Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 (EPA) is issuing a notice of proposed action under the Clean Water Act (CWA). EPA is proposing to reissue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, AS0020001, to:

American Samoa Power Authority Utulei Sewage Treatment Plant
Tulutulu Point, Utulei, Paga Pago, Tutuila 96799
American Samoa

The Utulei Sewage Treatment Plant collects, treats and disinfects non-industrial wastewater from the Pago Pago Harbor area and discharges an average of 1.19 million gallons per day of treated water to the western side of the outer harbor. Solid residues like sewage sludge are trucked to the Tafuna treatment plant and ultimately disposed in the island’s landfill. EPA is proposing to renew the facility’s variance from secondary treatment requirements under §301(h) of the Clean Water Act.

Upon issuance of a final permit decision and response to comments, the EPA will notify the applicant and persons who submitted written comments or requested notice of the final permit decision. Within 33 days after EPA issues the final permit, any person who filed comments on the draft permit or participated in the public hearing may petition the Environmental Appeals Board to review any condition of the permit decision (40 CFR Part 124.19).

When public interest warrants, EPA may schedule a public hearing or may grant an extension of the comment period for the submittal of comments or objections (40 CFR Part 124.14).