Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Bleached Papergrade Kraft and Soda Subcategory of the Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Point Source Category

This action promulgates an amendment to the effluent limitations guidelines and standards under the Clean Water Act for the Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Point Source Category (also known as the "Cluster Rules"). The amendment allows new and existing, direct and indirect discharging mills in the Bleached Papergrade Kraft and Soda Subcategory (Subpart B) to demonstrate compliance with applicable chloroform limitations and standards at a fiber line in lieu of certain monitoring requirements by performing initial monitoring to demonstrate compliance with the applicable chloroform limitations or standards; certifying that the fiber line is not using elemental chlorine or hypochlorite as bleaching agents; and maintaining certain process and operating conditions identified during the compliance demonstration period. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), EPA is also promulgating a technical amendment that amends the table that lists the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control numbers issued under the PRA for the Bleached Papergrade Kraft and Soda and the Papergrade Sulfite Subcategories of the Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Point Source Category published April 15, 1998.