State of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - Grove Trout Rearing Station

NOTICE OF PERMIT ISSUANCE

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) proposes to reissue, with change, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to the State of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE, for the Grove Trout Rearing Facility, 52072 864th Road, Royal, NE (NPDES# NE0001201; SIC 0921). The state-owned fish hatchery raises multiple fish species for stocking in Nebraska public waters. This facility has raceways and lined ponds. The primary water source for this hatchery is the East Branch of Verdigre Creek plus some additional water can be provided by onsite wells.  Aquaculture process water is discharged through Outfalls 001, 002, and 003 to the East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Segment NI2-10320 in the Niobrara River Basin. The permit would be issued for a period of up to five years and would restrict pollutant discharges to comply with the requirements of Department regulations. The draft permit, fact sheet, and other public information are available for review and copying at NDEE’s Lincoln Office, 245 Fallbrook Boulevard, Suite 100, Lincoln, Nebraska 68521 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT), weekdays, excluding holidays. To request copies of the draft permit and other information, call 402-471-3557. Individuals requiring special accommodations or alternate formats of materials should notify the Department by calling 402-471-2186. TDD users should call 800-833-7352 and ask the relay operator to call the Department at 402-471-2186. Written comments, objections, and/or hearing requests concerning permit issuance may be submitted to NPDES and State Permits Section, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, PO Box 98922, Lincoln, NE 68509-8922; before the comment period ending date of December 27, 2024. A determination to hold a hearing will be based upon factual environmental or regulatory consideration. The NDEE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and NDEE does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in or oppose actions protected/prohibited by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.