S. 4181 — Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act

This section directs the EPA Administrator to promulgate, not later than 60 days after enactment, a final rule prohibiting (1) discharges of plastic pellets or other pre-production plastic materials—including into wastewater and other runoff—from facilities regulated under 40 CFR part 414 (i.e., organic chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibers manufacturing) or part 463 (i.e., plastics molding and forming); and (2) such discharges from point sources (as defined in Clean Water Act §502) that make, use, package, or transport those materials. The rule must require these prohibitions to be reflected in (A) all applicable wastewater, stormwater, and other permits issued under Clean Water Act §402 by EPA and state-delegated programs and (B) all standards of performance promulgated under Clean Water Act §312(p) (i.e., uniform national standards for discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels).