Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Determination of Attainment of the 1997 Ozone Standard for the Greater Connecticut Area, 30310-30313 [2010-13083]

Download as PDF 30310 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 1, 2010 / Proposed Rules examinations are to be conducted on no less than an annual basis, and are to be as of and for the 12 months ended June 30 of each year (except for the period ending June 30, 2010, for which the period of coverage will be no less than 6 months, and except for new contracts for which the examination period will be no less than the period from the contract date to the following June 30, unless otherwise agreed to by the Postal Service). The examination reports are to be provided to the Postal Service by August 15 of each year. To the extent that internal control weaknesses are identified in a Type II SAS 70 report, the Postal Service may require the remediation of such weaknesses, review working papers, and engage in discussions about the work performed with the auditor. The Postal Service requires that all remediation efforts (if applicable) are completed and reported by the RC prior to the Postal Service’s fiscal year end (September 30). The RC will be responsible for all costs to conduct these examinations. * * * * * 3. Section 501.16 is amended by revising paragraph (f) to read as follows: § 501.16 PC Postage Payment Methodology. erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 * * * * * (f) Security and Revenue Protection. To receive Postal Service approval to continue to operate PC Postage systems, the provider must submit to a periodic examination of its PC Postage system and any other applications and technology infrastructure that may have a material impact on Postal Service revenues, as determined by the Postal Service. The examination shall be performed by a qualified, independent audit firm and conducted in accordance with the Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 70, Service Organizations, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), as amended or superseded. The examination shall include testing of the operating effectiveness of relevant provider internal controls (Type II SAS 70 Report). If the service organization uses another service organization (subservice provider), Postal Service management should consider the nature and materiality of the transactions processed by the sub-service organization and the contribution of the sub-service organization’s processes and controls in the achievement of the Postal Service’s information processing objectives. The Postal Service should have access to the sub-service organization’s SAS 70 report. The control objectives to be covered by the VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:12 May 28, 2010 Jkt 220001 SAS 70 report are subject to Postal Service review and approval and are to be provided to the Postal Service 30 days prior to the initiation of each examination period. As a result of the examination, the auditor shall provide the provider, and the Postal Service, with an opinion on the design and operating effectiveness of the internal controls related to the PC Postage system and any other applications and technology infrastructure considered material to the services provided to the Postal Service by the provider. Such examinations are to be conducted on no less than an annual basis, and are to be as of and for the 12 months ended June 30 of each year (except for the period ending June 30, 2010, for which the period of coverage will be no less than 6 months, and except for new contracts for which the examination period will be no less than the period from the contract date to the following June 30, unless otherwise agreed to by the Postal Service). The examination reports are to be provided to the Postal Service by August 15 of each year. To the extent that internal control weaknesses are identified in a Type II SAS 70 report, the Postal Service may require the remediation of such weaknesses, review working papers, and engage in discussions about the work performed with the auditor. The provider will be responsible for all costs to conduct these examinations. * * * * * Neva R. Watson, Attorney, Legislative. [FR Doc. 2010–12883 Filed 5–28–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–12–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R01–OAR–2010–0380; A–1–FRL– 9156–9] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Determination of Attainment of the 1997 Ozone Standard for the Greater Connecticut Area AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to determine that the Greater Connecticut, moderate 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area has attained the 1997 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. This determination is based upon PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 complete, quality-assured, certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area has monitored attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2007–2009 monitoring period. If this proposed determination is made final, under the provisions of EPA’s ozone implementation rule, the requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plans related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS shall be suspended for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 ozone NAAQS. In addition, EPA is proposing to determine that this area has attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS as of June 15, 2010, its applicable attainment date, provided that the area continues to attain the standard through June 15, 2010. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before July 1, 2010. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number EPA– R01–OAR–2010–0380 by one of the following methods: 1. https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. 2. E-mail: arnold.anne@epa.gov 3. Fax: (617) 918–0047. 4. Mail: ‘‘Docket Identification Number EPA–R01–OAR–2010–0380,’’ Anne Arnold, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100 (mail code: OEP05–2), Boston, MA 02109–3912. 5. Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver your comments to: Anne Arnold, Manager, Air Quality Planning Unit, Office of Ecosystem Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109–3912. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Regional Office’s normal hours of operation. The Regional Office’s official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding legal holidays. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–R01–OAR–2010– 0380. 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 through https:// www.regulations.gov, or e-mail, E:\FR\FM\01JNP1.SGM 01JNP1 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 1, 2010 / Proposed Rules information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected. 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. Docket: All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at Office of Ecosystem Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA. EPA requests that if at all possible, you contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to schedule your inspection. The Regional Office’s official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding legal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard P. Burkhart, Air Quality Planning Unit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109–3912, telephone number (617) 918–1664, fax number (617) 918–0664, e-mail Burkhart.Richard@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean EPA. Organization of this document. The following outline is provided to aid in locating information in this preamble. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:12 May 28, 2010 Jkt 220001 I. What actions is EPA taking? II. What is the effect of these actions? III. What is the background for these actions? IV. What is EPA’s analysis of the relevant air quality data? V. Proposed Actions VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. What actions is EPA taking? EPA is proposing to determine that the Greater Connecticut, moderate 8-hour ozone nonattainment area has attained the 1997 8-hour NAAQS for ozone. This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured and certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area has monitored attainment of the 1997 ozone NAAQS for the 2007–2009 monitoring period. In addition, under section 181(b)(2)(A) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA is proposing to determine that this area has attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS by its applicable attainment date (June 15, 2010), provided that the area continues to attain the standard as of June 15, 2010. EPA will not finalize this determination unless the area continues to attain the standard through June 15, 2010. II. What is the effect of these actions? If EPA’s determination that the area is attaining the standard is made final, under the provisions of EPA’s ozone implementation rule (see 40 CFR 51.918), the requirements for the Greater Connecticut moderate ozone nonattainment area to submit an attainment demonstration, a reasonable further progress plan, section 172(c)(9) contingency measures, and any other planning State Implementation Plans (SIPs) related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS would be suspended for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This proposed action, if finalized, would not constitute a redesignation to attainment under the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 107(d)(3), because we would not yet have an approved maintenance plan for the area as required under section 175A of the CAA, nor a determination that the area has met the other requirements for redesignation. The classification and designation status of the area would remain moderate nonattainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS until such time as EPA determines that the area meets the CAA requirements for redesignation to attainment. If this determination of attainment is finalized and EPA subsequently determines, after notice-and-comment rulemaking in the Federal Register, that the area has violated the 1997 8-hour ozone standard, the basis for the suspension of these requirements would PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 30311 no longer exist, and the area would thereafter have to address the pertinent CAA requirements. It should be noted that Connecticut submitted an attainment demonstration, reasonable further progress plan and contingency measures for this area on February 1, 2008. EPA has not taken action on these submittals for the Greater Connecticut area. In addition, under section 181(b)(2)(A) of the CAA and the provisions of EPA’s ozone implementation rule (see 40 CFR 51.902(a)), EPA is proposing to determine that this area has attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS by its applicable attainment date of June 15, 2010, provided that the area continues to attain the standard through June 15, 2010. The effect of a final determination of attainment by the area’s attainment date would be to discharge EPA’s obligation under section 181(b)(2)(A), and to establish that, in accordance with that section, the area would not be reclassified for failure to attain by its applicable attainment date. III. What is the background for this action? On April 30, 2004 (69 FR 23857), EPA designated as nonattainment any area that was violating the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS based on the three most recent years (2001–2003) of air quality data. The Greater Connecticut area was designated as a moderate ozone nonattainment area. The Greater Connecticut area consists of the following Connecticut counties: Hartford, Litchfield, New London, Tolland and Windham. Recent air quality data, however, indicate that the Greater Connecticut area is now attaining the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. IV. What is EPA’s analysis of the relevant air quality data? The EPA has reviewed the ambient air monitoring data for ozone, consistent with the requirements contained in 40 CFR Part 50 and recorded in the Air Quality Data System (AQS) database, for Greater Connecticut, from 2007 through 2009. On the basis of that review, EPA proposes to conclude that the area attained the 1997 8-hour ozone standard at the end of the 2009 ozone season, based on three years of complete, quality-assured and state-certified 2007– 2009 ozone data. Under EPA regulations at 40 CFR Part 50, the 1997 8-hour ozone standard is attained at a site when the 3-year average of the annual fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentrations at an ozone monitor is E:\FR\FM\01JNP1.SGM 01JNP1 30312 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 1, 2010 / Proposed Rules less than or equal to 0.08 parts per million (ppm) (i.e., 0.084 ppm, based on the rounding convention in 40 CFR part 50, appendix I). This 3-year average is referred to as the design value. When the design value is less than or equal to 0.084 ppm at each monitoring site within the area, then the area is meeting the NAAQS. Also, the data completeness requirement is met when the average percent of days with valid ambient monitoring data is greater than 90%, and no single year has less than 75% data completeness as determined in Appendix I of 40 CFR part 50. Table 1 shows the fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentrations for the Greater Connecticut nonattainment area monitors for the years 2007–2009, and the ozone design values for these same monitors based on 2007–2009. TABLE 1—2007–2009 FOURTH-HIGH 8-HOUR AVERAGE OZONE CONCENTRATIONS AND 2007–2009 DESIGN VALUES (PARTS PER MILLION) IN THE GREATER CONNECTICUT AREA Site ID 090050006 090031003 090110008 090110124 090131001 ................................................ ................................................ ................................................ ................................................ ................................................ Cornwall .................................................... East Hartford ............................................ Groton ....................................................... Groton ....................................................... Stafford ..................................................... EPA’s review of these data indicates that theGreater Connecticut ozone nonattainment area has met the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, based on 2007– 2009 data. EPA believes these data establish the likelihood that the Greater CT area will also be attaining the standard as of its applicable attainment date of June 15, 2010. Thus, in accordance with CAA section 181(b)(2), EPA is also proposing to determine that the Greater CT area has attained the standard by its applicable attainment date, provided that the area continues to be in attainment of the standard as of that date. EPA will not finalize this proposed determination of attainment by the area’s attainment date unless the area is in attainment as of June 15, 2010. EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this notice or on other relevant matters pertaining to this rulemaking action. These comments will be considered before EPA takes final action. Interested parties may participate in the Federal rulemaking procedure by submitting written comments to the EPA New England Regional Office listed in the ADDRESSES section of this Federal Register. erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 V. Proposed Actions EPA is proposing to determine that the Greater Connecticut 1997 8-hour ozone moderate nonattainment area has attained the 1997 8-hour ozone standard, based on complete, quality1 Groton site relocated in 2007. Data collected at both sites for 2007. The site was relocated because site 090110008 was in danger of not meeting EPA siting criteria due to nearby trees, which could not be cut. Site 090110124 was chosen, in part since it is a CT DEP owned site and can remain at this location for a long time. The new site is less than three miles from the old site and measures comparable air quality. Both sites meet data capture requirements for 2007. EPA approved this relocation in 2007. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:12 May 28, 2010 Jkt 220001 assured data from 2007 through 2009. As provided in 40 CFR 51.918, if EPA finalizes this determination, it would suspend the requirements for Connecticut to submit planning SIPs related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for this area, for so long as the area continues to attain the standard.2 In addition, under section 181(b)(2)(A) of the Clean Air Act and the provisions of EPA’s ozone implementation rule (see 40 CFR Section 51.902(a)), EPA is proposing to determine that this area has attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS by its applicable attainment date of June 15, 2010, provided that the area continues in attainment as of that date. EPA will not finalize this determination unless the area continues to attain through June 15, 2010. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews These actions propose to make determinations of attainment based on air quality, and would, if finalized; result in the suspension of certain Federal requirements, and would not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, these proposed actions: • Are not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Do not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); 2 Connecticut submitted an attainment demonstration, reasonable further progress plan and contingency measures for this area on February 1, 2008. EPA has not taken action on these submittals. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 4th High 2008 4th High 2009 Design value (07–09) 77 80 .................... 80 84 70 66 .................... 73 74 78 81 .................... 81 81 4th High 2007 Site location Sfmt 4702 89 97 89 1 92 87 • Are certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Do not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Do not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Are not economically significant regulatory actions based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Are not significant regulatory actions subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Are not subject to the requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act; and • Do not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. E:\FR\FM\01JNP1.SGM 01JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 1, 2010 / Proposed Rules List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Dated: May 20, 2010. Ira W. Leighton, Acting, Regional Administrator, EPA New England. [FR Doc. 2010–13083 Filed 5–28–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2009-0020] [MO 92210-0-0008-B2] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of petition finding and initiation of status review. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90–day finding on a petition to list Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis (Ozark chinquapin), a tree, as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing this species may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a status review of the species to determine if listing Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis is warranted. To ensure that the review is comprehensive, we are requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding this species. Based on the status review, we will issue a 12 month finding on the petition, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act. DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we request that we receive information on or before August 2, 2010. Please note that if you are using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ‘‘ADDRESSES’’ section, below), the deadline for submitting an electronic comment is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time on this date. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:12 May 28, 2010 Jkt 220001 After August 2, 2010, you must submit information directly to the Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below). Please note that we might not be able to address or incorporate information that we receive after the above requested date. ADDRESSES: You may submit information by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. In the box that reads ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID,’’ enter the Docket number for this finding, which is FWS-R4-ES-2009-0020. Check the box that reads ‘‘Open for Comment/ Submission,’’ and click the Search button. You should then see an icon that reads ‘‘Submit a Comment.’’ Please ensure that you have found the correct rulemaking before submitting your comment. • U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R4ES-2009-0020; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. We will post all information we receive on https://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Request for Information section below for more details). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Sattelberg, Field Supervisor, Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office, 110 South Amity Road, Suite 300, Conway, AR 72032; by telephone (501-513-4470); or by facsimile (501513-4480). If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800877-8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Request for Information When we make a finding that a petition presents substantial information indicating that listing a species may be warranted, we are required to promptly review the status of the species (status review). For the status review to be complete and based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we request information on Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis from governmental agencies, Native American Tribes, the scientific community, industry, and any other interested parties. We seek information on: (1) The species’ biology, range, and population trends, including: (a) Habitat requirements for feeding, breeding, and sheltering; (b) Genetics and taxonomy; PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 30313 (c) Historical and current range, including distribution patterns; (d) Historical and current population levels, and current and projected trends; and (e) Past and ongoing conservation measures for the species, its habitat, or both. (2) The factors that are the basis for making a listing determination for a species under section 4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), which are: (a) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (b) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (c) Disease or predation; (d) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (e) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. (3) The potential effects of climate change on this species and its habitat. If, after the status review, we determine that listing Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis is warranted, we will propose critical habitat (see definition in section 3(5)(A) of the Act), in accordance with section 4 of the Act, to the maximum extent prudent and determinable at the time we propose to list the species. Therefore, within the geographical range currently occupied by Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis, we request data and information on: (1) What may constitute ‘‘physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the species,’’ (2) Where these features are currently found, and (3) Whether any of these features may require special management considerations or protection. In addition, we request data and information on ‘‘specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species’’ that are ‘‘essential to the conservation of the species.’’ Please provide specific comments and information as to what, if any, critical habitat you think we should propose for designation if the species is proposed for listing, and why such habitat meets the requirements of section 4 of the Act. Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as scientific journal articles or other publications) to allow us to verify any scientific or commercial information you include. Submissions merely stating support for or opposition to the action under consideration without providing supporting information, although noted, will not be considered in making a determination. Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the E:\FR\FM\01JNP1.SGM 01JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 1, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30310-30313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-13083]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R01-OAR-2010-0380; A-1-FRL-9156-9]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Connecticut; Determination of Attainment of the 1997 Ozone Standard for 
the Greater Connecticut Area

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to determine that the Greater 
Connecticut, moderate 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area has attained 
the 1997 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for 
ozone. This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, 
certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area has monitored 
attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2007-2009 monitoring 
period. If this proposed determination is made final, under the 
provisions of EPA's ozone implementation rule, the requirements for 
this area to submit an attainment demonstration, a reasonable further 
progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning State 
Implementation Plans related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS shall be suspended for so long as the area continues to attain 
the 1997 ozone NAAQS. In addition, EPA is proposing to determine that 
this area has attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS as of June 15, 2010, its 
applicable attainment date, provided that the area continues to attain 
the standard through June 15, 2010.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before July 1, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number EPA-
R01-OAR-2010-0380 by one of the following methods:
    1. https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
    2. E-mail: arnold.anne@epa.gov
    3. Fax: (617) 918-0047.
    4. Mail: ``Docket Identification Number EPA-R01-OAR-2010-0380,'' 
Anne Arnold, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England 
Regional Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100 (mail code: OEP05-2), 
Boston, MA 02109-3912.
    5. Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver your comments to: Anne Arnold, 
Manager, Air Quality Planning Unit, Office of Ecosystem Protection, 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 
5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109-3912. Such deliveries 
are only accepted during the Regional Office's normal hours of 
operation. The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday 
through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding legal holidays.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R01-OAR-
2010-0380. 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 through https://www.regulations.gov, or e-mail,

[[Page 30311]]

information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected. 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.
    Docket: All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the 
https://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such 
as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be 
publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket 
materials are available either electronically in https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at Office of Ecosystem Protection, 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 
5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA. EPA requests that if at 
all possible, you contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section to schedule your inspection. The Regional 
Office's official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 
4:30, excluding legal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard P. Burkhart, Air Quality 
Planning Unit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England 
Regional Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109-
3912, telephone number (617) 918-1664, fax number (617) 918-0664, e-
mail Burkhart.Richard@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA.
    Organization of this document. The following outline is provided to 
aid in locating information in this preamble.

I. What actions is EPA taking?
II. What is the effect of these actions?
III. What is the background for these actions?
IV. What is EPA's analysis of the relevant air quality data?
V. Proposed Actions
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What actions is EPA taking?

    EPA is proposing to determine that the Greater Connecticut, 
moderate 8-hour ozone nonattainment area has attained the 1997 8-hour 
NAAQS for ozone. This determination is based upon complete, quality-
assured and certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area 
has monitored attainment of the 1997 ozone NAAQS for the 2007-2009 
monitoring period. In addition, under section 181(b)(2)(A) of the Clean 
Air Act (CAA), EPA is proposing to determine that this area has 
attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS by its applicable attainment date (June 
15, 2010), provided that the area continues to attain the standard as 
of June 15, 2010. EPA will not finalize this determination unless the 
area continues to attain the standard through June 15, 2010.

II. What is the effect of these actions?

    If EPA's determination that the area is attaining the standard is 
made final, under the provisions of EPA's ozone implementation rule 
(see 40 CFR 51.918), the requirements for the Greater Connecticut 
moderate ozone nonattainment area to submit an attainment 
demonstration, a reasonable further progress plan, section 172(c)(9) 
contingency measures, and any other planning State Implementation Plans 
(SIPs) related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS would be 
suspended for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS. This proposed action, if finalized, would not constitute a 
redesignation to attainment under the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 
107(d)(3), because we would not yet have an approved maintenance plan 
for the area as required under section 175A of the CAA, nor a 
determination that the area has met the other requirements for 
redesignation. The classification and designation status of the area 
would remain moderate nonattainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS 
until such time as EPA determines that the area meets the CAA 
requirements for redesignation to attainment.
    If this determination of attainment is finalized and EPA 
subsequently determines, after notice-and-comment rulemaking in the 
Federal Register, that the area has violated the 1997 8-hour ozone 
standard, the basis for the suspension of these requirements would no 
longer exist, and the area would thereafter have to address the 
pertinent CAA requirements. It should be noted that Connecticut 
submitted an attainment demonstration, reasonable further progress plan 
and contingency measures for this area on February 1, 2008. EPA has not 
taken action on these submittals for the Greater Connecticut area.
    In addition, under section 181(b)(2)(A) of the CAA and the 
provisions of EPA's ozone implementation rule (see 40 CFR 51.902(a)), 
EPA is proposing to determine that this area has attained the 1997 
ozone NAAQS by its applicable attainment date of June 15, 2010, 
provided that the area continues to attain the standard through June 
15, 2010. The effect of a final determination of attainment by the 
area's attainment date would be to discharge EPA's obligation under 
section 181(b)(2)(A), and to establish that, in accordance with that 
section, the area would not be reclassified for failure to attain by 
its applicable attainment date.

III. What is the background for this action?

    On April 30, 2004 (69 FR 23857), EPA designated as nonattainment 
any area that was violating the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS based on the 
three most recent years (2001-2003) of air quality data. The Greater 
Connecticut area was designated as a moderate ozone nonattainment area. 
The Greater Connecticut area consists of the following Connecticut 
counties: Hartford, Litchfield, New London, Tolland and Windham. Recent 
air quality data, however, indicate that the Greater Connecticut area 
is now attaining the 1997 8-hour ozone standard.

IV. What is EPA's analysis of the relevant air quality data?

    The EPA has reviewed the ambient air monitoring data for ozone, 
consistent with the requirements contained in 40 CFR Part 50 and 
recorded in the Air Quality Data System (AQS) database, for Greater 
Connecticut, from 2007 through 2009. On the basis of that review, EPA 
proposes to conclude that the area attained the 1997 8-hour ozone 
standard at the end of the 2009 ozone season, based on three years of 
complete, quality-assured and state-certified 2007-2009 ozone data.
    Under EPA regulations at 40 CFR Part 50, the 1997 8-hour ozone 
standard is attained at a site when the 3-year average of the annual 
fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentrations at an 
ozone monitor is

[[Page 30312]]

less than or equal to 0.08 parts per million (ppm) (i.e., 0.084 ppm, 
based on the rounding convention in 40 CFR part 50, appendix I). This 
3-year average is referred to as the design value. When the design 
value is less than or equal to 0.084 ppm at each monitoring site within 
the area, then the area is meeting the NAAQS. Also, the data 
completeness requirement is met when the average percent of days with 
valid ambient monitoring data is greater than 90%, and no single year 
has less than 75% data completeness as determined in Appendix I of 40 
CFR part 50.
    Table 1 shows the fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone 
concentrations for the Greater Connecticut nonattainment area monitors 
for the years 2007-2009, and the ozone design values for these same 
monitors based on 2007-2009.

    Table 1--2007-2009 Fourth-High 8-Hour Average Ozone Concentrations and 2007-2009 Design Values (Parts per
                                    Million) in the Greater Connecticut Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Design
               Site ID                     Site location        4th High     4th High     4th High    value (07-
                                                                  2007         2008         2009         09)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
090050006...........................  Cornwall..............           89           77           70           78
090031003...........................  East Hartford.........           97           80           66           81
090110008...........................  Groton................           89  ...........  ...........  ...........
090110124...........................  Groton................       \1\ 92           80           73           81
090131001...........................  Stafford..............           87           84           74           81
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA's review of these data indicates that the Greater Connecticut 
ozone nonattainment area has met the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, based on 
2007-2009 data. EPA believes these data establish the likelihood that 
the Greater CT area will also be attaining the standard as of its 
applicable attainment date of June 15, 2010. Thus, in accordance with 
CAA section 181(b)(2), EPA is also proposing to determine that the 
Greater CT area has attained the standard by its applicable attainment 
date, provided that the area continues to be in attainment of the 
standard as of that date. EPA will not finalize this proposed 
determination of attainment by the area's attainment date unless the 
area is in attainment as of June 15, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Groton site relocated in 2007. Data collected at both sites 
for 2007. The site was relocated because site 090110008 was in 
danger of not meeting EPA siting criteria due to nearby trees, which 
could not be cut. Site 090110124 was chosen, in part since it is a 
CT DEP owned site and can remain at this location for a long time. 
The new site is less than three miles from the old site and measures 
comparable air quality. Both sites meet data capture requirements 
for 2007. EPA approved this relocation in 2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this 
notice or on other relevant matters pertaining to this rulemaking 
action. These comments will be considered before EPA takes final 
action. Interested parties may participate in the Federal rulemaking 
procedure by submitting written comments to the EPA New England 
Regional Office listed in the ADDRESSES section of this Federal 
Register.

V. Proposed Actions

    EPA is proposing to determine that the Greater Connecticut 1997 8-
hour ozone moderate nonattainment area has attained the 1997 8-hour 
ozone standard, based on complete, quality-assured data from 2007 
through 2009. As provided in 40 CFR 51.918, if EPA finalizes this 
determination, it would suspend the requirements for Connecticut to 
submit planning SIPs related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS for this area, for so long as the area continues to attain the 
standard.\2\ In addition, under section 181(b)(2)(A) of the Clean Air 
Act and the provisions of EPA's ozone implementation rule (see 40 CFR 
Section 51.902(a)), EPA is proposing to determine that this area has 
attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS by its applicable attainment date of June 
15, 2010, provided that the area continues in attainment as of that 
date. EPA will not finalize this determination unless the area 
continues to attain through June 15, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Connecticut submitted an attainment demonstration, 
reasonable further progress plan and contingency measures for this 
area on February 1, 2008. EPA has not taken action on these 
submittals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    These actions propose to make determinations of attainment based on 
air quality, and would, if finalized; result in the suspension of 
certain Federal requirements, and would not impose additional 
requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, these 
proposed actions:
     Are not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
     Do not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Are certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Do not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     Do not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Are not economically significant regulatory actions based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Are not significant regulatory actions subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Are not subject to the requirements of Section 12(d) of 
the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 
272 note) because application of those requirements would be 
inconsistent with the Clean Air Act; and
     Do not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).

In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as specified 
by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the 
SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, 
and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on 
tribal governments or preempt tribal law.

[[Page 30313]]

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.

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

    Dated: May 20, 2010.
Ira W. Leighton,
Acting, Regional Administrator, EPA New England.
[FR Doc. 2010-13083 Filed 5-28-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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