Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities; Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Control of Emissions From Existing Sewage Sludge Incineration Units, 25611-25613 [2016-09862]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 83 / Friday, April 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations performance test specifications as unnecessary to retain in the applicable SIP and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action: • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act; and • Does not provide the EPA with the discretionary authority to address disproportionate human health or environmental effects with practical, appropriate, and legally permissible methods under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any other area where the EPA or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian country, this rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor will it impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 Apr 28, 2016 Jkt 238001 Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. The EPA will submit a report containing this action and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by June 28, 2016. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements (see section 307(b)(2)). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: April 15, 2016. Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator, Region IX. Part 52, Chapter I, Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 52—APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS 1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Subpart D—Arizona 2. Section 52.120 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(29)(i)(B) to read as follows: ■ § 52.120 Identification of plan. * * * * * (c) * * * (29) * * * (i) * * * (B) Previously approved on April 23, 1982, in paragraph (c)(29)(i)(A) of this section and now deleted without replacement: Arizona Testing Manual PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 25611 for Air Pollutant Emissions, Sections 3.0 and 4.0. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2016–10008 Filed 4–28–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 62 [EPA–R02–OAR–2015–0755; FRL–9945–71– Region 2] Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities; Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Control of Emissions From Existing Sewage Sludge Incineration Units Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving the State plan submitted by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to implement and enforce the Emission Guidelines (EG) for existing sewage sludge incineration (SSI) units. Puerto Rico’s plan is consistent with the EG promulgated by the EPA on March 21, 2011. Puerto Rico’s plan establishes emission limits and other requirements for the purpose of reducing toxic air emissions and other air pollutants from existing SSI units throughout the Commonwealth. At the request of Puerto Rico, the EPA is not taking action on a provision of its SSI plan allowing for affirmative defenses of Clean Air Act violations in the case of malfunctions. Puerto Rico submitted its plan to fulfill the requirements of sections 111(d) and 129 of the Clean Air Act. DATES: This rule is effective on May 31, 2016. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R02– OAR–2015–0755), to https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. The EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\29APR1.SGM 29APR1 25612 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 83 / Friday, April 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/ commenting-epa-dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony (Ted) Gardella, Air Programs Branch, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 2, 290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10007–1866, (212) 637–3892, or by email at gardella.anthony@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. What action is the EPA taking today? The EPA is approving Puerto Rico’s State plan submitted to the EPA on July 30, 2014, for the control of air emissions from existing sewage sludge incineration (SSI) units throughout the Commonwealth. When the EPA developed the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) (subpart LLLL) for SSI units on March 21, 2011, it concurrently promulgated Emission Guidelines (EG) (subpart MMMM) to control air emissions from existing SSI units. The Puerto Rico State SSI plan adopts and implements the EG applicable to existing SSI units, and establishes other requirements for SSI units constructed on or before October 14, 2010. The Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (PREQB) developed a plan, as required by sections 111(d) and 129 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), to adopt the EG into its body of regulations, and EPA is acting today to approve Puerto Rico’s plan. As explained below, Puerto Rico requested in its July 30, 2014 submittal, that the EPA not take any action on a provision of the Puerto Rico State SSI plan allowing for affirmative defenses of CAA violations in the case of malfunctions. Therefore, the EPA is not taking action on the affirmative defense provision portion of Puerto Rico’s State SSI plan. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES II. What is the background for Puerto Rico’s request that EPA not take action on the affirmative defense provision? In an April 18, 2014 opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit Court) vacated an affirmative defense in one of the EPA’s Section 112 regulations. Natural Resources Defense Council v. Environmental Protection Agency, 749 F.3d 1055 (D.C. Circuit, 2014) (vacating affirmative defense provisions in the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 Apr 28, 2016 Jkt 238001 Section 112 rule establishing emission standards for Portland cement kilns). The court found that the EPA lacked authority to establish an affirmative defense for private civil suits and held that under the CAA, the authority to determine civil penalty amounts in such cases lies exclusively with the courts, not the EPA. The Office of General Counsel determined that EPA policy should reflect the court’s decision. The vacated affirmative defense provision in the EPA’s Portland cement MACT rule is identical to the affirmative defense provision in the EPA’s SSI EG, promulgated on March 21, 2011, under sections 111(d) and 129 of the CAA, at § 60.5181 (‘‘How do I establish an affirmative defense for exceedance of an emission limit or standard during a malfunction?’’). Puerto Rico’s State SSI plan adopted all the applicable requirements of the EPA’s SSI EG, including the affirmative defense provisions at § 60.5181, into its State plan at Rule 405(d) of the Regulation for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution (RCAP). Specifically, Puerto Rico requested that the EPA not include the following affirmative defense provisions in Puerto Rico’s Rule 405(d): (d)(2)(E), (d)(2)(E)(i) and (d)(2)(E)(ii) in Puerto Rico’s State plan. Because of the April 2014 D.C. Court vacatur referred to above, Puerto Rico, in its July 30, 2014 submittal letter to the EPA, requested that the EPA not take action on the affirmative defense provision included in Puerto Rico’s State SSI plan submitted to the EPA for approval on July 30, 2014.1 Consequently, the EPA is not taking any action on those particular provisions of Puerto Rico’s State SSI plan as discussed herein. III. What are the details of EPA’s action? On March 21, 2011, in accordance with sections 111(d) and 129 of the CAA, EPA promulgated the SSI EG and compliance times for the control of emissions from existing SSI units. See 76 FR 15371. EPA codified these guidelines at 40 CFR part 60, subpart MMMM. They include a model rule at 40 CFR 60.5085 through 62.5250 that States may use to develop their own plans. Under that rule, EPA has defined an ‘‘SSI unit,’’ in part, as any 1 On April 13, 2016, the EPA Administrator signed the final rule for the Federal SSI plan which would apply to SSI units that are not covered by an approved and effective state plan. The Federal plan does not include an affirmative defense to violations that result from malfunctions. The reader is referred to section IV.B. on page 82 of the prepublication version of the federal plan on EPA’s Web site at: https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/atw/129/ssi/ SSI%20final%20Federal%20Plan.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 incineration unit that combusts sewage sludge for the purpose of reducing the volume of the sewage sludge by removing combustible matter. 40 CFR 60.5250. On July 30, 2014,2 the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board submitted its section 111(d) State plan for implementing EPA’s EG for existing SSI units located in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico amended Rule 102, entitled ‘‘Definitions of the Regulation for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution (RCAP),’’ and incorporated Rule 405(d), entitled ‘‘Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Existing Sewage Sludge Incineration Units (SSI),’’ to include the requirements for implementing the SSI EG covered under Sections 111(d) and 129 of the CAA, and codified in 40 CFR part 60, subpart MMMM. Revisions to Puerto Rico’s Rules 3 became effective on July 13, 2014. For further details, the reader is referred to EPA’s proposal located in the EPA’s electronic docket at www.regulations.gov. IV. What comments were received on the proposed approval and how has the EPA responded to them? There were no comments received on the EPA’s proposed rulemaking (80 FR 76894, December 11, 2015) regarding Puerto Rico’s State plan for existing SSI units. The 30-day public comment period on the EPA’s proposed approval ended on January 11, 2016. V. What is the EPA’s conclusion? For the reasons described in this rulemaking and in EPA’s proposal, the EPA is approving Puerto Rico’s sections 111(d) and 129 plan for existing SSI units. However, as described above, the EPA is not taking any action on the affirmative defense provisions in Puerto Rico’s Rule 405(d), as follows: (d)(2)(E), (d)(2)(E)(i) and (d)(2)(E)(ii) in Puerto Rico’s State plan. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a 111(d)/129 plan submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable 2 In emails dated 6/04/2015, 8/10/2015 and 11/ 10/2015, Puerto Rico responded to EPA’s requests to provide clarifying information concerning Puerto Rico’s State SSI plan. This clarifying information also is available in EPA’s docket at www.regulations.gov. 3 Puerto Rico’s SSI regulation can be found at the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board’s Web page at: https://www2.pr.gov/agencias/jca/ LeyesyReglamentos/Pages/Reglamentos.aspx. Then look for RCAP Amendment Reg. 8485 for SSI units. E:\FR\FM\29APR1.SGM 29APR1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 83 / Friday, April 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Federal regulations. 40 CFR 62.04. Thus, in reviewing 111(d)/129 plan submissions, EPA’s role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action: • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act; and • Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this action does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175, because the section 111(d)/129 plan is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this section. The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 Apr 28, 2016 Jkt 238001 agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. The EPA will submit a report containing this action and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by June 28, 2016. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2)). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 62 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, Aluminum, Fertilizers, Fluoride, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Paper and products industry, Phosphate, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Sulfuric acid plants, Waste treatment and disposal. Dated: April 18, 2016. Judith A. Enck, Regional Administrator, Region 2. PART 62—APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF STATE PLANS FOR DESIGNATED FACILITIES AND POLLUTANTS 1. The authority citation for part 62 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Subpart BBB—Puerto Rico Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 § 62.13109 Identification of plan. (a) On July 30, 2014, the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (PREQB) submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency a section 111(d)/129 plan for implementation and enforcement of 40 CFR part 60, subpart MMMM—Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Existing Sewage Sludge Incineration Units. In emails dated June 4, 2015, August 10, 2015 and November 10, 2015, the PREQB submitted clarifying information concerning Puerto Rico’s plan. The State plan includes revisions to Rule 102 and Rule 405 of the Puerto Rico Regulations for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution, entitled, ‘‘Definitions’’ and ‘‘Incineration,’’ Respectively. The revisions to Rules 102 and 405 became effective on July 13, 2014. At the request of Puerto Rico, EPA has not taken any action on a provision of its State plan allowing for affirmative defenses of Clean Air Act violations in the case of malfunctions. (b) Identification of sources: The plan applies to existing sewage sludge incineration (SSI) units that: (1) Commenced construction on or before October 14, 2010; or (2) Commenced a modification on or before September 21, 2011 primarily to comply with Puerto Rico’s plan; and (3) Meets the definition of a SSI unit defined in Puerto Rico’s plan. (c) The effective date of the plan for existing sewage sludge incineration units is May 31, 2016. [FR Doc. 2016–09862 Filed 4–28–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 49 CFR Parts 171, 173, and 178 [Docket No. PHMSA–2015–0271 (HM–261)] RIN 2137–AF15 Hazardous Materials: Incorporation by Reference Edition Update for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries: Pressure Piping Code Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Direct final rule. AGENCY: 2. Add § 62.13109 and an undesignated heading to subpart BBB to read as follows: PO 00000 Air Emissions From Existing Sewage Sludge Incineration Units Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 40 CFR part 62 is amended as follows: ■ 25613 E:\FR\FM\29APR1.SGM 29APR1

Agencies

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 83 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25611-25613]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09862]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 62

[EPA-R02-OAR-2015-0755; FRL-9945-71-Region 2]

Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated
Facilities; Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Control of Emissions From
Existing Sewage Sludge Incineration Units

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving the
State plan submitted by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to implement
and enforce the Emission Guidelines (EG) for existing sewage sludge
incineration (SSI) units. Puerto Rico's plan is consistent with the EG
promulgated by the EPA on March 21, 2011. Puerto Rico's plan
establishes emission limits and other requirements for the purpose of
reducing toxic air emissions and other air pollutants from existing SSI
units throughout the Commonwealth. At the request of Puerto Rico, the
EPA is not taking action on a provision of its SSI plan allowing for
affirmative defenses of Clean Air Act violations in the case of
malfunctions. Puerto Rico submitted its plan to fulfill the
requirements of sections 111(d) and 129 of the Clean Air Act.

DATES: This rule is effective on May 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R02-
OAR-2015-0755), to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot
be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. The EPA may publish any
comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI)
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a
written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment
and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA
will generally not consider comments or comment

[[Page 25612]]

contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the web,
cloud, or other file sharing system).
For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment
policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general
guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony (Ted) Gardella, Air Programs
Branch, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 2, 290 Broadway,
25th Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866, (212) 637-3892, or by email
at gardella.anthony@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. What action is the EPA taking today?

The EPA is approving Puerto Rico's State plan submitted to the EPA
on July 30, 2014, for the control of air emissions from existing sewage
sludge incineration (SSI) units throughout the Commonwealth. When the
EPA developed the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) (subpart
LLLL) for SSI units on March 21, 2011, it concurrently promulgated
Emission Guidelines (EG) (subpart MMMM) to control air emissions from
existing SSI units. The Puerto Rico State SSI plan adopts and
implements the EG applicable to existing SSI units, and establishes
other requirements for SSI units constructed on or before October 14,
2010.
The Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (PREQB) developed a
plan, as required by sections 111(d) and 129 of the Clean Air Act
(CAA), to adopt the EG into its body of regulations, and EPA is acting
today to approve Puerto Rico's plan.
As explained below, Puerto Rico requested in its July 30, 2014
submittal, that the EPA not take any action on a provision of the
Puerto Rico State SSI plan allowing for affirmative defenses of CAA
violations in the case of malfunctions.
Therefore, the EPA is not taking action on the affirmative defense
provision portion of Puerto Rico's State SSI plan.

II. What is the background for Puerto Rico's request that EPA not take
action on the affirmative defense provision?

In an April 18, 2014 opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit Court) vacated an
affirmative defense in one of the EPA's Section 112 regulations.
Natural Resources Defense Council v. Environmental Protection Agency,
749 F.3d 1055 (D.C. Circuit, 2014) (vacating affirmative defense
provisions in the Section 112 rule establishing emission standards for
Portland cement kilns). The court found that the EPA lacked authority
to establish an affirmative defense for private civil suits and held
that under the CAA, the authority to determine civil penalty amounts in
such cases lies exclusively with the courts, not the EPA. The Office of
General Counsel determined that EPA policy should reflect the court's
decision. The vacated affirmative defense provision in the EPA's
Portland cement MACT rule is identical to the affirmative defense
provision in the EPA's SSI EG, promulgated on March 21, 2011, under
sections 111(d) and 129 of the CAA, at Sec. 60.5181 (``How do I
establish an affirmative defense for exceedance of an emission limit or
standard during a malfunction?''). Puerto Rico's State SSI plan adopted
all the applicable requirements of the EPA's SSI EG, including the
affirmative defense provisions at Sec. 60.5181, into its State plan at
Rule 405(d) of the Regulation for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution
(RCAP). Specifically, Puerto Rico requested that the EPA not include
the following affirmative defense provisions in Puerto Rico's Rule
405(d): (d)(2)(E), (d)(2)(E)(i) and (d)(2)(E)(ii) in Puerto Rico's
State plan.
Because of the April 2014 D.C. Court vacatur referred to above,
Puerto Rico, in its July 30, 2014 submittal letter to the EPA,
requested that the EPA not take action on the affirmative defense
provision included in Puerto Rico's State SSI plan submitted to the EPA
for approval on July 30, 2014.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ On April 13, 2016, the EPA Administrator signed the final
rule for the Federal SSI plan which would apply to SSI units that
are not covered by an approved and effective state plan. The Federal
plan does not include an affirmative defense to violations that
result from malfunctions. The reader is referred to section IV.B. on
page 82 of the prepublication version of the federal plan on EPA's
Web site at: https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/atw/129/ssi/SSI%20final%20Federal%20Plan.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consequently, the EPA is not taking any action on those particular
provisions of Puerto Rico's State SSI plan as discussed herein.

III. What are the details of EPA's action?

On March 21, 2011, in accordance with sections 111(d) and 129 of
the CAA, EPA promulgated the SSI EG and compliance times for the
control of emissions from existing SSI units. See 76 FR 15371. EPA
codified these guidelines at 40 CFR part 60, subpart MMMM. They include
a model rule at 40 CFR 60.5085 through 62.5250 that States may use to
develop their own plans. Under that rule, EPA has defined an ``SSI
unit,'' in part, as any incineration unit that combusts sewage sludge
for the purpose of reducing the volume of the sewage sludge by removing
combustible matter. 40 CFR 60.5250.
On July 30, 2014,\2\ the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
submitted its section 111(d) State plan for implementing EPA's EG for
existing SSI units located in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\2\ In emails dated 6/04/2015, 8/10/2015 and 11/10/2015, Puerto
Rico responded to EPA's requests to provide clarifying information
concerning Puerto Rico's State SSI plan. This clarifying information
also is available in EPA's docket at www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Puerto Rico amended Rule 102, entitled ``Definitions of the
Regulation for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution (RCAP),'' and
incorporated Rule 405(d), entitled ``Emission Guidelines and Compliance
Times for Existing Sewage Sludge Incineration Units (SSI),'' to include
the requirements for implementing the SSI EG covered under Sections
111(d) and 129 of the CAA, and codified in 40 CFR part 60, subpart
MMMM. Revisions to Puerto Rico's Rules \3\ became effective on July 13,
2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ Puerto Rico's SSI regulation can be found at the Puerto Rico
Environmental Quality Board's Web page at: https://www2.pr.gov/agencias/jca/LeyesyReglamentos/Pages/Reglamentos.aspx. Then look for
RCAP Amendment Reg. 8485 for SSI units.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

For further details, the reader is referred to EPA's proposal
located in the EPA's electronic docket at www.regulations.gov.

IV. What comments were received on the proposed approval and how has
the EPA responded to them?

There were no comments received on the EPA's proposed rulemaking
(80 FR 76894, December 11, 2015) regarding Puerto Rico's State plan for
existing SSI units. The 30-day public comment period on the EPA's
proposed approval ended on January 11, 2016.

V. What is the EPA's conclusion?

For the reasons described in this rulemaking and in EPA's proposal,
the EPA is approving Puerto Rico's sections 111(d) and 129 plan for
existing SSI units. However, as described above, the EPA is not taking
any action on the affirmative defense provisions in Puerto Rico's Rule
405(d), as follows: (d)(2)(E), (d)(2)(E)(i) and (d)(2)(E)(ii) in Puerto
Rico's State plan.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a 111(d)/
129 plan submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and
applicable

[[Page 25613]]

Federal regulations. 40 CFR 62.04. Thus, in reviewing 111(d)/129 plan
submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that they
meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this action merely approves
state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose
additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that
reason, this action:
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
Does not impose an information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
Is certified as not having a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
Does not have Federalism implications as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
Is not an economically significant regulatory action based
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997);
Is not a significant regulatory action subject to
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent
with the Clean Air Act; and
Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
In addition, this action does not have tribal implications as
specified by Executive Order 13175, because the section 111(d)/129 plan
is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, and
EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal
governments or preempt tribal law. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not
apply to this section.
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule,
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. The EPA will submit a report containing this action and
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by June 28, 2016. Filing a
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule
does not affect the finality of this action for the purposes of
judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for
judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness
of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in
proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2)).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 62

Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Aluminum, Fertilizers, Fluoride, Incorporation
by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Paper and products industry,
Phosphate, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides,
Sulfuric acid plants, Waste treatment and disposal.

Dated: April 18, 2016.
Judith A. Enck,
Regional Administrator, Region 2.

40 CFR part 62 is amended as follows:

PART 62--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF STATE PLANS FOR DESIGNATED
FACILITIES AND POLLUTANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 62 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Subpart BBB--Puerto Rico

0
2. Add Sec. 62.13109 and an undesignated heading to subpart BBB to
read as follows:

Air Emissions From Existing Sewage Sludge Incineration Units

Sec. 62.13109 Identification of plan.

(a) On July 30, 2014, the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
(PREQB) submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency a section
111(d)/129 plan for implementation and enforcement of 40 CFR part 60,
subpart MMMM--Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Existing
Sewage Sludge Incineration Units. In emails dated June 4, 2015, August
10, 2015 and November 10, 2015, the PREQB submitted clarifying
information concerning Puerto Rico's plan. The State plan includes
revisions to Rule 102 and Rule 405 of the Puerto Rico Regulations for
the Control of Atmospheric Pollution, entitled, ``Definitions'' and
``Incineration,'' Respectively. The revisions to Rules 102 and 405
became effective on July 13, 2014. At the request of Puerto Rico, EPA
has not taken any action on a provision of its State plan allowing for
affirmative defenses of Clean Air Act violations in the case of
malfunctions.
(b) Identification of sources: The plan applies to existing sewage
sludge incineration (SSI) units that:
(1) Commenced construction on or before October 14, 2010; or
(2) Commenced a modification on or before September 21, 2011
primarily to comply with Puerto Rico's plan; and
(3) Meets the definition of a SSI unit defined in Puerto Rico's
plan.
(c) The effective date of the plan for existing sewage sludge
incineration units is May 31, 2016.

[FR Doc. 2016-09862 Filed 4-28-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.