Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments

(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #330 (339-5))

Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments - Authorizes the appropriation of funds for the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for programs whose authorizations expired June 30, 1975, and June 30, 1976. Provides authorizations for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for such programs.

Authorizes grants under such Act for the cost of construction of a sewage collection system where the total of all grants made for the treatment works exceeds the actual construction costs for such treatment works.

Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to award a single grant combined in a single application for the combined Federal share of the cost of preparing construction drawings and specifications, and the building and erection of treatment works.

Permits the use of ad valorem taxes as a method of collecting the costs of operating and maintaining a municipal waste treatment works which was constructed with the assistance of a Federal grant.

Provides an allotment formula for the fiscal year 1977 and fiscal year 1978 authorizations.

Requires such authorizations to be allotted by: (1) 1/4 on the basis of population; (2) 1/2 on the basis of partial needs (secondary treatment, more stringent treatment to meet water quality standards, interceptor sewers and appurtenances); and (3) 1/4 on the basis of total needs (partial needs plus collector sewers, combined sewers, and infiltration flow).

Extends from July 1, 1972, to July 1, 1973, the date by which initiation of construction and treatment works projects must have occurred in order for such projects to be eligible for reimbursement grants.

Provides additional authorizations for the purpose of providing 75 percent Federal grants for the construction of municipal waste treatment works.

Authorizes grants for the development and operation of continuing areawide waste treatment management planning processes.

Sets such grant levels at 100 percent of the first two years cost if the first grants are approved by EPA before October 1, 1977. Allows up to 75 percent of such costs for grants approved after October 1, 1977.

Establishes a program for State certification that Federal requirements for a construction grant for the construction of wastewater treatment works have been complied with. Permits States to determine priority as to categories of projects for construction of publicly owned treatment works within such States.

Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans and obligations of States, municipalities, and interstate and intermunicipal agencies for construction of publicly owned treatment works.

Permits an extension of time, until July 1, 1982, for treatment works to achieve specified requirements under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Makes State water quality reports due biennially (now annually).

Requires the Administrator to insure compliance with final toxic effluent standards within three years of the effectiveness of such standards.

Establishes a contingency fund to be used by EPA in handling emergency situations such as those which present an imminent and substantial danger to public health or welfare, require the protection of persons where the endangerment is to their livelihood, and those which result from natural and other disasters.

Defines "navigable waters" and "adjacent wetlands" for purposes of such Act. Permits discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters or adjacent wetlands. Permits the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to regulate such discharge pursuant to this Act where such waters have ecological and environmental importance. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for such discharging where the public interest will be served. Permits the discharge of materials from specified activities such as farming and ranching. Permits discharging from Federal construction projects authorized by Congress if they have been included in an environmental impact or environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. Permits the Secretary to delegate his authority regarding discharging to a State if the State will responsibilily carry out such functions and if such delegation is in the public interest.

Grants the Congress a right of disapproval of any rule or regulation issued under such Act.

Requires employees of the EPA who have financial interest in persons making specified discharges or are otherwise subject to regulation under this Act to file annual financial statements disclosing such interest.