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 require the President, through the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the National Science and Technology Council, to establish an Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia (Task Force). Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, through the Task Force, to: (1) establish and maintain a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program to develop a national strategy to address marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; (2) promote activities and an action strategy to implement such Program; (3) oversee the development and review of regional research and action plans for addressing marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; (4) maintain a focus on technology research and development for each of the categories of marine harmful algal blooms, freshwater harmful algal blooms, and hypoxia in monitoring, predicting, preventing, controling, mitigating, and responding to events; (5) expand the existing electronic clearinghouse to provide information about such harmful algal blooms and hypoxia; and (6) develop a mechanism to provide a reliable and cost-effective supply of toxin standards for comparative research. Establishes the duties of the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under such Program. Directs the Administrator, through the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force, to submit an updated assessment and a revised action plan prior to the implementation of any plan developed under such Act. Directs the Task Force to complete and submit to Congress and the President a plan for reducing, mitigating, and controlling hypoxia in the Chesapeake Bay.

hypoxia_research control amendments act amends harmful algal bloom hypoxia_research control act require president establish harmful algal blooms hypoxia task force directs secretary commerce oceans atmosphere task_force establish maintain develop national strategy address marine freshwater harmful algal bloom hypoxia events promote activities action strategy implement program oversee development review regional research action plans addressing marine freshwater harmful algal bloom hypoxia events maintain focus technology research development categories marine harmful algal blooms freshwater harmful algal blooms hypoxia monitoring predicting preventing mitigating responding events expand existing electronic clearinghouse provide information harmful algal blooms hypoxia develop mechanism provide reliable cost effective supply toxin standards comparative research establishes duties secretary administrator environmental_protection_agency epa program directs administrator submit updated assessment revised action plan prior implementation plan developed act directs task force complete submit congress president plan reducing mitigating controlling hypoxia chesapeake_bay


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 the following silvicultural activities: 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 following silvicultural activities 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: Reauthorization of Water Desalination Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to operate, manage, and maintain facilities to carry out research, development, and demonstration activities to develop technologies and methods that promote brackish groundwater desalination as a viable method to increase water supply in a cost-effective manner. Includes among such activities: (1) the development of renewable energy technologies for integration with desalination technologies to reduce the capital and operation costs, and minimize the environmental impacts, of desalination and to increase public acceptance of desalination as a viable water supply process; (2) research regarding various desalination processes, including reverse and forward osmosis technologies; (3) the development of innovative methods and technologies to reduce the volume and cost of desalination concentrated wastes in an environmentally sound manner; (4) an outreach program to create partnerships with states, academic institutions, private entities, local public agencies, and other appropriate organizations to conduct research, development, and demonstration activities, including the establishment of rental and other charges to provide revenue to help offset the costs of operating and maintaining the facility; and (5) an outreach program to educate the public on desalination and renewable energy technologies and the benefits of using water in an efficient manner. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to: (1) develop new water and energy technologies with widespread applicability; and (2) create new supplies of usable water for municipal, agricultural, industrial, or environmental purposes. Authorizes appropriations through FY2016 to carry out the Water Desalination Act of 1996.

directs secretary interior operate manage maintain facilities carry research development demonstration activities develop technologies methods promote brackish groundwater desalination viable method increase water supply cost effective manner includes activities development renewable energy technologies integration desalination technologies reduce capital operation costs minimize environmental impacts desalination increase public acceptance desalination viable water supply process research desalination processes including reverse forward technologies development innovative methods technologies reduce volume cost desalination concentrated wastes environmentally sound manner outreach program create partnerships states academic institutions private entities local public agencies appropriate organizations conduct research development demonstration activities including establishment rental charges provide revenue help offset costs operating maintaining facility outreach program educate public desalination renewable energy technologies benefits water efficient manner directs secretary conduct demonstration projects develop new water energy technologies widespread applicability create new supplies usable water municipal agricultural industrial environmental purposes authorizes appropriations fy2016 carry water desalination act


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 includes a substantial number that propose to utilize 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 includes substantial number propose utilize 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: Sunshine on Conflicts Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a rule within 60 days to prohibit any member of a board or body that approves permit applications for the discharge of pollutants from seeking to influence the approval of any permit in which that member has a financial interest. Provides that the requirement that state national pollutant discharge elimination system programs ensure that any board or body that approves permits excludes as a member any person who receives or has received during the previous two years a significant portion of income from permit holders or applicants shall have no force or effect after the earlier of the date on which such rule is issued or 120 days after this Act's enactment.

sunshine conflicts act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa issue rule days prohibit member board body approves permit applications discharge pollutants seeking influence approval permit member financial interest provides requirement state national pollutant discharge elimination system programs ensure board body approves permits excludes member person receives received previous years significant portion income permit holders applicants shall force effect earlier date rule issued days act enactment


Summary: Commercial Vessel Discharges Reform Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to allow a person owning, operating, or chartering by demise a commercial vessel to discharge ballast water into navigable waters only if the discharge: (1) meets the ballast water performance standard, qualifies as a safety exemption, meets the requirements of an alternative method of compliance and the vessel operates exclusively within a geographically limited area or operates pursuant to a geographic restriction; and (2) is in accordance with an approved ballast water management plan. Defines "commercial vessel" to mean a watercraft or other artificial contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water that is engaged in commercial service. Applies such restrictions to the owner or operator of a commercial vessel that is designed, constructed, or adapted to carry ballast water if the commercial vessel is: (1) documented under the laws of the United States, or (2) operating in navigable waters on a voyage to or from a point in the United States. Exempts from such requirement owners or operators of: (1) a commercial vessel that carries all of its ballast water in sealed tanks that are not subject to discharge, (2) a commercial vessel that continuously takes on and discharges ballast water in a flow-through system, (3) any vessel in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that is scheduled to be disposed of through scrapping or sinking, (4) a commercial vessel that discharges ballast water consisting solely of water taken aboard from a municipal or commercial source that meets the applicable regulations or permit requirements for such source under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), or (5) a commercial vessel that is three years or fewer from the end of its useful life when such restrictions become effective for the vessel. Establishes deadlines for compliance with performance standards. Requires owners or operators to: (1) conduct ballast water treatment using a treatment technology certified for the vessel before discharging the ballast water, and (2) ensure that any discharge meets the numerical ballast water performance standard set forth in the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments or a revised standard. Authorizes an owner or operator to discharge ballast water without regard to a performance standard if the discharge is: (1) done solely to ensure the safety of life at sea, (2) accidental and the result of damage to the commercial vessel or its equipment not willfully or recklessly caused by the owner or operator and all reasonable precautions to prevent or minimize the discharge have been taken, or (3) solely for the purpose of avoiding or minimizing discharge from the vessel of pollution that would otherwise violate federal or state law. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) complete, by January 1, 2016, and every 10 years thereafter, a review to determine whether revising the ballast water performance standard would result in a reduction in the risk of the introduction and establishment of aquatic nuisance species; and (2) undertake a rulemaking to revise such standard if such review finds that revising the standard would result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial reduction in such risk. Prohibits the Administrator from issuing a revised performance standard that applies to a commercial vessel constructed prior to the date the standard is issued unless the revised standard is at least two orders of magnitude more stringent than the standard in effect on the date the review is completed. Authorizes the governor of a state to petition the Administrator to review such standards if there is significant new information that could reasonably indicate that such standards could be revised to result in a reduction of such risk. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to evaluate a ballast water treatment technology, upon application of a manufacturer, with respect to: (1) whether the treatment technology meets the ballast water performance standard when installed on a commercial vessel (or a class, type, or size of commercial vessel); and (2) the effect of the treatment technology on commercial vessel safety. Authorizes the Secretary to certify such technology for use on a commercial vessel if the technology meets such criteria and does not use a biocide or generate a biocide: (1) that is a pesticide, as defined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), unless the biocide is registered under such Act or the Administrator has approved the use of such biocide in such treatment technology; or (2) the discharge of which causes or contributes to a violation of water quality standards under the Clean Water Act. Prohibits an owner or operator from using uncertified technology to comply with the requirements of this Act, unless the technology: (1) is being evaluated under the Coast Guard Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program, or (2) has been certified by a foreign entity as meeting performance and safety requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary, in certifying such technology, to impose conditions on the installation, use, or maintenance of the technology onboard a commercial vessel as are necessary for: (1) the safety of the vessel, the crew, and passengers; (2) the protection of the environment; and (3) the effective operation of the treatment technology. Authorizes an owner or operator who installs certified technology to use it notwithstanding any revisions to a ballast water performance standard occurring after its installation so long as the owner or operator: (1) maintains such technology in proper working condition, and (2) maintains and uses such technology in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and any conditions imposed by the Secretary. Terminates such authorization with respect to a commercial vessel after: (1) the expiration of the service life of such technology or of the vessel, or (2) the completion of a major conversion of the vessel. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines specifying land-based and shipboard testing protocols or criteria for certifying: (1) the performance of ballast water treatment technologies, and (2) laboratories to evaluate such technologies. Prohibits manufacturers from selling, introducing into interstate commerce, or importing for sale uncertified ballast water treatment technology for commercial vessels after ballast water discharge requirements for commercial vessels are in effect. Requires the Secretary to establish an alternative method of compliance with this Act for a commercial vessel having a maximum ballast water capacity of less than eight cubic meters. Authorizes the Secretary to establish as an alternative method of compliance appropriate ballast water best management practices to minimize the introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species. Requires an owner or operator to discharge ballast water in compliance with performance standards or alternative means of compliance unless discharging ballast water into: (1) an onshore facility for the reception of ballast water that meets standards issued by the Administrator, or (2) an offshore facility for the reception of ballast water that meets standards issued by the Secretary. Requires such standards to be issued within two years. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate stating that a commercial vessel is in compliance with ballast water discharge requirements if discharging ballast water into a facility meeting such standards is the sole method by which ballast water is discharged. Requires an owner or operator discharging ballast water into such reception facilities to discharge such water in accordance with an approved ballast water management plan. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a ballast water management plan for a foreign commercial vessel on the basis of a certificate of compliance issued by the country of registration if the requirements of that country for a ballast water management plan are substantially equivalent to regulations issued by the Secretary. Requires an owner or operator to maintain a ballast water record book in which each operation of the commercial vessel involving a ballast water discharge is recorded in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for alternative methods of recordkeeping. Authorizes state governors to apply to the Secretary to administer their own inspection and enforcement authority for ballast water discharges. Prohibits a state from adopting or enforcing any state law with respect to such a discharge except for regulations established under a program approved by the Secretary. Requires the Administrator, within three years, to evaluate discharges incidental to the normal operation of a commercial vessel. Defines such a discharge to mean a discharge of a pollutant into navigable waters in connection with the testing, maintenance, and repair of a system, equipment, or engine whenever the commercial vessel is waterborne, or a discharge into navigable waters from a commercial vessel of: (1) graywater (except body wastes and the wastes from toilets), bilge water, cooling water, oil water separator effluent, anti-fouling hull coating leachate, boiler or economizer blowdown, byproducts from cathodic protection, controllable pitch propeller and thruster hydraulic fluid, distillation and reverse osmosis brine, elevator pit effluent, firemain system effluent, freshwater layup effluent, gas turbine wash water, motor gasoline and compensating effluent, refrigeration and air condensate effluent, seawater pumping biofouling prevention substances, boat engine wet exhaust, sonar dome effluent, exhaust gas scrubber washwater, or stern tube packing gland effluent; (2) any other pollutant associated with the operation of a marine propulsion system, shipboard maneuvering system, habitability system, or installed major equipment, or from a protective, preservative, or absorptive application to the hull of a commercial vessel; (3) weather deck runoff, deck wash, aqueous film forming foam effluent, chain locker effluent, non-oily machinery wastewater, underwater ship husbandry effluent, welldeck effluent, or fish hold and fish hold cleaning effluent; or (4) any effluent from a properly functioning marine engine. Excludes as such a discharge: (1) a discharge into navigable waters from a commercial vessel of ballast water, rubbish, trash, garbage, incinerator ash, other such material discharged overboard, oil or a hazardous substance, or sewage; or (2) an emission of an air pollutant resulting from the operation onboard of a vessel propulsion system, motor driven equipment, or incinerator. Revises provisions concerning the expiration of the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels issued under NPDES as in effect on December 19, 2008, for all jurisdictions except Alaska and Hawaii, and on February 6, 2009, for Alaska and Hawaii. (Sec. 3) Directs the Administrator to determine, within one year, the discharges incidental to the normal operation of a covered vessel for which it is reasonable and practicable to develop best management practices to mitigate adverse impacts on the waters of the United States and to review such determination every five years. Defines a "covered vessel" to mean every description of watercraft, or other artificial contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, that is engaged in commercial service and that is: (1) less than 79 feet in length; or (2) a fishing vessel, regardless of length. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations on the use of best management practices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a covered vessel that the Administrator determines are reasonable and practicable. (Sec. 5) Prohibits the regulation in any manner other than specified in this Act of a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a commercial vessel or a discharge of ballast water from a commercial vessel. (Sec. 6) Repeals provisions of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 directing the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue voluntary guidelines to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes through the exchange of ballast water of vessels prior to entering those waters.

commercial vessel discharges reform act sec amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act allow person owning operating chartering commercial vessel discharge ballast water navigable waters discharge meets ballast water performance standard qualifies safety exemption meets requirements alternative method compliance vessel operates exclusively geographically limited area operates pursuant geographic restriction accordance approved ballast water management plan defines commercial vessel mean watercraft artificial contrivance capable means transportation water engaged commercial service applies restrictions owner operator commercial vessel designed constructed adapted carry ballast water commercial vessel documented laws united_states operating navigable waters voyage point united_states exempts requirement owners operators commercial vessel carries ballast water sealed tanks subject discharge commercial vessel continuously takes discharges ballast water flow system vessel national_defense_reserve_fleet scheduled disposed sinking commercial vessel discharges ballast water consisting solely water taken aboard municipal commercial source meets applicable regulations permit requirements source safe_drinking_water_act clean water act national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes commercial vessel years fewer end useful life restrictions effective vessel establishes deadlines compliance performance standards requires owners operators conduct ballast water treatment treatment technology certified vessel discharging ballast water ensure discharge meets numerical ballast water performance standard set forth international convention control management ships revised standard authorizes owner operator discharge ballast water regard performance standard discharge solely ensure safety life sea accidental result damage commercial vessel equipment willfully recklessly caused owner operator reasonable precautions prevent minimize discharge taken solely purpose avoiding minimizing discharge vessel pollution violate federal state law requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa complete january years review determine revising ballast water performance standard result reduction risk introduction establishment aquatic nuisance species undertake rulemaking revise standard review finds revising standard result scientifically demonstrable substantial reduction risk prohibits administrator issuing revised performance standard applies commercial vessel constructed prior date standard issued revised standard orders magnitude stringent standard effect date review completed authorizes governor state petition administrator review standards significant new information reasonably indicate standards revised result reduction risk requires secretary department coast_guard operating evaluate ballast water treatment technology application manufacturer respect treatment technology meets ballast water performance standard installed commercial vessel class type size commercial vessel effect treatment technology commercial vessel safety authorizes secretary certify technology use commercial vessel technology meets criteria use biocide generate biocide pesticide defined federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra biocide registered act administrator approved use biocide treatment technology discharge causes contributes violation water quality standards clean water act prohibits owner operator uncertified technology comply requirements act technology evaluated certified foreign entity meeting performance safety requirements act authorizes secretary certifying technology impose conditions installation use maintenance technology onboard commercial vessel necessary safety vessel crew passengers protection environment effective operation treatment technology authorizes owner operator installs certified technology use notwithstanding revisions ballast water performance standard occurring installation long owner operator maintains technology proper working condition maintains uses technology accordance manufacturer specifications conditions imposed secretary terminates authorization respect commercial vessel expiration service life technology vessel completion major conversion vessel directs administrator issue guidelines specifying land based shipboard testing protocols criteria certifying performance ballast water treatment technologies laboratories evaluate technologies prohibits manufacturers selling introducing interstate commerce importing sale uncertified ballast water treatment technology commercial vessels ballast water discharge requirements commercial vessels effect requires secretary establish alternative method compliance act commercial vessel having maximum ballast water capacity cubic meters authorizes secretary establish alternative method compliance appropriate ballast water best management practices minimize introduction establishment aquatic nuisance species requires owner operator discharge ballast water compliance performance standards alternative means compliance discharging ballast water onshore facility reception ballast water meets standards issued administrator offshore facility reception ballast water meets standards issued secretary requires standards issued years authorizes secretary issue certificate stating commercial vessel compliance ballast water discharge requirements discharging ballast water facility meeting standards sole method ballast water discharged requires owner operator discharging ballast water reception facilities discharge water accordance approved ballast water management plan authorizes secretary approve ballast water management plan foreign commercial vessel basis certificate compliance issued country registration requirements country ballast water management plan substantially equivalent regulations issued secretary requires owner operator maintain ballast water record book operation commercial vessel involving ballast water discharge recorded accordance regulations issued secretary authorizes secretary provide alternative methods recordkeeping authorizes state governors apply secretary administer inspection enforcement authority ballast water discharges prohibits state adopting enforcing state law respect discharge regulations established program approved secretary requires administrator years evaluate discharges incidental normal operation commercial vessel defines discharge mean discharge pollutant navigable waters connection testing maintenance repair system equipment engine commercial vessel waterborne discharge navigable waters commercial vessel graywater body wastes wastes toilets bilge water cooling water oil water effluent anti hull coating boiler byproducts protection propeller hydraulic fluid reverse brine elevator pit effluent system effluent freshwater effluent gas turbine wash water motor gasoline compensating effluent refrigeration air condensate effluent pumping prevention substances boat engine wet exhaust dome effluent exhaust gas packing effluent pollutant associated operation marine propulsion system shipboard system system installed major equipment protective application hull commercial vessel weather deck runoff deck wash aqueous film forming effluent chain effluent non machinery wastewater underwater ship effluent effluent fish hold fish hold cleaning effluent effluent properly functioning marine engine excludes discharge discharge navigable waters commercial vessel ballast water trash garbage incinerator ash material discharged overboard oil hazardous substance sewage emission air pollutant resulting operation onboard vessel propulsion system motor driven equipment incinerator revises provisions concerning expiration vessel general permit discharges incidental issued npdes effect december jurisdictions alaska hawaii february alaska hawaii sec directs administrator determine year discharges incidental normal operation covered vessel reasonable practicable develop best management practices mitigate adverse impacts waters united_states review determination years defines covered vessel mean description watercraft artificial contrivance capable means transportation water engaged commercial service feet length fishing vessel regardless length requires secretary promulgate regulations use best management practices discharges incidental normal operation covered vessel administrator determines reasonable practicable sec prohibits regulation manner specified act discharge incidental normal operation commercial vessel discharge ballast water commercial vessel sec repeals provisions nonindigenous_aquatic_nuisance_prevention control act directing secretary department coast_guard operating issue voluntary guidelines prevent introduction spread aquatic nuisance species great lakes exchange ballast water vessels prior entering waters


Summary: Amends the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from applying regulations establishing risk-based performance standards for the security of chemical facilities and requiring vulnerability assessments and the development and implementation of site security plans to public water systems or treatment works. Directs the President to delegate to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to apply such regulations to such systems and works. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance regarding compliance with such regulations to any facility or works operator.

amends department_of_homeland_security appropriations act repeal provisions prohibiting secretary homeland_security dhs applying regulations establishing risk based performance standards security chemical facilities requiring vulnerability assessments development implementation site security plans public water systems treatment works directs president delegate administrator environmental_protection_agency epa authority apply regulations systems works requires secretary provide technical assistance compliance regulations facility works operator


Summary: San Francisco Bay Restoration Act of 2011 - 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 provide funding to state and local agencies, special districts, and public or nonprofit agencies, institutions, and organizations for activities, studies, and projects identified in an annual priority list that advance the goals and objectives of the comprehensive conservation and management plan for the San Francisco estuary. Limits funding to 75% of the total cost of eligible activities to be carried out using such funds. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator to carry out this Act for each of FY2012-FY2016. Prohibits such funding from being used by a management conference under the National Estuary Program.

san_francisco_bay restoration act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act authorize administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provide funding state local agencies special districts public nonprofit agencies institutions organizations activities studies projects identified annual priority list advance goals objectives comprehensive conservation management plan san_francisco estuary limits funding total cost eligible activities carried funds authorizes appropriations administrator carry act fy2012 fy2016 prohibits funding management conference national_estuary_program


Summary: Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 - Establishes the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund to be available for expenditures to the Gulf Coast states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas solely for: (1) coastal restoration projects and activities; (2) mitigation of damage to, and restoration of, fish, wildlife, or natural resources; (3) implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan; (4) programs to promote tourism, the consumption of seafood produced from the Gulf Coast region, and education regarding the natural resources of such region; (5) planning assistance and administrative costs; (6) workforce development, job creation, and other economic development projects ; (7) improvements to state parks in coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; (8) mitigation of the ecological and economic impact of outer Continental Shelf activities and the impacts of such oil spill or promotion of the long-term ecological or economic recovery of the Gulf Coast region through the funding of infrastructure projects; and (9) coastal flood protection and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetland losses, beach erosion, or the impacts of such oil spill. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Fund 80% of all administrative and civil penalties paid after this Act's enactment, pursuant to a court order, negotiated settlement, or other instrument in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), in connection with the explosion on, and sinking of, the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon. Amends the Clean Water Act to require 35% of amounts made available from the Fund in any fiscal year to be available to the Gulf Coast states in equal shares for ecological and economic restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem. Authorizes a governor of a Gulf Coast state, in awarding contracts for such a project or program, to give a preference to individuals and companies that reside in, are headquartered in, or are principally engaged in business in, a Gulf Coast state. Establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to: (1) publish a Comprehensive Plan for, and to undertake, projects and programs to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast region; (2) update such Plan every five years; (3) coordinate the development of consistent policies, strategies, plans, and activities  addressing the restoration and protection of the Gulf Coast region and associated research; and (4) prepare an integrated financial plan and recommendations for coordinated budget requests for the amounts proposed to be expended by the federal agencies represented on the Council for projects and programs in the Gulf Coast states. Requires 60% of the total amount made available from the Fund to be disbursed to the Council to carry out the Plan and oil spill restoration projects, programs, and activities that will improve the ecosystems or economy of the Gulf Coast region. Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology Program, under which the NOAA Administrator shall provide grants to establish and operate a center of excellence in each of the Gulf Coast states. Requires each center to focus its curriculum on science, technology, and monitoring in at least one of the following: (1) coastal and deltaic sustainability, restoration and protection; (2) coastal fisheries and wildlife ecosystem research and monitoring; (3) offshore energy development; (4) sustainable and resilient growth and economic and commercial development; and (5) comprehensive observation, monitoring, and mapping of the Gulf. Allocates 5% of Fund amounts to such Program. Establishes the Gulf of Mexico Research Endowment to be administered by the Secretary of Commerce for use in providing long-term funding for such Program. Prohibits the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund from being used: (1) for any existing or planned research headed by the NOAA, unless as agreed to in writing by the grant recipient entity; (2) to implement existing regulations or to initiate new regulations promulgated or proposed by NOAA; or (3) to develop or approve a new limited access privilege program (as defined under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) for any fishery under the jurisdiction of the South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, New England, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils. Requires: (1) the Council to establish a fishery and ecosystem endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem, fish stocks, the fish habitat, and the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) NOAA to administer such endowment. Prohibits funds made available under this Act from being used for federal land acquisition.

resources revived economies establishes available expenditures gulf_coast states alabama florida louisiana mississippi texas solely coastal restoration projects activities mitigation damage restoration fish wildlife natural resources implementation federally approved marine coastal comprehensive conservation management plan programs promote tourism consumption seafood produced gulf_coast region education natural resources region planning assistance administrative costs workforce development job creation economic development projects improvements state parks coastal areas affected deepwater horizon oil spill mitigation ecological economic impact outer continental_shelf activities impacts oil spill promotion long term ecological economic recovery gulf_coast region funding infrastructure projects coastal flood protection infrastructure directly affected coastal wetland losses beach erosion impacts oil spill requires secretary deposit fund administrative civil penalties paid act enactment pursuant court order negotiated settlement instrument accordance federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act connection explosion sinking mobile offshore drilling unit deepwater_horizon amends clean water act require amounts available fund fiscal year available gulf_coast states equal shares ecological economic restoration gulf_coast ecosystem authorizes governor gulf_coast state awarding contracts project program preference individuals companies reside headquartered principally engaged business gulf_coast state establishes publish comprehensive plan undertake projects programs restore protect natural resources ecosystems fisheries marine wildlife habitats beaches coastal wetlands economy gulf_coast region update plan years coordinate development consistent policies strategies plans activities addressing restoration protection gulf_coast region associated research prepare integrated financial plan recommendations coordinated budget requests amounts proposed expended federal agencies represented council projects programs gulf_coast states requires total available fund disbursed council carry plan oil spill restoration projects programs activities improve ecosystems economy gulf_coast region establishes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa observation monitoring technology program noaa administrator shall provide grants establish operate center excellence gulf_coast states requires center focus curriculum science technology monitoring following coastal sustainability restoration protection coastal fisheries wildlife ecosystem research monitoring offshore energy development sustainable resilient growth economic commercial development comprehensive observation monitoring mapping gulf allocates fund amounts program establishes administered secretary commerce use providing long term funding program prohibits existing planned research headed noaa agreed writing grant recipient entity implement existing regulations initiate new regulations promulgated proposed noaa develop approve new limited access privilege program defined magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act fishery jurisdiction south_atlantic mid-atlantic new_england requires council establish fishery ecosystem endowment ensure long term sustainability ecosystem fish stocks fish habitat recreational commercial charter fishing industry gulf_of_mexico noaa administer endowment prohibits funds available act federal land acquisition


Summary: Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2011 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to establish a Working Waterfront Grant Program to award matching grants, through a regionally equitable, competitive funding process, to coastal states with approved working waterfront plans to preserve and expand access to coastal waters for persons engaged in commercial fishing, recreational fishing businesses, aquaculture, boatbuilding, or other water-dependent coastal-related business. Allows such states to allocate grants to eligible local governments, agencies, or nongovernment organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to award planning grants to coastal states to develop or revise comprehensive working waterfront plans.

america waterfronts working act amends coastal_zone_management_act direct secretary commerce acting national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa establish award matching grants regionally equitable competitive funding process coastal states approved working waterfront plans preserve expand access coastal waters persons engaged commercial fishing recreational fishing businesses aquaculture water dependent coastal related business allows states allocate grants eligible local governments agencies nongovernment organizations authorizes secretary award planning grants coastal states develop revise comprehensive working waterfront plans


Summary: Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2011 - 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 FY2012-FY2016 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 FY2013 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 publicly owned 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 fy2012-fy2016 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 fy2013 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 publicly owned 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: Foreign Oil Spill Liability Act of 2011 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to make the owner or operator of a facility liable for removal costs and specified damages that result from a discharge, or substantial threat of discharge, of oil from a foreign offshore unit that reaches or threatens to reach the navigable waters or adjoining shorelines of the exclusive economic zone. Treats such owners or operators as a responsible party with respect to the incident for the purposes of such Act in the same manner as a responsible party for an offshore facility. Requires the current liability limit to be multiplied by three when applied to a foreign offshore unit that is involved in such incident and is located in the territorial sea or on the continental shelf of a foreign country that is a state sponsor of terrorism. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to: (1) prohibit the discharge of oil from a foreign offshore unit that reaches the navigable waters of the United States, adjoining shorelines, or waters of the contiguous zone; and (2) subject the owner or operator of the unit to penalties under such Act; and (3) require maximum penalties under such Act to be multiplied by three when applied with respect to such unit located in the territorial sea or on the continental shelf of a foreign country that is a state sponsor of terrorism.

foreign oil spill liability act amends oil pollution act owner operator facility liable removal costs specified damages result discharge substantial threat discharge oil foreign offshore unit reaches threatens reach navigable waters adjoining shorelines exclusive economic zone treats owners operators responsible party respect incident purposes act manner responsible party offshore facility requires current liability limit multiplied applied foreign offshore unit involved incident located territorial sea continental shelf foreign country state sponsor terrorism amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit discharge oil foreign offshore unit reaches navigable waters united_states adjoining shorelines waters contiguous zone subject owner operator unit penalties act require maximum penalties act multiplied applied respect unit located territorial sea continental shelf foreign country state sponsor terrorism


Summary: Protecting Neighborhoods from Oil Pollution Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue final regulations requiring an owner or operator to permanently close any oil storage or processing facility that: (1) is located within one mile of 100 or more residential units if two or more discharges of more than 40 gallons of oil occur at such facility within any 10-year period, or (2) is the source of groundwater contamination affecting 100 or more residential units. Requires such closures to be completed by specified deadlines. Requires such regulations to define "permanently close" to require: (1) all liquid and sludge to be removed from each container and connecting line associated with such facilities; (2) all such connecting lines and piping to be disconnected from such containers and blanked off, all valves (except for ventilation valves) to be closed and locked, and conspicuous signs to be posted on each container stating that it is a permanently closed container and noting the date of closure; and (3) other applicable laws to be followed with respect to clean up and remediation of any other contamination at, or originating from, such facilities. Prohibits the Administrator from including in such regulations exemptions to any of the requirements of this Act for discharges resulting from an act of God, an act of war, or U.S. negligence. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement for closure of such facilities or grant an extension of the closure deadline if the Administrator determines that such owners or operators have taken or are taking all practicable steps to remediate the condition requiring closure. Requires such conditions requiring closure to be considered to be: (1) a substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States for the purposes of federal removal authority and civil enforcement, or (2) an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons or to the welfare of persons for the purposes of emergency powers.

oil pollution act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa issue final regulations requiring owner operator permanently close oil storage processing facility located mile residential units discharges gallons oil occur facility year period source groundwater contamination affecting residential units requires closures completed specified deadlines requires regulations define permanently close require liquid sludge removed container connecting line associated facilities connecting lines piping disconnected containers valves ventilation valves closed locked conspicuous signs posted container stating permanently closed container date closure applicable laws followed respect clean remediation contamination originating facilities prohibits administrator including regulations exemptions requirements act discharges resulting act god act war negligence authorizes administrator waive requirement closure facilities grant extension closure deadline administrator determines owners operators taken taking practicable steps remediate condition requiring closure requires conditions requiring closure considered substantial threat public health welfare united_states purposes federal removal authority civil enforcement imminent substantial endangerment health persons welfare persons purposes emergency powers


Summary: Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit a citizen suit from being commenced against a publicly owned treatment works (POTW): (1) to enforce an effluent standard or limitation unless the POTW is in significant non-compliance as defined in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) guidance document entitled "A General Design for SNC Redefinition Enhancement in PCS," or (2) that is in significant non-compliance based on a manual designation as defined by such guidance document. Prohibits liability for an unlawful discharge of a pollutant from a POTW for a person who can establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the immediate cause of such discharge and any damages was: (1) an act of God; (2) an act of war; or (3) an act or omission of a third party other than an employee or agent of such person or one whose act or omission occurs in connection with a contractual relationship with such person, if such person exercised due care and took precautions against foreseeable acts or omissions of such third party and the consequences that could foreseeably result from such acts or omissions. Requires the Administrator of EPA or a state to provide a 60-day waiting period between the notice of a violation of such Act by a POTW and the issuance of a civil penalty. Prohibits the Administrator from assessing a penalty for a violation if the POTW submits a viable plan for correcting the non-compliance within such period and thereafter implements such plan. Requires any permit issued to the owner or operator of a POTW to discharge a pollutant under such Act to have a 15-year (currently five-year) term. Limits attorney fees with respect to actions involving POTWs to the prevailing fees in the community. Requires any new or increased treatment requirement associated with a permit issued to the owner or operator of a POTW to discharge a pollutant under such Act to be subject to a cost-benefit analysis.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit citizen suit commenced publicly owned treatment works potw enforce effluent standard limitation potw significant non compliance defined environmental_protection_agency epa guidance document entitled general design enhancement significant non compliance based manual designation defined guidance document prohibits liability unlawful discharge pollutant potw person establish preponderance evidence immediate cause discharge damages act god act war act omission party employee agent person act omission occurs connection contractual relationship person person exercised care took precautions foreseeable acts omissions party consequences result acts omissions requires administrator epa state provide day waiting period notice violation act potw issuance civil penalty prohibits administrator assessing penalty violation potw submits viable plan correcting non compliance period implements plan requires permit issued owner operator potw discharge pollutant act year currently year term limits attorney fees respect actions involving potws prevailing fees community requires new increased treatment requirement associated permit issued owner operator potw discharge pollutant act subject cost benefit analysis


Summary: Ban Toxic Dispersants Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize a dispersant, chemical, or other spill mitigating device or substance that is not included on the National Contingency Plan's schedule to be used in carrying out such plan only if such device or substance is proposed to be included on such schedule. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a revised regulation for the development of the schedule for the use of such devices and substances. Requires the Administrator, with respect to such substances, to: (1) establish minimum toxicity and efficacy testing criteria; (2) establish a requirement that the volume of oil or hazardous substance discharged, and the volume and location of any such spill mitigating substance used, be measured and made publicly available on a daily basis; and (3) require the public disclosure of all ingredients of such substance. Requires the Administrator to: (1) require the manufacturer of such a device to study its risks and effectiveness; (2) provide a mechanism for the delisting of any such substance or device that poses a risk to or impact on human health, water quality, or the environment; and (3) initiate a formal review of the potential risks and impacts associated with such substance or device prior to delisting it. Directs the Administrator to: (1) study such potential risks and impacts, including acute and chronic risks, from the use of such substances that may be used to carry out such Plan; (2) impose a temporary moratorium on approval of the use of dispersants until the study is complete; (3) review the schedule for the use of such devises and substances and revise it as necessary every five years; and (4) establish a schedule of fees to be collected from the manufacturers of such substances or devices to offset the costs of evaluating their use.

ban toxic dispersants act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act authorize chemical spill mitigating device substance included national contingency plan schedule carrying plan device substance proposed included schedule requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa issue revised regulation development schedule use devices substances requires administrator respect substances establish minimum toxicity efficacy testing criteria establish requirement volume oil hazardous substance discharged volume location spill mitigating substance measured publicly available daily basis require public disclosure ingredients substance requires administrator require manufacturer device study risks effectiveness provide mechanism substance device poses risk impact human health water quality environment initiate formal review potential risks impacts associated substance device prior directs administrator study potential risks impacts including acute chronic risks use substances carry plan impose temporary moratorium approval use dispersants study complete review schedule use devises substances revise necessary years establish schedule fees collected manufacturers substances devices offset costs evaluating use


Summary: Oceans and Human Health Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Expands the interagency oceans and human health research program established under the Oceans and Human Health Act to: (1) direct the President, through the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), to deliver information, products, and services to reduce public health risks and enhance health benefits from the ocean; and (2) include within the term "oceans" the Great Lakes and related coastal areas. Directs the NSTC, through the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to submit to Congress, within 2 years after enactment of this Act and every 10 years thereafter, an update of the 2007 Interagency Oceans and Human Health Research Implementation Plan that defines the roles of specified federal agencies to avoid duplication of activities. Adds monitoring, surveillance, forecasting, mitigation, prevention, and outreach goals to federal research priorities. Extends the program's scope to atmospheric and biological sciences, food-borne diseases, corals, shellfish, and marine ecosystem and animal health predictive models. Authorizes coordination with interagency working groups of the Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology, through the NSTC, to monitor and reduce marine public health problems, including climate change. Authorizes development of new technologies for detecting and reducing hazards to human health from ocean sources. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Oceans and Human Health Program to coordinate and implement research and activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Revises the mission and scope of NOAA centers of excellence.

oceans human health reauthorization act expands interagency oceans human health research program established oceans human health act direct president national_science_and_technology_council nstc deliver information products services reduce public health risks enhance health benefits ocean include term oceans great_lakes related coastal areas directs nstc director office_of_science_and_technology_policy submit congress years enactment act years update interagency oceans human health research implementation plan defines roles specified federal agencies avoid duplication activities adds monitoring surveillance forecasting mitigation prevention outreach goals federal research priorities extends program scope atmospheric biological sciences food borne diseases shellfish marine ecosystem animal health predictive models authorizes coordination interagency working groups nstc monitor reduce marine public health problems including climate change authorizes development new technologies detecting reducing hazards human health ocean sources requires secretary commerce establish oceans human health program coordinate implement research activities national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa revises mission scope noaa centers excellence


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) to specify, in performance criteria for monitoring and assessing coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of interest (waters), available protocols for monitoring that are most likely to detect pathogenic contamination. Authorizes states or local governments, in carrying out coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs, to develop and implement a coastal recreation waters pollution source identification and tracking program for such waters that are used by the public and that are not meeting applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators. Authorizes appropriations for grants to states and local governments for developing and implementing monitoring and notification programs for FY2012-FY2016. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 through FY2016. Requires a state recipient of a monitoring and notification program grant to report to the EPA Administrator on actions taken to notify state environmental agencies with authority to prevent or treat sources of pathogenic contamination in coastal recreation waters when water quality standards are exceeded. Requires state or local government grant recipients to identify: (1) the use of a rapid testing method to detect levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators that are harmful to human health; (2) measures for communicating the results of a water sample concerning pollutants within 24 hours of receipt to specified officials and all state agencies with authority to require the prevention or treatment of the sources of pollution in coastal recreation waters; (3) measures for an annual report to the Administrator on the occurrence, nature, location, pollutants involved, and extent of any exceeding of applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators; (4) the availability of a geographic information system database that a state or local government program shall use to inform the public about coastal recreation waters, that is publicly accessible and searchable, that is updated within 24 hours of the availability of revised information, that is organized by beach, and that identifies applicable water quality standards, monitoring protocols, sampling plans and results, and the number and causes of beach closures and advisory days; and (5) measures to ensure that closures or advisories are made within two hours after the receipt of the results of a water quality sample that exceeds applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators. Defines "rapid testing method" as a method of testing the water quality of coastal recreation waters for which results are available as soon as practicable and not more than six hours after its commencement in the laboratory. Requires the Administrator to: (1) include a revised list of rapid testing methods in the publication of new or revised water quality criteria; (2) publish with such criteria a list of pathogens and pathogen indicators studied; (3) complete an evaluation and validation of a rapid testing method for the water quality criteria and standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators by October 14, 2012; (4) publish guidance for the use, at coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches that are used by the public, of the rapid testing methods that will enhance the protection of public health and safety through rapid public notification of any exceeding of applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators; (5) identify and review every five years potential rapid testing methods for existing water quality criteria for pathogens and pathogen indicators for coastal recreation waters and complete, as expeditiously as practicable, an evaluation and validation of any such method that will make results available in less time and improve the accuracy and reproducibility of results; and (6) publish the results of such review. Declares a national goal of developing a rapid testing method that can produce accurate and reproducible results in not more than two hours by 2019. Requires: (1) a written assessment by the Administrator of state and local compliance with coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification statutory and regulatory requirements and grant conditions, (2) corrective actions by governments not in compliance, and (3) a review by the Comptroller General of such compliance review and corrective actions. Requires the Administrator to: (1) update the national list of beaches within 12 months after this Act's enactment and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically); (2) study and report to Congress on the long-term impact of climate change on pathogenic contamination of coastal recreation waters; and (3) conduct and report on a study to review the available scientific information pertaining to the impacts of excess nutrients 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 specify performance criteria monitoring assessing coastal recreation waters adjacent beaches similar points interest waters available protocols monitoring likely detect pathogenic contamination authorizes states local governments carrying coastal recreation water quality monitoring notification programs develop implement coastal recreation waters pollution source identification tracking program waters public meeting applicable water quality standards pathogens pathogen indicators authorizes appropriations grants states local governments developing implementing monitoring notification programs fy2012 fy2016 authorizes appropriations carry beaches_environmental_assessment coastal health act fy2016 requires state recipient monitoring notification program grant report epa administrator actions taken notify state environmental agencies authority prevent treat sources pathogenic contamination coastal recreation waters water quality standards exceeded requires state local government grant recipients identify use rapid testing method detect levels pathogens pathogen indicators harmful human health measures communicating results water sample concerning pollutants hours receipt specified officials state agencies authority require prevention treatment sources pollution coastal recreation waters measures annual report administrator occurrence nature location pollutants involved extent exceeding applicable water quality standards pathogens pathogen indicators availability geographic information system database state local government program shall use inform public coastal recreation waters publicly accessible searchable updated hours availability revised information organized beach identifies applicable water quality standards monitoring protocols sampling plans results number causes beach closures advisory days measures ensure closures advisories hours receipt results water quality sample exceeds applicable water quality standards pathogens pathogen indicators defines rapid testing method method testing water quality coastal recreation waters results available soon practicable hours commencement laboratory requires administrator include revised list rapid testing methods publication new revised water quality criteria publish criteria list pathogens pathogen indicators studied complete evaluation validation rapid testing method water quality criteria standards pathogens pathogen indicators october publish guidance use coastal recreation waters adjacent beaches public rapid testing methods enhance protection public health safety rapid public notification exceeding applicable water quality standards pathogens pathogen indicators identify review years potential rapid testing methods existing water quality criteria pathogens pathogen indicators coastal recreation waters complete expeditiously practicable evaluation validation method results available time improve accuracy results publish results review declares national goal developing rapid testing method produce accurate results hours requires written assessment administrator state local compliance coastal recreation water quality monitoring notification statutory regulatory requirements grant conditions corrective actions governments compliance review comptroller_general compliance review corrective actions requires administrator update national list beaches months act enactment biennially currently periodically study report congress long term impact climate change pathogenic contamination coastal recreation waters conduct report study review available scientific information pertaining impacts excess nutrients coastal recreation waters


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, 2015 (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 FY2015 on stewardship sites. Makes the amendments to such Act become effective on October 1, 2011. Extends through FY2015 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 fy2015 stewardship sites makes amendments act effective october extends fy2015 authorization appropriations administrator implementation long_island_sound_stewardship_act long_island_sound_grants


Summary: Securing Health for Ocean Resources and Environment Act or the SHORE Act - Requires the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere to: (1) review the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) capacity to respond to oil spills; (2) be responsible for developing and maintaining oil spill trajectory modeling capabilities; (3) create and update NOAA's environmental sensitivity index products for each coastal area of the United States and for each offshore area that is leased or under consideration for leasing for offshore energy production; (4) review the current state of NOAA's capacity to monitor, map, and track subsea hydrocarbons; (5) establish a national information center on oil spills; (6) establish an initiative concerning the effects of oil spills resulting from aging and abandoned oil infrastructure; (7) develop an inventory of offshore abandoned or sunken vessels in the U.S. exclusive economic zone and identify priorities for potential preemptive removal of oil or other actions that may be effective to mitigate the risk of oil spills from such vessels; and (8) develop standard national protocols for oil spill response and clean up assessments and develop guidance and tools for oil spill responders. Amends the Oil Pollution Act to: (1) revise provisions concerning the uses of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, (2) establish a Gulf of Mexico Regional Citizens' Advisory Council to oversee and monitor facilities and tank vessels and establish offices in Gulf States, and (3) revise limits on liability and removal costs of responsible parties with respect to discharge of oil into or upon the navigable waters or adjoining shorelines or the exclusive economic zone from single-hull and double-hull tank ships and barges. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to eligible coastal states to implement and revise specified policies and procedures for responding to oil spills. Requires the Under Secretary, to: (1) establish a long-term marine environmental monitoring and research program for the marine and coastal environment of the Gulf of Mexico to assess impacts of the oil spill caused by Deepwater Horizon on trust resources (defined as natural resources belonging to, managed by, held in trust by, appertaining to, or otherwise controlled by the United States, any state, an Indian Tribe, or a local government); and (2) direct research and take action to improve the ability of the United States to conduct oil spill prevention, response, and recovery in Arctic waters. Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to: (1) assess and take action to reduce the risk of, and improve the capability of the United States to respond to, a maritime disaster in the U.S. Beaufort and Chukchi Seas; (2) identify areas in waters in which routing or other navigational measures are warranted to reduce the risk of oil spills and potential damage to natural resources; and (3) analyze data on oil transported as cargo on vessels in U.S. navigable waters. Requires the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to: (1) require response plans approved by the Coast Guard under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to be updated at least once every five years and to utilize the best commercially available technology and methods to contain and remove a worst case discharge and to mitigate or prevent a substantial threat of such discharge, and (2) establish a program to evaluate and validate oil pollution containment and removal methods and technologies. Amends the Clean Water Act to revise provisions concerning the national response system to discharges of oil and hazardous substances, including requiring the President to issue guidance for Area Committees to use with respect to the closing and reopening of fishing grounds following an oil spill. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) safety inspections of tank vessels that enter a U.S. port or place; (2) notices to states of transferring oil in bulk as cargo to, from, or within vessels; (3) notices to states and Indian tribes of marine casualties; and (4) publishing Incident Action Plans prepared and approved as a part of the response to an oil spill. Establishes the Federal Oil Spill Research Committee to coordinate a program of oil pollution research, technology development, and demonstration.

securing health ocean resources environment act shore act requires secretary oceans atmosphere review national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa capacity respond oil spills responsible developing maintaining oil spill trajectory modeling capabilities create update noaa environmental sensitivity index products coastal area united_states offshore area leased consideration leasing offshore energy production review current state noaa capacity monitor map track hydrocarbons establish national information center oil spills establish initiative concerning effects oil spills resulting aging abandoned oil infrastructure develop inventory offshore abandoned vessels exclusive economic zone identify priorities potential removal oil actions effective mitigate risk oil spills vessels develop standard national protocols oil spill response clean assessments develop guidance tools oil spill responders amends oil pollution act revise provisions concerning uses oil_spill_liability_trust_fund establish gulf mexico regional citizens advisory council oversee monitor facilities tank vessels establish offices revise limits liability removal costs responsible parties respect discharge oil navigable waters adjoining shorelines exclusive economic zone single hull double hull tank ships amends coastal_zone_management_act authorize secretary commerce grants eligible coastal states implement revise specified policies procedures responding oil spills requires secretary establish long term marine environmental monitoring research program marine coastal environment gulf_of_mexico assess impacts oil spill caused deepwater_horizon trust resources defined natural resources belonging managed held trust controlled united_states state indian tribe local government direct research action improve ability united_states conduct oil spill prevention response recovery arctic waters requires commandant coast guard assess action reduce risk improve capability united_states respond maritime disaster chukchi_seas identify areas waters routing navigational measures warranted reduce risk oil spills potential damage natural resources analyze data oil transported cargo vessels navigable waters requires secretary department coast_guard operating require response plans approved coast_guard federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act updated years utilize best commercially available technology methods contain remove worst case discharge mitigate prevent substantial threat discharge establish program evaluate validate oil pollution containment removal methods technologies amends clean water act revise provisions concerning national response system discharges oil hazardous substances including requiring president issue guidance area committees use respect closing reopening fishing grounds following oil spill sets forth provisions concerning safety inspections tank vessels enter port place notices states transferring oil bulk cargo vessels notices states indian tribes marine casualties publishing incident action plans prepared approved response oil spill establishes federal_oil_spill_research_committee coordinate program oil pollution research technology development demonstration


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for business-related expenses paid or incurred by a responsible party relating to an incident resulting in the discharge of oil into the navigable waters, other than an incident caused by an act of God or an act of war.

amends internal revenue code deny tax deduction business related expenses paid incurred responsible party relating incident resulting discharge oil navigable waters incident caused act god act war


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 any 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 streams, lakes, springs, canals, estuaries, or marine waters 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 Administrator 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 streams lakes springs canals estuaries marine waters florida administrator makes final determination accordance act florida amended rule approved adoption december provides administrator determines rule meets requirements act administrator 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: Amends the Coastal Barrier Resources Act to remove from the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System and related maps the areas comprising Indian Peninsula Unit FL-92 and Cape San Blas Unit P-30 in Florida.

amends coastal_barrier_resources_act remove john chafee coastal barrier resources system related maps areas comprising indian peninsula unit florida