Oil Pollution Prevention; Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule Requirements-Amendments, 2461-2465 [E9-830]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2009 / Proposed Rules Air Act (CAA) for the Crittenden County ozone nonattainment area. EPA is proposing to approve the SIP revision because it satisfies the Emissions Inventory and Emissions Statements requirements for 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas. EPA is proposing to approve the revision pursuant to section 110 of the CAA. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before February 17, 2009. Comments may be mailed to Mr. Guy Donaldson, Chief, Air Planning Section (6PD–L), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733. Comments may also be submitted electronically or through hand deliver/ courier by following the detailed instructions in the ADDRESSES section of the direct final rule located in the rules section of this Federal Register. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dylan Van Dyne, Air Planning Section (6PD–L), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733, telephone 214–665–7113; fax number 214–665–7263; e-mail address vandyne.dylan@epa.gov. In the final section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the State’s SIP submittal as a direct rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as non-controversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no adverse comments are received in response to this action no further activity is contemplated. If EPA receives adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. EPA will not institute a second comment period. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time. For additional information see the direct final rule, which is located in the rules section of this Federal Register. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: December 24, 2008. Richard E. Greene, Regional Administrator, Region 6. [FR Doc. E9–620 Filed 1–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:02 Jan 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 112 [EPA–HQ–OPA–2008–0821; FRL–8762–6] RIN 2050–AG650 Oil Pollution Prevention; Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule Requirements— Amendments AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is proposing to amend the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule to tailor and streamline the requirements for the dairy industry. Specifically, EPA proposes to exempt milk containers and associated piping and appurtenances from the SPCC requirements provided they are constructed according to the current applicable 3–A Sanitary Standards, and are subject to the current applicable Grade ‘‘A’’ Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) or a State dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to the current applicable PMO. This proposal addresses concerns raised specifically by the dairy sector on the applicability of the SPCC requirements to milk containers. DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 17, 2009. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OPA–2008–0821, by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: EPA Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail code: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: EPA/DC, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OPA–2008– 0821. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2461 whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through https:// www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through https:// www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the https:// www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the EPA Docket, EPA/DC, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the EPA Docket is (202) 566–0276. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information, contact the Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Information Center at 800–424–9346 or TDD at 800–553–7672 (hearing impaired). In the Washington, DC metropolitan area, contact the Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Information Center at 703–412–9810 or TDD 703–412–3323. For more detailed information on specific aspects of this proposed rule, contact either Vanessa E. E:\FR\FM\15JAP1.SGM 15JAP1 2462 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2009 / Proposed Rules Rodriguez at 202–564–7913 (rodriguez.vanessa@epa.gov), or Mark W. Howard at 202–564–1964 (howard.markw@epa.gov), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, 20460–0002, Mail Code 5104A. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The contents of this preamble are: I. General Information II. Entities Potentially Affected by This Proposed Rule III. Statutory Authority and Delegation of Authority IV. Background V. This Action A. 3-A Sanitary Standards and PMO Requirements VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews 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 Concerning Regulations 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 I. General Information The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is proposing an amendment to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule to exempt storage containers (both bulk and processing vessels) containing milk, as well as associated piping and appurtenances from the SPCC requirements, if they are constructed according to the current applicable 3–A Sanitary Standards, and are subject to the current applicable Grade ‘‘A’’ Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) or a State dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to the current applicable PMO. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS II. Entities Potentially Affected by This Proposed Rule Industry sector Farms .............................. Food Manufacturing ........ NAICS code 111, 112 311, 312 The Agency’s goal is to provide a guide for readers to consider regarding VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:55 Jan 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 entities that potentially could be affected by this action. However, this action may affect other entities not listed in this table. The list of potentially affected entities in the above table may not be exhaustive. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the preceding section entitled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. III. Statutory Authority and Delegation of Authority Section 311(j)(1)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA or the Act), 33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(1)(C), requires the President to issue regulations establishing procedures, methods, equipment, and other requirements to prevent discharges of oil to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines from vessels and facilities and to contain such discharges. The President delegated the authority to regulate non-transportation-related onshore facilities to EPA in Executive Order 11548 (35 FR 11677, July 22, 1970), which was replaced by Executive Order 12777 (56 FR 54757, October 22, 1991). A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and EPA (36 FR 24080, November 24, 1971) established the definitions of transportation-related and nontransportation-related facilities. An MOU between EPA, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and DOT (59 FR 34102, July 1, 1994) redelegated the responsibility to regulate certain offshore facilities from DOI to EPA. Then in 1995, Congress enacted the Edible Oil Regulatory Reform Act (EORRA), 33 U.S.C. 2720, which mandates that Federal agencies 1 in issuing or enforcing any regulation or establishing any interpretation or guideline relating to the transportation, storage, discharge, release, emission or disposal of oil differentiate between and establish separate classes for various types of oils, specifically: animal fats and oils and greases, and fish and marine mammal oils; oils of vegetable origin; petroleum oils, and other nonpetroleum oils and greases. In differentiating between these classes of oils, Federal agencies are directed to consider differences in the physical, chemical, biological, and other properties, and in the environmental effects of the classes. 1 The requirements of the Edible Oil Regulatory Reform Act do not apply to the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety and Inspection Service. PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 IV. Background EPA has promulgated a series of amendments to the SPCC rule. Facilities handling animal fats and vegetable oils (AFVOs), including dairy farms that are subject to the SPCC rule because of their oil storage capacity, may benefit from a number of these amendments, including: streamlined requirements promulgated for qualified facilities (‘‘Tier II’’), a basic set of requirements for a subset of qualified facilities (‘‘Tier I’’); amendments to the security, integrity testing, and facility diagram requirements; an exemption from the loading/unloading rack requirements; an exemption for pesticide application equipment and related mix containers, and for single-family residential heating oil containers; and clarification for fuel nurse tanks and for the definition of ‘‘facility.’’ Additionally, the SPCC rule amendments differentiate integrity testing requirements at § 112.12(c)(6) for an owner or operator of a facility that handles certain types of AFVOs. EPA provides the Professional Engineer (PE) or an owner or operator self-certifying an SPCC Plan with an alternative option for integrity testing for containers that store AFVOs, based on compliance with certain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and other criteria. Milk typically contains a percentage of animal fat, which is a non-petroleum oil. Thus, containers storing milk are subject to the SPCC rule when they meet the applicability criteria set forth in § 112.1. In the SPCC rule, the term ‘‘bulk storage container’’ is defined at § 112.2 as ‘‘any container used to store oil.’’ Therefore, bulk storage containers storing milk are subject to the applicable provisions under § 112.12. Additionally, milk is processed in vessels during the pasteurization process. These vessels, while not bulk storage containers, are considered oil-filled manufacturing equipment and are subject to the general provisions of the SPCC rule under § 112.7. In response to EPA’s October 2007 proposal for amendments to the SPCC rule (72 FR 58378, October 15, 2007), several commenters requested that EPA exempt containers used to store milk from the SPCC requirements. Specifically, these commenters suggested that milk storage containers be exempted from the SPCC requirements because the Grade ‘‘A’’ Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) addresses milk storage and tank integrity. These commenters identified the PMO, which specifically addresses milk intended for human consumption, E:\FR\FM\15JAP1.SGM 15JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2009 / Proposed Rules as a model ordinance maintained through a cooperative agreement between the States, the FDA, and the regulated community. States typically adopt it either by reference, or by directly incorporating similar requirements into their statutes or regulations. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS V. This Action EPA is proposing to exempt from SPCC requirements containers and associated piping and appurtenances that store milk provided they are constructed according to current applicable 3–A Sanitary Standards, and are subject to the current applicable PMO or a State dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to the current applicable PMO. In addition, the capacity of these milk containers would not be included in a facility’s total oil storage capacity calculation (see 112.1(d)(2)(ii). A. 3–A Sanitary Standards and PMO Requirements Milk containers and their associated piping and appurtenances are generally constructed according to an industry standard established by the 3–A Sanitary Standards (McLean, VA), which satisfy the PMO construction requirements for milk containers and associated piping and appurtenances. These standards include American Iron and Steel Institute 300 Series stainless steel (i.e., austenitic stainless steel) or a metal that is at least as corrosion resistant and that meet specific design criteria, including, but not limited to, requirements for contact with milk (e.g., polished contact surfaces). Milk containers and associated piping and appurtenances must have smooth and impervious surfaces that are free of breaks and corrosion, including at joints and seams. These standards further specify the requirements for easy access to inspect the container’s internal surfaces. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also recognizes the 3–A Sanitary Standards-compliant containers under 7 CFR part 58 for purposes of USDA milk grading and inspection programs. All milk handling operations subject to the PMO are required to have an operating permit, and are subject to inspection by the state dairy regulatory agencies. That is, PMO establishes criteria for the permitting, inspection and enforcement of milk handling equipment and operations that govern all processes for milk intended for human consumption. These include, but are not limited to, specifications for the design and construction of milk handling equipment, equipment VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:02 Jan 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 sanitation and maintenance procedures, temperature controls, and pasteurization standards. In addition, because many kinds of harmful bacteria can grow rapidly in milk, and thus the PMO requires that milk containers be frequently emptied, cleaned, and sanitized (for example, every 72 hours). Such frequent cleaning of the containers suggests that any leaks or deterioration of container integrity would be quickly identified. PMO also requires an inspection of the dairy farms or milk processing plants by the statedesignated regulatory agency prior to issuing a permit, and routine inspections thereafter (for example, at dairy farms at least once every six months) by a state designated regulatory agency. Inspections at these facilities encompass those elements associated with the milk operation, including the milk containers, and associated piping and appurtenances. Should the inspection result in two consecutive violations of the same criterion, PMO enforcement provisions may result in the suspension or revocation of the facility’s operating permit. As a result, EPA believes that these requirements may provide a basis for an exemption of milk containers and their associated piping and appurtenances from the SPCC rule provided they are constructed in accordance with the current applicable 3–A Sanitary Standards, and are subject to the current applicable PMO sanitation requirements or a State dairy regulatory equivalent to current applicable PMO. EPA is requesting comment on this proposal. An owner or operator of a facility that is subject to SPCC, that has milk storage containers, and associated piping and appurtenances constructed in accordance with the current applicable 3–A Sanitary Standards, and that is effectively implementing the current applicable PMO sanitation requirements, is implementing substantial measures to prevent milk spoilage and contamination. While these measures are not specifically intended for oil spill prevention, control and countermeasure purposes, we believe they may prevent discharges of oil in quantities that are harmful and seek comment on this. We also seek comment on an exemption for milk product containers and their associated piping and appurtenances from the SPCC rule provided they are also constructed in accordance with the current applicable 3–A Sanitary Standards, and are subject to the current applicable PMO sanitation requirements or a State dairy regulatory equivalent to current applicable PMO. EPA is also requesting comment on how to address PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2463 milk storage containers (including totes) that may not be constructed to 3–A Sanitary Standards under the SPCC rule and whether they should also be exempted from the SPCC requirements, provided they are subject to the current applicable PMO or a State dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to the current applicable PMO. Those commenters who support expanding the proposal to include those containers that are not constructed to 3–A Sanitary Standards should provide supporting data and information in order for the Agency to consider such an approach. EPA requests comment on any other alternative approaches to address milk, and milk product containers and associated piping and appurtenances under the SPCC rule. The Agency requests comments on whether any action to address milk, and milk product containers, and associated piping and appurtenances under the SPCC requirements is warranted. Any alternative approaches offered, including no action, must include an appropriate rationale and supporting data in order for the Agency to be able to consider them for final action. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review Under section 3(f)(1) of Executive Order (EO) 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this action is an ‘‘economically significant regulatory action’’ because it is likely to have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. Accordingly, EPA submitted this action to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under EO 12866, and any changes made in response to OMB recommendations have been documented in the docket for this action. In addition, EPA prepared an analysis of the potential costs and benefits associated with this action. This analysis is contained in ‘‘Regulatory Impact Analysis’’ for the Proposed Amendment to the Oil Pollution Prevention Regulations to Exempt Certain Milk Containers and Associated Piping and Appurtenances (40 CFR PART 112)’’. A copy of the analysis is available in the docket for this action, and the analysis is briefly summarized in section C. B. Paperwork Reduction Act This proposed action does not impose any new information collection burden. The proposed rule amendment would exempt certain milk containers and associated piping and appurtenances E:\FR\FM\15JAP1.SGM 15JAP1 2464 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2009 / Proposed Rules mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS from the rule. However, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has previously approved the information collection requirements contained in the existing regulations, 40 CFR part 112, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and has assigned OMB control number 2050–0021. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9. C. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act 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 this proposed rule on small entities, a small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as defined in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s regulations at 13 CFR 121.201—SBA defines small businesses by category of business using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, and in the case of farms and oil production facilities, which constitute a large percentage of the facilities affected by this proposed rule, generally defines small businesses as having less than $0.5 million to $27.5 million per year in sales receipts, depending on the industry, or 500 or fewer employees, respectively; (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 that is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field. After considering the economic impacts of this proposed rule on small entities, the Agency certifies that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any significant, adverse economic impact on small entities, since the primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analyses is to identify and address regulatory alternatives ‘‘which minimize any significant economic impact of the proposed rule on small entities’’ (5 VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:02 Jan 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 U.S.C. 603 and 604). Thus, an agency may certify that a rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive economic effect on all of the small entities subject to the rule. Under this proposal, EPA would exempt milk storage containers and associated piping and appurtenances that are constructed according to 3–A Sanitary Standards and are subject to the current applicable Grade ‘‘A’’ Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), or an equivalent state dairy requirement to the current applicable PMO from SPCC rule requirements. Overall, EPA estimates that this proposed action would reduce annual compliance costs by approximately $155 million for owners and operators of affected facilities. Total costs were annualized over a 10-year period using a 7-percent discount rate. To derive this savings estimate, EPA first estimated the number of dairy farms and milk processing facilities that would be affected each year (2010–2019) by the proposed rule. EPA next analyzed the expected milk and fuel oil storage capacity of dairy farms with varying numbers of cattle based on daily production rate per cow, storage requirements for milk, and conversations with industry representatives. EPA also estimated the milk and fuel oil storage capacity of milk processing facilities, and estimated the cost savings associated with the exemption for milk storage containers at both dairy farms and milk processing facilities. These savings include secondary containment costs, cost savings from preparing and maintaining an SPCC Plan for a smaller facility, and, for Qualified Facilities, preparing only a Plan Template and saving PE certification costs. A certain number of dairy farms are expected to become exempt as a result of the amendments. EPA has therefore concluded that this proposed rule would relieve regulatory burden for small entities and therefore, certify that this proposed action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. EPA continues to be interested in the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities and welcomes comments on issues related to such impacts. D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act This proposed action contains no Federal mandates under the provisions of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 1531–1538 for State, local, or tribal PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 governments or the private sector. The proposed action imposes no enforceable duty on any State, local or tribal governments or the private sector; therefore, this action is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 or 205 of the UMRA. This proposed action is also not subject to the requirements of section 203 of UMRA because it contains no regulatory requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments; the proposed amendments impose no enforceable duty on any small government. E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism Executive Order 13132, entitled ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999), 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.’’ This proposed rule does not have federalism implications. It would 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. Under the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 311(o), States may impose additional requirements, including more stringent requirements, relating to the prevention of oil discharges to navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. EPA recognizes that some States have more stringent requirements (56 FR 54612, October 22, 1991). This proposed rule would not preempt State law or regulations. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this proposed rule. F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This proposed rule would not significantly or uniquely affect communities of Indian tribal governments. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this proposed rule. EPA specifically solicits additional comment on this proposed action from tribal officials. E:\FR\FM\15JAP1.SGM 15JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2009 / Proposed Rules G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those regulatory actions that are based on health or safety risks, such that the analysis required under section 5–501 of the Order has the potential to influence the regulation. This proposed rule is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it does not establish an environmental standard intended to mitigate health or safety risks. H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use This action is not a ‘‘significant energy action’’ as defined in Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 18355 (May 22, 2001)), because it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The overall effect of the proposed rule is to decrease the regulatory burden on facility owners or operators subject to its provisions. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (‘‘NTTAA’’), Public Law No. 104–113 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This proposed rulemaking involves technical standards. EPA proposes to use the 3–A Sanitary Standards, ‘‘Storage Tanks for Milk and Milk Products’’, 3A 01–08, November 2001, developed by 3–A Sanitary Standards, Inc. A copy of these standards may be obtained from the 3–A Sanitary Standards online store at https:// www.techstreet.com/3Agate.html; by contacting the organization at 6888 Elm Street, Suite 2D, McLean, Virginia 22101; by phone at (703) 790–0295; or by facsimile at (703) 761–6284. EPA is proposing an exemption to the SPCC rule based on the 3–A Sanitary Standards, because an owner and VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:55 Jan 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 operator of a facility that is subject to SPCC, that has milk storage containers and associated piping and appurtenances constructed in accordance with 3–A Sanitary Standards, and that is effectively implementing PMO sanitation requirements, may already be providing measures to prevent, control and provide countermeasures for discharges of oil in quantities that are harmful. EPA welcomes comments on this aspect of the proposed rulemaking and, specifically, invites the public to identify potentially-applicable voluntary consensus standards and to explain why such standards should be used in this regulation. J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations Executive Order (EO) 12898 (59 FR 7629 (Feb. 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 proposed rule will not have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not affect the level of protection provided to human health or the environment. The overall effect of the action is to decrease the regulatory burden on facility owners or operators subject to its provisions. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 112 Environmental protection, Animal fats and vegetable oils, Farms, Milk, Oil pollution, Tanks, Water pollution control, Water resources. Dated: January 9, 2009. Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator. For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Environmental Protection Agency proposes to amend 40 CFR part 112 as follows: PART 112—OIL POLLUTION PREVENTION 1. The authority citation for part 112 continues to read as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2465 Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 2720; and E.O. 12777 (October 18, 1991), 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351. Subpart A—[Amended] 2. Amend § 112.1 by adding paragraphs (d)(2)(ii)(G) and (d)(13) to read as follows: § 112.1 General applicability. * * * * * (d) * * * (2) * * * (ii) * * * (G) The capacity of any milk container and associated piping and appurtenances that are constructed according to current applicable 3–A Sanitary Standards, and that are subject to current applicable Grade ‘‘A’’ Pasteurized Milk Ordinance or a State dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to the current applicable Grade ‘‘A’’ Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. * * * * * (13) Any milk container and associated piping and appurtenances that are constructed according to current applicable 3–A Sanitary Standards, and that are subject to current applicable Grade ‘‘A’’ Pasteurized Milk Ordinance or a State dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to the current applicable Grade ‘‘A’’ Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. * * * * * [FR Doc. E9–830 Filed 1–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [FWS–R2–ES–2008–0059; MO 9221050083– B2] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Status Review of the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Sonoran Desert Area of Central Arizona and Northwestern Mexico AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of continuing information collection for a status review. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the continuation of information collection on a status review for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Sonoran Desert area of central Arizona and northwestern Mexico, hereafter referred to as the ‘‘Sonoran Desert area bald eagle.’’ Through this action, we E:\FR\FM\15JAP1.SGM 15JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 10 (Thursday, January 15, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2461-2465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-830]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 112

[EPA-HQ-OPA-2008-0821; FRL-8762-6]
RIN 2050-AG650


Oil Pollution Prevention; Spill Prevention, Control, and 
Countermeasure Rule Requirements--Amendments

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is 
proposing to amend the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure 
(SPCC) rule to tailor and streamline the requirements for the dairy 
industry. Specifically, EPA proposes to exempt milk containers and 
associated piping and appurtenances from the SPCC requirements provided 
they are constructed according to the current applicable 3-A Sanitary 
Standards, and are subject to the current applicable Grade ``A'' 
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) or a State dairy regulatory 
requirement equivalent to the current applicable PMO. This proposal 
addresses concerns raised specifically by the dairy sector on the 
applicability of the SPCC requirements to milk containers.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 17, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OPA-2008-0821, by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: EPA Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail 
code: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
     Hand Delivery: EPA/DC, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Such deliveries are only 
accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special 
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPA-
2008-0821. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you 
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through https://
www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https://www.regulations.gov Web site 
is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your 
identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of 
your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without 
going through https://www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be 
automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is 
placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you 
submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name 
and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any 
disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to 
technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA 
may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid 
the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of 
any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public 
docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https://www.epa.gov/
epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such 
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
in https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the EPA Docket, EPA/
DC, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. 
The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the 
Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the 
EPA Docket is (202) 566-0276.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information, contact the 
Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Information Center at 800-424-9346 
or TDD at 800-553-7672 (hearing impaired). In the Washington, DC 
metropolitan area, contact the Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP, and Oil 
Information Center at 703-412-9810 or TDD 703-412-3323. For more 
detailed information on specific aspects of this proposed rule, contact 
either Vanessa E.

[[Page 2462]]

Rodriguez at 202-564-7913 (rodriguez.vanessa@epa.gov), or Mark W. 
Howard at 202-564-1964 (howard.markw@epa.gov), U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, 
20460-0002, Mail Code 5104A.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The contents of this preamble are:

I. General Information
II. Entities Potentially Affected by This Proposed Rule
III. Statutory Authority and Delegation of Authority
IV. Background
V. This Action
    A. 3-A Sanitary Standards and PMO Requirements
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
    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 Concerning Regulations 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

I. General Information

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is 
proposing an amendment to the Spill Prevention, Control, and 
Countermeasure (SPCC) rule to exempt storage containers (both bulk and 
processing vessels) containing milk, as well as associated piping and 
appurtenances from the SPCC requirements, if they are constructed 
according to the current applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards, and are 
subject to the current applicable Grade ``A'' Pasteurized Milk 
Ordinance (PMO) or a State dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to 
the current applicable PMO.

II. Entities Potentially Affected by This Proposed Rule

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Industry sector                         NAICS code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farms................................................           111, 112
Food Manufacturing...................................           311, 312
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agency's goal is to provide a guide for readers to consider 
regarding entities that potentially could be affected by this action. 
However, this action may affect other entities not listed in this 
table. The list of potentially affected entities in the above table may 
not be exhaustive. If you have questions regarding the applicability of 
this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the 
preceding section entitled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

III. Statutory Authority and Delegation of Authority

    Section 311(j)(1)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA or the Act), 33 
U.S.C. 1321(j)(1)(C), requires the President to issue regulations 
establishing procedures, methods, equipment, and other requirements to 
prevent discharges of oil to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines 
from vessels and facilities and to contain such discharges. The 
President delegated the authority to regulate non-transportation-
related onshore facilities to EPA in Executive Order 11548 (35 FR 
11677, July 22, 1970), which was replaced by Executive Order 12777 (56 
FR 54757, October 22, 1991). A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 
between the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and EPA (36 FR 
24080, November 24, 1971) established the definitions of 
transportation-related and non-transportation-related facilities. An 
MOU between EPA, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and DOT (59 
FR 34102, July 1, 1994) re-delegated the responsibility to regulate 
certain offshore facilities from DOI to EPA.
    Then in 1995, Congress enacted the Edible Oil Regulatory Reform Act 
(EORRA), 33 U.S.C. 2720, which mandates that Federal agencies \1\ in 
issuing or enforcing any regulation or establishing any interpretation 
or guideline relating to the transportation, storage, discharge, 
release, emission or disposal of oil differentiate between and 
establish separate classes for various types of oils, specifically: 
animal fats and oils and greases, and fish and marine mammal oils; oils 
of vegetable origin; petroleum oils, and other non-petroleum oils and 
greases. In differentiating between these classes of oils, Federal 
agencies are directed to consider differences in the physical, 
chemical, biological, and other properties, and in the environmental 
effects of the classes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The requirements of the Edible Oil Regulatory Reform Act do 
not apply to the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety 
and Inspection Service.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Background

    EPA has promulgated a series of amendments to the SPCC rule. 
Facilities handling animal fats and vegetable oils (AFVOs), including 
dairy farms that are subject to the SPCC rule because of their oil 
storage capacity, may benefit from a number of these amendments, 
including: streamlined requirements promulgated for qualified 
facilities (``Tier II''), a basic set of requirements for a subset of 
qualified facilities (``Tier I''); amendments to the security, 
integrity testing, and facility diagram requirements; an exemption from 
the loading/unloading rack requirements; an exemption for pesticide 
application equipment and related mix containers, and for single-family 
residential heating oil containers; and clarification for fuel nurse 
tanks and for the definition of ``facility.''
    Additionally, the SPCC rule amendments differentiate integrity 
testing requirements at Sec.  112.12(c)(6) for an owner or operator of 
a facility that handles certain types of AFVOs. EPA provides the 
Professional Engineer (PE) or an owner or operator self-certifying an 
SPCC Plan with an alternative option for integrity testing for 
containers that store AFVOs, based on compliance with certain U.S. Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and other criteria.
    Milk typically contains a percentage of animal fat, which is a non-
petroleum oil. Thus, containers storing milk are subject to the SPCC 
rule when they meet the applicability criteria set forth in Sec.  
112.1. In the SPCC rule, the term ``bulk storage container'' is defined 
at Sec.  112.2 as ``any container used to store oil.'' Therefore, bulk 
storage containers storing milk are subject to the applicable 
provisions under Sec.  112.12. Additionally, milk is processed in 
vessels during the pasteurization process. These vessels, while not 
bulk storage containers, are considered oil-filled manufacturing 
equipment and are subject to the general provisions of the SPCC rule 
under Sec.  112.7.
    In response to EPA's October 2007 proposal for amendments to the 
SPCC rule (72 FR 58378, October 15, 2007), several commenters requested 
that EPA exempt containers used to store milk from the SPCC 
requirements. Specifically, these commenters suggested that milk 
storage containers be exempted from the SPCC requirements because the 
Grade ``A'' Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) addresses milk storage and 
tank integrity. These commenters identified the PMO, which specifically 
addresses milk intended for human consumption,

[[Page 2463]]

as a model ordinance maintained through a cooperative agreement between 
the States, the FDA, and the regulated community. States typically 
adopt it either by reference, or by directly incorporating similar 
requirements into their statutes or regulations.

V. This Action

    EPA is proposing to exempt from SPCC requirements containers and 
associated piping and appurtenances that store milk provided they are 
constructed according to current applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards, and 
are subject to the current applicable PMO or a State dairy regulatory 
requirement equivalent to the current applicable PMO. In addition, the 
capacity of these milk containers would not be included in a facility's 
total oil storage capacity calculation (see 112.1(d)(2)(ii).

A. 3-A Sanitary Standards and PMO Requirements

    Milk containers and their associated piping and appurtenances are 
generally constructed according to an industry standard established by 
the 3-A Sanitary Standards (McLean, VA), which satisfy the PMO 
construction requirements for milk containers and associated piping and 
appurtenances. These standards include American Iron and Steel 
Institute 300 Series stainless steel (i.e., austenitic stainless steel) 
or a metal that is at least as corrosion resistant and that meet 
specific design criteria, including, but not limited to, requirements 
for contact with milk (e.g., polished contact surfaces). Milk 
containers and associated piping and appurtenances must have smooth and 
impervious surfaces that are free of breaks and corrosion, including at 
joints and seams. These standards further specify the requirements for 
easy access to inspect the container's internal surfaces. The U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) also recognizes the 3-A Sanitary 
Standards-compliant containers under 7 CFR part 58 for purposes of USDA 
milk grading and inspection programs.
    All milk handling operations subject to the PMO are required to 
have an operating permit, and are subject to inspection by the state 
dairy regulatory agencies. That is, PMO establishes criteria for the 
permitting, inspection and enforcement of milk handling equipment and 
operations that govern all processes for milk intended for human 
consumption. These include, but are not limited to, specifications for 
the design and construction of milk handling equipment, equipment 
sanitation and maintenance procedures, temperature controls, and 
pasteurization standards. In addition, because many kinds of harmful 
bacteria can grow rapidly in milk, and thus the PMO requires that milk 
containers be frequently emptied, cleaned, and sanitized (for example, 
every 72 hours). Such frequent cleaning of the containers suggests that 
any leaks or deterioration of container integrity would be quickly 
identified. PMO also requires an inspection of the dairy farms or milk 
processing plants by the state-designated regulatory agency prior to 
issuing a permit, and routine inspections thereafter (for example, at 
dairy farms at least once every six months) by a state designated 
regulatory agency. Inspections at these facilities encompass those 
elements associated with the milk operation, including the milk 
containers, and associated piping and appurtenances. Should the 
inspection result in two consecutive violations of the same criterion, 
PMO enforcement provisions may result in the suspension or revocation 
of the facility's operating permit.
    As a result, EPA believes that these requirements may provide a 
basis for an exemption of milk containers and their associated piping 
and appurtenances from the SPCC rule provided they are constructed in 
accordance with the current applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards, and are 
subject to the current applicable PMO sanitation requirements or a 
State dairy regulatory equivalent to current applicable PMO.
    EPA is requesting comment on this proposal. An owner or operator of 
a facility that is subject to SPCC, that has milk storage containers, 
and associated piping and appurtenances constructed in accordance with 
the current applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards, and that is effectively 
implementing the current applicable PMO sanitation requirements, is 
implementing substantial measures to prevent milk spoilage and 
contamination. While these measures are not specifically intended for 
oil spill prevention, control and countermeasure purposes, we believe 
they may prevent discharges of oil in quantities that are harmful and 
seek comment on this. We also seek comment on an exemption for milk 
product containers and their associated piping and appurtenances from 
the SPCC rule provided they are also constructed in accordance with the 
current applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards, and are subject to the 
current applicable PMO sanitation requirements or a State dairy 
regulatory equivalent to current applicable PMO. EPA is also requesting 
comment on how to address milk storage containers (including totes) 
that may not be constructed to 3-A Sanitary Standards under the SPCC 
rule and whether they should also be exempted from the SPCC 
requirements, provided they are subject to the current applicable PMO 
or a State dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to the current 
applicable PMO. Those commenters who support expanding the proposal to 
include those containers that are not constructed to 3-A Sanitary 
Standards should provide supporting data and information in order for 
the Agency to consider such an approach.
    EPA requests comment on any other alternative approaches to address 
milk, and milk product containers and associated piping and 
appurtenances under the SPCC rule. The Agency requests comments on 
whether any action to address milk, and milk product containers, and 
associated piping and appurtenances under the SPCC requirements is 
warranted. Any alternative approaches offered, including no action, 
must include an appropriate rationale and supporting data in order for 
the Agency to be able to consider them for final action.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review

    Under section 3(f)(1) of Executive Order (EO) 12866 (58 FR 51735, 
October 4, 1993), this action is an ``economically significant 
regulatory action'' because it is likely to have an annual effect on 
the economy of $100 million or more. Accordingly, EPA submitted this 
action to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under EO 
12866, and any changes made in response to OMB recommendations have 
been documented in the docket for this action.
    In addition, EPA prepared an analysis of the potential costs and 
benefits associated with this action. This analysis is contained in 
``Regulatory Impact Analysis'' for the Proposed Amendment to the Oil 
Pollution Prevention Regulations to Exempt Certain Milk Containers and 
Associated Piping and Appurtenances (40 CFR PART 112)''. A copy of the 
analysis is available in the docket for this action, and the analysis 
is briefly summarized in section C.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed action does not impose any new information collection 
burden. The proposed rule amendment would exempt certain milk 
containers and associated piping and appurtenances

[[Page 2464]]

from the rule. However, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
previously approved the information collection requirements contained 
in the existing regulations, 40 CFR part 112, under the provisions of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and has assigned 
OMB control number 2050-0021. The OMB control numbers for EPA's 
regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act 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 this proposed rule on 
small entities, a small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as 
defined in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s regulations 
at 13 CFR 121.201--SBA defines small businesses by category of business 
using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, and 
in the case of farms and oil production facilities, which constitute a 
large percentage of the facilities affected by this proposed rule, 
generally defines small businesses as having less than $0.5 million to 
$27.5 million per year in sales receipts, depending on the industry, or 
500 or fewer employees, respectively; (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 that is 
independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field.
    After considering the economic impacts of this proposed rule on 
small entities, the Agency certifies that this action would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
In determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any 
significant, adverse economic impact on small entities, since the 
primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analyses is to identify 
and address regulatory alternatives ``which minimize any significant 
economic impact of the proposed rule on small entities'' (5 U.S.C. 603 
and 604). Thus, an agency may certify that a rule would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
if the rule relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive 
economic effect on all of the small entities subject to the rule.
    Under this proposal, EPA would exempt milk storage containers and 
associated piping and appurtenances that are constructed according to 
3-A Sanitary Standards and are subject to the current applicable Grade 
``A'' Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), or an equivalent state dairy 
requirement to the current applicable PMO from SPCC rule requirements. 
Overall, EPA estimates that this proposed action would reduce annual 
compliance costs by approximately $155 million for owners and operators 
of affected facilities. Total costs were annualized over a 10-year 
period using a 7-percent discount rate. To derive this savings 
estimate, EPA first estimated the number of dairy farms and milk 
processing facilities that would be affected each year (2010-2019) by 
the proposed rule. EPA next analyzed the expected milk and fuel oil 
storage capacity of dairy farms with varying numbers of cattle based on 
daily production rate per cow, storage requirements for milk, and 
conversations with industry representatives. EPA also estimated the 
milk and fuel oil storage capacity of milk processing facilities, and 
estimated the cost savings associated with the exemption for milk 
storage containers at both dairy farms and milk processing facilities. 
These savings include secondary containment costs, cost savings from 
preparing and maintaining an SPCC Plan for a smaller facility, and, for 
Qualified Facilities, preparing only a Plan Template and saving PE 
certification costs. A certain number of dairy farms are expected to 
become exempt as a result of the amendments.
    EPA has therefore concluded that this proposed rule would relieve 
regulatory burden for small entities and therefore, certify that this 
proposed action will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. EPA continues to be interested in 
the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities and 
welcomes comments on issues related to such impacts.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This proposed action contains no Federal mandates under the 
provisions of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
(UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538 for State, local, or tribal governments or 
the private sector. The proposed action imposes no enforceable duty on 
any State, local or tribal governments or the private sector; 
therefore, this action is not subject to the requirements of sections 
202 or 205 of the UMRA. This proposed action is also not subject to the 
requirements of section 203 of UMRA because it contains no regulatory 
requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small 
governments; the proposed amendments impose no enforceable duty on any 
small government.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August 
10, 1999), 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.''
    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications. It would 
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. Under the Clean Water Act (CWA) 
section 311(o), States may impose additional requirements, including 
more stringent requirements, relating to the prevention of oil 
discharges to navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. EPA recognizes 
that some States have more stringent requirements (56 FR 54612, October 
22, 1991). This proposed rule would not preempt State law or 
regulations. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this 
proposed rule.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in 
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This proposed 
rule would not significantly or uniquely affect communities of Indian 
tribal governments. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this 
proposed rule. EPA specifically solicits additional comment on this 
proposed action from tribal officials.

[[Page 2465]]

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those 
regulatory actions that are based on health or safety risks, such that 
the analysis required under section 5-501 of the Order has the 
potential to influence the regulation. This proposed rule is not 
subject to Executive Order 13045 because it does not establish an 
environmental standard intended to mitigate health or safety risks.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not a ``significant energy action'' as defined in 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 18355 (May 22, 2001)), because it is not 
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy. The overall effect of the proposed rule 
is to decrease the regulatory burden on facility owners or operators 
subject to its provisions.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (``NTTAA''), Public Law No. 104-113 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) 
directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory 
activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling 
procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by 
voluntary consensus standards bodies. NTTAA directs EPA to provide 
Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use 
available and applicable voluntary consensus standards.
    This proposed rulemaking involves technical standards. EPA proposes 
to use the 3-A Sanitary Standards, ``Storage Tanks for Milk and Milk 
Products'', 3A 01-08, November 2001, developed by 3-A Sanitary 
Standards, Inc. A copy of these standards may be obtained from the 3-A 
Sanitary Standards online store at https://www.techstreet.com/
3Agate.html; by contacting the organization at 6888 Elm Street, Suite 
2D, McLean, Virginia 22101; by phone at (703) 790-0295; or by facsimile 
at (703) 761-6284. EPA is proposing an exemption to the SPCC rule based 
on the 3-A Sanitary Standards, because an owner and operator of a 
facility that is subject to SPCC, that has milk storage containers and 
associated piping and appurtenances constructed in accordance with 3-A 
Sanitary Standards, and that is effectively implementing PMO sanitation 
requirements, may already be providing measures to prevent, control and 
provide countermeasures for discharges of oil in quantities that are 
harmful.
    EPA welcomes comments on this aspect of the proposed rulemaking 
and, specifically, invites the public to identify potentially-
applicable voluntary consensus standards and to explain why such 
standards should be used in this regulation.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    Executive Order (EO) 12898 (59 FR 7629 (Feb. 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 proposed rule will not have 
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental 
effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not 
affect the level of protection provided to human health or the 
environment. The overall effect of the action is to decrease the 
regulatory burden on facility owners or operators subject to its 
provisions.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 112

    Environmental protection, Animal fats and vegetable oils, Farms, 
Milk, Oil pollution, Tanks, Water pollution control, Water resources.

    Dated: January 9, 2009.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Administrator.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Environmental 
Protection Agency proposes to amend 40 CFR part 112 as follows:

PART 112--OIL POLLUTION PREVENTION

    1. The authority citation for part 112 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 2720; and E.O. 
12777 (October 18, 1991), 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351.

Subpart A--[Amended]

    2. Amend Sec.  112.1 by adding paragraphs (d)(2)(ii)(G) and (d)(13) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  112.1  General applicability.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (G) The capacity of any milk container and associated piping and 
appurtenances that are constructed according to current applicable 3-A 
Sanitary Standards, and that are subject to current applicable Grade 
``A'' Pasteurized Milk Ordinance or a State dairy regulatory 
requirement equivalent to the current applicable Grade ``A'' 
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
* * * * *
    (13) Any milk container and associated piping and appurtenances 
that are constructed according to current applicable 3-A Sanitary 
Standards, and that are subject to current applicable Grade ``A'' 
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance or a State dairy regulatory requirement 
equivalent to the current applicable Grade ``A'' Pasteurized Milk 
Ordinance.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. E9-830 Filed 1-14-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.