Summary: Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring a permit under national pollutant discharge elimination system permitting requirements for a discharge resulting from the conduct of any silvicultural activity, such as nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, or road use, construction, and maintenance, from which there is runoff. Specifies that nothing in this Act exempts silvicultural activity from permit requirements for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters.

consistency act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit administrator environmental_protection_agency epa requiring permit national pollutant discharge elimination system permitting requirements discharge resulting conduct silvicultural activity nursery operations site preparation reforestation thinning prescribed burning pest fire control harvesting operations surface drainage road use construction maintenance runoff specifies act exempts silvicultural activity permit requirements discharge dredged fill material navigable waters


Summary: End Unnecessary Mailers Act of 2011 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to give community water systems for which there were no violations of the maximum contaminant level for any regulated contaminant during the year the option to: (1) mail the annual consumer confidence report on the level of contaminants in the drinking water purveyed by that system to each customer (required under current law); or (2) make such report available on the system's website and, upon request, by mail. Requires a system that elects the latter to provide customers notice, in the manner elected by the customers to pay their bill, of such report's availability and that the system has remained in compliance with maximum contaminant levels.

end unnecessary act amends safe drinking water act community water systems violations maximum contaminant level regulated contaminant year option mail annual consumer confidence report level contaminants drinking water system customer required current law report available system website request mail requires system elects provide customers notice manner elected customers pay bill report availability system remained compliance maximum contaminant levels


Summary: Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (1) upon the publication of the new or revised water quality criteria, to publish a list of all pathogens and pathogen indicators studied in developing such criteria; and (2) specify in performance criteria for monitoring and assessing coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of interest (waters) available methods for monitoring protocols that are most likely to detect pathogenic contamination and the source of that contamination. Requires coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs to include monitoring consistent with such criteria, monitoring, public notification, storm event testing, source tracking, and sanitary surveys. Authorizes such programs to include prevention efforts, not already funded under such Act, to address identified sources of contamination by pathogens and pathogen indicators in such waters that are used by the public. Revises requirements applicable to state recipients of monitoring and notification program grants, including to require recipients to identify: (1) a rapid testing method to detect levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators that are harmful to human health; and (2) measures for communicating the results of a water sample concerning pollutants within two hours of receipt to specified officials, for ensuring that closures or advisories are made within two hours after the receipt of a water quality sample exceeding standards, and for informing the public of identified sources of pathogenic contamination. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) rapid testing methods, including provisions requiring EPA to publish guidance that requires the use, at waters that are used by the public, of rapid testing methods that will enhance the protection of public health and safety through rapid public notification of any exceedance of applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators; and (2) compliance review. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for grants to states and local governments for developing and implementing monitoring and notification programs for FY2011-FY2015, and (2) to implement the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 through FY2015. Requires the Administrator to review and update existing monitoring protocols for mercury affecting the coastal recreation waters of the Great Lakes and develop updated recommendations on testing for the presence of mercury affecting such waters, including the presence of mercury in Great Lakes sediment and fish tissue. Requires EPA to update within a year and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically) the list indicating which coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches used by the public are, and which are not, subject to a monitoring and notification program. Requires EPA to study and report to Congress on: (1) possible revision of the formula for the distribution of monitoring and notification program grants, (2) the long-term impact of climate change on pollution of coastal recreation waters, and (3) the impacts of nutrient excesses and algae blooms on coastal recreation waters.

clean coastal environment public health act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require environmental_protection_agency epa publication new revised water quality criteria publish list pathogens pathogen indicators studied developing criteria specify performance criteria monitoring assessing coastal recreation waters adjacent beaches similar points interest waters available methods monitoring protocols likely detect pathogenic contamination source contamination requires coastal recreation water quality monitoring notification programs include monitoring consistent criteria monitoring public notification storm event testing source tracking sanitary surveys authorizes programs include prevention efforts funded act address identified sources contamination pathogens pathogen indicators waters public revises requirements applicable state recipients monitoring notification program grants including require recipients identify rapid testing method detect levels pathogens pathogen indicators harmful human health measures communicating results water sample concerning pollutants hours receipt specified officials ensuring closures advisories hours receipt water quality sample exceeding standards informing public identified sources pathogenic contamination sets forth provisions concerning rapid testing methods including provisions requiring epa publish guidance requires use waters public rapid testing methods enhance protection public health safety rapid public notification applicable water quality standards pathogens pathogen indicators compliance review authorizes appropriations grants states local governments developing implementing monitoring notification programs fy2011 fy2015 implement beaches_environmental_assessment coastal health act fy2015 requires administrator review update existing monitoring protocols mercury affecting coastal recreation waters great lakes develop updated recommendations testing presence mercury affecting waters including presence mercury great_lakes sediment fish tissue requires epa update year biennially currently periodically list indicating coastal recreation waters adjacent beaches public subject monitoring notification program requires epa study report congress possible revision formula distribution monitoring notification program grants long term impact climate change pollution coastal recreation waters impacts nutrient algae blooms coastal recreation waters


Summary: Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish the Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program to provide grants to owners or operators of water systems for programs or projects to increase the resiliency or adaptability of the systems to any ongoing or forecasted changes to the hydrologic conditions of a U.S. region; and (2) give priority to owners or operators of water systems that are at the greatest and most immediate risk of facing significant negative impacts due to changing hydrologic conditions. Requires the Administrator to ensure that the list of grant applications funded include a substantial number that propose to use innovative approaches that: (1) promote more efficient water use, water conservation, water reuse, or recycling; (2) use decentralized, low-impact development technologies and nonstructural approaches, including practices that use, enhance, or mimic the natural hydrological cycle or protect natural flows; (3) reduce stormwater runoff or flooding by protecting or enhancing natural ecosystem functions; (4) modify, upgrade, enhance, or replace existing water system infrastructure in response to changing hydrologic conditions; (5) improve water quality or quantity for agricultural and municipal uses, including through salinity reduction; and (6) provide multiple benefits, including to water supply enhancement or demand reduction, water quality protection or improvement, increased flood protection, and ecosystem protection or improvement.

water infrastructure resiliency sustainability act requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish provide grants owners operators water systems programs projects increase resiliency adaptability systems ongoing forecasted changes hydrologic conditions region priority owners operators water systems greatest immediate risk facing significant negative impacts changing hydrologic conditions requires administrator ensure list grant applications funded include substantial number propose use innovative approaches promote efficient water use water conservation water reuse recycling use decentralized low impact development technologies nonstructural approaches including practices use enhance mimic natural hydrological cycle protect natural flows reduce stormwater runoff flooding protecting enhancing natural ecosystem functions modify upgrade enhance replace existing water system infrastructure response changing hydrologic conditions improve water quality quantity agricultural municipal uses including salinity reduction provide multiple benefits including water supply enhancement demand reduction water quality protection improvement increased flood protection ecosystem protection improvement


Summary: Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2011 - Amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a member of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia. Requires such Task Force to: (1) establish a national harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program; (2) develop and publish a national harmful algal blooms and hypoxia action strategy; (3) assess interagency work and spending plans for implementing such program's activities; (4) review such program's distribution of federal grants and funding to address research priorities; (5) promote the development of new technologies for predicting, monitoring, and mitigating harmful algal blooms and hypoxia conditions; and (6) report on hypoxia. Gives primary responsibility for administering such program to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to: (1) develop a national strategy to understand, detect, predict, control, mitigate, and respond to marine and freshwater hypoxia events; (2) prepare work and spending plans for implementing such program and develop and implement the regional research and action plans; (3) identify additional research, development, and demonstration needs and priorities relating to monitoring, prevention, control, mitigation, and response to marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia; (4) integrate and augment existing education programs to improve public understanding of the causes, impacts, and mitigation efforts for such blooms and hypoxia; (5) provide resources to train state and local coastal and water resource managers in the methods and technologies for monitoring, controlling, and mitigating such blooms and hypoxia; (6) support regional efforts to control and mitigate outbreaks; (7) maintain and enhance NOAA's competitive programs relating to such blooms and hypoxia; (8) carry out marine and Great Lakes harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events response activities; and (9) increase the availability to entities of analytical facilities and technologies, operational forecasts, and reference and research materials. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Task Force, with respect to such program's freshwater aspects (except for those aspects occurring in the Great Lakes), to: (1) research the ecology of freshwater harmful algal blooms; (2) monitor and respond to such blooms events in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs; and (3) mitigate and control such blooms. Sets forth reporting requirements for the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 for developing such regional research and action plans and related reports.

hypoxia_research control amendments act amends harmful algal bloom hypoxia_research control act include cdc member hypoxia requires task force establish national harmful algal bloom hypoxia program develop publish national harmful algal blooms hypoxia action strategy assess interagency work spending plans implementing program activities review program distribution federal grants funding address research priorities promote development new technologies predicting monitoring mitigating harmful algal blooms hypoxia conditions report hypoxia gives primary responsibility administering program national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa requires secretary commerce oceans atmosphere develop national strategy understand detect predict control mitigate respond marine freshwater hypoxia events prepare work spending plans implementing program develop implement regional research action plans identify additional research development demonstration needs priorities relating monitoring prevention control mitigation response marine freshwater harmful algal blooms hypoxia integrate augment existing education programs improve public understanding causes impacts mitigation efforts blooms hypoxia provide resources train state local coastal water resource managers methods technologies monitoring controlling mitigating blooms hypoxia support regional efforts control mitigate outbreaks maintain enhance noaa competitive programs relating blooms hypoxia carry marine great_lakes harmful algal bloom hypoxia events response activities increase availability entities analytical facilities technologies operational forecasts reference research materials requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa task_force respect program freshwater aspects aspects occurring great lakes research ecology freshwater harmful algal blooms monitor respond blooms events lakes rivers reservoirs mitigate control blooms sets forth reporting requirements authorizes appropriations fy2011 fy2015 developing regional research action plans related reports


Summary: Foreign Oil Pollution Act - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to make each responsible party for a foreign offshore unit from which oil is discharged outside the navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) before entering or posing a substantial threat to enter the navigable waters or EEZ liable for specified removal costs and damages that result from such incident. Redefines "foreign offshore unit" to include a facility which is located within the EEZ. Prohibits a limit on liability under such Act for any incident involving a foreign offshore unit in which oil is discharged and enters or poses a substantial threat to enter such waters or EEZ. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the $1 billion per incident limitation on expenditures from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for incidents involving a foreign offshore unit in which oil is discharged and enters or poses a substantial threat to enter such waters or the EEZ.

foreign oil pollution act amends oil pollution act responsible party foreign offshore unit oil discharged outside navigable waters exclusive economic zone eez entering posing substantial threat enter navigable waters eez liable specified removal costs damages result incident redefines foreign offshore unit include facility located eez prohibits limit liability act incident involving foreign offshore unit oil discharged enters poses substantial threat enter waters eez amends internal revenue code eliminate billion incident limitation expenditures oil_spill_liability_trust_fund incidents involving foreign offshore unit oil discharged enters poses substantial threat enter waters eez


Summary: Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to expand the duties of the Office of Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study by requiring the Office to: (1) conduct or commission studies to strengthen the implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the Long Island Sound, including studies on the impacts of changing temperatures and sea levels on the Sound watershed and on planning initiatives for the Sound that identify the areas that are most suitable for various types of activities to reduce conflicts among uses, reduce environmental impacts, facilitate compatible uses, or preserve critical ecosystem services to meet economic, environmental, security, or social objectives; (2) develop and implement strategies to increase public education and awareness with respect to the ecological health and water quality conditions of the Sound; (3) make publicly available on the Internet information relating to the environmental quality of the Sound; and (4) monitor the progress made toward meeting the identified goals, actions, and schedules of the Plan. Limits the federal share for grants for projects and studies which will help implement the Plan, other than citizen involvement and citizen involvement grants, to 60%. Requires the Office's Director to submit a report that includes: (1) an assessment of the progress made by the Office and the Long Island Sound states in implementing the plan, (2) an assessment of the key ecological attributes that reflect the health of the ecosystem of the Sound watershed, (3) a description of any substantive modifications to the Plan made during the preceding two years, (4) recommendations to improve progress in restoring and protecting the Sound watershed, (5) priority actions for implementation of the Plan for the next two years, and (6) a description of the means by which federal funding and actions will be coordinated with the actions of the Long Island Sound states and other entities. Requires the President to submit, together with the annual U.S. budget, information regarding each federal agency involved in the protection and restoration of the Sound watershed. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Act (EPA) to coordinate the actions of federal agencies that impact water quality in the Sound watershed to improve the water quality and living resources of the watershed. Requires a federal agency that owns or occupies real property, or carries out activities, within the Sound watershed to: (1) participate in regional and subwatershed planning, protection, and restoration activities with respect to the watershed; and (2) ensure that the property and activities carried out by the agency are consistent with the Plan. Amends the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006 to terminate the Long Island Sound Stewardship Advisory Committee on December 31, 2016 (currently 2011). Extends reporting requirements by requiring the Advisory Committee to submit to the Administrator and the decision making body of the Long Island Sound Study Management Conference an annual report through FY2016 on stewardship sites. Makes the amendments to such Act become effective on October 1, 2011. Extends through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations to the Administrator for the implementation of the Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006, the Long Island Sound Grants, and Long Island Sound Stewardship Grants.

stewardship act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act expand duties requiring office conduct commission studies strengthen implementation comprehensive conservation management plan long island sound including studies impacts changing temperatures sea levels sound watershed planning initiatives sound identify areas suitable types activities reduce conflicts uses reduce environmental impacts facilitate compatible uses preserve critical ecosystem services meet economic environmental security social objectives develop implement strategies increase public education awareness respect ecological health water quality conditions sound publicly available internet information relating environmental quality sound monitor progress meeting identified goals actions schedules plan limits federal share grants projects studies help implement plan citizen involvement citizen involvement grants requires office director submit report includes assessment progress states implementing plan assessment key ecological attributes reflect health ecosystem sound watershed description substantive modifications plan preceding years recommendations improve progress restoring protecting sound watershed priority actions implementation plan years description means federal funding actions coordinated actions long_island_sound states entities requires president submit annual budget information federal agency involved protection restoration sound watershed requires administrator epa coordinate actions federal agencies impact water quality sound watershed improve water quality living resources watershed requires federal agency owns occupies real property carries activities sound watershed participate regional subwatershed planning protection restoration activities respect watershed ensure property activities carried agency consistent plan amends long_island_sound_stewardship_act terminate long_island_sound_stewardship_advisory_committee december currently extends reporting requirements requiring advisory_committee submit administrator decision making body annual report fy2016 stewardship sites makes amendments act effective october extends fy2016 authorization appropriations administrator implementation long_island_sound_stewardship_act long_island_sound_grants


Summary: Clean Water Affordability Act of 2012- Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) make grants to states for the purpose of providing grants to local or regional authorities or municipalities for use in planning, designing, and constructing treatment works to intercept, transport, control, or treat municipal combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows; and (2) make grants directly to local or regional authorities or municipalities for such purposes. Requires the Administrator to establish a comprehensive and integrated planning approach to the obligations under the national pollutant discharge elimination system of a publicly owned treatment work (POTW) or a municipal separate storm sewer system. Authorizes states to approve a permit to discharge into navigable waters with a term of more than 5 years but fewer than 25 years if a permittee has an approved interrelated plan. Requires the Administrator to: (1) amend the CSO control policy to allow a POTW that has an approved long-term control plan to modify the plan to incorporate green infrastructure and energy-efficient technologies on a showing that the use of such technologies can cost-effectively help to meet the terms of the POTW's CSO compliance obligations, and (2) allow for 30 years to meet compliance obligations under such modified plans. Requires the Administrator to: (1) ensure that EPA's Office of Water, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Office of Research and Development, and Office of Policy promote the use of green infrastructure in, and coordinate the integration of green infrastructure into, permitting programs, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance; (2) direct EPA's regional offices to promote and integrate the use of green infrastructure within the region; (3) promote sharing of green infrastructure information and provide technical assistance regarding green infrastructure approaches for reducing water pollution, protecting water resources, complying with regulatory requirements, and achieving other environmental, public health, and community goals; and (4) establish a voluntary green infrastructure portfolio standard to increase the percentage of annual water managed by eligible entities that use green infrastructure. Allows loans from a state water pollution control revolving fund to have a term of the lesser of 30 years or the design life of the project to be financed with the proceeds of the loan. (Currently the term of the loan is capped at 20 years.) Requires the Administrator, no later than December 31, 2010 (currently, 2003) and periodically thereafter, to report to Congress on recommended funding levels for sewer overflow control grants. Requires the Administrator to update the guidance entitled "Combined Sewer Overflows -- Guidance for Financial Capability Assessment and Schedule Development," dated February 1997, to ensure that the evaluations by the Administrator of financial capability assessment and schedule development meet specified criteria, including criteria used in assessing financial capability of a community to make investments necessary to make water quality-related improvements and in implementing water quality-related improvements. Requires such updated guidance to indicate that it is appropriate for the reconsideration and modification of financial capability determinations and implementation schedules to be based on such criteria.

clean water affordability act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act authorize administrator environmental_protection_agency epa grants states purpose providing grants local regional authorities municipalities use planning designing constructing treatment works intercept transport control treat municipal combined sewer overflows sanitary sewer overflows grants directly local regional authorities municipalities purposes requires administrator establish comprehensive integrated planning approach obligations national pollutant discharge elimination system publicly owned treatment work potw municipal separate storm sewer system authorizes states approve permit discharge navigable waters term years fewer years permittee approved plan requires administrator amend control policy allow potw approved long term control plan modify plan incorporate green infrastructure energy efficient technologies showing use technologies cost effectively help meet terms potw compliance obligations allow years meet compliance obligations modified plans requires administrator ensure epa promote use green infrastructure coordinate integration green infrastructure permitting programs planning efforts research technical assistance funding guidance direct epa regional offices promote integrate use green infrastructure region promote sharing green infrastructure information provide technical assistance green infrastructure approaches reducing water pollution protecting water resources complying regulatory requirements achieving environmental public health community goals establish voluntary green infrastructure portfolio standard increase percentage annual water managed eligible entities use green infrastructure allows loans state water pollution control revolving fund term lesser years design life project financed proceeds loan currently term loan capped years requires administrator later december currently periodically report congress recommended funding levels sewer overflow control grants requires administrator update guidance entitled combined sewer overflows guidance financial capability assessment schedule development dated february ensure evaluations administrator financial capability assessment schedule development meet specified criteria including criteria assessing financial capability community investments necessary water quality related improvements implementing water quality related improvements requires updated guidance indicate appropriate reconsideration modification financial capability determinations implementation schedules based criteria


Summary: State Waters Partnership Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (1) should take into account the effect of numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen or phosphorus developed to meet the water quality requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) on the economy, job creation, consumers, municipalities, agriculture, small business, and other affected sectors; and (2) should not promulgate or enforce nutrient criteria that would result in a negative economic impact of at least 15% on any such sector. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing, promulgating, or enforcing numeric nutrient criteria for any stream, lake, spring, canal, estuary, or marine water of Florida until the Administrator makes a final determination in accordance with such Act regarding the Florida amended rule approved for adoption by the Environmental Regulation Commission on December 8, 2011. Provides that if the Administrator determines that such rule meets the requirements of such Act: (1) the Adminstrator shall withdraw specified regulations concerning site-specific alternative criteria, and (2) the Administrator shall be prohibited from proposing or promulgating numeric nutrient criteria for streams, lakes, springs, canals, estuaries, or marine waters of Florida based on EPA's January 14, 2009, determination regarding numeric nutrient criteria.

state waters partnership act expresses sense congress administrator environmental_protection_agency epa account effect numeric nutrient criteria nitrogen phosphorus developed meet water quality requirements federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act economy job creation consumers municipalities agriculture small business affected sectors promulgate enforce nutrient criteria result negative economic impact sector prohibits administrator proposing promulgating enforcing numeric nutrient criteria stream lake spring canal estuary marine water florida administrator makes final determination accordance act florida amended rule approved adoption december provides administrator determines rule meets requirements act shall withdraw specified regulations concerning site specific alternative criteria administrator shall prohibited proposing promulgating numeric nutrient criteria streams lakes springs canals estuaries marine waters florida based epa january determination numeric nutrient criteria


Summary: Upper Mississippi Conservation and River Protection Act of 2012 or the Upper Mississippi CARP Act - Directs the Chief of Engineers to: (1) study the feasibility of temporarily closing the lock at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, or implementing control measures at the lock, including permanently closing the lock, modifying lock operations, or using an alternative technology barrier, to manage the threat of Asian carp traveling up the Mississippi River in Minnesota; and (2) assess the potential impacts, including environmental and economic impacts, of temporarily closing the lock or continuing to operate it and of implementing the control measures or not implementing such measures. Authorizes the Chief to close the lock upon determining that closure is justified based on the assessment of potential impacts. Requires the Chief to close the lock upon determining that a live adult Asian carp has been captured above Lock and Dam 2 or that a juvenile Asian carp has been captured above Lock and Dam 4. Allows the Chief to reopen the lock upon determining that adequate measures are in place to manage the threat. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to incorporate the Upper Mississippi River and tributaries, the Minnesota River, and the St. Croix River into the Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework of the Council. Expresses the sense of Congress that federal agencies researching Asian carp control technologies should partner with state and local shareholders, giving priority to collaborative partnerships in which such shareholders contribute to the cost of the research.

chief engineers study feasibility temporarily closing lock dam implementing control measures lock including permanently closing lock modifying lock operations alternative technology barrier manage threat asian carp traveling mississippi_river minnesota assess potential impacts including environmental economic impacts temporarily closing lock continuing operate implementing control measures implementing measures authorizes chief close lock determining closure justified based assessment potential impacts requires chief close lock determining live adult asian carp captured lock dam juvenile asian carp captured lock dam allows chief reopen lock determining adequate measures place manage threat directs council_on_environmental_quality incorporate upper_mississippi_river tributaries croix river council expresses sense congress federal agencies researching asian carp control technologies partner state local shareholders giving priority collaborative partnerships shareholders contribute cost research


Summary: Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act - Calls for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize the types of technical assistance to enable small public water systems to comply with national primary drinking water regulations that are the most beneficial to small and rural communities, based on their input. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to: (1) authorize appropriations to the Administrator of EPA for FY2012-FY2017 for such assistance; and (2) allow the Administrator to use such funds to provide technical assistance to nonprofit organizations that provide to small public water systems onsite technical assistance, circuit-rider technical assistance programs, onsite and regional training, assistance with implementing source water protection plans, and assistance with implementation monitoring plans, rules, regulations, and water security enhancements. Directs the Administrator to give preference to nonprofit organizations that are determined to be the most qualified and experienced and that the small community water systems find to be the most beneficial and effective.

grassroots rural small_community_water_systems assistance act calls environmental_protection_agency epa prioritize types technical assistance enable small public water systems comply national primary drinking water regulations beneficial small rural communities based input amends safe_drinking_water_act authorize appropriations administrator epa fy2012 fy2017 assistance allow administrator use funds provide technical assistance nonprofit organizations provide small public water systems onsite technical assistance circuit rider technical assistance programs onsite regional training assistance implementing source water protection plans assistance implementation monitoring plans rules regulations water security enhancements directs administrator preference nonprofit organizations determined qualified experienced small community water systems find beneficial effective


Summary: North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act of 2012 - Amends the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to extend through FY2017 the authorization of appropriations for allocations to carry out approved wetlands conservation projects.

amends north_american_wetlands_conservation_act extend fy2017 authorization appropriations allocations carry approved wetlands conservation projects


Summary: Chesapeake Bay Watershed Fairness Act of 2012 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to provide technical assistance to a Chesapeake Bay state (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to: (1) assist in developing water quality goals that reduce losses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment from agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; (2) assist in developing protocols to confirm producer or owner compliance with water quality laws; and (3) harmonize water quality trading technical guidelines in preparation for interstate trading. Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) financial and technical assistance to a Chesapeake Bay state to assist agricultural producers or owners promote water quality goals or conduct water quality trading preparation activities, and (2) technical assistance to agricultural producers and owners of nonindustrial private forest land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for conservation services. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to set aside certain watershed funds for projects located within the watershed of any water for which the federal government has established a multi-state maximum daily pollutant load, with priority given to projects that address agricultural and silvicultural sources. Directs the Secretary to coordinate with each federal agency owning or operating a facility within the Chesapeake Basin the development of plans that maximize forest cover at the facility.

fairness act amends food security act authorize secretary agriculture usda provide technical assistance chesapeake_bay state delaware maryland new_york pennsylvania virginia west_virginia district_of_columbia assist developing water quality goals reduce losses nitrogen phosphorus sediment agricultural nonindustrial private forest land chesapeake_bay watershed assist developing protocols confirm producer owner compliance water quality laws harmonize water quality trading technical guidelines preparation interstate trading authorizes secretary provide financial technical assistance chesapeake_bay state assist agricultural producers owners promote water quality goals conduct water quality trading preparation activities technical assistance agricultural producers owners nonindustrial private forest land chesapeake_bay watershed conservation services amends farm_security rural investment act set aside certain watershed funds projects located watershed water federal government established multi state maximum daily pollutant load priority given projects address agricultural silvicultural sources directs secretary coordinate federal agency owning operating facility development plans maximize forest cover facility


Summary: Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program to: (1) limit grants by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to no more than 75% of project costs; and (2) authorize the appropriation of $20 million or the lowest amount appropriated to carry out such Program for any of the preceding five fiscal years, whichever is less, for each of FY2013-FY2017.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise limit grants administrator environmental_protection_agency epa project costs authorize appropriation million lowest appropriated carry program preceding fiscal years whichever fy2013 fy2017


Summary: Oil Spill Technology and Research Act of 2012 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to replace provisions establishing the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research with provisions establishing a Federal Oil Spill Research Committee for the same purpose. Requires the Committee to: (1) submit to Congress within 180 days and update every five years a report on the state of oil discharge prevention and response capabilities; (2) establish an oil pollution research and development program that provides for research, development, and demonstration of technologies and methods that are effective in preventing, detecting, responding to, mitigating, and restoring damage from oil discharges and that protect the environment; and (3) submit a plan for the implementation of such program to Congress within 180 days after submitting such report. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to: (1) designate a Chairperson from among committee members, and (2) manage a program of competitive grants to universities or research institutions for conducting such program. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require vessel and facility response plans for responding to a worst case discharge of oil or a hazardous substance to: (1) be updated at least every five years and resubmitted for approval upon each update; (2) require the use of the best available technology and methods to contain and remove a worst-case discharge and to mitigate or prevent a substantial threat of such a discharge; and (3) include investments in research relating to oil discharges, risk assessment, and development of technologies for oil discharge response and prevention. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish a program for the formal evaluation and validation of oil pollution containment and removal methods and technologies, and (2) each technology and method validated to be included in the comprehensive list of discharge removal resources maintained through the Coast Guard's National Response Unit.

research_act amends oil pollution act replace provisions establishing interagency_coordinating_committee_on_oil_pollution_research provisions establishing federal_oil_spill_research_committee purpose requires committee submit congress days update years report state oil discharge prevention response capabilities establish oil pollution research development program provides research development demonstration technologies methods effective preventing detecting responding mitigating restoring damage oil discharges protect environment submit plan implementation program congress days submitting report requires secretary commerce oceans atmosphere designate chairperson committee members manage program competitive grants universities research institutions conducting program amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require vessel facility response plans responding worst case discharge oil hazardous substance updated years resubmitted approval update require use best available technology methods contain remove worst case discharge mitigate prevent substantial threat discharge include investments research relating oil discharges risk assessment development technologies oil discharge response prevention requires secretary department coast_guard operating establish program formal evaluation validation oil pollution containment removal methods technologies technology method validated included comprehensive list discharge removal resources maintained coast_guard national response unit


Summary: Vessel Incidental Discharge Act - Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating: (1) within 180 days, to establish and implement enforceable uniform national standards for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel into navigable waters; (2) within 180 days, to issue a final rule for the regulation of ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel; (3) within two years, to issue a rule establishing best management practices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water; (4) not less than two years before January 1, 2020, to complete a review to determine the feasibility of achieving the ballast water performance standard; and (5) by January 1, 2020, to issue a rule, subject to such feasibility review, to revise such standard so that a ballast water discharge will contain less than specified concentrations of living organisms, indicator microbes, and viruses. Applies such revised ballast water performance standard to a vessel on the first dry docking of the vessel on or after January 1, 2020, but no later than December 31, 2022. Requires the Secretary, within 10 years after the issuance of the revised rule and every 10 years thereafter, to review and revise such ballast water performance standard if such revision would result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of the introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species. Authorizes the Secretary to include in such decennial review national standards for discharges other than ballast water. Requires the Secretary to revise such national standard if such revision would substantially reduce the impacts on navigable waters of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water. Prohibits manufacturers of ballast water treatment technology for a vessel from selling, introducing, delivering for interstate commerce, or importing such technology for sale unless it has been certified under this Act. Sets forth a certification process. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a ballast water treatment technology if it: (1) uses a biocide or generates a biocide that is a pesticide, unless the biocide is registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) or the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has approved the use of the biocide in such technology; or (2) uses a biocide or generates a biocide the discharge of which causes or contributes to a violation of a water quality standard under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act.) Prohibits the use of a ballast water treatment technology by an owner or operator of a vessel unless it has been certified by the Secretary. Sets forth exceptions to such requirement. Sets forth exemptions from permit requirements, prohibitions of any other law, and discharge standards under this Act for specified discharges and vessels. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing alternative programs for compliance with ballast water discharge regulations for specified vessels. Directs the Administrator, within one year, to promulgate standards for: (1) the reception of ballast water from a vessel into a reception facility, and (2) the disposal or treatment of such ballast water. Establishes this Act as the exclusive statutory authority for federal regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel to which this Act applies.

vessel_incidental discharge act requires secretary department coast_guard operating days establish implement enforceable uniform national standards regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel navigable waters days issue final rule regulation ballast water discharges incidental normal operation vessel years issue rule establishing best management practices discharges incidental normal operation vessel ballast water years january complete review determine feasibility achieving ballast water performance standard january issue rule subject feasibility review revise standard ballast water discharge contain specified concentrations living organisms indicator microbes viruses applies revised ballast water performance standard vessel dry vessel january later december requires secretary years issuance revised rule years review revise ballast water performance standard revision result scientifically demonstrable substantial reduction risk introduction establishment aquatic nuisance species authorizes secretary include decennial review national standards discharges ballast water requires secretary revise national standard revision substantially reduce impacts navigable waters discharges incidental normal operation vessel ballast water prohibits manufacturers ballast water treatment technology vessel selling introducing delivering interstate commerce importing technology sale certified act sets forth certification process prohibits secretary approving ballast water treatment technology uses biocide generates biocide pesticide biocide registered federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra secretary consultation administrator environmental_protection_agency epa approved use biocide technology uses biocide generates biocide discharge causes contributes violation water quality standard federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibits use ballast water treatment technology owner operator vessel certified secretary sets forth exceptions requirement sets forth exemptions permit requirements prohibitions law discharge standards act specified discharges vessels authorizes secretary promulgate regulations establishing alternative programs compliance ballast water discharge regulations specified vessels directs administrator year promulgate standards reception ballast water vessel reception facility disposal treatment ballast water establishes act exclusive statutory authority federal regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel act applies


Summary: Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require owners or operators of publicly owned treatment works to: (1) institute monitoring systems to provide timely alerts of sewer overflows, (2) notify the public not later than 24 hours after receiving knowledge of such overflows in areas where human health is potentially affected, (3) notify public health authorities and other affected entities immediately of an overflow that may imminently and substantially endanger human health, (4) report each overflow on discharge monitoring reports to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state, and (5) annually report to the Administrator or the state on the total number of overflows in a calendar year. Makes specified exceptions to notification and reporting requirements for backups into single-family residences and for overflows that occur in the course of treatment works maintenance, respectively. Requires annual summary reports by states to the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations, including to establish overflow assessment guidance and develop communications measures to provide notification under this Act. Makes the monitoring systems eligible for state water pollution control revolving fund assistance.

sewage overflow community right know act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require owners operators publicly owned treatment works institute monitoring systems provide timely alerts sewer overflows notify public later hours receiving knowledge overflows areas human health potentially affected notify public health authorities affected entities immediately overflow imminently substantially endanger human health report overflow discharge monitoring reports administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state annually report administrator state total number overflows calendar year makes specified exceptions notification reporting requirements single family residences overflows occur course treatment works maintenance respectively requires annual summary reports states administrator requires administrator promulgate regulations including establish overflow assessment guidance develop communications measures provide notification act makes monitoring systems eligible state water pollution control revolving fund assistance


Summary: Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011 [sic] - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from: (1) promulgating a revised or new water quality standard for a pollutant when the Administrator has approved a state water quality standard for such pollutant unless the state concurs with the Administrator's determination that the revised or new standard is necessary to meet the requirements of such Act; (2) taking action to supersede a state's determination that a discharge will comply with effluent limitations, water quality standards, controls on the discharge of pollutants, and toxic and pretreatment effluent standards under such Act; (3) withdrawing approval of a state program under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), limiting federal financial assistance for a state NPDES program, or objecting to the issuance of a NPDES permit by a state on the basis that the Administrator disagrees with the state regarding the implementation of an approved water quality standard or the implementation of any federal guidance that directs the interpretation of such standard; and (4) prohibiting the specification of any defined area as a disposal site for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters and denying or restricting the use of such area as a disposal site in a permit if the state where the discharge originates does not concur with the Administrator's determination that the discharge will result in an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds, and fishery areas. Shortens the period in which the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service must submit comments with respect to a general dredge and fill permit application. Requires the Administrator and other agencies to submit comments on an application for a general permit or a permit to discharge into navigable waters at specified disposal sites within 30 days (or 60 days if additional time is requested) after the date of receipt of such application. Applies this Act to actions taken on or after this Act's date of enactment, including actions taken with respect to permit applications that are pending or revised or new standards that are being promulgated. Requires the Administrator to report on any increase or reduction in waterborne pathogenic microorganisms (including protozoa, viruses, bacteria, and parasites), toxic chemicals, or toxic metals (such as lead and mercury) in waters regulated by a state under this Act. Prohibits this Act from being construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to regulate a pipeline that crosses a streambed. Requires the Administrator, before issuing a regulation, policy statement, guidance, response to a petition, or other requirement or implementing a new or substantially altered program under this Act, to analyze the impact, disaggregated by state, of such action on employment levels and economic activity. Directs the Administrator to: (1) post such analysis on EPA's website; (2) request that the governor of any state experiencing more than a de minimis negative impact on employment levels or economic activity (a loss of more than 100 jobs or a decrease in economic activity of more than $1 million) post such analysis in the state's Capitol; (3) hold a public hearing in each state where such action will have more than a de minimis negative impact; and (4) give notice of such impact to states' congressional delegations, governors, and legislatures.

clean water cooperative act sic amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit administrator environmental_protection_agency epa promulgating revised new water quality standard pollutant administrator approved state water quality standard pollutant state concurs administrator determination revised new standard necessary meet requirements act taking action supersede state determination discharge comply effluent limitations water quality standards controls discharge pollutants toxic effluent standards act withdrawing approval state program npdes limiting federal financial assistance state npdes program issuance npdes permit state basis administrator disagrees state implementation approved water quality standard implementation federal guidance directs interpretation standard prohibiting specification defined area disposal site discharge dredged fill material navigable waters denying restricting use area disposal site permit state discharge originates concur administrator determination discharge result unacceptable adverse effect municipal water supplies shellfish beds fishery areas period director united_states fish_and_wildlife_service submit comments respect general dredge fill permit application requires administrator agencies submit comments application general permit permit discharge navigable waters specified disposal sites days days additional time requested date receipt application applies act actions taken act date enactment including actions taken respect permit applications pending revised new standards promulgated requires administrator report increase reduction waterborne pathogenic microorganisms including viruses bacteria parasites toxic chemicals toxic metals lead mercury waters regulated state act prohibits act construed limit authority administrator regulate pipeline crosses requires administrator issuing regulation policy statement guidance response petition requirement implementing new substantially altered program act analyze impact disaggregated state action employment levels economic activity directs administrator post analysis epa website request governor state experiencing minimis negative impact employment levels economic activity loss jobs decrease economic activity million post analysis state capitol hold public hearing state action minimis negative impact notice impact states congressional delegations governors


Summary: Vessel Incidental Discharge Act - Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating: (1) within 180 days, to establish and implement enforceable uniform national standards for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel into navigable waters; (2) within 180 days, to issue a final rule for the regulation of ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel; (3) within two years, to issue a rule establishing best management practices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water; (4) not less than two years before January 1, 2020, to complete a review to determine the feasibility of achieving the ballast water performance standard; and (5) by January 1, 2020, to issue a rule, subject to such feasibility review, to revise such standard so that a ballast water discharge will contain less than specified concentrations of living organisms, indicator microbes, and viruses. Applies such revised ballast water performance standard to a vessel on the first dry docking of the vessel on or after January 1, 2020, but no later than December 31, 2022. Requires the Secretary, no earlier than 10 years after the issuance of the revised rule and every 10 years thereafter, to review and revise such ballast water performance standard if such revision would result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of the introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species. Authorizes the Secretary to include in such decennial review national standards for discharges other than ballast water. Requires the Secretary to initiate a rulemaking to revise such national standard if such revision would substantially reduce the impacts on navigable waters of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a revised standard unless it is at least two orders of magnitude more stringent than the performance standard in effect on the date that the review is completed. Prohibits manufacturers of ballast water treatment technology for a vessel from selling, introducing, delivering for interstate commerce, or importing such technology for sale unless it has been certified under this Act. Sets forth a certification process and certification criteria, including effectiveness, vessel compatibility, effects on vessel safety, environmental impact, and cost effectiveness. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a ballast water treatment technology if it: (1) uses a biocide or generates a biocide that is a pesticide, unless the biocide is registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) or the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, has approved the use of the biocide in such technology; or (2) uses a biocide or generates a biocide the discharge of which causes or contributes to a violation of a water quality standard under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act.) Prohibits the use of a ballast water treatment technology by an owner or operator of a vessel unless it has been certified by the Secretary. Sets forth exceptions to such requirement. Sets forth exemptions from permit requirements, prohibitions of any other law, and discharge standards under this Act for specified discharges and vessels. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing alternative programs for compliance with ballast water discharge regulations for specified vessels. Directs the Administrator, within one year, to promulgate standards for: (1) the reception of ballast water from a vessel into a reception facility, and (2) the disposal or treatment of such ballast water. Establishes this Act as the exclusive statutory authority for federal regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel to which this Act applies.

vessel_incidental discharge act requires secretary department coast_guard operating days establish implement enforceable uniform national standards regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel navigable waters days issue final rule regulation ballast water discharges incidental normal operation vessel years issue rule establishing best management practices discharges incidental normal operation vessel ballast water years january complete review determine feasibility achieving ballast water performance standard january issue rule subject feasibility review revise standard ballast water discharge contain specified concentrations living organisms indicator microbes viruses applies revised ballast water performance standard vessel dry vessel january later december requires secretary earlier years issuance revised rule years review revise ballast water performance standard revision result scientifically demonstrable substantial reduction risk introduction establishment aquatic nuisance species authorizes secretary include decennial review national standards discharges ballast water requires secretary initiate rulemaking revise national standard revision substantially reduce impacts navigable waters discharges incidental normal operation vessel ballast water prohibits administrator environmental_protection_agency epa issuing revised standard orders magnitude stringent performance standard effect date review completed prohibits manufacturers ballast water treatment technology vessel selling introducing delivering interstate commerce importing technology sale certified act sets forth certification process certification criteria including effectiveness vessel compatibility effects vessel safety environmental impact cost effectiveness prohibits secretary approving ballast water treatment technology uses biocide generates biocide pesticide biocide registered federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra secretary consultation administrator approved use biocide technology uses biocide generates biocide discharge causes contributes violation water quality standard federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibits use ballast water treatment technology owner operator vessel certified secretary sets forth exceptions requirement sets forth exemptions permit requirements prohibitions law discharge standards act specified discharges vessels authorizes secretary promulgate regulations establishing alternative programs compliance ballast water discharge regulations specified vessels directs administrator year promulgate standards reception ballast water vessel reception facility disposal treatment ballast water establishes act exclusive statutory authority federal regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel act applies


Summary: Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to include as a purpose of such Act to achieve the goals established in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan (Action Plan), the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy (Strategy), and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978 (Agreement) through: (1) improved organization and definition of mission on the part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (2) the funding of grants, contracts, and interagency agreements for protection, restoration, and pollution control in the Great Lakes area; and (3) improved accountability. Expands the duties of the Great Lakes Program Office to include coordinating with the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force (Task Force), established by this Act. Requires the Administrator of EPA to establish the Great Lakes Advisory Board to provide advice and recommendations to the Administrator on matters pertaining to Great Lakes restoration and protection. Finds that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (Initiative), which commenced in 2010, is designed to: (1) identify programs and projects that are strategically selected to target the most significant environmental problems in the Great Lakes ecosystem; (2) be based on the work of the Task Force and the Advisory Board, stakeholders, and nongovernmental partners; and (3) represent the government's commitment to significantly advancing Great Lakes protection and restoration. Requires the Initiative to prioritize work done by non-federal partners using funding made available for the Great Lakes for priority areas for each fiscal year, such as: (1) the remediation of toxic substances and areas of concern, (2) the prevention and control of invasive species and their impacts, (3) the protection and restoration of near-shore health and the prevention and mitigation of nonpoint source pollution, and (4) habitat and wildlife protection and restoration. Requires that: (1) Initiative funds be used to strategically implement federal projects and projects carried out in coordination with states, Indian tribes, municipalities, institutions of higher education, and other organizations; and (2) Initiative projects be carried out on multiple levels, including local, Great Lakes-wide, and Great Lakes basin-wide. Prohibits funding made available to implement the Initiative from being used for any water infrastructure activity (other than a green infrastructure project that improves habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes) that is implemented using funds made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund program. Requires federal agencies to: (1) maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities; and (2) identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the Initiative. Authorizes appropriations for the Initiative for FY2013-FY2017. Establishes the Task Force to: (1) collaborate with Canada, provinces of Canada, and binational bodies involved in the Great Lakes region regarding policies, strategies, projects, and priorities for the Great Lakes System; (2) coordinate the development of federal policies, strategies, projects, and priorities for addressing the restoration and protection of the System consistent with the Agreement, the Action Plan, and the Strategy; (3) assist in the appropriate management of the System; (4) develop goals for the System that focus on outcomes such as cleaner water, sustainable fisheries, and biodiversity and ensure that federal policies, strategies, projects, and priorities support measurable results and are consistent with the Strategy and Action Plan; (5) exchange information regarding policies, strategies, projects, and activities of the agencies represented on the Task Force relating to the System, the Strategy, the Agreement, and the Action Plan; (6) coordinate government action associated with the System; (7) ensure coordinated federal scientific and other research associated with the System; (8) provide assistance and support to agencies represented on the Task Force in activities relating to the System; (9) establish annual priorities with respect to Great Lakes protection and restoration; and (10) review and update such Strategy and Action Plan every five years. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress annually a comprehensive report on the overall health of the Great Lakes, including a description of the achievements in implementing the Agreement, a list of the Initiative's accomplishments, and recommendations for streamlining work of existing advisory and coordinating committees. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit to Congress, annually, a financial report certified by each agency that has budget authority for Great Lakes restoration activities that contains: (1) an interagency budget crosscut report; (2) a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by all federal agencies and state agencies using federal funds for Great Lakes restoration activities during the current and previous fiscal years; (3) a budget for the proposed projects to be carried out in the subsequent fiscal year; and (4) a listing of projects to be undertaken in the subsequent fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern in the Great Lakes; and (2) the Great Lakes Program.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act include purpose act achieve goals established great lakes restoration initiative action plan action plan great lakes regional collaboration strategy strategy great_lakes_water_quality_agreement agreement improved organization definition mission environmental_protection_agency epa funding grants contracts interagency agreements protection restoration pollution control great_lakes area improved accountability expands duties include coordinating great lakes interagency task force task force established act requires administrator epa establish provide advice recommendations administrator matters pertaining great_lakes restoration protection finds great lakes restoration initiative initiative commenced designed identify programs projects strategically selected target significant environmental problems great_lakes ecosystem based work task_force advisory_board stakeholders nongovernmental partners represent government commitment significantly advancing great_lakes protection restoration requires initiative prioritize work non federal partners funding available great lakes priority areas fiscal year remediation toxic substances areas concern prevention control invasive species impacts protection restoration near shore health prevention mitigation nonpoint source pollution habitat wildlife protection restoration requires initiative funds strategically implement federal projects projects carried coordination states indian tribes municipalities institutions higher education organizations initiative projects carried multiple levels including local wide great_lakes basin wide prohibits funding available implement initiative water infrastructure activity green infrastructure project improves habitat ecosystem functions great lakes implemented funds available clean water drinking water state revolving fund program requires federal agencies maintain base level funding great lakes activities identify new activities support environmental goals initiative authorizes appropriations initiative fy2013 fy2017 establishes task force collaborate canada canada binational bodies involved great_lakes region policies strategies projects priorities great lakes system coordinate development federal policies strategies projects priorities addressing restoration protection system consistent agreement action plan strategy assist appropriate management system develop goals system focus outcomes cleaner water sustainable fisheries biodiversity ensure federal policies strategies projects priorities support measurable results consistent strategy action plan exchange information policies strategies projects activities agencies represented task force relating system strategy agreement action plan coordinate government action associated system ensure coordinated federal scientific research associated system provide assistance support agencies represented task_force activities relating system establish annual priorities respect great_lakes protection restoration review update strategy action plan years requires administrator submit congress annually comprehensive report overall health great lakes including description achievements implementing agreement list initiative accomplishments recommendations streamlining work existing advisory coordinating committees requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb submit congress annually financial report certified agency budget authority great_lakes restoration activities contains interagency budget crosscut report detailed accounting funds received obligated federal agencies state agencies federal funds great_lakes restoration activities current previous fiscal years budget proposed projects carried subsequent fiscal year listing projects undertaken subsequent fiscal year authorizes appropriations remediation sediment contamination areas concern great lakes


Summary: Restoring Effective Environmental Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]) to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state from requiring a permit under CWA for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of: (1) a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under FIFRA; or (2) the residue of the pesticide, resulting from the application of the pesticide. Excepts: (1) a discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of a provision of FIFRA is relevant to protecting water quality if the discharge would not have occurred without the violation or if the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation; (2) stormwater discharges regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and (3) discharges of manufacturing or industrial effluent, treatment works effluent, and discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel. Directs the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the status of intra-agency coordination between the Office of Water and the Office of Pesticide Programs of EPA regarding streamlining information collection, standards of review, and data use relating to water quality impacts from the registration and use of pesticides; (2) an analysis of the effectiveness of current regulatory actions relating to pesticide registration and use aimed at protecting water quality; and (3) recommendations on how FIFRA can be modified to better protect water quality and human health.

amends federal insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cwa prohibit administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state requiring permit cwa discharge point source navigable waters pesticide authorized sale distribution use fifra residue pesticide resulting application pesticide excepts discharge resulting application pesticide violation provision fifra relevant protecting water quality discharge occurred violation pesticide pesticide residue discharge greater occurred violation stormwater discharges regulated national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes discharges manufacturing industrial effluent treatment works effluent discharges incidental normal operation vessel directs administrator report specified congressional committees status intra agency coordination epa streamlining information collection standards review data use relating water quality impacts registration use pesticides analysis effectiveness current regulatory actions relating pesticide registration use aimed protecting water quality recommendations fifra modified better protect water quality human health


Summary:
Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act - Calls for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize the types of technical assistance to enable small public water systems to comply with national primary drinking water regulations that are the most beneficial to small and rural communities, based on their input.

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to: (1) authorize appropriations to the Administrator of EPA for FY2014-FY2019 for such assistance; and (2) allow the Administrator to use such funds to provide technical assistance to nonprofit organizations that provide to small public water systems onsite technical assistance, circuit-rider technical assistance programs, onsite and regional training, assistance with implementing source water protection plans, and assistance with implementation monitoring plans, rules, regulations, and water security enhancements. Directs the Administrator to give preference to nonprofit organizations that are determined to be the most qualified and experienced and that the small public water systems find to be the most beneficial and effective.

grassroots rural small_community_water_systems assistance act calls environmental_protection_agency epa prioritize types technical assistance enable small public water systems comply national primary drinking water regulations beneficial small rural communities based input amends safe drinking water act authorize appropriations administrator epa fy2014-fy2019 assistance allow administrator use funds provide technical assistance nonprofit organizations provide small public water systems onsite technical assistance circuit rider technical assistance programs onsite regional training assistance implementing source water protection plans assistance implementation monitoring plans rules regulations water security enhancements directs administrator preference nonprofit organizations determined qualified experienced small public water systems find beneficial effective


Summary: Amends the Water Desalination Act of 1996 to extend through FY2018 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants and contracts for research to develop processes for converting saline water into water suitable for beneficial uses, and (2) the demonstration and development program for water desalination and related activities.

amends water desalination act extend fy2018 authorization appropriations grants contracts research develop processes converting saline water water suitable beneficial uses demonstration development program water desalination related activities


Summary:
Coal Jobs Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act or CWA) to revise the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state acting pursuant to an equivalent approved state program (permitting authority) to base a determination on approving a new or renewed permit covering discharges from a structure only on compliance with regulations issued by such permitting authority. Prohibits such permitting authority from basing such determination on the extent of the permit applicant's adherence to guidance issued by the Administrator, including: (1) the comprehensive guidance issued by the Administrator and dated April 1, 2010, (2) the proposed guidance entitled "Draft Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act" and dated April 28, 2011, and (3) the final guidance proposed by the Administrator and dated July 21, 2011. Authorizes an applicant, if the permitting authority does not approve or deny an application for a new permit within 270 days after the date of receipt of an application, to operate as if the application were approved.

 Prohibits the Administrator from disapproving or withdrawing approval of a state permit program under NPDES based on: (1) the failure of such program to incorporate or comply with such guidance, or (2) the implementation of a water quality standard that has been adopted by the state and approved by the Administrator.

 Establishes environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for permits to discharge dredged or fill material into navigable waters.

 Removes the authority of the EPA to prohibit the specification, or restrict the use, of an area as a disposal site for discharges of dredged or fill materials into waters of the United States once the Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit for the discharge.

 Requires the EPA, before issuing a regulation, policy statement, guidance, response to a petition, or other requirement, or implementing a new or substantially altered program under the CWA, to analyze the impact of such action on employment levels or economic activity in each state.

 Prohibits the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator from: (1) finalizing, adopting, implementing, administering, or enforcing the proposed guidance described in the notice of availability and request for comments entitled "EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act"; or (2) using such Guidance, or any substantially similar guidance made publicly available on or after December 3, 2008, as the basis for any decision regarding the scope of the CWA or any rulemaking. Provides that the use of such guidance as the basis for any rule shall be grounds for vacating such rule.

 Prohibits the Administrator from: (1) promulgating a revised or new water quality standard for a pollutant when the Administrator has approved a state water quality standard for such pollutant unless the state concurs with the Administrator's determination that the revised or new standard is necessary to meet CWA requirements; or (2) taking action to supersede a state's determination that a discharge will comply with effluent limitations, water quality standards, controls on the discharge of pollutants, and toxic and pretreatment effluent standards under the CWA.

Authorizes states to disregard, accept, or modify the Administrator's disagreement with, and recommendations for, a state's identification of: (1) waters as areas with insufficient controls, and (2) pollutants suitable for maximum daily load measurement.

coal jobs protection act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cwa revise national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state acting pursuant equivalent approved state program permitting authority base determination approving new renewed permit covering discharges structure compliance regulations issued permitting authority prohibits permitting authority basing determination extent permit applicant adherence guidance issued administrator including comprehensive guidance issued administrator dated april proposed guidance entitled draft guidance identifying waters protected clean water act dated april final guidance proposed administrator dated july authorizes applicant permitting authority approve deny application new permit days date receipt application operate application approved prohibits administrator disapproving withdrawing approval state permit program npdes based failure program incorporate comply guidance implementation water quality standard adopted state approved administrator establishes environmental review requirements national environmental policy act nepa permits discharge dredged fill material navigable waters removes authority epa prohibit specification restrict use area disposal site discharges dredged fill materials waters united_states army_corps_of_engineers issued permit discharge requires epa issuing regulation policy statement guidance response petition requirement implementing new substantially altered program cwa analyze impact action employment levels economic activity state prohibits secretary army administrator finalizing adopting implementing administering enforcing proposed guidance described notice availability request comments entitled epa clean water act guidance substantially similar guidance publicly available december basis decision scope cwa rulemaking provides use guidance basis rule shall grounds vacating rule prohibits administrator promulgating revised new water quality standard pollutant administrator approved state water quality standard pollutant state concurs administrator determination revised new standard necessary meet cwa requirements taking action supersede state determination discharge comply effluent limitations water quality standards controls discharge pollutants toxic effluent standards cwa authorizes states disregard accept modify administrator disagreement recommendations state identification waters areas insufficient controls pollutants suitable maximum daily load measurement


Summary:
Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide: (1) technical assistance to rural and small municipalities and tribal governments for planning, developing, and financing eligible state water pollution control revolving fund projects; and (2) technical assistance and training to enable rural, small, and tribal publicly owned treatment works and decentralized wastewater systems to protect water quality and comply with the CWA.

Authorizes annual appropriations for FY2014-FY2018 for: (1) grants to states for administering programs for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution; (2) watershed pilot projects (currently called wet weather watershed pilot projects); (3) grants to states for water pollution control revolving funds; (4) a pilot program for alternative water source projects; and (5) sewer overflow control grants.

Expands the types of watershed pilot projects eligible for technical assistance and grants. Revises: (1) the eligibility requirements for grants for sewage collection systems; and (2) provisions concerning state water pollution control revolving funds, including by expanding the types of projects eligible for assistance. Requires states to: (1) establish affordability criteria to identify municipalities that would experience a significant hardship raising revenue for state water pollution control revolving fund projects, (2) establish a list of such projects that prioritizes water quality improvement projects for FY2015 and thereafter, and (3) provide financial assistance to only projects on such list.

Requires the Administrator to report annually on the performance of the projects and activities carried out with assistance made available by a state water pollution control revolving fund.

Prohibits state water pollution control revolving funds from being used for a project for the construction of treatment works unless the steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in such project are produced in the United States, with specified exceptions. Requires the Administrator to prohibit the use of steel, iron, and manufactured goods produced in a foreign country in a project funded with amounts made available from such fund if such country is in violation of the terms of an agreement with the United States by discriminating against such goods that are produced in the United States.

Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement that a state deposit an amount equal to 20% of the state's annual capitalization grant into the state's water pollution control revolving fund if the Administrator determines that the state is experiencing economic hardship and that providing such a deposit would adversely impact the state's ability to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of its waters.

Revises provisions concerning: (1) state water pollution control revolving fund amounts reserved for Indian tribes, and (2) the use of such amounts.

Changes the tonnage duty (currently, a tax) on specified vessels entering or returning to a U.S. port.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the Clean Water Trust Fund for: (1) capitalization grants to states for water pollution control revolving funds; (2) grants to states for water pollution control programs; (3) grants for research for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution; and (4) direct loans or guaranteeing obligations authorized under provisions of this Act entitled the Water Pollution Control Investment Act.

Water Pollution Control Investment Act - Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) make a direct loan to a state infrastructure financing authority for use in the same manner as a capitalization grant made under the CWA for state water pollution control revolving funds, and (2) guarantee obligations for construction of large water infrastructure projects.

water quality protection job creation act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cwa authorize administrator environmental_protection_agency epa grants nonprofit organizations provide technical assistance rural small municipalities tribal governments planning developing financing eligible state water pollution control revolving fund projects technical assistance training enable rural small tribal publicly owned treatment works decentralized wastewater systems protect water quality comply cwa authorizes annual appropriations fy2014-fy2018 grants states administering programs prevention reduction elimination pollution watershed pilot projects currently called wet weather watershed pilot projects grants states water pollution control revolving funds pilot program alternative water source projects sewer overflow control grants expands types watershed pilot projects eligible technical assistance grants revises eligibility requirements grants sewage collection systems provisions concerning state water pollution control revolving funds including expanding types projects eligible assistance requires states establish affordability criteria identify municipalities experience significant hardship raising revenue state water pollution control revolving fund projects establish list projects prioritizes water quality improvement projects fy2015 provide financial assistance projects list requires administrator report annually performance projects activities carried assistance available state water pollution control revolving fund prohibits state water pollution control revolving funds project construction treatment works steel iron manufactured goods project produced united_states specified exceptions requires administrator prohibit use steel iron manufactured goods produced foreign country project funded amounts available fund country violation terms agreement united_states discriminating goods produced united_states authorizes administrator waive requirement state deposit equal state annual capitalization grant state water pollution control revolving fund administrator determines state experiencing economic hardship providing deposit adversely impact state ability restore maintain chemical physical biological integrity waters revises provisions concerning state water pollution control revolving fund amounts reserved indian tribes use amounts changes tonnage duty currently tax specified vessels entering returning port amends internal revenue code establish capitalization grants states water pollution control revolving funds grants states water pollution control programs grants research prevention reduction elimination water pollution direct loans guaranteeing obligations authorized provisions act entitled water pollution control investment act water pollution control investment act authorizes administrator direct loan state infrastructure financing authority use manner capitalization grant cwa state water pollution control revolving funds guarantee obligations construction large water infrastructure projects


Summary:
Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2013 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to repeal the exemption from restrictions on underground injection of fluids or propping agents granted to hydraulic fracturing operations related to oil, gas, or geothermal production activities under such Act.

Requires: (1) state underground injection programs to direct a person conducting hydraulic fracturing operations to disclose to the state (or the Administrator if the Administrator has primary enforcement responsibility in such state) the chemicals intended for use in underground injections prior to the commencement of such operations and the chemicals actually used after the end of such operations, and (2) a state or the Administrator to make such disclosure available to the public.

Requires a person conducting hydraulic fracturing operations, when a medical emergency exists and the proprietary chemical formula of a chemical used in such operations is necessary for medical treatment, to disclose such formula or the specific chemical identity of a trade secret chemical to the state, the Administrator, or the treating physician or nurse upon request, regardless of whether a written statement of need or a confidentiality agreement has been provided. Authorizes such person to require a written statement of need and a confidentiality agreement as soon thereafter as circumstances permit.

act amends safe drinking water act repeal exemption restrictions underground injection fluids propping agents granted hydraulic fracturing operations related oil gas geothermal production activities act requires state underground injection programs direct person conducting hydraulic fracturing operations disclose state administrator administrator primary enforcement responsibility state chemicals intended use underground injections prior commencement operations chemicals actually end operations state administrator disclosure available public requires person conducting hydraulic fracturing operations medical emergency exists proprietary chemical formula chemical operations necessary medical treatment disclose formula specific chemical identity trade secret chemical state administrator treating physician nurse request regardless written statement need confidentiality agreement provided authorizes person require written statement need confidentiality agreement soon circumstances permit


Summary:
Safe Hydration is an American Right in Energy Development Act of 2013 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require states, in order to obtain primary enforcement responsibility for a state underground injection control program, to prohibit the underground injection of fluids or propping agents pursuant to hydraulic fracturing operations related to oil, gas, or geothermal production activities unless the person proposing to conduct the hydraulic fracturing operations agrees to conduct testing and report data in accordance with this Act.

Directs regulations under such Act for state underground injection control programs to require any person conducting such hydraulic fracturing operations to: (1) conduct testing of underground sources of drinking water in accordance with sampling and testing requirements described in this Act, and (2) report to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the results of such testing.

Exempts hydraulic fracturing operations from such testing and reporting requirements if there is no accessible underground source of drinking water within a radius of one mile of the site where the operations occur.

Requires the Administrator to establish and maintain a publicly accessible and searchable database of such results.

safe hydration american right energy development act amends safe drinking water act require states order obtain primary enforcement responsibility state underground injection control program prohibit underground injection fluids propping agents pursuant hydraulic fracturing operations related oil gas geothermal production activities person proposing conduct hydraulic fracturing operations agrees conduct testing report data accordance act directs regulations act state underground injection control programs require person conducting hydraulic fracturing operations conduct testing underground sources drinking water accordance sampling testing requirements described act report administrator environmental_protection_agency epa results testing exempts hydraulic fracturing operations testing reporting requirements accessible underground source drinking water radius mile site operations occur requires administrator establish maintain publicly accessible searchable database results


Summary: Community Fire Safety Act of 2013 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt fire hydrants from certain prohibitions against the use of lead pipes, solder, and flux.

community fire safety act amends safe drinking water act exempt fire certain prohibitions use lead pipes solder flux