Region 6 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 6. 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 6 - Dallas (serving AR, LA, NM, OK, and TX)
| Document Name (click on link to view) |
Original Issue Date | Date Added to this List | Identifier | Topic | Description/Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA Region 6 Corrective Action Strategy (CAS) | 2015-02-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-001 | Corrective action strategy; CAS; RCRA corrective action streamlining. |
This EPA Region 6 document was developed as guidance to help expedite corrective action at Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities. |
| Guidelines for Preparing Ready for Reuse Determinations | 2004-04-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-002 | Ready for Reuse; RfR Determination; land revitalization | This document provides guidance for developing Ready for Reuse (RfR) determinations. |
| Initial Notification of a Potential Exceptional Event | 2019-04-14 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-003 | Exceptional events; notification of potential exceptional events | The summary or guidance provides a summary of the process to develop an initial event description and engaging in the Initial notification of a potential exceptional event in Region 6. |
| Protecting Tribal Air Quality – Options and Opportunities (PDF) | 2019-11-01 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-004 |
Tribal Air; Tribal Funding; Tribal Air Quality |
The guidance describes EPA’s Clean Air Act funding mechanisms. |
| National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System State Program Guidance for Development and Review of State Program Applications and Evaluation of State Legal Authorities (40 C.F.R. Parts 122 – 125 and 403), Volume One.” | 2019-11-01 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-005 |
NPDES, 40 C.F.R. Parts 122 – 125 and 403, State Program Guidance, water, Review of State Program Applications |
Volume Two of the same Guidance, titled “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System State Program Guidance for Development and Review of State Program Applications and Evaluation of State Legal Authorities (40 C.F.R. Parts 122 – 125 and 403), Volume Two” is listed on the Office of Water’s excel worksheet of active guidance (OW_Active_1.17.20xlst) with the identifier OW-OWM 1667. (It’s Document 1398 on OW’s excel worksheet). |
| Region 6 Regional Contingency Plan | 2019-12-18 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-006 |
National Contingency Plan, hazardous substances, oil, pollutants, contaminants, response |
The purpose of the Region 6 Regional Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (RCP) is to provide the organizational structure and procedures for preparing for and responding to discharges of oil and releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants by the Region 6 Regional Response Team (RRT). |
| La Paz Agreement | 1983-08-14 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-007 |
La Paz Agreement; Border Affairs; United States; Mexico |
La Paz Agreement; Border Affairs; United States; Mexico. |
| The Joint Advisory Committee for the Improvement of Air Quality in the Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua / El Paso, Texas / Dona Ana County, New Mexico Air Basin | 1996-05-07 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-008 |
Joint Advisory Committee; Air Quality; Air Basin; Border Affairs; United States; Mexico |
The Joint Advisory Committee is a Binational committee charged with the development and recommendation of air quality improvement initiatives to the Air Work group. |
| Border 2020: U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program | 1996-05-07 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-009 |
Joint Advisory Committee; Air Quality; Air Basin; Border Affairs; United States; Mexico |
This document is an agreement between the United States and Mexico that developed a Binational eight-year plan to improve the environment and reduce the highest public health risks on the U.S. Mexico Border. |
| How to Conduct a Sanitary Survey of Drinking Water Systems | 2019-08-01 | 2020-02-28 | EPA 816-R-17-001 |
Drinking water, Sanitary survey, Significant deficiency |
Guidance identifies possible significant deficiencies when conducting a sanitary survey at ground water systems. |
| EPA Region 6 Tribal Seasonal and New Public Water System Startup Procedure: derived from The Revised Total Coliform Rule: A Guide for Small Systems, and Region 8 checklist | 2019-08-30 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-815-B-15-002 |
Drinking Water, Seasonal System, restart, revised total coliform rule |
Guidance provides protocol for restarting a seasonal water system that was closed for an extended period. |
| No Migration Petition Reissuance Submittal | 1998-01-14 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-010 |
UIC Program, No Migration Petition Reissuance Applications, |
The document includes a list of essential topics to cover in petition reissuance applications and was developed as a tool to streamline the application and review process. |
| Common Deficiencies/Issues in Recent Petitions Applications to Region 6 | 2002-12-05 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-011 |
UIC Program, Common Deficiencies in No Migration Petition Applications |
The document includes a list of essential topics to cover in petition reissuance applications and was developed as a tool to streamline the application and review process. |
| EPA Region 6 Modeling Strategy for UIC No Migration Petitions | 2016-04-29 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-012 |
UIC Program, |
The document was developed to provide early simplification advice from EPA prior to running the complex computer simulations required in no migration petitions for hazardous waste injection wells to streamline the process. |
| EPA Region 6 UIC Land Ban Petition Application Guideline | 2007-02-01 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-013 |
UIC Program, No Migration Petitions, Petition Crosswalk. |
This document is a fillable crosswalk intended to assist Class I operators preparing no migration |
| Crosswalk for UIC Land Ban Petition Review | 2014-02-27 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-014 |
UIC Program, No Migration Petitions, Petition Crosswalk. |
This document is a fillable crosswalk intended to assist Class I operators preparing no migration petitions to ensure completeness and to streamline EPA review of information submitted. |
| Crosswalk for UIC Land Ban Petition Review | 2014-02-27 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-015 |
UIC Program, No Migration Petitions, Petition Crosswalk. |
This document is a fillable crosswalk intended to assist Class I operators preparing no migration. |
| Current Region 6 Land Ban Health Based Limit Guideline | 2018-12-10 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-016 |
UIC Program, No Migration Petitions, |
This document provides information needed for no migration demonstration modeling. |
| UIC Pressure Falloff Testing Guideline | 2002-08-08 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-017 |
UIC Program, No Migration Petitions, Falloff Test, Pressure Transient Test. |
This guideline was developed to assist operators in planning and conducting falloff tests and preparing test reports. |
| R6 Watershed based plan review guide | 2020-01-10 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-018 |
Watershed-based plans. |
This is a review guide intended to provide guidance and structure for EPA R6 staff reviews of state submitted Watershed based Plans. NPS staff use this guide to structure their reviews and provide this in their feedback about state submitted Watershed based plans. Note: this guide is not intended as guidance for our state NPS programs, but rather as internal guidance for EPA NPS reviewers. |
| EPA R6 CWPPRA Standard Operating Procedures | 2017-01-31 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-019 |
CWPPRA SOP |
Establishes internal (R6) controls to ensure resources are used efficiently and effectively for the purpose for which they were appropriated and authorized. |
| Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act Coastal, Marine & Analysis Section’s Management Decision Document | 2017-01-31 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-020 |
R6 CWPPRA Decision Document |
Provides general "guide" for the internal operating procedures for EPA R6's CWPPRA program. |
| Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act Standard Operating Procedures | 2019-09-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-021 |
CWPPRA SOP |
Provides "guidelines" for collaboration/coordination between the CWPPRA agencies for recurring activities and management of projects. |
| Regional Implementation Agreement For Testing and Reporting Requirements For Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material Off the Louisiana and Texas Coasts Under Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries ACT | 2003-07-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-022 |
Ocean Dumping, Dredged material, MPRSA 103, sampling, testing and reporting procedures for dredged materials- physical and chemical testing of water, sediment and tissue |
This RIA is designed to specify sampling, testing, and reporting procedures for dredged materials proposed for ocean disposal in the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana and Texas coasts. In addition, this RIA establishes administrative, coordination, and documentation procedures that will be followed by the USACE, New Orleans District and Galveston District, and EPA Region 6. This RIA revises and combines the existing RIAs for the Ocean Dumping Program in Louisana and Texas, finalized in 1992. This RIA will supersede the 1992 RIAs upon finalization. |
| Brazos Island Harbor, Texas Maintenance and New Work Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) | 2017-05-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-023 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
This SMMP is intended to provide management and monitoring strategies for the disposal of suitable dredged material from the greater Brownsville, Texas vicinity. Two ODMDSs, a New Work ODMDS for construction material and a Maintenance ODMDS for maintenance dredging material are covered under this SMMP. |
| Mississippi River, Southwest Pass, Louisiana- Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP)For the Southwest Pass Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site | 2017-06-06 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-024 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
The purpose of ODMDS management is to ensure that placement activities do not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, the marine environment, or economic potentialities. The objective of the SMMP is to provide guidelines in making management decisions necessary to fulfill mandated responsibilities to protect the marine environment. The specific management objective for the SWP ODMDS is to ensure ocean discharge of only that dredged material that satisfies the criteria set forth in 40 CFR Part 227 Subparts B, C, D, E, and G and Part 228.4(e) and is suitable for unrestricted placement at the ODMDS. |
| Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas Maintenance and New Work Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) | 2019-04-18 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-025 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
This SMMP is intended to provide management and monitoring strategies for the disposal of suitable dredged material from the greater Corpus Christi, Texas vicinity. Two ODMDSs, a New Work ODMDS for construction material and a Maintenance ODMDS for maintenance dredging material are covered under this SMMP. |
| Galveston, Texas Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) | 2016-05-05 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-026 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
This SMMP is intended to provide management and monitoring strategies for the disposal of suitable dredged material from the greater Houston-Galveston, Texas vicinity. The purpose of this plan is to alleviate critical capacity issues throughout the Galveston Bay Complex for improvement and maintenance dredging projects. Collectively these projects incorporate several smaller dredging segments (1) Galveston Channel, (2) Texas City Ship.Channel; (3) Houston Ship Channel- (HSC) Lower Bay Reach (4) HSC-Mid Bay Reach; (5) HSC-Upper Bay Reach and (6) HSC Landlocked Reach. For the purposes of this SMMP, these dredging areas are collectively known as the Galveston Bay complex and all are covered under this SMMP. |
| Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal -Testing Manual (a.k.a. Green Book) | 1991-02-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-027 |
Ocean Dumping, Dredged material, MPRSA 103, sampling, testing and reporting procedures for dredged materials, collection and preservation of samples, physical and chemical analysis of sediment, water and issues, statistical methods, quality assurance |
Green Book for Dredged Material For Ocean Disposal (Testing Manual). |
| Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project, Calhoun County, Texas New Work Material ODMDS Management Plan US ACE Galveston District and US EPA Region 6 | 2009-10-20 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-028 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
The purpose of ODMDS management is to ensure that placement activities do not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, the marine environment, or economic potentialities. This Site Management Plan for the Matagorda Ship Channel, Texas (MSC) ODMDSs was developed jointly by USEPA, Region 6 and USACE, Galveston District (USACE-SWG). This plan includes, a baseline assessment of conditions at the sites, a program for monitoring the sites, special management conditions necessary to protect the environment , consideration of the quantity of dredged material to be discharges, and schedule for review and revision of the plan. |
| Atchafalaya River Bar Channel, Louisiana, Site Management Plan for the Maintenance | 2014-02-07 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-029 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
This Site Management Plan for the ARBS ODMDS East and West, ODMDSs was developed jointly by USEPA, Region 6 and USACE, New Orleans District (USACE-MVN). This plan includes, a baseline assessment of conditions at the sites, a program for monitoring the sites, special management conditions necessary to protect the environment. |
| Site Management Plan Calcasieu River and Pass, LA Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites | 1996-12-17 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-031 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
The purpose of ODMDS management is to ensure that placement activities do not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, the marine environment, or economic potentialities. This Site Management Plan for the ARBS ODMDS East and West, ODMDSs was developed jointly by USEPA, Region 6 and USACE, New Orleans District (USACE-MVN). This plan includes, a baseline assessment of conditions at the sites, a program for monitoring the sites, special management conditions necessary to protect the environment , consideration of the quantity of dredged material to be discharged, and schedule for review and revision of the plan. |
| Freeport Harbor Deepening and Widening Channel Improvement Project, (FHCIP) Brazoria County, Texas ODMDS Management and Monitoring Plan | 2011-05-05 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-032 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
The purpose of ODMDS management is to ensure that placement activities do not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, the marine environment, or economic potentialities. This Site Management Plan for the FHCIP ODMDSs was developed jointly by USEPA, Region 6 and USACE, Galveston District (USACE-SWG). The overall objectives of this SMMP; ocean discharge of only dredged material that satisfies criteria set forth in 40 CPR Part 227 Subparts B, C, D, E, and G and Part 228.4(e) and is suitable for unrestricted placement at ODMDs and avoidance of excessive mounding. |
| Channel to Port Mansfield, Texas, Site Management Plan for the Maintenance Dredging Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site | 2008-12-15 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-033 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
The purpose of ODMDS management is to ensure that placement activities do not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, the marine environment, or economic potentialities. This Site Management Plan for the Channel to Port Mansfield, TX ODMDSs was developed jointly by USEPA, Region 6 and USACE, New Orleans District (USACE-MVN). This plan includes, a baseline assessment of conditions at the sites, a program for monitoring the sites, special management conditions necessary to protect the environment , consideration of the quantity of dredged material to be discharged, and schedule for review and revision of the plan. |
| Site Management Plan Sabine Natches Waterway, Texas Ocean Dredged material Disposal Sites | 2010-05-07 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-034 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
This Site Management Plan for the Sabine-Neches Waterway, Texas (SNWW) ODMDSs was developed jointly by EPA Region 6 and USACE, Galveston District (USACE-SWG). In accordance with Section 102(c)(3) of the MPRSA, as amended by WRDA 92, the plan includes the following: a program for monitoring the sites, special management conditions necessary to protect the environment , consideration of the quantity of dredged material to be discharged, and schedule for review and revision of the plan. |
| Site Management and Monitoring Plan Sabine Natches Waterway, Texas Ocean Dredged material Disposal Sites | 2019-11-01 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-035 |
Monitoring, placement areas, Site Characterization, dredge quality management, bathymetric surveys, historical use, anticipated site use, MPRSA sec. 102 |
This Site Management Plan for the ARBS ODMDS East and West, ODMDSs was developed jointly by USEPA, Region 6 and USACE, New Orleans District (USACE-MVN). This plan includes, a baseline assessment of conditions at the sites, a program for monitoring the sites, special management conditions necessary to protect the environment , consideration of the quantity of dredged material to be discharged, and schedule for review and revision of the plan. |
| National Estuary Program Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Revision and Update Guidelines | 2015-02-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-036 |
Revisions to Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans |
Requirements and procedures for amending a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. [Updates - minor modifications every 5 years, Revisions - major rewrite less frequently (10 years or more)] |
| National Estuary Program, Program Evaluation Guidance | 2020-08-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-038 |
Assessing NEP Performance |
To assess NEP progress in achieving long-term program goals, EPA conducts a Program Evaluation for each NEP. EPA developed NEP Program Evaluation Guidance that covers how to assess the effectiveness of NEP actions. The Guidance presented below includes performance measures, describes a process for conducting site visits, and provides a feedback loop which helps ensure that recommendations for improvement are implemented. |
| Financial Management of Funds other than EPA Operational Funding | 2018-05-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-039 |
Establish internal controls & ensure resources are used efficiently & effectively for the purpose for which they were appropriated & authorized. (STAG, NRDA, CWPPRA, RESTORE, etc.) |
Controls will include: 1) procedures for accurate payroll (if applicable), travel and other expenses charging; 2) monthly review of budget reports; 3) increased communication between managers, staff and the funds coordinators/financial integrity coordinator (FIC); and 4) participation in Appropriations Law training. |
| US-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program Standard Operating Procedures | 2011-05-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-040 |
Roles and Responsibilities for program partners, |
The US-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program partners created a Standard Operating Procedure. |
| Water Quality Assessment NPDES Permit Issuance Actions | 2003-09-29 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-041 |
303 (d) list, TMDL, WQMP |
Flowchart demonstrating 303(d) list, TMDL & WQMP in NPDES Permits. |
| Determining the Need for Water Quality-Based Permit Effluent limitations | 1991-10-08 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-042 |
Reasonable Potential Analysis |
A procedure for effluent data analysis that is used to determine when a water quality-based limitation is necessary. |
| NPDES Permit Reapplication Guidance | 2013-04-12 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-043 |
Application Data, Frequently Asked Questions, MQL, Sample, and Test Requirements |
Permit application renewal information. |
| Permit Limitations for Uncontaminated Stormwater | 1987-06-17 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-044 |
Uncontaminated Stormwater limits i.e. TOC, Oil & grease, pH, COD limits |
Although the letter was written by LDEQ to EPA, Region 6 has consistently used these permit limitations for uncontaminated stormwater. These limits have proven to be achievable and Region 6 has relied on these limits for uncontaminated stormwater. |
| National WET Implementation Guidance Under the NPDES Program | 2004-11-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-045 |
State Implementation Procedures to WET Criteria are met, Development of WET requirements in Permits |
WET Implementation Guidance presents EPA’s approaches to addressing some issues concerning WET implementation. |
| NPDES Permit Rating Worksheet | 1990-06-27 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-046 |
Instructions for Completing the NPDES Permit Rating Work Sheet |
A rating worksheet to determine whether a facility is major, discretionary major or a minor source. |
| Procedures for Implementing NPDES Permits in New Mexico - NMIP | 2012-03-15 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-047 |
Antidegradation Implementation, Water Quality-Based limits, TMDL, WET, Reasonable Potential |
Establishes procedures to effectively incorporate the NMWQS into NPDES Permits. |
| Permitting Guidance document for Implementing Louisiana Surface Water Quality Standards, Water Quality Management Plan | 2010-10-26 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-048 |
Water Quality-Based limits, TMDL, WET, Reasonable Potential, Wetland Assimilation of Nutrient Rich Discharges |
This document establishes procedures to effectively incorporate the water quality standards into wastewater discharge permits. |
| Title 252, Chapter 690 Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Standards Implementation Procedures to Implement the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards | 2017-09-15 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-049 |
Water Quality-Based limits, TMDL, WET, Reasonable Potential |
Establishes procedures to effectively incorporate the Oklahoma WQS into NPDES Permits. |
| Procedures to Implement the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards | 2010-06-00 | 2020-02-28 | EPA-906-Region- 6-2020-050 |
Water Quality-Based limits, TMDL, WET |
Establishes procedures to effectively incorporate the Texas WQS into NPDES Permits. |