Amendment to the Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Bleached Papergrade Kraft and Soda Subcategory of the Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Point Source Category: Final Rule; OMB Approvals Under the Paperwork Reduction Act: Technical Amendments

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. The amendment affects only existing direct discharging mills in the Bleached Papergrade Kraft and Soda Subcategory that choose to enroll in the Voluntary Advanced Technology Incentives Program (VATIP). EPA established the VATIP as part of the final Pulp and Paper ``Cluster Rules'' on April 15, 1998. Today's amendment adds a component to the VATIP. This amendment requires a plan (referred to as the ``Milestones Plan'') specifying research, construction, and other activities leading to achievement of the VATIP effluent limitations with accompanying dates for achieving these milestones. The purpose of the Milestones Plan is to provide the permitting authority with mill-specific information upon which to base permit requirements reflecting reasonable interim milestones. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), this action also makes a technical amendment to the table in Part 9 that lists the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control numbers issued under the PRA for Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Point Source Category. EPA is amending Part 9 to include the OMB control number for the Milestones Plan requirement being promulgated today and the OMB control number for the information collection requirements associated with the best management practices regulations promulgated last year as part of the Cluster Rules.