The following email was distributed by Carey A. Johnston, P.E. U.S. EPA, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance:

EPA has released a “beta” version of a new web-based tool for accessing wastewater pollutant discharge information. EPA is seeking comment on how to improve this tool and on the accuracy of the discharge monitoring data supporting it. This new tool also supports the Agency’s Clean Water Act Action Plan, which seeks to improve transparency of information and public knowledge about pollutant releases that may cause water quality impairments. See:http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/civil/cwa/cwaenfplan.html. I demonstrated this tool last month (November 2nd) at the "2010 National Training Conference on the Toxics Release Inventory and Environmental Conditions in Communities." See the following website for a copy of my presentation: http://chemicalright2know.org/content/2010-tri-training-conference-agenda 

The new tool allows anyone to search and identify the amount, type, and location of wastewater pollutant discharges and the identity of the discharger. In short, the tool will allow users to search on “who” is discharging “what” and “where.” EPA has designed the tool for two main audiences: (1) members of the general public (concerned citizens, researchers), and (2) technical users (NPDES permit writers, watershed modelers, and regulatory agencies). The increased access to wastewater pollutant discharge data will allow for better transparency of wastewater pollutant discharges and enhanced utility of the data. Specifically, technical users of the new tool can enhance their development of NPDES permit effluent limits, improve their watershed pollution budget plans (Total Maximum Daily Loads, or “TMDLs”), and refine their modeling of watersheds. 

EPA is releasing this new tool as a “beta” version to obtain public input on how to improve it. EPA will be accepting comments on the new tool through February 4, 2011. This two-month period will also allow reviewers to submit requests to EPA to correct any data they suspect is in error. The beta version of the tool offers wastewater pollution data from 2007. EPA plans to add data from subsequent years after this public comment period.

To access the “beta” version of the tool go to: http://www.epa.gov/pollutantdischarges/ .

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Your input is welcome. Thank you.

You can download the DMR Pollutant Loading Tool Factsheed here.