Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II

Hozzl · 2025-03-14T16:24:44Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1390 Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Environmental Protection. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/14/2025, 4:24 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1390

Bill 119 HR 1390, also known as the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant Permitting Modification Act, aims to adjust the permitting requirements for the discharge of pollutants from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant under certain circumstances. The bill also addresses other related purposes.

The Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in San Diego, California, is responsible for treating and disposing of wastewater from the surrounding area. Currently, the plant must adhere to strict permitting requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the discharge of pollutants into the ocean.

This bill seeks to modify these permitting requirements to allow for more flexibility in certain situations. It is important to note that the bill does not aim to weaken environmental protections or allow for increased pollution. Rather, it aims to streamline the permitting process and provide the plant with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances while still maintaining environmental standards. In addition to modifying permitting requirements, the bill also addresses other purposes related to the operation and management of the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant. These purposes may include improving efficiency, reducing costs, or addressing specific challenges faced by the plant. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1390 seeks to make targeted adjustments to the permitting requirements for the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant in order to ensure effective and environmentally responsible operation. It is important for lawmakers and stakeholders to carefully consider the implications of these modifications and ensure that they align with the goals of protecting public health and the environment.

Congressional Summary of HR 1390

Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II

This bill provides an alternative permitting process for the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant located in San Diego, California, to comply with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program.

Currently, the plant operates with a temporary variance (or waiver) from certain NPDES treatment standards under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The City of San Diego has applied for a new variance for the plant. If the variance is not granted, then the city must obtain a new NPDES permit and fully comply with the treatment standards.

The bill allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue an NPDES permit that requires the plant to comply with certain conditions. Thus, it eliminates the need for the city to apply for another variance so long as it obtains the conditional NPDES permit and the plant:

maintains its current deep ocean outfall pipe;
complies with specified annual and monthly limits for total suspended solids (e.g., sewage);
removes at least 80% of total suspended solids from the discharge on a monthly average and 58% of biochemical oxygen demand on an annual average;
attains all other effluent limitations of secondary treatment;
complies with CWA pretreatment requirements and other requirements applicable to NPDES permits;
provides to the EPA 10 consecutive years of compliance data and analysis; and
demonstrates that it will produce at least 83 million gallons per day on an annual average of water safe for human consumption by December 31, 2039.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1390

Bill HR 1390 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 14, 2025. Bill HR 1390 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 14, 2025. Bill HR 1390's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. as of February 14, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1390

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1390

Primary Policy Focus

Environmental Protection

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1390

To modify permitting requirements with respect to the discharge of any pollutant from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant in certain circumstances, and for other purposes.