Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Virginia; Revisions to the State Implementation Plan Approved by EPA Through Letter Notice Actions, 55695-55698 [2012-22207]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 11, 2012 / Rules and Regulations Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights. 9. Civil Justice Reform This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. 10. Protection of Children We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children. 11. Indian Tribal Governments This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. 12. Energy Effects This action is not a ‘‘significant energy action’’ under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. 13. Technical Standards This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 14. Environment We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023–01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have concluded this action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2–1, paragraph (34)(g), of the Instruction. This rule involves the establishment of a temporary safety zone to protect the public on navigable waters of the United States. An environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are available in the docket where indicated under VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Sep 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165 Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows: PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS 1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, 160.5; Pub. L. 107–295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. 2. Add a temporary § 165.20T07–0722 to read as follows: ■ § 165.20T07–0722 Safety zone; Miami Paddle Challenge, Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL. (a) Biscayne Bay, Florida. All waters of Biscayne Bay located west of Key Biscayne and south of Rickenbacker Causeway encompassed within an imaginary line connecting the following points: starting at Point 1 in position 25°44′43″ N, 80°11′40″ W; thence southwest to Point 2 in position 25°40′29″ N, 80°14′58″ W; thence northwest to Point 3 in position 25°40′39″ N, 80°15′14″ W; thence northeast to Point 4 in position 25°44′45″ N, 80°11′59″ W; thence east back to origin. All coordinates are North American Datum 1983. (b) Definition. The term ‘‘designated representative’’ means Coast Guard Patrol Commanders, including Coast Guard coxswains, petty officers, and other officers operating Coast Guard vessels, and Federal, state, and local officers designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port Miami in the enforcement of the regulated area. (c) Regulations. (1) Non-participant persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative. Non-participant persons and vessels may request authorization to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated area by contacting the Captain of the Port Miami by telephone at 305–535–4472, or a designated representative via VHF radio on channel 16. If authorization is granted by the Captain of the Port PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 55695 Miami or a designated representative, all persons and vessels receiving such authorization must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative. (2) The Coast Guard will provide notice of the regulated areas by Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, and on-scene designated representatives. (d) Effective Date. This rule is effective from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. on September 29, 2012. Dated: August 23, 2012. C.P. Scraba, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Miami. [FR Doc. 2012–22294 Filed 9–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R03–OAR–2012–0280; FRL–9724–8] Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Virginia; Revisions to the State Implementation Plan Approved by EPA Through Letter Notice Actions Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule; administrative change. AGENCY: EPA is taking final action on administrative changes to the Virginia State Implementation Plan (SIP). The changes consist of revised regulatory citations found in Virginia’s regulations pertaining to municipal solid waste landfills and open burning which EPA previously approved through a Letter Notice. EPA has determined that this action falls under the ‘‘good cause’’ exemption in the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This exemption in the APA authorizes agencies to dispense with public participation and to make an action effective immediately, thereby avoiding the 30-day delayed effective date otherwise provided for in the APA. DATES: This action is effective September 11, 2012. ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID Number EPA–R03–OAR–2012–0280. All documents in the docket are listed in the 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM 11SER1 55696 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 11, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 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 www.regulations.gov or in hard copy for public inspection during normal business hours at the Air Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. Copies of the State submittal are available at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harold A. Frankford at (215) 814–2108, or by email at frankford.harold@epa.gov. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ refer to EPA. I. What is being addressed in this document? EPA is taking final action on administrative changes to the Virginia SIP. On March 16, 2012, Virginia submitted a SIP revision which revises regulatory citations found in Regulations 9VAC5 Chapter 40, Part I, Article 43 (Municipal Solid Waste Landfills) and Chapter 130, Part I (Regulation for Open Burning). The amended text changes those citations which cross-reference Virginia’s current Solid Waste Management Regulations (9VAC5–20–81). The affected SIPapproved regulations are sections 5–40– 5810, 5–40–5820, 5–40–5850, 5–40– 5880, 5–40–5920, 5–130–20, and 5–130– 40. EPA has determined that the revisions are minor SIP changes without any substantive changes, and that they comply with all applicable requirements of the CAA and EPA regulations concerning such SIP revisions. EPA approved these revisions through a Letter Notice to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) dated June 1, 2012 consistent with the procedures outlined in both EPA’s Notice of Procedural Changes on SIP processing published on January 19, 1989 at 54 FR 2214 and a memorandum dated April 6, 2011 entitled ‘‘Regional Consistency for the Administrative Requirements of State Implementation Plan Submittals and the Use of Letter Notices’’ from Janet McCabe, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation to the EPA Regional Administrators. II. What action is EPA taking? Today’s action merely codifies in 40 CFR 52.2420(c) the administrative amendments approved by EPA through VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Sep 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 its June 1, 2012 Letter Notice to VADEQ. EPA has determined that this action falls under the ‘‘good cause’’ exemption in section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This exemption authorizes agencies to dispense with public participation and section 553(d)(3) which allows an agency to make an action effective immediately, thereby avoiding the 30day delayed effective date otherwise provided for in the APA. With respect to the SIP revision described above, today’s administrative action simply codifies provisions which are already in effect as a matter of law in Federal and approved state programs. Under section 553 of the APA, an agency may find good cause where procedures are ‘‘impractical, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Public comment for this administrative action is ‘‘unnecessary’’ because the revisions are administrative and non-substantive in nature. Immediate notice of this action in the Federal Register benefits the public by providing the public notice of the updated Virginia SIP. Approval of these revisions will ensure consistency between state and Federally-approved rules. EPA has determined that these changes will not relax the SIP or adversely impact air emissions. III. General Information Pertaining to SIP Submittals From the Commonwealth of Virginia In 1995, Virginia adopted legislation that provides, subject to certain conditions, for an environmental assessment (audit) ‘‘privilege’’ for voluntary compliance evaluations performed by a regulated entity. The legislation further addresses the relative burden of proof for parties either asserting the privilege or seeking disclosure of documents for which the privilege is claimed. Virginia’s legislation also provides, subject to certain conditions, for a penalty waiver for violations of environmental laws when a regulated entity discovers such violations pursuant to a voluntary compliance evaluation and voluntarily discloses such violations to the Commonwealth and takes prompt and appropriate measures to remedy the violations. Virginia’s Voluntary Environmental Assessment Privilege Law, Va. Code Sec. 10.1–1198, provides a privilege that protects from disclosure documents and information about the content of those documents that are the product of a voluntary environmental assessment. The Privilege Law does not extend to documents or information that: (1) Are generated or developed before the commencement of a voluntary environmental assessment; (2) PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 are prepared independently of the assessment process; (3) demonstrate a clear, imminent and substantial danger to the public health or environment; or (4) are required by law. On January 12, 1998, the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Attorney General provided a legal opinion that states that the Privilege Law, Va. Code § 10.1–1198, precludes granting a privilege to documents and information ‘‘required by law,’’ including documents and information ‘‘required by Federal law to maintain program delegation, authorization or approval,’’ since Virginia must ‘‘enforce Federally authorized environmental programs in a manner that is no less stringent than their Federal counterparts. * * *’’ The opinion concludes that ‘‘[r]egarding § 10.1–1198, therefore, documents or other information needed for civil or criminal enforcement under one of these programs could not be privileged because such documents and information are essential to pursuing enforcement in a manner required by Federal law to maintain program delegation, authorization or approval.’’ Virginia’s Immunity law, Va. Code Sec. 10.1–1199, provides that ‘‘[t]o the extent consistent with requirements imposed by Federal law,’’ any person making a voluntary disclosure of information to a state agency regarding a violation of an environmental statute, regulation, permit, or administrative order is granted immunity from administrative or civil penalty. The Attorney General’s January 12, 1998 opinion states that the quoted language renders this statute inapplicable to enforcement of any Federally authorized programs, since ‘‘no immunity could be afforded from administrative, civil, or criminal penalties because granting such immunity would not be consistent with Federal law, which is one of the criteria for immunity.’’ Therefore, EPA has determined that Virginia’s Privilege and Immunity statutes will not preclude the Commonwealth from enforcing its program consistent with the Federal requirements. In any event, because EPA has also determined that a state audit privilege and immunity law can affect only state enforcement and cannot have any impact on Federal enforcement authorities, EPA may at any time invoke its authority under the CAA, including, for example, sections 113, 167, 205, 211 or 213, to enforce the requirements or prohibitions of the state plan, independently of any state enforcement effort. In addition, citizen enforcement under section 304 of the CAA is likewise unaffected by this, or E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM 11SER1 55697 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 11, 2012 / Rules and Regulations any, state audit privilege or immunity law. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews A. General Requirements Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA’s role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action: • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and • Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this 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. B. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General The Congressional Review Act (CRA) (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. Section 808 allows the issuing agency to make a rule effective sooner than otherwise provided by the CRA if the agency makes a good cause finding that notice and public procedure is impracticable, unnecessary or contrary to the public interest. 5 U.S.C. 808(2). In taking action on this SIP revision, EPA already made such a finding. Thus, the SIP revisions announced in this notice became effective upon EPA’s June 1, 2012 Letter Notice to Virginia. Today’s administrative action simply codifies a provision which is already in effect as a matter of law in Federal and approved state programs. EPA will submit a report containing this action and other information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of this action in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). C. Petitions for Judicial Review 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 13, 2012. 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 to codify in 40 CFR 52.2420(c) the administrative amendments approved by EPA through its June 1, 2012 Letter Notice to VADEQ may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).) List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and record keeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds. Dated: August 23, 2012. W.C. Early, Acting Regional Administrator, Region III. 40 CFR Part 52 is amended as follows: PART 52—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for 40 CFR part 52 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Subpart VV—Virginia 2. In § 52.2420, the table in paragraph (c) is amended by revising the entries for Sections 5–40–5810, 5–40–5820, 5– 40–5850, 5–40–5880, 5–40–5920, 5– 130–20 and 5–130–40. The amendments read as follows: ■ § 52.2420 Identification of plan (c) * * * EPA-APPROVED VIRGINIA REGULATIONS AND STATUTES State citation sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES * State effective date Title/Subject * * EPA approval date * Explanation [former SIP citation] * * * * * 9 VAC 5, Chapter 40 Existing Stationary Sources [Part IV] * * * * * Part II Emission Standards VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Sep 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM 11SER1 55698 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 11, 2012 / Rules and Regulations EPA-APPROVED VIRGINIA REGULATIONS AND STATUTES—Continued State citation State effective date Title/Subject * * * EPA approval date * Explanation [former SIP citation] * * * * * Article 43 Municipal Solid Waste Landfills (Rule 4–43) * * * * 5–40–5810 ........ 5–40–5820 ........ Definitions ..................................... Standard for air emissions ............ 8/17/11 8/17/11 * 5–140–5850 ...... * * Compliance ................................... 8/17/11 * 5–40–5880 ........ * * Reporting ....................................... 8/17/11 * 5–40–5920 ........ * * Permits .......................................... 8/17/11 * * * The SIP effective date is 6/1/12. The SIP effective date is 6/1/12. * * 6/1/12 by Letter Notice ................. * * The SIP effective date is 6/1/12. * * 6/1/12 by Letter Notice ................. * * The SIP effective date is 6/1/12. * * 6/1/12 by Letter Notice ................. 6/1/12 by Letter Notice ................. * 6/1/12 by Letter Notice ................. * * The SIP effective date is 6/1/12. * * * * 9 VAC 5, Chapter 130 Regulations for Open Burning [Formerly 9VAC5 Chapter 40, Part II, Article 40] Part I General Provisions * 5–130–20 .......... * * Definitions ..................................... 8/17/11 * 5–130–40 .......... * * Permissible open burning ............. 8/17/11 * * * * * * * BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 63 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0544; FRL–9684–7] RIN 2060–AQ41 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From the Pulp and Paper Industry Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. This action finalizes the residual risk and technology review conducted for the pulp and paper industry source category regulated under national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. The EPA is required to conduct residual risk and technology reviews under the Clean Air Act. This action finalizes amendments to the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants that include a requirement for 5-year repeat emissions sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 17:47 Sep 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 * * The SIP effective date is 6/1/12. * * 6/1/12 by Letter Notice ................. * * The SIP effective date is 6/1/12. * * This final action is effective on September 11, 2012. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 11, 2012. DATES: AGENCY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 * 6/1/12 by Letter Notice ................. testing for selected process equipment; revisions to provisions addressing periods of startup, shutdown and malfunction; a requirement for electronic reporting; additional test methods for measuring methanol emissions; and technical and editorial changes. The amendments are expected to ensure that control systems are properly maintained over time, ensure continuous compliance with standards and improve data accessibility; we estimate facilities nationwide will spend $2.1 million per year to comply. * [FR Doc. 2012–22207 Filed 9–10–12; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: * The EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0544. All documents in the docket are listed on the https://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., confidential business information or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 * * 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 at the EPA Docket Center, EPA West Building, Room Number 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center is (202) 566–1742. For questions about this final action, contact Mr. John Bradfield, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, (E143–03), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; telephone number: (919) 541– 3062; fax number: (919) 541–3470; and email address: bradfield.john@epa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For specific information regarding the risk modeling methodology, contact Mr. James Hirtz, Health and Environmental Impacts Division (C539–02), Office of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM 11SER1

Agencies

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55695-55698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22207]

=======================================================================
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R03-OAR-2012-0280; FRL-9724-8]

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Virginia;
Revisions to the State Implementation Plan Approved by EPA Through
Letter Notice Actions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule; administrative change.

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

SUMMARY: EPA is taking final action on administrative changes to the
Virginia State Implementation Plan (SIP). The changes consist of
revised regulatory citations found in Virginia's regulations pertaining
to municipal solid waste landfills and open burning which EPA
previously approved through a Letter Notice. EPA has determined that
this action falls under the ``good cause'' exemption in the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This exemption in the APA
authorizes agencies to dispense with public participation and to make
an action effective immediately, thereby avoiding the 30-day delayed
effective date otherwise provided for in the APA.

DATES: This action is effective September 11, 2012.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID
Number EPA-R03-OAR-2012-0280. All documents in the docket are listed in
the 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

[[Page 55696]]

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
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy for public inspection during normal
business hours at the Air Protection Division, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19103. Copies of the State submittal are available at the
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harold A. Frankford at (215) 814-2108,
or by email at frankford.harold@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document ``we,'' ``us,'' or
``our'' refer to EPA.

I. What is being addressed in this document?

EPA is taking final action on administrative changes to the
Virginia SIP. On March 16, 2012, Virginia submitted a SIP revision
which revises regulatory citations found in Regulations 9VAC5 Chapter
40, Part I, Article 43 (Municipal Solid Waste Landfills) and Chapter
130, Part I (Regulation for Open Burning). The amended text changes
those citations which cross-reference Virginia's current Solid Waste
Management Regulations (9VAC5-20-81). The affected SIP-approved
regulations are sections 5-40-5810, 5-40-5820, 5-40-5850, 5-40-5880, 5-
40-5920, 5-130-20, and 5-130-40. EPA has determined that the revisions
are minor SIP changes without any substantive changes, and that they
comply with all applicable requirements of the CAA and EPA regulations
concerning such SIP revisions. EPA approved these revisions through a
Letter Notice to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
(VADEQ) dated June 1, 2012 consistent with the procedures outlined in
both EPA's Notice of Procedural Changes on SIP processing published on
January 19, 1989 at 54 FR 2214 and a memorandum dated April 6, 2011
entitled ``Regional Consistency for the Administrative Requirements of
State Implementation Plan Submittals and the Use of Letter Notices''
from Janet McCabe, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air
and Radiation to the EPA Regional Administrators.

II. What action is EPA taking?

Today's action merely codifies in 40 CFR 52.2420(c) the
administrative amendments approved by EPA through its June 1, 2012
Letter Notice to VADEQ. EPA has determined that this action falls under
the ``good cause'' exemption in section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This exemption authorizes agencies
to dispense with public participation and section 553(d)(3) which
allows an agency to make an action effective immediately, thereby
avoiding the 30-day delayed effective date otherwise provided for in
the APA. With respect to the SIP revision described above, today's
administrative action simply codifies provisions which are already in
effect as a matter of law in Federal and approved state programs. Under
section 553 of the APA, an agency may find good cause where procedures
are ``impractical, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.''
Public comment for this administrative action is ``unnecessary''
because the revisions are administrative and non-substantive in nature.
Immediate notice of this action in the Federal Register benefits the
public by providing the public notice of the updated Virginia SIP.
Approval of these revisions will ensure consistency between state and
Federally-approved rules. EPA has determined that these changes will
not relax the SIP or adversely impact air emissions.

III. General Information Pertaining to SIP Submittals From the
Commonwealth of Virginia

In 1995, Virginia adopted legislation that provides, subject to
certain conditions, for an environmental assessment (audit)
``privilege'' for voluntary compliance evaluations performed by a
regulated entity. The legislation further addresses the relative burden
of proof for parties either asserting the privilege or seeking
disclosure of documents for which the privilege is claimed. Virginia's
legislation also provides, subject to certain conditions, for a penalty
waiver for violations of environmental laws when a regulated entity
discovers such violations pursuant to a voluntary compliance evaluation
and voluntarily discloses such violations to the Commonwealth and takes
prompt and appropriate measures to remedy the violations. Virginia's
Voluntary Environmental Assessment Privilege Law, Va. Code Sec. 10.1-
1198, provides a privilege that protects from disclosure documents and
information about the content of those documents that are the product
of a voluntary environmental assessment. The Privilege Law does not
extend to documents or information that: (1) Are generated or developed
before the commencement of a voluntary environmental assessment; (2)
are prepared independently of the assessment process; (3) demonstrate a
clear, imminent and substantial danger to the public health or
environment; or (4) are required by law.
On January 12, 1998, the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the
Attorney General provided a legal opinion that states that the
Privilege Law, Va. Code Sec. 10.1-1198, precludes granting a privilege
to documents and information ``required by law,'' including documents
and information ``required by Federal law to maintain program
delegation, authorization or approval,'' since Virginia must ``enforce
Federally authorized environmental programs in a manner that is no less
stringent than their Federal counterparts. * * *'' The opinion
concludes that ``[r]egarding Sec. 10.1-1198, therefore, documents or
other information needed for civil or criminal enforcement under one of
these programs could not be privileged because such documents and
information are essential to pursuing enforcement in a manner required
by Federal law to maintain program delegation, authorization or
approval.'' Virginia's Immunity law, Va. Code Sec. 10.1-1199, provides
that ``[t]o the extent consistent with requirements imposed by Federal
law,'' any person making a voluntary disclosure of information to a
state agency regarding a violation of an environmental statute,
regulation, permit, or administrative order is granted immunity from
administrative or civil penalty. The Attorney General's January 12,
1998 opinion states that the quoted language renders this statute
inapplicable to enforcement of any Federally authorized programs, since
``no immunity could be afforded from administrative, civil, or criminal
penalties because granting such immunity would not be consistent with
Federal law, which is one of the criteria for immunity.''
Therefore, EPA has determined that Virginia's Privilege and
Immunity statutes will not preclude the Commonwealth from enforcing its
program consistent with the Federal requirements. In any event, because
EPA has also determined that a state audit privilege and immunity law
can affect only state enforcement and cannot have any impact on Federal
enforcement authorities, EPA may at any time invoke its authority under
the CAA, including, for example, sections 113, 167, 205, 211 or 213, to
enforce the requirements or prohibitions of the state plan,
independently of any state enforcement effort. In addition, citizen
enforcement under section 304 of the CAA is likewise unaffected by
this, or

[[Page 55697]]

any, state audit privilege or immunity law.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. General Requirements

Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Administrator is required to
approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act
and applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly,
this action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements
and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by
state law. For that reason, this action:
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
Does not impose an information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
Is certified as not having a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
Does not have Federalism implications as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
Is not an economically significant regulatory action based
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997);
Is not a significant regulatory action subject to
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent
with the CAA; and
Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
In addition, this 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.

B. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General

The Congressional Review Act (CRA) (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. Section 808 allows the issuing agency to
make a rule effective sooner than otherwise provided by the CRA if the
agency makes a good cause finding that notice and public procedure is
impracticable, unnecessary or contrary to the public interest. 5 U.S.C.
808(2). In taking action on this SIP revision, EPA already made such a
finding. Thus, the SIP revisions announced in this notice became
effective upon EPA's June 1, 2012 Letter Notice to Virginia. Today's
administrative action simply codifies a provision which is already in
effect as a matter of law in Federal and approved state programs. EPA
will submit a report containing this action and other information to
the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to publication of this action in the
Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).

C. Petitions for Judicial Review

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 13, 2012. 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 to codify in 40 CFR 52.2420(c) the administrative
amendments approved by EPA through its June 1, 2012 Letter Notice to
VADEQ may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its
requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).)

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and
record keeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.

Dated: August 23, 2012.
W.C. Early,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region III.
40 CFR Part 52 is amended as follows:

PART 52--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for 40 CFR part 52 continues to read as
follows:

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

Subpart VV--Virginia

0
2. In Sec. 52.2420, the table in paragraph (c) is amended by revising
the entries for Sections 5-40-5810, 5-40-5820, 5-40-5850, 5-40-5880, 5-
40-5920, 5-130-20 and 5-130-40. The amendments read as follows:

Sec. 52.2420 Identification of plan

EPA-Approved Virginia Regulations and Statutes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Explanation [former
State citation Title/Subject effective date EPA approval date SIP citation]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 VAC 5, Chapter 40 Existing Stationary Sources [Part IV]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part II Emission Standards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 55698]]

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 43 Municipal Solid Waste Landfills (Rule 4-43)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-40-5810.................. Definitions.......... 8/17/11 6/1/12 by Letter The SIP effective
Notice. date is 6/1/12.
5-40-5820.................. Standard for air 8/17/11 6/1/12 by Letter The SIP effective
emissions. Notice. date is 6/1/12.

* * * * * * *
5-140-5850................. Compliance........... 8/17/11 6/1/12 by Letter The SIP effective
Notice. date is 6/1/12.

* * * * * * *
5-40-5880.................. Reporting............ 8/17/11 6/1/12 by Letter The SIP effective
Notice. date is 6/1/12.

* * * * * * *
5-40-5920.................. Permits.............. 8/17/11 6/1/12 by Letter The SIP effective
Notice. date is 6/1/12.

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 VAC 5, Chapter 130 Regulations for Open Burning [Formerly 9VAC5 Chapter 40, Part II, Article 40]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part I General Provisions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
5-130-20................... Definitions.......... 8/17/11 6/1/12 by Letter The SIP effective
Notice. date is 6/1/12.

* * * * * * *
5-130-40................... Permissible open 8/17/11 6/1/12 by Letter The SIP effective
burning. Notice. date is 6/1/12.

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2012-22207 Filed 9-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

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