EPA is taking direct final action on the rule regarding Recognition Awards Under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Under the authority of CWA section 501(e), the EPA is establishing the framework for the annual CWA Recognition Awards Program formerly known as the Wastewater Management Excellence Awards Program. CWA section 501(e) authorizes the Administrator, on behalf of the U.S. Government, to recognize industrial organizations and political subdivisions of States which demonstrate an outstanding technological achievement or innovative process, method or device in waste treatment and pollution abatement programs. Today's action establishes the framework under which the EPA will implement the Awards Program. The existing awards program recognizes innovative and outstanding achievements, processes, methods or devices in: Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW); Biosolids Management (Biosolids); POTW Pretreatment Programs; Municipal and Industrial Storm Water (SW) Management; and Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Controls. These wastewater management programs can generally be characterized as waste treatment and/or pollution abatement programs. Individual EPA Regional Administrators (and Regional officials they may designate) also may conduct Regional CWA Recognition Awards Programs according to and consistent with the provisions of this part. EPA headquarters issues annual guidance memoranda to administer each year's awards process and to request nominations for the awards program. EPA may later establish, discontinue, combine or rename categories by notice published in the Federal Register. Awards decisions are not subject to administrative review. Though the Agency has conducted an awards program for many years, this action clearly acknowledges the basis for the program.