Determination of Attainment for the West Central Pinal Nonattainment Area for the 2006 Fine Particle Standard; Arizona; Determination Regarding Applicability of Clean Air Act Requirements, 54394-54396 [2013-21366]
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54394
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 4, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
discovery of a significant environmental
impact from this rule.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation
(water), Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Security measures,
Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33
CFR part 165 as follows:
PART 165— REGULATED
NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED
ACCESS AREAS
1. The authority citation for part 165
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 46 U.S.C.
Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195;
33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;
Pub. L. 107–295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department
of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.
2. Add § 165.T05–0767 to read as
follows:
■
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES
§ 165.T05–0767 Security Zone, Baltimore
Harbor, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor;
Baltimore, MD.
(a) Location. The following area is a
security zone: all waters of Baltimore
Harbor, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, from
shoreline to shoreline, bounded on the
east by a line drawn from position
latitude 39°17′03.41″ N, longitude
076°36′28.35″ W southerly to position
latitude 39°16′58.24″ N, longitude
076°36′27.59″ W, located along the
waterfront at Baltimore, MD. All
coordinates refer to datum NAD 1983.
(b) Regulations. The general security
zone regulations found in 33 CFR
165.33 apply to the security zone
created by this temporary
§ 165.T05.0767.
(1) All persons are required to comply
with the general regulations governing
security zones found in 33 CFR 165.33.
(2) Entry into or remaining in this
zone is prohibited unless authorized by
the Coast Guard Captain of the Port
Baltimore. Vessels already at berth,
mooring, or anchor at the time the
security zone is implemented do not
have to depart the security zone. All
vessels underway within this security
zone at the time it is implemented are
to depart the zone.
(3) Persons desiring to transit the area
of the security zone must first obtain
authorization from the Captain of the
Port Baltimore or his designated
representative. To seek permission to
transit the area, the Captain of the Port
Baltimore and his designated
representatives can be contacted at
telephone number 410–576–2693 or on
Marine Band Radio, VHF–FM channel
16 (156.8 MHz). The Coast Guard
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vessels enforcing this section can be
contacted on Marine Band Radio, VHF–
FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). Upon
being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard
vessel, or other Federal, State, or local
agency vessel, by siren, radio, flashing
light, or other means, the operator of a
vessel shall proceed as directed. If
permission is granted, all persons and
vessels must comply with the
instructions of the Captain of the Port
Baltimore or his designated
representative and proceed at the
minimum speed necessary to maintain a
safe course while within the zone.
(4) Enforcement. The U.S. Coast
Guard may be assisted in the patrol and
enforcement of the zone by Federal,
State, and local agencies.
(c) Definitions. As used in this
section:
Captain of the Port Baltimore means
the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
Sector Baltimore, Maryland or any Coast
Guard commissioned, warrant or petty
officer who has been authorized by the
Captain of the Port to act on his behalf.
Designated representative means any
Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or
petty officer who has been authorized
by the Captain of the Port Baltimore to
assist in enforcing the security zone
described in paragraph (a) of this
section.
(d) Effective period. This rule is
effective from 5 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. on
September 5, 2013.
(e) Enforcement period. This section
will be enforced from 5 p.m. until 11:59
p.m. on September 5, 2013.
Dated: August 15, 2013.
M.M. Dean,
Commander, U. S. Coast Guard, Acting
Captain of the Port Baltimore.
[FR Doc. 2013–21394 Filed 9–3–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
nonattainment area in Arizona has
attained the 2006 24-hour fine particle
(PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality
Standard (NAAQS). This determination
is based upon complete, qualityassured, and certified ambient air
monitoring data showing that this area
has monitored attainment of the 2006
24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based on the
2010–2012 monitoring period. Based on
the above determination, the
requirements for this area to submit an
attainment demonstration, together with
reasonably available control measures
(RACM), a reasonable further progress
(RFP) plan, and contingency measures
for failure to meet RFP and attainment
deadlines are suspended for so long as
the area continues to attain the 2006 24hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
DATES: Effective Date: This rule is
effective on October 4, 2013.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established docket
number EPA–R09–OAR–2013–0449 for
this action. Generally, documents in the
docket for this action are available
electronically at www.regulations.gov
and in hard copy at EPA Region IX, 75
Hawthorne Street, San Francisco,
California. While all documents in the
docket are listed at
www.regulations.gov, some information
may be publicly available only at the
hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted
material, large maps, multi-volume
reports), and some may not be publicly
available in either location (e.g.,
Confidential Business Information). To
inspect the hard copy materials, please
schedule an appointment during normal
business hours with the contact listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ginger Vagenas, (415) 972–3964, or by
email at vagenas.ginger@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Throughout this document, wherever
‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’ or ‘‘our’’ are used, we mean
EPA.
Table of Contents
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R09–OAR–2013–0449; FRL–9900–58–
Region9]
I. Summary of Proposed Action
II. Public Comments and EPA Responses
III. EPA’s Final Action
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Determination of Attainment for the
West Central Pinal Nonattainment Area
for the 2006 Fine Particle Standard;
Arizona; Determination Regarding
Applicability of Clean Air Act
Requirements
I. Summary of Proposed Action
On July 12, 2013 (78 FR 41901), EPA
proposed to determine that the West
Central Pinal nonattainment area 1 has
attained the 2006 24-hour NAAQS 2 for
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
EPA is taking final action to
determine that the West Central Pinal
SUMMARY:
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1 Covering approximately 460 square miles, the
West Central Pinal PM2.5 nonattainment area is
located within Pinal County, Arizona.
2 The 2006 24-hour PM
2.5 NAAQS is 35
micrograms per cubic meter (mg/m3), based on a 3year average of the 98th percentile of 24-hour
concentrations.
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fine particles (generally referring to
particles less than or equal to 2.5
micrometers in diameter, PM2.5).
In our proposed rule, we explained
that in making an attainment
determination, EPA relies on complete,
quality-assured, and certified data
gathered at a State and Local Air
Monitoring Station(s) (SLAMS) and
entered into EPA’s Air Quality System
(AQS) database. Under 40 CFR 50.13
(‘‘National primary and secondary
ambient air quality standards for PM2.5’’)
and appendix N to 40 CFR part 50
(‘‘Interpretation of the National Ambient
Air Quality Standards for PM2.5’’), the
2006 PM2.5 NAAQS is met when each
monitoring site in the area has a design
value at or below the standard.
EPA proposed the determination of
attainment for the West Central Pinal
area based upon a review of the
monitoring network operated by the
Pinal County Air Quality Control
Department (PCAQCD) and the data
collected at the monitoring site
operating during the most recent
complete three-year period (i.e., 2010 to
2012). Based on this review, EPA found
that complete, quality-assured and
certified data for the West Central Pinal
area showed that the 24-hour design
value for the 2009–2011 period was
equal to or less than 35 m/m3 at the
monitoring site. See the data summary
table on page 41904 of the July 12, 2013
proposed rule. We also noted that
preliminary data available in AQS for
2013 indicates that the West Central
Pinal area continues to attain the
NAAQS.
In conjunction with and based upon
our proposed determination that West
Central Pinal has attained and is
currently attaining the standard, EPA
also proposed to determine that the
obligation under the Clean Air Act
(CAA) to submit the following
attainment-related planning
requirements is not applicable for so
long as the area continues to attain the
2006 PM2.5 NAAQS: The part D, subpart
4 obligations to provide an attainment
demonstration pursuant to section
189(a)(1)(B), the RACM provisions of
section 189(a)(1)(C), the RFP provisions
of section 189(c), and related attainment
demonstration, RACM, RFP and
contingency measure provisions
requirements of subpart 1, section 172.
In doing so, we proposed to apply EPA’s
Clean Data Policy to the 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS to suspend the attainmentrelated SIP submittal obligations under
subparts 1 and 4 of part D (of title I of
the CAA), if the West Central Pinal
nonattainment area were considered a
moderate nonattainment area under
subpart 4. See pages 41904–41906 of our
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July 12, 2013 proposed rule. In
proposing to apply the Clean Data
Policy to the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, we
explained that we are applying the same
statutory interpretation with respect to
the implications of clean data
determinations that the Agency has long
applied in regulations for the 1997 8hour ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS and in
individual rulemakings for the 1-hour
ozone, coarse particle (PM10) and lead
NAAQS.
Please see the July 12, 2013 proposed
rule for more detailed information
concerning the PM2.5 NAAQS,
designations of PM2.5 nonattainment
areas, the regulatory basis for
determining attainment of the NAAQS,
PCAQCD’s PM2.5 monitoring network,
EPA’s review and evaluation of the data,
and the rationale and implications for
application of the Clean Data Policy to
the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
II. Public Comments and EPA
Responses
EPA’s proposed rule provided a 30day public comment period. During this
period, we did not receive any
comments.
III. EPA’s Final Action
For the reasons provided in the
proposed rule and summarized herein,
EPA is taking final action to determine
that the West Central Pinal
nonattainment area in Pinal County,
Arizona has attained the 2006 24-hour
PM2.5 NAAQS based on the most recent
three years of complete, quality-assured,
and certified data in AQS for 2010–
2012. Preliminary 2013 data available in
AQS show that this area continues to
attain the standard.
EPA is also taking final action, based
on the above determination of
attainment, to suspend the requirements
for the West Central Pinal
nonattainment area to submit an
attainment demonstration pursuant to
section 189(a)(1)(B), the RACM
provisions of section 189(a)(1)(C), the
RFP provisions of section 189(c), and
related attainment demonstration,
RACM, RFP and contingency measure
provisions requirements of subpart 1,
section 172 for so long as the area
continues to attain the 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS. EPA’s final action is consistent
and in keeping with its long-held
interpretation of CAA requirements, as
well as with EPA’s regulations for
similar determinations for ozone (see 40
CFR 51.918) and the 1997 fine
particulate matter standards (see 40 CFR
51.1004(c)).
Today’s final action does not
constitute a redesignation of the West
Central Pinal nonattainment area to
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54395
attainment for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5
NAAQS under CAA section 107(d)(3)
because we have not yet approved a
maintenance plan for the West Central
Pinal nonattainment area as meeting the
requirements of section 175A of the
CAA or determined that the area has
met the other CAA requirements for
redesignation. The classification and
designation status in 40 CFR part 81
remain nonattainment for this area until
such time as EPA determines that
Arizona has met the CAA requirements
for redesignating the West Central Pinal
nonattainment area to attainment.
If the West Central Pinal
nonattainment area continues to
monitor attainment of the 2006 PM2.5
NAAQS, the requirements for the area to
submit an attainment demonstration
and associated RACM, a RFP plan,
contingency measures, and any other
planning requirements related to
attainment of the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS
will remain suspended. If after today’s
action EPA subsequently determines,
after notice-and-comment rulemaking in
the Federal Register, that the area has
violated the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, the
basis for the suspension of the
attainment planning requirements for
the area would no longer exist, and the
area would thereafter have to address
such requirements.
IV. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final action makes a
determination of attainment based on
air quality and suspends certain federal
requirements, and thus, this action
would not impose additional
requirements beyond those imposed by
state law. For this reason, the final
action:
• Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ subject to review by the Office
of Management and Budget under
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993);
• Does not impose an information
collection burden under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
• Is certified as not having a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
• Does not contain any unfunded
mandate or significantly or uniquely
affect small governments, as described
in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);
• Does not have Federalism
implications as specified in Executive
Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999);
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 4, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
• Is not an economically significant
regulatory action based on health or
safety risks subject to Executive Order
13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
• Is not a significant regulatory action
subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR
28355, May 22, 2001);
• Is not subject to requirements of
Section 12(d) of the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because
application of those requirements would
be inconsistent with the CAA; and
• Does not provide EPA with the
discretionary authority to address
disproportionate human health or
environmental effects with practical,
appropriate, and legally permissible
methods under Executive Order 12898
(59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
In addition, this final action does not
have tribal implications as specified by
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,
November 9, 2000), because the SIP
obligations discussed herein do not
apply to Indian Tribes, and thus this
action will not impose substantial direct
costs on tribal governments or preempt
tribal law.
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, to each House of the
Congress and to the Comptroller General
of the United States. EPA will submit a
report containing this action and other
required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United
States prior to publication of the rule in
the Federal Register. A major rule
cannot take effect until 60 days after it
is published in the Federal Register.
This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as
defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,
petitions for judicial review of this
action must be filed in the United States
Court of Appeals for the appropriate
circuit by November 4, 2013. Filing a
petition for reconsideration by the
Administrator of this final rule does not
affect the finality of this action for the
purposes of judicial review nor does it
extend the time within which a petition
for judicial review may be filed, and
shall not postpone the effectiveness of
such rule or action. This action may not
be challenged later in proceedings to
enforce its requirements. (See section
307(b)(2).)
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Incorporation by
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reference, Nitrogen oxides, Particulate
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sulfur oxides.
Dated: August 22, 2013.
Jared Blumenfeld,
Regional Administrator, Region IX.
Part 52, Chapter I, Title 40 of the Code
of Federal Regulations is amended as
follows:
PART 52—APPROVAL AND
PROMULGATION OF
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
1. The authority citation for Part 52
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart D—Arizona
2. Section 52.131 is amended by
adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 52.131 Control Strategy and regulations:
Fine Particle Matter.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Determination of Attainment:
Effective October 4, 2013, EPA has
determined that, based on 2010 to 2012
ambient air quality data, the West
Central Pinal PM2.5 nonattainment area
has attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5
NAAQS. This determination suspends
the requirements for this area to submit
an attainment demonstration, associated
reasonably available control measures, a
reasonable further progress plan,
contingency measures, and other
planning SIPs related to attainment for
as long as this area continues to attain
the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. If EPA
determines, after notice-and-comment
rulemaking, that this area no longer
meets the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, the
corresponding determination of
attainment for that area shall be
withdrawn.
[FR Doc. 2013–21366 Filed 9–3–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 52 and 81
[Docket No. EPA–R02–OAR–2012–0889;
FRL–9900–33–Region 2]
Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans; State of
New Jersey; Redesignation of Areas
for Air Quality Planning Purposes and
Approval of the Associated
Maintenance Plan
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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On December 26, 2012 the
New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
submitted a request for the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
to approve the redesignation of the New
Jersey portion of the New York-N.New
Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT
nonattainment area, and the New Jersey
portion of the Philadelphia-Wilmington,
PA-NJ-DE nonattainment area, from
nonattainment to attainment for the
1997 annual and the 2006 24-hour Fine
Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS). In
conjunction with its redesignation
request, New Jersey submitted a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) revision
containing a maintenance plan for the
areas that provides for continued
maintenance of the 1997 annual and
2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. The
submittals included the 2007 ammonia
(NH3), volatile organic compounds
(VOC), nitrogen oxides (NOX), direct
PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide (SO2)
emissions inventories submitted to meet
the comprehensive emissions inventory
requirements of section 172(c)(3) of the
Clean Air Act (CAA), and accompanying
motor vehicle emissions budgets. EPA is
taking final action to approve the
requested SIP revisions and to
redesignate the New Jersey portions of
the New York-N.New Jersey-Long
Island, NY-NJ-CT nonattainment area,
and the Philadelphia-Wilmington, PANJ-DE nonattainment area, to attainment
for the 1997 annual and the 2006 24hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
SUMMARY:
This rule is effective on
September 4, 2013.
DATES:
EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
Number EPA–R02–OAR–2012–0889. All
documents in the docket are listed in
the https://www.regulations.gov Web
site. Although listed in the electronic
docket, some information is not publicly
available, i.e., confidential business
information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, is not placed on
the Internet and will be publicly
available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are
available either electronically through
https://www.regulations.gov or in hard
copy for public inspection during
normal business hours at the Air
Programs Branch, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region II, 290
Broadway, New York, New York 10007.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kenneth Fradkin (fradkin.kenneth@
epa.gov), Air Programs Branch, 290
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 4, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54394-54396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21366]
=======================================================================
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0449; FRL-9900-58-Region9]
Determination of Attainment for the West Central Pinal
Nonattainment Area for the 2006 Fine Particle Standard; Arizona;
Determination Regarding Applicability of Clean Air Act Requirements
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EPA is taking final action to determine that the West Central
Pinal nonattainment area in Arizona has attained the 2006 24-hour fine
particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard
(NAAQS). This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured,
and certified ambient air monitoring data showing that this area has
monitored attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based
on the 2010-2012 monitoring period. Based on the above determination,
the requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration,
together with reasonably available control measures (RACM), a
reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, and contingency measures for
failure to meet RFP and attainment deadlines are suspended for so long
as the area continues to attain the 2006 24-hour PM2.5
NAAQS.
DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective on October 4, 2013.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established docket number EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0449 for
this action. Generally, documents in the docket for this action are
available electronically at www.regulations.gov and in hard copy at EPA
Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California. While all
documents in the docket are listed at www.regulations.gov, some
information may be publicly available only at the hard copy location
(e.g., copyrighted material, large maps, multi-volume reports), and
some may not be publicly available in either location (e.g.,
Confidential Business Information). To inspect the hard copy materials,
please schedule an appointment during normal business hours with the
contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ginger Vagenas, (415) 972-3964, or by
email at vagenas.ginger@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, wherever ``we'',
``us'' or ``our'' are used, we mean EPA.
Table of Contents
I. Summary of Proposed Action
II. Public Comments and EPA Responses
III. EPA's Final Action
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. Summary of Proposed Action
On July 12, 2013 (78 FR 41901), EPA proposed to determine that the
West Central Pinal nonattainment area \1\ has attained the 2006 24-hour
NAAQS \2\ for
[[Page 54395]]
fine particles (generally referring to particles less than or equal to
2.5 micrometers in diameter, PM2.5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Covering approximately 460 square miles, the West Central
Pinal PM2.5 nonattainment area is located within Pinal
County, Arizona.
\2\ The 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS is 35 micrograms per
cubic meter ([micro]g/m\3\), based on a 3-year average of the 98th
percentile of 24-hour concentrations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In our proposed rule, we explained that in making an attainment
determination, EPA relies on complete, quality-assured, and certified
data gathered at a State and Local Air Monitoring Station(s) (SLAMS)
and entered into EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database. Under 40 CFR
50.13 (``National primary and secondary ambient air quality standards
for PM2.5'') and appendix N to 40 CFR part 50
(``Interpretation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
PM2.5''), the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS is met when each
monitoring site in the area has a design value at or below the
standard.
EPA proposed the determination of attainment for the West Central
Pinal area based upon a review of the monitoring network operated by
the Pinal County Air Quality Control Department (PCAQCD) and the data
collected at the monitoring site operating during the most recent
complete three-year period (i.e., 2010 to 2012). Based on this review,
EPA found that complete, quality-assured and certified data for the
West Central Pinal area showed that the 24-hour design value for the
2009-2011 period was equal to or less than 35 [micro]/m\3\ at the
monitoring site. See the data summary table on page 41904 of the July
12, 2013 proposed rule. We also noted that preliminary data available
in AQS for 2013 indicates that the West Central Pinal area continues to
attain the NAAQS.
In conjunction with and based upon our proposed determination that
West Central Pinal has attained and is currently attaining the
standard, EPA also proposed to determine that the obligation under the
Clean Air Act (CAA) to submit the following attainment-related planning
requirements is not applicable for so long as the area continues to
attain the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS: The part D, subpart 4
obligations to provide an attainment demonstration pursuant to section
189(a)(1)(B), the RACM provisions of section 189(a)(1)(C), the RFP
provisions of section 189(c), and related attainment demonstration,
RACM, RFP and contingency measure provisions requirements of subpart 1,
section 172. In doing so, we proposed to apply EPA's Clean Data Policy
to the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS to suspend the attainment-related
SIP submittal obligations under subparts 1 and 4 of part D (of title I
of the CAA), if the West Central Pinal nonattainment area were
considered a moderate nonattainment area under subpart 4. See pages
41904-41906 of our July 12, 2013 proposed rule. In proposing to apply
the Clean Data Policy to the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, we explained
that we are applying the same statutory interpretation with respect to
the implications of clean data determinations that the Agency has long
applied in regulations for the 1997 8-hour ozone and PM2.5
NAAQS and in individual rulemakings for the 1-hour ozone, coarse
particle (PM10) and lead NAAQS.
Please see the July 12, 2013 proposed rule for more detailed
information concerning the PM2.5 NAAQS, designations of
PM2.5 nonattainment areas, the regulatory basis for
determining attainment of the NAAQS, PCAQCD's PM2.5
monitoring network, EPA's review and evaluation of the data, and the
rationale and implications for application of the Clean Data Policy to
the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
II. Public Comments and EPA Responses
EPA's proposed rule provided a 30-day public comment period. During
this period, we did not receive any comments.
III. EPA's Final Action
For the reasons provided in the proposed rule and summarized
herein, EPA is taking final action to determine that the West Central
Pinal nonattainment area in Pinal County, Arizona has attained the 2006
24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based on the most recent three years of
complete, quality-assured, and certified data in AQS for 2010-2012.
Preliminary 2013 data available in AQS show that this area continues to
attain the standard.
EPA is also taking final action, based on the above determination
of attainment, to suspend the requirements for the West Central Pinal
nonattainment area to submit an attainment demonstration pursuant to
section 189(a)(1)(B), the RACM provisions of section 189(a)(1)(C), the
RFP provisions of section 189(c), and related attainment demonstration,
RACM, RFP and contingency measure provisions requirements of subpart 1,
section 172 for so long as the area continues to attain the 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA's final action is consistent and in keeping
with its long-held interpretation of CAA requirements, as well as with
EPA's regulations for similar determinations for ozone (see 40 CFR
51.918) and the 1997 fine particulate matter standards (see 40 CFR
51.1004(c)).
Today's final action does not constitute a redesignation of the
West Central Pinal nonattainment area to attainment for the 2006 24-
hour PM2.5 NAAQS under CAA section 107(d)(3) because we have
not yet approved a maintenance plan for the West Central Pinal
nonattainment area as meeting the requirements of section 175A of the
CAA or determined that the area has met the other CAA requirements for
redesignation. The classification and designation status in 40 CFR part
81 remain nonattainment for this area until such time as EPA determines
that Arizona has met the CAA requirements for redesignating the West
Central Pinal nonattainment area to attainment.
If the West Central Pinal nonattainment area continues to monitor
attainment of the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, the requirements for the
area to submit an attainment demonstration and associated RACM, a RFP
plan, contingency measures, and any other planning requirements related
to attainment of the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS will remain suspended.
If after today's action EPA subsequently determines, after notice-and-
comment rulemaking in the Federal Register, that the area has violated
the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, the basis for the suspension of the
attainment planning requirements for the area would no longer exist,
and the area would thereafter have to address such requirements.
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final action makes a determination of attainment based on air
quality and suspends certain federal requirements, and thus, this
action would not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by
state law. For this reason, the final action:
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
Does not impose an information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
Is certified as not having a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
Does not have Federalism implications as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
[[Page 54396]]
Is not an economically significant regulatory action based
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997);
Is not a significant regulatory action subject to
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent
with the CAA; and
Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to
address disproportionate human health or environmental effects with
practical, appropriate, and legally permissible methods under Executive
Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
In addition, this final action does not have tribal implications as
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000),
because the SIP obligations discussed herein do not apply to Indian
Tribes, and thus this action will not impose substantial direct costs
on tribal governments or preempt tribal law.
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule,
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for
the appropriate circuit by November 4, 2013. Filing a petition for
reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect
the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor
does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may
be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or
action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to
enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).)
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Nitrogen oxides, Particulate matter, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides.
Dated: August 22, 2013.
Jared Blumenfeld,
Regional Administrator, Region IX.
Part 52, Chapter I, Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is
amended as follows:
PART 52--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
0
1. The authority citation for Part 52 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart D--Arizona
0
2. Section 52.131 is amended by adding paragraph (b) to read as
follows:
Sec. 52.131 Control Strategy and regulations: Fine Particle Matter.
* * * * *
(b) Determination of Attainment: Effective October 4, 2013, EPA has
determined that, based on 2010 to 2012 ambient air quality data, the
West Central Pinal PM2.5 nonattainment area has attained the
2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination suspends the
requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration,
associated reasonably available control measures, a reasonable further
progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to
attainment for as long as this area continues to attain the 2006 24-
hour PM2.5 NAAQS. If EPA determines, after notice-and-
comment rulemaking, that this area no longer meets the 2006
PM2.5 NAAQS, the corresponding determination of attainment
for that area shall be withdrawn.
[FR Doc. 2013-21366 Filed 9-3-13; 8:45 am]
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