Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana; Cincinnati-Hamilton Nonattainment Area; Determinations of Attainment of the 1997 Annual Fine Particulate Standards, 60373-60376 [2011-24811]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 189 / Thursday, September 29, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 45 U.S.C. 231d and 45 U.S.C. 231f. List of Subjects in 20 CFR Part 217 tkelley on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with RULES differences affect the process. Based on the information obtained from the comparison and from the SSA, it was determined that attestation will reduce our paper flow and handling and will work well in our current environment where the Board’s Field Service already completes most applications by telephone. Under both the current and amended systems, the RRB claims representative will identify a caller-applicant using our existing protocol and complete an application by interviewing the caller and entering the answers online into the Application Express (APPLE) system. APPLE is an online system that automates the filing of applications for retirement and survivor benefits and forwards the applications to the systems for payment. We now print out a copy of the completed application to send it to the applicant for signature and return. Under attestation, we will instead use defined scripts like SSA uses to confirm the applicant’s intent to file; attest to the reply by entering the answer in APPLE; print the cover notice with penalty clause and summary, and review it with the applicant over the telephone; release the case in APPLE for processing after the telephone review of the cover notice is complete; and send the applicant a cover notice and summary to keep. We will advise the applicant to review the cover notice and summary upon receipt, and contact the RRB promptly if the applicant needs to make any corrections. Attestation will end the return of application documents to our offices, reducing the volume of paper to be sorted, assigned, reviewed, input, scanned and indexed by the RRB. The Board, with the concurrence of the Office of Management and Budget, has determined that this is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, as amended. Therefore, no regulatory impact analysis is required. There are no changes to the information collections associated with Part 217. Dated: September 23, 2011. By Authority of the Board. Martha P. Rico, Secretary to the Board. Railroad employees, Railroad retirement. For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Railroad Retirement Board amends title 20, chapter II, subchapter B, part 217 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: Internal Revenue Service 2. Section 217.17 is amended by revising the section heading and paragraph (a) and adding paragraph (f) to read as follows: [TD 9545] What is an acceptable signature. * * * * * (a) A claimant who is 18 years old or older, competent (able to handle his or her own affairs), and physically able to sign the application, must sign in his or her own handwriting, except as provided in paragraph (e) or paragraph (f) of this section. A parent or a person standing in place of a parent must sign the application for a child who is not yet 18 years old, except as shown in paragraph (d) of this section. * * * * * (f) An acceptable signature may include: (1) A handwritten signature that complies with the rules set out in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) of this section; or (2) In the case of an application being taken and processed in the Railroad Retirement Board’s automated claims system, an electronic signature, which shall consist of a personal identification number (PIN) assigned by the Railroad Retirement Board as described in the application instructions; or (3) An alternative signature or signature proxy acceptable to the Railroad Retirement Board. An example of an alternative signature is attestation, which refers to the action taken by a Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) employee of confirming and annotating RRB records of the applicant’s intent to file or complete an application or related form, the applicant’s affirmation under penalty of perjury that the information provided is correct, and the applicant’s agreement to sign the application or related form. BILLING CODE P PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Interest and Penalty Suspension Provisions Under Section 6404(g) of the Internal Revenue Code Correction In rule document number 2011–21164 beginning on page 52259 through 52263 in the issue of August 22, 2011, make the following corrections: 301.6404–4 [Corrected] 1. On page 52262 in the second column, in § 301.6404–4(a)(7)(i) third paragraph, 15 lines from the bottom, the words ‘‘or Form 886–A’’ were inadvertently printed in italics. The words should not have been italicized, and are corrected as follows, ‘‘Form 886–A.’’ ■ 2. On page 52263 in the third column, in § 301.6404–4(c)(2)(ii) 11 lines down, article number two (ii) was printed on a separate line, above the word ‘‘Example.’’ It should appear directly next to the word ‘‘Example.’’ It is corrected to appear as follows: (ii) Example. ■ [FR Doc. C1–2011–21164 Filed 9–28–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1505–01–D ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R04–OAR–2010–0719–201144; FRL– 9472–2] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana; CincinnatiHamilton Nonattainment Area; Determinations of Attainment of the 1997 Annual Fine Particulate Standards Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: [FR Doc. 2011–25108 Filed 9–28–11; 8:45 am] 1. The authority citation for part 217 continues to read as follows: Jkt 223001 26 CFR Part 301 RIN 1545–BG75 § 217.17 ■ 15:07 Sep 28, 2011 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ■ PART 217—APPLICATION FOR ANNUITY OR LUMP SUM VerDate Mar<15>2010 60373 EPA is determining that the tri-state Cincinnati-Hamilton, OhioKentucky-Indiana, fine particulate (PM2.5) nonattainment Area (hereafter referred to as ‘‘the Cincinnati Area’’ or ‘‘Area’’) has attained the 1997 annual average PM2.5 national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and additionally, that the Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by its SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM 29SER1 tkelley on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with RULES 60374 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 189 / Thursday, September 29, 2011 / Rules and Regulations applicable attainment date of April 5, 2010. The Cincinnati Area is comprised of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties in Kentucky; and a portion of Dearborn County in Indiana. These determinations of attainment are based upon quality-assured and certified ambient air monitoring data for the 2007–2009 period showing that the Area has monitored attainment of the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. The requirements for the Area to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions related to attainment of the standard shall be suspended so long as the Area continues to attain the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is effective on October 31, 2011. ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID Number EPA–R04–OAR–2010–0719. All documents in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the electronic docket, some information is not publicly available, i.e., confidential business information (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 through https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy for public inspection during normal business hours at the Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: In Region 4, Joel Huey or Sara Waterson, Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. Mr. Huey’s telephone number is (404) 562– 9104. Mr. Huey can also be reached via electronic mail at huey.joel@epa.gov. Ms. Waterson may be reached by phone at (404) 562–9061 or via electronic mail at waterson.sara@epa.gov. In Region 5, John Summerhays, Attainment Planning and Maintenance Section, Air Programs Branch (AR–18J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, 77 West VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:44 Sep 28, 2011 Jkt 223001 Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604–3507. Mr. Summerhays’ telephone number is (312) 886–6067. Mr. Summerhays can also be reached via electronic mail at summerhays.john@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. What actions is EPA taking? II. What are the effects of these actions? III. What are EPA’s final actions? IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. What actions is EPA taking? EPA is determining that the Cincinnati Area (comprised of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties in Kentucky; and a portion of Dearborn County in Indiana) has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination is based upon quality-assured, quality-controlled and certified ambient air monitoring data that shows the Area has monitored attainment of the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2007–2009 data and is continuing to attain with 2008– 2010 data. EPA is also determining, in accordance with EPA’s PM2.5 Implementation Rule of April 25, 2007 (72 FR 20664), that the Cincinnati Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by its applicable attainment date of April 5, 2010. Other specific requirements of the determination and the rationale for EPA’s action are explained in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) published on June 3, 2011 (76 FR 32110). For summary purposes, the Cincinnati Area did not meet the 75 percent completeness criteria in three cases. The Northern Kentucky University site began operation on August 1, 2007, and thus did not obtain complete data for the first three quarters of 2007. This would not be considered an incomplete record due to it being a new site. Nevertheless, the average concentration for the remainder of 2007 and all of 2008 and 2009 was 12.5 micrograms per meter cubed (mg/m3). Scarlet Oaks School ended operation December 31, 2008 and Hook Field Airport ended operation December 31, 2007. The Scarlet Oaks School site monitored an average concentration of 14.8 mg/m3 in 2007, and an annual average concentration in 2008 of 13.3 mg/m3. The Hook Field Airport site monitored an annual average concentration of 14.6 mg/m3 for 2007. These values are below the NAAQS. The complete 2010 year had not been certified at the time of the NPR; therefore, the data were not considered complete for 2010. All of the 2008–2010 design values are below 15.0 mg/m3, PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 except for the Murray Road site in Cincinnati. The Murray Road site had a preliminary 2008–2010 design value of 15.1 mg/m3; however, the site was shut down in February of the first quarter of 2010 due to safety issues. The partial first quarter of 2010 data before the monitor shut down showed the only data above the NAAQS for the 2008– 2010 period. Approval was granted for the site to be shut down because the Carthage Fire site registered a higher design value and is located approximately a mile from the Murray Road site. A comparison of the 2007– 2009 data showed the sites were well correlated with each other. The comment period closed on July 5, 2011. No comments were received in response to the NPR. II. What are the effects of these actions? This final action, in accordance with 40 CFR 51.1004(c), suspends the requirements for this Area to submit attainment demonstrations, associated RACM, RFP plans, contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS as long as this Area continues to meet the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Finalizing this action does not constitute a redesignation of the Cincinnati Area to attainment for the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS under section 107(d)(3) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Further, finalizing this action does not involve approving maintenance plans for the Area as required under section 175A of the CAA, nor does it involve a determination that the Area has met all requirements for a redesignation. In addition, EPA is making a separate and independent determination that the Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 standard by its applicable attainment date (April 5, 2010), thereby satisfying EPA’s requirement pursuant to section 179(c)(1) of the CAA to make such a determination based on the Area’s air quality data as of the attainment date. III. What are EPA’s final actions? EPA is determining that the Cincinnati Area has data indicating it has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS, and additionally, that the Area has attained the standard by its applicable attainment date (April 5, 2010). These determinations are based upon quality-assured, qualitycontrolled, and certified ambient air monitoring data showing that this Area has monitored attainment of the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS during the period 2007–2009 and continues to monitor attainment during the 2008–2010 period. This final action, in accordance E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM 29SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 189 / Thursday, September 29, 2011 / Rules and Regulations tkelley on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with RULES with 40 CFR 51.1004(c), will suspend the requirements for this Area to submit attainment demonstrations, associated RACM, RFP plans, contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS as long as the Area continues to meet the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. These actions are being taken pursuant to section 179(c)(1) of the CAA and are consistent with the CAA and its implementing regulations. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews These actions make a determination of attainment based on air quality, and will result in the suspension of certain federal requirements, and it will not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action: • 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 an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Are not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Are not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; 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 1997 PM2.5 clean NAAQS data determination for the Cincinnati Area does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:44 Sep 28, 2011 Jkt 223001 (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. The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by November 28, 2011. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2)). For purposes of judicial review, the two determinations approved by today’s action are severable from one another. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Determination of attainment. * * * * * (b) Based upon EPA’s review of the air quality data for the 3-year period 2007– 2009, EPA determined that the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by the applicable attainment date of April 5, 2010. Therefore, EPA has met the requirement pursuant to CAA section 179(c) to determine, based on the Area’s air quality as of the attainment date, whether the Area attained the standard. EPA also determined that the CincinnatiHamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area is not subject to the consequences of failing to attain pursuant to section 179(d). 3. Section 52.776 is amended by adding paragraph (x) to read as follows: ■ § 52.776 matter. Control strategy: Particulate * * * * * (x) Determination of Attainment. EPA has determined, as of September 29, 2011, that based upon 2007–2009 air quality data, the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, nonattainment Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination, in accordance with 40 CFR 52.1004(c), suspends the requirements for this Area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably available control measures, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of the standard for as long as this Area continues to meet the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Subpart S—Kentucky Determination of attainment. * 1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Sfmt 4700 § 52.774 § 52.929 PART 52—[AMENDED] Fmt 4700 2. Section 52.774 is amended by designating the existing text as paragraph (a) and by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows: ■ 4. Section 52.929 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows: 40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows: Frm 00019 Subpart P—Indiana ■ Dated: August 18, 2011. Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming, Regional Administrator, Region 4. Dated: September 12, 2011. Susan Hedman, Regional Administrator, Region 5. PO 00000 60375 * * * * (c) Based upon EPA’s review of the air quality data for the 3-year period 2007– 2009, EPA determined that the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by the applicable attainment date of April 5, 2010. Therefore, EPA has met the requirement pursuant to CAA section 179(c) to determine, based on E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM 29SER1 60376 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 189 / Thursday, September 29, 2011 / Rules and Regulations the Area’s air quality as of the attainment date, whether the Area attained the standard. EPA also determined that the CincinnatiHamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area is not subject to the consequences of failing to attain pursuant to section 179(d). 5. Section 52.933 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as follows: ■ § 52.933 Control Strategy: Sulfur oxides and particulate matter. by the applicable attainment date of April 5, 2010. Therefore, EPA has met the requirement pursuant to CAA section 179(c) to determine, based on the Area’s air quality as of the attainment date, whether the Area attained the standard. EPA also determined that the CincinnatiHamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area is not subject to the consequences of failing to attain pursuant to section 179(d). [FR Doc. 2011–24811 Filed 9–28–11; 8:45 am] * * * * * (e) Determination of Attainment. EPA has determined, as of September 29, 2011, that based upon 2007–2009 air quality data, the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana nonattainment Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination, in accordance with 40 CFR 52.1004(c), suspends the requirements for this Area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably available control measures, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of the standard for as long as this Area continues to meet the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. BILLING CODE 6560–50–P Subpart KK—Ohio EPA is taking direct final action to approve revisions to the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District (SBAPCD), Sacramento Municipal Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) portions of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from solvent cleaning machines and solvent cleaning operations and oil and gas production wells. We are approving local rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA or the Act). DATES: This rule is effective on November 28, 2011 without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comments by October 31, 2011. If we receive such comments, we will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register to notify the public that this direct final rule will not take effect. ADDRESSES: Submit comments, identified by docket number EPA–R09– OAR–2011–0561, by one of the following methods: 1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions. 2. E-mail: steckel.andrew@epa.gov. 6. Section 52.1880 is amended by adding paragraph (o) to read as follows: Control strategy: Particulate * * * * * (o) Determination of Attainment. EPA has determined, as of September 29, 2011, that based upon 2007–2009 air quality data, the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana nonattainment Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination, in accordance with 40 CFR 52.1004(c), suspends the requirements for this Area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably available control measures, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of the standard for as long as this Area continues to meet the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. 7. Section 52.1892 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows: ■ tkelley on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with RULES § 52.1892 Determination of attainment. * * * * * (c) Based upon EPA’s review of the air quality data for the 3-year period 2007– 2009, EPA determined that the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio-KentuckyIndiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:44 Sep 28, 2011 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R09–OAR–2011–0561; FRL–9469–1] Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District, Sacramento Municipal Air Quality Management District and South Coast Air Quality Management District Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Direct final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: ■ § 52.1880 matter. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 3. Mail or deliver: Andrew Steckel (Air–4), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105–3901. Instructions: All comments 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 Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Information that you consider CBI or otherwise protected should be clearly identified as such and should not be submitted through https:// www.regulations.gov or e-mail. https:// www.regulations.gov is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, and EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send e-mail directly to EPA, your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the public comment. 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: Generally, documents in the docket for this action are available electronically at https:// www.regulations.gov and in hard copy at EPA Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California. While all documents in the docket are listed at https://www.regulations.gov, some information may be publicly available only at the hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted material, large maps), and some may not be publicly available in either location (e.g., CBI). To inspect the hard copy materials, please schedule an appointment during normal business hours with the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrianne Borgia, EPA Region IX, (415) 972–3576, borgia.adrianne@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to EPA. Table of Contents I. The State’s Submittal A. What rules did the State submit? B. Are there other versions of these rules? C. What is the purpose of the submitted rules? II. EPA’s Evaluation and Action A. How is EPA evaluating the rules? B. Do the rules meet the evaluation criteria? E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM 29SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 189 (Thursday, September 29, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60373-60376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24811]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R04-OAR-2010-0719-201144; FRL-9472-2]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana; Cincinnati-Hamilton Nonattainment Area; 
Determinations of Attainment of the 1997 Annual Fine Particulate 
Standards

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: EPA is determining that the tri-state Cincinnati-Hamilton, 
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana, fine particulate (PM2.5) 
nonattainment Area (hereafter referred to as ``the Cincinnati Area'' or 
``Area'') has attained the 1997 annual average PM2.5 
national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and additionally, that 
the Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by its

[[Page 60374]]

applicable attainment date of April 5, 2010. The Cincinnati Area is 
comprised of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio; 
Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties in Kentucky; and a portion of 
Dearborn County in Indiana. These determinations of attainment are 
based upon quality-assured and certified ambient air monitoring data 
for the 2007-2009 period showing that the Area has monitored attainment 
of the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. The requirements for the 
Area to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably 
available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) 
plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation 
Plan (SIP) revisions related to attainment of the standard shall be 
suspended so long as the Area continues to attain the 1997 annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS.

DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is effective on October 31, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID 
Number EPA-R04-OAR-2010-0719. All documents in the docket are listed in 
the https://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the 
electronic docket, some information is not publicly available, i.e., 
confidential business information (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 through https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy for public inspection during normal 
business hours at the Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning 
Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW., 
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: In Region 4, Joel Huey or Sara 
Waterson, Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, 
Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 
30303-8960. Mr. Huey's telephone number is (404) 562-9104. Mr. Huey can 
also be reached via electronic mail at huey.joel@epa.gov. Ms. Waterson 
may be reached by phone at (404) 562-9061 or via electronic mail at 
waterson.sara@epa.gov. In Region 5, John Summerhays, Attainment 
Planning and Maintenance Section, Air Programs Branch (AR-18J), U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, 
Chicago, Illinois 60604-3507. Mr. Summerhays' telephone number is (312) 
886-6067. Mr. Summerhays can also be reached via electronic mail at 
summerhays.john@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. What actions is EPA taking?
II. What are the effects of these actions?
III. What are EPA's final actions?
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What actions is EPA taking?

    EPA is determining that the Cincinnati Area (comprised of Butler, 
Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and 
Kenton Counties in Kentucky; and a portion of Dearborn County in 
Indiana) has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This 
determination is based upon quality-assured, quality-controlled and 
certified ambient air monitoring data that shows the Area has monitored 
attainment of the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2007-
2009 data and is continuing to attain with 2008-2010 data. EPA is also 
determining, in accordance with EPA's PM2.5 Implementation 
Rule of April 25, 2007 (72 FR 20664), that the Cincinnati Area has 
attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by its applicable 
attainment date of April 5, 2010.
    Other specific requirements of the determination and the rationale 
for EPA's action are explained in the notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPR) published on June 3, 2011 (76 FR 32110). For summary purposes, 
the Cincinnati Area did not meet the 75 percent completeness criteria 
in three cases. The Northern Kentucky University site began operation 
on August 1, 2007, and thus did not obtain complete data for the first 
three quarters of 2007. This would not be considered an incomplete 
record due to it being a new site. Nevertheless, the average 
concentration for the remainder of 2007 and all of 2008 and 2009 was 
12.5 micrograms per meter cubed ([mu]g/m\3\). Scarlet Oaks School ended 
operation December 31, 2008 and Hook Field Airport ended operation 
December 31, 2007. The Scarlet Oaks School site monitored an average 
concentration of 14.8 [mu]g/m\3\ in 2007, and an annual average 
concentration in 2008 of 13.3 [mu]g/m\3\. The Hook Field Airport site 
monitored an annual average concentration of 14.6 [mu]g/m\3\ for 2007. 
These values are below the NAAQS. The complete 2010 year had not been 
certified at the time of the NPR; therefore, the data were not 
considered complete for 2010. All of the 2008-2010 design values are 
below 15.0 [mu]g/m\3\, except for the Murray Road site in Cincinnati. 
The Murray Road site had a preliminary 2008-2010 design value of 15.1 
[mu]g/m\3\; however, the site was shut down in February of the first 
quarter of 2010 due to safety issues. The partial first quarter of 2010 
data before the monitor shut down showed the only data above the NAAQS 
for the 2008-2010 period. Approval was granted for the site to be shut 
down because the Carthage Fire site registered a higher design value 
and is located approximately a mile from the Murray Road site. A 
comparison of the 2007-2009 data showed the sites were well correlated 
with each other. The comment period closed on July 5, 2011. No comments 
were received in response to the NPR.

II. What are the effects of these actions?

    This final action, in accordance with 40 CFR 51.1004(c), suspends 
the requirements for this Area to submit attainment demonstrations, 
associated RACM, RFP plans, contingency measures, and other planning 
SIPs related to attainment of the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS as 
long as this Area continues to meet the 1997 annual PM2.5 
NAAQS. Finalizing this action does not constitute a redesignation of 
the Cincinnati Area to attainment for the 1997 annual PM2.5 
NAAQS under section 107(d)(3) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Further, 
finalizing this action does not involve approving maintenance plans for 
the Area as required under section 175A of the CAA, nor does it involve 
a determination that the Area has met all requirements for a 
redesignation.
    In addition, EPA is making a separate and independent determination 
that the Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 standard by 
its applicable attainment date (April 5, 2010), thereby satisfying 
EPA's requirement pursuant to section 179(c)(1) of the CAA to make such 
a determination based on the Area's air quality data as of the 
attainment date.

III. What are EPA's final actions?

    EPA is determining that the Cincinnati Area has data indicating it 
has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS, and additionally, 
that the Area has attained the standard by its applicable attainment 
date (April 5, 2010). These determinations are based upon quality-
assured, quality-controlled, and certified ambient air monitoring data 
showing that this Area has monitored attainment of the 1997 annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS during the period 2007-2009 and continues to 
monitor attainment during the 2008-2010 period. This final action, in 
accordance

[[Page 60375]]

with 40 CFR 51.1004(c), will suspend the requirements for this Area to 
submit attainment demonstrations, associated RACM, RFP plans, 
contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of 
the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS as long as the Area continues to 
meet the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. These actions are being 
taken pursuant to section 179(c)(1) of the CAA and are consistent with 
the CAA and its implementing regulations.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    These actions make a determination of attainment based on air 
quality, and will result in the suspension of certain federal 
requirements, and it will not impose additional requirements beyond 
those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action:
     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 an economically significant regulatory action 
based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Are not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Are not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; 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 1997 PM2.5 clean NAAQS data determination for the 
Cincinnati Area 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.
    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and 
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot 
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal 
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2).
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review 
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for 
the appropriate circuit by November 28, 2011. Filing a petition for 
reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect 
the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor 
does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may 
be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or 
action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to 
enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2)).
    For purposes of judicial review, the two determinations approved by 
today's action are severable from one another.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Particulate matter, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: August 18, 2011.
Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming,
Regional Administrator, Region 4.
    Dated: September 12, 2011.
Susan Hedman,
Regional Administrator, Region 5.

    40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:

PART 52--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:

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

Subpart P--Indiana

0
2. Section 52.774 is amended by designating the existing text as 
paragraph (a) and by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  52.774  Determination of attainment.

* * * * *
    (b) Based upon EPA's review of the air quality data for the 3-year 
period 2007-2009, EPA determined that the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio, 
Kentucky, and Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area attained the 
1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by the applicable attainment date of 
April 5, 2010. Therefore, EPA has met the requirement pursuant to CAA 
section 179(c) to determine, based on the Area's air quality as of the 
attainment date, whether the Area attained the standard. EPA also 
determined that the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana 
PM2.5 nonattainment Area is not subject to the consequences 
of failing to attain pursuant to section 179(d).


0
3. Section 52.776 is amended by adding paragraph (x) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  52.776  Control strategy: Particulate matter.

* * * * *
    (x) Determination of Attainment. EPA has determined, as of 
September 29, 2011, that based upon 2007-2009 air quality data, the 
Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, nonattainment Area 
has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This 
determination, in accordance with 40 CFR 52.1004(c), suspends the 
requirements for this Area to submit an attainment demonstration, 
associated reasonably available control measures, a reasonable further 
progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to 
attainment of the standard for as long as this Area continues to meet 
the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS.

Subpart S--Kentucky

0
4. Section 52.929 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  52.929  Determination of attainment.

* * * * *
    (c) Based upon EPA's review of the air quality data for the 3-year 
period 2007-2009, EPA determined that the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio, 
Kentucky, and Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area attained the 
1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by the applicable attainment date of 
April 5, 2010. Therefore, EPA has met the requirement pursuant to CAA 
section 179(c) to determine, based on

[[Page 60376]]

the Area's air quality as of the attainment date, whether the Area 
attained the standard. EPA also determined that the Cincinnati-
Hamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment 
Area is not subject to the consequences of failing to attain pursuant 
to section 179(d).


0
5. Section 52.933 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  52.933  Control Strategy: Sulfur oxides and particulate matter.

* * * * *
    (e) Determination of Attainment. EPA has determined, as of 
September 29, 2011, that based upon 2007-2009 air quality data, the 
Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana nonattainment Area has 
attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination, in 
accordance with 40 CFR 52.1004(c), suspends the requirements for this 
Area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably 
available control measures, a reasonable further progress plan, 
contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of 
the standard for as long as this Area continues to meet the 1997 annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS.

Subpart KK--Ohio

0
6. Section 52.1880 is amended by adding paragraph (o) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  52.1880  Control strategy: Particulate matter.

* * * * *
    (o) Determination of Attainment. EPA has determined, as of 
September 29, 2011, that based upon 2007-2009 air quality data, the 
Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana nonattainment Area has 
attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination, in 
accordance with 40 CFR 52.1004(c), suspends the requirements for this 
Area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably 
available control measures, a reasonable further progress plan, 
contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of 
the standard for as long as this Area continues to meet the 1997 annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS.


0
7. Section 52.1892 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  52.1892  Determination of attainment.

* * * * *
    (c) Based upon EPA's review of the air quality data for the 3-year 
period 2007-2009, EPA determined that the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio-
Kentucky-Indiana PM2.5 nonattainment Area attained the 1997 
annual PM2.5 NAAQS by the applicable attainment date of 
April 5, 2010. Therefore, EPA has met the requirement pursuant to CAA 
section 179(c) to determine, based on the Area's air quality as of the 
attainment date, whether the Area attained the standard. EPA also 
determined that the Cincinnati-Hamilton, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana 
PM2.5 nonattainment Area is not subject to the consequences 
of failing to attain pursuant to section 179(d).

[FR Doc. 2011-24811 Filed 9-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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