H.R.1390 - Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1390, the "Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II," addresses permitting requirements for the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego. The bill allows the EPA Administrator to issue permits that deviate from standard requirements under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, subject to specific conditions. These conditions include maintaining a deep ocean outfall, limiting total suspended solids discharge, and implementing pretreatment programs.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to provide flexibility in wastewater treatment permitting while maintaining environmental safeguards. It sets specific discharge limits and monitoring requirements for the Point Loma Plant. The bill also encourages potable water reuse and sets milestones for compliance.
Potential Benefits
- Allows for continued operation of the Point Loma Plant under modified permit conditions.
- Sets specific limits on pollutant discharge, potentially improving water quality.
- Requires ocean monitoring to ensure environmental standards are met.
- Promotes potable water reuse, increasing water supply.
- Provides an alternative to secondary treatment compliance if certain conditions are met.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May allow for less stringent treatment standards compared to full secondary treatment.
- Potential for increased pollutant discharge compared to stricter standards.
- Reliance on the Administrator's discretion in setting permit conditions.
- The long-term environmental impact of modified discharge limits is uncertain.
- Potential for legal challenges from environmental groups.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as it addresses water pollution, which can affect navigable waters and interstate commerce. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. The bill also delegates authority to the EPA Administrator, which is a common practice, but must be done with clear guidelines to avoid violating the non-delegation doctrine.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).