Region 4 Guidance Documents
This page displays a list of all guidance documents
Guidance DocumentsAgency statements of general applicability, intended to have future effects on the behavior of regulated parties, that set forth a policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue, or an interpretation of a statute or regulation, with some exceptions as detailed in E.O. 13891, Section 2(b). managed by EPA's Region 4 office. EPA's guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. The agency may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on this website, except to establish historical facts.
Region 4 - Atlanta (serving AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN)
| Document Name (click on link to view) |
Original Issue Date | Date Added to this List | Identifier | Topic | Description/Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Preliminary Risk-Based Screening Approach for Air Toxics Monitoring Data Sets | 2010-10-01 | 2020-02-28 | 904-B-06-001 | Risk-Based Screening, Air Toxics, data sets | The purpose of this document is to provide a risk-based methodology for performing an initial screen of air toxics monitoring data sets in outdoor air. |
| Letter to Robert F. Fulp, Director of Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department from Beverly Banister, EPA Region 4 Air, Pesticides, Toxics Management Division | 2005-03-02 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ARD-Q-2005-001 | Parallel review, Title V, Clean Air Act, CAA | This letter provides guidance to states and local authorities on conducting parallel reviews of Title V Clean Air Act permits. |
| R4 FY2020 Section 105 Air Planning Agreement – Reporting Requirements | 2019-05-20 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ARD-Q-2020-006 | CAA Section 105, air planning agreement, NAAQS, grant agreements, reporting requirements | Document that compliments the overall air planning agreement guidances with the specifc submittal dates for these requirements. |
| SIP Revision Submittal Format Package | 2020-01-13 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ARD-B-2020-007 | SIP, NAAQS, Section 110 of the CAA | Document provides a method of indicating what additions are being made to a regulation and which portion will be removed. Distributed to state and local air agencies in an effort to maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. |
| R4 FY2020 Section 105 Air Planning Agreement | 2019-05-15 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ARD-Q-2019-005 | Ambient air monitoring network, siting criteria, clean air act grants, | R4 document that summarizes national guidance in an easier format for R4 state and local air agencies. Identifies specific expectations and deliverables related to grant agreements. |
| Section 103 PM2.5 Air Monitoring Workplan | 2020-01-17 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ARD-B-2020-008 | PM2.5, NAAQS, implementation plans, regional haze, grant agreement | Document outlines the four program objectives for collecting PM2.5 quality assured data. |
| National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) Section 103 Grant Package Template Package | 2019-04-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ARD-B-2019-004 | clean air act grants, monitoring, section 103 | Includes templates for the NATTS workplan, PM2.5 Air Monitoring Performance Report, PM2.5 Monitoring Workplan |
| Region 4 Guidance on Ambient Air Monitor Siting Criteria Waivers | 2018-09-26 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ARD-Q-2018-003 | Ambient air monitoring network, siting criteria, clean air act grants | This document is intended to serve as guidance for air monitoring agencies that are considering requesting a waiver of one or more ambient air monitor siting criteria requirements. Additionally, this document clarifies the regulatory requirements that must be met for a waiver to be approved and provides examples and instructions on what information should be submitted with a waiver request. |
| R4 Policy on Establishing, Discontinuing, or Relocating a State and Local Air Monitoring Station (SLAMS) | 2016-04-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ARD-Q-2016-002 | Air Monitoring Station (SLAMS), ambient air monitoring, annual monitoring network plan | To ensure consistency in documentation submitted for ambient air monitoring site establishment, relocation, or discontinuation, EPA Region 4 requires the following information be provided in 1) the annual monitoring network plan due July 1 each calendar year or 2) an addendum to the network plan. |
| Region 4 Management, Operations, and Maintenance Program guidance for sanitary sewer collection systems: Introduction to Conducting Evaluations of Municipal Wastewater Collection System Management, Operation, and Maintenance Programs | 2003-09-01 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ECAD-B-2003-001 | Enforcement | This guidance is included in what Region 4 refers to as its MOM Guidance. Region 4 references or attaches this guidance to regional documents to Clean Water Act consent decrees and administrative orders. The guidance identifies some of the criteria used by EPA Region 4 to evaluate a collection system’s management, operation, and maintenance (CMOM) program activities. The guide is intended for use by EPA and state inspectors as well as the regulated community. |
| Region 4 Management, Operations, and Maintenance Program guidance for sanitary sewer collection systems: Guide to Collection and Transmission System Management, Operation, and Maintenance Programs | 2011-10-01 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-ECAD-B-2011-002 | Enforcement | This guidance is included in what Region 4 refers to as its MOM Guidance. Region 4 references or attaches this guidance to regional documents to Clean Water Act consent decrees and administrative orders. The guidance is used by EPA Region 4 to assist the regulated community in in the development of collection system’s management, operation, and maintenance (CMOM) programs. The guide is intended for use by EPA and state inspectors as well as the regulated community. |
| Region 4 RCRA grant Application and WorkPlan Guidance | 2019-04-19 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-B-2019-011 | Corrective Action, RCRA Enforcement, Permitting, State Authorization | This document provides guidance to Region 4 states on the development of the RCRA hazardous waste grant application and work plan. This guidance highlights task descriptions and budget formats so that the states know what is expected for the work plan deliverable. Also, establishes the timeline for reporting requirements. |
| EPA R4 RCRD Data Mgmt Electronic Data Deliverables (EDD) Policy and 2016 EPA R4 RCRA & Data Mgmt EDD Policy | 2016-06-21 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-Q-2016-002 | Data management, electronic data, Electronic Data Deliverables | This is an internal policy, but this policy has been incorporated into Region 4 HSWA Permits/Orders. It does include a template for use by the facility in meeting electronic data submission. |
| Region 4 Brownfields Work Plan Guidance: Brownfields Assessment Cooperative Agreement Workplan | 2019-00-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-B-2019-012 | Brownfields | This guidance highlights task descriptions and budget formats so that grantees know what is expected for the workplan deliverable. It establishes the timeline for quarterly and annual reporting. |
| Region 4 Brownfields Work Plan Guidance: Brownfields Cleanup Cooperative Agreement Workplan | 2019-00-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-B-2019-13 | Brownfields | This guidance highlights task descriptions and budget formats so that grantees know what is expected for the workplan deliverable. It establishes the timeline for quarterly and annual reporting. |
| Region 4 Brownfields Site Eligibility Form | 2018-00-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-B-2019-13 | Brownfields | This multi-page form follows the regulatory construct for determination of Brownfields site eligibility. It is designed as a yes/no flow chart. Approval is required before any further funds can be spent on the site. |
| Region 4 Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) Guidance | 2017-11-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-B-2017-005 | Data quality objectives, sampling plan, analytical requirements | This document defines contents for a QAPP, by section title. It follows national Quality Assurance guidelines. Review and approval of this document is required before starting any sampling activity at an approved Brownfields site. |
| Closure Assessment Guidelines for Tennessee Hazardous Waste Substance Underground Storage Tanks | 2018-10-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-B-2018-009 | Underground storage tanks, Tennessee, closure of haz substance USTs | Under State Program Approval, 40 CFR Part 281, Tennessee elected not to regulate hazardous substance underground storage tanks for compliance and enforcement. R4 is the implementing agency for hazardous substance USTs. This document contains the closure guidelines under that authority. Distributed to UST owners/operators in TN. |
| Guidelines for Tennessee Hazardous Waste Substance Underground Storage Tanks | 2018-10-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-B-2018-010 | Underground storage tanks, Tennessee, closure of hazardous substance USTs | Under State Program Approval, 40 CFR Part 281, Tennessee elected not to regulate hazardous substance underground storage tanks for compliance and enforcement. R4 is the implementing agency for hazardous substance USTs. This document contains the closure guidelines under that authority. |
| Closure Assessment Guidelines for Underground Storage Tanks in Indian Country | 2018-08-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-B-2018-007 | Underground Storage Tanks, USTs, Indian Country, closure of USTs | Region 4 is the implementing agency for USTs in Indian Country. This document contains the closure guidelines in Indian Country under the UST program authority. Distributed to UST owners/operators in Indian Country. |
| Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – Guide for Environmental Professionals (PDF) | 2019-12-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-LCRD-2019-B-014 | Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Cleanup, remediation, risk, sites, contamination | This guide provides information about the requirements for self-implementing cleanup options for PCB contaminated sites. It is widely distributed at meetings and conferences where environmental professionals may attend. |
| Region 4 Ecological Risk Assessment Supplemental Guidance (PDF) | 2018-03-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-SEMD-B-2018-001 | SEMS database | The purpose of this supplemental guidance is to provide regional direction for implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (ERAGS; EPA, 1997). This guidance is appropriate for Superfund sites under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and regulated by the Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM). The Guidelines for Ecological Risk Assessment (GERA; EPA, 1998) published by the Risk Assessment Forum provide agency-wide guidance. This supplemental guidance clarifies the National ERAGS guidance as appropriate at both Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Superfund sites. |
| Region 4 Human Health Risk Assessment Supplemental Guidance (PDF) | 2018-03-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-SEMD-B-2018-002 | SEMS database | The intent of this guidance is to aid in the development of high-quality risk assessments consistent with the expectations of the EPA Region 4 Superfund Division’s Scientific Support Section (SSS) in its oversight role. This guidance has been developed by SSS, previously known as the Technical Services Section or TSS, risk assessment staff to update and replace all previous Region 4 Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) bulletins and to supplement the Agency guidance documents on site-specific HHRA: the Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS), Volumes I, II and III (EPA, 1989a, 1989b, 2001a). RAGS was developed as broad guidance, and the purpose of this Region 4 guidance document is to clarify and extend RAGS as interpreted and applied in Region 4 for Superfund and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites. |
| 2020-01-09 | 2020-02-28 | SEMDFORM-003-R0 | SEMS database | Checklist for Region 4 SEMD Reviewer to use in evaluating Quality Assurance Project Plan submitted for an EPA-funded project in Worksheet Format. This checklist is an updated version to adopt UFP-QAPP format and change Division name. | |
| USEPA Region 4 Superfund & Emergency Management Division QAPP Checklist/ Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Project (PDF) | 2020-01-09 | 2020-02-28 | SEMDFORM-004-R0 | SEMS database | Checklist for Region 4 SEMD Reviewer to use in evaluating Quality Assurance Project Plan submitted by a Potentially Responsible Party in Text Format. This checklist is an updated to change Division name. |
| USEPA Region 4 Superfund & Emergency Management Divison QAPP Checklist/ Federal Facilities or Potentially Responsible Party Uniform Federal Policy (UFP) Project (PDF) | 2020-01-09 | 2020-02-28 | SEMDFORM-008-R0 | SEMS database | Checklist for Region 4 SEMD Reviewer to use in evaluating Quality Assurance Project Plan submitted for a Federal Facility or PRP project in Worksheet Format. This checklist is an update to change Division name. |
| Superfund Environmental Data Submission Procedure and associated Guides (PDF) | 2020-01-09 | 2020-02-28 | SEMDFORM-009-R0 | SEMS database | Required process for EPA contractors, potentially responsible parties, and other data providers to Region 4 Superfund to format and submit electronic data deliverables to EPA. |
| Region 4 5R Guidance | 2014-03-01 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-WD-B-2014-004 | 5R, TMDL Alternative, Restoration, Water Quality Attainment, CWA | This document provides information to states on a pilot approach for voluntarily listing impaired waterbodies within subcategory 5R (R for Restoration) on their Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) and Section 305(b) Integrated Reports. The 5R subcategory acknowledges that many state Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) programs face significant resource limitations that may hamper the development of implementable TMDLs, which may delay water quality restoration. The 5R subcategory provides states with flexibility in how they apply their limited resources to achieve water quality standards. Region 4 offers the 5R approach to states as a 6-year pilot where they partner with stakeholders to implement water quality restoration activities prior to TMDL development. |
| Region 4 Minimum Elements of a Prioritization Framework Document | 2014-07-30 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-WD-Q-2014-005 | 303 (d) Listing, Vision, Prioritization, Elements, Water Quality | This document provides an outline of the essential elements, mechanisms, and considerations necessary for states to prioritize TMDL development, and other water quality restoration efforts. |
| Response to Wells Fargo re: Hendry Energy UIC Financial Responsibility | 2019-12-04 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-WD-Q-2019-009 | Underground Injection Control (UIC) | Regional (ORC) response financial institution request for EPA to be a signatory (trustee) on trust agreements relating to UIC proof of financial responsibility for wells. |
| UIC Permit Application Completeness Checklist | 2019-01-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-WD-B-2019-007 | Underground Injection Control (UIC) | UIC Permit Application Completeness checklist is provided to applicants (Kentucky DI) to advise on information needed for a complete permit application. |
| Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant: Tribal Set-Aside Regional Guidelines | 2015-03-00 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-WD-B-2015-006 | Tribal, grant, drinking water, infrastructure, guidance | This guidance provides eligibility, prioritization and procedures for Tribal governments located in EPA Region 4 to apply for grants to improve tribal drinking water infrastructure. |
| Southeast Regional Implementation Manual (SERIM) for Requirements and Procedures for Evaluation of the Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material in Southeastern U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast Waters | 2008-08-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA 904-B-08-001 | Ocean disposal, dredged material, EPAR4, USACESAD, material evaluation, testing, MPRSA, Section 103 | The purpose of the document is to provide guidance for applicants, permittees, and USACE /SAD districts and EPA Region 4 staff evaluating ocean disposal of dredged material in southeastern U.S. coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Regional-specific guidance for implementing authorities per Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) and the 1991 Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal – Testing Manual (the 1991 Green Book). |
| Region 4 Guidelines for Reconciling Storm Water Management and Water Quality and Resource Protection Issues | 2004-06-23 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-WD-Q-2004-003 | Best Management Practices, Pollution Prevention, BMP, BMP3, industrial discharger, enforcement | Region 4 Guidelines for Reconciling Storm Water Management and Water Quality and Resource Protection Issues |
| Steam Electric Generating Point Source Guidelines (40 CFR Part 423) pH Limitations for Low Volume Wastes Commingled with Once Through Cooling Water | 1986-02-24 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-WD-Q-1986-001 | Steam electric, pH Limitations, low volume waste stream, once through cooling water, commingled discharge | Memo from Region 4 to Region 2 providing further clarification on if 40 CFR Part 423 requires pH limitations to be applied for a low volume waste stream prior to combination with once through cooling water. |
| Guidance for NPDES Permit Writers: Establishing BAT Limitations for Chlorine for Steam Electric Power Generating Industry | 1987-05-12 | 2020-02-28 | REG4-WD-B-1987-002 | chlorine, cooling water, BAT, best available technology, best available technology economically achievable, calculations | Guidance and examples for establishing BAT Limitations for chlorine in steam electric permits. |
| Final Region 4 Tribal 106 Project Task Selection and Funding Guidelines | 2016-01-00 (revised 2018 and 2019) | 2020-02-28 | EPA-832-R-06-003 | tribal, grant, guidance, funding, allocation | The Region 4 Tribal 106 Guidelines for Project Selection and Funding (Guidelines) provides an overview of the National Tribal 106 Program Guidance (National Guidance). The National Guidance details the eligible uses for the funds and describes the selection criterion and process used to approve funding amounts and tasks for federally recognized Tribes located in EPA Region 4. It also articulates and outlines the minimum threshold and ranking criterion for project selection to ensure consistency and transparency across the Regional Tribal 106 Program, and discusses the administrative policies used to manage the program. These Guidelines provide the foundation and justification for R4 Tribal 106 funding allocation and project decisions. Additional details, requirements, and limitations of the Tribal 106 Program can be found in the National Final Guidance on Awards of Grants to Indian Tribes under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act. |
| Region 4 Quality Management Plan Cross Reference Checklist | 2019-08-00 | 2020-02-28 | R4FORM-006-R0 | Quality Management Plan, Cross Reference, Checklist | This checklist serves as a cross reference to ensure all the required elements of a quality management plan have been addressed and are in conformance with EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans, EPA QA/R-2. |