From the EPA's "Statement of Basis" Regarding GunnisonAfter the close of the public comment period, EPA will review and consider all written comments and oral testimony relevant to the Draft Permit, proposed Aquifer Exemption, and application. EPA will prepare and send a response to comments to the applicant and each person who has submitted written comments or requested notice of the final permit decision. EPA will also post a response to comments document on our website. (Not yet on the website as of May 1)
The response to comments document will contain a response to all significant comments on the Draft Permit and the proposed Aquifer Exemption, EPA’s final permitting and Aquifer Exemption decisions, any changed permit conditions, the reasons for the changes, and procedures for appealing the final permitting decision. The final permit decision shall be to either issue or deny the Permit. (the "Notice of Decision")
The final decision shall become effective no sooner than thirty (30) days after EPA’s service of the notice of decision. Within thirty (30) days after the final permit decision has been issued, any person who filed comments on the Draft Permit or takes issue with any changes from the draft to the final permit decision, may petition the Environmental Appeals Board to review any condition of the permit decision. Commenters are referred to 40 CFR §124.19 for procedural requirements of the appeal process. If no comments request a change in the Draft Permit, the Permit shall become effective immediately upon issuance (40 CFR §124.15).