed waters.
    TMDLs must be established ``at a level necessary to implement the
applicable water quality standards with seasonal variations and a
margin of safety which takes into account any lack of knowledge
concerning the relationship between effluent limitations and water
quality.'' CWA section 303(d)(1)(C). Where a TMDL makes allocation
tradeoffs between point and nonpoint sources, the TMDL record must also
demonstrate ``reasonable assurance'' that the nonpoint source
allocations will be achieved. 40 CFR 130.2(i). Calculations to
establish TMDLs must be subject to public review. 40 CFR
130.7(c)(1)(ii). Once established, the state or authorized tribe
submits the TMDL to EPA for review.

C. EPA Review of Lists and TMDLs

    Once EPA receives a list or TMDL, it must either approve or
disapprove that list or TMDL within 30 days. CWA section 303(d)(2). If
EPA disapproves the list or TMDL, EPA must establish a replacement list
or TMDL within 30 days of disapproval. 40 CFR 130.7(d)(2).

V. What are EPA's procedures for a tribe to seek TAS for the CWA
Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?

    Consistent with the statutory requirement in section 518 of the
CWA, this rule establishes the procedures by which an Indian tribe may
apply and qualify for TAS for purposes of the CWA Section 303(d)
Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program. Such procedures are codified
in a new section 130.16 of the water quality planning and management
regulation. Section 130.16 identifies (1) the criteria an applicant
tribe is required to meet to be treated in a similar manner as a state,
(2) the information the tribe is required to provide in its application
to EPA, and (3) the procedure EPA will use to review the tribal
application. Section 130.16 is intended to ensure that tribes treated
in a similar manner as states for the purposes of the CWA Section
303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program are qualified,
consistent with CWA requirements, to conduct a Listing and TMDL
Program. The procedures are meant to provide more opportunities for
tribes to engage fully in the Program and are not intended to act as a
barrier to tribal assumption of the 303(d) Program.
    The TAS procedures in this rule are closely based on the existing
TAS regulation at 40 CFR 131.8, which established the TAS process for
the CWA Section 303(c) WQS Program. EPA established the TAS process for
WQS in 1991, and the great majority of TAS activity for regulatory
programs under the CWA has occurred in the WQS Program. The WQS TAS
rule has proven very effective in ensuring that applicant tribes
satisfy statutory TAS criteria and are prepared to administer WQS
Programs under the Act. It thus served as a useful model for this TAS
rule.
    The TAS criteria tribes are required to meet for purposes of the
CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program originate in
CWA section 518. As reflected in the regulatory language, the tribe
must (1) be federally recognized and meet the definitions in sections
131.3(k) and (l), (2) carry out substantial governmental duties and
powers, (3) have appropriate authority to regulate the quality of
reservation waters, and (4) be reasonably expected to be capable of
administering the Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program. These
criteria are discussed below.
    The first criterion for TAS requires the tribe to be federally
recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and meet the
definitions in sections 131.3(k) and (l). The tribe may address the
recognition requirement either by stating that it is included on the
list of federally recognized tribes published periodically by DOI, or
by submitting other appropriate documentation (e.g., if the tribe is
federally recognized but is not yet included on the DOI list). The
definition of ``tribe'' in section 131.3(l), along with requiring
federal recognition, additionally requires that the tribe is exercising
governmental authority over a Federal Indian reservation. ``Federal
Indian reservation'' is defined in section 131.3(k) as ``all land
within the limits of any Indian reservation under the jurisdiction of
the United States Government, notwithstanding the issuance of any
patent, and including rights-of-way running through the reservation.''
(See further discussion of the term ``reservation'' in section IB of
this preamble.) The governmental authority and reservation aspects of
these definitions would be addressed in the tribe's application,
including as part of its descriptive statements that it currently
carries out substantial governmental duties and powers over a defined
area, and that it has authority to regulate water quality over a
reservation.
    The second criterion requires the tribe to have a governing body
``carrying out substantial governmental duties and

powers.'' The Agency considers ``substantial governmental duties and
powers'' to mean that the tribe is currently performing governmental
functions to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the affected
population within a defined geographical area. See 54 FR at 39101.
Examples of such functions may include, but are not limited to, the
power to tax, the power of eminent domain, and police power. Federal
recognition by DOI would not, in and of itself, satisfy this criterion.
EPA expects that most tribes should be able to meet this criterion
without much difficulty. Id.
    To address the second criterion, the tribe is required to submit a
descriptive statement demonstrating that the tribal governing body is
currently carrying out substantial governmental duties and powers over
a defined area. The descriptive statement should (1) describe the form
of tribal government, (2) describe the types of essential governmental
functions currently performed, such as those listed above, and (3)
identify the sources of authorities to perform these functions (e.g.,
tribal constitutions and codes).
    The third criterion, concerning tribal authority, means that a
tribe seeking TAS for purposes of the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water
Listing and TMDL Program must adequately demonstrate authority to
manage and protect water resources within the borders of the tribe's
reservation. To verify authority and satisfy the third criterion of the
rule, a tribe must include a descriptive statement of its authority to
regulate water quality, which should include a statement signed by the
tribe's legal counsel, or an equivalent official, explaining the legal
basis for the tribe's regulatory authority, and appropriate additional
documentation (e.g., maps, tribal codes, and ordinances).
    As described in EPA's May 16, 2016, interpretive rule, EPA
previously took an initial cautious approach that required tribes
applying for eligibility to administer regulatory programs under the
CWA to demonstrate their inherent tribal authority over the relevant
regulated activities on their reservations. See, e.g., 81 FR at 30185-
86; 56 FR at 64877-81. This included a demonstration of inherent
regulatory authority over the activities of non-tribal members on lands
they own in fee within a reservation under the principles of Montana v.
United States, 450 U.S. 544 (1981), and its progeny. Montana held that,
absent a federal grant of authority, tribes generally lack inherent
civil jurisdiction over nonmember activities on nonmember fee land, but
retain inherent civil authority to regulate nonmember activities on fee
land within the reservation where (i) nonmembers enter into
``consensual relationships with the tribe or its members, through
commercial dealing, contracts, leases, or other arrangements'' or (ii)
``. . . [nonmember] conduct threatens or has some direct effect on the
political integrity, the economic security, or the health or welfare of
the tribe.'' Montana, 450 U.S. at 565-66.
    In addressing the second exception of Montana regarding the effects
of nonmember conduct, EPA has previously described the Agency's
operating approach to require--to the extent a demonstration of
inherent regulatory authority is needed--a showing that the potential
impacts of regulated activities on the tribe are serious and
substantial. 56 FR at 64878. EPA also explained that the activities
regulated under the various environmental statutes, including the CWA,
generally have serious and substantial potential impacts on human
health and welfare. Id. EPA described the Agency's expert assessment
regarding the critical importance of water quality management to self-
government and also explained that because of the mobile nature of
pollutants in surface waters and the relatively small size of water
bodies on reservations, it would be very likely that any water quality
impairment on non-Indian fee land within a reservation would also
impair water quality on tribal lands. Id. at 64878-79. EPA reiterates
the generalized statutory and factual findings set forth in those prior
TAS rulemakings, which apply equally to the regulation of water quality
under the CWA Section 303(d) Program.
    EPA has also separately revised its interpretation of the CWA
tribal provision by conclusively determining that Congress intended to
delegate authority to eligible tribes to regulate their entire
reservations under the CWA irrespective of land ownership. In prior CWA
TAS promulgations, EPA recognized that there was significant support
for the view that Congress had intended to delegate authority to
eligible Indian tribes to administer CWA regulatory programs over their
entire reservations, irrespective of land ownership, and EPA expressly
stated that the issue of tribal authority under the CWA remained open
for further consideration in light of additional congressional or
judicial guidance. See, e.g., 56 FR at 64878-81. On May 16, 2016, as
part of an entirely separate regulatory action, EPA published in the
Federal Register a rule to reinterpret the CWA tribal provision as
including such an express delegation of authority by Congress. 81 FR
30183. Under that reinterpretation, applicant Indian tribes are no
longer required to demonstrate inherent authority to regulate their
reservation waters under the CWA. Among other things, tribes are thus
no longer required to meet the test established in Montana v. United
States, 450 U.S. 544 (1981), and its progeny with regard to exercises
of inherent tribal regulatory authority over nonmember activity. Id.
Instead, under that reinterpretation, absent rare circumstances that
may affect a tribe's ability to effectuate the delegation of authority,
a tribe is able to rely on the congressional delegation of authority
included in section 518 of the statute as the source of authority to
administer CWA regulatory programs over its entire reservation as part
of its legal statement. Id.
    In the preamble to the proposed 303(d) TAS rule, EPA noted that the
proposed rule intended to provide appropriate TAS application and
review procedures irrespective of which interpretation of tribal
authority under the Act applies. As explained in EPA's reinterpretation
of section 518, EPA's existing TAS regulations--including 40 CFR 131.8,
upon which this rule is modeled--accommodate either interpretation of
tribal authority under the CWA and provide appropriate application
procedures to ensure that relevant jurisdictional information is
provided to EPA and made available for comment. 80 FR 47430. The same
is true of this rule, which establishes procedures needed to fill the
gap in TAS regulatory infrastructure for the CWA Section 303(d)
Program. Now that the May 16, 2016, interpretative rule is finalized,
the revised interpretation would be applied in the context of EPA's
review of a TAS application submitted under these CWA section 303(d)
regulations. Finalization of these procedural regulations, however, is
a separate and distinct regulatory action from the reinterpretation and
is not based upon, nor does it depend upon that earlier action.
    The fourth criterion requires that the tribe, in the Regional
Administrator's judgment, be reasonably expected to be capable of
administering an effective CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing
and TMDL Program. To meet this requirement, tribes should either (1)
show that they have the necessary management and technical skills or
(2) submit a plan detailing steps for acquiring the necessary
management and technical skills. When considering tribal capability,
EPA will also consider

whether the tribe can demonstrate the existence of institutions that
exercise executive, legislative, and judicial functions, and whether
the tribe has a history of successful managerial performance of public
health or environmental programs.
    The specific information required for tribal applications to EPA is
described in section 130.16 (a) and (b). The application must, in
general, nclude a statement regarding federal recognition by DOI,
documentation that the tribal governing body is exercising substantial
duties and powers, documentation of authority to regulate water quality
on the reservation, a narrative statement of tribal capability to
administer the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL
Program, and any other information requested by the Regional
Administrator.
    Consistent with EPA's other TAS regulations, the rule also provides
that where a tribe has previously qualified for TAS for purposes of a
different EPA program, the tribe need only provide the required
information that has not been submitted as part of a prior TAS
application. To facilitate review of tribal applications, EPA requests
that a tribe, in its application, inform EPA whether the tribe has been
approved for TAS or deemed eligible to receive authorization for any
other EPA program. See 59 FR at 64340.
    The TAS application procedures and criteria for the CWA Sections
303(c) WQS and 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Programs are
similar in many respects, and a tribe interested in both programs may
wish to streamline the application process by combining a request for
TAS eligibility for 303(c) and 303(d) into a single application.
Although a tribe is not required to do so, EPA's approach allows a
tribe to submit a combined application, which addresses the criteria
and application requirements of sections 131.8 and 130.16, to EPA if
the tribe is interested in applying for TAS for both the CWA Section
303(c) and 303(d) Programs.

VI. What special circumstances may exist regarding qualification for
TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?

    There could be rare instances where special circumstances limit or
preclude a particular tribe's ability to be authorized to administer
the 303(d) Program over its reservation. For example, there could be a
separate federal statute establishing unique jurisdictional
arrangements for a specific state or a specific reservation that could
affect a tribe's ability to exercise authority under the CWA. It is
also possible that provisions in particular treaties or tribal
constitutions could limit a tribe's ability to exercise relevant
authority.\12\
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    \12\ EPA takes no position in this rule regarding whether any
particular tribe or Indian reservation is subject to any potential
impediment relating to authority to take on the 303(d) Program. Any
such issue would need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis and
with the benefit of a full record of relevant information that would
be developed during the processing of a particular TAS application.
To the extent EPA is ever called upon to make a decision regarding
this type of issue, such a decision would be rendered in the context
of EPA's final action on a specific TAS application, and any
judicial review of that decision would occur in that context.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under section 130.16(b), which requires tribal applicants to submit
a statement describing their authority to regulate water quality, EPA
encourages tribes to include a statement of their legal counsel (or
equivalent official) describing the basis for their assertion of
authority. The statement can include copies of documents such as tribal
constitutions, by-laws, charters, executive orders, codes, ordinances,
and resolutions. The provision for a legal counsel's statement is
designed to ensure that applicant tribes appropriately describe the
bases of their authority and address any special circumstances
regarding their assertion of authority to administer the 303(d)
Program. The rule provides an appropriate opportunity for ``appropriate
governmental entities'' (i.e., states, tribes and other federal
entities located contiguous to the reservation of the applicant tribe)
to comment on an applicant tribe's assertion of authority and, among
other things, inform EPA of any special circumstances that they believe
could affect a tribe's authority to administer the 303(d) Program.
    EPA is also aware that section 10211(b) of the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 (``SAFETEA''),
Public Law 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144 (August 10, 2005) established a
unique TAS requirement with respect to Indian tribes located in the
State of Oklahoma. Under section 10211(b) of SAFETEA, tribes in
Oklahoma seeking TAS under a statute administered by EPA for the
purpose of administering an environmental regulatory program must, in
addition to meeting applicable TAS requirements under the relevant EPA-
administered environmental statute, enter into a cooperative agreement
with the state that is subject to EPA approval and that provides for
the tribe and state to jointly plan and administer program
requirements. This requirement of SAFETEA applies apart from, and in
addition to, existing TAS eligibility criteria, including the TAS
criteria set forth in section 518 of the CWA. This rule relates solely
to the CWA TAS requirement; it thus has no effect on the separate
requirement of section 10211(b) of SAFETEA.

What is EPA's position on certain public comments regarding special
circumstances?

    EPA received several comments asserting that special circumstances
limit particular tribes' ability to obtain TAS for the CWA 303(d)
Program. For instance, one state asserted that, under federal law
specific to that state, the state has primary regulatory authority and
jurisdiction for environmental programs throughout the state, including
over Indian territories and waters. The state requested that EPA
confirm that in this state, a tribe would not be eligible to attain TAS
for the 303(d) Program or any other CWA regulatory program. One state
asserted that a tribe located in the state is precluded by federal
statute specific to that tribe from regulating reservation land that is
owned in fee by non-tribal citizens. An industry commenter asserted
that the tribe where its facility is located entered into a binding
agreement waiving regulatory authority over the commenter's facility,
and accordingly, making the tribe ineligible to assert jurisdiction
over the facility for CWA purposes.
    EPA appreciates the information about special circumstances
provided in the comments. Importantly, the precise outcome of any such
circumstance could only be determined in the context of a particular
tribe's TAS application and upon a full record of information
addressing the issue. The substance of these specific situations is
thus outside the scope of--and is not affected by--this rule. This rule
only establishes criteria and a process for tribes to apply for TAS for
the 303(d) Program; it does not adjudicate the outcome of that process
for any particular tribe. However, EPA notes that the comments are both
illustrative and instructive regarding the types of special
circumstances and jurisdictional issues that may affect a tribe's
ability to obtain TAS for the 303(d) Program. Federal statutes other
than the CWA may, for instance, limit a particular tribe's or group of
tribes' ability to participate, in whole or in part, in CWA regulation
through the TAS process. Before approving a tribe's TAS eligibility,
EPA would carefully consider whether any binding contractual
arrangements or other legal documents such as tribal charters or
constitutions might affect the

tribe's regulatory authority generally, or with regard to any specific
members of the regulated community. Finally, under this rule--and
consistent with TAS requirements for other regulatory programs--the
geographic scope of the reservation boundaries over which a tribe
asserts authority would continue to be a relevant and appropriate issue
for consideration in the TAS process. Sections 130.16(b)(3) and (c)(2)
of this rule require applicant tribes to address these types of issues
in their jurisdictional statements and provide states and other
appropriate entities an appropriate opportunity to comment and inform
EPA of any potential impediments to tribal regulatory authority. These
comment opportunities help ensure that EPA's decision making is well
informed.
    EPA also received comments on the proposed rule from the State of
Oklahoma regarding section 10211(b) of SAFETEA. In its comments, the
State of Oklahoma requested additional information regarding the
process or sequence of events that will be used to ensure that this
provision of SAFETEA is satisfied in the context of particular tribal
TAS applications that may be submitted following finalization of this
rule. EPA notes that section 10211(b) expressly contains certain
procedural requirements--i.e., the state/tribal cooperative agreement
must be subject to EPA review and approval after notice and an
opportunity for public hearing. Nothing in this rule alters or affects
those requirements. Further, because the SAFETEA requirement must be
satisfied for a tribe in Oklahoma to obtain TAS to regulate under an
EPA statute, the final cooperative agreement must be fully executed and
approved by EPA before EPA can approve a 303(d) TAS application.
Because the State of Oklahoma is a required signatory to the agreement,
this sequence of events ensures that the State will have a full
opportunity to participate in the TAS process--separate from
opportunities that states have through EPA's TAS notice and comment
procedures. Nothing in this rule alters or affects Oklahoma's
participation in the SAFETEA cooperative agreement or the requirement
that the agreement be in place as a prerequisite to TAS for the 303(d)
Program. EPA notes that there are no regulations establishing
procedures for the State and applicant tribes to negotiate SAFETEA
cooperative agreements or for tribes to submit, and EPA to review, such
agreements. There is thus flexibility for the State and applicant
tribes in Oklahoma to work together to develop these agreements as they
deem appropriate.

VII. What procedure will EPA follow in reviewing a tribe's TAS
application?

A. Notice to Appropriate Governmental Entities

    The EPA review procedure, included in section 130.16(c), specifies
that the Regional Administrator, following receipt of tribal
applications, will process such applications in a timely manner. EPA
will promptly notify the tribe that the complete application has been
received. Within 30 days after receipt of a tribe's complete TAS
application for 303(d), EPA will provide notice to appropriate
governmental entities (i.e., states, tribes, and other federal entities
located contiguous to the reservation of the applicant tribe) of the
complete application and the substance of and basis for the tribe's
assertion of authority over reservation waters, and will provide a 30-
day opportunity to comment to EPA on the tribe's assertion of
authority. See, e.g., 56 FR at 64884. EPA will also provide, consistent
with prior practice, sufficiently broad notice (e.g., through local
newspapers, electronic media, or other appropriate media) to inform
other potentially interested entities of the applicant tribe's complete
application and of the opportunity to provide relevant information
regarding the tribe's assertion of authority. As described below, EPA's
notice and comment procedure applies unless such process would be
duplicative of a notice and comment process already performed in
connection with EPA's approval, after the effective date of this rule,
of the same tribe's prior application for TAS for another CWA
regulatory program.

B. Avoidance of Duplicative Notice and Comment Procedures

    In this rule, EPA includes provisions intended to help avoid
unnecessary and wasteful duplication of the notice and comment
procedures described in section VII.A. Specifically, the rule (section
130.16(c)(4)) provides that, where a tribe has previously qualified for
TAS for a CWA regulatory program \13\ and EPA has provided notice and
an opportunity to comment on the tribe's assertion of authority as part
of its review of the prior application, no further notice would be
provided with regard to the same tribe's application for the 303(d)
Program, unless the section 303(d) TAS application presents different
jurisdictional issues or significant new factual or legal information
relevant to jurisdiction to the Regional Administrator.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ Specifically, the CWA Section 303(c) WQS Program, CWA
Section 402 NPDES Program or Sewage Sludge Management Program, or
CWA Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permit Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Where different jurisdictional issues or information are not
present, additional notice and comment regarding the tribe's assertion
of jurisdiction would be duplicative of the process already undertaken
during EPA's review of the prior TAS application. Under these
circumstances, the rule avoids such duplication of efforts by providing
that the relevant EPA Regional Administrator will process a TAS
application for the 303(d) Program without a second notice and comment
process.
    Where different jurisdictional issues or new or changed information
are present, the notice and comment process described in section
130.16(c)(2) applies. For example, if the geographic reservation area
over which an applicant tribe asserts authority is different from the
area covered by a prior TAS application or EPA approval, the process in
section 130.16(c)(2) applies and provides an appropriate opportunity
for comment on the tribe's assertion of authority over the new area. In
such circumstances, a tribe may find it appropriate and useful to
update its prior TAS application at the same time it applies for TAS
for 303(d). This would help ensure that the tribe's TAS eligibility for
the various CWA programs covers the same geographic area. Such a
combined TAS application would be subject to the section 130.16(c)(2)
notice and comment process.
    This approach applies prospectively only, i.e., where the tribe
obtains TAS for the CWA Section 303(c) WQS Program, CWA Section 402
NPDES Program or Sludge Management Program, or CWA section 404 dredge
and fill Permit Program after the effective date of this rule. In other
words, if a tribe first gains TAS for 303(c) or another CWA regulatory
program after this rule is finalized, and subsequently seeks TAS for
the 303(d) Program, additional notice and comment would not be required
as part of the 303(d) TAS application unless different jurisdictional
issues or significant new factual or legal information relevant to
jurisdiction are presented in the 303(d) application. However, if a
tribe had been approved for TAS only for 303(c) or another CWA program
prior to the effective date of this rule, the notice and comment
procedures of section 130.16(c)(2) will apply. Further notice and
comment may not be necessary, for example, where a tribe has been
approved for a TAS application for 303(c) (WQS) after the

effective date of this rule, and then subsequently applies for TAS for
the 303(d) Program. If that tribe had previously demonstrated that it
may effectuate the congressional delegation of authority for a CWA
regulatory program, and the tribe is applying for the same geographic
area, a new notice and comment procedure generally would not be needed
for the 303(d) TAS. A tribe in this circumstance might note in its
303(d) TAS application that it is applying for the same geographic
scope and using the same legal basis as the previous CWA TAS regulatory
approval.
    EPA notes that the notice and comment procedures (and the exemption
thereto) described in this rule relate solely to tribal assertions of
authority as part of TAS applications. They do not address any issues
relating to notice and comment on section 303(d) lists and TMDLs
associated with 303(d) Program implementation by a TAS-eligible tribe.
1. What did EPA consider regarding the notice and comment exemption?
    In the proposed rule, EPA proposed to apply this exemption
generally--that is, to all tribal applications that meet the exemption
criteria even if the earlier CWA TAS approval occurred prior to the
finalization of the 303(d) TAS rule. EPA requested comment on its
proposed exemption and alternative approaches. In addition, we
requested comment on whether the section 130.16(c)(4) notice and
comment exemption should instead be available only prospectively--i.e.,
only where the applicant tribe obtains TAS for the CWA Section 303(c)
WQS Program, CWA Section 402 NPDES Program or Sewage Sludge Management
Program, or CWA Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permit Program after the
rule is finalized (and, again, only if different jurisdictional issues
or significant new factual or legal information relevant to
jurisdiction are not present in the tribe's 303(d) TAS application).
EPA also considered not providing such a notice and comment exemption,
regardless of whether tribes have obtained TAS for other CWA regulatory
programs.
2. What is EPA's position on certain public comments regarding notice
and comment?
    EPA received several comments on the proposed notice and comment
approach, including from several tribes, several states, one local
government, and one non-governmental organization. The tribal
commenters generally expressed support for the proposed approach,
noting that tribes that have TAS approval for another CWA program
should not have to go through additional delay for a duplicative notice
and comment process. Two tribal commenters also noted that the approach
should not be limited to prospective applications, with one commenter
asserting that anyone with objections to previous applications already
had an opportunity to express those concerns. States, local entities,
and industry generally opposed the proposed streamlined notice and
comment approach. One state asserted that states should have an
opportunity to comment on all applications, regardless of previous TAS
applications. One state commenter, while generally opposed to the
approach, indicated that the approach at a minimum should be applied
prospectively only. One state asserted that the proposed approach would
not provide an opportunity to have input to the development of a new
tribal program. Another state noted that the public should have an
opportunity to comment on a program such as 303(d) that may have more
direct and broader public implications than other TAS programs. One
state commenter supported the proposed approach, but said that it
should be applied prospectively only. A local government and a
nongovernmental organization asserted that the approach limits due
process and expands tribal control over non-tribal persons and lands.
    EPA agrees with the commenters who supported the proposed approach
as an effective and efficient means to ensure appropriate notice
procedures on tribal assertions of authority in 303(d) TAS
applications, while avoiding unnecessary and wasteful duplication. EPA
also appreciates, but disagrees with, the comments that additional
notice and comment should be required, regardless of previous CWA TAS
applications. As discussed previously, where different jurisdictional
issues or information are not present, additional notice and comment
procedures would be duplicative of the process already undertaken
during EPA's review of a prior TAS application. Eliminating unnecessary
burdens is consistent with longstanding EPA and Executive policy to
support tribal self-determination and promote and streamline tribal
involvement in managing and regulating their lands and environments.
See, e.g., Executive Order 13175, 65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000;
Presidential Memorandum: Government-to-Government Relations with Native
American Tribal Governments, 59 FR 22951, April 29, 1994; EPA Policy
for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian
Reservations, November 8, 1984.\14\ This rule thus maintains the notice
and comment exemption in section 130.16(c)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs
on Indian Reservations, November 1984, available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal/epa-policy-administration-environmental-programs-indian-reservations-1984-indian-policy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA also notes that the notice and comment procedures described in
this rule are not required by the CWA or other federal law. Instead,
they are provided by EPA as a matter of the Agency's discretion to
ensure that EPA's decision making on tribal assertions of authority in
TAS applications is well-informed, including by any relevant
information that may be made available by appropriate governmental
entities.
    EPA has, however, decided to make the notice and comment exemption
available only prospectively. Limiting the notice and comment exemption
to prospective applications is appropriate because the notice and
comment exemption will not provide any streamlining benefit to tribes
with prior CWA TAS approvals in light of EPA's recent publication of an
interpretive rule revising the Agency's approach to tribal jurisdiction
under the CWA. Revised Interpretation of Clean Water Act Tribal
Provision, 81 FR 30183 (May 16, 2016). In the interpretive rule, EPA
announced the Agency's conclusion that section 518 of the CWA includes
a delegation of authority from Congress to eligible tribes to regulate
waters throughout their reservations under the statute, irrespective of
who owns the relevant reservation area. This revised interpretation
thus eliminated the need for tribes seeking TAS for the purpose of
administering a CWA regulatory program to demonstrate their inherent
authority to regulate reservation water resources under principles of
federal Indian law. To date, all of the tribes that have been approved
by EPA for eligibility to administer a CWA regulatory program were
approved consistent with EPA's prior (pre-interpretive rule) approach
to tribal jurisdiction. Because the interpretive rule revised EPA's
approach to tribal jurisdiction, new TAS applications for a CWA
regulatory program, including the 303(d) Program, will proceed under
the revised interpretation, thus presenting a different jurisdictional
issue than prior applications. Even if EPA opted to apply the notice
and comment exemption retrospectively, the procedures of section
130.16(c)(2) would apply in all such cases because the circumstances
authorizing the exemption of section 130.16(c)(4) will be absent.
Applying the exemption retrospectively would not provide the intended
streamlining

benefit, given the existence of different jurisdictional issues. Going
forward, however, EPA will apply the exemption per the provisions in
section 130.16(c)(4).

C. Treatment of Competing or Conflicting Claims

    Where a tribe's assertion of authority is subject to a competing or
conflicting claim, the procedures in this rule provide that the
Regional Administrator, after due consideration and in consideration of
any other comments received, will determine whether the tribe has
adequately demonstrated authority to regulate water quality on the
reservation for purposes of the 303(d) Program. Where the Regional
Administrator concludes that a tribe has not adequately demonstrated
its authority with respect to an area in dispute, then tribal
assumption of the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL
Program may be restricted accordingly. If a dispute is focused on a
limited area, this would not necessarily delay EPA's decision to treat
the tribe in a similar manner as a state for non-disputed areas.
    This procedure does not imply that states, tribes, other federal
agencies, or any other entity have veto power over tribal TAS
applications. Rather, it is intended to assist EPA in gathering
information that may be relevant to the Agency's determination whether
the applicant tribe has the necessary authority to administer the CWA
Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program. EPA will
consider comments but will make an independent evaluation of the tribal
showing.

D. EPA's Decision Process

    The rule requires EPA to process a tribe's TAS application in a
timely manner, but does not specify a precise time frame for review of
tribal TAS applications. Each TAS application will present its own set
of legal and factual issues, and EPA anticipates that in some cases it
may be necessary to request additional information when examining
tribal TAS applications. Similarly, the Agency's experience with states
applying for various EPA programs and with tribes applying for TAS for
the WQS Program indicates that additional engagement between EPA and
the applicant may be necessary before final decisions are made. EPA
expects that similar exchanges with tribes will often be helpful and
enhance EPA's processing of tribal TAS applications for the CWA Section
303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program.
    Where the Regional Administrator determines that a tribal TAS
application satisfies the requirements of section 130.16(a) and (b),
the Regional Administrator will promptly notify the tribe that the
tribe has qualified for TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water
Listing and TMDL Program. A decision by the Regional Administrator that
a tribe does not meet the requirements for TAS for purposes of the CWA
Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program would not
preclude the tribe from resubmitting an application at a future date.
If the Regional Administrator determines that a tribal application is
deficient or incomplete, EPA will identify such deficiencies and gaps
so the tribe can make changes as appropriate or necessary.

VIII. What are EPA's expectations regarding WQS and WQS TAS as
prerequisites for tribes applying for TAS authority for the 303(d)
Program?

    This final rule does not require tribes to have applicable WQS in
place for their reservation waters prior to applying for TAS
eligibility for the 303(d) Program. The rule also does not require
tribes seeking TAS eligibility for the 303(d) Program to have
previously obtained EPA approval for TAS for the WQS Program. Under
section 303(d), however, states and authorized tribes must develop
lists of impaired waters and TMDLs based on applicable WQS. CWA
sections 303(d)(1) and (2). Accordingly, EPA expects that the tribes
most likely to be interested in applying for TAS for the 303(d) Program
will be those that also have TAS for CWA section 303(c) and have
applicable WQS for their reservation waters. EPA has taken final action
approving TAS for WQS for 53 tribes. Forty-two of those tribes have
EPA-approved WQS, and one tribe without TAS for WQS has EPA-promulgated
WQS.\15\ These tribes will already have demonstrated an interest in
directly administering certain fundamental elements of the CWA as well
as the capacity to do so.
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    \15\ EPA maintains a current list of authorized tribes and
tribal WQS approvals at https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/epa-approvals-tribal-water-quality-standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since applicable WQS are a foundation of the CWA's water quality-
based approach to protecting our nation's waters, EPA recommends that
establishing EPA-approved/EPA-promulgated WQS for reservation water
bodies is an important first step for tribes interested in protecting
and restoring their reservation waters. As tribes gain experience
developing and administering applicable WQS on their reservations, they
may become interested in greater involvement in additional CWA
programs--such as the 303(d) Program--designed to ensure that
applicable WQS are achieved. Obtaining TAS to implement a CWA Section
303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program for its reservation
waters is one potential next step for interested tribes.
    Table 1 is an example of a step-wise approach that tribes may
follow in developing their water quality programs under the CWA and
ultimately seeking TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water
Listing and TMDL Program. This is only one possible approach. Many of
the identified steps could be completed in parallel rather than
sequentially. In particular, this approach does not preclude a tribe
from seeking TAS for the 303(d) Program, either separately or
concurrently with TAS for the WQS Program.

  Table 1--Example of a Step-Wise Approach to Regulatory Activities for
  Tribes Interested in Applying for TAS Authority To Implement the CWA
         Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 1: Tribe seeks TAS for CWA 303(c)    Tribe decides to
 WQS.                                     evaluate and address water
                                          quality within its reservation
                                          by establishing WQS under the
                                          CWA.
                                          Tribe identifies and
                                          inventories reservation water
                                          bodies.
                                          Tribe applies for TAS
                                          for WQS.
                                          EPA approves tribe's
                                          TAS application.
Step 2: Tribe Adopts WQS...............   Tribe develops its
                                          water quality goals.
                                          Tribe drafts and
                                          adopts WQS and submits for EPA
                                          approval.
                                          EPA approves tribal
                                          WQS.

Step 3: Tribe seeks TAS for CWA Section   Tribe decides to
 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL   assess water quality
 Program.                                 conditions against applicable
                                          WQS (i.e., comparing water
                                          quality monitoring data and
                                          information against applicable
                                          WQS), identify impaired
                                          waters, and develop TMDLs.
                                          Tribe applies for TAS
                                          to implement a 303(d) Program
                                          under the CWA.
                                          EPA approves TAS for
                                          303(d).
Step 4: Tribe implements the CWA         Tribe conducts activities
 Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing    identified in 40 CFR 130.7,
 and TMDL Program.                        including but not limited to:
                                             Assembles and
                                             evaluates all existing and
                                             readily available water
                                             quality-related data and
                                             information on reservation
                                             water bodies.
                                             Develops section
                                             303(d) list of impaired
                                             waters (that is,
                                             reservation water bodies
                                             that do not meet or are not
                                             likely to meet applicable
                                             WQS).
                                             Prioritizes list of
                                             impaired water bodies for
                                             TMDL development.
                                             Submits section
                                             303(d) list to EPA for
                                             approval.
                                             Develops TMDLs for
                                             listed waters.
                                             Submits TMDLs to
                                             EPA for approval.
Step 5: Tribe implements TMDLs (not       Tribe carries out
 required by 40 CFR 130.7).               watershed-specific plans and
                                          actions to implement TMDLs.
                                          Tribe monitors TMDL
                                          implementation and
                                          effectiveness.
Step 6: Tribe seeks other CWA            Possibilities include:
 regulatory programs.
                                             CWA Section 402
                                             NPDES Program.
                                             CWA Section 405
                                             Sewage Sludge Management
                                             Program.
                                             CWA Section 404
                                             Dredge and Fill Permit
                                             Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. What did EPA consider regarding WQS and WQS TAS as prerequisites for
303(d) TAS?

    In the proposed rule, EPA did not propose to require tribes to have
CWA-applicable WQS--i.e., either approved by EPA or promulgated by
EPA--in place on their reservations prior to applying for TAS
eligibility under CWA section 518 for purposes of administering the
303(d) Program. This approach is consistent with other CWA and EPA
programs, which authorize tribes to seek TAS eligibility without
requiring as a prerequisite the existence of any separate EPA-approved
tribal environmental programs. Because the listing of waters and
development of TMDLs under section 303(d) must be based on applicable
WQS (see CWA sections 303(d)(1) and (2)), EPA specifically invited
public comment in the proposed rule on whether applicable WQS should
instead be a prerequisite for obtaining TAS eligibility for the CWA
Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program. EPA also
invited public comment on whether a tribe applying for TAS for the
303(d) Program should be required to have already received EPA
approval--or at least simultaneously apply--for TAS for the CWA Section
303(c) WQS Program.

B. What is EPA's position on certain public comments regarding WQS and
WQS TAS as prerequisites for 303(d) TAS?

    EPA received comments on this topic from several tribes and tribal
organizations, as well as several states. Two tribal organizations and
one tribe asserted that applicable WQS should not be required prior to
a tribe applying for TAS for the 303(d) Program. One of these tribal
commenters reasoned that developing WQS requires time and should not be
a barrier to tribes seeking 303(d) TAS. Another tribe asserted that WQS
should not be required, in order to allow for an expedited process for
a tribe seeking 303(d) TAS. One tribe commented that WQS should be
required because lists of impaired waters must be based on applicable
WQS. Five states asserted that WQS should be required because lists
must be based on applicable WQS. One of these states also commented
that both WQS and TAS for 303(c) should be required. Another state
commented that resources would be wasted by tribes developing
applications, and by the government in reviewing applications, for a
program that tribes cannot implement without WQS.
    EPA also received comments on whether a tribe should have TAS for
303(c) before applying for 303(d) TAS, or at least apply concurrently
for 303(c) and 303(d) TAS. Two tribes asserted that TAS for 303(c)
should not be a requirement in order for a tribe to seek 303(d) TAS.
Two states supported the opposite position: That TAS for 303(c) should
be in place before a tribe applies for 303(d) TAS. Another state also
asserted that tribes should apply for 303(c) TAS prior to, or at least
concurrent with, their application for 303(d) TAS.
    EPA agrees with the commenters that WQS are the basis for the
development of impaired waters lists and TMDLs. See sections 303(d)(1)
and (2). As discussed in Section IV, under section 303(d) of the CWA,
every two years authorized tribes would be required to develop lists of
waters not meeting, or not expected to meet, applicable water quality
standards. 40 CFR 130.7(d). Impaired waters are waters for which
technology-based limitations and other required controls are not
stringent enough to meet applicable CWA water quality standards. Under
section 303(d), a tribe would use applicable WQS as the basis for
identifying impaired waters and calculating TMDLs, which quantify the
maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still
meet the WQS.
    Although 303(d) lists and TMDLs are developed based on applicable
WQS, EPA disagrees that the Agency should impose a regulatory
requirement that such WQS must be in place before a tribe can apply
under section 518 for 303(d) TAS eligibility. Similarly, EPA disagrees
that the Agency should impose a regulatory requirement that a tribe
must have TAS for 303(c) prior to applying for 303(d) TAS. This rule
establishes the process for a tribe to seek TAS for the 303(d) Program.
The process of applying for 303(d) TAS eligibility under section 518 is
a separate step distinct from the process of implementing section
303(d) through the development of 303(d) lists or

TMDLs. The TAS review focuses on the applicant tribe's governmental
functions, authority, and capability to administer the program.
Approval of the tribe's TAS application does not, by itself, allow the
tribe to submit lists of impaired waters and establish TMDLs.
Authorizing tribes to seek TAS eligibility in the absence of applicable
WQS thus creates no conflict with the CWA requirement that such WQS
provide the basis for 303(d) lists and TMDLs. Once a tribe has TAS for
the 303(d) Program, the tribe would still be required to develop lists
and TMDLs on the basis of applicable WQS, once they are in place. In
addition, the 303(d) TAS application process is designed to provide an
opportunity for tribes to begin to engage with the 303(d) Program. . .
. EPA does not intend for it to act as a barrier. Requiring applicable
WQS as a prerequisite to a TAS application would establish an
unnecessary barrier to tribes seeking TAS eligibility for the 303(d)
Program. See, e.g., EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental
Programs on Indian Reservations, November 8, 1984 and Executive Order
13175, 65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000.
    EPA notes that, under this approach, tribes seeking and obtaining
303(d) TAS eligibility will have ample opportunity to develop and seek
EPA approval or establishment of WQS that would be the basis for
section 303(d) implementation. This rule takes into consideration the
time needed for development of WQS. As indicated in section
130.16(c)(5) of this rule, an authorized tribe's first impaired waters
list must be submitted to EPA on the next listing cycle due date that
is at least 24 months from the later of: (1) The date the tribe's TAS
application for 303(d) is approved or (2) the date EPA-approved/
promulgated WQS for the tribe's waters are effective.
    Similarly, making TAS for section 303(c) a requirement for tribes
seeking TAS for 303(d) would be unduly restrictive of tribal options
regarding the development of WQS and implementation of the 303(d)
Program. As discussed, eligible tribes may develop lists or TMDLs under
303(d) based on any WQS that are ``applicable'' under the Act.
``Applicable'' WQS include EPA-approved tribal WQS as well as those
promulgated by EPA. See CWA sections 303(d)(1) and (2). Thus, a tribe
may reasonably decide to seek TAS for section 303(d) now to prepare
itself to develop lists and TMDLs in anticipation of having either EPA-
approved tribal or EPA-promulgated WQS in place at a later date.
Requiring a tribe to apply for and receive 303(c) TAS to develop its
own WQS would be an unnecessary step for a tribe seeking to develop
lists and TMDLs based on EPA-promulgated WQS. In fact, requiring a
tribe to have 303(c) TAS prior to seeking 303(d) TAS would prevent a
tribe from choosing to implement federal WQS under section 303(d),
without also unnecessarily expending resources to pursue 303(c) TAS.
    Finally, although EPA expects that the tribes most likely to be
interested in applying for TAS for section 303(d) will be those that
also have TAS for section 303(c) and have applicable WQS, the rule
should not preclude other tribes from obtaining TAS status for section
303(d), and thus ensuring that TAS eligibility requirements are
satisfactorily addressed prior to expending resources on developing
WQS. While one commenter asserted that resources would be wasted on
303(d) applications in the absence of tribal WQS, EPA disagrees and
concludes that the approach finalized in this rule will allow tribes,
at their discretion, to streamline and minimize expenditures on TAS
procedures. For example, a tribe could combine TAS requests for
sections 303(c) and 303(d) into a single application--an option that
EPA encourages, but does not require. Requiring that WQS be in place
prior to applying for 303(d) TAS would eliminate the ability for tribes
to streamline their TAS applications by applying concurrently for
303(c) and 303(d) TAS. In any event, questions regarding how best to
expend tribal resources and to organize and address tribal
environmental priorities in pursuing eligibility for CWA programs
should be left to the sovereign decision making of tribal governments.

IX. What financial and technical support is available from EPA to
tribes as they choose to develop and implement a CWA Section 303(d)
Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program?

    Pre-proposal input from tribes indicated that resources and funding
available for TMDL development would be important considerations for
tribes in deciding whether to apply for TAS for CWA section 303(d)
purposes. During the public comment period, EPA also received comments
from tribes reiterating the importance of funding and technical
assistance for tribes interested in TAS for the 303(d) Program. As
noted in section XI.F of the preamble to this rule, EPA considered
tribal comments in developing this final rule, and intends to remain
sensitive to tribal resource issues in its budgeting and planning
process. EPA understands the tribes' resource concerns, but observes
that the Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program is not a grant
program, and no federal grant funds are available directly from the
Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program. A tribe may be able to use its
General Assistance Program (GAP) Grant under the Indian Environmental
General Assistance Program Act to support development of a section
303(d) Program and capacity to implement such a program, but GAP funds
are not available for ongoing 303(d) Program implementation. Tribes
interested in using GAP funds should contact their Regional GAP Program
coordinator. In addition, other potential sources of tribal funding,
such as CWA section 319 grants and section 106 grants, are already
tightly constrained and may not be available to support additional work
under section 303(d). Some tribes that receive CWA funding may be able
to identify program activities that could also support 303(d)
activities (e.g., assessing water quality to develop impaired water
lists), but the availability of such funding opportunities is
uncertain.
    As resources allow, EPA may be able to work cooperatively with
tribes, as appropriate, on impaired water listing and TMDL issues in
Indian country. For example, EPA intends to develop training and/or
provide other technical support to tribes interested in obtaining TAS
for 303(d) and implementing a CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing
and TMDL Program if EPA staff and other resources are available to do
so. As a general matter, however, EPA cannot assure that funding will
be available for a tribe to develop or implement the 303(d) Program; a
tribe considering whether to apply to administer the Program should
carefully assess its priorities and the availability of EPA assistance
or other resources.

X. What is EPA's position on certain other public comments received?

    In this section, EPA responds to several additional topics that
were raised in public comments.

A. Impact on State/Local Authority for CWA Programs

    EPA received several comments regarding the impact of the rule on
local and state authority over water quality programs. One state
commented that the rule should clarify the meaning of ``within the
borders of the Indian reservation'' to reflect that a state may have
legal holdings within the exterior border of a reservation that do not
qualify as Indian land. One local government commented that the

proposed rule supplants the role of state and local governments in
managing county or municipal waters on Indian reservations, and tribal
jurisdiction applies only to federal trust parcels. The local
government commenter also asserted that states, counties, and
municipalities are complying with section 303(d) and therefore there is
no need to expand tribal government involvement. The commenter further
asserted that the rule would exacerbate state-tribal jurisdictional
issues. A local water organization also commented that the rule
supplants state and local authority, asserting that only the state has
regulatory authority over water in the states.
    EPA appreciates these comments and wishes to clarify that this rule
has no effect on the scope of existing state implementation of section
303(d). Generally speaking, civil regulatory authority in Indian
country lies with the federal government and the relevant Indian tribe,
not with the states. See, e.g., Alaska v. Native Village of Venetie
Tribal Gov't, 522 U.S. 520, 527 n.1, 1998. In the absence of an express
demonstration of authority by a state for such areas, and an EPA
finding that the state has authority for those Indian country waters,
EPA has generally excluded Indian country from its approvals of state
regulatory programs under the CWA and excluded waterbodies in Indian
country from its approval of state 303(d) lists and TMDLs.
    This rule relates solely to the process for tribes to seek TAS for
the purpose of administering CWA section 303(d) over their reservation
waters; it has no effect on the scope of existing CWA regulatory
programs administered by states. It neither diminishes nor enlarges the
scope of such approved state programs.
    There are uncommon situations where a federal statute other than
the CWA grants a state jurisdiction to regulate in areas of Indian
country. For example, in a few cases EPA has approved states to operate
CWA regulatory programs in areas of Indian country where the states
demonstrated jurisdiction based on such a separate federal statute.
This rule does not address or affect such jurisdiction that other
federal statutes may provide to states.

B. Relation to May 16, 2016, Interpretive Rule

    Several of the comments EPA received on the proposed rule raised
issues relating to EPA's separate interpretive rule revising the
Agency's approach to tribal jurisdiction under the CWA. The
interpretive rule was pending at the time EPA received these comments,
but the rule has since been finalized. 81 FR 30183. One commenter
supported the interpretive rule and asked EPA to cross-reference it in
the 303(d) TAS rule. One state asked how the interpretive rule would be
applied where there is state-specific law addressing unique issues
arising in that state. Two states, one local government, and two
industry commenters expressed opposition to the interpretive rule.
Reasons for opposing the re-interpretation included objections to
tribal jurisdiction over non-member activities and concern regarding
impacts on state CWA programs.
    EPA appreciates the issues raised by the commenters but notes that
any questions or comments regarding the interpretive rule are outside
the scope of this final rule. This rule relates solely to the
procedures that will apply to tribal applications for TAS for the
section 303(d) Program and to EPA's review of such applications. This
rule thus fills a gap in TAS infrastructure, and fulfills the
requirement of CWA section 518(e) that EPA promulgate final regulations
specifying how tribes shall be treated as states for purposes of
section 303(d). This rule provides appropriate TAS procedures
irrespective of which interpretation of tribal jurisdiction applies.
The rulemaking itself neither adopts, nor implements, any particular
approach to tribal jurisdiction. It simply provides a process for
tribes to apply for TAS, and for EPA to review such applications (with
relevant input from appropriate governmental entities and others). Any
application of EPA's revised approach to tribal jurisdiction under
section 518 as described in the final interpretive rule would occur in
the context of EPA's final decision on a particular tribe's TAS
application for a CWA regulatory program, in this case the 303(d)
Program. EPA also notes that the issues raised by commenters regarding
the then-proposed interpretive rule were addressed by EPA in the
context of finalizing that rule. 81 FR 30183.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ EPA's Response to Public Comments on Revised Interpretation
of Clean Water Act Tribal Provision at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OW-2014-0461-0110.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

XI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Additional information about these statutes and Executive Orders
can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations/laws-and-executive-orders.

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determined that this
action is not a significant regulatory action and therefore it was not
submitted to the OMB for review.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    EPA has submitted the information collection requirements in this
legislative rule to OMB for approval under the PRA. The Information
Collection Request (ICR) document that EPA prepared has been assigned
EPA ICR number 2553.02. You can find a copy of the ICR in the docket
for this rule, and it is briefly summarized here. This ICR supplements
the current information collection requirements in EPA ICR number
1560.11 (National Water Quality Inventory Reports (Renewal)) and
addresses the tribes' CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and
TMDL TAS application and 303(d) Program implementation burden, as well
as EPA's burden for reviewing the tribes' applications and 303(d)
Program submittals. ICR 1560.11 is a renewal of ICR 1560.10. OMB
approved ICR number 1560.11 in March 2016.
    This legislative rule establishes a process for tribes to obtain
TAS for the 303(d) Program. As described in the ICR, EPA estimates the
total burden on tribes to apply for TAS for the 303(d) Program would be
3,240 staff hours annually for an estimated 12 tribes that would apply
for and receive TAS approval per year.
    Tribes that receive TAS approval and have applicable WQS will then
need to implement the requirements of section 303(d) to list impaired
waters, set TMDL priorities, and develop TMDLs. EPA estimates that such
303(d) Program implementation burden would entail 86,664 staff hours
annually for the estimated 12 tribes. ICR 1560.11 already includes the
estimated burden for states to implement section 303(d), but does not
include estimates for tribes. Therefore, the ICR for this rule includes
the tribal section 303(d) implementation burden as well as the TAS
application burden described in the previous paragraph.
    As discussed in section V of this notice, EPA's regulations require
that a tribe seeking to administer a CWA regulatory program must submit
information to EPA demonstrating that the tribe meets the statutory
criteria described in section V. EPA requires this information in order
to determine that the tribe is eligible to administer

the 303(d) Program. The CWA would require an authorized tribe to submit
additional information to EPA--in this case, the lists of impaired
waters and the TMDLs--once the tribe begins implementing the 303(d)
Program.
    Respondents/affected entities: Any federally recognized tribe with
a reservation can potentially apply to administer a regulatory program
under the CWA. Tribes with TAS for the 303(d) Program would then
implement the Program, as described in section IV.
    Respondent's obligation to respond: The information discussed in
this rule is required from a tribe only if the tribe seeks TAS and is
found eligible to administer a CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water
Listing and TMDL Program. See EPA's regulations cited in section V of
this notice.
    Estimated number of respondents: Over 300 tribes with reservations
could potentially apply for 303(d) TAS. Although there are 567
federally recognized Indian tribes in the United States as of this
rule, the CWA allows only those tribes with reservations to apply for
authority to administer programs. EPA estimates that an average of 12
tribes per year would apply under this rule, and an average of 12
tribes per year would implement the 303(d) Program over the three year
period of the ICR.
    Frequency of response: Application by a tribe to be eligible to
administer the 303(d) Program is a one-time collection of information.
Authorized tribes implementing the 303(d) Program would submit impaired
water lists to EPA every two years, and submit TMDLs to EPA from time
to time as described in section IV of this notice.
    Total estimated burden: 89,904 tribal staff hours per year for TAS
for 303(d) Program application activities and 303(d) Program
implementation activities. Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).
    This estimate may overstate actual burden because EPA used a
conservatively high estimate of the annual rate of tribal applications.
This conservatively high estimate was used to ensure that the ICR does
not underestimate tribal burden, given that EPA used a simplifying
steady-state assumption in estimating annualized tribal application
costs. Also, EPA used conservatively high estimates of 303(d) Program
implementation burden (i.e., 303(d) listing and number of TMDLs that
tribes would submit to EPA annually), as further described in the ICR
number 2553.02.
    Total estimated cost: $4,185,264, including staff salaries and the
cost of support contractors for an annual average of 12 tribes to apply
for TAS and implement the 303(d) Program. This action does not include
capital or operation and maintenance costs.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's
regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    I certify that this action will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. This
action will not impose any requirements on small entities. This action
affects only Indian tribes that seek TAS for the CWA Section 303(d)
Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This action does not contain any unfunded mandate as described in
UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect
small governments. The action imposes no enforceable duty on any state,
local or tribal governments or the private sector.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have
substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between
the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    This action only applies to tribal governments that seek
eligibility to administer the 303(d) Program. Although it could be of
interest to some state governments, it does not apply directly to any
state government or to any other entity.
    In the spirit of Executive Order 13132, and consistent with EPA
policy to promote communications between EPA and state and local
governments, EPA consulted with state associations and representatives
of state governments to obtain meaningful and timely input for
consideration in this rule. By letter dated September 19, 2014, EPA
invited 10 national and regional state associations to an October 1,
2014, informational meeting at EPA in Washington, DC.\17\ As a result
of this meeting and other outreach, EPA participated in two subsequent
meetings with a subset of these associations and their members as well
as certain individual states during October 2014. Records of these
meetings and copies of written comments and questions submitted by
states and state associations are included in the docket for this rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ The ten associations were: The National Governors
Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the
Council of State Governments, the Western Governors' Association,
the Southern Governors' Association, the Midwestern Governors
Association, the Coalition of Northeastern Governors, the
Environmental Council of the States, the Association of Clean Water
Administrators, and the Western States Water Council.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Some participants expressed interest in: (1) The nature of comments
received from tribes during the pre-proposal tribal consultation and
coordination (April 8-June 6, 2014); (2) where they could find the list
of tribes having TAS for the WQS Program; (3) whether the TAS process
for CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program would be
consistent with other TAS processes; and (4) whether there is a process
in place to consult with states where a tribe applies for TAS for
303(d). Some states also had questions about issues unique to their
situations. EPA considered this input in developing the rule,
particularly in developing sections V to IX. EPA also consulted with
state associations and state representatives during the public comment
period, including a webinar for state representatives and informational
communications with individual state representatives. In comments on
the proposed rule, most states generally were neutral regarding the
proposed rule overall. Some states cited special circumstances
regarding applicability of the rule in their states, or provided
comments objecting to EPA's proposed (now final) interpretive rule
regarding tribal jurisdiction under the CWA. See Revised Interpretation
of Clean Water Act Tribal Provision, 81 FR 30183 (May 16, 2016).

F. Executive Order 13175: Tribal Consultation and Coordination

    This action has tribal implications because it will directly affect
tribes interested in administering the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired
Water Listing and TMDL Program. However, it will neither impose
substantial direct compliance costs on federally recognized tribal
governments, nor preempt tribal law. Thus, this action is not subject
to consultation under Executive Order 13175. Tribes are not required to
administer a 303(d) Program. Where a tribe chooses to do so, the rule
provides a regulatory process for the tribe to apply and for EPA to act
on the tribe's application.

    EPA consulted and coordinated with tribal officials under the EPA
Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes early in the
process of developing this regulation to permit them to have meaningful
and timely input into its development. A summary of that consultation
and coordination follows.
    EPA initiated a tribal consultation and coordination process for
this action by sending a ``Notification of Consultation and
Coordination'' letter on March 28, 2014, to all 566 federally-
recognized tribes as of that date.\18\ The letter invited tribal
leaders and designated consultation representative(s) to participate in
the tribal consultation and coordination process. EPA held a webinar
concerning this matter for tribal representatives on April 29, 2014. A
total of 46 tribal representatives participated. Additionally, tribes
and tribal organizations sent five pre-proposal comment letters to EPA.
Records of this webinar and copies of written comments and questions
submitted by tribes and intertribal consortia are included in the
docket for this rule. Tribal comments generally supported EPA's plan to
propose a TAS rule for the 303(d) Program. Some comments expressed the
need for additional financial and technical support as tribes obtain
TAS for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ There are now 567 federally recognized tribes. 81 FR 26826
(May 4, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    During the 60-day public comment period on the proposed rule in
2016, EPA provided informational webinars for tribes and conducted
further consultation and coordination with tribes. EPA initiated a
tribal consultation and coordination process on the proposed rule by
sending a ``Notification and Coordination'' letter on January 19, 2016,
to the 566 federally-recognized tribes as of that date. Following the
public comment period, EPA also participated in informational meetings
with tribes. As noted in Section I, EPA received comments from nine
tribes and tribal associations on the proposed rule. Tribal comments
generally supported the proposed rule. Several comments re-iterated the
need for additional funding and technical support as tribes begin to
implement the 303(d) Program. EPA considered the tribal comments in
developing this final rule, and intends to remain sensitive to tribal
resource issues in its budgeting and planning process. However, EPA
cannot assure or assume that additional funding will be available for a
tribe developing or implementing the 303(d) Program. A tribe choosing
to administer such programs will need to carefully weigh its priorities
and any available EPA assistance as described in section IX above.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those
regulatory actions that concern environmental health or safety risks
that EPA has reason to think could disproportionately affect children,
per the definition of ``covered regulatory action'' in section 2-202 of
the Executive Order. This action is not subject to Executive Order
13045 because it does not concern an environmental health or safety
risk.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 because it is
not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    The rule does not have potential to cause disproportionately high
and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority, low-
income, or indigenous populations. This rule would have no direct
impacts on human health or the environment. The rule affects processes
and information collection only. The rule puts in place the procedures
interested tribes would follow to seek TAS for the CWA Section 303(d)
Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program. The action is likely to result
in the collection of information or data that could be used to assess
potential impacts on the health or environmental conditions in Indian
country (see sections III and IV). As described in sections III and IV
above, under CWA section 303(d), authorized tribes with applicable WQS
would be required to develop lists of impaired waters, submit these
lists to EPA, and develop TMDLs for pollutants causing impairments in
the waters on the 303(d) lists. TAS for 303(d) would provide authorized
tribes the opportunity to participate directly in protecting their
reservation waters through the Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing
and TMDL Program, as Congress intended through CWA section 518(e). EPA
also expects this rule will advance the goals of the CWA as interested
tribes apply for TAS to administer the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired
Water Listing and TMDL Program for reservation water bodies.
    The action is likely to increase the availability of water quality
information to indigenous populations as interested tribes obtain TAS
for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program and
begin implementing the Program. In short, tribes with TAS assume the
primary role under the CWA in deciding (1) what waters on their
reservations are impaired and in need of restoration, (2) the priority
ranking for TMDL development, and (3) what the TMDLs and pollutant
source allocations for those waters should look like.
    EPA provided meaningful participation opportunities for tribes in
the development of this rule, as described in ``F. Executive Order
13175: Tribal Consultation and Coordination,'' above.

K. Congressional Review Act

    This action is subject to the CRA, and the EPA will submit a rule
report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of
the United States. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 130

    Environmental protection, Grant programs-environmental protection,
Indian lands, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Water pollution control, Water supply.

    Dated: September 16, 2016.
Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency amends 40 CFR part 130 as follows:

PART 130--WATER QUALITY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 130 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
2. Section 130.16 is added to read as follows:

Sec.  130.16   Treatment of Indian tribes in a similar manner as states
for purposes of the Clean Water Act.

    (a) The Regional Administrator may accept and approve a tribal
application for purposes of administering the Clean

Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL) Program if the tribe meets the following criteria:
    (1) The Indian tribe is recognized by the Secretary of the Interior
and meets the definitions in Sec.  131.3(k) and (l) of this chapter;
    (2) The Indian tribe has a governing body carrying out substantial
governmental duties and powers;
    (3) The CWA section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program
to be administered by the Indian tribe pertains to the management and
protection of water resources that are within the borders of the Indian
reservation and held by the Indian tribe, within the borders of the
Indian reservation and held by the United States in trust for Indians,
within the borders of the Indian reservation and held by a member of
the Indian tribe if such property interest is subject to a trust
restriction on alienation, or otherwise within the borders of the
Indian reservation; and
    (4) The Indian tribe is reasonably expected to be capable, in the
Regional Administrator's judgment, of carrying out the functions of an
effective CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program in
a manner consistent with the terms and purposes of the Act and
applicable regulations.
    (b) Requests by Indian tribes for administration of the CWA Section
303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program should be submitted to
the appropriate EPA Regional Administrator. The application shall
include the following information, provided that where the tribe has
previously qualified for eligibility or ``treatment as a state'' (TAS)
under another EPA-administered program, the tribe need only provide the
required information that has not been submitted in a previous
application:
    (1) A statement that the tribe is recognized by the Secretary of
the Interior.
    (2) A descriptive statement demonstrating that the tribal governing
body is currently carrying out substantial governmental duties and
powers over a defined area. The statement should:
    (i) Describe the form of the tribal government;
    (ii) Describe the types of governmental functions currently
performed by the tribal governing body such as, but not limited to, the
exercise of police powers affecting (or relating to) the health,
safety, and welfare of the affected population, taxation, and the
exercise of the power of eminent domain; and
    (iii) Identify the source of the tribal government's authority to
carry out the governmental functions currently being performed.
    (3) A descriptive statement of the tribe's authority to regulate
water quality. The statement should include:
    (i) A map or legal description of the area over which the tribe
asserts authority to regulate surface water quality;
    (ii) A statement by the tribe's legal counsel (or equivalent
official) that describes the basis for the tribe's assertion of
authority and may include a copy of documents such as tribal
constitutions, by-laws, charters, executive orders, codes, ordinances,
and/or resolutions that support the tribe's assertion of authority; and
    (iii) An identification of the surface waters that the tribe
proposes to assess for potential impaired water listing and TMDL
development.
    (4) A narrative statement describing the capability of the Indian
tribe to administer an effective CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water
Listing and TMDL Program. The narrative statement should include:
    (i) A description of the Indian tribe's previous management
experience that may include the administration of programs and services
authorized by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 450, et seq.), the Indian Mineral Development Act (25
U.S.C. 2101, et seq.), or the Indian Sanitation Facility Construction
Activity Act (42 U.S.C. 2004a);
    (ii) A list of existing environmental or public health programs
administered by the tribal governing body and copies of related tribal
laws, policies, and regulations;
    (iii) A description of the entity (or entities) that exercise the
executive, legislative, and judicial functions of the tribal
government;
    (iv) A description of the existing, or proposed, agency of the
Indian tribe that will assume primary responsibility for establishing,
reviewing, implementing and revising impaired water lists and TMDLs;
and
    (v) A description of the technical and administrative capabilities
of the staff to administer and manage an effective CWA Section 303(d)
Impaired Water Listing and TMDL Program or a plan that proposes how the
tribe will acquire the needed administrative and technical expertise.
The plan must address how the tribe will obtain the funds to acquire
the administrative and technical expertise.
    (5) Additional documentation required by the Regional Administrator
that, in the judgment of the Regional Administrator, is necessary to
support a tribal application.
    (c) Procedure for processing a tribe's application:
    (1) The Regional Administrator shall process an application of a
tribe submitted pursuant to Sec.  130.16(b) in a timely manner. The
Regional Administrator shall promptly notify the tribe of receipt of
the application.
    (2) Except as provided below in paragraph (c)(4) of this section,
within 30 days after receipt of the tribe's application, the Regional
Administrator shall provide appropriate notice. Notice shall:
    (i) Include information on the substance and basis of the tribe's
assertion of authority to regulate the quality of reservation waters;
    (ii) Be provided to all appropriate governmental entities; and
    (iii) Provide 30 days for comments to be submitted on the tribal
application. Comments shall be limited to the tribe's assertion of
authority.
    (3) If a tribe's asserted authority is subject to a competing or
conflicting claim, the Regional Administrator, after due consideration,
and in consideration of other comments received, shall determine
whether the tribe has adequately demonstrated that it meets the
requirements of Sec.  130.16(a)(3).
    (4) Where, after the effective date of this rule, EPA has
determined that a tribe qualifies for TAS for the CWA Section 303(c)
Water Quality Standards Program, CWA Section 402 National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System Program, or CWA Section 404 Dredge and
Fill Permit Program, and provided notice and an opportunity to comment
on the tribe's assertion of authority to appropriate governmental
entities as part of its review of the tribe's prior application, no
further notice to governmental entities, as described in paragraph
(c)(2) of this section, shall be provided with regard to the same
tribe's application for the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing
and TMDL Program, unless the application presents to the EPA Regional
Administrator different jurisdictional issues or significant new
factual or legal information relevant to jurisdiction.
    (5) Where the Regional Administrator determines that a tribe meets
the requirements of this section, he or she shall promptly provide
written notification to the tribe that the tribe is authorized to
administer the CWA Section 303(d) Impaired Water Listing and TMDL
Program. Such tribe shall be considered a ``State'' for purposes of CWA
section 303(d) and its implementing regulations. With respect

to the timing requirement for submittal of an authorized tribe's first
list of impaired waters pursuant to Sec.  130.7(d)(1), the tribe's
first list is due on the next listing cycle due date that is at least
24 months from the later of either:
    (i) The date EPA approves the tribe's TAS application pursuant to
this section; or
    (ii) The date EPA-approved or EPA-promulgated water quality
standards become effective for the tribe's reservation waters.

[FR Doc. 2016-22882 Filed 9-23-16; 8:45 a.m.]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P