Water Quality Renewal Act of 1984

(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #267 (405-11))

Water Quality Renewal Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Act) (also known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 for: (1) specified research, investigation, and training programs in water pollution control; (2) State and interstate pollution control programs; (3) undergraduate programs in water quality control; (4) grants for developing waste treatment management plans for areas with substantial water quality control problems; (5) water pollution control programs in agricultural areas; (6) agreements among Government agencies providing for maximum use of existing programs for water quality control; (7) grants to States for lake pollution control; and (8) carrying out the Act generally.

Increases the authorization for grants for construction of waste treatment works for FY 1984 and 1985. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1986 through 1988.

Revises the timetable for compliance of all pollutants with effluent limitations.

Extends the compliance date for all toxic pollutants referred to in a specified table of a congressional committee print (the priority toxic pollutants). Requires such compliance as expeditiously as possible, but in no case later than three years and six months after the date effluent limitations are established.

Extends the compliance date for all other toxic pollutants which may be listed under specified provisions of the Act. Requires such compliance as expeditiously as possible, but in no case later than three years and six months after the date effluent limitations are established.

Extends the compliance date for application of best conventional technology (for specified conventional pollutants) from July 1, 1984, to July 1, 1987.

Extends the compliance date for application of best available technology for all other pollutants. Requires such compliance as expeditiously as possible, but no later than three years and six months after effluent limitations are established.

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate final regulations establishing effluent limitations for direct dischargers and limitations requiring pretreatment for all the priority toxic pollutants which are discharged from certain categories of point sources in accordance with a specified schedule.

Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of all navigable waters in each State the water quality of which is being impaired by the discharge from specific sources of toxic pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an individual control strategy for each listed segment of navigable waters which shall reduce the discharge of toxic pollutants from such sources so as to allow the achievement of water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water.

Increases the civil penalties for violations of requirements with respect to water quality standards under the Act, but provides that States are not required by the Act to have civil penalties in the same monetary amount for such violations.

Requires the Administrator to monitor, study, and report to Congress on the effects of the impoundment and discharge of waters by dams upon the quality of navigable waters.

Sets forth provisions for nonpoint source control implementation programs. Provides for State nonpoint source control reports and plans and grants to States for implementation of such plans.

Directs the Governor of each State to prepare and submit for the approval of the Administrator a report on: (1) those portions of the navigable waters within a State that, as a result of pollution from nonpoint sources in whole or in part, are not meeting applicable water quality standards or the goals and requirements of the Act; (2) those categories and subcategories of nonpoint sources which add significant pollutant loadings to each portion of such waters in amounts which contribute to nonattainment of such water quality standards for such goals and requirements; (3) State and local programs for controlling pollutant loadings added from nonpoint sources to such waters, including but not limited to programs receiving Federal assistance under this Act; and (4) the process, including intergovernmental coordination and public participation for identifying best management practices and measures to control such categories and subcategories of nonpoint sources and to reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the level of pollution resulting from such categories and subcategories.

Requires that such reports and updates be based on available information. Permits such reports or updates to include all or part of an approved existing water quality management program.

Directs the Governor of each State to prepare and submit for the approval of the Administrator: (1) a plan which the State proposes to implement in the four-fiscal-year period beginning after the date of submission of the report for controlling pollution added from nonpoint sources to navigable waters within the State and for improving the quality of such waters; and (2) a report identifying each Federal department, agency, or instrumentality which is likely to be engaging in, supporting, or providing financial assistance for any activity or program within the State during such four-fiscal-year period and which would be inconsistent with plan implementation, and recommending appropriate administrative modification of such program or activity.

Requires that such plans specify the following State practices and measures during the four-fiscal-year period: (1) each portion of navigable waters and land area contributing to nonpoint source pollution which significantly affects portions of such waters; (2) the order of, and schedule for, such implementation; (3) the categories and subcategories of nonpoint sources of pollution; (4) the best management practices and measures; (5) the methods by which the State will encourage, assist, or require such implementation (by category and subcategory of pollution source); and (6) sources of Federal and other assistance other than that provided under this Act which will be available for support of such implementation and the purposes for which such assistance will be used.

Requires that such plan be accompanied by a certification by the State attorney general or the head attorney of the State water pollution control agency that State laws provide adequate authority to carry out such programs or a list of any additional authority needed.

Requires that such schedule: (1) establish for each category and subcategory of sources an expeditious time period for implementation of best management practices and measures; and (2) indicate estimated dates for such implementation.

Requires States to utilize local public and private agencies and organizations with expertise in nonpoint source pollution control, to the maximum extent practicable, in developing and implementing such plan.

Requires States, to the maximum extent possible, to develop and implement such plan on a watershed-by-watershed basis.

Requires that any State reports or plans required under these nonpoint source control implementation program provisions be submitted to the Administrator within 270-days after enactment of this Act, but provides for a 270-day extension upon request of the Governor. Directs the Administrator to prepare a report which makes specified identifications for a State if the Governor does not submit such report within the required period.

Directs the Administrator to consolidate and submit recommendations for modifications of Federal activities and programs submitted by the States to the appropriate Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities. Directs such entities to carry out their activities and programs in a manner consistent with the approved State plan and helpful to its implementation.

Sets forth procedures and deadlines for approval, disapproval, or revision of reports, plans, and updates.

Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance to local agencies or organizations in developing plans, whenever a State fails to submit or the Administrator does not approve a plan. Makes such local agencies or organizations eligible to receive implementation assistance after development of such plan.

Authorizes the Administrator, upon State request, to provide technical assistance to a State in developing a plan.

Sets forth requirements for State petitions, interstate management conferences and agreements, and State plans for reduction of interstate water pollution from nonpoint sources.

Directs the Administrator, upon State application, to make grants to each State for which a report and a plan is approved.

Provides that such grants shall be made to assist States in implementing such plans.

Limits the Federal share of the cost of each plan implemented with Federal assistance in any fiscal year to 50 percent of the cost to the State in implementing such plan, but requires that the Federal share be at least 50 percent and not more than 60 percent of those costs of a plan which are attributable to a watershed area with respect to which the Administrator determines that a significant number of non-Federal, non-State interests of such area are willing and able to enter into agreements to participate in such year in nonsource pollution control measures under such plan.

Limits administrative costs (except costs of implementing enforcement and regulatory activities, education, training, technical assistance, demonstration projects or technology transfer programs) to ten percent of the grant amount. Sets forth maintenance of effort requirements for such grants.

Limits to 15 percent of the amount appropriated for such grants the amount which may be used to make grants to any one State, including any grants to any local agency or organization with authority to control pollution from nonpoint sources in any area in such State.

Authorizes the Administrator to give priority in making grants for each fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1986, to any State which has included effective regulatory mechanisms in its plan and has implemented such mechanisms in the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to give consideration to a State's inclusion and implementation of effective regulatory mechanisms in determining the Federal share of any such grant.

Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1985 through 1988.

Directs the Administrator, by January 1, 1985, and each January 1 thereafter, to report to specified congressional committees on the activities carried out under this Act for the preceding fiscal year and the progress made in reducing nonpoint source pollution in the navigable waters. Directs the Administrator, by January 1, 1988, to transmit a final report to Congress on the activities carried out under this Act, with specified analyses and recommendations.

Requires that at least five percent of appropriations for such grants in any fiscal year be available to the Administrator to maintain personnel levels at the Environmental Protection Agency which are adequate to carry out this Act.

Includes plans approved under this Act under provisions of the Act for agreements with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Army, and the Interior to provide maximum utilization of programs to achieve and maintain water quality.

Declares that it is the national policy that plans for the control of nonpoint sources of pollution be developed and implemented in an expeditious manner so as to enable the goals of the Act to be met through the control of both point and nonpoint sources of pollution.

Directs the Administrator, within one year after the enactment of this Act, to submit to specified congressional committees a lake restoration guidance manual establishing procedures to guide future State and local efforts to improve water quality in lakes.

Adds to authorized uses of grants for construction of treatment works projects to address water quality problems due to impacts of discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows.

Increases for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years the amount of additional funds which the Administrator shall have available for addressing water quality problems of marine bays and estuaries subject to lower levels of water quality due to the impact of discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows.

Increases to 65 percent the Federal share of construction costs under the treatment works construction grants program for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years. (Current law provides that the 75 percent Federal share shall be decreased to 55 percent for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.)

Provides that the activated bio-filter feature of the project for treatment works of the city of Little Falls, Minnesota, shall be deemed to be an innovative wastewater process and technique for purposes of specified provisions of the Act. Provides that the amount of any grant under the Act for such feature shall be 85 percent of the cost thereof.

Authorizes the Administrator, in addition to any grant for innovative technology in treatment works, to make a grant to fund all of the costs of the modification or replacement of biodisc equipment (rotationg biological contractors) in any publicly owned treatment works if the Administrator finds that such equipment has not met design performance specifications, unless such failure is attributable to negligence on the part of any person, and if such failure has significantly increased capital or operating and maintenance expeditures.

Directs the Administrator, before taking final action on plans, specifications, and estimates for treatment works construction, to enter into a written agreement with the grant applicant which establishes and specifies which items of the proposed project are eligible for Federal payment under specified provisions of the Act. Prohibits the Administrator from later modifying such eligibility determinations unless they are found to have been made in violation of applicable Federal statutes and regulations. Provides that such eligibility determinations shall not preclude the Administrator from auditing a project pursuant to specified provisions of the Act, or other authority, or from withholding or recovering Federal funds for costs which are found to be unallowable or which are incurred on a project which fails to meet design specifications or effluent limitations contained in the grant agreement and permit.

Provides for grantee certification of the treatment process. Provides that the approval of construction plans by the Administrator shall not include a determination or approval of the treatment work's unit processes, which constitute the treatment technology. Prohibits the Administrator from approving plans, specifications, and estimates for a project unless the applicant certifies that the proposed unit processes and treatment such technology are capable of meeting the effluent limitations for which such process and technology are designed.

Revises local treatment works grant conditions to require, within two years after enactment of this Act that: (1) any required areawide waste treatment management plan is being implemented or is being developed with reasonable progress toward implementation; (2) the State is implementing or developing any required State plan and is in compliance with water quality reporting requirements.

Provides that a system of user charges which imposes a lower charge for low-income residential users (as defined by the Administrator) shall be deemed to be a user charge system meeting specified requirements for treatment works grants if the Administrator determines that such system was adopted after public notice and hearing.

Requires that State allotments for the treatment works construction grants programs for FY 1986 through 1988 be allotted, in accordance with a specified table, for each such year by the Administrator not later than the tenth day which begins after the enactment of this Act.

Extends through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for minimum allotments to States and specified U.S. territories and possessions. Increases, from thirty-three one-hundredths of one percent to two-thirds of one percent, the portion of the total allotment which shall be allotted to specified U.S. territories and possessions.

Extends through FY 1988 specified provisions relating to the reservation of certain amounts from State allotments in order to make grants to States for administration of such allotments. Directs the Administrator to reserve specified amounts from the allotments to the States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut in order to make grants in FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years to the Interstate Sanitation Commission established by such States by interstate compact to carry out the functions of such Commission under the Act.

Extends through FY 1988 specified provisions relating to minimum expenditures for increasing the Federal share of grants for construction of treatment works utilizing innovative processes and techniques.

Requires a State to allocate at least 50 percent of its water quality management planning grant in any fiscal year to regional and interstate public comprehensive organizations in such State, except when the Administrator and the Governor determine that such allocation will not substantially assist in achieving the goals of the Act.

Directs the Administrator to reserve one-quarter of one percent of appropriations for the treatment works construction grants program for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for carry out investigations and audits of such construction projects. Provides that such sums shall be in addition to any sums otherwise appropriated for or allocated to the Office of the Inspector General.

Directs the Administrator to make grants for specified purposes from the appropriate State allotments for treatment works construction to: (1) the city of Avalon, California; (2) the owners of the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rocky River, Ohio; (3) Walker and Smithfield Townships, Pennsylvania; (4) the Elk Pinch Public Service District, Kanawha County, West Virginia; (5) the city of Taylor Mill, Kentucky; and (6) the city of Watsonville, California.

Establishes a program of grants to States for establishment of State water pollution control revolving funds for providing assistance to municipalities and intermunicipal and interstate agencies for construction of publicly owned treatment works. Requires a State to first deposit an amount equal to 20 percent of such grant allotted to the State for a fiscal year before such grant can be made. Sets forth certification, reporting, and other requirements relating to such grants and the types of assistance which such revolving funds may offer. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1985 through 1988.

Revises innovative technology compliance deadlines for direct dischargers. Requires such compliance within two years after the date for compliance with an effluent limitation which is otherwise applicable.

Authorizes the Administrator (or an approved State program) to issue a permit which modifies specified requirements with respect to the pH level of any discharge, and with respect to discharges of iron and manganese, from the remined area of any coal remining operation. Requires that such modified requirements apply the best available technology economically achievable on a case-by-case basis, using best professional judgment. Prohibits such a permit from allowing the pH level of any discharge, or the discharges of iron and manganese, to exceed the levels being discharged from the remined area before the coal remining operation begins.

Directs the Administrator, in developing, publishing, and revising water quality criteria, to consider the effects of specified factors on the ecosystem. Requires that new or revised water quality criteria should be established so as to provide an ample margin of safety to protect human health and fish and wildlife resources, and, if there is a well-founded and significant difference of opinion as to the latest scientific and research knowledge in such matters with respect to a pollutant, directs the Administrator to publish a description of such difference of opinion along with the publication of such criteria.

Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines establishing test procedures for the analysis of pollutants within 90 days from the date of enactment of this Act.

Authorizes the Administrator to establish a single compliance date for pretreatment standards, upon the request of any source (indirect discharger) subject to two or more pretreatment standards which are promulgated before the enactment of this Act and for which more than one compliance date is prescribed. Requires that such single compliance date not be later than one year after the first of such compliance dates or not later than the last of such compliance dates, whichever occurs first. Requires that the applicant demonstrate that: (1) establishment of a single compliance date will result in earlier compliance by the applicant with all such standards; and (2) the technology which is the basis for one of the applicable pretreatment standards is inconsistent with the technology which is the basis for another of the applicable pretreatment standards, or the pretreatment standard with the later compliance date requires sufficient additional technology to justify such single compliance date. Requires that any such application by a source for a single compliance date be made within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide public notice of such application within two weeks after its receipt; and (2) approve or deny such application within 60 days after the last day of such two-week period.

Extends the deadline for compliance with electroplating pretreatment standards to December 31, 1984.

Directs the Administrator to increase the number of employees of the Environmental Protection Agency if necessary to effectively implement pretreatment requirements under specified provisions of the Act.

Authorizes the owner or operator of a publicly owned treatment works which receives the treated effluent to grant up to a two-year extension for compliance with a categorical pretreatment standard to any new or existing facility (indirect discharger) which proposes to comply with such standard by using an innovative treatment system meeting specified standards, if: (1) the Administrator determines that the innovative system has the potential for industry-wide application and the action will not cause the publicly owned treatment works to be in violation of its permit; and (2) the Administrator (or a State with an approved pretreatment program) concurs with the proposed action of the owner or operator of such treatment works.

Revises provisions for criminal penalties for specified violations under the Act.

Adds provisions for civil penalties to be assessed by the Administrator or the Secretary of the Army for specified violations under the Act.

Revises provisions for the Clean Lakes Program (a grant assistance program to improve the water quality of lakes). Makes such program applicable to saline, as well as fresh water, lakes.

Adds provisions for grants to States for priority projects for control of nonpoint sources of pollution which are contributing to the degradation of water quality in lakes. Directs the Administrator to distribute such grants equitably among the States. Limits the amount of such a grant to not more than 70 percent of the project cost. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for such grants.

Adds provisions for grants to States to carry out approved methods and procedures which may be applied to lakes and other waters to restore water quality, insofar as such quality has deteriorated as a result of high acidity which may be due to acid deposition. Allows any State to submit for approval to the Administrator: (1) a survey of such water quality deterioration; and (2) methods and procedures which may be applied. Specifies some of the methods which may be approved for such purpose. Limits the amount so granted to any State in any fiscal year to more than 80 percent of the funds expended by such State in such year for carrying out such approved methods and procedures. Directs the Administrator to the distribute such grant funds equitably on the basis of the relative need of each applicant State for the restoration of water quality as a result of such deterioration. Provides that such assistance shall be in addition to any other Federal financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1985 through 1989.

Directs the Administrator to report annually to specified congressional committees on the status and trend of water quality in lakes in the United States, including the nature and extent of pollution loading from point and nonpoint sources and the extent to which the use of lakes is impaired as a result of pollution, particularly with respect to toxic pollution.

Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the State of Texas, to study water quality problems in Lake Houston, Houston, Texas, and undertake control measures to improve water quality. Requires such study to include specified evaluations. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, to specified congressional committees on such study and control measures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such purposes.

Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army and in consultation with appropriate State and local agencies, to: (1) conduct a one-year comprehensive study of the Beaver Lake, Arkansas; (2) undertake a demonstration project for measures identified in such study for preserving and enhancing the reservoir's water quality; and (3) report, with recommendations, on such study and project to specified congressional committees.

Makes specified funds available for such purposes.

Directs the Administrator to undertake demonstration projects for specified cleanup operations for the following New Jersey bodies of water: (1) Greenwood Lake and Belcher Creek; (2) Deal Lake; and (3) Alcyon Lake. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such projects to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for such projects.

Revises provisions for permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

Provides that such permits are for fixed terms not exceeding ten years (currently five years), but not exceeding five years in any case: (1) where the permit modifies specified requirements of the Act; or (2) where the State determines that the applicant has not consistently complied with any NPDES permit held by such applicant.

Requires that such permits be modified promptly to insure compliance with any new or revised effluent limitation for toxic pollutants or any new or revised requirement pursuant to water quality standards established under specified provisions of the Act which is more stringent than the existing effluent limitation or requirement in the permit or which controls a pollutant not controlled in the permit.

Prohibits the Administrator from requiring an NPDES permit, or from directly or indirectly requiring any State to require such a permit for discharges of stormwater runoff from mining operations or oil or gas exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations composed entirely of flows which are: (1) from conveyances or conveyance systems used for collecting and conveying precipitation runoff; and (2) not contaminated with process wastes, overburden, raw materials, toxic pollutants above natural background levels, spilled product, hazardous substances, or oil, or grease. Requires any person discharging such stormwater runoff to: (1) monitor the quality of water in such flows; and (2) report at least annually to the Administrator on the results of such monitoring.

Prohibits the Administrator to the extent that inadequate design or operation of a publicly owned treatment works causes such works to fail to meet NPDES permit requirements, from requiring (in issuing an NPDES permit) pretreatment by a discharger of identified conventional pollutants which are introduced into such treatment works other than pretreatment to assure compliance with specified pretreatment standards. Provides that such prohibition shall not affect specified authorities of the Administrator and of State and local governments under the Act.

Authorizes a State Governor to submit an NPDES permit program for a portion of the discharges into the navigable waters in such State. Requires that such a partial permit program cover at a minimum administration of a major category of the discharges into the navigable waters of the State or a major component of the State's NPDES permit program. Authorizes the Administrator, if specified conditions are met, to approve: (1) a partial permit program covering administration of a major category of discharges; or (2) a partial and phased permit program covering administration of a major component (including discharge categories) of a State permit program.

Provides that a State may return, or the Administrator may withdraw approval of, delegated NPDES permit program responsibilities.

Directs the Administrator, for up to ten years after the enactment of this Act, to administer the terms of permits for two specified pulp mills in Alaska, and prohibits the Administrator from setting discharge standards under such permits which are less than those in effect on May 10, 1984.

Provides that the term "point source" does not include agricultural stormwater discharges.

Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the city of New York to install additional facilities and make modifications necessary for the Newtown Creek sewage treatment plant to provide secondary treatment. Makes the Federal share 75 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years. Provides that such funds shall be in addition to any other amounts authorized under the construction grants program provisions of the Act.

Directs the Administrator to make grants to the city of San Diego, California, for construction of a project consisting of: (1) a publicly owned treatment works in such city to provide primary or advanced treatment of not less than 60,000,000 gallons of municipal sewage and industrial waste per day for the city of Tijuana, Mexico; and (2) a publicly owned treatment works in such city to provide primary or more advanced treatment of such amount of municipal sewage and industrial waste per day for such city of San Diego as may be necessary to meet the objectives of the Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such grants and projects. Permits, through 1993, the discharge of pollutants for any ocean outfall constructed with such Federal assistance if such pollutants have received primary or more advanced treatment. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for such grants for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.

Directs the Administrator to make grants to the city of Naco, Arizona, for construction of a project consisting of a publicly owned treatment works in such city to provide primary or more advanced treatment of not less than 150,000 gallons of untreated sewage emanating from the city of Naco, Sonora, Mexico. Sets forth requirements relating to such grants and project. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator to make such grants for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.

Prohibits the city of New York, after March 15, 1986, from discharging raw sewage into navigable waters in an amount which is greater for any 30-day period than an amount equal to 30 times the average daily discharge by the city during the 12-month period preceding such date. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such limitation to the extent and for such limited period of time as may be reasonably necessary for the city to resume operation of a wastewater treatment plant operated by the city, in the event of any significant interruption in such operation. Directs the Administrator to undertake measures, including modifications of compliance schedules, to reduce and eliminate at the earliest practicable date the discharge of raw sewage by the city of New York, taking into account any increase in the authorization for grants for the construction of treatment works made by this Act and standards and practices necessary for attaining a specified level of water quality.

Provides that the Okolona Sewer Construction District, Jefferson County, Kentucky, shall be permitted to operate the Okolona Sewage Construction District Treatment Works and shall not be required to use any other facility for wastewater treatment until the West County Wastewater Treatment Plant, Jefferson County, Kentucky, is completed. Directs the Administrator to issue a permit under the Act for such purpose.

Directs the Administrator to make grants to the Metropolitan District Commission, Massachusetts, for a project to undertake emergency improvements at the Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant in Boston, Massachusetts. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the cost of such improvements. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 1985 through 1987 for such grants.

Directs the Administrator, notwithstanding any provision of the Act, to pay, to the extent provided in appropriation Acts, in the same proportion as the Federal share of other project costs, all expenses for the relocation of facilities for the distribution of natural gas with respect to the entire wastewater treatment works known as Oakwood Beach and Red Hook projects, New York. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such purpose.

Directs the Administrator to undertake necessary measures, including removal of accumulated raw sewage, to restore the quality of the waters adversely affected by the raw sewage discharge into Brady's run, Pennsylvania, which resulted from the destruction of the Chippewa Township, Pennsylvania, sewage treatment facility.

Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility and desirability of eliminating the regulation of discharges of pollutants into navigable waters in amounts which, in terms of volume, concentration, and type of pollutant, are not significant (de minimis discharges). Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, in such study to specified congressional committees within one year after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effectiveness of specified innovative and alternative wastewater treatment processes and techniques which have been used in treatment works constructed under the Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such study. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations to specified congressional committees within two years after enactment of this Act.

Directs the Administrator to study the water quality improvements which have been achieved by application of best available technology economically achievable pursuant to specified provisions of the Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such study. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such study to specified congressional committees within two years after the enactment of this Act.

Directs the Administrator to study the testing procedures for analysis of pollutants established under specified provisions of the Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such study. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, biennially after the date of submission of such report, to conduct a state-of-the-art review of such test procedures to determine their adequacy and effectiveness. Directs the Administrator to submit to such congressional committees recommendations, based on such review for modifying such test procedures to improve their effectiveness.

Directs the Administrator to study the pretreatment of toxic pollutants, including a study of: (1) the adequacy of data on environmental impacts of toxic industrial pollutants discharged through publicly owned treatment works; (2) the extent to which secondary treatment at publicly owned treatment works removes toxic pollutants; (3) the capability of publicly owned treatment works to revise pretreatment requirements under specified provisions of the Act; (4) possible alternative regulatory strategies for protecting the operations of publicly owned treatment works from industrial discharges, including evaluation of each such strategy's potential to achieve the goals of the Act; and (5) the adequacy of Federal, State, and local resources to establish, implement, and enforce multiple pretreatment limits for toxic pollutants for each alternative strategy identified. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such study to specified congressional committees within two years after the enactment of this Act.

Directs the Administrator to study the problem of the corrosive effects of sulfides in collection and treatment systems, the extent to which the uniform imposition of categorical pretreatment standards will exacerbate this problem, and the range of available options to deal with the effects. Requires that such study be conducted in consultation with the Los Angeles City and County sanitation agencies which have observed examples of corrosion probably caused by sulfides. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such study and report.

Provides for grants for alternative water supply to replace contaminated groundwater. Authorizes the Administrator to make such grants to owners or operators of public water systems and to local governments on behalf of residents whose water is supplied from other sources. Sets forth grant application requirements. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of the costs of specified measures for such purpose. Sets maximum amount limits on any one grant and on the grants within one State for any fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on such grants and to include specified information in such report. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1985 through 1987.

Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the city of Des Moines, Iowa, for construction of the Central Sewage Treatment Plant component of the Des Moines, Iowa, metropolitan area project. Sets the Federal share of such project at 75 percent of the cost of construction. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such purpose and provides that such funds shall be in addition to any other amounts authorized to be appropriated under the construction grants program provisions of the Act.

Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the San Diego Water Reclamation Agency, California, to demonstrate and field test for public use innovative processes which advance the technology of wastewater reclamation and which promote the use of reclaimed wastewater. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.

Requires as new conditions for the modification of treatment requirements with respect to the discharge of pollutants from a publicly owned treatment works that an applicant for such modification demonstrate that: (1) in the case of a treatment works serving a population of 50,000 or more, there is in effect a specified pretreatment program for toxic pollutants introduced into such works for which there is no pretreatment requirement in effect; and (2) the effluent which is discharged from such works is receiving primary treatment and meets the criteria for water quality established by the Administrator.

Revises the meaning of the phrase "discharge of any pollutant into marine water."

Sets forth provisions relating to maintenance of water quality in estuaries. Directs the Administrator to convene a management conference upon determination that the attainment or maintenance of water quality in an estuary requires the control of sources of pollution in more than one State. Provides that such determination shall be made upon the Administrator's own initiative or at the request of one or more affected States. Prohibits the Administrator from convening such a conference upon determination that a management program with sufficient authority exists. Includes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration among conference participants. Provides that such a management conference shall establish and provide for the implementation of a master plan which addresses the pollution problems of the estuary involved. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States participating in such a management conference which are equal to 50 percent of a State's cost of implementing a master plan for a fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for such grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1984 through 1988 for: (1) administrative expenses with respect to such management conferences; (2) grants for the development of master plans for estuaries; and (3) monitoring the implementation of such master plans.

Adds provisions relating to Chesapeake and Narragansett Bays.

Directs the Administrator to continue the Chesapeake Bay program and to establish and maintain in the EPA an office, division, or branch of Chesapeake Bay Programs to: (1) collect and disseminate research and other information on the environmental quality of the Bay; (2) coordinate Federal and State efforts to improve the quality of research projects pertaining to the Bay; (3) conduct research on sediment deposition in the Bay; and (4) conduct research on how natural and man-induced environmental changes impact on the living resources of the Bay, with particular emphasis on the impact of pollutant loadings of nutrients, chlorine, acid precipitation, dissolved oxygen, and toxic pollutants, (including organic chemicals and heavy metals), and with special attention to the impact on the striped bass.

Directs the Administrator, at the request of the Governor of a State affected by the interstate management plan developed under the Chesapeake Bay program, to make a grant to implement management mechanisms in the plan if the State has, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, approved and committed to implement all or substantially all aspects of the plan. Requires a State or combination of States, in order to qualify for such grants, to submit a plan for proposed abatement actions and estimated costs for the approval of the Administrator. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the plan implementation costs in any year and requires non-Federal sources to provide the remainder of such costs during such fiscal year. Limits administrative costs to ten percent of the annual Federal grant to a State. Requires States to submit progress reports to the Administrator within 18 months after the receipt of such grants, and biennally thereafter. Directs the Administrator to transmit such reports, with comments, to Congress.

Directs the Administrator, at the request of the Governor of an affected State and after consultation with appropriate Federal and State agencies and other interested persons, to make a grant for purposes of assessing the principal factors having an adverse effect on the environmental quality of the Narragansett Bay, as perceived by both scientists and users, in conjunction with developing and implementing a management program to improve such Bay's water quality. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the program implementation costs and requires non-Federal sources to provide the remainder. Requires States to submit descriptions of the proposed programs for the approval of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to approve each such program within three months of receipt if the applicant State demonstrates that it will: (1) establish a committee to provide advice on design and implementation of a management program and to coordinate communication on issues affecting such Bay's water quality; (2) review and coordinate federal and State water pollution abatement programs to address adverse water quality factors; (3) establish methods for improving sampling data collection and a system for collecting, analyzing, storing, and disseminating such data; and (4) develop and implement within three years after enactment of this Act, water quality management practices and measures (including land use requirements) to reduce to the greatest extent feasible pollutant loadings in such Bay and to improve its water quality. Requires States to submit progress reports to the Administrator, within two years after issuance of such grants and annually thereafter.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988 for such Chesapeake and Narragansett Bays programs.

Sets forth provisions relating to the New York and New Jersey Harbor area (the Harbor). Directs the Administrator to: (1) collect and make available information on the environmental quality of the Harbor; (2) coordinate Federal and State efforts to improve the Harbor's water quality; and (3) determine the impact of natural and man-induced environmental changes on the living resources of the Harbor and on adjacent coastal areas and the relationships among such changes, with particular emphasis on the impact of pollutant loadings of sewage, dissolved oxygen, and toxic pollutants, including organic chemicals and heavy metals. Directs the Administrator, at the request of the Governor of a State affected by any interstate management plan relating to the Harbor and developed pursuant to specified provisions of this Act for maintenance of water quality in estuaries, to make a grant to implement the management mechanism contained in such plan. Allows an affected State or combination of States to submit to the Administrator a plan including the estimated cost of the abatement actions proposed to be taken during the next fiscal year. Directs the Administrator, if the plan is consistent with specified national policies and goals under the Act, to approve such plan and to finance up to 50 percent of the costs of implementing such plan in any fiscal year, on condition that non-Federal sources provide the remainder of such costs. Limits administrative costs to ten percent of such annual Federal grant to a State. Requires such States to submit progress reports on the implementation of such plans, within 18 months after the date of receipt of such grant and biennially thereafter. Directs the Administrator to transmit such reports, with comments, to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988 for purposes of such provisions for the Harbor.

Authorizes the Administrator to undertake a study on consumptive uses of Great Lakes water. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct such study in cooperation with other interested Federal agencies and the eight Great Lake States and their local governments. Requires such study to focus on all possible control measures which can be implemented to reduce the quantity of Great Lakes water consumed without adversely affecting the projected growth of the Great Lakes region. Requires that such study include an analysis of both existing and new technology which appears to be feasible in the foreseeable future. Requires that such study include at a minimum: (1) a review of methodologies used to forecast Great Lakes consumptive uses; (2) an analysis of the effect that enforcement of provisions of the Act relating to thermal discharges has had on consumption of Great Lakes water; (3) an analysis of the effect of laws, regulations, and national policy objectives on consumptive uses of Great Lakes water used in manufacturing; (4) an analysis of the economic effects on a consuming industry and other Great Lakes interests associated with a particular consumptive use control strategy; (5) an analysis of associated environmental impacts, both singularly and in combination with other consumptive use control strategies; and (6) a summary discussion with recommendations for methods of controlling consumptive use so as to maximize benefits to the Great Lakes ecosystem and also provide for continued full economic growth for consuming industries as well as other industries which depend on the use of Great Lakes water. Authorizes appropriations for such study for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.

Grants an exception to a time limitation relating to an application for a permit modification for less than secondary treatment involving an ocean discharge. Provides that a publicly owned treatment works which, before December 1, 1982, had a contractual arrangement to use a portion of the capacity of another publicly owned treatment works which has applied for or receives such a modification, may apply for such a modification for itself within 30 days after enactment of this Act.

Designates the Great Lakes National Program Office of the Environmental Protection Agency as the Great Lakes International Coordination Office. Directs the head of the Office to serve as the principal liaison person on Great Lakes matters to the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada. Requires the Office to: (1) develop and implement specific action plans to carry out U.S. responsibility under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978; (2) coordinate Agency actions aimed at improving Great Lakes water quality; (3) coordinate Agency actions with other Federal, State, and local authorities; (4) establish a Great Lakes system-wide surveillance network to monitor the water quality of the Great Lakes, with emphasis on monitoring toxic pollutants; and (5) serve as liaison with, and provide information to, the Canadian members of the Commission and the Canadian counterpart of the Agency. Directs the Administrator to: (1) ensure that the Office enters into specified agreements with Agency organizational elements involved in Great Lakes activities in the appropriate State agencies; and (2) include a funding request for the office as a separate budget line item in the Agency's annual budget submission to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for the Office. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out water quality studies of the Great Lakes under the Act.

Directs the Administrator, within 120 days after enactment of this Act and at the beginning of each fiscal year thereafter, to submit to Congress a comprehensive assessment of the planned efforts to be pursued in the succeeding fiscal year for implementing the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978. Requires such assessment to include specified information. Directs the Administrator, within 150 days after the end of each fiscal year, to submit to Congress a comprehensive report which describes specified achievements, progress, and long-term prospects for improving Great Lakes water quality.

Directs the Administrator, in carrying out specified provisions of the Act, to conduct research in conjunction with other Federal, State, and interstate agencies on the harmful effects on the health and welfare of persons resulting from pollutants in water. Requires that such research: (1) place special emphasis on the effect that bioaccumulation of pollutants in aquatic species has in reducing the value of aquatic commercial and sport industries; and (2) study methods to reduce and remove pollutants from aquatic species so as to restore and enhance these resources. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988 for such research.

Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to carry out a demonstration program to restore the biological integrity of acidified lakes and watersheds through lining. Directs the Administrator to submit a report to specified congressional committees on the results of the demonstration program within 90 days, within three years, and within six years after its completion. Authorizes appropriations for such demonstration program for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.

Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the municipality of metropolitan Seattle, Washington, to construct necessary treatment works for providing secondary treatment for the area served by such agency. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent of the cost of such construction. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such purpose and provides that such funds shall be in addition to other amounts authorized under construction grant program provisions of the Act.

Directs the Administrator to make grants to States for groundwater quality protection activities which the Administrator determines will advance the State toward implementation of a comprehensive nonpoint source pollution control program. Allows States for which specified reports and plans have been approved under the Act to apply for such grants. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent of the cost of such activities, up to a specified maximum amount. Directs the Administrator to include a report on such activities and programs in a specified report. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for such grants.

Provides for a pulp mill study and report. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the State of Alaska, to conduct and prepare a study-report on the feasibility of resolving air pollution control, solid waste disposal, water quality standards compliance, and energy impacts associated with the achievement of best practicable technology under specified NPDES permit provisions of the Act with respect to: (1) the Alaska Lumber and Pulp Company, located at Sitka, Alaska; and (2) the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, located at Ketchikan, Alaska. Directs the Administrator to submit such study-report to specified congressional committees within three months after enactment of this Act.

Establishes the National Ground Water Commission.

Sets forth provisions relating to the Commission's duties, membership, Director and staff, experts and consultants, and powers.

Directs the Commission to report to the President and the Congress: (1) within one year of enactment of this Act, the findings and conclusions of a preliminary study (including an analysis of the extent of ground water contamination caused by hazardous and other solid waste, the regions and major water supplies most significantly affected by such contamination, and commission recommendations for preventive or remedial measures to protect human health and the environment from the effects of such contamination); and (2) by October 30, 1986, final findings and conclusions of specified studies, with recommendations for appropriate legislation and administrative actions.

Terminates the Commission on January 1, 1987. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Provides that no payments may be made under this Act except to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts.

Sets forth provisions concerning turnkey contracts on construction grants for treatment facilities costing less than $8,000,000.

Provides, for purposes of the Act, that the term "point source" includes a leachate collection system.

Provides for studies of water pollution control problems in aquifers. Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with State and local agencies and with the opportunity for full public participation, to conduct studies to identify existing and potential point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and measures and practices to control such sources of pollution, in the following groundwater systems and aquifers: (1) the groundwater system of the Upper Santa Cruz Basin and the Avra-Altar Basin of Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz Counties, Arizona; (2) the Spokane-Rathdrum Valley Aquifer, Washington and Idaho; (3) the Nassau and Suffolk Counties Aquifer, New York; (4) the Whidbey Island Aquifer, Washington; and (5) the Unconsolidated Quaternary Aquifer, Rockaway River area, New Jersey. Directs the Administrator, after completion of each such study, in conjunction with State and local agencies and with opportunity for full public participation, to prepare a proposed management plan describing methods of implementing the measures and practices identified for each such groundwater system and aquifer. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress: (1) an interim report on such studies and proposed management plans within one year after enactment of this Act; and (2) a final report on such studies and plans within two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.

Sets forth provisions relating to Puget Sound, Washington. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and with representatives of other interested Federal agencies, the State of Washington, and interested local governments, to: (1) develop a comprehensive master plan for such Sound; (2) recommend priority corrective actions and compliance schedules to address point and nonpoint sources of pollution posing the most serious problems to the water quality of such Sound; and (3) monitor such Sound to determine the effectiveness of actions taken pursuant to the master plan. Sets forth requirements relating to such master plan. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the State of Washington if such State adopts a comprehensive master plan for such Sound. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent of the State's cost of implementing the master plan. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for FY 1985 through 1987.

Revises construction grant program provisions under the Act to direct the Administrator to make a final decision within 60 days of the filing of an appeal relating to a dispute with respect to the awarding of a contract for construction of treatment works by a grantee.

Sets forth provisions relating to toxic pollutants in sewage sludge.

Directs the Administrator to identify those toxic pollutants which may be present in sewage sludge in concentrations which may adversely affect human health or the environment. Directs the Administrator to: (1) within six months after enactment of this Act, first make such identification of such pollutants which may be so present on the basis of their toxicity persistence, concentration, mobility, or potential for exposure; and (2) within 18 months after enactment of this Act, make such identification for those toxic pollutants which were not identified in the first identification and which may be present. Directs the Administrator to publish regulations specifying acceptable management practices for sewage sludge containing toxic pollutants and establishing numerical limitations for each such pollutant for each use of or disposal technique for sludge identified. Requires such regulations to be published: (1) within 18 months after enactment of this Act, for pollutants in the first identification; and (2) within 30 months after enactment of this Act, for pollutants in the second identification. Provides that such regulations shall require compliance within six months after their publication. Requires that such management practices and numerical limitations be adequate to protect the public health and environment from any reasonably anticipated adverse effects of such pollutants. Authorizes the Administrator, if it is not feasible to prescribe or enforce a numerical limitation for such a pollutant, to instead promulgate design, equipment, management practice, or operation standards adequate for such protection. Provides that any such regulation shall be considered an "effluent standard of limitation" for purposes of specified provisions of the Act.

Authorizes the Administrator to conduct or initiate scientific studies, demonstration projects and public information and education projects designed to promote the safe and beneficial use of sewage sludge for restoring abandoned mine sites, conditioning soil for parks and recreation areas, agricultural and horticultural uses, and other beneficial purposes. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for such studies and projects to State water pollution control agencies, other public or nonprofit agencies, institutions, organizations, and individuals. Authorizes the Administrator in cooperation with other Federal, public, and private entities, to collect and disseminate information pertaining to the safe and beneficial use of sewage sludge. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such scientific studies, demonstration projects, and public information and education projects.