Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New Jersey; Infrastructure SIP for the 1997 8-Hour Ozone and the 1997 and 2006 Fine Particulate Matter Standards, 21296-21302 [2013-08238]
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21296
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 10, 2013 / Proposed Rules
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R02–OAR–2013–0130, FRL–9800–4]
Approval and Promulgation of
Implementation Plans; New Jersey;
Infrastructure SIP for the 1997 8-Hour
Ozone and the 1997 and 2006 Fine
Particulate Matter Standards
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve
most elements of New Jersey’s State
Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions
submitted to demonstrate that the State
meets the requirements of section
110(a)(1) and (2) of the Clean Air Act
(CAA) for the 1997 8-hour ozone and
the 1997 and 2006 fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is
proposing to conditionally approve
certain elements of the submittals, as
well as to find that certain elements of
New Jersey’s submittals do not meet
section 110(a)(2) requirements with
existing State rules. Section 110(a) of
the CAA requires that each state adopt
and submit a SIP for the
implementation, maintenance and
enforcement of each NAAQS
promulgated by the EPA and is
commonly referred to as an
infrastructure SIP.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before May 10, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID number EPA–
R02–OAR–2013–0130, by one of the
following methods:
• www.regulations.gov: Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• Email: Ruvo.Richard@EPA.GOV.
• Fax: 212–637–3901.
• Mail: Richard Ruvo, Acting Chief,
Air Programs Branch, Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 2 Office, 290
Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New
York 10007–1866.
• Hand Delivery: Richard Ruvo,
Acting Chief, Air Programs Branch,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 2 Office, 290 Broadway, 25th
Floor, New York, New York 10007–
1866. 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 Federal holidays.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–R02–OAR–2013–
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SUMMARY:
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0130. EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change and may be
made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through www.regulations.gov
or email. The 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 email
comment directly to EPA without going
through www.regulations.gov your email
address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment
that is placed in the public docket and
made available on the Internet. If you
submit an electronic comment, EPA
recommends that you include your
name and other contact information in
the body of your comment and with any
disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, EPA may not be
able to consider your comment.
Electronic files should avoid the use of
special characters, any form of
encryption, and be free of any defects or
viruses. For additional information
about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA
Docket Center homepage at https://
www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
Docket: All documents in the docket
are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
will be publicly available only in hard
copy. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in https://
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Environmental Protection Agency,
Region II Office, Air Programs Branch,
290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York,
New York 10007–1866. EPA requests, if
at all possible, that you contact the
individual listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section to view
the hard copy of the docket. You may
view the hard copy of the docket
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4
p.m., excluding Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Truchan, Air Programs Branch,
Environmental Protection Agency, 290
PO 00000
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Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New
York 10007–1866, (212) 637–4249, or by
email at truchan.paul@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. What action is EPA proposing?
II. What is the background information?
III. What is a section 110(a)(1) and (2) SIP?
IV. What elements are required under section
110(a)(1) and (2)?
V. What did New Jersey submit?
VI. How has the State addressed the elements
of the section 110(a)(1) and (2)
‘‘infrastructure’’ provisions?
VII. What action is EPA taking?
VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. What Action is EPA Proposing?
EPA is proposing to approve,
conditionally approve, and disapprove
elements of the State of New Jersey
Infrastructure SIP as meeting the section
110(a) infrastructure requirements of the
Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 1997 ozone,
1997 PM2.5 and 2006 PM2.5 National
Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS). As explained below, the State
has the necessary infrastructure,
resources, and general authority to
implement the 1997 8-hour ozone and
1997 and 2006 PM2.5 standards, except
where specifically noted.
II. What is the Background
Information?
On July 18, 1997, EPA promulgated
new and revised NAAQS for 8-hour
ozone (62 FR 38856) and PM2.5 (62 FR
38652). The ozone NAAQS are based on
8-hour average concentrations. The 8hour averaging period replaced the
previous 1-hour averaging period, and
the level of the NAAQS was changed
from 0.12 parts per million (ppm) to
0.08 ppm.1 The new PM2.5 NAAQS
established a health-based standard of
15.0 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/
m3) based on a 3-year average of annual
mean PM2.5 concentrations, and a 24hour standard of 65 mg/m3 based on a
3-year average of the 98th percentile of
24-hour concentrations. EPA
strengthened the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS
from 65 mg/m3 to 35 mg/m3 on October
17, 2006 (71 FR 61144).2
Section 110(a) of the CAA requires
states to submit State Implementation
Plans (SIPs) that provide for the
implementation, maintenance, and
enforcement of new or revised NAAQS
within three years following the
promulgation of such NAAQS.
1 EPA issued a revised 8-hour ozone standard on
March 27, 2008 (73 FR 16436). On September 22,
2011, EPA clarified that the current ozone standard
is set at 75 ppb. EPA is not addressing the 2008
ozone NAAQS in this rulemaking.
2 EPA issued a revised PM
2.5 standard on January
15, 2013 (78 FR 3086). EPA is not addressing the
2012 PM2.5 NAAQS in this rulemaking.
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III. What is a section 110(a)(1) and (2)
SIP?
Section 110(a)(1) provides the
procedural and timing requirements for
SIPs. Section 110(a)(2) lists specific
elements that states must meet for
‘‘infrastructure’’ SIP requirements
related to a newly established or revised
NAAQS. Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) of
the CAA requires, in part, that states
submit to EPA plans to implement,
maintain and enforce each of the
NAAQS promulgated by EPA. EPA
interprets this provision to require states
to address basic SIP requirements
including emission inventories,
monitoring, and modeling to assure
attainment and maintenance of the
standards. By statute, SIPs meeting the
requirements of section 110(a)(1) and (2)
are to be submitted by states within
three years after promulgation of a new
or revised standard. These SIPs are
commonly called infrastructure SIPs. In
1997, EPA promulgated the 8-hour
ozone primary and secondary NAAQS
and a new annual and 24-hour PM2.5
NAAQS. Intervening litigation over the
1997 standards caused a delay in SIP
submittals. In 2006, EPA promulgated a
new 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
IV. What elements are required under
section 110(a)(1) and (2)?
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The infrastructure requirements are
listed in EPA’s October 2, 2007,
memorandum entitled ‘‘Guidance on
SIP Elements Required Under Section
110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-Hour
Ozone and PM2.5 National Ambient Air
Quality Standards’’ and September 25,
2009, memorandum entitled ‘‘Guidance
on SIP Elements Required Under
Section 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 2006
24-Hour Fine Particle (PM2.5) National
Ambient Air Quality Standards.’’ 3 The
14 elements required to be addressed
are as follows: (1) Emission limits and
other control measures; (2) ambient air
quality monitoring/data system; (3)
program for enforcement of control
measures; (4) interstate transport; (5)
adequate resources; (6) stationary source
monitoring system; (7) emergency
power; (8) future SIP revisions; (9)
consultation with government officials;
(10) public notification; (11) prevention
of significant deterioration (PSD) and
3 ‘‘Guidance on SIP Elements Required Under
Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-hour
Ozone and PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality
Standards’’ at https://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t1/
memoranda/110a_sip_guid_fin100207.pdf
‘‘Guidance on SIP Elements Required Under
Sections 110(a)(l) and (2) for the 2006 24-Hour Fine
Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS)’’ https://www.epa.gov/ttn/
oarpg/t1/memoranda/
20090925_harnett_pm25_sip_110a12.pdf.
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visibility protection; (12) air quality
modeling/data; (13) permitting fees, and
(14) consultation/participation by
affected local entities.
Two elements identified in section
110(a)(2) are not governed by the 3 year
submission deadline of section 110(a)(1)
because SIPs incorporating necessary
local nonattainment area controls are
not due within 3 years after
promulgation of a new or revised
NAAQS, but rather due at the time that
the nonattainment area plan
requirements are due pursuant to
section 172. See 77 FR 46354 (August 3,
2012); 77 FR 60308 (October 3, 2012)
(footnote 1). These requirements are: (1)
Submissions required by section
110(a)(2)(C) to the extent that subsection
refers to a permit program as required in
part D Title I of the CAA, and (2)
submissions required by section
110(a)(2)(I) which pertain to the
nonattainment planning requirements of
part D, Title I of the CAA. As a result,
this action does not address the above
infrastructure elements related to
section 110(a)(2)(C) or 110(a)(2)(I).
This action also does not address the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)
for the 1997 ozone and 1997 PM2.5
NAAQS, since they had been addressed
in previous rulemakings. See October 1,
2007 (72 FR 55666). Additionally, this
action does not address the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)
for the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, which was
addressed in a previous EPA
rulemaking. See July 20, 2011 (76 FR
43153).
Scope of Infrastructure SIPs
This rulemaking will not cover four
substantive issues that are not integral
to acting on a state’s infrastructure SIP
submission: (i) Existing provisions
related to excess emissions during
periods of start-up, shutdown, or
malfunction (‘‘SSM’’) at sources, that
may be contrary to the CAA and EPA’s
policies addressing such excess
emissions; (ii) existing provisions
related to ‘‘director’s variance’’ or
‘‘director’s discretion’’ that purport to
permit revisions to SIP approved
emissions limits with limited public
process or without requiring further
approval by EPA, that may be contrary
to the CAA (‘‘director’s discretion’’); (iii)
existing provisions for minor source
NSR programs that may be inconsistent
with the requirements of the CAA and
EPA’s regulations that pertain to such
programs (‘‘minor source NSR’’); and,
(iv) existing provisions for PSD
programs that may be inconsistent with
current requirements of EPA’s ‘‘Final
NSR Improvement Rule,’’ 67 FR 80186
(December 31, 2002), as amended by 72
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21297
FR 32526 (June 13, 2007) (‘‘NSR
Reform’’). A detailed rationale for why
these four substantive issues are not part
of the scope of infrastructure SIP
rulemakings can be found in EPA’s July
13, 2011, final rule entitled, ‘‘Approval
and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Illinois; Indiana;
Michigan; Minnesota; Ohio; Wisconsin;
Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the
1997 8-hour Ozone and PM2.5 National
Ambient Air Quality Standards’’ in the
section entitled, ‘‘What is the scope of
this final rulemaking?’’ (76 FR 41075 at
41076–41079).
V. What did New Jersey Submit?
EPA is acting on two New Jersey SIP
submittals, dated February 25, 2008 and
January 15, 2010, which address the
section 110 infrastructure requirements
for the three NAAQS: The 1997 8-hour
ozone NAAQS, the 1997 annual and 24hour PM2.5 NAAQS, and the 2006 24hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
February 25, 2008 SIP submission
New Jersey’s section 110
infrastructure submittal was submitted
by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on
February 25, 2008 and addressed the
1997 8-hour ozone and fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) NAAQS. Effective April
28, 2008, the submittal was determined
to be complete for all elements except
110(a)(2)(C). 73 FR 16205 (March 27,
2008). New Jersey’s February 2008
section 110 submittal demonstrates how
the State, where applicable, has a plan
in place that meets the requirements of
section 110 for the 1997 8-hour ozone
and PM2.5 NAAQS. This plan references
the current New Jersey Air Quality SIP,
the New Jersey Statutes Annotated
(NJSA) and/or the New Jersey
Administrative Code (NJAC). The NJSA,
and NJAC (air pollution control
regulations) referenced in the submittal
are publicly available. Prior to
submitting to EPA, NJDEP held a public
hearing, on January 28, 2008, on New
Jersey’s 110 infrastructure submittal and
accepted written comments until
January 31, 2008. The New Jersey SIP
was subject to public notice and
comment and a public hearing when
adopted. New Jersey air pollution
control regulations that have been
previously approved by EPA and
incorporated into the New Jersey SIP
can be found at 40 CFR 52.1605 and are
posted on the Internet at: https://
www.epa.gov/region02/air/sip/
nj_reg.htm.
January 15, 2010 SIP submission
New Jersey’s section 110
infrastructure submittal for the 2006
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PM2.5 24-hour NAAQS was submitted
by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on
January 15, 2010, and the submittal was
deemed complete July 15, 2010.
EPA’s evaluation of both submittals is
detailed in the ‘‘Technical Support
Document for EPA’s Proposed
Rulemaking for the New Jersey State
Implementation Plan Revision: State
Implementation Plan Revision For
Meeting the Infrastructure Requirements
In the Clean Air Act Dated February
2008 and January 2010’’ (TSD). As
explained in the ADDRESSES section of
this action, the TSD is available in the
docket (EPA–R02–OAR–2013–0130) for
this action and at the EPA Region 2
Office.
VI. How has the State addressed the
elements of the section 110(a)(1) and (2)
‘‘infrastructure’’ provisions?
A. Emission limits and other control
measures: Section 110(a)(2)(A) requires
SIPs to include enforceable emission
limits and other control measures,
means, or techniques, and schedules for
compliance. EPA notes that the specific
nonattainment area plan requirements
of section 110(a)(2)(I) are subject to the
timing requirement of section 172, not
the timing requirement of section
110(a)(1). New Jersey’s Air Pollution
Control Act (Pub. L.1954), codified at
NJSA 26:2C, provides the NJDEP with
power to formulate and promulgate,
amend and repeal codes and rules and
regulations, preventing, controlling and
prohibiting air pollution throughout the
State at NJSA 26:2C–8. The federally
enforceable New Jersey SIP contains
enforceable emission limits and other
control measures. EPA is proposing to
determine that New Jersey has met the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(A) of
the Act with respect to the 1997 8-hour
ozone and the 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS.
B. Ambient air quality monitoring/
data system: Section 110(a)(2)(B)
requires SIPs to include provisions to
provide for establishment and operation
of ambient air quality monitors, to
monitor, compile and analyze ambient
air quality data, and to make these data
available to EPA upon request. New
Jersey, under its authority provided in
NJSA 26:2C–9.a, operates and maintains
a network of ambient air quality
monitors and submits the data collected
to EPA. New Jersey has submitted
annual air monitoring network plans
which have been approved by EPA. The
most recent was approved by EPA on
March 29, 2013. EPA is proposing to
determine that the New Jersey SIP meets
the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(B)
of the Act with respect to the 1997 8-
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hour ozone and the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS.
C. Program for enforcement of control
measures: Section 110(a)(2)(C) requires
states to have a plan that includes a
program providing for enforcement of
all SIP measures and the regulation of
the modification and construction of
any stationary source, including a
program to meet Prevention of
Significant Deterioration (PSD) and
minor source new source review.
The NJDEP is authorized by NJSA
26:2C–19 to enforce its control measures
and the air permitting program for
stationary sources. The minor source
permitting and enforcement programs
operate under NJAC 7:27 and 7:27A,
respectively. EPA proposes to find that
the State has adequate authority and
regulations to insure that SIP approved
control measures are enforced for the
1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS.
New Jersey’s is currently subject to 40
CFR 52.1603 with respect to the PSD
permit program required by Part C of the
Act. As a result, a Federal
Implementation Plan (FIP) includes 40
CFR 52.21 as part of the New Jersey
applicable State plan. New Jersey has
been delegated authority to implement
40 CFR 52.21 and has been successfully
implementing the program. Because
New Jersey does not have its own State
adopted rule, its infrastructure
submissions are not approvable with
respect to this element. However, the
State is not subject to mandatory
sanctions solely as a result of this type
of infrastructure SIP deficiency, since
the SIP deficiency is neither with
respect to a submittal that is required
under part D nor in response to a SIP
call under section 110(k)(5) of the CAA.
Moreover, the requirements for which
the State is subject to the FIP are already
satisfied by the incorporation by
reference of the provisions of 40 CFR
52.21 into a FIP for New Jersey, and so
EPA has no additional FIP obligations
under section 110(c).
EPA proposes to find that the State
has adequate authority and regulations
to ensure that SIP-approved control
measures are enforced. EPA also finds
that, based on the delegation of 40 CFR
52.21, New Jersey has the delegated
authority to regulate the construction of
new or modified stationary sources to
meet the PSD program requirements.
Though New Jersey satisfies the
requirement to regulate the construction
of new or modified sources through PSD
delegation, since New Jersey’s PSD
program is a federally delegated
program, New Jersey has not satisfied
the requirements of sections 110(a)(2)(C)
and (J) for all three NAAQS to have a
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state adopted program and the currently
existing FIP remains in place.
D. Interstate transport: Section
110(a)(2)(D) is divided into two
subsections, 110(a)(2)(D)(i) and
110(a)(2)(D)(ii). Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)
consists of two subsections (I) and (II),
each of which has two ‘‘prongs.’’ The
two prongs under 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)
prohibit any source or other type of
emissions activity within the State from
emitting any air pollutants in amounts
which will (prong 1) contribute
significantly to nonattainment in any
other state with respect to any primary
or secondary NAAQS, and (prong 2)
interfere with maintenance by any other
state with respect to any primary or
secondary NAAQS. The two prongs
under 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) prohibit any
source or other type of emissions
activity within the state from emitting
any air pollutants in amounts which
will interfere with measures required to
be included in the applicable
implementation plan for any other state
under part C (prong 3) to prevent
significant deterioration of air quality or
(prong 4) to protect visibility.
Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) addresses
interstate and international pollution
abatement, and requires SIPs to include
provisions insuring compliance with
sections 115 and 126 of the Act, relating
to interstate and international pollution
abatement.
In this action for New Jersey, with
respect to section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), we are
only addressing prong 3 (i.e.,
interference with PSD) and prong 4 (i.e.,
to protect visibility) of 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II).
EPA previously took rulemaking action
on prong 1 and prong 2 on October 1,
2007 (72 FR 55666) and July 20, 2011
(76 FR 43153), respectively. For prong 3,
as discussed previously under (C)
(Program for enforcement of control
measures), New Jersey is currently
subject to a PSD FIP. A state’s
infrastructure SIP submittal cannot be
considered for approvability with
respect to prong 3 until EPA has issued
final approval of that state’s PSD SIP or,
alternatively, has issued final approval
of a SIP that EPA has otherwise found
adequate to prohibit interference with
other state’s measures to prevent
significant deterioration of air quality.
Therefore, we are proposing to
disapprove New Jersey’s 110(a)
submissions for the 1997 8-hour ozone
and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5NAAQS for
prong 3 of 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) because
New Jersey is currently subject to a PSD
FIP and does not have a PSD SIP. This
disapproval will not trigger any
sanctions or additional FIP obligation,
since a FIP is already in place. This
action will have no discernible effect on
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the implementation of the PSD program
in New Jersey, as the State is
implementing a well-established PSD
program through EPA delegation.
For prong 4, New Jersey has met its
obligations pursuant to section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) for visibility
protection for all three NAAQS through
its Regional Haze SIP submittals, which
were approved by EPA on January 3,
2012, Federal Register (77 FR 19). The
regional haze rule specifically requires
that a state participating in a regional
planning process include all measures
needed to achieve its apportionment of
emission reduction obligations agreed
upon through that process. Thus, New
Jersey’s approved regional haze SIP will
ensure that emissions from sources
within the State are not interfering with
measures to protect visibility in other
states. Therefore, EPA proposes to find
for the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and
2006 PM2.5 NAAQS that NJDEP satisfies
the section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)
requirement for visibility.
Regarding section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii),
which relates to interstate and
international pollution abatement, as
noted above, New Jersey is subject to a
PSD FIP. States relying on the Federal
PSD program requirements of 40 CFR
52.21(q), (which provide for notification
of affected state and local air agencies)
to satisfy this requirement have
programs that are considered
technically deficient and not
approvable. Therefore, we are proposing
to disapprove New Jersey’s submissions
for infrastructure element
110(a)(2)(D)(ii) for the 1997 8-hour
ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS. This disapproval will not
trigger any sanctions or additional FIP
obligation. It should be noted, that New
Jersey has no pending obligations under
section 115 or 126(b) of the Act and
satisfies these requirements of section
110(a)(2)(D)(ii) for the 1997 8-hour
ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS.
E. Adequate resources: Section
110(a)(2)(E) requires each state to
provide (i) necessary assurances that the
state will have adequate personnel,
funding, and authority under state law
to carry out the SIP (and is not
prohibited by any provision of federal or
state law from carrying out the SIP or
portion thereof), (ii) requires that the
state comply with the requirements
respecting state boards under section
128, and (iii) necessary assurances that,
where the state has relied on a local or
regional government, agency, or
instrumentality for the implementation
of any SIP provision, the state has
responsibility for ensuring adequate
implementation of such SIP provision.
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New Jersey has adequate authority,
under NJSA 13:1D–9, to carry out its SIP
obligations with respect to the 1997
ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS. New Jersey receives sections
103 and 105 grant funds through its
Performance Partnership Grant along
with required State-matching funds to
provide funding necessary to carry out
its SIP requirements. Therefore, EPA
proposes to find New Jersey has
sufficient resources to meet the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(E)(i)
for the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and
2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
Congress added section 128 in the
1977 amendments. Titled ‘‘State
boards,’’ section 128 provides in
relevant part: ‘‘(a) Not later than the date
one year after August 7, 1977, each
applicable implementation plan shall
contain requirements that: (1) Any
board or body which approves permits
or enforcement orders under this
chapter shall have at least a majority of
members who represent the public
interest and do not derive any
significant portion of their income from
persons subject to permits or
enforcement orders under this chapter,
and (2) any potential conflicts of interest
by members of such board or body or
the head of an executive agency with
similar powers be adequately
disclosed.’’ New Jersey does not have a
state board that approves permits or
enforcement orders under the CAA.
Instead, permits and enforcement orders
are approved by the State’s
Commissioner of Environmental
Protection. Thus, the requirements of
subsection 128(a)(1) are not applicable
to New Jersey. New Jersey is subject to
the requirements of section 128(a)(2). In
its SIP submission New Jersey cited
NJSA 52:13D–12 et seq. which
addresses the conflict of interest
requirement. EPA proposes to
conditionally approve the infrastructure
SIP in fulfilling the requirements of
section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) for the 1997
8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS provided the State submits, for
approval into the SIP, those statutes or
regulations necessary to substantively
meet the requirements of CAA section
128(a)(2).
Section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) requires states
to provide necessary assurances that,
where the state has relied on a local or
regional government, agency or
instrumentality for the implementation
of any provision of the SIP, the state has
responsibility for ensuring adequate
implementation of the SIP provision.
The NJDEP has the authority to delegate
inspection and enforcement efforts for
various regulations under the County
Environmental Health Act (NJSA
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26:3A2–21 et seq.). EPA in the past
identified a deficiency in meeting this
requirement. See 40 CFR 52.1579
Intergovernmental cooperation.
While New Jersey has the authority to
delegate responsibilities to county or
local governments to implement certain
SIP responsibilities, the information
provided in both infrastructure SIP
submittals does not identify the specific
organizations that will participate in
developing, implementing, and
enforcing the plan and the
responsibilities of such organizations.
EPA proposes to conditionally approve
the infrastructure SIP with regard to the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii).
The State must identify the county or
local governments or entities such as
metropolitan planning organizations
(MPOs) that participate in the SIP
planning efforts, identify the county or
local governments or entities that have
been delegated responsibilities to
implement or enforce portions of the
SIP, and provide copies of the
agreements or memoranda of
understanding (MOUs) between the
State and the county or local
governments or entities. Since it is
EPA’s understanding that this
deficiency involves information that
exists but was not provided in the SIP
submittal, EPA proposes to
conditionally approve section
110(a)(2)(E)(iii) for the 1997 8-hour
ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS. In the alternative, should New
Jersey provide this information before
we take final rulemaking, EPA will fully
approve section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) and
remove 40 CFR 52.1579.
F. Stationary source monitoring
system: Section 110(a)(2)(F) requires
states to establish a system to monitor
emissions from stationary sources and
to submit periodic emission reports. The
NJDEP has the authority pursuant to
NJSA 26:2C–9.2 to require emissions
monitoring of stationary sources before
an operating permit is issued or
renewed. NJDEP has adopted
regulations to implement the federal
requirements for stationary source
emissions monitoring and reporting in
NJAC 7:27–8 and 7:27–22.
The NJDEP has the authority pursuant
to NJSA 26:2C–9 to require emissions
reports from stationary sources and to
allow emission information to be made
available to the public.
EPA previously disapproved
inclusion of NJSA 26:2C–9 into the SIP
finding that, in some circumstances, it
could prohibit the disclosure of
emission data to the public. See 40 CFR
52.1575. In 1995 New Jersey revised
NJSA 26:2C–9, specifically NJSA 26:2C–
9b.(4) to limit what information could
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be considered confidential and
specifically added the phrase ‘‘other
than actual or allowable air contaminant
emissions’’ to clarify what cannot be
considered confidential. N.J. ALS 188.
The same legislation, established
authority for New Jersey to require
individuals responsible for operations
that emit air pollution, to file emission
statements. The NJDEP has adopted and
EPA has approved NJAC 7:27,
Subchapter 21—‘‘Emission Statements’’
as part of the applicable SIP. See 69 FR
46104 (August 2, 2004).
Based on the revisions to the New
Jersey Air Pollution Control Act and the
adoption of the Subchapter 21—
‘‘Emission Statements,’’ EPA is
proposing to find that New Jersey has
met the requirements of section
110(a)(2)(F) for the 1997 8-hour ozone
and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS and
is proposing to revoke 40 CFR 52.1575.
G. Emergency power: Section
110(a)(2)(G) requires states to provide
for authority to address activities
causing imminent and substantial
endangerment to public health,
including contingency plans to
implement the emergency episode
provisions in their SIPs.
For PM2.5, EPA’s guidance dated
September 25, 2009 4 provides
clarification that states that have air
quality control regions identified as
either Priority I, Priority IA or Priority
II by the ‘‘Prevention of Air Pollution
Emergency Episodes’’ rules at 40 CFR
51.150 must develop emergency episode
contingency plans. States are required to
develop emergency episode plans for
any area that has monitored and
recorded 24-hour PM2.5 levels greater
than 140.4 mg/m3 since 2006. A state
that has never exceeded this level since
2006 is considered to be Priority III. See
40 CFR 51.150(f). In accordance with
the guidance, for a Priority III area a
state may certify that it has appropriate
general emergency powers to address
PM2.5-related episodes, and is not
required to adopt specific emergency
episode plans at this time, given the
existing monitored levels.
Since 2006 air-quality monitors in
New Jersey show that PM2.5 levels have
been below the 140.5 mg/m3 threshold.
New Jersey certified in its infrastructure
submittals that it should be classified as
a Priority III region and, therefore,
emergency episode plans for PM2.5 are
not required. Therefore, New Jersey has
4 See Guidance on SIP Elements Required Under
Sections 110(a)(l) and (2) for the 2006 24-Hour Fine
Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS), from William T. Harnett,
Director, Air Quality Policy Division, Office of Air
Quality Planning and Standards, dated September
25, 2009.
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met the requirements of section
110(a)(2)(G) for both the 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS.
In general and for the 1997 ozone
standard, the section 110(a)(2)(G)
requirements are addressed by New
Jersey’s Air Pollution Emergency
Control Act (NJSA 26:2C–26 et seq.),
which is implemented through NJAC
7:27–12 ‘‘Prevention and Control of Air
Pollution Emergencies.’’ While the New
Jersey SIP contains Subchapter 12, it is
not the current version of the State rule.
In addition, Subchapter 12 requires that
the NJDEP publish in the New Jersey
Register the emergency criteria that will
be used in making alerts, warnings or
emergencies. NJDEP has not provided
the criteria. Therefore, EPA is proposing
to condition its approval based on
NJDEP submitting, for approval into the
SIP, the current version of Subchapter
12 and the emergency criteria levels that
will be used.
H. Future SIP revisions: Section
110(a)(2)(H) requires states to have the
authority to revise their SIPs in response
to changes in the NAAQS, availability of
improved methods for attaining
NAAQS, and in response to an EPA
finding that the SIP is substantially
inadequate.
The NJDEP is given the authority by
NJSA 13:1D–9 to formulate
comprehensive policies ‘‘for the
conservation of the natural resources of
the State, the promotion of
environmental protection and the
prevention of pollution of the
environment of the State.’’ EPA
proposes to find that the State has
adequate authority to develop and
implement plans and programs that
fulfills the requirements of section
110(a)(2)(H) for the 1997 8-hour ozone
and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
I. Nonattainment Area Plans Under
Part D: Section 110(a)(2)(I) of the CAA
requires that each such plan shall ‘‘in
the case of a plan or plan revision for
an area designated as a nonattainment
area, meet the applicable requirements
of part D of this subchapter (relating to
nonattainment areas).’’ EPA is not
evaluating nonattainment-related
provisions, the NSR program required
by part D in section 110(a)(2)(C) and
measures for attainment required by
section 110(a)(2)(I), as part of the
infrastructure SIPs because, as
discussed elsewhere in this proposal,
these submittals have been addressed by
other SIP revisions which EPA has or
will be acting on in other rulemakings.
J. Consultation With Government
Official, Public Notification, PSD, and
Visibility Protection: Section 110(a)(2)(J)
requires states to meet the applicable
requirements of CAA section 121,
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relating to consultation, CAA section
127, relating to public notification, and
CAA title I, part C, relating to the
prevention of significant deterioration of
air quality and visibility protection.
Consultation With Government Officials
Section 121 requires a process for
consultation with local governments
and Federal Land Managers carrying out
NAAQS implementation requirements.
EPA finds that the 110(a) submittals
from New Jersey, and the cited authority
of NJSA 26:2C–8 and 9, meet the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(J) for
consultation with government officials.
Public Notification
Section 127 requires that the state
plan include measures to effectively
notify the public of any NAAQS
exceedances, advise the public of health
hazards associated with such pollution,
and include measures to enhance public
awareness of measures that can be taken
to prevent exceedances.
New Jersey is a partner participating
in EPA’s AIRNOW and EnviroFlash Air
Quality Alert programs. (See
www.airnow.gov.) EPA is proposing to
find that New Jersey’s SIP submittal has
met the public notification requirements
of section 110(a)(2)(J) for the 1997
8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS. See NJSA 26:2C–9.
PSD
Section 110(a)(2)(J) also requires
states to meet applicable requirements
of Part C related to prevention of
significant deterioration and visibility
protection. EPA evaluated this
requirement in the context of section
110(a)(2)(C) with respect to permitting
(see discussion under (C) (program for
enforcement of control measures)). EPA
interprets this section 110 provision
relating to visibility as not being
‘‘triggered’’ by a new NAAQS because
the visibility requirements in part C are
not changed by a new NAAQS.
New Jersey is currently subject to a
PSD FIP, as discussed under (C)
(Program for enforcement of control
measures). The approvability of a state’s
PSD program in its entirety is essential
to the approvability of the infrastructure
SIP with respect to section 110(a)(2)(J).
Until the State provides such a program,
the New Jersey infrastructure SIP is not
approvable with respect to section
110(a)(2)(J). Therefore, EPA proposes to
disapprove New Jerseys’ infrastructure
SIP with respect to the PSD sub-element
of 110(a)(2)(J) for the 1997 8-hour ozone
and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
However, as noted in sections C and D,
above, this disapproval does not impose
any sanctions or new FIP obligations.
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K. Air quality and modeling/data:
Section 110(a)(2)(K) requires that SIPs
provide for air quality modeling for
predicting effects on air quality of
emissions from any NAAQS pollutant
and submission of such data to EPA
upon request.
The infrastructure submittals from
New Jersey reference regulations that
have provisions for performing airquality modeling, including modeling
for attainment plans, permits, and
redesignation requests. NJAC 7:27–8.5
and 22.8. EPA proposes to find that the
State has adequate authority to perform
air quality modeling that fulfills the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(K).
L. Permitting fees: Section 110(a)(2)(L)
requires SIPs to require each major
stationary source to pay permitting fees
to cover the cost of reviewing,
approving, implementing and enforcing
a permit, until such time as the SIP fee
requirement is superseded by EPA’s
approval of the State’s Title V operating
permit program. EPA’s full approval of
the title V program for New Jersey
became effective on November 30, 2001.
66 FR 63168 (December 5, 2001). Before
EPA can grant full approval, a state
must demonstrate the ability to collect
adequate fees. New Jersey’s title V
program included a demonstration that
the State will collect a fee from title V
sources above the presumptive
minimum in accordance with 40 CFR
70.9(b)(2)(i). The State collects sufficient
fees to administer its title V permit
program. EPA proposes to find that the
State has meet the requirements for
section 110(a)(2)(L).
M. Consultation/participation by
affected local entities: Section
110(a)(2)(M) requires states to provide
for consultation and participation in SIP
development by local political
subdivisions affected by the SIP. EPA
proposes to find that the State has
adequate authority and procedures that
fulfills the requirements of section
110(a)(2)(M). See NJSA 26:2C–8 and
52:14B.
VII. What action is EPA taking?
EPA is proposing to approve New
Jersey’s submittals as fully meeting the
infrastructure requirements for the 1997
8-hour ozone and the 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS for the following section
110(a)(2) elements and sub-elements:
(A), (B), (C) (as it relates to the
enforcement of SIPs), (D)(i)(II) prong 4
(visibility), (E)(i), (F), (H), (J)
(consultation), (J) (public notification),
(K), (L), and (M). EPA is also proposing
to find that New Jersey has met the
confidentiality requirements of section
110(a)(2)(F) and is proposing to remove
40 CFR 52.1574 and 40 CFR 52.1575.
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EPA is proposing to disapprove New
Jersey’s submittals for the 1997 8-hour
ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS
section 110(a)(2) sub-elements: (C),
prong 3 of (D)(i)(II), and (J) as they relate
to the State’s lack of a state adopted PSD
program, as well as (D)(ii), which relates
to interstate and international pollution
abatement and PSD. However, these
disapprovals will not trigger any
sanctions or additional FIP obligation
since a PSD FIP is already in place.
EPA is proposing to conditionally
approve New Jersey’s submittals for the
1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS for the following
110(a)(2) elements and sub-elements:
E(ii) (conflict of interest provisions),
E(iii) (delegations), and for the 1997
8-hour ozone element (G) (emergency
powers). New Jersey must commit in
writing on or before May 10, 2013 to
correct the deficiencies discussed above.
New Jersey must then correct the
deficiencies and submit them to EPA
within one year of EPA’s final action on
this SIP action. Some of the deficiencies
involve providing information that EPA
is familiar with and believes currently
exists, but was not included in the
State’s submittal. Should New Jersey
provide this information before we take
final rulemaking, EPA is also proposing
in the alternative to fully approve:
Section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii), section
110(a)(2)(E)(iii) and remove 40 CFR
52.1579, and section 110(a)(2)(G).
Under section 110(k)(4) of the Act,
EPA may conditionally approve a plan
based on a commitment from a State to
adopt specific enforceable measures by
a date certain, but not later than one
year from the date of approval. If EPA
conditionally approves the commitment
in a final rulemaking action, the State
must meet its commitment to complete
requirements of each section 110(a)(2)
element listed above. If New Jersey fails
to do so for any section 110(a)(2)
element, our conditional approval of
that element will, by operation of law,
become a disapproval for New Jersey
one year from the date of final approval.
EPA will notify the State by letter that
this action has occurred. At that time,
this commitment will no longer be a
part of the approved SIP for New Jersey.
EPA subsequently will publish a
document in the Federal Register
notifying the public that the conditional
approval automatically converted to a
disapproval. If New Jersey meets its
commitments within the applicable
time frame, the conditionally approved
submission will remain a part of the SIP
or SIPs until EPA takes final action
approving or disapproving the element
in question.
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21301
If EPA disapproves a State’s new
submittal, the conditionally approved
section 110(a)(2) element will also be
disapproved at that time. If EPA
approves the submittal, the section
110(a)(2) element will be fully approved
in its entirety and replace the
conditionally approved 110(a)(2)
element in the SIP. Finally, if, based on
information received before EPA takes
final action on this proposal, EPA
determines that it cannot issue a final
conditional approval for one or more
elements for which EPA has proposed a
conditional approval, then EPA will
instead issue a disapproval for such
elements.
As discussed in section I, above, EPA
is not acting on New Jersey’s submittal
as it relates to nonattainment
provisions, the NSR program required
by part D in section 110(a)(2)(C) and the
measures for attainment required by
section 110(a)(2)(I), as part of the
infrastructure SIPs because these
submittals have been addressed by other
SIP revisions which EPA has or will be
acting on in other rulemakings.
EPA is soliciting public comments on
the issues discussed in this proposal.
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 Regional
Office listed in the ADDRESSES section of
this Federal Register, or by submitting
comments electronically, by mail, or
through hand delivery or courier
following the directions in the
ADDRESSES section of this Federal
Register.
VIII. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
Under the Clean Air Act, 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 Clean Air Act.
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.);
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• 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 Clean Air Act;
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.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations,
Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Volatile organic
compounds.
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Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: April 1, 2013.
Judith A. Enck,
Regional Administrator, Region 2.
[FR Doc. 2013–08238 Filed 4–9–13; 8:45 am]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R02–OAR–2013–0180, FRL–9800–3]
Approval and Promulgation of
Implementation Plans; New York State
Ozone Implementation Plan Revision
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a
revision to the New York State
Implementation Plan (SIP) for ozone
concerning the control of oxides of
nitrogen. The proposed SIP revision
consists of amendments to Title 6 of the
New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Part 200, ‘‘General Provisions,’’ Part
212, ‘‘General Process Emission
Sources,’’ Part 220, ‘‘Portland Cement
Plants and Glass Plants,’’ and Subpart
227–2, ‘‘Reasonably Available Control
Technology (RACT) For Major Facilities
of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx).’’ The
intended effect of this action is to
approve control strategies, required by
the Clean Air Act, which will result in
emission reductions that will help attain
and maintain the national ambient air
quality standards for ozone.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before May 10, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket Number EPA–R02–
OAR–2013–0180, by one of the
following methods:
• www.regulations.gov: Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• Email: Ruvo.Richard@epa.gov.
• Fax: 212–637–3901.
• Mail: Richard Ruvo, Acting Chief,
Air Programs Branch, Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 2 Office, 290
Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New
York 10007–1866.
• Hand Delivery: Richard Ruvo,
acting Chief, Air Programs Branch,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 2 Office, 290 Broadway, 25th
Floor, New York, New York 10007–
1866. 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 federal holidays.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket No. EPA–R02–OAR–2013–0180.
EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change and may be
made available online at
SUMMARY:
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www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through www.regulations.gov
or email. The 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 email
comment directly to EPA without going
through www.regulations.gov your email
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 or any form of
encryption, and be free of any defects or
viruses. For additional information
about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA
Docket Center homepage at https://
www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
Docket: All documents in the docket
are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
will be publicly available only in hard
copy. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in https://
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 2 Office, Air Programs Branch,
290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York,
New York 10007–1866. EPA requests, if
at all possible, that you contact the
individual listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section to view
the hard copy of the docket. You may
view the hard copy of the docket
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk
J. Wieber (wieber.kirk@epa.gov), Air
Programs Branch, Environmental
Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 25th
Floor, New York, New York 10007–
1866, (212) 637–3381.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21296-21302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08238]
[[Page 21296]]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R02-OAR-2013-0130, FRL-9800-4]
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New Jersey;
Infrastructure SIP for the 1997 8-Hour Ozone and the 1997 and 2006 Fine
Particulate Matter Standards
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to
approve most elements of New Jersey's State Implementation Plan (SIP)
revisions submitted to demonstrate that the State meets the
requirements of section 110(a)(1) and (2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA)
for the 1997 8-hour ozone and the 1997 and 2006 fine particulate matter
(PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA
is proposing to conditionally approve certain elements of the
submittals, as well as to find that certain elements of New Jersey's
submittals do not meet section 110(a)(2) requirements with existing
State rules. Section 110(a) of the CAA requires that each state adopt
and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of
each NAAQS promulgated by the EPA and is commonly referred to as an
infrastructure SIP.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 10, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID number EPA-
R02-OAR-2013-0130, by one of the following methods:
www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for
submitting comments.
Email: Ruvo.Richard@EPA.GOV.
Fax: 212-637-3901.
Mail: Richard Ruvo, Acting Chief, Air Programs Branch,
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Office, 290 Broadway, 25th
Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866.
Hand Delivery: Richard Ruvo, Acting Chief, Air Programs
Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Office, 290 Broadway,
25th Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866. 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 Federal holidays.
Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R02-OAR-
2013-0130. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at
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INFORMATION CONTACT section to view the hard copy of the docket. You
may view the hard copy of the docket Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Truchan, Air Programs Branch,
Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York,
New York 10007-1866, (212) 637-4249, or by email at
truchan.paul@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. What action is EPA proposing?
II. What is the background information?
III. What is a section 110(a)(1) and (2) SIP?
IV. What elements are required under section 110(a)(1) and (2)?
V. What did New Jersey submit?
VI. How has the State addressed the elements of the section
110(a)(1) and (2) ``infrastructure'' provisions?
VII. What action is EPA taking?
VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. What Action is EPA Proposing?
EPA is proposing to approve, conditionally approve, and disapprove
elements of the State of New Jersey Infrastructure SIP as meeting the
section 110(a) infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA)
for the 1997 ozone, 1997 PM2.5 and 2006 PM2.5
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). As explained below, the
State has the necessary infrastructure, resources, and general
authority to implement the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 standards, except where specifically noted.
II. What is the Background Information?
On July 18, 1997, EPA promulgated new and revised NAAQS for 8-hour
ozone (62 FR 38856) and PM2.5 (62 FR 38652). The ozone NAAQS
are based on 8-hour average concentrations. The 8-hour averaging period
replaced the previous 1-hour averaging period, and the level of the
NAAQS was changed from 0.12 parts per million (ppm) to 0.08 ppm.\1\ The
new PM2.5 NAAQS established a health-based standard of 15.0
micrograms per cubic meter ([mu]g/m\3\) based on a 3-year average of
annual mean PM2.5 concentrations, and a 24-hour standard of
65 [mu]g/m\3\ based on a 3-year average of the 98th percentile of 24-
hour concentrations. EPA strengthened the 24-hour PM2.5
NAAQS from 65 [mu]g/m\3\ to 35 [mu]g/m\3\ on October 17, 2006 (71 FR
61144).\2\
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\1\ EPA issued a revised 8-hour ozone standard on March 27, 2008
(73 FR 16436). On September 22, 2011, EPA clarified that the current
ozone standard is set at 75 ppb. EPA is not addressing the 2008
ozone NAAQS in this rulemaking.
\2\ EPA issued a revised PM2.5 standard on January
15, 2013 (78 FR 3086). EPA is not addressing the 2012
PM2.5 NAAQS in this rulemaking.
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Section 110(a) of the CAA requires states to submit State
Implementation Plans (SIPs) that provide for the implementation,
maintenance, and enforcement of new or revised NAAQS within three years
following the promulgation of such NAAQS.
[[Page 21297]]
III. What is a section 110(a)(1) and (2) SIP?
Section 110(a)(1) provides the procedural and timing requirements
for SIPs. Section 110(a)(2) lists specific elements that states must
meet for ``infrastructure'' SIP requirements related to a newly
established or revised NAAQS. Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) of the CAA
requires, in part, that states submit to EPA plans to implement,
maintain and enforce each of the NAAQS promulgated by EPA. EPA
interprets this provision to require states to address basic SIP
requirements including emission inventories, monitoring, and modeling
to assure attainment and maintenance of the standards. By statute, SIPs
meeting the requirements of section 110(a)(1) and (2) are to be
submitted by states within three years after promulgation of a new or
revised standard. These SIPs are commonly called infrastructure SIPs.
In 1997, EPA promulgated the 8-hour ozone primary and secondary NAAQS
and a new annual and 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. Intervening
litigation over the 1997 standards caused a delay in SIP submittals. In
2006, EPA promulgated a new 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
IV. What elements are required under section 110(a)(1) and (2)?
The infrastructure requirements are listed in EPA's October 2,
2007, memorandum entitled ``Guidance on SIP Elements Required Under
Section 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-Hour Ozone and
PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards'' and September
25, 2009, memorandum entitled ``Guidance on SIP Elements Required Under
Section 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particle
(PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards.'' \3\ The 14
elements required to be addressed are as follows: (1) Emission limits
and other control measures; (2) ambient air quality monitoring/data
system; (3) program for enforcement of control measures; (4) interstate
transport; (5) adequate resources; (6) stationary source monitoring
system; (7) emergency power; (8) future SIP revisions; (9) consultation
with government officials; (10) public notification; (11) prevention of
significant deterioration (PSD) and visibility protection; (12) air
quality modeling/data; (13) permitting fees, and (14) consultation/
participation by affected local entities.
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\3\ ``Guidance on SIP Elements Required Under Sections 110(a)(1)
and (2) for the 1997 8-hour Ozone and PM2.5 National
Ambient Air Quality Standards'' at https://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t1/memoranda/110a_sip_guid_fin100207.pdf ``Guidance on SIP Elements
Required Under Sections 110(a)(l) and (2) for the 2006 24-Hour Fine
Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS)'' https://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t1/memoranda/20090925_harnett_pm25_sip_110a12.pdf.
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Two elements identified in section 110(a)(2) are not governed by
the 3 year submission deadline of section 110(a)(1) because SIPs
incorporating necessary local nonattainment area controls are not due
within 3 years after promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS, but rather
due at the time that the nonattainment area plan requirements are due
pursuant to section 172. See 77 FR 46354 (August 3, 2012); 77 FR 60308
(October 3, 2012) (footnote 1). These requirements are: (1) Submissions
required by section 110(a)(2)(C) to the extent that subsection refers
to a permit program as required in part D Title I of the CAA, and (2)
submissions required by section 110(a)(2)(I) which pertain to the
nonattainment planning requirements of part D, Title I of the CAA. As a
result, this action does not address the above infrastructure elements
related to section 110(a)(2)(C) or 110(a)(2)(I).
This action also does not address the requirements of section
110(a)(2)(D)(i) for the 1997 ozone and 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS,
since they had been addressed in previous rulemakings. See October 1,
2007 (72 FR 55666). Additionally, this action does not address the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS, which was addressed in a previous EPA
rulemaking. See July 20, 2011 (76 FR 43153).
Scope of Infrastructure SIPs
This rulemaking will not cover four substantive issues that are not
integral to acting on a state's infrastructure SIP submission: (i)
Existing provisions related to excess emissions during periods of
start-up, shutdown, or malfunction (``SSM'') at sources, that may be
contrary to the CAA and EPA's policies addressing such excess
emissions; (ii) existing provisions related to ``director's variance''
or ``director's discretion'' that purport to permit revisions to SIP
approved emissions limits with limited public process or without
requiring further approval by EPA, that may be contrary to the CAA
(``director's discretion''); (iii) existing provisions for minor source
NSR programs that may be inconsistent with the requirements of the CAA
and EPA's regulations that pertain to such programs (``minor source
NSR''); and, (iv) existing provisions for PSD programs that may be
inconsistent with current requirements of EPA's ``Final NSR Improvement
Rule,'' 67 FR 80186 (December 31, 2002), as amended by 72 FR 32526
(June 13, 2007) (``NSR Reform''). A detailed rationale for why these
four substantive issues are not part of the scope of infrastructure SIP
rulemakings can be found in EPA's July 13, 2011, final rule entitled,
``Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans;
Illinois; Indiana; Michigan; Minnesota; Ohio; Wisconsin; Infrastructure
SIP Requirements for the 1997 8-hour Ozone and PM2.5
National Ambient Air Quality Standards'' in the section entitled,
``What is the scope of this final rulemaking?'' (76 FR 41075 at 41076-
41079).
V. What did New Jersey Submit?
EPA is acting on two New Jersey SIP submittals, dated February 25,
2008 and January 15, 2010, which address the section 110 infrastructure
requirements for the three NAAQS: The 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, the 1997
annual and 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, and the 2006 24-hour
PM2.5 NAAQS.
February 25, 2008 SIP submission
New Jersey's section 110 infrastructure submittal was submitted by
the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on
February 25, 2008 and addressed the 1997 8-hour ozone and fine
particulate matter (PM2.5) NAAQS. Effective April 28, 2008,
the submittal was determined to be complete for all elements except
110(a)(2)(C). 73 FR 16205 (March 27, 2008). New Jersey's February 2008
section 110 submittal demonstrates how the State, where applicable, has
a plan in place that meets the requirements of section 110 for the 1997
8-hour ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS. This plan references the
current New Jersey Air Quality SIP, the New Jersey Statutes Annotated
(NJSA) and/or the New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC). The NJSA, and
NJAC (air pollution control regulations) referenced in the submittal
are publicly available. Prior to submitting to EPA, NJDEP held a public
hearing, on January 28, 2008, on New Jersey's 110 infrastructure
submittal and accepted written comments until January 31, 2008. The New
Jersey SIP was subject to public notice and comment and a public
hearing when adopted. New Jersey air pollution control regulations that
have been previously approved by EPA and incorporated into the New
Jersey SIP can be found at 40 CFR 52.1605 and are posted on the
Internet at: https://www.epa.gov/region02/air/sip/nj_reg.htm.
January 15, 2010 SIP submission
New Jersey's section 110 infrastructure submittal for the 2006
[[Page 21298]]
PM2.5 24-hour NAAQS was submitted by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on January 15, 2010, and
the submittal was deemed complete July 15, 2010.
EPA's evaluation of both submittals is detailed in the ``Technical
Support Document for EPA's Proposed Rulemaking for the New Jersey State
Implementation Plan Revision: State Implementation Plan Revision For
Meeting the Infrastructure Requirements In the Clean Air Act Dated
February 2008 and January 2010'' (TSD). As explained in the ADDRESSES
section of this action, the TSD is available in the docket (EPA-R02-
OAR-2013-0130) for this action and at the EPA Region 2 Office.
VI. How has the State addressed the elements of the section 110(a)(1)
and (2) ``infrastructure'' provisions?
A. Emission limits and other control measures: Section 110(a)(2)(A)
requires SIPs to include enforceable emission limits and other control
measures, means, or techniques, and schedules for compliance. EPA notes
that the specific nonattainment area plan requirements of section
110(a)(2)(I) are subject to the timing requirement of section 172, not
the timing requirement of section 110(a)(1). New Jersey's Air Pollution
Control Act (Pub. L.1954), codified at NJSA 26:2C, provides the NJDEP
with power to formulate and promulgate, amend and repeal codes and
rules and regulations, preventing, controlling and prohibiting air
pollution throughout the State at NJSA 26:2C-8. The federally
enforceable New Jersey SIP contains enforceable emission limits and
other control measures. EPA is proposing to determine that New Jersey
has met the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(A) of the Act with
respect to the 1997 8-hour ozone and the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS.
B. Ambient air quality monitoring/data system: Section 110(a)(2)(B)
requires SIPs to include provisions to provide for establishment and
operation of ambient air quality monitors, to monitor, compile and
analyze ambient air quality data, and to make these data available to
EPA upon request. New Jersey, under its authority provided in NJSA
26:2C-9.a, operates and maintains a network of ambient air quality
monitors and submits the data collected to EPA. New Jersey has
submitted annual air monitoring network plans which have been approved
by EPA. The most recent was approved by EPA on March 29, 2013. EPA is
proposing to determine that the New Jersey SIP meets the requirements
of section 110(a)(2)(B) of the Act with respect to the 1997 8-hour
ozone and the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
C. Program for enforcement of control measures: Section
110(a)(2)(C) requires states to have a plan that includes a program
providing for enforcement of all SIP measures and the regulation of the
modification and construction of any stationary source, including a
program to meet Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and minor
source new source review.
The NJDEP is authorized by NJSA 26:2C-19 to enforce its control
measures and the air permitting program for stationary sources. The
minor source permitting and enforcement programs operate under NJAC
7:27 and 7:27A, respectively. EPA proposes to find that the State has
adequate authority and regulations to insure that SIP approved control
measures are enforced for the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS.
New Jersey's is currently subject to 40 CFR 52.1603 with respect to
the PSD permit program required by Part C of the Act. As a result, a
Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) includes 40 CFR 52.21 as part of the
New Jersey applicable State plan. New Jersey has been delegated
authority to implement 40 CFR 52.21 and has been successfully
implementing the program. Because New Jersey does not have its own
State adopted rule, its infrastructure submissions are not approvable
with respect to this element. However, the State is not subject to
mandatory sanctions solely as a result of this type of infrastructure
SIP deficiency, since the SIP deficiency is neither with respect to a
submittal that is required under part D nor in response to a SIP call
under section 110(k)(5) of the CAA. Moreover, the requirements for
which the State is subject to the FIP are already satisfied by the
incorporation by reference of the provisions of 40 CFR 52.21 into a FIP
for New Jersey, and so EPA has no additional FIP obligations under
section 110(c).
EPA proposes to find that the State has adequate authority and
regulations to ensure that SIP-approved control measures are enforced.
EPA also finds that, based on the delegation of 40 CFR 52.21, New
Jersey has the delegated authority to regulate the construction of new
or modified stationary sources to meet the PSD program requirements.
Though New Jersey satisfies the requirement to regulate the
construction of new or modified sources through PSD delegation, since
New Jersey's PSD program is a federally delegated program, New Jersey
has not satisfied the requirements of sections 110(a)(2)(C) and (J) for
all three NAAQS to have a state adopted program and the currently
existing FIP remains in place.
D. Interstate transport: Section 110(a)(2)(D) is divided into two
subsections, 110(a)(2)(D)(i) and 110(a)(2)(D)(ii). Section
110(a)(2)(D)(i) consists of two subsections (I) and (II), each of which
has two ``prongs.'' The two prongs under 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) prohibit
any source or other type of emissions activity within the State from
emitting any air pollutants in amounts which will (prong 1) contribute
significantly to nonattainment in any other state with respect to any
primary or secondary NAAQS, and (prong 2) interfere with maintenance by
any other state with respect to any primary or secondary NAAQS. The two
prongs under 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) prohibit any source or other type of
emissions activity within the state from emitting any air pollutants in
amounts which will interfere with measures required to be included in
the applicable implementation plan for any other state under part C
(prong 3) to prevent significant deterioration of air quality or (prong
4) to protect visibility.
Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) addresses interstate and international
pollution abatement, and requires SIPs to include provisions insuring
compliance with sections 115 and 126 of the Act, relating to interstate
and international pollution abatement.
In this action for New Jersey, with respect to section
110(a)(2)(D)(i), we are only addressing prong 3 (i.e., interference
with PSD) and prong 4 (i.e., to protect visibility) of
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II). EPA previously took rulemaking action on prong 1
and prong 2 on October 1, 2007 (72 FR 55666) and July 20, 2011 (76 FR
43153), respectively. For prong 3, as discussed previously under (C)
(Program for enforcement of control measures), New Jersey is currently
subject to a PSD FIP. A state's infrastructure SIP submittal cannot be
considered for approvability with respect to prong 3 until EPA has
issued final approval of that state's PSD SIP or, alternatively, has
issued final approval of a SIP that EPA has otherwise found adequate to
prohibit interference with other state's measures to prevent
significant deterioration of air quality. Therefore, we are proposing
to disapprove New Jersey's 110(a) submissions for the 1997 8-hour ozone
and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5NAAQS for prong 3 of
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) because New Jersey is currently subject to a PSD
FIP and does not have a PSD SIP. This disapproval will not trigger any
sanctions or additional FIP obligation, since a FIP is already in
place. This action will have no discernible effect on
[[Page 21299]]
the implementation of the PSD program in New Jersey, as the State is
implementing a well-established PSD program through EPA delegation.
For prong 4, New Jersey has met its obligations pursuant to section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) for visibility protection for all three NAAQS
through its Regional Haze SIP submittals, which were approved by EPA on
January 3, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 19). The regional haze rule
specifically requires that a state participating in a regional planning
process include all measures needed to achieve its apportionment of
emission reduction obligations agreed upon through that process. Thus,
New Jersey's approved regional haze SIP will ensure that emissions from
sources within the State are not interfering with measures to protect
visibility in other states. Therefore, EPA proposes to find for the
1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS that NJDEP
satisfies the section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) requirement for visibility.
Regarding section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii), which relates to interstate and
international pollution abatement, as noted above, New Jersey is
subject to a PSD FIP. States relying on the Federal PSD program
requirements of 40 CFR 52.21(q), (which provide for notification of
affected state and local air agencies) to satisfy this requirement have
programs that are considered technically deficient and not approvable.
Therefore, we are proposing to disapprove New Jersey's submissions for
infrastructure element 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) for the 1997 8-hour ozone and
1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. This disapproval will not trigger
any sanctions or additional FIP obligation. It should be noted, that
New Jersey has no pending obligations under section 115 or 126(b) of
the Act and satisfies these requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii)
for the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
E. Adequate resources: Section 110(a)(2)(E) requires each state to
provide (i) necessary assurances that the state will have adequate
personnel, funding, and authority under state law to carry out the SIP
(and is not prohibited by any provision of federal or state law from
carrying out the SIP or portion thereof), (ii) requires that the state
comply with the requirements respecting state boards under section 128,
and (iii) necessary assurances that, where the state has relied on a
local or regional government, agency, or instrumentality for the
implementation of any SIP provision, the state has responsibility for
ensuring adequate implementation of such SIP provision.
New Jersey has adequate authority, under NJSA 13:1D-9, to carry out
its SIP obligations with respect to the 1997 ozone and 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS. New Jersey receives sections 103 and 105 grant
funds through its Performance Partnership Grant along with required
State-matching funds to provide funding necessary to carry out its SIP
requirements. Therefore, EPA proposes to find New Jersey has sufficient
resources to meet the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(E)(i) for the
1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
Congress added section 128 in the 1977 amendments. Titled ``State
boards,'' section 128 provides in relevant part: ``(a) Not later than
the date one year after August 7, 1977, each applicable implementation
plan shall contain requirements that: (1) Any board or body which
approves permits or enforcement orders under this chapter shall have at
least a majority of members who represent the public interest and do
not derive any significant portion of their income from persons subject
to permits or enforcement orders under this chapter, and (2) any
potential conflicts of interest by members of such board or body or the
head of an executive agency with similar powers be adequately
disclosed.'' New Jersey does not have a state board that approves
permits or enforcement orders under the CAA. Instead, permits and
enforcement orders are approved by the State's Commissioner of
Environmental Protection. Thus, the requirements of subsection
128(a)(1) are not applicable to New Jersey. New Jersey is subject to
the requirements of section 128(a)(2). In its SIP submission New Jersey
cited NJSA 52:13D-12 et seq. which addresses the conflict of interest
requirement. EPA proposes to conditionally approve the infrastructure
SIP in fulfilling the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) for the
1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS provided the
State submits, for approval into the SIP, those statutes or regulations
necessary to substantively meet the requirements of CAA section
128(a)(2).
Section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) requires states to provide necessary
assurances that, where the state has relied on a local or regional
government, agency or instrumentality for the implementation of any
provision of the SIP, the state has responsibility for ensuring
adequate implementation of the SIP provision. The NJDEP has the
authority to delegate inspection and enforcement efforts for various
regulations under the County Environmental Health Act (NJSA 26:3A2-21
et seq.). EPA in the past identified a deficiency in meeting this
requirement. See 40 CFR 52.1579 Intergovernmental cooperation.
While New Jersey has the authority to delegate responsibilities to
county or local governments to implement certain SIP responsibilities,
the information provided in both infrastructure SIP submittals does not
identify the specific organizations that will participate in
developing, implementing, and enforcing the plan and the
responsibilities of such organizations. EPA proposes to conditionally
approve the infrastructure SIP with regard to the requirements of
section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii). The State must identify the county or local
governments or entities such as metropolitan planning organizations
(MPOs) that participate in the SIP planning efforts, identify the
county or local governments or entities that have been delegated
responsibilities to implement or enforce portions of the SIP, and
provide copies of the agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs)
between the State and the county or local governments or entities.
Since it is EPA's understanding that this deficiency involves
information that exists but was not provided in the SIP submittal, EPA
proposes to conditionally approve section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) for the
1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. In the
alternative, should New Jersey provide this information before we take
final rulemaking, EPA will fully approve section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) and
remove 40 CFR 52.1579.
F. Stationary source monitoring system: Section 110(a)(2)(F)
requires states to establish a system to monitor emissions from
stationary sources and to submit periodic emission reports. The NJDEP
has the authority pursuant to NJSA 26:2C-9.2 to require emissions
monitoring of stationary sources before an operating permit is issued
or renewed. NJDEP has adopted regulations to implement the federal
requirements for stationary source emissions monitoring and reporting
in NJAC 7:27-8 and 7:27-22.
The NJDEP has the authority pursuant to NJSA 26:2C-9 to require
emissions reports from stationary sources and to allow emission
information to be made available to the public.
EPA previously disapproved inclusion of NJSA 26:2C-9 into the SIP
finding that, in some circumstances, it could prohibit the disclosure
of emission data to the public. See 40 CFR 52.1575. In 1995 New Jersey
revised NJSA 26:2C-9, specifically NJSA 26:2C-9b.(4) to limit what
information could
[[Page 21300]]
be considered confidential and specifically added the phrase ``other
than actual or allowable air contaminant emissions'' to clarify what
cannot be considered confidential. N.J. ALS 188. The same legislation,
established authority for New Jersey to require individuals responsible
for operations that emit air pollution, to file emission statements.
The NJDEP has adopted and EPA has approved NJAC 7:27, Subchapter 21--
``Emission Statements'' as part of the applicable SIP. See 69 FR 46104
(August 2, 2004).
Based on the revisions to the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act
and the adoption of the Subchapter 21--``Emission Statements,'' EPA is
proposing to find that New Jersey has met the requirements of section
110(a)(2)(F) for the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS and is proposing to revoke 40 CFR 52.1575.
G. Emergency power: Section 110(a)(2)(G) requires states to provide
for authority to address activities causing imminent and substantial
endangerment to public health, including contingency plans to implement
the emergency episode provisions in their SIPs.
For PM2.5, EPA's guidance dated September 25, 2009 \4\
provides clarification that states that have air quality control
regions identified as either Priority I, Priority IA or Priority II by
the ``Prevention of Air Pollution Emergency Episodes'' rules at 40 CFR
51.150 must develop emergency episode contingency plans. States are
required to develop emergency episode plans for any area that has
monitored and recorded 24-hour PM2.5 levels greater than
140.4 [micro]g/m\3\ since 2006. A state that has never exceeded this
level since 2006 is considered to be Priority III. See 40 CFR
51.150(f). In accordance with the guidance, for a Priority III area a
state may certify that it has appropriate general emergency powers to
address PM2.5-related episodes, and is not required to adopt
specific emergency episode plans at this time, given the existing
monitored levels.
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\4\ See Guidance on SIP Elements Required Under Sections
110(a)(l) and (2) for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particle
(PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS),
from William T. Harnett, Director, Air Quality Policy Division,
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, dated September 25,
2009.
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Since 2006 air-quality monitors in New Jersey show that
PM2.5 levels have been below the 140.5 [micro]g/m\3\
threshold. New Jersey certified in its infrastructure submittals that
it should be classified as a Priority III region and, therefore,
emergency episode plans for PM2.5 are not required.
Therefore, New Jersey has met the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(G)
for both the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
In general and for the 1997 ozone standard, the section
110(a)(2)(G) requirements are addressed by New Jersey's Air Pollution
Emergency Control Act (NJSA 26:2C-26 et seq.), which is implemented
through NJAC 7:27-12 ``Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
Emergencies.'' While the New Jersey SIP contains Subchapter 12, it is
not the current version of the State rule. In addition, Subchapter 12
requires that the NJDEP publish in the New Jersey Register the
emergency criteria that will be used in making alerts, warnings or
emergencies. NJDEP has not provided the criteria. Therefore, EPA is
proposing to condition its approval based on NJDEP submitting, for
approval into the SIP, the current version of Subchapter 12 and the
emergency criteria levels that will be used.
H. Future SIP revisions: Section 110(a)(2)(H) requires states to
have the authority to revise their SIPs in response to changes in the
NAAQS, availability of improved methods for attaining NAAQS, and in
response to an EPA finding that the SIP is substantially inadequate.
The NJDEP is given the authority by NJSA 13:1D-9 to formulate
comprehensive policies ``for the conservation of the natural resources
of the State, the promotion of environmental protection and the
prevention of pollution of the environment of the State.'' EPA proposes
to find that the State has adequate authority to develop and implement
plans and programs that fulfills the requirements of section
110(a)(2)(H) for the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS.
I. Nonattainment Area Plans Under Part D: Section 110(a)(2)(I) of
the CAA requires that each such plan shall ``in the case of a plan or
plan revision for an area designated as a nonattainment area, meet the
applicable requirements of part D of this subchapter (relating to
nonattainment areas).'' EPA is not evaluating nonattainment-related
provisions, the NSR program required by part D in section 110(a)(2)(C)
and measures for attainment required by section 110(a)(2)(I), as part
of the infrastructure SIPs because, as discussed elsewhere in this
proposal, these submittals have been addressed by other SIP revisions
which EPA has or will be acting on in other rulemakings.
J. Consultation With Government Official, Public Notification, PSD,
and Visibility Protection: Section 110(a)(2)(J) requires states to meet
the applicable requirements of CAA section 121, relating to
consultation, CAA section 127, relating to public notification, and CAA
title I, part C, relating to the prevention of significant
deterioration of air quality and visibility protection.
Consultation With Government Officials
Section 121 requires a process for consultation with local
governments and Federal Land Managers carrying out NAAQS implementation
requirements. EPA finds that the 110(a) submittals from New Jersey, and
the cited authority of NJSA 26:2C-8 and 9, meet the requirements of
section 110(a)(2)(J) for consultation with government officials.
Public Notification
Section 127 requires that the state plan include measures to
effectively notify the public of any NAAQS exceedances, advise the
public of health hazards associated with such pollution, and include
measures to enhance public awareness of measures that can be taken to
prevent exceedances.
New Jersey is a partner participating in EPA's AIRNOW and
EnviroFlash Air Quality Alert programs. (See www.airnow.gov.) EPA is
proposing to find that New Jersey's SIP submittal has met the public
notification requirements of section 110(a)(2)(J) for the 1997 8-hour
ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. See NJSA 26:2C-9.
PSD
Section 110(a)(2)(J) also requires states to meet applicable
requirements of Part C related to prevention of significant
deterioration and visibility protection. EPA evaluated this requirement
in the context of section 110(a)(2)(C) with respect to permitting (see
discussion under (C) (program for enforcement of control measures)).
EPA interprets this section 110 provision relating to visibility as not
being ``triggered'' by a new NAAQS because the visibility requirements
in part C are not changed by a new NAAQS.
New Jersey is currently subject to a PSD FIP, as discussed under
(C) (Program for enforcement of control measures). The approvability of
a state's PSD program in its entirety is essential to the approvability
of the infrastructure SIP with respect to section 110(a)(2)(J). Until
the State provides such a program, the New Jersey infrastructure SIP is
not approvable with respect to section 110(a)(2)(J). Therefore, EPA
proposes to disapprove New Jerseys' infrastructure SIP with respect to
the PSD sub-element of 110(a)(2)(J) for the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997
and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. However, as noted in sections C and D,
above, this disapproval does not impose any sanctions or new FIP
obligations.
[[Page 21301]]
K. Air quality and modeling/data: Section 110(a)(2)(K) requires
that SIPs provide for air quality modeling for predicting effects on
air quality of emissions from any NAAQS pollutant and submission of
such data to EPA upon request.
The infrastructure submittals from New Jersey reference regulations
that have provisions for performing air-quality modeling, including
modeling for attainment plans, permits, and redesignation requests.
NJAC 7:27-8.5 and 22.8. EPA proposes to find that the State has
adequate authority to perform air quality modeling that fulfills the
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(K).
L. Permitting fees: Section 110(a)(2)(L) requires SIPs to require
each major stationary source to pay permitting fees to cover the cost
of reviewing, approving, implementing and enforcing a permit, until
such time as the SIP fee requirement is superseded by EPA's approval of
the State's Title V operating permit program. EPA's full approval of
the title V program for New Jersey became effective on November 30,
2001. 66 FR 63168 (December 5, 2001). Before EPA can grant full
approval, a state must demonstrate the ability to collect adequate
fees. New Jersey's title V program included a demonstration that the
State will collect a fee from title V sources above the presumptive
minimum in accordance with 40 CFR 70.9(b)(2)(i). The State collects
sufficient fees to administer its title V permit program. EPA proposes
to find that the State has meet the requirements for section
110(a)(2)(L).
M. Consultation/participation by affected local entities: Section
110(a)(2)(M) requires states to provide for consultation and
participation in SIP development by local political subdivisions
affected by the SIP. EPA proposes to find that the State has adequate
authority and procedures that fulfills the requirements of section
110(a)(2)(M). See NJSA 26:2C-8 and 52:14B.
VII. What action is EPA taking?
EPA is proposing to approve New Jersey's submittals as fully
meeting the infrastructure requirements for the 1997 8-hour ozone and
the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS for the following section
110(a)(2) elements and sub-elements: (A), (B), (C) (as it relates to
the enforcement of SIPs), (D)(i)(II) prong 4 (visibility), (E)(i), (F),
(H), (J) (consultation), (J) (public notification), (K), (L), and (M).
EPA is also proposing to find that New Jersey has met the
confidentiality requirements of section 110(a)(2)(F) and is proposing
to remove 40 CFR 52.1574 and 40 CFR 52.1575.
EPA is proposing to disapprove New Jersey's submittals for the 1997
8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS section 110(a)(2)
sub-elements: (C), prong 3 of (D)(i)(II), and (J) as they relate to the
State's lack of a state adopted PSD program, as well as (D)(ii), which
relates to interstate and international pollution abatement and PSD.
However, these disapprovals will not trigger any sanctions or
additional FIP obligation since a PSD FIP is already in place.
EPA is proposing to conditionally approve New Jersey's submittals
for the 1997 8-hour ozone and 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS for
the following 110(a)(2) elements and sub-elements: E(ii) (conflict of
interest provisions), E(iii) (delegations), and for the 1997 8-hour
ozone element (G) (emergency powers). New Jersey must commit in writing
on or before May 10, 2013 to correct the deficiencies discussed above.
New Jersey must then correct the deficiencies and submit them to EPA
within one year of EPA's final action on this SIP action. Some of the
deficiencies involve providing information that EPA is familiar with
and believes currently exists, but was not included in the State's
submittal. Should New Jersey provide this information before we take
final rulemaking, EPA is also proposing in the alternative to fully
approve: Section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii), section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) and remove
40 CFR 52.1579, and section 110(a)(2)(G).
Under section 110(k)(4) of the Act, EPA may conditionally approve a
plan based on a commitment from a State to adopt specific enforceable
measures by a date certain, but not later than one year from the date
of approval. If EPA conditionally approves the commitment in a final
rulemaking action, the State must meet its commitment to complete
requirements of each section 110(a)(2) element listed above. If New
Jersey fails to do so for any section 110(a)(2) element, our
conditional approval of that element will, by operation of law, become
a disapproval for New Jersey one year from the date of final approval.
EPA will notify the State by letter that this action has occurred. At
that time, this commitment will no longer be a part of the approved SIP
for New Jersey. EPA subsequently will publish a document in the Federal
Register notifying the public that the conditional approval
automatically converted to a disapproval. If New Jersey meets its
commitments within the applicable time frame, the conditionally
approved submission will remain a part of the SIP or SIPs until EPA
takes final action approving or disapproving the element in question.
If EPA disapproves a State's new submittal, the conditionally
approved section 110(a)(2) element will also be disapproved at that
time. If EPA approves the submittal, the section 110(a)(2) element will
be fully approved in its entirety and replace the conditionally
approved 110(a)(2) element in the SIP. Finally, if, based on
information received before EPA takes final action on this proposal,
EPA determines that it cannot issue a final conditional approval for
one or more elements for which EPA has proposed a conditional approval,
then EPA will instead issue a disapproval for such elements.
As discussed in section I, above, EPA is not acting on New Jersey's
submittal as it relates to nonattainment provisions, the NSR program
required by part D in section 110(a)(2)(C) and the measures for
attainment required by section 110(a)(2)(I), as part of the
infrastructure SIPs because these submittals have been addressed by
other SIP revisions which EPA has or will be acting on in other
rulemakings.
EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this
proposal. 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 Regional Office
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this Federal Register, or by
submitting comments electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery
or courier following the directions in the ADDRESSES section of this
Federal Register.
VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Under the Clean Air Act, 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 Clean Air Act.
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.);
[[Page 21302]]
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 Clean Air Act; 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.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone,
Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile
organic compounds.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: April 1, 2013.
Judith A. Enck,
Regional Administrator, Region 2.
[FR Doc. 2013-08238 Filed 4-9-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P