Source-Specific Federal Implementation Plan for Four Corners Power Plant; Navajo Nation, 25698-25708 [E7-8530]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 87 / Monday, May 7, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
(b) [Reserved]
Dated: April 26, 2007.
Peter J. Probasco,
Acting Chair, Federal Subsistence Board.
Dated: April 26, 2007.
Steve Kessler,
Subsistence Program Leader, USDA—Forest
Service.
[FR Doc. 07–2205 Filed 5–4–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P; 4310–55–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 49
[EPA–R09–OAR–2006–0184; FRL–8308–6]
RIN 2009–AA01
Source-Specific Federal
Implementation Plan for Four Corners
Power Plant; Navajo Nation
Environmental Protection
Agency.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is promulgating a sourcespecific Federal Implementation Plan
(FIP) to regulate emissions from the
Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP), a
coal-fired power plant located on the
Navajo Indian Reservation near
Farmington, New Mexico.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective on
June 6, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rebecca Rosen, EPA Region IX, (415)
947–4152, rosen.rebecca@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has
established a docket for this action
under Docket ID No. R09-OAR–2006–
0184. All documents in the docket are
listed in the Federal eRulemaking portal
index at https://www.regulations.gov and
are available either electronically at
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
EPA Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street,
San Francisco, California, 94105. To
inspect the hard copy materials, please
schedule an appointment during normal
business hours with the contact listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section. A reasonable fee may be
charged for copies.
Throughout this document, ‘‘we,’’
‘‘us’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to EPA.
Table of Contents
I. Background of the Final Rule
II. Analysis of Major Issues Raised by
Commenters
A. Jurisdictional and Authority Issues
B. Concerns About the Scope of the FIP
C. Comments on Emissions Limits
D. Comments on Control Requirements
III. Administrative Requirements
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A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions that
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
I. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions
to Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
K. Congressional Review Act
L. Petitions for Judicial Review
I. Background of the Final Rule
FCPP is a privately owned and
operated coal-fired power plant located
on the Navajo Indian Reservation near
Farmington, New Mexico. Based on
lease agreements signed in 1960, FCPP
was constructed and has been operating
on real property held in trust by the
federal government for the Navajo
Nation. The facility consists of five coalfired electric utility steam generating
units with a total capacity in excess of
2000 megawatts (MW).
In 1999, EPA initially proposed to
promulgate a FIP to regulate emissions
from FCPP. At that time, FCPP had
historically achieved certain emissions
limits which had been approved by EPA
into the New Mexico SIP. See 40 CFR
52.1640. However, because the New
Mexico SIP is not approved to apply on
the Navajo Indian Reservation, and
because the Navajo Nation did not have
a federally applicable tribal
implementation plan (TIP), EPA
proposed to promulgate a FIP to remedy
the existing regulatory gap. 64 FR 48731
(September 8, 1999) (1999 proposed
FIP). The proposed FIP would have, in
essence, federalized the requirements
contained in the New Mexico SIP which
FCPP had historically followed. In
explaining the basis for its proposed
action, EPA stated that given the
magnitude of emissions from the plant,
the Agency believed the proposed FIP
provisions were necessary and
appropriate to ensure the protection of
air quality on the Reservation. 64 FR at
48733.
Before EPA took final action on the
1999 proposed FIP, a stakeholders group
of environmental organizations
(Environmental Defense, Western
Resource Advocates, and New Mexico
Citizens for Clean Air and Water), the
National Park Service (NPS), and
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Arizona Public Service (APS), the
operating agent for FCPP, convened to
discuss the facility. The stakeholders
group negotiated substantial additional
sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions
reductions which FCPP believed it
could achieve by enhancing the
efficiency of its existing SO2 scrubbers.
After testing the program, the Navajo
Nation and the stakeholders group
requested that EPA include these
negotiated, additional SO2 emissions
reductions in the FIP. FCPP agreed to
increase the amount of SO2 emissions it
was eliminating from its exhaust stream
from 72% to 88%, thereby reducing its
annual emissions of SO2 to the
atmosphere by about 25,000 tons per
year.
EPA did not finalize the proposed
1999 FIP after the stakeholders group
began negotiations. Instead, after the
stakeholders group had finished its
work, EPA proposed a new FIP in
September, 2006. 71 FR 53631
(September 12, 2006) (2006 proposed
FIP).
In the 2006 proposed FIP, EPA again
explained that to remedy the regulatory
gap that exists with regard to FCPP, the
Agency was proposing to issue a sourcespecific FIP. EPA proposed to establish
federally enforceable emission limits for
SO2, NOX, PM, and opacity, and control
measures for dust. For SO2, the 2006
proposed FIP included a requirement
for FCPP to comply with a significantly
lower emission limit than the one set
forth in the 1999 proposed FIP. For NOX
and PM emissions, EPA again proposed
to federalize the emissions limits which
FCPP has historically followed. In other
words, the primary difference between
EPA’s 1999 proposed FIP and our 2006
proposed FIP is our inclusion of
requirements for FCPP to comply with
the more stringent SO2 emissions
limitation.
EPA’s objective at this time in
promulgating a FIP for FCPP is to
remedy the existing regulatory gap
described above. Today’s action will
make federally enforceable the emission
limitations which FCPP has historically
followed as well as ensuring that FCPP
continues to significantly reduce its
emissions of SO2. This action will help
to advance the goals of ensuring
continued maintenance of the national
ambient air quality standards and
protecting visibility. Given the
importance of these goals and the
magnitude of emissions from the plant,
EPA believes that making these limits
federally enforceable is appropriate to
protect air quality on the Reservation
and is accordingly exercising its
discretionary authority under sections
301(a) and 301(d)(4) of the CAA and 40
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CFR 49.11(a) to promulgate a FIP
containing provisions to achieve these
ends.
II. Analysis of Major Issues Raised by
Commenters
EPA received 43 comment letters on
the proposal. The Navajo Nation EPA
and one environmental organization
provided comments in support of the
proposed FIP. Other commenters raised
concerns which focused on EPA’s
jurisdiction over FCPP and our exercise
of FIP authority, general concerns about
air quality and health in the Four
Corners area, more specific comments
about the emission limits and control
requirements in the proposed FIP, and
questions as to whether FCPP’s SO2
emissions reductions were close to or
equivalent to that achievable through
best available retrofit technology
(BART).
EPA held a public informational
workshop and public hearing on the
proposed FIP in Farmington, New
Mexico, on October 5, 2006. EPA
received approximately 36 written and
e-mail comments and 7 oral comments.
Many of those commenting at the public
hearing also submitted their comments
in writing.
Our complete Response to Comments
is contained in a separate document in
the docket for this rulemaking. A
summary of the significant comments
and responses is provided below.
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A. Jurisdictional and Authority Issues
Comment: Several commenters raised
issues regarding EPA’s authority to
promulgate a FIP for FCPP. Some
commenters stated that EPA does not
have the authority to promulgate the
proposed FIP because FCPP’s ongoing
compliance with the emissions limits in
the New Mexico SIP means that there is
no regulatory gap for EPA to fill.
Response: EPA’s authority to
promulgate a source-specific FIP is
based on Clean Air Act (CAA) sections
301(a) and (d)(4) and the regulations
implementing these provisions known
as the Tribal Authority Rule (TAR) at 40
CFR Part 49. CAA section 301(d)(4)
provides EPA with broad discretion to
promulgate regulations directly for
sources located in Indian country,1
1 ‘‘Indian country’’ is defined under 18 U.S.C.
1151 as: (1) All land within the limits of any Indian
reservation under the jurisdiction of the United
States Government, notwithstanding the issuance of
any patent, and including rights-of-way running
through the reservation, (2) all dependent Indian
communities within the borders of the United
States, whether within the original or subsequently
acquired territory thereof, and whether within or
without the limits of a State, and (3) all Indian
allotments, the Indian titles to which have not been
extinguished, including rights-of-way running
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including on Indian reservations if we
determine such Federal regulations are
‘‘necessary or appropriate’’ and the
Tribe has not promulgated a TIP.
Specifically, in 40 CFR 49.11, EPA
interpreted CAA section 301(d)(4) to
authorize EPA to promulgate ‘‘such
Federal implementation plan provisions
as are necessary or appropriate to
protect air quality.’’
As explained in the 1999 and 2006
proposed FIPs, a regulatory gap exists
with regard to FCPP. 64 FR at 43,955;
71 FR at 53,632. Although FCPP has
historically followed the rules in the
New Mexico SIP, EPA has not found
that New Mexico had regulatory
authority under the CAA on the Navajo
Indian Reservation and has not
approved the State’s implementation
plan for any area on the Reservation. It
is EPA’s position that, absent an explicit
finding of jurisdiction and approval in
Indian country, State and local
governments lack authority under the
CAA over air pollution sources, and the
owners or operators of air pollution
sources, throughout Indian country. See
63 FR 7254, 7259 (February 12, 1998)
(responding to comment that EPA
should ‘‘ ‘grandfather’ existing facility
subject to state authority so that states
continue to regulate those facilities until
the affected parties all agree
cooperatively to a transition from state
to tribal jurisdiction’’). Therefore, the
New Mexico SIP does not apply to FCPP
and there is a regulatory gap.
EPA is exercising its discretion to
promulgate emission limitations for
FCPP to close this regulatory gap in
light of the magnitude of the emissions
of NOX, SO2, and PM from FCPP. This
FIP will help to ensure maintenance of
the NAAQS and progress towards
meeting the national visibility goal and
help to maintain consistent standards
on the Navajo Indian Reservation and its
neighboring States.
The source-specific FIP published
today is based on the same CAA
authority that EPA has used elsewhere
in rulemakings and that has been
affirmed by the courts. EPA’s
interpretation of its authority in the
TAR was affirmed by the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit in Arizona Public Service Co. v.
EPA, 211 F.3d 1280 (D.C. Cir. 2000),
cert. denied, 121 S. Ct. 1600 (2001).
That court also upheld EPA’s authority
to issue operating permits to major
stationary sources located in Indian
country under Title V of the CAA,
through the same. Under this definition, EPA treats
as reservations trust lands validly set aside for the
use of a Tribe even if the trust lands have not been
formally designated as a reservation.
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pursuant to regulations at 40 CFR Part
71. State of Michigan v. EPA, 268 F.3d
1075 (D.C. Cir. 2001). In addition, in an
unpublished opinion in December 2006,
the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
found that EPA’s promulgation of a FIP
establishing agricultural burning rules
that applied to some, but not all
reservations in the Northwestern United
States was not arbitrary and capricious.
Safe Air for Everyone v. EPA, No. 05–
73383 (9th Cir., Dec. 8, 2005). A copy
of the unpublished opinion is in our
docket.
EPA has used its authority in CAA
sections 301(a) and (d), as implemented
through 40 CFR Part 49, to issue a
number of FIPs to address air pollution
concerns at specific facilities located in
Indian country. See, e.g., Federal
Implementation Plan for Tri-Cities
Landfill, Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community, 40 CFR 49.22 (64 FR
65663 (November 23, 1999)); Federal
Implementation Plan for the AstarisIdaho LLC Facility (formerly owned by
FMC Corporation) in the Fort Hall PM10
Nonattainment Area, 40 CFR 49.10711
(65 FR 51412 (August 23, 2000).
Therefore, we disagree with those
comments challenging EPA’s authority
to promulgate a FIP for FCPP.
B. Concerns About the Scope of the FIP
Comment: The overwhelming
majority of commenters indicated that
in issuing a FIP for FCPP, EPA should
go beyond merely federalizing the
emission limits which FCPP has
historically followed. Most commenters
raised concerns about poor air quality,
deteriorating visibility and high rates of
cancer, asthma, and other respiratory
problems in the Four Corners area, and
a number requested that EPA prohibit
any emissions from the facility rather
than merely federalizing the limits the
facility has historically followed. Other
commenters urged EPA to take
regulatory action to regulate or to
further reduce emissions of SO2, NOX,
PM, mercury, and ‘‘toxic emissions.’’
Commenters raised a variety of general
concerns regarding health impacts
associated with FCPP, including the
public health and/or environmental
impacts of fugitive dust from coal
mining, mercury (Hg) and carbon
dioxide (CO2, greenhouse gases).
Another commenter argued that in
issuing a FIP for FCPP, EPA must
comply not only with the requirements
of section 301 of the CAA but also
ensure through the FIP process that
FCPP is in compliance with all
applicable federal and state ambient
standards by complying with the
requirements of section 110 of the CAA
addressing State implementation plans.
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Response: EPA is taking action to
close the regulatory gap that exists with
respect to FCPP. As explained above, at
present there is not currently an
approved implementation plan covering
FCPP. EPA’s exercise of authority in
issuing this FIP is based on the Agency’s
conclusion that it is appropriate to
protect air quality on the Reservation by
remedying the lack of federally
enforceable limits applicable to this
facility. As such, our action is limited to
making enforceable those emissions
limits which FCPP has historically
followed, or in the case of SO2, an
emission limit FCPP has achieved
following a successful test program to
determine if the existing scrubbers at
FCPP could be improved.
Today’s action is an important step in
protecting air quality on the
Reservation. As noted in the proposal,
this action will contribute towards
ensuring continued maintenance of the
NAAQS and towards protecting
visibility. EPA acknowledges that
additional regulatory actions by EPA
may be necessary or appropriate in the
future to further protect air quality on
the Navajo Reservation, depending on,
among other things, conditions on the
Reservation and the decisions of the
Navajo Nation to exercise its
discretionary authority under the CAA.
C. Comments on Emissions Limits
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1. Comments on Emissions Limits for
Pollutants Other Than SO2
Comment: Several commenters urged
EPA to take regulatory action in
addition to the proposed FIP to require
reductions of NOX and PM emissions
from FCPP. In particular, several
commenters urged EPA to undertake a
BART determination for FCPP’s NOX
emissions.
Response: EPA agrees that it may be
necessary or appropriate in a future
rulemaking to require FCPP to reduce its
NOX or PM emissions below those
levels which were historically contained
in the New Mexico SIP or which are
necessary to comply with the Acid Rain
program. Today’s rule, however, does
not address the requirements of EPA’s
nationally applicable Regional Haze
rule, codified at 40 CFR 51.308, which
contains specific implementation plan
requirements regarding BART
determinations.2
2 Such implementation plans are not required
from the States until December 17, 2007[0]. Tribes
are not subject to any mandatory deadlines to
submit regional have implementation plans. See 40
CFR 49.7(c); 64 FR at 35758 (‘‘For example, unlike
States, tribes are not required by the TAR to adopt
and implement CAA plans or programs, thus tribes
are not subject to mandatory deadlines for submittal
of implementation plans.’’
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EPA intends to apply any
requirements for FCPP to achieve a
reduction in its NOX or PM emissions in
a separate rulemaking. EPA will begin
gathering information from FCPP to
determine what measures, if any, are
appropriate for the facility to implement
to reduce its NOX and PM emissions to
comply with the Regional Haze Rule’s
requirements for BART.
2. Comments on Emission Limit for SO2
Comment: A number of commenters
requested EPA to promulgate a FIP that
would require FCPP to reduce its SO2
emissions to greater than 88% SO2
removal from the exhaust gas. Some
comments questioned the method
which EPA specified FCPP should use
to determine how much SO2 was being
removed or that removal efficiency
should be determined by SO2 CEMs
located before and after the scrubber.
The commenters noted that FCPP
should not be able to count as
‘‘removed’’ sulfur that is retained in
bottom and flyash.
Response: The removal efficiency that
FCPP historically met (72%) and the
increased efficiency required in this FIP
(88%) are based on comparison of the
percentage of sulfur in the coal that
FCPP is combusting and the outlet
concentration of sulfur expressed as
SO2. The commenters are correct that
some of the sulfur is retained in bottom
and flyash. However, comparing coal
sampling for sulfur content to the SO2
emitted at the stacks remains the most
technically appropriate method of
demonstrating compliance. FCPP uses a
coal sampling tower that meets
American Society of Testing and
Materials (ASTM) specifications for
obtaining a representative sample of the
coal for sulfur analysis prior to
combustion.
EPA agrees with one commenter that
the regulatory language establishing the
88% removal efficiency should be
clarified in the final FIP. Instead of
stating the limit as ‘‘12 percent of that
which is produced by the coal burning
equipment * * * ’’, EPA will change
the FIP to reflect that the SO2 limit is
based on limiting emissions to 12% of
the sulfur in the coal.
3. Comments on Whether FCPP’s 88%
Reduction of SO2 Emissions Is Close to
or Equivalent to BART
Comment: EPA received several
comments regarding our statement in
the preamble to the 2006 proposed FIP
that ‘‘EPA believes that the SO2 controls
proposed today for FCPP are close to or
the equivalent of a regional haze BART
determination for SO2. This takes into
consideration the early reductions that
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this action will achieve and the
modifications to the existing SO2
scrubbers.’’ One commenter called upon
EPA to conduct a full SO2 BART
analysis before taking final action.
Another commenter disagreed with our
statement that 88% control of SO2 for
FCPP is ‘‘close to or the equivalent of’’
BART and called upon EPA to require
FCPP to meet what it characterized as
the applicable presumptive BART
requirement. In contrast, other
comments supported EPA’s statement or
echoed the importance of achieving SO2
emissions reductions from FCPP now
rather than on the schedule anticipated
for BART determinations.
Response: EPA is not making a BART
determination for FCPP today. As noted
in the preamble to the proposed FIP, the
level of control in the FIP for FCPP is
‘‘close to or the equivalent’’ of BART for
this source. EPA agrees that if the
Agency were to undertake a case-bycase BART analysis, BART could
potentially be determined to be a greater
level of control than 88% SO2 removal.3
However, any case-by-case BART
analysis would be subject to the
timeframes needed to implement such
controls. As explained above, under the
TAR, EPA has the discretion to
promulgate FIPs, as necessary or
appropriate, within reasonable
timeframes to protect air quality in
Indian country. Id. In today’s
rulemaking EPA is exercising its
discretion under 40 CFR 49.11 to find
that it is neither necessary or
appropriate at this time to undertake a
BART determination for SO2 for FCPP
given the timing of the substantial SO2
reductions resulting from this FIP.
Moreover, as explained in the preamble
to the 2006 proposed FIP, there are only
two major sources of SO2 on the Navajo
Reservation that are potentially subject
to the BART requirements—Navajo
Generating Station and FCPP. 71 FR at
53632. EPA determined previously that
the SO2 emission limits in the 1991 FIP
for the Navajo Generating Station
provide for greater reasonable progress
toward the national visibility goal than
would BART. 71 FR at 53633. As
explained above, given that the SO2
3 EPA disagrees with the comment that the BART
Guidelines, 70 FR 39104, 39171 (July 6, 2005)
established a presumption that BART at FCPP is
95% control for SO2. Although the BART
Guidelines did establish a presumption of either
95% control for SO2 or 0.15 lbs/MMBtu for large
power plants, this presumption applies only to
power plants that are currently uncontrolled or
achieving less than 50% control of SO2. Id. As
indicated in the preamble to the proposed FIP, this
presumption thus does not apply to power plants,
such as FCPP, with existing SO2 controls achieving
at least 50% removal efficiency. 71 FR at 53633; see
also 70 FR at 39171.
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controls for FCPP immediately achieve
significant reductions in SO2
comparable to what could ultimately be
achieved through a formal BART
determination, EPA believes that it will
not be necessary or appropriate to
develop a regional haze plan to address
SO2 for the Navajo Nation in the near
term.
The Navajo Nation EPA has
specifically requested EPA to take this
action, and in doing so stated: ‘‘Given
the results of the APS study, the Navajo
Nation agrees that an 88% SO2 removal
rate for SO2 at Four Corners Power Plant
appears to be equivalent to BART,
especially taking into account the early
reductions that will be achieved.’’ Letter
from Stephen Etsitty, to Deborah Jordan,
dated December 6, 2005. EPA generally
agrees with the Navajo Nation’s
assessment and has, therefore, taken this
step in regulating emissions on the
Navajo Nation reservation.
4. Comments on Opacity Emission
Limits
Comment: One commenter objected to
the lack of a 20% opacity standard for
Units 1, 2, and 3. Other comments
objected to the FIP’s exemption of water
vapor from the 20% opacity standard on
Units 4 and 5 and also criticized
exempting the Units from compliance
with the opacity limit during startup
and shutdown when the units dropped
below 300 MW. In contrast, another
commenter stated that the opacity
requirements on these units are overly
restrictive, especially as they pertain to
periods of malfunction.
Response: Opacity limits are generally
applied to ensure a source is meeting its
PM emissions limit. For Units 1, 2, and
3, however, an opacity limit (coupled
with a continuous opacity monitors
(COMS)) would not be an appropriate
method for ensuring compliance with
the PM emissions limits for these units.
This is because Units 1, 2, and 3 use
venturi scrubbers to reduce PM
emissions; due to interference from
steam in the exhaust, COMS can not be
used to monitor opacity on these stacks.
Given this, EPA finds that the use of
opacity limits to ensure that FCPP is
meeting its PM emissions limits is not
appropriate for these units. EPA
continues to find, and is finalizing in
today’s action, that parametric
monitoring of each venturi scrubber is
the best method of assuring proper
operation to minimize the emissions of
PM.
Units 4 and 5 have always operated
with an exemption from opacity limits
during shutdown. The commenter has
not provided any information
demonstrating that exempting these
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units during shutdown harms the
environment or public health.
With regards to comments requesting
an exemption from the opacity limit
during malfunctions, EPA has explained
below its reasons for providing an
affirmative defense for these periods.
With regards to the comment on the
phrasing for exempting water vapor,
EPA agrees that this should be changed
to uncombined water droplets. With
respect to the commenter requesting a
demonstration that the opacity was
caused by uncombined water droplets,
EPA believes this is not necessary. The
opacity limit for this facility is set to
assure proper operation of the baghouse.
The rule will require that the facility
assure that there has been no bypass
through the bypass damper during these
periods of assumed water droplet
interference. The facility will be
required to report these as apparent
excess emissions in their quarterly
excess emissions report. If anything
inappropriate shows up in the reports,
EPA can follow up to get better
clarification of the issue.
D. Comments on Control Requirements
Comment: One commenter was
concerned that the heat input for the
FCPP Plant may have increased over a
number of years as indicated from the
‘‘EPA Acid Rain Scorecard’’ and wanted
to know if this increase constituted a
major modification triggering
permitting.
Response: EPA is undertaking this
rulemaking pursuant to our rulemaking
authority established in CAA sections
301(a) and 301(d) to promulgate sourcespecific FIPs in Indian Country. EPA is
not addressing in today’s action the
status of this source with respect to any
need for major source permitting or
whether or not a modification had
occurred at the plant.
We do note that changes in the heat
input reflected by the ‘‘EPA Acid Rain
Scorecard’’ do not necessarily indicate
that an electric generating unit (EGU)
has made a major modification. For
example, the methodology for
determining heat input to EGUs used in
the Scorecard changed with the 1995
data. For the years before this, the
Scorecard relied on coal consumption
data provided to the EIA, while from
1995 on it was determined by flow
measurements in the stack and
calculated based on 40 CFR Part 60,
Appendix A, Method 19.
Comment: One commenter questions
whether or not the current method of
flyash disposal is safe.
Response: The only regulatory action
in this rule regarding flyash addresses
the generation of dust while handling
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the flyash on site. The rule is imposing
a 20% opacity limit on transfer points
for flyash. This will cover the ash that
is being sold for use as an additive to
cement and the process for mixing of
flyash and scrubber sludge for disposal
at the mines. This regulation does not
evaluate or control the method of
disposal at the mine.
Comment: One commenter questions
whether or not the facility was ever
exempted from opacity monitoring as
required and then eligible for exemption
under 40 CFR 75.10(a) and 40 CFR
75.14(b), respectively.
Response: EPA is not aware that there
was any specific exemption requested or
granted to this facility. However, EPA
has had extensive experience inspecting
and negotiating with this plant since the
early 1990’s. EPA has been aware that
even to the extent FCPP has followed
the New Mexico rules, the three venturi
scrubbed units (1, 2, and 3) have had no
opacity limit and no opacity monitoring
in the stacks. These units have venturi
scrubbers that cannot be bypassed while
the unit is in operation and the stacks
have an exhaust gas stream that is
always saturated. If a specific exemption
was required, EPA would grant it for
these three units upon request by the
facility.
Comment: APS has commented that
parametric monitoring should not be
required by this rule, but that EPA
should wait until Compliance
Assurance Monitoring (CAM) is
required by the facility’s Title V permit.
The commenter goes on to say if
parametric monitoring is required that
there should be a six month schedule
for installation and shakedown of the
equipment.
Response: EPA disagrees with the
comment that EPA should wait to
require the parametric monitoring under
CAM. EPA believes that newly created
applicable requirements, such as the
emissions limitations in the FCPP FIP,
should establish adequate monitoring,
recordkeeping, and reporting that will
assure compliance. It would not be
appropriate to establish new applicable
requirements (in the form of FCPP FIP
requirements) that lack complianceassuring monitoring, recordkeeping, and
reporting requirements. Therefore, FCPP
should establish parametric monitoring,
and recordkeeping and reporting
requirements, in conjunction with this
source-specific FIP rule.
CAM is designed as a gap filling
mechanism where the parametric
monitoring required for an applicable
requirement is insufficient to ensure
compliance. All rules, such as the FCPP
FIP, should have sufficient monitoring
to assure compliance rather than rely on
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the gap filling anticipated by CAM. EPA
believes that the parametric monitoring
is the most appropriate method to
assure continuous compliance with the
PM limits in this rule for Units 1, 2, and
3. EPA concurs that FCPP should be
allowed a six month period to comply
with this requirement and the final
regulatory language reflects this.
Comment: FCPP commented that its
emissions during startup, shutdown and
malfunction events should be exempt
from the emissions limits, and therefore
not considered violations, rather than
subject to an affirmative defense for
penalties.
Response: EPA acknowledges the
New Mexico SIP contained an
exemption for these emissions.
However, in our 1999 proposed FIP,
EPA recognized that the New Mexico
SIP’s exemption of startup, shutdown
and malfunction emissions from FCPP
was in error. The 1999 proposed FIP
contained a provision similar to the
affirmative defense provision in the
2006 proposed FIP for malfunction
events and alternate emissions limits for
startup.
EPA has set forth its position on
numerous occasions stating that
emissions during startup, shutdown and
malfunction events are considered
violations of the underlying emissions
limitations. For startup and shutdown
events, EPA may set alternate limits
where it is technically infeasible for the
equipment to meet the emissions limit
for a defined period of time. Such
alternate startup and shutdown limits
are not exemptions. For excess
emissions resulting from malfunctions,
EPA’s longstanding position, as
reflected in numerous policy documents
and rulemakings, is that those emissions
are violations of the underlying
requirement but that the regulatory
agency may provide that the violator
may assert an affirmative defense to a
claim for penalties based on the
affirmative defense language such as we
proposed.
FCPP’s arguments on the issue, which
are legal rather than technical, boil
down to: (1) The CAA should only
require excess malfunction emissions to
be violations if those emissions would
cause a violation of the NAAQS, (2) it
is unfair to find a violation where the
emissions are sudden and unavoidable,
(3) the requirement to take all steps and
to do everything possible renders the
affirmative defense provision a
‘‘nullity,’’ and (4) the provision
improperly usurps the judicial function
of establishing the burden of proof. In
response to the first point, the CAA
contains numerous requirements that
cannot be directly correlated with an
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exceedance of the NAAQS. (See, e.g. 40
U.S.C. 7410(a)(2) (requirements for
SIPs).) Furthermore, NAAQS violations
are rarely based on emissions from just
one source, but rather from emissions
from several or many sources. As to
FCPP’s second point, EPA agrees that
penalties may not be appropriate where
a malfunction was beyond the source’s
control and the source has taken all
necessary actions to minimize emissions
during the malfunction and to quickly
remedy the problem. However, EPA
does not agree that it is unfair to allow
for claims for injunctive relief where a
malfunction has occurred. The criteria
ensure that these conditions are met
before a source may be relieved from
paying penalties while also allowing for
claims for injunctive relief to proceed.
On the third point, we disagree. The
criteria represent reasonable
mechanisms that sources should have in
place to minimize and mitigate any
adverse effects from malfunctions. For
the fourth point, we are unclear what
the commenter means by saying the
defense ‘‘usurps the judicial function of
establishing burden of proof.’’ However,
we think that each party bears the
appropriate burden in any enforcement
case. The party seeking to enforce a
claim bears that burden of proving that
excess emissions occurred to establish a
violation. FCPP may raise as a defense
to penalties that the violation was
unavoidable and FCPP took appropriate
preventive and corrective action. The
court retains its function of determining
whether each party has met its burden.
Therefore, EPA is finalizing the
language proposed in the FIP allowing
an affirmative defense for excess
emissions resulting from malfunctions.
Comment: FCPP also commented that
the FIP should not become effective
until 18 months following promulgation
because EPA’s 2006 proposed FIP
contained a new 20% opacity
requirement for certain dust-generating
activities.
Response: EPA agrees that FCPP may
have 18 months to develop the
necessary controls to ensure it does not
exceed 20% opacity from its dust
generating activities. EPA also agrees
that FCPP may have the requested
additional time to develop a parametric
monitoring plan and to install CEMS
and collect adequate data to
demonstrate compliance with the SO2
emission limit.
Comment: FCPP commented that it
did not agree with EPA’s option in the
proposed preamble to impose a 40%
opacity limit for Units 1, 2, and 3.
Response: EPA agrees for the reasons
discussed above concerning why EPA
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will not impose a 20% opacity limit on
Units 1, 2, and 3.
III. Administrative Requirements
A. Executive Order 12866
Regulatory Planning and Review
Under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866,
58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993), all
‘‘regulatory actions’’ that are
‘‘significant’’ are subject to Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) review
and the requirements of the Executive
Order. A ‘‘regulatory action’’ is defined
as ‘‘any substantive action by an agency
(normally published in the Federal
Register) that promulgates or is
expected to result in the promulgation
of a final rule or regulation, including
* * * notices of proposed rulemaking.’’
A ‘‘regulation or rule’’ is defined as ‘‘an
agency statement of general
applicability and future effect,* * *’’
The FIP is a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ because it raises novel legal or
policy issues. Nevertheless, after
reviewing information regarding this
action, the Office of Management and
Budget waived review of this action.
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
This action does not impose an
information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction
Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Under the
Paperwork Reduction Act, a ‘‘collection
of information’’ is defined as a
requirement for ‘‘answers to * * *
identical reporting or recordkeeping
requirements imposed on ten or more
persons * * *’’ 44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A).
Because the FIP applies to a single
facility, FCPP, the Paperwork Reduction
Act does not apply. See 5 CFR 1320(c).
Burden means the total time, effort, or
financial resources expended by persons
to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose
or provide information to or for a
Federal agency. This includes the time
needed to review instructions; develop,
acquire, install, and utilize technology
and systems for the purposes of
collecting, validating, and verifying
information, processing and
maintaining information, and disclosing
and providing information; adjust the
existing ways to comply with any
previously applicable instructions and
requirements; train personnel to be able
to respond to a collection of
information; search data sources;
complete and review the collection of
information; and transmit or otherwise
disclose the information.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number. The OMB control
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numbers for EPA’s regulations in 40
CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.
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C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
generally requires an agency to prepare
a regulatory flexibility analysis of any
rule subject to notice and comment
rulemaking requirements under the
Administrative Procedure Act or any
other statute unless the agency certifies
that the rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Small entities
include small businesses, small
organizations, and small governmental
jurisdictions.
For purposes of assessing the impacts
of today’s rule on small entities, small
entity is defined as: (1) A small business
as defined by the Small Business
Administration’s (SBA) regulations at 13
CFR 121.201; (2) a small governmental
jurisdiction that is a government of a
city, county, town, school district or
special district with a population of less
than 50,000; and (3) a small
organization that is any not-for-profit
enterprise which is independently
owned and operated and is not
dominant in its field.
After considering the economic
impacts of this final action on small
entities, I certify that this action will not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
The FIP for FCPP being finalized today
does not impose any new requirements
on small entities. See Mid-Tex Electric
Cooperative, Inc. v. FERC, 773 F.2d 327
(D.C. Cir. 1985)
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Pub. L.
04–4, establishes requirements for
Federal agencies to assess the effects of
their regulatory actions on State, local,
and Tribal governments and the private
sector. Under UMRA section 202, EPA
generally must prepare a written
statement, including a cost-benefit
analysis, for proposed rules and for final
rules for which EPA published a notice
of proposed rulemaking, if those rules
contain ‘‘federal mandates’’ that may
result in the expenditure by State, local,
and Tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector, of
$100 million or more in any one year.
If UMRA section 202 requires a written
statement, UMRA section 205 generally
requires EPA to identify and consider a
reasonable number of regulatory
alternatives. Under UMRA section 205,
EPA must adopt the least costly, most
cost-effective, or least burdensome
alternative that achieves the objectives
of the rule, unless the Regional
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Administrator publishes with the final
rule an explanation why EPA did not
adopt that alternative. The provisions of
UMRA section 205 do not apply when
they are inconsistent with applicable
law. UMRA section 204 requires EPA to
develop a process to allow elected
officers of State, local, and Tribal
governments (or their designated,
authorized employees), to provide
meaningful and timely input in the
development of EPA regulatory
proposals containing significant Federal
intergovernmental mandates.
EPA has determined that the final FIP
contains no Federal mandates on State,
local or Tribal governments, because it
will not impose any additional
enforceable duties on any of these
entities. EPA further has determined
that the final FIP is not likely to result
in the expenditure of $100 million or
more by the private sector in any one
year. Although the final FIP imposes
enforceable duties on an entity in the
private sector, the costs are expected to
be minimal. Consequently, UMRA
sections 202, 204, and 205 do not apply
to the final FIP.
Before EPA establishes any regulatory
requirements that might significantly or
uniquely affect small governments, it
must have developed under UMRA
section 203 a small government agency
plan. The plan must provide for
notifying potentially affected small
governments, enabling officials of
affected small governments to have
meaningful and timely input in the
development of EPA regulatory
proposals with significant Federal
intergovernmental mandates, and
informing, educating, and advising
small governments on compliance with
the regulatory requirements.
EPA has determined that the final FIP
will not significantly or uniquely affect
small governments, because it imposes
no requirements on small governments.
Therefore, the requirements of UMRA
section 203 do not apply to the final
FIP. Nonetheless, EPA worked closely
with representatives of the Tribe in the
development of today’s action.
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999) revokes and replaces Executive
Orders 12612 (Federalism) and 12875
(Enhancing the Intergovernmental
Partnership). Executive Order 13132
requires EPA to develop an accountable
process to ensure ‘‘meaningful and
timely input by State and local officials
in the development of regulatory
policies that have federalism
implications.’’ ‘‘Policies that have
federalism implications is defined in the
Executive Order to include regulations
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that have substantial direct effects on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.’’ Under Executive
Order 13132, EPA may not issue a
regulation that has federalism
implications, that imposes substantial
direct compliance costs, and that is not
required by statute, unless the Federal
government provides the funds
necessary to pay the direct compliance
costs incurred by State and local
governments, or EPA consults with
State and local officials early in the
process of developing the proposed
regulation. EPA also may not issue a
regulation that has federalism
implications and that preempts State
law unless the Agency consults with
State and local officials early in the
process of developing the proposed
regulation.
This rule will not have substantial
direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in
Executive Order 13132, because it
merely approves a State rule
implementing a Federal standard, and
does not alter the relationship or the
distribution of power and
responsibilities established in the Clean
Air Act. Thus, the requirements of
section 6 of the Executive Order do not
apply to this rule.
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
Executive Order 13175, entitled
‘‘Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
67249, Nov. 9, 2000), requires EPA to
develop ‘‘an accountable process to
ensure meaningful and timely input by
tribal officials in the development of
regulatory policies that have tribal
implications.’’ Under Executive Order
13175, to the extent practicable and
permitted by law, EPA may not issue a
regulation that has tribal implications,
that imposes substantial direct
compliance costs on Indian tribal
governments, and that is not required by
statute, unless the Federal government
provides the funds necessary to pay
direct compliance costs incurred by
tribal governments, or EPA consults
with tribal officials early in the process
of developing the proposed regulation
and develops a tribal summary impact
statement. In addition, to the extent
practicable and permitted by law, EPA
may not issue a regulation that has tribal
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implications and pre-empts tribal law
unless EPA consults with tribal officials
early in the process of developing the
proposed regulation and prepares a
tribal summary impact statement.
EPA has concluded that this final rule
may have tribal implications because it
will impose federally enforceable
emissions limitation on a major
stationary source located and operating
on the Navajo reservation. However, this
final rule will neither impose
substantial direct compliance costs on
tribal governments nor pre-empt Tribal
law because the final FIP imposes
obligations only on the owner or
operator of FCPP.
EPA has also consulted extensively
with officials of the Navajo Nation in
the process of developing this
regulation. EPA had discussions with
Tribal representatives during proposal
of the FIP in 1999. By letter dated
December 5, 2005, the Navajo Nation
EPA supported the action taken in this
FIP. Tribal officials attended the public
information workshop and public
hearing on the proposed FIP. Therefore,
EPA has allowed Navajo Nation to
provide meaningful and timely input
into development of this FIP.
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G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997),
applies to any rule that: (1) Is
determined to be ‘‘economically
significant’’ as defined under Executive
Order 12866, and (2) concerns an
environmental health or safety risk that
EPA has reason to believe may have a
disproportionate effect on children. If
the regulatory action meets both criteria,
the Agency must evaluate the
environmental health or safety effects of
the planned rule on children, and
explain why the planned regulation is
preferable to other potentially effective
and reasonably feasible alternatives
considered by the Agency.
This rule also is not subject to
Executive Order 13045, ‘‘Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997), because it approves a
state rule implementing a Federal
standard.
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
This rule is not subject to Executive
Order 13211, ‘‘Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
FR 28355, May 22, 2001) because it is
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not a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866.
I. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
Section 12(d) of the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Pub L. 104–113,
12 (10) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs EPA
to use voluntary consensus standards
(VCS) in its regulatory activities unless
to do so would be inconsistent with
applicable law or otherwise impractical.
VCS are technical standards (e.g.,
materials specifications, test methods,
sampling procedures and business
practices) that are developed or adopted
by the VCS bodies. The NTTAA directs
EPA to provide Congress, through
annual reports to OMB, with
explanations when the Agency decides
not to use available and applicable VCS.
Consistent with the NTTAA, the
Agency conducted a search to identify
potentially applicable VCS. For the
measurement of the sulfur in the coal
for calculating the efficiency of the SO2
scrubbers for FCCP, EPA proposes to
require use of ASTM standards. FCCP
would have the ability to choose an
applicable ASTM standard for both the
coal sample collection and the sulfur in
coal analysis.
In regard to the remaining
measurement needs as listed below,
there are a number of VCS that appear
to have possible use in lieu of the EPA
test methods and performance
specifications (40 CFR Part 60,
Appendices A and B) noted next to the
measurement requirements. It would
not be practical to specify these
standards in the current rulemaking due
to a lack of sufficient data on
equivalency and validation and because
some are still under development.
However, EPA’s Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards is in the
process of reviewing all available VCS
for incorporation by reference into the
test methods and performance
specifications of 40 CFR Part 60,
Appendices A and B. Any VCS so
incorporated in a specified test method
or performance specification would
then be available for use in determining
the emissions from this facility. This
will be an ongoing process designed to
incorporate suitable VCS as they
become available.
Particulate Matter Emissions—EPA
Methods 1 though 5
Opacity—EPA Method 9 and
Performance Specification Test 1 for
Opacity Monitoring
SO2—EPA Method 6C and
Performance Specification 2 for
Continuous SO2 Monitoring
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NOX—EPA Method 7E and
Performance Specification 2 for
Continuous NOX Monitoring.
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal
Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629,
February 16, 1994), establishes Federal
executive policy on environmental
justice. Its main provision directs
federal agencies, to the greatest extent
practicable and permitted by law, to
make environmental justice part of their
mission by identifying and addressing,
as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or
environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority
populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
EPA has determined that this final
rule will not have disproportionately
high and adverse human health or
environmental effects on minority or
low-income populations because it
strengthens the level of protection
provided to human health or the
environment. This final rule requires
emissions reductions and makes
emissions limitations federally
enforceable for a major stationary
source.
K. Congressional Review Act
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. EPA will submit a
report containing this rule 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. section 804(2). This
rule will be effective June 6, 2007.
L. Petitions for Judicial Review
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 July 6, 2007.
Filing a petition for reconsideration by
the Administrator of this final rule does
not affect the finality of this rule for the
purposes of judicial review nor does it
extend the time within which a petition
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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 CAA
section 307(b) (2)).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 49
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Indians,
Intergovernmental relations, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: April 30, 2007.
Stephen Johnson,
Administrator.
Title 40, chapter I of the Code of
Federal Regulations is amended as
follows:
I
PART 49—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 49
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.
2. Section 49.23 is added to read as
follows:
I
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§ 49.23 Federal Implementation Plan
Provisions for Four Corners Power Plant,
Navajo Nation.
(a) Applicability. The provisions of
this section shall apply to each owner
or operator of the coal burning
equipment designated as Units 1, 2, 3,
4, and 5 at the Four Corners Power Plant
(the Plant) on the Navajo Nation Indian
Reservation located in the Four Corners
Interstate Air Quality Control Region
(see 40 CFR 81.121).
(b) Compliance Dates. Compliance
with the requirements of this section is
required upon the effective date of this
rule unless otherwise indicated by
compliance dates contained in specific
provisions.
(c) Definitions. For the purposes of
this section:
(1) Affirmative defense means, in the
context of an enforcement proceeding, a
response or defense put forward by a
defendant, regarding which the
defendant has the burden of proof, and
the merits of which are independently
and objectively evaluated in a judicial
or administrative proceeding.
(2) Air pollution control equipment
includes baghouses, particulate or
gaseous scrubbers, and any other
apparatus utilized to control emissions
of regulated air contaminants which
would be emitted to the atmosphere.
(3) Business Day. Business day means
a normal working day, excluding
weekends and Federal Holidays.
(4) Daily average means the arithmetic
average of the hourly values measured
in a 24-hour period.
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(5) Excess emissions means the
emissions of air contaminants in excess
of an applicable emissions limitation or
requirement.
(6) Heat input means heat derived
from combustion of fuel in a Unit and
does not include the heat input from
preheated combustion air, recirculated
flue gases, or exhaust gases from other
sources. Heat input shall be in
accordance with 40 CFR Part 75.
(7) Malfunction means any sudden
and unavoidable failure of air pollution
control equipment or process equipment
or of a process to operate in a normal
or usual manner. Failures that are
caused entirely or in part by poor
maintenance, careless operation, or any
other preventable upset condition or
preventable equipment breakdown shall
not be considered malfunctions. This
rule provides an affirmative defense to
actions for penalties brought for excess
emissions that arise during certain
malfunction episodes. An affirmative
defense is not available if during the
period of excess emissions, there was an
exceedance of the relevant ambient air
quality standard that could be attributed
to the emitting source.
(8) Owner or Operator means any
person who owns, leases, operates,
controls, or supervises the Plant or any
of the coal burning equipment
designated as Units 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 at the
Plant.
(9) Oxides of nitrogen (NOX) means
the sum of nitric oxide (NO) and
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the flue gas,
expressed as nitrogen dioxide.
(10) Plant-wide basis means total
stack emissions of any particular
pollutant from all coal burning
equipment at the Plant.
(11) Regional Administrator means
the Regional Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Region 9 or his/her authorized
representative.
(12) Shutdown means the cessation of
operation of any air pollution control
equipment, process equipment, or
process for any purpose. Specifically,
for Units 1, 2, or 3, shutdown begins
when the unit drops below 40 MW net
load with the intent to remove the unit
from service. For Units 4 or 5, shutdown
begins when the unit drops below 300
MW net load with the intent to remove
the unit from service.
(13) Startup means the setting into
operation of any air pollution control
equipment, process equipment, or
process for any purpose. Specifically,
for Units 1, 2, or 3, startup ends when
the unit reaches 40 MW net load. For
Units 4 or 5, startup ends when the unit
reaches 400 MW net load.
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(14) 24-hour period means the period
of time between 12:01 a.m. and 12
midnight.
(d) Emissions Standards and Control
Measures—(1) Sulfur Dioxide. No owner
or operator shall discharge or cause the
discharge of sulfur dioxide (SO2) into
the atmosphere in excess of:
(i) 12.0 percent of the potential
combustion concentration assuming all
of the sulfur in the coal is converted to
SO2. This percent emitted is determined
by a daily calculation of the plantwide
heatinput weighted annual average.
(ii) 17,900 pounds of total SO2
emissions per hour averaged over any
consecutive three (3) hour period,
determined on a plant-wide basis.
(2) Particulate Matter. No owner or
operator shall discharge or cause the
discharge of particulate matter from any
coal burning equipment into the
atmosphere in excess of 0.050 pounds
per million British thermal unit (lb/
MMBtu) of heat input (higher heating
value), as averaged from three sampling
runs, each at 60 minutes in duration,
each collecting a minimum sample of 30
dry standard cubic feet.
(3) Dust. Each owner or operator shall
operate and maintain the existing dust
suppression methods for controlling
dust from the coal handling and storage
facilities. Within ninety (90) days after
promulgation of this section, the owner
or operator shall submit to the Regional
Administrator a description of the dust
suppression methods for controlling
dust from the coal handling and storage
facilities, flyash handling and storage,
and road sweeping activities. Within
548 days of promulgation of this section
each owner or operator shall not emit
dust with an opacity greater than 20
percent from any crusher, grinding mill,
screening operation, belt conveyor, or
truck loading or unloading operation.
(4) Opacity. No owner or operator
shall discharge or cause the discharge of
emissions from the stacks of Units 4 and
5 into the atmosphere exhibiting greater
than 20% opacity, excluding
uncombined water droplets, averaged
over any six (6) minute period, except
for one six (6) minute period per hour
of not more than 27% opacity.
(5) Oxides of nitrogen. No owner or
operator shall discharge or cause the
discharge of NOX into the atmosphere.
(i) From either Unit 1 or 2 in excess
of 0.85 lb/MMBtu of heat input per unit,
and from either Units 3, 4, or 5 in excess
of 0.65 lb/MMBtu of heat input per unit
averaged over any successive thirty (30)
boiler operating day period;
(ii) In excess of 335,000 lb per 24-hour
period when coal burning equipment is
operating, on a plant-wide basis; for
each hour when coal burning equipment
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is not operating, this limitation shall be
reduced. If the unit which is not
operating is Unit 1, 2, or 3, the
limitation shall be reduced by 1,542 lb
per hour for each unit which is not
operating. If the unit which is not
operating is Unit 4 or 5, the limitation
shall be reduced by 4,667 lb per hour for
each unit which is not operating.
(e) Testing and Monitoring. Upon
completion of the installation of
continuous emissions monitoring
systems (CEMS) software as required in
this section, compliance with the
emissions limits set for SO2 and NOX
shall be determined by using data from
a CEMS unless otherwise specified in
paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(4) of this
section. Compliance with the emissions
limit set for particulate matter shall be
tested annually, or at such other time as
requested by the Regional
Administrator, based on data from
testing conducted in accordance with 40
CFR part 60, appendix A, Methods 1
through 5, or any other method
receiving prior approval from the
Regional Administrator. Compliance
with the emissions limits set for opacity
shall be determined by using data from
a Continuous Opacity Monitoring
System (COMS) except during saturated
stack conditions (uncombined water
droplets). If the baghouse is operating
within its normal operating parameters,
the baghouse is not fully closed, and a
high opacity reading occurs, it will be
presumed that the occurrence was
caused by saturated stack conditions
and shall not be considered a violation.
(1) The owner or operator shall
maintain and operate CEMS for SO2,
NO or NOX, a diluent and, for Units 4
and 5 only, COMS, in accordance with
40 CFR 60.8 and 60.13, and appendix B
of 40 CFR part 60. Within six (6) months
of promulgation of this section, the
owner or operator shall install CEMS
and COMS software which complies
with the requirements of this section.
The owner or operator of the Plant may
petition the Regional Administrator for
extension of the six (6) month period for
good cause shown. Completion of 40
CFR part 75 monitor certification
requirements shall be deemed to satisfy
the requirements under 40 CFR 60.8 and
60.13 and appendix B of part 60. The
owner or operator shall comply with the
quality assurance procedures for CEMS
found in 40 CFR part 75, and all reports
required thereunder shall be submitted
to the Regional Administrator. The
owner or operator shall provide the
Regional Administrator notice in
accordance with 40 CFR 75.61.
(2) Sulfur Dioxide. For the purpose of
determining compliance with this
section, the sulfur dioxide inlet
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concentration (in lb/MMBtu) shall be
calculated using the daily average
percent sulfur and Btu content of the
coal combusted. The inlet sulfur
concentration and Btu content shall be
determined in accordance with
American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) methods or any other
method receiving prior approval from
the Regional Administrator. A daily fuel
sample shall be collected using the coal
sampling tower conforming to the
ASTM specifications. The analyses shall
be done on the daily sample using
ASTM methods or any other method
receiving prior approval from the
Regional Administrator.
(i) The inlet sulfur dioxide
concentration shall be calculated using
the following formula:
Is = 2(%Sf)/GCV × 104 English units
Where:
Is = sulfur dioxide inlet concentrations in
pounds per million Btu;
%Sf = weight
percent sulfur content of the fuel; and
GCV = Gross calorific value for the fuel in
Btu per pound.
(ii) The total pounds of SO2 generated
by burning the coal shall be calculated
by multiplying the SO2 inlet
concentration by the daily total heat
input determined by the 40 CFR Part 75
acid rain monitoring. This will
determine the pounds of SO2 produced
per day. The SO2 emitted from the
stacks shall be determined by adding
the daily SO2 emissions from each stack
as determined by the 40 CFR Part 75
acid rain monitors. Compliance with the
emission limit shall be determined for
each day by adding that day’s SO2
emissions and that day’s SO2 produced
to the previous 364 days and then
dividing the 365 days of emissions by
the 365 days of SO2 produced.
Compliance is demonstrated if this
fraction, converted to a percent, is equal
to or less than 12.0 percent. The data
from the 40 CFR Part 75 monitors shall
not be bias adjusted. If a valid SO2
pounds per hour or heat input is not
available for any hour for a unit, that
heat input and SO2 pounds per hour
shall not be used in the calculation of
the annual plant-wide average.
(3) Particulate Matter. Particulate
matter emissions shall be determined by
averaging the results of three test runs.
Each test run shall be sixty (60) minutes
in duration and shall collect a minimum
volume of thirty (30) dry standard cubic
feet. Within six (6) months of
promulgation of this section, particulate
matter testing shall be conducted
annually and at least six (6) months
apart, with the equipment within 90
percent of maximum operation in
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accordance with 40 CFR 60.8 and
Appendix A to 40 CFR Part 60. The
owner or operator shall submit written
notice of the date of testing no later than
21 days prior to testing. Testing may be
performed on a date other than that
already provided in a notice as long as
notice of the new date is provided either
in writing or by telephone or other
means acceptable to the Region 9
Enforcement Office, and the notice is
provided as soon as practicable after the
new testing date is known, but no later
than 7 days (or a shorter period as
approved by the Region 9 Enforcement
Office) in advance of the new date of
testing.
(4) Oxides of nitrogen. The total daily
plant-wide oxides of nitrogen emissions
in pounds of NO2 per day shall be
calculated using the following formula:
n
TE = ∑
i =1
m
∑(E
j=1
ij
× Hi j )
Where:
TE = total plant-wide nitrogen dioxide
emissions (lb NO2/day);
Eij = hourly average emissions rate of each
unit (lb NO2/MMBtu);
Hij = hourly total heat input for each unit
(MMBtu);
n = the number of units of coal burning
equipment operating during the hour;
m = the number of operating hours in a day,
from midnight to midnight.
(5) Continuous emissions monitoring
shall apply during all periods of
operation of the coal burning
equipment, including periods of startup,
shutdown, and malfunction, except for
CEMS breakdowns, repairs, calibration
checks, and zero and span adjustments.
Continuous monitoring systems for
measuring SO2, NOX, and diluent gas
shall complete a minimum of one cycle
of operation (sampling, analyzing, and
data recording) for each successive 15minute period. Hourly averages shall be
computed using at least one data point
in each fifteen minute quadrant of an
hour. Notwithstanding this requirement,
an hourly average may be computed
from at least two data points separated
by a minimum of 15 minutes (where the
unit operates for more than one
quadrant in an hour) if data are
unavailable as a result of performance of
calibration, quality assurance,
preventive maintenance activities, or
backups of data from data acquisition
and handling system, and recertification
events. When valid SO2 pounds per
hour, NO2 pounds per hour, or NO2
pounds per million Btu emission data
are not obtained because of continuous
monitoring system breakdowns, repairs,
calibration checks, or zero and span
adjustments, emission data must be
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obtained by using other monitoring
systems approved by the EPA to provide
emission data for a minimum of 18
hours in at least 22 out of 30 successive
boiler operating days. If a parameter
essential for determining either the SO2
pound per hour or the heat input is not
valid or unavailable, that hour for that
unit shall not be used in calculating the
percent emissions of SO2 for the plantwide limit. The necessary software for
determining compliance with the SO2
plantwide annual average shall be
installed and operating within 180 days
of the effective date of this rule. The
first day for determining compliance
with the plantwide SO2 limit shall be
365 days after the successful installation
of the software.
(6) The owner or operator shall
maintain a set of opacity filters to be
used as audit standards.
(7) Nothing herein shall limit EPA’s
ability to ask for a test at any time under
Section 114 of the Clean Air Act, 42
U.S.C. 7414, and enforce against any
violation.
(8) In order to provide reasonable
assurance that the scrubbers for control
of particulate matter from Units 1, 2,
and 3 are being maintained and
operated in a manner consistent with
good air pollution control practice for
minimizing emissions, the owner or
operator shall comply with the
following provisions:
(i) The owner or operator shall
develop a plan to monitor, record, and
report parameter(s) indicative of the
proper operation of the scrubbers to
provide a reasonable assurance of
compliance with the particulate matter
limits in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
The owner or operator shall submit this
plan to the Regional Administrator no
later than sixty (60) days after the
effective date of this FIP. The owner or
operator shall implement this plan
within 90 days of approval by the
Regional Administrator and shall
commence reporting the data generated
pursuant to the monitoring plan in
accordance with the schedule in
paragraph (e)(8)(v) of this section. If
requested by the Regional
Administrator, this plan shall be revised
and submitted to the Regional
Administrator for approval within sixty
(60) days of the request. The revised
plan shall be implemented within sixty
(60) days of the Regional
Administrator’s approval.
(ii) In the event that the owner or
operator is unable to develop the plan
required in paragraph (e)(8)(i) of this
section due to technical difficulties,
fails to submit the plan within sixty (60)
days of the effective date of this FIP, or
the Regional Administrator disapproves
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16:51 May 04, 2007
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the plan, the owner or operator shall
install and operate devices to measure
the pressure drop across each scrubber
module and the total flow of scrubbing
liquid to the venturi section of each
scrubber module. The data from these
instruments shall be monitored and
recorded electronically. A minimum of
one reading every 15 minutes shall be
used to calculate an hourly average
which shall be recorded and stored for
at least a five-year period. The owner or
operator shall report in an electronic
format either all hourly data, or onehour averages deviating by more than 30
percent from the levels measured during
the last particulate matter stack test that
demonstrated compliance with the limit
in this section. The owner or operator
shall implement this requirement no
later than one hundred eighty (180) days
after the effective date of this FIP if it
failed to submit the plan within sixty
(60) days after the effective date of this
FIP; or no later than 60 days after the
Regional Administrator’s disapproval of
the plan.
(iii) The monitoring required under
paragraphs (e)(8)(i) and (e)(8)(ii) of this
section shall apply to each Unit at all
times that the Unit is operating, except
for monitoring malfunctions, associated
repairs, and required quality assurance
or control activities (including, as
applicable, calibration checks and
required zero and span adjustments). A
monitoring malfunction is any sudden,
infrequent, not reasonably preventable
failure of the monitoring to provide
valid data. Monitoring failures that are
caused in part by poor maintenance or
careless operation are not malfunctions.
(iv) The owner or operator may
petition the Regional Administrator for
an extension of the sixty (60) day
deadline. Such extension shall be
granted only if the owner or operator
demonstrates to the satisfaction of the
Regional Administrator that:
(A) The delay is due to technical
infeasibility beyond the control of the
owner or operator; and
(B) The requested extension, if
granted, will allow the owner or
operator to successfully complete the
plan.
(v) The owner or operator shall
submit to the Regional Administrator
reports of the monitoring data required
by this section semi-annually. The
reports shall be postmarked within 30
days of the end of each calendar quarter.
(vi) The owner or operator shall
develop and document a quality
assurance program for the monitoring
and recording instrumentation. This
program shall be updated or improved
as requested by the Regional
Administrator.
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25707
(vii) In the event that a program for
parameter monitoring on Units 1, 2, and
3 is approved pursuant to the
Compliance Assurance Monitoring rule,
40 CFR Part 64, such program will
supersede the provisions contained in
paragraph (e)(8) of this section.
(f) Reporting and Recordkeeping
Requirements. Unless otherwise stated
all requests, reports, submittals,
notifications, and other communications
to the Regional Administrator required
by this section shall be submitted,
unless instructed otherwise, to the
Director, Navajo Environmental
Protection Agency, P.O. Box 339,
Window Rock, Arizona 86515, (928)
871–7692, (928) 871–7996 (facsimile),
and to the Director, Air Division, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency,
Region IX, to the attention of Mail Code:
AIR–5, at 75 Hawthorne Street, San
Francisco, California 94105, (415) 972–
3990, (415) 947–3579 (facsimile). For
each unit subject to the emissions
limitation in this section and upon
completion of the installation of CEMS
and COMS as required in this section,
the owner or operator shall comply with
the following requirements:
(1) For each emissions limit in this
section, comply with the notification
and recordkeeping requirements for
CEMS compliance monitoring in 40 CFR
60.7(c) and (d). For Units 4 and 5,
periods of excess opacity due to water
droplets shall be reported in the
summary report required by 40 CFR
60.7(d).
(2) For each day, provide the 365 day
percent SO2 emitted, the total SO2
emitted that day, and the total SO2
produced that day. For any hours on
any unit where data for SO2 hourly
pounds or heat input is missing,
identify the unit number and
monitoring device that did not produce
valid data that caused the missing hour.
(3) Furnish the Regional
Administrator with reports describing
the results of the annual particulate
matter emissions tests postmarked
within sixty (60) days of completing the
tests. Each report shall include the
following information:
(i) The test date;
(ii) The test method;
(iii) Identification of the coal burning
equipment tested;
(iv) Values for stack pressure,
temperature, moisture, and distribution
of velocity heads;
(v) Average heat input;
(vi) Emissions data, identified by
sample number, and expressed in
pounds per MMBtu;
(vii) Arithmetic average of sample
data expressed in pounds per MMBtu;
and
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(viii) A description of any variances
from the test method.
(4) Excess Emissions Report. (i) For
excess emissions (except in the case of
saturated stack conditions), the owner
or operator shall notify the Navajo
Environmental Protection Agency
Director and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Regional
Administrator by telephone or in
writing within one business day (initial
notification). A complete written report
of the incident shall be submitted to the
Navajo Environmental Protection
Agency Director and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
Regional Administrator within ten (10)
working days of the initial notification.
This notification should be sent to the
Director, Navajo Environmental
Protection Agency, by mail to: P.O. Box
339, Window Rock, Arizona 86515, or
by facsimile to: (928) 871–7996
(facsimile), and to the Regional
Administrator, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, by mail to the
attention of Mail Code: AIR–5, at 75
Hawthorne Street, San Francisco,
California 94105, by facsimile to: (415)
947–3579 (facsimile), or by e-mail to:
r9.aeo@epa.gov. The complete written
report shall include:
(A) The name and title of the person
reporting;
(B) The identity and location of the
Plant and Unit(s) involved, and the
emissions point(s), including bypass,
from which the excess emissions
occurred or are occurring;
(C) The time and duration or expected
duration of the excess emissions;
(D) The magnitude of the excess
emissions expressed in the units of the
applicable emissions limitation and the
operating data and calculations used in
determining the magnitude of the excess
emissions;
(E) The nature of the condition
causing the excess emissions and the
reasons why excess emissions occurred
or are occurring;
(F) If the excess emissions were the
result of a malfunction, the steps taken
to remedy the malfunction and the steps
taken or planned to prevent the
recurrence of such malfunction;
(G) For an opacity exceedance, the 6minute average opacity monitoring data
greater than 20 percent for the 24 hours
prior to and during the exceedance for
Units 4 and 5; and
(H) The efforts taken or being taken to
minimize the excess emissions and to
repair or otherwise bring the Plant into
compliance with the applicable
emissions limit(s) or other requirements.
For this reporting requirement, excess
opacity due to saturated stack
conditions is exempted.
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16:51 May 04, 2007
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(ii) If the period of excess emissions
extends beyond the submittal of the
written report, the owner or operator
shall also notify the Regional
Administrator in writing of the exact
time and date when the excess
emissions stopped. Compliance with the
excess emissions notification provisions
of this section shall not excuse or
otherwise constitute a defense to any
violations of this section or of any law
or regulation which such excess
emissions or malfunction may cause.
(g) Equipment Operations. At all
times, including periods of startup,
shutdown, and malfunction, the owner
or operator shall, to the extent
practicable, maintain and operate the
Plant including associated air pollution
control equipment in a manner
consistent with good air pollution
control practices for minimizing
emissions. Determination of whether
acceptable operating and maintenance
procedures are being used will be based
on information available to the Regional
Administrator which may include, but
is not limited to, monitoring results,
opacity observations, review of
operating and maintenance procedures,
and inspection of the Plant. With regard
to the operation of the baghouses on
Units 4 and 5, placing the baghouses in
service before coal fires are initiated
will constitute compliance with this
paragraph. (If the baghouse inlet
temperature cannot achieve 185 degrees
Fahrenheit using only gas fires, the
owner or operator will not be expected
to place baghouses in service before coal
fires are initiated; however, the owner
or operator will remain subject to the
requirements of this paragraph.)
(h) Enforcement. (1) Notwithstanding
any other provision in this
implementation plan, any credible
evidence or information relevant to
whether the Plant would have been in
compliance with applicable
requirements if the appropriate
performance or compliance test had
been performed, can be used to establish
whether or not the owner or operator
has violated or is in violation of any
standard in the plan.
(2) During periods of startup and
shutdown the otherwise applicable
emission limits or requirements for
opacity and particulate matter shall not
apply provided that:
(i) At all times the facility is operated
in a manner consistent with good
practice for minimizing emissions, and
the owner or operator uses best efforts
regarding planning, design, and
operating procedures to meet the
otherwise applicable emission limit;
(ii) The frequency and duration of
operation in start-up or shutdown mode
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are minimized to the maximum extent
practicable; and
(iii) The owner or operator’s actions
during start-up and shutdown periods
are documented by properly signed,
contemporaneous operating logs, or
other relevant evidence.
(3) Emissions in excess of the level of
the applicable emission limit or
requirement that occur due to a
malfunction shall constitute a violation
of the applicable emission limit.
However, it shall be an affirmative
defense in an enforcement action
seeking penalties if the owner or
operator has met with all of the
following conditions:
(i) The malfunction was the result of
a sudden and unavoidable failure of
process or air pollution control
equipment or of a process to operate in
a normal or usual manner;
(ii) The malfunction did not result
from operator error or neglect, or from
improper operation or maintenance
procedures;
(iii) The excess emissions were not
part of a recurring pattern indicative of
inadequate design, operation, or
maintenance;
(iv) Steps were taken in an
expeditious fashion to correct
conditions leading to the malfunction,
and the amount and duration of the
excess emissions caused by the
malfunction were minimized to the
maximum extent practicable;
(v) All possible steps were taken to
minimize the impact of the excess
emissions on ambient air quality;
(vi) All emissions monitoring systems
were kept in operation if at all possible;
and
(vii) The owner or operator’s actions
in response to the excess emissions
were documented by properly signed,
contemporaneous operating logs, or
other relevant evidence.
[FR Doc. E7–8530 Filed 5–4–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
E:\FR\FM\07MYR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 87 (Monday, May 7, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25698-25708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-8530]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 49
[EPA-R09-OAR-2006-0184; FRL-8308-6]
RIN 2009-AA01
Source-Specific Federal Implementation Plan for Four Corners
Power Plant; Navajo Nation
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating a
source-specific Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to regulate emissions
from the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP), a coal-fired power plant
located on the Navajo Indian Reservation near Farmington, New Mexico.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective on June 6, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebecca Rosen, EPA Region IX, (415)
947-4152, rosen.rebecca@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has established a docket for this action
under Docket ID No. R09-OAR-2006-0184. All documents in the docket are
listed in the Federal eRulemaking portal index at https://
www.regulations.gov and are available either electronically at
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at EPA Region IX, 75 Hawthorne
Street, San Francisco, California, 94105. To inspect the hard copy
materials, please schedule an appointment during normal business hours
with the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
A reasonable fee may be charged for copies.
Throughout this document, ``we,'' ``us'' and ``our'' refer to EPA.
Table of Contents
I. Background of the Final Rule
II. Analysis of Major Issues Raised by Commenters
A. Jurisdictional and Authority Issues
B. Concerns About the Scope of the FIP
C. Comments on Emissions Limits
D. Comments on Control Requirements
III. Administrative Requirements
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With
Indian Tribal Governments
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions that Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
K. Congressional Review Act
L. Petitions for Judicial Review
I. Background of the Final Rule
FCPP is a privately owned and operated coal-fired power plant
located on the Navajo Indian Reservation near Farmington, New Mexico.
Based on lease agreements signed in 1960, FCPP was constructed and has
been operating on real property held in trust by the federal government
for the Navajo Nation. The facility consists of five coal-fired
electric utility steam generating units with a total capacity in excess
of 2000 megawatts (MW).
In 1999, EPA initially proposed to promulgate a FIP to regulate
emissions from FCPP. At that time, FCPP had historically achieved
certain emissions limits which had been approved by EPA into the New
Mexico SIP. See 40 CFR 52.1640. However, because the New Mexico SIP is
not approved to apply on the Navajo Indian Reservation, and because the
Navajo Nation did not have a federally applicable tribal implementation
plan (TIP), EPA proposed to promulgate a FIP to remedy the existing
regulatory gap. 64 FR 48731 (September 8, 1999) (1999 proposed FIP).
The proposed FIP would have, in essence, federalized the requirements
contained in the New Mexico SIP which FCPP had historically followed.
In explaining the basis for its proposed action, EPA stated that given
the magnitude of emissions from the plant, the Agency believed the
proposed FIP provisions were necessary and appropriate to ensure the
protection of air quality on the Reservation. 64 FR at 48733.
Before EPA took final action on the 1999 proposed FIP, a
stakeholders group of environmental organizations (Environmental
Defense, Western Resource Advocates, and New Mexico Citizens for Clean
Air and Water), the National Park Service (NPS), and Arizona Public
Service (APS), the operating agent for FCPP, convened to discuss the
facility. The stakeholders group negotiated substantial additional
sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions reductions which FCPP
believed it could achieve by enhancing the efficiency of its existing
SO2 scrubbers. After testing the program, the Navajo Nation
and the stakeholders group requested that EPA include these negotiated,
additional SO2 emissions reductions in the FIP. FCPP agreed
to increase the amount of SO2 emissions it was eliminating
from its exhaust stream from 72% to 88%, thereby reducing its annual
emissions of SO2 to the atmosphere by about 25,000 tons per
year.
EPA did not finalize the proposed 1999 FIP after the stakeholders
group began negotiations. Instead, after the stakeholders group had
finished its work, EPA proposed a new FIP in September, 2006. 71 FR
53631 (September 12, 2006) (2006 proposed FIP).
In the 2006 proposed FIP, EPA again explained that to remedy the
regulatory gap that exists with regard to FCPP, the Agency was
proposing to issue a source-specific FIP. EPA proposed to establish
federally enforceable emission limits for SO2,
NOX, PM, and opacity, and control measures for dust. For
SO2, the 2006 proposed FIP included a requirement for FCPP
to comply with a significantly lower emission limit than the one set
forth in the 1999 proposed FIP. For NOX and PM emissions,
EPA again proposed to federalize the emissions limits which FCPP has
historically followed. In other words, the primary difference between
EPA's 1999 proposed FIP and our 2006 proposed FIP is our inclusion of
requirements for FCPP to comply with the more stringent SO2
emissions limitation.
EPA's objective at this time in promulgating a FIP for FCPP is to
remedy the existing regulatory gap described above. Today's action will
make federally enforceable the emission limitations which FCPP has
historically followed as well as ensuring that FCPP continues to
significantly reduce its emissions of SO2. This action will
help to advance the goals of ensuring continued maintenance of the
national ambient air quality standards and protecting visibility. Given
the importance of these goals and the magnitude of emissions from the
plant, EPA believes that making these limits federally enforceable is
appropriate to protect air quality on the Reservation and is
accordingly exercising its discretionary authority under sections
301(a) and 301(d)(4) of the CAA and 40
[[Page 25699]]
CFR 49.11(a) to promulgate a FIP containing provisions to achieve these
ends.
II. Analysis of Major Issues Raised by Commenters
EPA received 43 comment letters on the proposal. The Navajo Nation
EPA and one environmental organization provided comments in support of
the proposed FIP. Other commenters raised concerns which focused on
EPA's jurisdiction over FCPP and our exercise of FIP authority, general
concerns about air quality and health in the Four Corners area, more
specific comments about the emission limits and control requirements in
the proposed FIP, and questions as to whether FCPP's SO2
emissions reductions were close to or equivalent to that achievable
through best available retrofit technology (BART).
EPA held a public informational workshop and public hearing on the
proposed FIP in Farmington, New Mexico, on October 5, 2006. EPA
received approximately 36 written and e-mail comments and 7 oral
comments. Many of those commenting at the public hearing also submitted
their comments in writing.
Our complete Response to Comments is contained in a separate
document in the docket for this rulemaking. A summary of the
significant comments and responses is provided below.
A. Jurisdictional and Authority Issues
Comment: Several commenters raised issues regarding EPA's authority
to promulgate a FIP for FCPP. Some commenters stated that EPA does not
have the authority to promulgate the proposed FIP because FCPP's
ongoing compliance with the emissions limits in the New Mexico SIP
means that there is no regulatory gap for EPA to fill.
Response: EPA's authority to promulgate a source-specific FIP is
based on Clean Air Act (CAA) sections 301(a) and (d)(4) and the
regulations implementing these provisions known as the Tribal Authority
Rule (TAR) at 40 CFR Part 49. CAA section 301(d)(4) provides EPA with
broad discretion to promulgate regulations directly for sources located
in Indian country,\1\ including on Indian reservations if we determine
such Federal regulations are ``necessary or appropriate'' and the Tribe
has not promulgated a TIP. Specifically, in 40 CFR 49.11, EPA
interpreted CAA section 301(d)(4) to authorize EPA to promulgate ``such
Federal implementation plan provisions as are necessary or appropriate
to protect air quality.''
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\1\ ``Indian country'' is defined under 18 U.S.C. 1151 as: (1)
All land within the limits of any Indian reservation under the
jurisdiction of the United States Government, notwithstanding the
issuance of any patent, and including rights-of-way running through
the reservation, (2) all dependent Indian communities within the
borders of the United States, whether within the original or
subsequently acquired territory thereof, and whether within or
without the limits of a State, and (3) all Indian allotments, the
Indian titles to which have not been extinguished, including rights-
of-way running through the same. Under this definition, EPA treats
as reservations trust lands validly set aside for the use of a Tribe
even if the trust lands have not been formally designated as a
reservation.
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As explained in the 1999 and 2006 proposed FIPs, a regulatory gap
exists with regard to FCPP. 64 FR at 43,955; 71 FR at 53,632. Although
FCPP has historically followed the rules in the New Mexico SIP, EPA has
not found that New Mexico had regulatory authority under the CAA on the
Navajo Indian Reservation and has not approved the State's
implementation plan for any area on the Reservation. It is EPA's
position that, absent an explicit finding of jurisdiction and approval
in Indian country, State and local governments lack authority under the
CAA over air pollution sources, and the owners or operators of air
pollution sources, throughout Indian country. See 63 FR 7254, 7259
(February 12, 1998) (responding to comment that EPA should ``
`grandfather' existing facility subject to state authority so that
states continue to regulate those facilities until the affected parties
all agree cooperatively to a transition from state to tribal
jurisdiction''). Therefore, the New Mexico SIP does not apply to FCPP
and there is a regulatory gap.
EPA is exercising its discretion to promulgate emission limitations
for FCPP to close this regulatory gap in light of the magnitude of the
emissions of NOX, SO2, and PM from FCPP. This FIP
will help to ensure maintenance of the NAAQS and progress towards
meeting the national visibility goal and help to maintain consistent
standards on the Navajo Indian Reservation and its neighboring States.
The source-specific FIP published today is based on the same CAA
authority that EPA has used elsewhere in rulemakings and that has been
affirmed by the courts. EPA's interpretation of its authority in the
TAR was affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit in Arizona Public Service Co. v. EPA, 211 F.3d 1280
(D.C. Cir. 2000), cert. denied, 121 S. Ct. 1600 (2001). That court also
upheld EPA's authority to issue operating permits to major stationary
sources located in Indian country under Title V of the CAA, pursuant to
regulations at 40 CFR Part 71. State of Michigan v. EPA, 268 F.3d 1075
(D.C. Cir. 2001). In addition, in an unpublished opinion in December
2006, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found that EPA's promulgation
of a FIP establishing agricultural burning rules that applied to some,
but not all reservations in the Northwestern United States was not
arbitrary and capricious. Safe Air for Everyone v. EPA, No. 05-73383
(9th Cir., Dec. 8, 2005). A copy of the unpublished opinion is in our
docket.
EPA has used its authority in CAA sections 301(a) and (d), as
implemented through 40 CFR Part 49, to issue a number of FIPs to
address air pollution concerns at specific facilities located in Indian
country. See, e.g., Federal Implementation Plan for Tri-Cities
Landfill, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, 40 CFR 49.22 (64
FR 65663 (November 23, 1999)); Federal Implementation Plan for the
Astaris-Idaho LLC Facility (formerly owned by FMC Corporation) in the
Fort Hall PM10 Nonattainment Area, 40 CFR 49.10711 (65 FR
51412 (August 23, 2000).
Therefore, we disagree with those comments challenging EPA's
authority to promulgate a FIP for FCPP.
B. Concerns About the Scope of the FIP
Comment: The overwhelming majority of commenters indicated that in
issuing a FIP for FCPP, EPA should go beyond merely federalizing the
emission limits which FCPP has historically followed. Most commenters
raised concerns about poor air quality, deteriorating visibility and
high rates of cancer, asthma, and other respiratory problems in the
Four Corners area, and a number requested that EPA prohibit any
emissions from the facility rather than merely federalizing the limits
the facility has historically followed. Other commenters urged EPA to
take regulatory action to regulate or to further reduce emissions of
SO2, NOX, PM, mercury, and ``toxic emissions.''
Commenters raised a variety of general concerns regarding health
impacts associated with FCPP, including the public health and/or
environmental impacts of fugitive dust from coal mining, mercury (Hg)
and carbon dioxide (CO2, greenhouse gases). Another
commenter argued that in issuing a FIP for FCPP, EPA must comply not
only with the requirements of section 301 of the CAA but also ensure
through the FIP process that FCPP is in compliance with all applicable
federal and state ambient standards by complying with the requirements
of section 110 of the CAA addressing State implementation plans.
[[Page 25700]]
Response: EPA is taking action to close the regulatory gap that
exists with respect to FCPP. As explained above, at present there is
not currently an approved implementation plan covering FCPP. EPA's
exercise of authority in issuing this FIP is based on the Agency's
conclusion that it is appropriate to protect air quality on the
Reservation by remedying the lack of federally enforceable limits
applicable to this facility. As such, our action is limited to making
enforceable those emissions limits which FCPP has historically
followed, or in the case of SO2, an emission limit FCPP has
achieved following a successful test program to determine if the
existing scrubbers at FCPP could be improved.
Today's action is an important step in protecting air quality on
the Reservation. As noted in the proposal, this action will contribute
towards ensuring continued maintenance of the NAAQS and towards
protecting visibility. EPA acknowledges that additional regulatory
actions by EPA may be necessary or appropriate in the future to further
protect air quality on the Navajo Reservation, depending on, among
other things, conditions on the Reservation and the decisions of the
Navajo Nation to exercise its discretionary authority under the CAA.
C. Comments on Emissions Limits
1. Comments on Emissions Limits for Pollutants Other Than
SO2
Comment: Several commenters urged EPA to take regulatory action in
addition to the proposed FIP to require reductions of NOX
and PM emissions from FCPP. In particular, several commenters urged EPA
to undertake a BART determination for FCPP's NOX emissions.
Response: EPA agrees that it may be necessary or appropriate in a
future rulemaking to require FCPP to reduce its NOX or PM
emissions below those levels which were historically contained in the
New Mexico SIP or which are necessary to comply with the Acid Rain
program. Today's rule, however, does not address the requirements of
EPA's nationally applicable Regional Haze rule, codified at 40 CFR
51.308, which contains specific implementation plan requirements
regarding BART determinations.\2\
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\2\ Such implementation plans are not required from the States
until December 17, 2007[0]. Tribes are not subject to any
mandatory deadlines to submit regional have implementation plans.
See 40 CFR 49.7(c); 64 FR at 35758 (``For example, unlike States,
tribes are not required by the TAR to adopt and implement CAA plans
or programs, thus tribes are not subject to mandatory deadlines for
submittal of implementation plans.''
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EPA intends to apply any requirements for FCPP to achieve a
reduction in its NOX or PM emissions in a separate
rulemaking. EPA will begin gathering information from FCPP to determine
what measures, if any, are appropriate for the facility to implement to
reduce its NOX and PM emissions to comply with the Regional
Haze Rule's requirements for BART.
2. Comments on Emission Limit for SO2
Comment: A number of commenters requested EPA to promulgate a FIP
that would require FCPP to reduce its SO2 emissions to
greater than 88% SO2 removal from the exhaust gas. Some
comments questioned the method which EPA specified FCPP should use to
determine how much SO2 was being removed or that removal
efficiency should be determined by SO2 CEMs located before
and after the scrubber. The commenters noted that FCPP should not be
able to count as ``removed'' sulfur that is retained in bottom and
flyash.
Response: The removal efficiency that FCPP historically met (72%)
and the increased efficiency required in this FIP (88%) are based on
comparison of the percentage of sulfur in the coal that FCPP is
combusting and the outlet concentration of sulfur expressed as
SO2. The commenters are correct that some of the sulfur is
retained in bottom and flyash. However, comparing coal sampling for
sulfur content to the SO2 emitted at the stacks remains the
most technically appropriate method of demonstrating compliance. FCPP
uses a coal sampling tower that meets American Society of Testing and
Materials (ASTM) specifications for obtaining a representative sample
of the coal for sulfur analysis prior to combustion.
EPA agrees with one commenter that the regulatory language
establishing the 88% removal efficiency should be clarified in the
final FIP. Instead of stating the limit as ``12 percent of that which
is produced by the coal burning equipment * * * '', EPA will change the
FIP to reflect that the SO2 limit is based on limiting
emissions to 12% of the sulfur in the coal.
3. Comments on Whether FCPP's 88% Reduction of SO2 Emissions
Is Close to or Equivalent to BART
Comment: EPA received several comments regarding our statement in
the preamble to the 2006 proposed FIP that ``EPA believes that the
SO2 controls proposed today for FCPP are close to or the
equivalent of a regional haze BART determination for SO2.
This takes into consideration the early reductions that this action
will achieve and the modifications to the existing SO2
scrubbers.'' One commenter called upon EPA to conduct a full
SO2 BART analysis before taking final action. Another
commenter disagreed with our statement that 88% control of
SO2 for FCPP is ``close to or the equivalent of'' BART and
called upon EPA to require FCPP to meet what it characterized as the
applicable presumptive BART requirement. In contrast, other comments
supported EPA's statement or echoed the importance of achieving
SO2 emissions reductions from FCPP now rather than on the
schedule anticipated for BART determinations.
Response: EPA is not making a BART determination for FCPP today. As
noted in the preamble to the proposed FIP, the level of control in the
FIP for FCPP is ``close to or the equivalent'' of BART for this source.
EPA agrees that if the Agency were to undertake a case-by-case BART
analysis, BART could potentially be determined to be a greater level of
control than 88% SO2 removal.\3\ However, any case-by-case
BART analysis would be subject to the timeframes needed to implement
such controls. As explained above, under the TAR, EPA has the
discretion to promulgate FIPs, as necessary or appropriate, within
reasonable timeframes to protect air quality in Indian country. Id. In
today's rulemaking EPA is exercising its discretion under 40 CFR 49.11
to find that it is neither necessary or appropriate at this time to
undertake a BART determination for SO2 for FCPP given the
timing of the substantial SO2 reductions resulting from this
FIP. Moreover, as explained in the preamble to the 2006 proposed FIP,
there are only two major sources of SO2 on the Navajo
Reservation that are potentially subject to the BART requirements--
Navajo Generating Station and FCPP. 71 FR at 53632. EPA determined
previously that the SO2 emission limits in the 1991 FIP for
the Navajo Generating Station provide for greater reasonable progress
toward the national visibility goal than would BART. 71 FR at 53633. As
explained above, given that the SO2
[[Page 25701]]
controls for FCPP immediately achieve significant reductions in
SO2 comparable to what could ultimately be achieved through
a formal BART determination, EPA believes that it will not be necessary
or appropriate to develop a regional haze plan to address
SO2 for the Navajo Nation in the near term.
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\3\ EPA disagrees with the comment that the BART Guidelines, 70
FR 39104, 39171 (July 6, 2005) established a presumption that BART
at FCPP is 95% control for SO2. Although the BART
Guidelines did establish a presumption of either 95% control for
SO2 or 0.15 lbs/MMBtu for large power plants, this
presumption applies only to power plants that are currently
uncontrolled or achieving less than 50% control of SO2.
Id. As indicated in the preamble to the proposed FIP, this
presumption thus does not apply to power plants, such as FCPP, with
existing SO2 controls achieving at least 50% removal
efficiency. 71 FR at 53633; see also 70 FR at 39171.
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The Navajo Nation EPA has specifically requested EPA to take this
action, and in doing so stated: ``Given the results of the APS study,
the Navajo Nation agrees that an 88% SO2 removal rate for
SO2 at Four Corners Power Plant appears to be equivalent to
BART, especially taking into account the early reductions that will be
achieved.'' Letter from Stephen Etsitty, to Deborah Jordan, dated
December 6, 2005. EPA generally agrees with the Navajo Nation's
assessment and has, therefore, taken this step in regulating emissions
on the Navajo Nation reservation.
4. Comments on Opacity Emission Limits
Comment: One commenter objected to the lack of a 20% opacity
standard for Units 1, 2, and 3. Other comments objected to the FIP's
exemption of water vapor from the 20% opacity standard on Units 4 and 5
and also criticized exempting the Units from compliance with the
opacity limit during startup and shutdown when the units dropped below
300 MW. In contrast, another commenter stated that the opacity
requirements on these units are overly restrictive, especially as they
pertain to periods of malfunction.
Response: Opacity limits are generally applied to ensure a source
is meeting its PM emissions limit. For Units 1, 2, and 3, however, an
opacity limit (coupled with a continuous opacity monitors (COMS)) would
not be an appropriate method for ensuring compliance with the PM
emissions limits for these units. This is because Units 1, 2, and 3 use
venturi scrubbers to reduce PM emissions; due to interference from
steam in the exhaust, COMS can not be used to monitor opacity on these
stacks. Given this, EPA finds that the use of opacity limits to ensure
that FCPP is meeting its PM emissions limits is not appropriate for
these units. EPA continues to find, and is finalizing in today's
action, that parametric monitoring of each venturi scrubber is the best
method of assuring proper operation to minimize the emissions of PM.
Units 4 and 5 have always operated with an exemption from opacity
limits during shutdown. The commenter has not provided any information
demonstrating that exempting these units during shutdown harms the
environment or public health.
With regards to comments requesting an exemption from the opacity
limit during malfunctions, EPA has explained below its reasons for
providing an affirmative defense for these periods. With regards to the
comment on the phrasing for exempting water vapor, EPA agrees that this
should be changed to uncombined water droplets. With respect to the
commenter requesting a demonstration that the opacity was caused by
uncombined water droplets, EPA believes this is not necessary. The
opacity limit for this facility is set to assure proper operation of
the baghouse. The rule will require that the facility assure that there
has been no bypass through the bypass damper during these periods of
assumed water droplet interference. The facility will be required to
report these as apparent excess emissions in their quarterly excess
emissions report. If anything inappropriate shows up in the reports,
EPA can follow up to get better clarification of the issue.
D. Comments on Control Requirements
Comment: One commenter was concerned that the heat input for the
FCPP Plant may have increased over a number of years as indicated from
the ``EPA Acid Rain Scorecard'' and wanted to know if this increase
constituted a major modification triggering permitting.
Response: EPA is undertaking this rulemaking pursuant to our
rulemaking authority established in CAA sections 301(a) and 301(d) to
promulgate source-specific FIPs in Indian Country. EPA is not
addressing in today's action the status of this source with respect to
any need for major source permitting or whether or not a modification
had occurred at the plant.
We do note that changes in the heat input reflected by the ``EPA
Acid Rain Scorecard'' do not necessarily indicate that an electric
generating unit (EGU) has made a major modification. For example, the
methodology for determining heat input to EGUs used in the Scorecard
changed with the 1995 data. For the years before this, the Scorecard
relied on coal consumption data provided to the EIA, while from 1995 on
it was determined by flow measurements in the stack and calculated
based on 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix A, Method 19.
Comment: One commenter questions whether or not the current method
of flyash disposal is safe.
Response: The only regulatory action in this rule regarding flyash
addresses the generation of dust while handling the flyash on site. The
rule is imposing a 20% opacity limit on transfer points for flyash.
This will cover the ash that is being sold for use as an additive to
cement and the process for mixing of flyash and scrubber sludge for
disposal at the mines. This regulation does not evaluate or control the
method of disposal at the mine.
Comment: One commenter questions whether or not the facility was
ever exempted from opacity monitoring as required and then eligible for
exemption under 40 CFR 75.10(a) and 40 CFR 75.14(b), respectively.
Response: EPA is not aware that there was any specific exemption
requested or granted to this facility. However, EPA has had extensive
experience inspecting and negotiating with this plant since the early
1990's. EPA has been aware that even to the extent FCPP has followed
the New Mexico rules, the three venturi scrubbed units (1, 2, and 3)
have had no opacity limit and no opacity monitoring in the stacks.
These units have venturi scrubbers that cannot be bypassed while the
unit is in operation and the stacks have an exhaust gas stream that is
always saturated. If a specific exemption was required, EPA would grant
it for these three units upon request by the facility.
Comment: APS has commented that parametric monitoring should not be
required by this rule, but that EPA should wait until Compliance
Assurance Monitoring (CAM) is required by the facility's Title V
permit. The commenter goes on to say if parametric monitoring is
required that there should be a six month schedule for installation and
shakedown of the equipment.
Response: EPA disagrees with the comment that EPA should wait to
require the parametric monitoring under CAM. EPA believes that newly
created applicable requirements, such as the emissions limitations in
the FCPP FIP, should establish adequate monitoring, recordkeeping, and
reporting that will assure compliance. It would not be appropriate to
establish new applicable requirements (in the form of FCPP FIP
requirements) that lack compliance-assuring monitoring, recordkeeping,
and reporting requirements. Therefore, FCPP should establish parametric
monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements, in
conjunction with this source-specific FIP rule.
CAM is designed as a gap filling mechanism where the parametric
monitoring required for an applicable requirement is insufficient to
ensure compliance. All rules, such as the FCPP FIP, should have
sufficient monitoring to assure compliance rather than rely on
[[Page 25702]]
the gap filling anticipated by CAM. EPA believes that the parametric
monitoring is the most appropriate method to assure continuous
compliance with the PM limits in this rule for Units 1, 2, and 3. EPA
concurs that FCPP should be allowed a six month period to comply with
this requirement and the final regulatory language reflects this.
Comment: FCPP commented that its emissions during startup, shutdown
and malfunction events should be exempt from the emissions limits, and
therefore not considered violations, rather than subject to an
affirmative defense for penalties.
Response: EPA acknowledges the New Mexico SIP contained an
exemption for these emissions. However, in our 1999 proposed FIP, EPA
recognized that the New Mexico SIP's exemption of startup, shutdown and
malfunction emissions from FCPP was in error. The 1999 proposed FIP
contained a provision similar to the affirmative defense provision in
the 2006 proposed FIP for malfunction events and alternate emissions
limits for startup.
EPA has set forth its position on numerous occasions stating that
emissions during startup, shutdown and malfunction events are
considered violations of the underlying emissions limitations. For
startup and shutdown events, EPA may set alternate limits where it is
technically infeasible for the equipment to meet the emissions limit
for a defined period of time. Such alternate startup and shutdown
limits are not exemptions. For excess emissions resulting from
malfunctions, EPA's longstanding position, as reflected in numerous
policy documents and rulemakings, is that those emissions are
violations of the underlying requirement but that the regulatory agency
may provide that the violator may assert an affirmative defense to a
claim for penalties based on the affirmative defense language such as
we proposed.
FCPP's arguments on the issue, which are legal rather than
technical, boil down to: (1) The CAA should only require excess
malfunction emissions to be violations if those emissions would cause a
violation of the NAAQS, (2) it is unfair to find a violation where the
emissions are sudden and unavoidable, (3) the requirement to take all
steps and to do everything possible renders the affirmative defense
provision a ``nullity,'' and (4) the provision improperly usurps the
judicial function of establishing the burden of proof. In response to
the first point, the CAA contains numerous requirements that cannot be
directly correlated with an exceedance of the NAAQS. (See, e.g. 40
U.S.C. 7410(a)(2) (requirements for SIPs).) Furthermore, NAAQS
violations are rarely based on emissions from just one source, but
rather from emissions from several or many sources. As to FCPP's second
point, EPA agrees that penalties may not be appropriate where a
malfunction was beyond the source's control and the source has taken
all necessary actions to minimize emissions during the malfunction and
to quickly remedy the problem. However, EPA does not agree that it is
unfair to allow for claims for injunctive relief where a malfunction
has occurred. The criteria ensure that these conditions are met before
a source may be relieved from paying penalties while also allowing for
claims for injunctive relief to proceed. On the third point, we
disagree. The criteria represent reasonable mechanisms that sources
should have in place to minimize and mitigate any adverse effects from
malfunctions. For the fourth point, we are unclear what the commenter
means by saying the defense ``usurps the judicial function of
establishing burden of proof.'' However, we think that each party bears
the appropriate burden in any enforcement case. The party seeking to
enforce a claim bears that burden of proving that excess emissions
occurred to establish a violation. FCPP may raise as a defense to
penalties that the violation was unavoidable and FCPP took appropriate
preventive and corrective action. The court retains its function of
determining whether each party has met its burden. Therefore, EPA is
finalizing the language proposed in the FIP allowing an affirmative
defense for excess emissions resulting from malfunctions.
Comment: FCPP also commented that the FIP should not become
effective until 18 months following promulgation because EPA's 2006
proposed FIP contained a new 20% opacity requirement for certain dust-
generating activities.
Response: EPA agrees that FCPP may have 18 months to develop the
necessary controls to ensure it does not exceed 20% opacity from its
dust generating activities. EPA also agrees that FCPP may have the
requested additional time to develop a parametric monitoring plan and
to install CEMS and collect adequate data to demonstrate compliance
with the SO2 emission limit.
Comment: FCPP commented that it did not agree with EPA's option in
the proposed preamble to impose a 40% opacity limit for Units 1, 2, and
3.
Response: EPA agrees for the reasons discussed above concerning why
EPA will not impose a 20% opacity limit on Units 1, 2, and 3.
III. Administrative Requirements
A. Executive Order 12866
Regulatory Planning and Review
Under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, 58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993),
all ``regulatory actions'' that are ``significant'' are subject to
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review and the requirements of
the Executive Order. A ``regulatory action'' is defined as ``any
substantive action by an agency (normally published in the Federal
Register) that promulgates or is expected to result in the promulgation
of a final rule or regulation, including * * * notices of proposed
rulemaking.'' A ``regulation or rule'' is defined as ``an agency
statement of general applicability and future effect,* * *''
The FIP is a ``significant regulatory action'' because it raises
novel legal or policy issues. Nevertheless, after reviewing information
regarding this action, the Office of Management and Budget waived
review of this action.
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
This action does not impose an information collection burden under
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, a ``collection of information'' is
defined as a requirement for ``answers to * * * identical reporting or
recordkeeping requirements imposed on ten or more persons * * *'' 44
U.S.C. 3502(3)(A). Because the FIP applies to a single facility, FCPP,
the Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply. See 5 CFR 1320(c).
Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources
expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or
provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time
needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize
technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and
verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and
disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to
comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements;
train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information;
search data sources; complete and review the collection of information;
and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control
[[Page 25703]]
numbers for EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency
to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to
notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative
Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses,
small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions.
For purposes of assessing the impacts of today's rule on small
entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as defined
by the Small Business Administration's (SBA) regulations at 13 CFR
121.201; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a government of
a city, county, town, school district or special district with a
population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is
any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated
and is not dominant in its field.
After considering the economic impacts of this final action on
small entities, I certify that this action will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The FIP for
FCPP being finalized today does not impose any new requirements on
small entities. See Mid-Tex Electric Cooperative, Inc. v. FERC, 773
F.2d 327 (D.C. Cir. 1985)
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Pub.
L. 04-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal
governments and the private sector. Under UMRA section 202, EPA
generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-benefit
analysis, for proposed rules and for final rules for which EPA
published a notice of proposed rulemaking, if those rules contain
``federal mandates'' that may result in the expenditure by State,
local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private
sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. If UMRA section 202
requires a written statement, UMRA section 205 generally requires EPA
to identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory
alternatives. Under UMRA section 205, EPA must adopt the least costly,
most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative that achieves the
objectives of the rule, unless the Regional Administrator publishes
with the final rule an explanation why EPA did not adopt that
alternative. The provisions of UMRA section 205 do not apply when they
are inconsistent with applicable law. UMRA section 204 requires EPA to
develop a process to allow elected officers of State, local, and Tribal
governments (or their designated, authorized employees), to provide
meaningful and timely input in the development of EPA regulatory
proposals containing significant Federal intergovernmental mandates.
EPA has determined that the final FIP contains no Federal mandates
on State, local or Tribal governments, because it will not impose any
additional enforceable duties on any of these entities. EPA further has
determined that the final FIP is not likely to result in the
expenditure of $100 million or more by the private sector in any one
year. Although the final FIP imposes enforceable duties on an entity in
the private sector, the costs are expected to be minimal. Consequently,
UMRA sections 202, 204, and 205 do not apply to the final FIP.
Before EPA establishes any regulatory requirements that might
significantly or uniquely affect small governments, it must have
developed under UMRA section 203 a small government agency plan. The
plan must provide for notifying potentially affected small governments,
enabling officials of affected small governments to have meaningful and
timely input in the development of EPA regulatory proposals with
significant Federal intergovernmental mandates, and informing,
educating, and advising small governments on compliance with the
regulatory requirements.
EPA has determined that the final FIP will not significantly or
uniquely affect small governments, because it imposes no requirements
on small governments. Therefore, the requirements of UMRA section 203
do not apply to the final FIP. Nonetheless, EPA worked closely with
representatives of the Tribe in the development of today's action.
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) revokes and replaces
Executive Orders 12612 (Federalism) and 12875 (Enhancing the
Intergovernmental Partnership). Executive Order 13132 requires EPA to
develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input
by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies
that have federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism
implications is defined in the Executive Order to include regulations
that have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.''
Under Executive Order 13132, EPA may not issue a regulation that has
federalism implications, that imposes substantial direct compliance
costs, and that is not required by statute, unless the Federal
government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance
costs incurred by State and local governments, or EPA consults with
State and local officials early in the process of developing the
proposed regulation. EPA also may not issue a regulation that has
federalism implications and that preempts State law unless the Agency
consults with State and local officials early in the process of
developing the proposed regulation.
This rule will not have substantial direct effects on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, because it
merely approves a State rule implementing a Federal standard, and does
not alter the relationship or the distribution of power and
responsibilities established in the Clean Air Act. Thus, the
requirements of section 6 of the Executive Order do not apply to this
rule.
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments
Executive Order 13175, entitled ``Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, Nov. 9, 2000), requires
EPA to develop ``an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely
input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies
that have tribal implications.'' Under Executive Order 13175, to the
extent practicable and permitted by law, EPA may not issue a regulation
that has tribal implications, that imposes substantial direct
compliance costs on Indian tribal governments, and that is not required
by statute, unless the Federal government provides the funds necessary
to pay direct compliance costs incurred by tribal governments, or EPA
consults with tribal officials early in the process of developing the
proposed regulation and develops a tribal summary impact statement. In
addition, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, EPA may not
issue a regulation that has tribal
[[Page 25704]]
implications and pre-empts tribal law unless EPA consults with tribal
officials early in the process of developing the proposed regulation
and prepares a tribal summary impact statement.
EPA has concluded that this final rule may have tribal implications
because it will impose federally enforceable emissions limitation on a
major stationary source located and operating on the Navajo
reservation. However, this final rule will neither impose substantial
direct compliance costs on tribal governments nor pre-empt Tribal law
because the final FIP imposes obligations only on the owner or operator
of FCPP.
EPA has also consulted extensively with officials of the Navajo
Nation in the process of developing this regulation. EPA had
discussions with Tribal representatives during proposal of the FIP in
1999. By letter dated December 5, 2005, the Navajo Nation EPA supported
the action taken in this FIP. Tribal officials attended the public
information workshop and public hearing on the proposed FIP. Therefore,
EPA has allowed Navajo Nation to provide meaningful and timely input
into development of this FIP.
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), applies to any rule that: (1) Is
determined to be ``economically significant'' as defined under
Executive Order 12866, and (2) concerns an environmental health or
safety risk that EPA has reason to believe may have a disproportionate
effect on children. If the regulatory action meets both criteria, the
Agency must evaluate the environmental health or safety effects of the
planned rule on children, and explain why the planned regulation is
preferable to other potentially effective and reasonably feasible
alternatives considered by the Agency.
This rule also is not subject to Executive Order 13045,
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because it approves a state rule
implementing a Federal standard.
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use
This rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, ``Actions
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) because it is not a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Pub L. 104-113, 12 (10) (15 U.S.C. 272 note)
directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards (VCS) in its
regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with
applicable law or otherwise impractical. VCS are technical standards
(e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures and
business practices) that are developed or adopted by the VCS bodies.
The NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through annual reports to
OMB, with explanations when the Agency decides not to use available and
applicable VCS.
Consistent with the NTTAA, the Agency conducted a search to
identify potentially applicable VCS. For the measurement of the sulfur
in the coal for calculating the efficiency of the SO2
scrubbers for FCCP, EPA proposes to require use of ASTM standards. FCCP
would have the ability to choose an applicable ASTM standard for both
the coal sample collection and the sulfur in coal analysis.
In regard to the remaining measurement needs as listed below, there
are a number of VCS that appear to have possible use in lieu of the EPA
test methods and performance specifications (40 CFR Part 60, Appendices
A and B) noted next to the measurement requirements. It would not be
practical to specify these standards in the current rulemaking due to a
lack of sufficient data on equivalency and validation and because some
are still under development. However, EPA's Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards is in the process of reviewing all available VCS
for incorporation by reference into the test methods and performance
specifications of 40 CFR Part 60, Appendices A and B. Any VCS so
incorporated in a specified test method or performance specification
would then be available for use in determining the emissions from this
facility. This will be an ongoing process designed to incorporate
suitable VCS as they become available.
Particulate Matter Emissions--EPA Methods 1 though 5
Opacity--EPA Method 9 and Performance Specification Test 1 for
Opacity Monitoring
SO2--EPA Method 6C and Performance Specification 2 for
Continuous SO2 Monitoring
NOX--EPA Method 7E and Performance Specification 2 for
Continuous NOX Monitoring.
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994), establishes
Federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision
directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and
permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission
by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
EPA has determined that this final rule will not have
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority or low-income populations because it strengthens
the level of protection provided to human health or the environment.
This final rule requires emissions reductions and makes emissions
limitations federally enforceable for a major stationary source.
K. Congressional Review Act
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. EPA will submit a report containing this rule 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.
section 804(2). This rule will be effective June 6, 2007.
L. Petitions for Judicial Review
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 July 6, 2007. Filing a
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule
does not affect the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial
review nor does it extend the time within which a petition
[[Page 25705]]
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 CAA section
307(b) (2)).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 49
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Indians, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: April 30, 2007.
Stephen Johnson,
Administrator.
0
Title 40, chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as
follows:
PART 49--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 49 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.
0
2. Section 49.23 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 49.23 Federal Implementation Plan Provisions for Four Corners
Power Plant, Navajo Nation.
(a) Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to
each owner or operator of the coal burning equipment designated as
Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 at the Four Corners Power Plant (the Plant) on
the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation located in the Four Corners
Interstate Air Quality Control Region (see 40 CFR 81.121).
(b) Compliance Dates. Compliance with the requirements of this
section is required upon the effective date of this rule unless
otherwise indicated by compliance dates contained in specific
provisions.
(c) Definitions. For the purposes of this section:
(1) Affirmative defense means, in the context of an enforcement
proceeding, a response or defense put forward by a defendant, regarding
which the defendant has the burden of proof, and the merits of which
are independently and objectively evaluated in a judicial or
administrative proceeding.
(2) Air pollution control equipment includes baghouses, particulate
or gaseous scrubbers, and any other apparatus utilized to control
emissions of regulated air contaminants which would be emitted to the
atmosphere.
(3) Business Day. Business day means a normal working day,
excluding weekends and Federal Holidays.
(4) Daily average means the arithmetic average of the hourly values
measured in a 24-hour period.
(5) Excess emissions means the emissions of air contaminants in
excess of an applicable emissions limitation or requirement.
(6) Heat input means heat derived from combustion of fuel in a Unit
and does not include the heat input from preheated combustion air,
recirculated flue gases, or exhaust gases from other sources. Heat
input shall be in accordance with 40 CFR Part 75.
(7) Malfunction means any sudden and unavoidable failure of air
pollution control equipment or process equipment or of a process to
operate in a normal or usual manner. Failures that are caused entirely
or in part by poor maintenance, careless operation, or any other
preventable upset condition or preventable equipment breakdown shall
not be considered malfunctions. This rule provides an affirmative
defense to actions for penalties brought for excess emissions that
arise during certain malfunction episodes. An affirmative defense is
not available if during the period of excess emissions, there was an
exceedance of the relevant ambient air quality standard that could be
attributed to the emitting source.
(8) Owner or Operator means any person who owns, leases, operates,
controls, or supervises the Plant or any of the coal burning equipment
designated as Units 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 at the Plant.
(9) Oxides of nitrogen (NOX) means the sum of nitric
oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the flue gas,
expressed as nitrogen dioxide.
(10) Plant-wide basis means total stack emissions of any particular
pollutant from all coal burning equipment at the Plant.
(11) Regional Administrator means the Regional Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 or his/her authorized
representative.
(12) Shutdown means the cessation of operation of any air pollution
control equipment, process equipment, or process for any purpose.
Specifically, for Units 1, 2, or 3, shutdown begins when the unit drops
below 40 MW net load with the intent to remove the unit from service.
For Units 4 or 5, shutdown begins when the unit drops below 300 MW net
load with the intent to remove the unit from service.
(13) Startup means the setting into operation of any air pollution
control equipment, process equipment, or process for any purpose.
Specifically, for Units 1, 2, or 3, startup ends when the unit reaches
40 MW net load. For Units 4 or 5, startup ends when the unit reaches
400 MW net load.
(14) 24-hour period means the period of time between 12:01 a.m. and
12 midnight.
(d) Emissions Standards and Control Measures--(1) Sulfur Dioxide.
No owner or operator shall discharge or cause the discharge of sulfur
dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere in excess of:
(i) 12.0 percent of the potential combustion concentration assuming
all of the sulfur in the coal is converted to SO2. This
percent emitted is determined by a daily calculation of the plantwide
heatinput weighted annual average.
(ii) 17,900 pounds of total SO2 emissions per hour
averaged over any consecutive three (3) hour period, determined on a
plant-wide basis.
(2) Particulate Matter. No owner or operator shall discharge or
cause the discharge of particulate matter from any coal burning
equipment into the atmosphere in excess of 0.050 pounds per million
British thermal unit (lb/MMBtu) of heat input (higher heating value),
as averaged from three sampling runs, each at 60 minutes in duration,
each collecting a minimum sample of 30 dry standard cubic feet.
(3) Dust. Each owner or operator shall operate and maintain the
existing dust suppression methods for controlling dust from the coal
handling and storage facilities. Within ninety (90) days after
promulgation of this section, the owner or operator shall submit to the
Regional Administrator a description of the dust suppression methods
for controlling dust from the coal handling and storage facilities,
flyash handling and storage, and road sweeping activities. Within 548
days of promulgation of this section each owner or operator shall not
emit dust with an opacity greater than 20 percent from any crusher,
grinding mill, screening operation, belt conveyor, or truck loading or
unloading operation.
(4) Opacity. No owner or operator shall discharge or cause the
discharge of emissions from the stacks of Units 4 and 5 into the
atmosphere exhibiting greater than 20% opacity, excluding uncombined
water droplets, averaged over any six (6) minute period, except for one
six (6) minute period per hour of not more than 27% opacity.
(5) Oxides of nitrogen. No owner or operator shall discharge or
cause the discharge of NOX into the atmosphere.
(i) From either Unit 1 or 2 in excess of 0.85 lb/MMBtu of heat
input per unit, and from either Units 3, 4, or 5 in excess of 0.65 lb/
MMBtu of heat input per unit averaged over any successive thirty (30)
boiler operating day period;
(ii) In excess of 335,000 lb per 24-hour period when coal burning
equipment is operating, on a plant-wide basis; for each hour when coal
burning equipment
[[Page 25706]]
is not operating, this limitation shall be reduced. If the unit which
is not operating is Unit 1, 2, or 3, the limitation shall be reduced by
1,542 lb per hour for each unit which is not operating. If the unit
which is not operating is Unit 4 or 5, the limitation shall be reduced
by 4,667 lb per hour for each unit which is not operating.
(e) Testing and Monitoring. Upon completion of the installation of
continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) software as required in
this section, compliance with the emissions limits set for SO2 and
NOX shall be determined by using data from a CEMS unless
otherwise specified in paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(4) of this section.
Compliance with the emissions limit set for particulate matter shall be
tested annually, or at such other time as requested by the Regional
Administrator, based on data from testing conducted in accordance with
40 CFR part 60, appendix A, Methods 1 through 5, or any other method
receiving prior approval from the Regional Administrator. Compliance
with the emissions limits set for opacity shall be determined by using
data from a Continuous Opacity Monitoring System (COMS) except during
saturated stack conditions (uncombined water droplets). If the baghouse
is operating within its normal operating parameters, the baghouse is
not fully closed, and a high opacity reading occurs, it will be
presumed that the occurrence was caused by saturated stack conditions
and shall not be considered a violation.
(1) The owner or operator shall maintain and operate CEMS for SO2,
NO or NOX, a diluent and, for Units 4 and 5 only, COMS, in
accordance with 40 CFR 60.8 and 60.13, and appendix B of 40 CFR part
60. Within six (6) months of promulgation of this section, the owner or
operator shall install CEMS and COMS software which complies with the
requirements of this section. The owner or operator of the Plant may
petition the Regional Administrator for extension of the six (6) month
period for good cause shown. Completion of 40 CFR part 75 monitor
certification requirements shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements
under 40 CFR 60.8 and 60.13 and appendix B of part 60. The owner or
operator shall comply with the quality assurance procedures for CEMS
found in 40 CFR part 75, and all reports required thereunder shall be
submitted to the Regional Administrator. The owner or operator shall
provide the Regional Administrator notice in accordance with 40 CFR
75.61.
(2) Sulfur Dioxide. For the purpose of determining compliance with
this section, the sulfur dioxide inlet concentration (in lb/MMBtu)
shall be calculated using the daily average percent sulfur and Btu
content of the coal combusted. The inlet sulfur concentration and Btu
content shall be determined in accordance with American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods or any other method receiving
prior approval from the Regional Administrator. A daily fuel sample
shall be collected using the coal sampling tower conforming to the ASTM
specifications. The analyses shall be done on the daily sample using
ASTM methods or any other method receiving prior approval from the
Regional Administrator.
(i) The inlet sulfur dioxide concentration shall be calculated
using the following formula:
Is = 2(%Sf)/GCV x 104 English units
Where:
Is = sulfur dioxide inlet concentrations in pounds per
million Btu;
%Sf = weight
percent sulfur content of the fuel; and
GCV = Gross calorific value for the fuel in Btu per pound.
(ii) The total pounds of SO2 generated by burning the
coal shall be calculated by multiplying the SO2 inlet
concentration by the daily total heat input determined by the 40 CFR
Part 75 acid rain monitoring. This will determine the pounds of
SO2 produced per day. The SO2 emitted from the
stacks shall be determined by adding the daily SO2 emissions
from each stack as determined by the 40 CFR Part 75 acid rain monitors.
Compliance with the emission limit shall be determined for each day by
adding that day's SO2 emissions and that day's
SO2 produced to the previous 364 days and then dividing the
365 days of emissions by the 365 days of SO2 produced.
Compliance is demonstrated if this fraction, converted to a percent, is
equal to or less than 12.0 percent. The data from the 40 CFR Part 75
monitors shall not be bias adjusted. If a valid SO2