Approval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Navajo Nation; Regional Haze Requirements for Navajo Generating Station; Supplemental Proposal, 62509-62523 [2013-24281]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2013 / Proposed Rules
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 49
[EPA–R09–OAR–2013–0009; FRL–9901–66–
Region9]
Approval of Air Quality Implementation
Plans; Navajo Nation; Regional Haze
Requirements for Navajo Generating
Station; Supplemental Proposal
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Supplemental proposed rule
and notice of public hearings.
AGENCY:
On February 5, 2013, EPA
published its proposed source-specific
Federal Implementation Plan (FIP)
requiring the Navajo Generating Station
(NGS), located on the Navajo Nation, to
reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen
(NOX) under the Best Available Retrofit
Technology (BART) provision of the
Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). EPA
proposed the BART FIP to reduce
visibility impairment caused by NGS at
11 National Parks and Wilderness
Areas. EPA’s proposed FIP included: (1)
A proposed BART determination; (2) A
proposed ‘‘better than BART’’
alternative that achieves greater
reasonable progress towards the
national visibility goals than BART; and
(3) a framework for evaluating
additional alternatives to BART. This
framework for evaluating additional
alternatives was included in the
proposal due to the unique purpose and
history of NGS and the numerous
stakeholder interests in it. On March 19,
2013 and June 19, 2013, EPA provided
two extensions of the public comment
period based on requests of several
stakeholders who were actively working
to develop an alternative to BART. On
July 26, 2013, a group of stakeholders,
known as the Technical Work Group
(TWG), submitted to EPA their
suggested alternative to BART (the
‘‘TWG Alternative’’). The TWG
Alternative establishes a lifetime cap in
NOX emissions over 2009–2044 (the
2009–2044 NOX Cap) that is equivalent
to the cumulative NOX emissions over
2009–2044 that NGS would emit under
EPA’s proposed BART determination of
0.055 lb/MMBtu achieved within five
years of the final rule. Due to on-going
lease and ownership uncertainties, the
operators of NGS cannot yet commit to
a single course of action for maintaining
emissions below the 2009–2044 NOX
Cap. The TWG Alternative therefore
includes several alternative operating
scenarios for meeting the 2009–2044
NOX Cap. EPA did not participate in the
TWG or assist in developing the TWG
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SUMMARY:
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Alternative, and has independently
evaluated the TWG Alternative to
determine if it meets the requirements
of the CAA and the Regional Haze Rule
(RHR). In this action, EPA is proposing
to determine that the TWG Alternative
is ‘‘better than BART’’ because
maintaining emissions below the 2009–
2044 NOX Cap, as provided in the TWG
Alternative, achieves greater reasonable
progress than EPA’s proposed BART
determination towards the national
visibility goal. EPA is accepting
comment concurrently on today’s
Supplemental Proposal and our
proposal from February 5, 2013.
DATES: Comments on EPA’s February 5,
2013 proposal and today’s
Supplemental Proposal for NGS must be
postmarked no later than January 6,
2014.
Submit comments,
identified by docket number EPA–R09–
OAR–2013–0009, by one of the
following methods:
(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal:
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line
instructions.
(2) Email: r9ngsbart@epa.gov.
(3) Mail or deliver: Anita Lee (Air-2),
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Street, San
Francisco, CA 94105–3901.
For more detailed instructions
concerning how to submit comments on
this supplemental proposed rule, and
for more information on our proposed
rule, please see the notice of proposed
rulemaking, published in the Federal
Register on February 5, 2013 (78 FR
8274).
Instructions: All comments 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
Confidential Business Information (CBI)
or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Information that
you consider CBI or otherwise protected
should be clearly identified as such and
should not be submitted through
www.regulations.gov or email.
www.regulations.gov is an ‘‘anonymous
access’’ system, and EPA will not know
your identity or contact information
unless you provide it in the body of
your comment. If you send an email
directly to EPA, your email address will
be automatically captured and included
as part of the public comment. If EPA
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, EPA may not be
able to consider your comment.
Hearings: EPA has scheduled five
public hearings to accept oral and
ADDRESSES:
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written comments on the proposed
rulemaking. Prior to, or concurrent with,
each public hearing, EPA will be
holding an informal open house to
allow members of the public additional
time to review information related to
EPA’s proposed BART determination
and Supplemental Proposal, and to
speak with representatives from EPA.
Any comments made to EPA staff
during the open houses must still be
provided in writing or orally during the
formal public hearing in order to be
considered in the record. The open
house and public hearing schedule is as
follows:
1. LeChee Chapter House (Navajo
Nation), located in LeChee, Arizona,
three miles south of Page on
Coppermine Road (Navajo Route 20),
(928) 698–2805, November 12, 2013,
concurrent Open House and Public
Hearing from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., local time;
2. Page High School Cultural Arts
Building, 434 Lake Powell Boulevard,
located in Page, Arizona, (928) 608–
4138, November 12, 2013, Open House
from 3–5 p.m., local time and Public
Hearing from 6–9 p.m., local time;
3. Hopi Day School, Quarter-Mile East
Main Street, located in Kykotsmovi,
Arizona, (928) 734–2467, November 13,
2013, Open House from 3–5 p.m., local
time and Public Hearing from 6–9 p.m.,
local time;
4. Phoenix Convention Center, 100
North 3rd Street, located in Phoenix,
Arizona, (602) 262–6225, November 14,
2013, Open House from 3–5 p.m., local
time and Public Hearing from 6–10
p.m., local time;
5. Proscenium Theatre, Pima
Community College West Campus,
Center for the Arts Building located two
miles west of Interstate–10 on St. Mary’s
Road, (520) 206–6986, in Tucson,
Arizona–November 15, 2013, Open
House from 3–5 p.m., local time and
Public Hearing from 6–9 p.m., local
time.
EPA will provide oral interpretation
´
services between English and Dine at
the open houses and public hearings in
LeChee and Page. EPA may provide oral
interpretation services between English
and the Hopi language at the open
house and public hearing in
Kykotsmovi, pending availability of a
Hopi interpreter. To request additional
oral interpretation services or to request
reasonable accommodation for a
disability, please contact the person
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section, by October 21, 2013.
Verbatim transcripts, in English, of the
hearings and written statements
provided at the hearings will be
included in the docket for this
rulemaking.
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Oral testimony may be limited to five
minutes or less for each commenter to
address the proposal or supplemental
proposed rule. We will not be providing
equipment for commenters to show
overhead slides or make computerized
presentations. The public hearings for
the four evening events are scheduled to
close at 9 p.m. (in Page, Kykotsmovi,
and Tucson) or 10 p.m. (in Phoenix), but
may close later, if necessary, depending
on the number of speakers wishing to
participate.
Written statements and supporting
information submitted electronically or
by mail during the comment period will
be considered with the same weight as
any oral comments and supporting
information presented at the public
hearings. If you are unable to attend the
hearings but wish to submit comments
on the proposed rule, you may submit
comments as indicated in the
ADDRESSES section above.
Docket: The index to the docket for
this action is available electronically at
www.regulations.gov and in hard copy
at EPA Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Street,
San Francisco, California. While
documents in the docket are listed in
the index, some information may be
publicly available only at EPA Region 9
(e.g., maps, voluminous reports,
copyrighted material), and some may
not be publicly available in either
location (e.g., CBI). To inspect the hard
copy materials, please schedule an
appointment during normal business
hours with the contact listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Anita Lee, EPA Region 9, (415) 972–
3958, r9ngsbart@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Throughout this document, ‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’,
and ‘‘our’’ refer to EPA.
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Table of Contents
I. Background
A. The Significance of the Navajo
Generating Station
B. EPA’s February 5, 2013 Proposed BART
Determination
C. Technical Work Group Agreement
II. Legal Background for Proposing the TWG
Alternative to BART as Achieving
Greater Progress Towards the National
Visibility Goal
III. EPA’s Technical Evaluation of Greater
Reasonable Progress Towards the
National Visibility Goal
A. Summary of TWG Alternative to BART
B. EPA’s Technical Evaluation of TWG
Alternative to BART
IV. EPA’s Supplemental Proposal
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review 13563B. Paperwork
Reduction Act
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B. Paperwork Reduction Act
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
I. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions
To Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
I. Background
A. The Significance of the Navajo
Generating Station
NGS is a coal-fired power plant
located on the Navajo Nation Indian
Reservation, just east of Page, Arizona,
approximately 135 miles north of
Flagstaff, Arizona. Emissions of NOX
from NGS affect visibility at 11 National
Parks and Wilderness Areas that are
designated as Class I federal areas,
mandated by Congress to receive
heightened protection: Arches National
Park (NP), Bryce Canyon NP,
Canyonlands NP, Capitol Reef NP,
Grand Canyon NP, Mazatzal Wilderness
Area (WA), Mesa Verde NP, Petrified
Forest NP, Pine Mountain WA,
Sycamore Canyon WA, and Zion NP.
These areas support an active tourism
industry drawing over four million
visitors to the Grand Canyon National
Park alone in 2011.1 NGS is subject to
the BART requirements of the CAA and
the RHR based on its age and its effects
on visibility in Class I areas. For a more
detailed discussion of our determination
that NGS is subject to BART and the
requirements of the RHR, please see our
proposed FIP at 78 FR 8274 and 8277
(February 5, 2013).
NGS is co-owned by six entities: the
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation)—24.3 percent, Salt River
Project Agricultural Improvement and
Power District (SRP), which also acts as
the facility operator—21.7 percent, Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power
(LADWP)—21.2 percent, Arizona Public
Service (APS)—14 percent, Nevada
Energy (NV Energy, also known as
Nevada Power Company)—11.3 percent,
and Tucson Electric Power (TEP)—7.5
percent.
1 See document titled ‘‘Grand Canyon Annual
Visitation.pdf’’ within document number 0005 in
the docket for this proposed rulemaking at EPA–
R09–OAR–2013–0009.
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Federal participation in NGS was
authorized in the Colorado River Basin
Project Act of 1968 as a preferred
alternative to building hydroelectric
dams in the Grand Canyon for providing
power to the Central Arizona Project
(CAP).2 The CAP is a 336-mile water
distribution system that delivers about
1.5 million acre-feet (AF) per year of
Colorado River water from Lake Havasu
in western Arizona to non-tribal
agricultural water users in central
Arizona, Indian tribes located in
Arizona, and municipal water users in
Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties.3
The CAP water is used to meet the terms
of a number of Indian water-rights
settlements in central Arizona and to
reduce groundwater usage in the
region.4 Electricity from NGS powers
the pumps that move CAP water to its
destinations along the distribution
system.
Several tribes located in Arizona
including the Gila River Indian
Community, the Ak-Chin Indian
Community, the Tohono O’odham
Nation, the San Carlos Apache Tribe,
the White Mountain Apache Indian
Tribe, the Fort McDowell Yavapai
Nation, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community, the Navajo Nation,
the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the Hopi
Tribe, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the
Yavapai-Prescott Tribe, and the Tonto
Apache Nation, have CAP water
allocations or contracts.5 In exchange
for allocations of CAP water at reduced
cost and access to funds for the
development of water infrastructure, the
tribes with water settlement agreements
have released their claims to other water
in Arizona. Excess NGS power owned
by Reclamation that is not used by CAP
is sold and profits are deposited into a
fund to support the tribal water
settlement agreements.6 The U.S.
Department of the Interior (DOI or the
Interior), through Reclamation, plays an
important role in the implementation of
2 See information on the Central Arizona Project
at https://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_
Name=Central+Arizona+Project. See also report by
the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL),
discussed in more detail in Section G.iii of this
notice, titled ‘‘Navajo Generating Station and Air
Visibility Regulations: Alternatives and Impacts’’,
revision dated March 2012 (NREL report) within
document number 0005 in the docket for this
proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–
0009.
3 See Section titled ‘‘Welcome’’ on CAP
homepage: https://www.cap-az.com/.
4 See, for example, Section 4 of the NREL report
and Comments from the Central Arizona Water
Conservation District on the NREL report to DOI
and EPA dated February 23, 201[2], within
document number 0005 in the docket for this
proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–
0009.
5 See Table 7, 78 FR at 8283 (February 5, 2013).
6 Id.
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these settlement agreements and the
management of the funds set aside for
water infrastructure development for
tribes.
The coal used by NGS is supplied by
the Kayenta Mine, operated by Peabody
Energy and located on reservation lands
of both the Navajo Nation and the Hopi
Tribe. Taxes and royalties from NGS
and the Kayenta Mine paid to the
Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe
contribute to the annual revenues for
both governments.7
Given the extent of federal and tribal
interests in NGS, on January 4, 2013,
EPA, DOI, and the Department of Energy
(DOE) signed a joint federal agency
statement (Joint Statement) committing
to collaborate on several short- and
long-term goals, including analyzing
and pursuing strategies for providing
clean, affordable, and reliable power,
affordable and sustainable water, and
sustainable economic development to
key stakeholders who currently depend
on NGS.8 The Joint Statement also
recognizes the trust responsibilities of
the Federal government to Indian tribes.
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B. EPA’s February 5, 2013 Proposed
BART Determination
As previously stated, NGS is subject
to the BART requirements of the CAA
and the RHR based on its age and its
effects on visibility in Class I areas.
Because NGS is located in Indian
country, and because the Navajo Nation
has not developed a Tribal
Implementation Plan to implement the
BART requirement for NGS, on
February 5, 2013, EPA proposed a BART
determination to require NGS to meet a
NOX emission limit of 0.055 pound per
million British thermal units of heat
input (lb/MMBtu) within five years of
the effective date of a final rule.9 For a
number of reasons, including the
importance of NGS to numerous Indian
tribes located in Arizona and the federal
government’s reliance on NGS to meet
the requirements of water settlements
with several tribes, EPA proposed an
Alternative to BART (i.e., Alternative 1)
within the ‘‘better than BART’’
framework we outlined. EPA recognized
that there may be other approaches that
could result in better visibility benefits
over time and that there may be changes
in energy demand, supply, or other
developments over the next several
7 Id.
8 See document title ‘‘2013_0104 Joint Federal
Agency Statement on NGS’’ within document
number 0005 in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–0009.
9 Unless otherwise noted, the averaging period,
for all emission limits, is based on a rolling average
of 30 boiler operating days.
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decades that may change electricity
generation on the Navajo Nation.
EPA’s proposed ‘‘better than BART’’
framework established total emissions
of NOX over 2009–2044 as the ‘‘BART
Benchmark’’ against which an
Alternative to BART would be
compared.10 EPA’s ‘‘better than BART’’
framework included a NOX emission
credit for the early and voluntary
installation of LNB/SOFA over the
2009–2011 timeframe (LNB/SOFA
credit).11 As discussed in our proposed
rulemaking, EPA was exercising its
authority and discretion under section
301(d)(4) of the CAA and 40 CFR
49.11(a) to propose an extended
timeframe for an alternative measure
under the RHR for NGS. We proposed
the LNB/SOFA credit supporting an
extended timeframe based on the
flexibility under section 301(d)(4) of the
CAA, and 40 CFR 49.11(a).12 EPA
applied the LNB/SOFA credit to each
Alternative to BART (adjusted
emissions) and compared those values
against the BART benchmark. Total
adjusted emissions of an Alternative to
BART over 2009–2044 that were lower
than the BART Benchmark were then
determined to be ‘‘better than BART’’
and result in greater reasonable progress
towards the national visibility goal than
BART. Conversely, alternatives that
result in total NOX emissions exceeding
the BART Benchmark would not be
acceptable unless those alternatives
provided additional emission
reductions to bridge the deficit in NOX
emission reductions.
To calculate the value of the LNB/
SOFA credit, EPA first calculated the
total NOX emissions over 2009–2044
that NGS would emit if NGS had waited
until the proposed BART compliance
date to install LNB/SOFA concurrently
with SCR. EPA then calculated total
NOX emissions over 2009–2044 with the
actual installation date of LNB/SOFA in
2009–2011 and installation of SCR by
the BART compliance date. The
difference between the two values was
calculated to be the LNB/SOFA credit.13
10 In our proposed rulemaking, we use the term
‘‘BART threshold’’ to describe the total emissions
of NOX over 2009–2044 against which Alternatives
to BART would be compared. Although we use the
term ‘‘BART benchmark’’ here, the two terms are
intended to be identical in meaning.
11 The NO reductions achieved by installing the
X
modern LNB/SOFA were not required under any
regulatory program under the CAA and resulted in
more NOX emission reductions during the period
between 2009 and the BART compliance date than
if LNB/SOFA were installed concurrently with SCR
by the BART compliance date.
12 See 78 FR 8289 (February 5, 2013).
13 As discussed in greater detail in our proposed
rule (78 FR at 8289, February 5, 2013), EPA notes
that LNB with SOFA is a potential control option
evaluated under BART and that these technologies
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Under EPA’s proposed framework, EPA
established, as the BART benchmark,
the total NOX emissions over 2009–2044
with the actual installation date of LNB/
SOFA in 2009–2011 and installation of
SCR by the BART compliance date. For
a more detailed discussion of this
approach, please see our proposed FIP
at 78 FR at 8288–91.
EPA applied this framework to several
alternatives we developed. In the
February 2013 proposal, we proposed
one Alternative to BART that would
provide an additional three to five years
to NGS in the schedule for the
installation of new post-combustion
control equipment to meet the proposed
BART limit of 0.055 lb/MMBtu (i.e.,
Alternative 1 requiring compliance with
the proposed BART limit on one unit
per year in 2021, 2022, and 2023).
Additional NOX emissions resulting
from delayed compliance were offset by
the emissions credit NGS achieved by
its early and voluntary installation of
LNB/SOFA. We calculated that under
this proposed Alternative 1, total
adjusted emissions of NOX over 2009–
2044 were lower than total emissions of
NOX under EPA’s proposed BART
determination. Therefore, EPA proposed
to find that Alternative 1 achieves
greater reasonable progress than BART.
In the February 2013 proposal, EPA
also described, but did not propose, two
additional alternatives (Alternatives 2
and 3) that would provide an additional
five to eight years for NGS to meet the
proposed BART limit of 0.055 lb/
MMBtu (i.e., Alternatives 2 and 3 called
for compliance with the BART limit on
one unit per year over 2023–2025 and
2024–2026, respectively). Total NOX
emissions over 2009–2044, after
accounting for the LNB/SOFA early
installation credit, from each of these
two additional alternatives both
exceeded the BART Benchmark.
However, under our proposed
framework, these two additional
alternatives would be viable if the
owners of NGS achieved sufficient
additional emission reductions to bridge
the NOX reduction deficit. EPA
requested comment on our proposed
‘‘better than BART’’ framework and how
NGS might achieve the emission
reduction bridge necessary for the
longer compliance schedules under
are typically used in conjunction with SCR or other
add-on controls to first reduce NOX formation
during combustion. EPA recognizes that the owners
of NGS could have waited until the compliance
date of the final BART determination before
installing any new controls, including LNB/SOFA,
and that the early and voluntary NOX reductions
achieved beginning in 2009 were not required
under any regulatory program under the CAA.
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Alternatives 2 and 3 to qualify as ‘‘better
than BART.’’
In both the February 2013 proposal
and in the accompanying fact sheet,
EPA encouraged a robust public
discussion of our proposed BART
determination, our proposed Alternative
1, as well as our proposed ‘‘better than
BART’’ framework and other possible
alternatives that meet the framework. In
addition, we recognized the potential
need for a supplemental proposal if
other approaches developed by other
parties are identified as meeting the
requirements of the CAA.14
After EPA published the proposed FIP
on February 5, 2013, we received
requests for a 90-day extension of the
public comment period from the Navajo
Nation, the Gila River Indian
Community, SRP, and the Central
Arizona Water Conservation District
(CAWCD), the CAP operating entity, in
order to allow stakeholders additional
time to develop alternatives to BART for
EPA’s consideration. Recognizing the
significant time and effort necessary to
develop viable alternatives and the
critical importance of active
participation by affected parties in the
development of alternatives to BART,
on March 19, 2013, EPA extended the
close of the public comment period to
August 5, 2013 (78 FR 16825).
On June 10, 2013, EPA signed a
notice, published on June 19, 2013, of
our intent to hold five public hearings
throughout the state of Arizona (78 FR
36716), at one location each on
reservation lands of the Navajo Nation
and Hopi Tribe, and in Page, Phoenix,
and Tucson, Arizona.
On June 20, 2013, SRP submitted a
letter, on behalf of itself and certain
other stakeholders, requesting another
extension of the comment period for
NGS. The SRP letter described work that
had been on-going for several months
with representatives from several
organizations (the TWG) to develop an
Alternative to BART. On July 9, 2013,
EPA extended the close of the public
comment period again to October 4,
2013 (78 FR 41012). On September 16,
2013, EPA signed a notice extending the
close of the public comment period a
third time, to January 6, 2014.15
Gila River Indian Community (Gila
River, or the Community), the Navajo
Nation, SRP, on behalf of itself and the
other non-federal Participants, the
Department of the Interior, and Western
Resource Advocates, submitted a
document memorializing a multi-party
agreement (the TWG Agreement) to EPA
for consideration.16 EPA had attended a
‘‘kick-off’’ meeting for the TWG on
March 21, 2013, at which we described
our February 5, 2013 proposal, but EPA
did not have any further participation in
the TWG.17 As described in Section III
of the TWG Agreement, ‘‘Summary of
Agreement Elements; Reasonable
Progress Alternative to BART,
Obligations of Support, and Reservation
Right’’, the Agreement consists of seven
elements: (1) A description of a
‘‘Reasonable Progress Alternative to
BART’’ (the TWG Alternative); 18 (2) a
study of options by Reclamation for
replacing the federal share of energy
being generated from NGS with lowemitting energy; (3) commitments by
Interior to reduce or offset emissions of
carbon dioxide (CO2) by three percent
per year and facilitate the development
of clean energy resources; (4)
commitments by Interior to mitigate
potential impacts from EPA’s final
BART rule to Affected Tribes; (5) a
commitment by Interior to carry out the
Phase 2 Study by the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
for the purposes of studying options for
the future of NGS; (6) a commitment by
SRP to make funds available for a Local
Benefit Fund for community
improvement projects within 100 miles
of NGS or the Kayenta Mine; and (7) a
summary of obligations of the Parties to
the Agreement and miscellaneous legal
provisions.
The TWG Agreement, in its entirety,
is included in the docket for this
proposed rulemaking. Appendix B to
the TWG Agreement is the only
component of the TWG Agreement that
is applicable to today’s action. EPA is
not requesting comment on the
provisions of the TWG Agreement
unrelated to Appendix B, and will not
be responding to comments on aspects
of the TWG Agreement that are not
C. Technical Work Group Agreement
On July 26, 2013, a group of
stakeholders known as the TWG and
composed of the Central Arizona Water
Conservation District (CAWCD), the
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the
16 See ‘‘Technical Work Group Agreement Related
to Navajo Generating Station (NGS)’’ dated July 25,
2013, and submitted to EPA on July 26, 2013, in the
docket for this proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–
OAR–2013–0009–0122.
17 See document number 0033 in the docket for
the proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–
0009.
18 The ‘‘Reasonable Progress Alternative to
BART’’ is a term from the TWG Agreement. EPA
interprets this term to have the same meaning as an
Alternative to BART or a ‘‘better than BART’’
Alternative, however, we do not otherwise use this
term in today’s Supplemental Proposal.
14 See Fact Sheet at https://www.epa.gov/region9/
air/navajo/#proposed.
15 See document number 0172 in the docket for
this proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–
0009.
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related to our authority under section
169A of the CAA to require BART or an
Alternative to BART.
II. Legal Background for Proposing the
TWG Alternative to BART as Achieving
Greater Progress Towards the National
Visibility Goal
In our proposed BART determination
for NGS on February 5, 2013 (78 FR
8274), we provided a detailed
discussion of the statutory and
regulatory framework for addressing
visibility, addressing sources located in
Indian country under the Tribal
Authority Rule (TAR), and developing
BART determinations pursuant to the
CAA and the BART Guidelines set forth
in Appendix Y to 40 CFR Part 51. Please
see 77 FR 8275–8277 for our discussion
on these topics. In the following
paragraphs, we describe the legal
background and authority for evaluating
Alternatives to BART and for providing
additional compliance flexibility to
NGS.
Under the CAA, compliance with
emission limits determined as BART
must be achieved ‘‘as expeditiously as
practicable but in no event later than
five years’’ after the effective date of the
final BART determination (See CAA
169A(b)(2)(A) and (g)(4)). Therefore, the
BART compliance date for NGS would
be no later than 2019 if the rule is
finalized in 2014. As discussed in
greater detail in our proposed BART
determination, EPA recognizes that the
circumstances related to NGS create
unusual and significant challenges for a
five-year compliance schedule.19 Based
on those challenges and our discretion
under the TAR for implementing CAA
requirements on tribal lands, we
considered other options that are
consistent with the CAA and RHR, and
that provide for a more flexible,
extended compliance schedule.
EPA’s BART regulations allow an
Alternative to BART provided the
alternative results in greater reasonable
progress than would have been achieved
19 SRP expressed concern that the owners of NGS
may choose to retire the facility if faced with the
financial risk of making a large capital investment
within five years without also having certainty that
the lease and contract re-negotiations would
conclude in a timely and favorable manner. EPA
understands that the owners of NGS face numerous
uncertainties and the unusual requirement to
comply with NEPA for lease and other rights-of-way
approvals, which apply only to NGS and Four
Corners Power Plant, the other coal-fired power
plant located on the Navajo Nation. EPA also
understands the importance of the continued
operation of NGS and the Kayenta Mine to the
Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe as a source of direct
revenues through lease payments or coal royalties,
as well as the importance of Reclamation’s share of
NGS to supply water to many tribes located in
Arizona in accordance with several water
settlement acts.
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through installation of BART. 40 CFR
51.308(e)(2). The regulations provide
that an Alternative to BART must
ensure that all necessary emission
reductions occur within the period of
the first long-term strategy for regional
haze (i.e., by 2018) for States that were
required to submit regional haze SIPs in
December 2007. 40 CFR 51.308(e)(2)(iii).
Thus, if states had submitted timely
regional haze SIPs in 2007 with BART
compliance deadlines in 2012, the RHR
provided over five additional years for
the implementation of Alternatives to
BART.
In our February 5, 2013 proposal for
NGS, EPA proposed an Alternative to
BART (Alternative 1). In particular, EPA
proposed that consideration of a
compliance schedule beyond 2018 for
Alternative 1 at NGS was appropriate
for a number of reasons, including the
importance of NGS to numerous Indian
tribes located in Arizona and the federal
government’s reliance on NGS to meet
the requirements of water settlements
with several tribes. The timeframe for
compliance would not, in itself, avoid
or mitigate increases in water rates for
tribes located in Arizona; however, it
would provide time for the collaborating
federal agencies to explore options to
avoid or minimize potential impacts to
tribes, including seeking funding to
cover expenses for the federal portion of
pollution control at NGS.
In developing this framework, EPA
proposed to exercise its authority and
discretion under section 301(d)(4) of the
CAA, 42 U.S.C. 7601(d)(4), and the
TAR, 40 CFR 49.11(a) and proposed an
extended timeframe for an alternative
measure under the RHR for NGS. EPA
considered this extension of time to be
consistent with the general
programmatic requirements. States and
regulated sources accordingly had
almost 20 years under the RHR to design
and implement alternative measures to
BART. Because of the myriad
stakeholder interests and complex
governmental interests unique to NGS,
we are only now addressing the BART
requirements for NGS. For all the
reasons explained above, we considered
it appropriate to consider an extended
compliance period for NGS.
Our proposal to require emission
reductions beyond 2018 was supported
by the Tribal Authority Rule codified at
40 CFR 49.11(a). The TAR reflects EPA’s
commitment to promulgate ‘‘such
Federal implementation plan provisions
as are necessary or appropriate to
protect air quality’’ in Indian country
where a tribe either does not submit a
Tribal Implementation Plan (TIP) or
does not receive approval of a submitted
TIP. (Emphasis added.)
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The use of the term ‘‘provisions as are
necessary or appropriate’’ indicates
EPA’s determination that it may only be
necessary or appropriate to promulgate
a FIP of limited scope. The United
States Court of Appeals for the Tenth
Circuit has previously endorsed the
application of this approach in a
challenge to the FIP for the Four Corners
Power Plant, stating: ‘‘[40 C.F.R.
49.11(a)] provides the EPA discretion to
determine what rulemaking is necessary
or appropriate to protect air quality and
requires the EPA to promulgate such
rulemaking.’’ Ariz. Public Serv. Co. v.
EPA, 562 F.3d 1116 (10th Cir. 2009).
The court went on to observe: ‘‘Nothing
in section 49.11(a) requires EPA . . . to
submit a plan meeting the completeness
criteria of [40 CFR part 51] Appendix
V.’’ Id. While the decision in Arizona
Public Service Company focused on 40
CFR Part 51 Appendix V, EPA believes
the same considerations apply to the
promulgation of a FIP intended to
address the objectives set forth in 40
CFR 51.308(e)(2). In particular, EPA has
discretion to determine if and when a
FIP addressing the objectives set forth in
40 CFR 51.308(e)(2) should be
promulgated, which necessarily
includes discretion to determine the
timing for complying with the
requirements of any such FIP.
III. EPA’s Technical Evaluation of
Greater Reasonable Progress Towards
the National Visibility Goal
A. Summary of TWG Alternative to
BART
Appendix B of the TWG Agreement
contains the TWG Alternative that was
submitted to EPA for consideration as a
’’better than BART’’ Alternative.20 The
TWG Alternative was developed by the
Technical Work Group, which did not
include EPA, to satisfy the ‘‘better than
BART’’ requirements of the RHR.21 The
20 The TWG Alternative is divided into distinct
operating scenarios that the TWG calls Alternative
A and Alternative B. The TWG Alternative further
divides Alternative A into sub-scenarios. EPA refers
to the sub-scenarios under Alternative A as A1, A2,
and A3. EPA is reviewing all four scenarios
(Alternatives A1, A2, A3, and B) together as one
Alternative.
21 The TWG Agreement also states that the TWG
Alternative is intended to satisfy any requirements
of the Reasonably Attributable Visibility
Impairment (RAVI) program. On May 5, 2009, the
National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)
petitioned the Department of the Interior to certify
that emissions of NOX and particulate matter cause
visibility impairment at the Grand Canyon National
Park. This type of visibility impairment, reasonably
attributable from a single stationary source, is
known as Reasonably Attributable Visibility
Impairment (RAVI). On January 20, 2011, NPCA
filed a complaint in the United States District Court
for the District of Columbia contending that the
Department of the Interior was unreasonably
delaying making a finding of reasonable attribution
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62513
core element of the TWG Alternative is
that the TWG Alternative establishes a
cap in NOX emissions over the period
2009–2044 (the 2009–2044 NOX Cap).
The TWG Alternative then outlines the
operating scenarios that would be
required depending on the final
outcome of NGS ownership after the
expiration of the current lease term at
the end of 2019. The owners of NGS
commit to maintaining emissions from
NGS below the 2009–2044 NOX Cap
regardless of the post-2019 ownership of
NGS and the applicable operating
scenario. In general, the operating
scenarios include specific actions for
achieving emission reductions by 2019
and 2030 to ensure compliance with the
2009–2044 NOX Cap. The TWG
Alternative also provides for an
operating scenario that is less welldefined but establishes a second NOX
emissions cap over the period of 2009–
2029 (the 2009–2029 NOX Cap) that is
equivalent to emission reductions that
would be achieved by the more welldefined operating scenarios. The 2009–
2029 NOX Cap would apply in addition
to the 2009–2044 NOX Cap. The TWG
Alternative also includes annual
reporting requirements to EPA.
The 2009–2044 NOX Cap is calculated
based on expected emissions that would
result if NGS complied with EPA’s
proposed BART emission limit of 0.055
lb/MMBtu on each unit within five
years of the effective date of a final rule.
The TWG Alternative also incorporates
EPA’s proposed credit to NGS for the
emission reductions achieved from the
early and voluntary installation of LNB/
SOFA beginning in 2009 (the LNB/
SOFA credit).
The TWG Alternative puts forth two
main operating scenarios, with
additional sub-options, for limiting NOX
emissions below the 2009–2044 NOX
Cap. These scenarios are called TWG
from NGS. In a letter dated March 8, 2011 to NPCA,
the National Park Service (NPS) declined to make
such a finding based on EPA’s on-going work
related to a BART determination for NGS. On June
30, 2011, the Court dismissed the complaint
holding the NPS letter refusing to make the finding
of reasonable attribution constituted denying the
Petitioner’s request for a RAVI finding. If NPS were
to certify RAVI at Grand Canyon from NGS, EPA
must determine whether visibility impairment at
Grand Canyon is indeed reasonably attributable to
NGS. If EPA were to make a positive attribution
determination, then EPA would be required to
conduct a BART determination for NGS. We note,
however, that while the process for determining
whether a given stationary source causes or
contributes to RAVI or regional haze are different,
the process for determining BART under both
programs is essentially the same. In other words, a
BART determination for RAVI would likely be the
same as a BART determination for regional haze.
The 2009 NPCA petition, the 2011 NPCA
complaint, the 2011 letter from NPS, and the 2011
Court decision are all included in the docket for
this proposed rulemaking.
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Alternatives A and B. The TWG
Alternative provides different operating
scenarios because of current uncertainty
over the ownership interests in NGS
following the expiration of the initial
NGS lease term at the end of 2019.
Specifically, two owners, LADWP and
NV Energy, have announced plans to
divest from any continuing ownership
interest in NGS after 2019. These
owners may retire or sell their interest
in NGS. In addition, the recent Lease
Amendment with the Navajo Nation
that extends the NGS lease to 2044
includes an option for the Navajo
Nation to purchase up to a 170 MW
ownership share in NGS.22
Each of the three scenarios under
TWG Alternative A (i.e., A1, A2, or A3)
requires two significant emission
reductions, one to occur by December
31, 2019 and the other by December 31,
2030. The emission reductions in the
first step, by December 31, 2019, under
TWG Alternative A1 would be achieved
through closure of one unit. Alternative
A2 would entail closure of one unit
with an increase in capacity, not to
exceed 189 MW, at the remaining two
units; Alternative A3 would entail the
curtailment of energy production across
all three units such that the emission
reductions are equivalent to the closure
of approximately one unit. The emission
reductions to occur in the second step,
under Alternatives A1–3, would occur
by December 31, 2030, and would be
achieved by compliance of two units at
NGS with an emission limit of 0.07 lb/
MMBtu, achievable with the installation
of SCR. Under the TWG Alternative,
although the 2009–2044 NOX Cap is
calculated based on EPA’s proposed
BART emission limit of 0.055 lb/
MMBtu, the owners of NGS commit to
meeting a limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu from
the installation of SCR. The operator
states that a limit of 0.055 lb/MMBtu is
not achievable for a retrofit application
when startup, shutdown, and load
following emissions are included.23
22 See Section XI of the ‘‘Amendment No. 1 to
Indenture of Lease Navajo Units 1, 2, and 3 Between
the Navajo Nation and Arizona Public Service
Company, Department of Water and Power of the
City of Los Angeles, Nevada Power Company dba
NV Energy, Salt River Project Agricultural
Improvement and Power District, and Tucson
Electric Company’’, within document number 0150
in the docket for this proposed rulemaking at EPA–
R09–OAR–2013–0009.
23 See Appendix B.1.A.3 of the Technical Work
Group Agreement on NGS, document number 0122
in the docket for this proposed rulemaking. EPA
does not consider the limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu to be
a BART emission limit, rather, a component of the
TWG Alternative. Under the TWG Alternative, this
higher emission rate is offset by the closure of one
unit, or the curtailment of generation. In other
words, despite the higher emission rate under the
TWG Alternative compared to EPA’s proposed
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Alternative A1 would be triggered if
LADWP and NV Energy retire their
ownership shares of NGS without
selling, or if LADWP and NV Energy sell
their ownership shares to an existing
NGS participant and the Navajo Nation
does not elect to purchase an interest in
NGS. Alternative A2 is triggered if
LADWP or NV Energy sell their
ownership shares to an existing NGS
participant, the Navajo Nation elects to
purchase an interest in NGS, and the
NGS participants can increase the
capacity of NGS by no more than 189
MW 24 without triggering major source
pre-construction permitting
requirements.25 Alternative A3 is
triggered if LADWP or NV Energy sell
their ownership shares to an existing
NGS Participant, the Navajo Nation
elects to purchase an interest in NGS,
and the NGS Participants cannot
increase the capacity of NGS without
triggering major source pre-construction
permitting requirements.
TWG Alternative B would be triggered
if LADWP and/or NV Energy sell their
ownership interest to a third party (i.e.,
a party that is not an existing NGS
participant). TWG Alternative B
establishes similar emission reductions
to Alternative A by setting a second
NOX emission cap over the 2009–2029
period, i.e., the 2009–2029 NOX Cap
(calculated to be equivalent to the
closure of one unit in 2020), in addition
to the 2009–2044 NOX Cap. Alternative
B specifies that NOX emissions must be
maintained below the cap during each
applicable period (2009–2029 and
2009–2044), but does not specify how
the NGS owners must operate NGS to
meet each cap. The TWG Alternative
outlines annual emissions reporting and
planning requirements both to the
public and to EPA to ensure progress
towards emissions goals and
BART emission limit, NGS would comply with the
2009–2044 NOX Cap because additional emission
reductions are achieved from closure or
curtailment.
24 LADWP owns approximately 477 MW of NGS,
while NV Energy owns approximately 254 MW. The
sum of their shares is 731 MW, which is 19 MW
short of one 750 MW unit at NGS. The Navajo
Nation has the option to purchase up to a 170 MW
interest in NGS. A 189 MW limit in the capacity
increase is based on making up the 19 MW shortfall
and the maximum amount the Navajo Nation can
purchase (i.e., the sum of 19 MW and 170 MW).
25 The Prevention of Significant Deterioration
(PSD) Program generally requires pre-construction
permitting for major sources if the intended
modification increases emissions of certain air
pollutants above the PSD significance thresholds.
The TWG Alternative also cites the Nonattainment
New Source Review Program, a pre-construction
permitting program for areas that are not in
attainment with the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS). Currently, this program does
not apply to NGS as it is not located in an area that
is out of attainment with any of the NAAQS.
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maintenance of emissions below the
2009–2044 NOX Cap.
B. EPA’s Technical Evaluation of TWG
Alternative to BART
EPA is proposing to include the TWG
Alternative as a second ‘‘better than
BART’’ Alternative to achieve
compliance with the RHR.26 We are
proposing to determine that the TWG
Alternative satisfies the requirements of
the RHR as discussed below.
As stated previously, the TWG
Alternative establishes a 2009–2044
NOX Cap based on expected emissions
that would result if NGS complied with
EPA’s proposed BART determination.
The TWG Alternative also incorporates
EPA’s proposed LNB/SOFA credit into
the 2009–2044 NOX Cap. In our
February 5, 2013 proposed rule, EPA
established our proposed BART
determination as a BART Benchmark
based on actual emissions and applied
the LNB/SOFA credit to each
Alternative to BART (to calculate
‘‘adjusted’’ emissions). Adjusted
emissions, from each Alternative, were
then compared against the BART
Benchmark. As discussed in the
following paragraphs, these two
methods of applying credit for the early
and voluntary installation of LNB/SOFA
beginning in 2009 are equivalent.27
As shown in our proposed
rulemaking, EPA’s proposed BART
Benchmark was 358,974 tons of NOX
over 2009–2044.28 This value was
calculated assuming compliance with
EPA’s proposed BART emission limit of
0.055 lb/MMBtu on January 1, 2018,
based on a final rule effective date of
January 1, 2013. A final rule effective
date of January 1, 2013 is no longer
appropriate for NGS because EPA will
26 In our proposed action on February 5, 2013,
EPA proposed a BART determination for NGS and
Alternative 1 as a ‘‘better than BART’’ Alternative.
In today’s action, we are proposing that the TWG
Alternative also meets our ‘‘better than BART’’
framework. Taken together, EPA has proposed a
BART determination for NGS, Alternative 1, and
the TWG Alternative.
27 See also Spreadsheet titled ‘‘Supplemental
Better than BART Alternatives.xlsx’’ in the docket
for this proposed rulemaking.
28 See Table 12 at 78 FR at 8290 and document
titled ‘‘BART Alternatives.xlsx’’ in document
number 0005 in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–0009. In our
BART proposal, and in calculating the 2009–2044
NOX Cap in this Supplemental Proposal, EPA used
the average annual NOX emissions from NGS over
2001–2008 (34,152 tons) to estimate future annual
emissions before compliance with the 0.055 lb/
MMBtu NOX limit. The TWG Alternative also used
this value in estimating its cap. Estimates for annual
emissions in 2020 and thereafter were based on the
0.055 lb/MMBtu NOX limit for BART and the
average heat input over 2001–2008. This method
was similarly used by EPA in our BART proposal
and this Supplemental Proposal, as well as the
TWG Alternative.
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not issue a final BART rule by that date.
The TWG Alternative provided an
example calculation for the 2009–2044
NOX Cap assuming a final rule effective
date of December 31, 2013, an emission
limit of 0.055 lb/MMBtu, and the
application of the LNB/SOFA credit to
the cap.29 The LNB/SOFA credit, as
applied to the cap, assumes that LNB/
SOFA are installed at NGS concurrently
with SCR, rather than using the actual
early installation dates on one unit per
year over 2009–2011. The example in
the TWG Alternative calculates a 2009–
2044 NOX Cap of 480,490 tons and
acknowledges that the cap would
change depending on the actual
effective date of the final rule. The
difference between the BART
Benchmark from EPA’s proposed
rulemaking (of 358,974 tons) and the
example calculated in the TWG
62515
Alternative (of 480,490 tons) is based on
the application of the LNB/SOFA credit
to the 2009–2044 NOX Cap and the use
of a different final rule effective date,
i.e., 2014 instead of 2013. Additionally,
in our proposed rulemaking, EPA
included a transcription error in our
calculation of the BART Benchmark,
which contributes nominally to the
difference.30
TABLE 1—DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BART BENCHMARK AND EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF NOX CAP FROM TWG
ALTERNATIVE
BART Benchmark
for NOX
As reported in 2/5/13 Proposed Rulemaking .......
358,974
Step 1: Correction for Transcription Error ............
Step 2: Plus Correction for Revised BART Compliance Date.
359,028
377,015
Step 3: Plus Application of LNB/SOFA Credit .....
Assumptions
480,489
Table 1 shows that the correction for
EPA’s transcription error, a revised
BART compliance date, and the
application of the LNB/SOFA credit to
the BART Benchmark instead of
alternatives, account for the full
difference between EPA’s BART
Benchmark, as reported in our proposed
rulemaking, and the example
calculation from the TWG Alternative.31
Using the value from Table 1 of
480,489 tons, representing total NOX
emissions over 2009–2044 if LNB/SOFA
were installed concurrently with SCR by
2019, and the value of 377,015 tons,
representing total NOX emissions over
BART compliance by January 1, 2018 (final rule effective January 1,
2013).
Transcription Error of 2 tpy for 27 years = addition of 54 tons.
Change BART Compliance date from January 1, 2018 to January 1,
2019 = Difference between LNB/SOFA and SCR+LNB/SOFA for one
year = 23,325 tons minus 5,345 tons = 17,980 tons.
Early emission reductions over 2009–2018 achieved from LNB/SOFA installation = (34,152 tpy * 10 years)—(30,500 + 24,427 + 19,837 +
(23,325 * 7 years) = 103,481 tons.
2009–2044 with actual installation years
for LNB/SOFA, the LNB/SOFA credit is
103,481 tons. As discussed previously,
in our proposed rulemaking, EPA set, as
the BART Benchmark, the value of total
NOX emissions over 2009–2044 based
on the actual early installation years for
LNB/SOFA (i.e., 377,015 tons), and
applied the LNB/SOFA credit to BART
Alternatives to calculated a value for
‘‘adjusted emissions’’. If the ‘‘adjusted
emissions’’ were lower than the BART
Benchmark, the BART Alternative was
determined to be ‘‘better than BART’’.
The TWG Alternative, instead, applied
the LNB/SOFA credit to the 2009–2044
NOX Cap (i.e., resulting in 480,489 tons,
very close to the value reported by TWG
of 480,490 tons), and calculated total
emissions from Alternatives based on
the actual early installation years for
LNB/SOFA. If emissions from the BART
Alternative are lower than the 2009–
2044 NOX Cap, the Alternative is ‘‘better
than BART’’. Using Alternative 1 from
our February 5, 2013 proposed
rulemaking, i.e., compliance with the
proposed BART emission limit in 2021,
2022, and 2023, as an example, Table 2
shows that these two methods of
comparing Alternatives against BART
are equivalent.32
TABLE 2—EPA AND TWG METHODS OF COMPARING ALTERNATIVES AGAINST BART
BART
Alternative 1
EPA Method
Compliance Years ............................................................
Total Emissions (tons) ......................................................
LNB/SOFA Credit .............................................................
Adjusted Emissions ..........................................................
Better than BART? ...........................................................
By 2019 ..............................
377,008 tons ......................
n/a ......................................
n/a ......................................
n/a ......................................
2021, 2022, 2023.
430,948 tons.
103,481 tons.
327,467 tons.
Yes, by 49,541 tons (377,008–327,467 tons).
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TWG Method
Compliance Years ............................................................
Total Emissions (tons) ......................................................
LNB/SOFA Credit .............................................................
Adjusted Emissions ..........................................................
Better than BART? ...........................................................
29 Regarding the final rule effective date, see Infra.
at footnote 33.
30 EPA erroneously used the value 5,343 tons per
year to represent NOX emissions from NGS after
installation of SCR. The correct value was 5,345
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By 2019 ..............................
377,008 tons ......................
103,481 tons ......................
480,489 tons ......................
n/a ......................................
2021, 2022, 2023.
430,948 tons.
n/a.
n/a.
Yes, by 49,541 tons (480,489–430,948 tons).
tons per year. See, for example, comparison of cells
B23 and C23 in ‘‘emissions’’ tab of the spreadsheet
entitled ‘‘BART Alternatives.xlsx’’ in document
number 0005 in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–0009.
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31 Id.
32 See also Spreadsheet titled ‘‘Supplemental
Better than BART Alternatives.xlsx’’ in the docket
for this proposed rulemaking.
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As discussed previously, EPA
anticipates that the compliance date for
BART would be based on the effective
date of the final rule, which is typically
60 days following publication of the
final rule in the Federal Register.
Therefore, in calculating the 2009–2044
NOX Cap, EPA assumes that an effective
date of July 1, 2014 is reasonable and
justified.33 Based on a July 1, 2014
effective date, compliance with the
BART emission limit must occur by July
1, 2019. Using this compliance date, as
well as correcting for the transcription
error in our proposed rulemaking and
applying the LNB/SOFA credit to the
BART Benchmark instead of BART
Alternatives, EPA calculates the 2009–
2044 NOX Cap to be 494,899 tons.34
In our proposed BART determination
on February 5, 2013, we established a
framework for evaluating other
Alternatives to BART, centered on our
proposed BART determination that
calculated a BART benchmark for total
NOX emissions over 2009–2044. We
compared total emissions from our
proposed alternative, Alternative 1
(adjusted for the emission reductions
associated with the early installation of
LNB/SOFA) against the BART
benchmark to determine that
Alternative 1 was ‘‘better than BART’’.
The TWG Alternative to BART uses
EPA’s BART benchmark to establish an
emission cap and commits to operate
NGS in a manner such that total NOX
emissions over 2009–2044 remain below
the 2009–2044 NOX Cap, which we
calculate to be 494,899 tons. In ensuring
that total NOX emissions over 2009–
2044 from NGS remain below the 2009–
2044 NOX Cap, the TWG Alternative
meets the criteria of our proposed
‘‘better than BART’’ framework.
EPA’s technical evaluation has also
focused on whether the four potential
operating scenarios in the TWG
Alternative (Alternatives A1–A3 and B)
provide a reasonable basis to ensure the
NOX emissions will remain below the
2009–2044 NOX Cap of 494,899 tons.
The four possible operating scenarios
under the TWG Alternative
(Alternatives A1, A2, A3, and B) are
summarized in section III.A of this
Supplemental Proposal. These four
scenarios are also shown in Table 3 and
compared against the 2009–2044 NOX
Cap. The 2009–2044 NOX Cap reflects
the final rule effective date that EPA
estimates is reasonable and justified for
this rulemaking (July 1, 2014), resulting
in a BART compliance date of July 1,
2019. As discussed above, the 2009–
2044 NOX Cap incorporates the LNB/
SOFA early installation credit. EPA
calculates the 2009–2044 NOX Cap to be
494,899 tons.
The three operating scenarios under
Alternative A represent emission
reductions that occur during three
distinct periods of time: over 2009–2011
(through the early installation of LNB/
SOFA), by 2020 (from closure or
curtailment of one unit, and by 2031
(through compliance with a NOX limit
of 0.07 lb/MMBtu on two units).
Similarly, Alternative B represents
emission reduction that would occur
during three distinct periods of time:
over 2009–2011 (through the early
installation of LNB/SOFA), any time
prior to 2029 (to maintain compliance
with the 2009–2029 NOX Cap), and any
time between 2029 and 2044 (to
maintain compliance with the 2009–
2044 NOX Cap).
EPA notes that the closure or
curtailment of one unit at NGS in 2020
would result not only in NOX
reductions, but also in reductions of
other criteria and hazardous air
pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2),
particulate matter, and mercury.
TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF EPA ANALYSIS OF TWG ALTERNATIVE 35
TWG Alternative: Maintain Emissions below 2009–2044 NOX Cap using one of the following
operating scenarios:
A1
A2
A3
Ownership Possibilities If:
LADWP and NV Energy exit without selling ownership interest or by
selling to an existing NGS Participant.
And:
Navajo Nation does
not purchase ownership interest.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Summary of Cap or
2009–2044 NOX Cap
Operating Scenarios.
= 494,899 tons: By
7/1/2019, meet limit
of 0.055 lb/MMBtu
through installation
of LNB/SOFA concurrently with SCR.
33 The comment period for EPA’s proposed BART
determination and Supplemental Proposal will
close in January 2013. EPA anticipates that a final
rule that considers and responds to all comments
cannot be completed until Spring 2014. Because a
final rule is typically effective 60 days following
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By 12/31/2019, close
one unit.
By 12/31/2030, meet
NOX limit of 0.07
lb/MMBtu on two
units.
Owners do not increase capacity
(triggers permit).
By 12/31/2019, close
one unit.
By 12/31/2019, increase net capacity
by no more than
189 MW.
By 12/31/2030, meet
NOX limit of 0.07
lb/MMBtu on two
units.
Three units could remain open..
By 12/31/2019, curtail
generation by at
least 561 MW.
By 12/31/2030, meet
NOX limit of 0.07
lb/MMBtu on two
units.
publication in the Federal Register, EPA anticipates
the effective date of the final rule will occur no
earlier than mid-summer 2014.
34 See also Spreadsheet titled ‘‘Supplemental
Better than BART Alternatives.xlsx’’ in the docket
for this proposed rulemaking.
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Fmt 4702
LADWP or NV Energy exits by selling
to a 3rd party, or
LADWP or NV Energy do not exit
NGS.
Navajo Nation purchases interest (up
to 170 MW).
Owners increase capacity (does not
trigger permit).
And:
Navajo Nation purchases interest (up
to 170 MW).
B
Sfmt 4702
Maintain total NOX
emissions below a
2009–2029 NOX
Cap (416,865
tons). Cap is equivalent to closure of
one unit by 12/31/
2019.
35 Graphical representation of these Alternatives
against the 2009–2044 NOX Cap are shown in
Spreadsheet titled ‘‘Supplemental Better than BART
Alternatives.xlsx’’ in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking.
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TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF EPA ANALYSIS OF TWG ALTERNATIVE 35—Continued
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Estimate of Total NOX over 2009–2044 ............
435,819 tons .............
In order to better understand whether
the three potential operating scenarios
under Alternative A provide reasonable
assurance that emissions from NGS will
remain below the 2009–2044 NOX Cap,
EPA estimated annual NOX emissions
for each potential operating scenario.36
These estimates were based on the
specific requirements for each scenario
and the average heat input and average
emission rates for each unit operating
with LNB/SOFA.37 EPA used actual
emission data, as reported to the EPA
Clean Air Markets Program, for 2001–
2012.38 To estimate tons of NOX emitted
in the future, EPA calculated the
product of annual heat input (in
MMBtu/year) and the annual average
NOX emission rate (in lb/MMBtu). In
Table 3, estimates for total NOX
emissions over 2009–2044 were
calculated based on the average annual
heat input over 2001–2012, and the
average annual NOX emission rate
achieved over 2011–2012 (when all
three units were operating with LNB/
SOFA) for the 2013–2018 period, and
0.07 lb/MMBtu for the 2020–2044
period.
As shown in Table 3, estimates for
total NOX emissions over 2009–2044 for
Alternatives A1, A2, and A3 are all
below the 2009–2044 NOX Cap. This
indicates that under TWG Alternative A,
NGS can be reasonably expected to
remain below the 2009–2044 NOX Cap.
The TWG Alternative requires the
operator of NGS to submit an annual
report to EPA, which it must also make
publicly available, that includes annual
emissions of SO2 and CO2, and annual
and cumulative emissions of NOX. In
addition, EPA is including a provision
to require reporting of annual heat input
at NGS to assess operation and
utilization of capacity at NGS.
Consistent with 40 CFR 51.308(e), the
enforceable 2009–2044 NOX Cap will
ensure that total emissions of NOX are
less than those that would be emitted
under our proposed BART
determination. The weight of evidence,
including the operating scenarios and
annual reporting requirements as
discussed above, suggest that NGS can
be reasonably expected to remain below
the 2009–2044 NOX Cap.
As indicated in Table 3, and as
discussed previously, the operating
scenario under TWG Alternative B does
not specify the exact process that would
be used to comply with the 2009–2044
NOX Cap. To ensure that NOX emission
reductions are achieved under TWG
Alternative B in a manner similar to
TWG Alternative A1–A3, the TWG
Alternative imposes a nested NOX
emission cap for the 2009–2029 period
(the 2009–2029 NOX Cap) that would
apply in addition to the 2009–2044 NOX
Cap. Under TWG Alternative B, the
2009–2029 NOX Cap would be
equivalent to total NOX emissions over
2009–2029 that would be achieved
under TWG Alternative A1, i.e., closure
of one unit by December 31, 2019. Thus,
under TWG Alternative B, NGS must
still reduce NOX emissions over 2009–
2029 and 2030–2044 in order to comply
with the 2009–2029 and 2009–2044
NOX Caps, but the operator would have
flexibility to determine the timing and
method of reducing emissions.
To evaluate TWG Alternative B, EPA
estimated potential emission reduction
timeframes that would be needed to
comply with the 2009–2029 and 2009–
2044 NOX Caps assuming the owners of
NGS elect to install SCR on all three
units at NGS.39 Using the average
annual heat input over 2001–2012, and
the average annual NOX emission rate
achieved over 2011–2012 (when all
three units were operating with LNB/
SOFA), if NGS achieves emission rates
of 0.07 lb/MMBtu or below after
installation of SCR, the owners of NGS
would need to install SCR on one unit
each in 2026, 2027, and 2028 in order
to comply with the 2009–2029 and
2009–2044 NOX Caps. If NGS achieves
emission rates of 0.055 lb/MMBtu or
below, the owners of NGS would need
to install SCR on one unit each in 2028,
2029, and 2030 in order to comply with
the 2009–2029 and 2009–2044 NOX
36 Id.
37 Under
EPA PSD permit AZ 08–01, November
20, 2008, Units 1–3 at NGS operate with modern
LNB/SOFA with an emission limit of 0.24 lb/
MMBtu. See documents within EPA–R09–OAR–
2013–0009–0005.
38 Id. See also https://ampd.epa.gov/ampd/.
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461,816 tons
39 Although Alternative B does not specify how
the caps will be maintained, installation of SCR on
all units at NGS is a reasonable compliance option,
and therefore, EPA is using this as an example for
further examination of Alternative B. See
spreadsheet, titled ‘‘Supplemental Better than
BART Alternatives.xlsx’’.
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NGS must ensure
total emissions remain below both
Caps.
Caps. In addition to the option of
installing SCR on each unit, under TWG
Alternative B, the owners of NGS could
elect to implement any operating
scenario (including curtailment,
installation of other technologies to
reduce emissions of NOX, or a
combination of options or technologies)
as long as the operational changes result
in reduced emissions of NOX sufficient
to maintain emissions below the
applicable NOX Cap.
To ensure compliance, the annual
reporting requirements that apply to
TWG Alternative A would also apply
under TWG Alternative B. In addition,
if TWG Alternative B is triggered, the
operator of NGS would be required to
submit annual Emission Reduction
Plans to EPA that would identify the
potential emission reductions measures
and operating scenarios to comply with
the 2009–2029 or 2009–2044 NOX Caps.
Each potential operating scenario in
each annual Emission Reduction Plan
must show compliance with the
applicable NOX Cap.
Consistent with 40 CFR 51.308(e), the
enforceable 2009–2029 and 2009–2044
NOX Caps will ensure that total
emission reductions of NOX are greater
than those that would be achieved
under our proposed BART
determination. The weight of evidence,
including possible operating scenarios
and the reporting requirements as
discussed above, indicate that NGS can
be reasonably expected to remain below
the 2009–2029 and 2009–2044 NOX
Caps.
Based on our analysis of the operating
scenarios under TWG Alternatives A1–
A3 and B, EPA is proposing to
determine that the TWG Alternative
meets EPA’s ‘‘better than BART’’
framework outlined in our February 5,
2013 proposed BART determination for
NGS.
IV. EPA’s Supplemental Proposal
In addition to our proposed BART
determination and Alternative 1 for
NGS dated February 5, 2013, in today’s
action, EPA is supplementing our
proposal with the TWG Alternative
submitted to EPA on July 26, 2013 as an
additional ‘‘better than BART’’
Alternative. Because we are
supplementing our February 5, 2013
proposed rulemaking with today’s
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proposal, after considering public
comments, EPA may finalize provisions
from either or both proposals, i.e., our
proposed BART determination,
proposed Alternative 1, or the TWG
Alternative.
EPA is proposing to determine that
the TWG Alternative ensures that total
emissions of NOX from NGS over 2009–
2044 will remain below the total
emissions from NGS over 2009–2044
that would have occurred under BART.
In today’s action, EPA is proposing to
establish enforceable requirements to
comply with the proposed 2009–2044
NOX Cap, and if applicable, a 2009–
2029 NOX Cap, including annual
reporting requirements related to heat
input, emissions of SO2 and CO2, and
annual and cumulative emissions of
NOX. In addition, if the final ownership
outcome triggers the operating scenarios
under Alternatives A1–A3, EPA is
proposing to establish the emission
reduction milestones under A1–A3
(closure of one unit or curtailment of
electricity generation by December 31,
2019, and installation of SCR on two
units by December 31, 2030) as
enforceable requirements. If the final
ownership outcome triggers Alternative
B, EPA is proposing to require the
owners of NGS to submit annual
Emission Reduction Plans to EPA to
achieve the NOX emission reductions
necessary to assure compliance with the
2009–2029 and 2009–2044 NOX Caps.
EPA is also proposing to require the
owners of NGS to notify EPA no later
than December 1, 2019, of the final
ownership outcome and the resulting
applicable operating scenario that it will
implement. For the reasons outlined
above, EPA is supplementing our
February 5, 2013 proposed rulemaking
to also propose the TWG Alternative as
a ‘‘better than BART’’ Alternative that
ensures greater reasonable progress
towards the national visibility goal than
BART.
EPA is accepting public comment
concurrently on our February 5, 2013
proposed BART determination and
proposed Alterative 1 and the TWG
Alternative put forth in today’s
Supplemental Proposal. From
November 12–15, 2013, EPA will be
holding five open house and public
hearing events throughout Arizona to
accept written and oral comment on our
proposed rulemaking and Supplemental
Proposal. The comment period for our
February 5, 2013 proposed rulemaking
and today’s Supplemental Proposal
closes on January 6, 2014.
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V. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review 13563
This action supplements our
proposed source-specific Federal
Implementation Plan for the Navajo
Generating Station to propose and take
comment on an additional Alternative
to BART that was developed by and
agreed upon by a group of seven
stakeholders. Under the terms of
Executive Order (EO) 12866 (58 FR
51735, October 4, 1993) and EO 13563
(76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), because
this proposed rule applies to only one
facility, it is not a rule of general
applicability. This proposed rule,
therefore, is exempt from review under
EO 12866 and EO 13563.
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
This action does not impose an
information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction
Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Burden is
defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b). Under the
Paperwork Reduction Act, a ‘‘collection
of information’’ is defined as a
requirement for ‘‘answers to * * *
identical reporting or recordkeeping
requirements imposed on ten or more
persons * * *.’’ 44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A).
Because the Supplemental Proposal
applies to a single facility, Navajo
Generating Station, the Paperwork
Reduction Act does not apply.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
generally requires an agency to prepare
a regulatory flexibility analysis of any
rule subject to notice and comment
rulemaking requirements under the
Administrative Procedure Act or any
other statute unless the agency certifies
that the rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Small entities
include small businesses, small
organizations, and small governmental
jurisdictions.
For purposes of assessing the impacts
of today’s proposed rule on small
entities, small entity is defined as: (1) a
small business as defined by the Small
Business Administration’s (SBA)
regulations at 13 CFR 121.201; (2) a
small governmental jurisdiction that is a
government of a city, county, town,
school district or special district with a
population of less than 50,000; and (3)
a small organization that is any not-forprofit enterprise which is independently
owned and operated and is not
dominant in its field.
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After considering the economic
impacts of this proposed action on small
entities, I certify that this proposed
action will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. The Navajo
Generating Station is not a small entity
and the FIP for Navajo Generating
Station being proposed today does not
impose any compliance requirements on
small entities. See Mid-Tex Electric
Cooperative, Inc. v. FERC, 773 F.2d 327
(D.C. Cir. 1985). We continue to be
interested in the potential impacts of the
proposed rule and this Supplemental
Proposal on small entities and welcome
comments on issues related to such
impacts.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA)
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C.
1531–1538, requires Federal agencies,
unless otherwise prohibited by law, to
assess the effects of their regulatory
actions on State, local, and tribal
governments and the private sector.
Federal agencies must also develop a
plan to provide notice to small
governments that might be significantly
or uniquely affected by any regulatory
requirements. The plan must enable
officials of affected small governments
to have meaningful and timely input in
the development of EPA regulatory
proposals with significant Federal
intergovernmental mandates and must
inform, educate, and advise small
governments on compliance with the
regulatory requirements.
This rule does not contain a Federal
mandate that may result in expenditures
of $100 million or more for state, local,
and tribal governments, in the aggregate,
or the private sector in any one year.
EPA anticipates the annual cost to the
private sector of this Supplemental
Proposal, which involves compliance
with BART emission limits by two
units, rather than three units, to be
lower than the anticipated cost of EPA’s
proposed BART determination of $64
million per year (see Table 2 of EPA’s
proposed BART determination at 78 FR
8274, February 5, 2013). Thus, this
Supplemental Proposal is not subject to
the requirements of sections 202 or 205
of UMRA. This proposed rule will not
impose direct compliance costs on state,
local or tribal governments. This
proposed action will, if finalized,
reduce the emissions of NOX from a
single source, the Navajo Generating
Station.
In developing this rule, EPA
consulted with small governments
pursuant to a plan established under
section 203 of UMRA to address impacts
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of regulatory requirements in the rule
that might significantly or uniquely
affect small governments. EPA put forth
an Advanced Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking on August 28, 2009
regarding our intention to propose a
BART determination for NGS and the
Four Corners Power Plant. We received
comments from numerous small
governments, including tribal
governments, and governments of
several towns in Arizona. This proposed
rule will not impose direct compliance
costs on any small governments.
However, increased electricity and
water costs associated with this
proposed rule may indirectly affect
small governments.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action does not have federalism
implications. It will not have substantial
direct effects on the states, on the
relationship between the national
government and the states, or in the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in
Executive Order 13132. This action
proposes emission reductions of NOX at
a specific stationary source located in
Indian country. Thus, Executive Order
13132 does not apply to this action.
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
Under Executive Order 13175 (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000), EPA may not
issue a regulation that has tribal
implications, that imposes substantial
direct compliance costs, and that is not
required by statute, unless the federal
government provides the funds
necessary to pay the direct compliance
costs incurred by tribal governments, or
EPA consults with tribal officials early
in the process of developing the
proposed regulation and develops a
tribal summary impact statement.
EPA has concluded that this proposed
action will have tribal implications, and
consequently EPA has consulted with
tribal officials during the process of
developing the proposed regulation and
will continue to consult with tribal
officials during the process to take final
action. EPA notes that the TWG
Alternative, on which this
Supplemental Proposal is based, was
developed by a group of seven
stakeholders that included the Navajo
Nation and the Gila River Indian
Community. However, we also note that
not all tribes that may be affected by this
proposed alternative were among the
stakeholders. Other tribes may have
views on this alternative and EPA
welcomes their comments. The
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proposed regulation will not pre-empt
tribal law. The proposed regulation will
also not impose direct compliance costs
on a tribal government, because the
direct compliance costs of this proposed
rule, if finalized, will be borne by the
owners of NGS. However, because
several tribes located in Arizona rely
directly or indirectly on NGS, there may
be indirect impacts of this proposed rule
on these tribes. The Navajo Nation and
Hopi Tribe receive coal-related
royalties, taxes and employment at NGS
and the Kayenta Mine that contribute to
their economies. Several tribes in
Arizona have allocations of CAP water
under existing water settlement
agreements. Because of the interrelationship of CAP and NGS, impacts
to NGS may also impact CAP and the
tribes that use CAP water or otherwise
benefit from CAP according to
Congressionally-approved water
settlement agreements. The importance
to tribes of continued operation of NGS
and affordable water costs cannot be
overemphasized. In Section II.B.ii of
EPA’s proposed BART determination
dated February 5, 2013 (78 FR8274),
EPA explains in detail the tribal
information that we received and
considered in this proposed rulemaking.
In addition to our consultation with
tribes discussed in our February 5, 2013
proposed rulemaking, EPA has had
additional meetings and conference
calls with tribes at their request since
the time we received the TWG
Alternative, and during our process of
evaluating the TWG Alternative. On
August 22, 2013, we met with Governor
Gregory Mendoza and other
representatives from the Gila River
Indian Community.40 On August 28,
2013, EPA met with President Ben
Shelly and other representatives from
the Navajo Nation.41 We held a
conference call on September 13, 2013
with Chairman LeRoy Shingoitewa and
another representative from the Hopi
Tribe.42 Chairman Shingoitewa also
submitted a letter to EPA, dated August
19, 2013, expressing several concerns
related to the TWG Alternative.43 An
updated timeline of all correspondence
and consultation with tribes on NGS is
40 See document number 0152 in the docket for
the proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–
0009.
41 See document number 0150 in the docket for
the proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–
0009.
42 See document number 0166 in the docket for
the proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–
0009.
43 See document number 0134 in the docket for
the proposed rulemaking at EPA–R09–OAR–2013–
0009.
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62519
included in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking.44
EPA recognizes that the Navajo
Nation and the Gila River Indian
Community participated in the
development of the TWG Agreement on
NGS and were signatories on the
Agreement. However, EPA also
understands from discussions with
President Shelly and Governor Mendoza
that concerns, related to potential
impacts to their respective tribes from
BART and the TWG Alternative, still
exist. EPA understands that Chairman
Shingoitewa has numerous concerns
related to the TWG Agreement and
Alternative, including the exclusion of
the Hopi Tribe from the TWG and the
development of the TWG Agreement,
and the extended timeframe for the
installation of new air pollution controls
at NGS under the TWG Alternative. EPA
will continue to consult with Tribal
officials during and following the public
comment period on the proposed FIP.
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997), applies to any rule that:
(1) is determined to be economically
significant as defined under Executive
Order 12866, and (2) concerns an
environmental health or safety risk that
EPA has reason to believe may have a
disproportionate effect on children. If
the regulatory action meets both criteria,
the Agency must evaluate the
environmental health or safety effects of
the planned rule on children, and
explain why the planned regulation is
preferable to other potentially effective
and reasonably feasible alternatives
considered by the Agency. This
proposed rule is not subject to Executive
Order 13045 because it requires
emissions reductions of NOX from a
single stationary source. Because this
proposed action only applies to a single
source and is not a proposed rule of
general applicability, it is not
economically significant as defined
under Executive Order 12866, and does
not have a disproportionate effect on
children. However, to the extent that the
rule will reduce emissions of NOX,
which contribute to ozone and fine
particulate matter formation as well as
visibility impairment, the rule will have
a beneficial effect on children’s health
by reducing air pollution that causes or
44 See document titled ‘‘Timeline of All Tribal
Consultations on Navajo BART FIPs as of
September 17 2013’’ in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking.
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exacerbates childhood asthma and other
respiratory issues.
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
This action is not subject to Executive
Order 13211 (66 FR 28355 (May 22,
2001)), because it is exempt under
Executive Order 12866.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
I. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
Section 12(d) of the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104–
113, 12 (10) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs
EPA to use voluntary consensus
standards (VCS) in its regulatory
activities unless to do so would be
inconsistent with applicable law or
otherwise impractical. VCS are
technical standards (e.g., materials
specifications, test methods, sampling
procedures and business practices) that
are developed or adopted by the VCS
bodies. The NTTAA directs EPA to
provide Congress, through annual
reports to OMB, with explanations
when the Agency decides not to use
available and applicable VCS.
Consistent with the NTTAA, the
Agency conducted a search to identify
potentially applicable VCS. For the
measurements listed below, there are a
number of VCS that appear to have
possible use in lieu of the EPA test
methods and performance specifications
(40 CFR Part 60, Appendices A and B)
noted next to the measurement
requirements. It would not be practical
to specify these standards in the current
proposed rulemaking due to a lack of
sufficient data on equivalency and
validation and because some are still
under development. However, EPA’s
Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards is in the process of reviewing
all available VCS for incorporation by
reference into the test methods and
performance specifications of 40 CFR
Part 60, Appendices A and B. Any VCS
so incorporated in a specified test
method or performance specification
would then be available for use in
determining the emissions from this
facility. This will be an ongoing process
designed to incorporate suitable VCS as
they become available.
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal
Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629,
February 16, 1994), establishes federal
executive policy on environmental
justice. Its main provision directs
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federal agencies, to the greatest extent
practicable and permitted by law, to
make environmental justice part of their
mission by identifying and addressing,
as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or
environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority
populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
EPA has determined that this
proposed rule, if finalized, will not have
disproportionately high and adverse
human health or environmental effects
on minority or low-income populations
because it increases the level of
environmental protection for all affected
populations without having any
disproportionately high and adverse
human health or environmental effects
on any population, including any
minority or low-income population.
This proposed rule requires emissions
reductions of NOX from a single
stationary source, Navajo Generating
Station.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 49
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Indians,
Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen
Dioxide.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: September 25, 2013.
Jared Blumenfeld,
Regional Administrator, Region 9.
Title 40, chapter I of the Code of
Federal Regulations is proposed to be
amended as follows:
PART 49—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 49
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.
2. Section 49.5513 is amended by
adding paragraph (j) to read as follows:
■
§ 49.5513 Federal Implementation Plan
Provisions for Navajo Generating Station,
Navajo Nation.
*
*
*
*
*
(j) (1) Applicability. Regional Haze
Best Available Retrofit Technology
limits for this plant are in addition to
the requirements of paragraphs (a)
through (i) of this section. The
provisions of this paragraph (j) are
severable, and if any provision of this
paragraph (j), or the application of any
provision of this paragraph (j) to any
owner/operator or circumstance, is held
invalid, the application of such
provision to other owner/operators and
other circumstances, and the remainder
of this paragraph (j), shall not be
affected thereby. Nothing in this
paragraph (j) allows or authorizes any
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Unit to emit NOX at a rate that exceeds
its existing emission limit of 0.24 lb/
MMBtu as established by EPA permit
AZ 08–01 issued on November 20, 2008.
(2) Definitions. Terms not defined
below shall have the meaning given to
them in the Clean Air Act or EPA’s
regulations implementing the Clean Air
Act and in paragraph (c) of this section.
For purposes of this paragraph (j):
(i) 2009–2029 NOX Cap is no more
than 416,865 tons of NOX. This value is
calculated based on the sum of annual
emissions over January 1, 2009 to
December 31, 2029, and closure of one
unit by December 31, 2019.
(ii) 2009–2044 NOX Cap is no more
than 494,899 tons of NOX. This value is
calculated based on the sum of annual
emissions over January 1, 2009 to
December 31, 2044, and compliance
with a BART emission limit of 0.055 lb/
MMBtu on each Unit by July 1, 2019.
(iii) Boiler Operating Day means a 24hour period between 12 midnight and
the following midnight during which
any fuel is combusted at any time in the
steam-generating unit. It is not
necessary for fuel to be combusted the
entire 24-hour period.
(iv) Coal-Fired Unit means any of
Units 1, 2, or 3 at Navajo Generating
Station.
(v) Continuous Emission Monitoring
System or CEMS means the equipment
required by 40 CFR Part 75 and this
paragraph (j).
(vi) Departing Participant means
either Los Angeles Department of Water
and Power or Nevada Energy, also
known as NV Energy or Nevada Power
Company.
(vi) Emission limitation or emission
limit means the federal emissions
limitation required by this paragraph.
(vii) Existing Participant means the
existing owners of NGS: Los Angeles
Department of Water and Power;
Nevada Energy, also known as NV
Energy or Nevada Power Company; Salt
River Project Agricultural Improvement
and Power District; Arizona Public
Service Company; and Tucson Electric
Company, together with the United
States, acting through the Bureau of
Reclamation.
(ix) lb means pound(s).
(x) Low-NOX Burners and Separated
Over-Fire Air or LNB/SOFA means
combustion controls installed on one
Unit each over 2009–2011.
(xi) Navajo Nation means the Navajo
Nation, a federally recognized Indian
Tribe.
(xii) NGS or Navajo Generating
Station means the steam electric
generating station located on the Navajo
Reservation near Page, Arizona,
consisting of Units 1, 2, and 3, each 750
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MW (nameplate rating), the switchyard
facilities, and all facilities and
structures used or related thereto.
(xiii) NOX means nitrogen oxides
expressed as nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
(xiv) Owner(s)/operator(s) means any
person(s) who own(s) or who operate(s),
control(s), or supervise(s) one more of
the units of the Navajo Generating
Station.
(xv) MMBtu means million British
thermal unit(s).
(xvi) Operating hour means any hour
that fossil fuel is fired in the unit.
(xvii) Unit means any of Units 1, 2, or
3 at Navajo Generating Station.
(xviii) Valid Data means CEMs data
that is not out of control as defined in
40 CFR Part 75.
(3) BART Determination. BART for
NGS is a NOX emission limit of 0.055
lb/MMBtu on each Unit with a
compliance date of July 1, 2019, and is
used to establish a cap in NOX
emissions, known as the 2009–2044
NOX Cap. The owner/operator shall
demonstrate BART compliance by
ensuring that total NOX emissions from
NGS, over January 1, 2009 to December
31, 2044, do not exceed the 2009–2044
NOX Cap. The owner/operator shall
implement the applicable operating
scenario, under paragraph (j)(3)(i), to
ensure NOX emission reductions
sufficient to maintain total NOX
emissions below the 2009–2044 NOX
Cap.
(i) Operating Scenarios to Comply
with 2009–2044 NOX Cap.
(A) Alternative A1.
(1) By December 31, 2019, the owner/
operator shall permanently cease
operation of one coal-fired Unit.
(2) By December 31, 2030, the owner/
operator shall comply with a NOX
emission limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu on
each of the two remaining coal-fired
Units.
(B) Alternative A2.
(1) By December 31, 2019, the owner/
operator shall permanently cease
operation of one coal-fired Unit.
(2) By December 31, 2019, the owner/
operator may elect to increase net
generating capacity of the remaining
two coal-fired Units by a combined total
of no more than 189 MW. The actual
increase in net generating capacity shall
be limited by the sum of 19 MW and the
ownership interest, in net MW capacity,
purchased by the Navajo Nation by
December 31, 2019. The owner/operator
shall ensure that any increase in the net
generating capacity is in compliance
with all pre-construction permitting
requirements, as applicable.
(3) By December 31, 2030, the owner/
operator shall comply with a NOX
emission limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu on
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each of the two remaining coal-fired
Units.
(C) Alternative A3.
(1) By December 31, 2019, the owner/
operator shall reduce the net generating
capacity of NGS by no less than 561
MW. The actual reduction in net
generating capacity of NGS shall be
determined by the difference between
731 MW and the ownership interest, in
net MW capacity, purchased by the
Navajo Nation by December 31, 2019.
(2) By December 31, 2030, the owner/
operator shall comply with a NOX
emission limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu on two
Units.
(D) Alternative B. In addition to the
2009–2044 NOX Cap that applies
between January 1, 2009 to December
31, 2044, during the January 1, 2009 to
December 31, 2029 period, the owner/
operator shall ensure compliance with
the 2009–2029 NOX Cap.
(ii) Applicability of Alternatives.
(A) Alternative A1 shall apply if both
of the Departing Participants retire their
ownership interests in NGS by
December 31, 2019, and the Navajo
Nation does not purchase an ownership
share of NGS by December 31, 2019; or
if both of the Departing Participants sell
their ownership interests to Existing
Participants, and the Navajo Nation
does not purchase an ownership share
of NGS by December 31, 2019; or if one
of the Departing Participants retires its
ownership interest and the other
Departing Participant sells its
ownership interest to an Existing
Participant, and the Navajo Nation does
not purchase an ownership share of
NGS by December 31, 2019.
(B) Alternative A2 shall apply if both
of the Departing Participants sell their
ownership interests to Existing
Participants, the Navajo Nation elects to
purchase an ownership share of NGS by
December 31, 2019, and the owner/
operator elects to increase net
generating capacity of the two
remaining Units; or if one of the
Departing Participants retires its
ownership interest and the other
Departing Participant sells its
ownership interest to an Existing
Participant, the Navajo Nation elects to
purchase an ownership share of NGS by
December 31, 2019, and the owner/
operator elects to increase net
generating capacity of the two
remaining Units.
(C) Alternative A3 shall apply if both
of the Departing Participants sell their
ownership interests to Existing
Participants, the Navajo Nation elects to
purchase an ownership share of NGS by
December 31, 2019, and the owner/
operator does not elect to increase net
generating capacity; or if one of the
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62521
Departing Participants retires its
ownership interest and the other
Departing Participant sells its
ownership interest to an Existing
Participant, the Navajo Nation elects to
purchase an ownership share of NGS by
December 31, 2019, and the owner/
operator does not elect to increase net
generating capacity.
(D) Alternative B shall apply if, by
December 31, 2019, any of the Departing
Participants sell their ownership
interests to a Party that is not an
Existing Participant.
(4) Reporting and Implementation
Requirements for BART.
(i) No later than December 1, 2019,
the owner/operator must notify EPA of
the applicable Alternative for ensuring
compliance with the 2009–2044 NOX
Cap.
(ii) Beginning January 31, 2015, and
annually thereafter until the earlier of
December 22, 2044 or the date on which
the owner/operator ceases conventional
coal-fired generation at NGS, the owner/
operator shall submit to the Regional
Administrator, a report summarizing the
annual heat input, the annual emissions
of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and
annual and cumulative emissions of
NOX from NGS for the previous full
calendar year. The owner/operator shall
make this report available to the public,
either through a link on its Web site or
directly on its Web site.
(iii) No later than December 31, 2020,
the owner/operator shall submit an
application to revise its existing Part 71
Operating Permit to incorporate the
requirements and emission limits of the
applicable Alternative to BART under
paragraph (j)(3).
(iv) In addition to the requirements of
paragraphs (j)(4)(i), (ii) and (iii), if
Alternative B applies, the owner/
operator shall submit annual Emission
Reduction Plans to the Regional
Administrator.
(A) No later than December 31, 2019
and annually thereafter through
December 31, 2028, the owner/operator
shall submit an Emission Reduction
Plan containing anticipated year-by-year
emissions covering the period from
2020 to 2029 that will assure that the
operation of NGS will result in
emissions of NOX that do not exceed the
2009–2029 NOX Cap. The Emission
Reduction Plan may contain several
potential operating scenarios and must
set forth the past annual actual
emissions and the projected emissions
for each potential operating scenario.
Each potential operating scenario must
demonstrate compliance with the 2009–
2029 NOX Cap. The Emission Reduction
Plan shall identify emission reduction
measures that may include, but are not
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limited to, the installation of advanced
emission controls, a reduction in
generation output, or other operating
strategies determined by the owner/
operator. The owner/operator may
revise the potential operating scenarios
set forth in the Emission Reduction
Plan, provided the revised plan ensure
that NOX emissions remain below the
2009–2029 NOX Cap.
(B) No later than December 31, 2029
and annually thereafter, the owner/
operator shall submit an Emission
Reduction Plan containing year-by-year
emissions covering the period from
January 1, 2030 to December 31, 2044
that will assure that the operation of
NGS will result in emissions of NOX
that do not exceed the 2009–2044 NOX
Cap. The Emission Reduction Plan shall
identify emission reduction measures
that may include, but are not limited to,
the installation of advanced emission
controls, a reduction in generation
output, or other operating strategies
determined by the owner/operator. The
owner/operator may revise the potential
operating scenarios set forth in the
Emission Reduction Plan, provided the
revised plan ensure that NOX emissions
remain below the 2009–2044 NOX Cap.
(5) Continuous emission monitoring
system (CEMS).
(i) At all times, the owner/operator of
each unit shall maintain, calibrate, and
operate a CEMS, in full compliance with
the requirements found at 40 CFR Part
75, to accurately measure NOX, diluent,
and stack gas volumetric flow rate from
each unit. Valid data means data
recorded when the CEMS is not out-ofcontrol as defined by Part 75, as defined
in paragraph (j)(2) of this section. All
valid CEMS hourly data shall be used to
determine compliance with the
emission limitations for NOX in
paragraph (j)(3) of this section for each
unit. If the CEMs data is not valid, that
CEMs data shall be treated as missing
data and not used to calculate the
emission average. CEMs data does not
need to be bias adjusted as defined in
40 CFR Part 75. Each required CEMS
must obtain valid data for at least 90
percent of the unit operating hours, on
an annual basis.
(ii) The owner/operator of each unit
shall comply with the quality assurance
procedures for CEMS found in 40 CFR
Part 75. In addition to these Part 75
requirements, relative accuracy test
audits shall be calculated for both the
NOX pounds per hour measurement and
the heat input measurement. The
calculation of NOX pounds per hour and
heat input relative accuracy shall be
evaluated each time the CEMS undergo
relative accuracy testing.
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(6) Compliance Determination for
NOX Emission Limits.
(i) Compliance with the NOX emission
limits under paragraphs (j)(3)(i) shall be
determined on a rolling average basis of
thirty (30) Boiler Operating Days on a
unit by unit basis. Compliance shall be
calculated in accordance with the
following procedure: (1) Sum the total
pounds of NOX emitted from the Unit
during the current Boiler Operating Day
and the previous twenty-nine (29) Boiler
Operating Days; (2) sum the total heat
input to the Unit in MMBtu during the
current Boiler Operating Day and the
previous twenty-nine (29) Boiler
Operating Days; and (3) divide the total
number of pounds of NOX by the total
heat input in MMBtu during the thirty
(30) Boiler Operating Days. A new 30
Boiler Operating Day rolling average
shall be calculated for each new Boiler
Operating Day. Each 30 Boiler Operating
Day rolling average shall include all
emissions that occur during periods
within any Boiler Operating Day,
including emissions from startup,
shutdown, and malfunction.
(ii) If a valid NOX pounds per hour or
heat input is not available for any hour
for a unit, that heat input and NOX
pounds per hour shall not be used in the
calculation for that 30 boiler operating
day period.
(7) Recordkeeping. The owner or
operator of each unit shall maintain the
following records for at least five years:
(i) All CEMS data, including the date,
place, and time of sampling or
measurement; parameters sampled or
measured; and results as required by
Part 75 and as necessary to calculate
each unit’s pounds of NOX and heat
input for each hour.
(ii) Each calendar day rolling average
group emission rates for NOX calculated
in accordance with paragraph (j)(6)(i) of
this section.
(iii) Each unit’s 30 Boiler Operating
Day pounds of NOX and heat input.
(iv) Records of quality assurance and
quality control activities for emissions
measuring systems including, but not
limited to, any records required by 40
CFR Part 75.
(v) Records of the relative accuracy
calculation of the NOX lb/hr
measurement and hourly heat input.
(vi) Records of all major maintenance
activities conducted on emission units,
air pollution control equipment, and
CEMS.
(vii) Any other records required by 40
CFR Part 75.
(8) Reporting. All reports and
notifications under this paragraph (j)
shall be submitted to the Director,
Navajo Environmental Protection
Agency, P.O. Box 339, Window Rock,
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Arizona 86515, and to the Director of
Enforcement Division, U.S. EPA Region
IX, at 75 Hawthorne Street, San
Francisco, CA 94105.
(i) The owner/operator shall notify
EPA within two weeks after completion
of installation of NOX control
technology on any of the units subject
to this section.
(ii) Within 30 days after the first
applicable compliance date in
paragraph (j)(3) of this section and
within 30 days of every second calendar
quarter thereafter (i.e., semi-annually),
the owner/operator shall submit a report
that lists for each calendar day,
calculated in accordance with paragraph
(j)(6) of this section, total lb of NOX and
heat input (as used to calculate
compliance per paragraph (j)(6), for each
unit’s last 30 boiler operating days.
Included in this report shall be the
results of the last relative accuracy test
audit and the calculated relative
accuracy for lb/hr NOX and heat input
performed 45 days prior to the end of
that reporting period. The end of the
year report shall also include the
percent valid data for each NOX,
diluent, and flow monitor used in the
calculations of compliance with
paragraph (j)(6).
(9) Enforcement. Notwithstanding any
other provision in this implementation
plan, any credible evidence or
information relevant as to whether the
unit would have been in compliance
with applicable requirements if the
appropriate performance or compliance
test had been performed, can be used to
establish whether or not the owner or
operator has violated or is in violation
of any standard or applicable emission
limit in the plan.
(10) Equipment Operations. At all
times, including periods of startup,
shutdown, and malfunction, the owner
or operator shall, to the extent
practicable, maintain and operate the
unit including associated air pollution
control equipment in a manner
consistent with good air pollution
control practices for minimizing
emissions. Determination of whether
acceptable operating and maintenance
procedures are being used will be based
on information available to the Regional
Administrator, or their designee, which
may include, but is not limited to,
monitoring results, review of operating
and maintenance procedures, and
inspection of the unit.
(11) Affirmative Defense. The
affirmative defense provisions of
paragraphs (c)(1) and (g)(3) of this
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section, related only to malfunctions,
apply to this paragraph (j).
[FR Doc. 2013–24281 Filed 10–21–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R03–OAR–2013–0499; FRL- 9901–36Region3]
Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans; District
of Columbia; Infrastructure
Requirements for the 2008 Lead
National Ambient Air Quality
Standards and State Board
Requirements
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
EPA proposes to approve the
State Implementation Plan (SIP)
revision submitted by the District of
Columbia (hereafter ‘‘the District’’)
pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Whenever new or revised national
ambient air quality standards (NAAQS)
are promulgated, the CAA requires
states to submit a plan for the
implementation, maintenance, and
enforcement of such NAAQS. The plan
is required to address basic program
elements including, but not limited to,
regulatory structure, monitoring,
modeling, legal authority, and adequate
resources necessary to assure attainment
and maintenance of the NAAQS. These
elements are referred to as infrastructure
requirements. The District has made a
submittal addressing the infrastructure
requirements for the 2008 lead (Pb)
NAAQS (‘‘the infrastructure submittal’’)
and a separate submittal addressing
requirements in relation to State Boards.
This action is being taken under the
CAA. In the Final Rules section of this
Federal Register, EPA is approving the
District’s SIP submittals as a direct final
rule without prior proposal because the
Agency views these as noncontroversial
submittals and anticipates no adverse
comments. A more detailed description
of the District’s submittals and EPA’s
evaluation are included in a Technical
Support Document (TSD) prepared in
support of this rulemaking action. A
copy of the TSD is available, upon
request, from the EPA Regional Office
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. If no adverse comments are
received in response to this action, no
further activity is contemplated. If EPA
receives adverse comments, the direct
final rule will be withdrawn and all
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SUMMARY:
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public comments received will be
addressed in a subsequent final rule
based on this proposed rule. EPA will
not institute a second comment period.
Any parties interested in commenting
on this action should do so at this time.
DATES: Comments must be received in
writing by November 21, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID Number EPA–
R03–OAR–2013–0499 by one of the
following methods:
A. www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
B. Email: fernandez.cristina@epa.gov.
C. Mail: EPA–R03–OAR–2013–0499,
Cristina Fernandez, Associate Director,
Office of Air Program Planning,
Mailcode 3AP30, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region III, 1650
Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19103.
D. Hand Delivery: At the previouslylisted EPA Region III address. Such
deliveries are only accepted during the
Docket’s normal hours of operation, and
special arrangements should be made
for deliveries of boxed information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–R03–OAR–2013–
0499. 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
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62523
of encryption, and be free of any defects
or viruses.
Docket: All documents in the
electronic docket are listed in the
www.regulations.gov index. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the Internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in www.regulations.gov or
in hard copy during normal business
hours at the Air Protection Division,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region III, 1650 Arch Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
Copies of the State submittal are
available at the District of Columbia
Department of the Environment, Air
Quality Division, 1200 1st Street NE.,
5th floor, Washington, DC 20002.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
´
Emlyn Velez-Rosa, (215) 814–2038, or
by email at velez-rosa.emlyn@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For
further information, please see the
information provided in the direct final
action, with the same title, that is
located in the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’
section of this Federal Register
publication.
Dated: September 13, 2013.
W.C. Early,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region III.
[FR Doc. 2013–24124 Filed 10–21–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS–ES–R8–2012–0075;
4500030113]
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a
Petition To List Ashy Storm-Petrel as
an Endangered or Threatened Species
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of 12-month petition
finding.
AGENCY:
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, announce a 12-month
finding on a petition to list the ashy
storm-petrel (Oceanodroma homochroa)
as an endangered or threatened species
and to designate critical habitat under
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). After review of the best
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\22OCP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 204 (Tuesday, October 22, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62509-62523]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24281]
[[Page 62509]]
=======================================================================
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 49
[EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009; FRL-9901-66-Region9]
Approval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Navajo Nation;
Regional Haze Requirements for Navajo Generating Station; Supplemental
Proposal
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Supplemental proposed rule and notice of public hearings.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: On February 5, 2013, EPA published its proposed source-
specific Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) requiring the Navajo
Generating Station (NGS), located on the Navajo Nation, to reduce
emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) under the Best
Available Retrofit Technology (BART) provision of the Clean Air Act
(CAA or Act). EPA proposed the BART FIP to reduce visibility impairment
caused by NGS at 11 National Parks and Wilderness Areas. EPA's proposed
FIP included: (1) A proposed BART determination; (2) A proposed
``better than BART'' alternative that achieves greater reasonable
progress towards the national visibility goals than BART; and (3) a
framework for evaluating additional alternatives to BART. This
framework for evaluating additional alternatives was included in the
proposal due to the unique purpose and history of NGS and the numerous
stakeholder interests in it. On March 19, 2013 and June 19, 2013, EPA
provided two extensions of the public comment period based on requests
of several stakeholders who were actively working to develop an
alternative to BART. On July 26, 2013, a group of stakeholders, known
as the Technical Work Group (TWG), submitted to EPA their suggested
alternative to BART (the ``TWG Alternative''). The TWG Alternative
establishes a lifetime cap in NOX emissions over 2009-2044
(the 2009-2044 NOX Cap) that is equivalent to the cumulative
NOX emissions over 2009-2044 that NGS would emit under EPA's
proposed BART determination of 0.055 lb/MMBtu achieved within five
years of the final rule. Due to on-going lease and ownership
uncertainties, the operators of NGS cannot yet commit to a single
course of action for maintaining emissions below the 2009-2044
NOX Cap. The TWG Alternative therefore includes several
alternative operating scenarios for meeting the 2009-2044
NOX Cap. EPA did not participate in the TWG or assist in
developing the TWG Alternative, and has independently evaluated the TWG
Alternative to determine if it meets the requirements of the CAA and
the Regional Haze Rule (RHR). In this action, EPA is proposing to
determine that the TWG Alternative is ``better than BART'' because
maintaining emissions below the 2009-2044 NOX Cap, as
provided in the TWG Alternative, achieves greater reasonable progress
than EPA's proposed BART determination towards the national visibility
goal. EPA is accepting comment concurrently on today's Supplemental
Proposal and our proposal from February 5, 2013.
DATES: Comments on EPA's February 5, 2013 proposal and today's
Supplemental Proposal for NGS must be postmarked no later than January
6, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments, identified by docket number EPA-R09-OAR-
2013-0009, by one of the following methods:
(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-
line instructions.
(2) Email: r9ngsbart@epa.gov.
(3) Mail or deliver: Anita Lee (Air-2), U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA
94105-3901.
For more detailed instructions concerning how to submit comments on
this supplemental proposed rule, and for more information on our
proposed rule, please see the notice of proposed rulemaking, published
in the Federal Register on February 5, 2013 (78 FR 8274).
Instructions: All comments 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 Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Information that you
consider CBI or otherwise protected should be clearly identified as
such and should not be submitted through www.regulations.gov or email.
www.regulations.gov is an ``anonymous access'' system, and EPA will not
know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the
body of your comment. If you send an email directly to EPA, your email
address will be automatically captured and included as part of the
public comment. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be
able to consider your comment.
Hearings: EPA has scheduled five public hearings to accept oral and
written comments on the proposed rulemaking. Prior to, or concurrent
with, each public hearing, EPA will be holding an informal open house
to allow members of the public additional time to review information
related to EPA's proposed BART determination and Supplemental Proposal,
and to speak with representatives from EPA. Any comments made to EPA
staff during the open houses must still be provided in writing or
orally during the formal public hearing in order to be considered in
the record. The open house and public hearing schedule is as follows:
1. LeChee Chapter House (Navajo Nation), located in LeChee,
Arizona, three miles south of Page on Coppermine Road (Navajo Route
20), (928) 698-2805, November 12, 2013, concurrent Open House and
Public Hearing from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., local time;
2. Page High School Cultural Arts Building, 434 Lake Powell
Boulevard, located in Page, Arizona, (928) 608-4138, November 12, 2013,
Open House from 3-5 p.m., local time and Public Hearing from 6-9 p.m.,
local time;
3. Hopi Day School, Quarter-Mile East Main Street, located in
Kykotsmovi, Arizona, (928) 734-2467, November 13, 2013, Open House from
3-5 p.m., local time and Public Hearing from 6-9 p.m., local time;
4. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North 3rd Street, located in
Phoenix, Arizona, (602) 262-6225, November 14, 2013, Open House from 3-
5 p.m., local time and Public Hearing from 6-10 p.m., local time;
5. Proscenium Theatre, Pima Community College West Campus, Center
for the Arts Building located two miles west of Interstate-10 on St.
Mary's Road, (520) 206-6986, in Tucson, Arizona-November 15, 2013, Open
House from 3-5 p.m., local time and Public Hearing from 6-9 p.m., local
time.
EPA will provide oral interpretation services between English and
Din[eacute] at the open houses and public hearings in LeChee and Page.
EPA may provide oral interpretation services between English and the
Hopi language at the open house and public hearing in Kykotsmovi,
pending availability of a Hopi interpreter. To request additional oral
interpretation services or to request reasonable accommodation for a
disability, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section, by October 21, 2013. Verbatim transcripts,
in English, of the hearings and written statements provided at the
hearings will be included in the docket for this rulemaking.
[[Page 62510]]
Oral testimony may be limited to five minutes or less for each
commenter to address the proposal or supplemental proposed rule. We
will not be providing equipment for commenters to show overhead slides
or make computerized presentations. The public hearings for the four
evening events are scheduled to close at 9 p.m. (in Page, Kykotsmovi,
and Tucson) or 10 p.m. (in Phoenix), but may close later, if necessary,
depending on the number of speakers wishing to participate.
Written statements and supporting information submitted
electronically or by mail during the comment period will be considered
with the same weight as any oral comments and supporting information
presented at the public hearings. If you are unable to attend the
hearings but wish to submit comments on the proposed rule, you may
submit comments as indicated in the ADDRESSES section above.
Docket: The index to the docket for this action is available
electronically at www.regulations.gov and in hard copy at EPA Region 9,
75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California. While documents in the
docket are listed in the index, some information may be publicly
available only at EPA Region 9 (e.g., maps, voluminous reports,
copyrighted material), and some may not be publicly available in either
location (e.g., CBI). To inspect the hard copy materials, please
schedule an appointment during normal business hours with the contact
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anita Lee, EPA Region 9, (415) 972-
3958, r9ngsbart@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, ``we'', ``us'',
and ``our'' refer to EPA.
Table of Contents
I. Background
A. The Significance of the Navajo Generating Station
B. EPA's February 5, 2013 Proposed BART Determination
C. Technical Work Group Agreement
II. Legal Background for Proposing the TWG Alternative to BART as
Achieving Greater Progress Towards the National Visibility Goal
III. EPA's Technical Evaluation of Greater Reasonable Progress
Towards the National Visibility Goal
A. Summary of TWG Alternative to BART
B. EPA's Technical Evaluation of TWG Alternative to BART
IV. EPA's Supplemental Proposal
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and
Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
13563B. Paperwork Reduction Act
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With
Indian Tribal Governments
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
I. Background
A. The Significance of the Navajo Generating Station
NGS is a coal-fired power plant located on the Navajo Nation Indian
Reservation, just east of Page, Arizona, approximately 135 miles north
of Flagstaff, Arizona. Emissions of NOX from NGS affect
visibility at 11 National Parks and Wilderness Areas that are
designated as Class I federal areas, mandated by Congress to receive
heightened protection: Arches National Park (NP), Bryce Canyon NP,
Canyonlands NP, Capitol Reef NP, Grand Canyon NP, Mazatzal Wilderness
Area (WA), Mesa Verde NP, Petrified Forest NP, Pine Mountain WA,
Sycamore Canyon WA, and Zion NP. These areas support an active tourism
industry drawing over four million visitors to the Grand Canyon
National Park alone in 2011.\1\ NGS is subject to the BART requirements
of the CAA and the RHR based on its age and its effects on visibility
in Class I areas. For a more detailed discussion of our determination
that NGS is subject to BART and the requirements of the RHR, please see
our proposed FIP at 78 FR 8274 and 8277 (February 5, 2013).
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\1\ See document titled ``Grand Canyon Annual Visitation.pdf''
within document number 0005 in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
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NGS is co-owned by six entities: the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation)--24.3 percent, Salt River Project Agricultural
Improvement and Power District (SRP), which also acts as the facility
operator--21.7 percent, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
(LADWP)--21.2 percent, Arizona Public Service (APS)--14 percent, Nevada
Energy (NV Energy, also known as Nevada Power Company)--11.3 percent,
and Tucson Electric Power (TEP)--7.5 percent.
Federal participation in NGS was authorized in the Colorado River
Basin Project Act of 1968 as a preferred alternative to building
hydroelectric dams in the Grand Canyon for providing power to the
Central Arizona Project (CAP).\2\ The CAP is a 336-mile water
distribution system that delivers about 1.5 million acre-feet (AF) per
year of Colorado River water from Lake Havasu in western Arizona to
non-tribal agricultural water users in central Arizona, Indian tribes
located in Arizona, and municipal water users in Maricopa, Pinal, and
Pima counties.\3\ The CAP water is used to meet the terms of a number
of Indian water-rights settlements in central Arizona and to reduce
groundwater usage in the region.\4\ Electricity from NGS powers the
pumps that move CAP water to its destinations along the distribution
system.
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\2\ See information on the Central Arizona Project at https://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Central+Arizona+Project. See also report by the National
Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), discussed in more detail in Section
G.iii of this notice, titled ``Navajo Generating Station and Air
Visibility Regulations: Alternatives and Impacts'', revision dated
March 2012 (NREL report) within document number 0005 in the docket
for this proposed rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
\3\ See Section titled ``Welcome'' on CAP homepage: https://www.cap-az.com/.
\4\ See, for example, Section 4 of the NREL report and Comments
from the Central Arizona Water Conservation District on the NREL
report to DOI and EPA dated February 23, 201[2], within document
number 0005 in the docket for this proposed rulemaking at EPA-R09-
OAR-2013-0009.
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Several tribes located in Arizona including the Gila River Indian
Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Tohono O'odham Nation, the
San Carlos Apache Tribe, the White Mountain Apache Indian Tribe, the
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian
Community, the Navajo Nation, the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the Hopi
Tribe, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe, and the
Tonto Apache Nation, have CAP water allocations or contracts.\5\ In
exchange for allocations of CAP water at reduced cost and access to
funds for the development of water infrastructure, the tribes with
water settlement agreements have released their claims to other water
in Arizona. Excess NGS power owned by Reclamation that is not used by
CAP is sold and profits are deposited into a fund to support the tribal
water settlement agreements.\6\ The U.S. Department of the Interior
(DOI or the Interior), through Reclamation, plays an important role in
the implementation of
[[Page 62511]]
these settlement agreements and the management of the funds set aside
for water infrastructure development for tribes.
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\5\ See Table 7, 78 FR at 8283 (February 5, 2013).
\6\ Id.
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The coal used by NGS is supplied by the Kayenta Mine, operated by
Peabody Energy and located on reservation lands of both the Navajo
Nation and the Hopi Tribe. Taxes and royalties from NGS and the Kayenta
Mine paid to the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe contribute to the annual
revenues for both governments.\7\
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\7\ Id.
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Given the extent of federal and tribal interests in NGS, on January
4, 2013, EPA, DOI, and the Department of Energy (DOE) signed a joint
federal agency statement (Joint Statement) committing to collaborate on
several short- and long-term goals, including analyzing and pursuing
strategies for providing clean, affordable, and reliable power,
affordable and sustainable water, and sustainable economic development
to key stakeholders who currently depend on NGS.\8\ The Joint Statement
also recognizes the trust responsibilities of the Federal government to
Indian tribes.
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\8\ See document title ``2013--0104 Joint Federal Agency
Statement on NGS'' within document number 0005 in the docket for
this proposed rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
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B. EPA's February 5, 2013 Proposed BART Determination
As previously stated, NGS is subject to the BART requirements of
the CAA and the RHR based on its age and its effects on visibility in
Class I areas. Because NGS is located in Indian country, and because
the Navajo Nation has not developed a Tribal Implementation Plan to
implement the BART requirement for NGS, on February 5, 2013, EPA
proposed a BART determination to require NGS to meet a NOX
emission limit of 0.055 pound per million British thermal units of heat
input (lb/MMBtu) within five years of the effective date of a final
rule.\9\ For a number of reasons, including the importance of NGS to
numerous Indian tribes located in Arizona and the federal government's
reliance on NGS to meet the requirements of water settlements with
several tribes, EPA proposed an Alternative to BART (i.e., Alternative
1) within the ``better than BART'' framework we outlined. EPA
recognized that there may be other approaches that could result in
better visibility benefits over time and that there may be changes in
energy demand, supply, or other developments over the next several
decades that may change electricity generation on the Navajo Nation.
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\9\ Unless otherwise noted, the averaging period, for all
emission limits, is based on a rolling average of 30 boiler
operating days.
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EPA's proposed ``better than BART'' framework established total
emissions of NOX over 2009-2044 as the ``BART Benchmark''
against which an Alternative to BART would be compared.\10\ EPA's
``better than BART'' framework included a NOX emission
credit for the early and voluntary installation of LNB/SOFA over the
2009-2011 timeframe (LNB/SOFA credit).\11\ As discussed in our proposed
rulemaking, EPA was exercising its authority and discretion under
section 301(d)(4) of the CAA and 40 CFR 49.11(a) to propose an extended
timeframe for an alternative measure under the RHR for NGS. We proposed
the LNB/SOFA credit supporting an extended timeframe based on the
flexibility under section 301(d)(4) of the CAA, and 40 CFR
49.11(a).\12\ EPA applied the LNB/SOFA credit to each Alternative to
BART (adjusted emissions) and compared those values against the BART
benchmark. Total adjusted emissions of an Alternative to BART over
2009-2044 that were lower than the BART Benchmark were then determined
to be ``better than BART'' and result in greater reasonable progress
towards the national visibility goal than BART. Conversely,
alternatives that result in total NOX emissions exceeding
the BART Benchmark would not be acceptable unless those alternatives
provided additional emission reductions to bridge the deficit in
NOX emission reductions.
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\10\ In our proposed rulemaking, we use the term ``BART
threshold'' to describe the total emissions of NOX over
2009-2044 against which Alternatives to BART would be compared.
Although we use the term ``BART benchmark'' here, the two terms are
intended to be identical in meaning.
\11\ The NOX reductions achieved by installing the
modern LNB/SOFA were not required under any regulatory program under
the CAA and resulted in more NOX emission reductions
during the period between 2009 and the BART compliance date than if
LNB/SOFA were installed concurrently with SCR by the BART compliance
date.
\12\ See 78 FR 8289 (February 5, 2013).
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To calculate the value of the LNB/SOFA credit, EPA first calculated
the total NOX emissions over 2009-2044 that NGS would emit
if NGS had waited until the proposed BART compliance date to install
LNB/SOFA concurrently with SCR. EPA then calculated total
NOX emissions over 2009-2044 with the actual installation
date of LNB/SOFA in 2009-2011 and installation of SCR by the BART
compliance date. The difference between the two values was calculated
to be the LNB/SOFA credit.\13\ Under EPA's proposed framework, EPA
established, as the BART benchmark, the total NOX emissions
over 2009-2044 with the actual installation date of LNB/SOFA in 2009-
2011 and installation of SCR by the BART compliance date. For a more
detailed discussion of this approach, please see our proposed FIP at 78
FR at 8288-91.
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\13\ As discussed in greater detail in our proposed rule (78 FR
at 8289, February 5, 2013), EPA notes that LNB with SOFA is a
potential control option evaluated under BART and that these
technologies are typically used in conjunction with SCR or other
add-on controls to first reduce NOX formation during
combustion. EPA recognizes that the owners of NGS could have waited
until the compliance date of the final BART determination before
installing any new controls, including LNB/SOFA, and that the early
and voluntary NOX reductions achieved beginning in 2009
were not required under any regulatory program under the CAA.
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EPA applied this framework to several alternatives we developed. In
the February 2013 proposal, we proposed one Alternative to BART that
would provide an additional three to five years to NGS in the schedule
for the installation of new post-combustion control equipment to meet
the proposed BART limit of 0.055 lb/MMBtu (i.e., Alternative 1
requiring compliance with the proposed BART limit on one unit per year
in 2021, 2022, and 2023). Additional NOX emissions resulting
from delayed compliance were offset by the emissions credit NGS
achieved by its early and voluntary installation of LNB/SOFA. We
calculated that under this proposed Alternative 1, total adjusted
emissions of NOX over 2009-2044 were lower than total
emissions of NOX under EPA's proposed BART determination.
Therefore, EPA proposed to find that Alternative 1 achieves greater
reasonable progress than BART.
In the February 2013 proposal, EPA also described, but did not
propose, two additional alternatives (Alternatives 2 and 3) that would
provide an additional five to eight years for NGS to meet the proposed
BART limit of 0.055 lb/MMBtu (i.e., Alternatives 2 and 3 called for
compliance with the BART limit on one unit per year over 2023-2025 and
2024-2026, respectively). Total NOX emissions over 2009-
2044, after accounting for the LNB/SOFA early installation credit, from
each of these two additional alternatives both exceeded the BART
Benchmark. However, under our proposed framework, these two additional
alternatives would be viable if the owners of NGS achieved sufficient
additional emission reductions to bridge the NOX reduction
deficit. EPA requested comment on our proposed ``better than BART''
framework and how NGS might achieve the emission reduction bridge
necessary for the longer compliance schedules under
[[Page 62512]]
Alternatives 2 and 3 to qualify as ``better than BART.''
In both the February 2013 proposal and in the accompanying fact
sheet, EPA encouraged a robust public discussion of our proposed BART
determination, our proposed Alternative 1, as well as our proposed
``better than BART'' framework and other possible alternatives that
meet the framework. In addition, we recognized the potential need for a
supplemental proposal if other approaches developed by other parties
are identified as meeting the requirements of the CAA.\14\
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\14\ See Fact Sheet at https://www.epa.gov/region9/air/navajo/#proposed.
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After EPA published the proposed FIP on February 5, 2013, we
received requests for a 90-day extension of the public comment period
from the Navajo Nation, the Gila River Indian Community, SRP, and the
Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD), the CAP operating
entity, in order to allow stakeholders additional time to develop
alternatives to BART for EPA's consideration. Recognizing the
significant time and effort necessary to develop viable alternatives
and the critical importance of active participation by affected parties
in the development of alternatives to BART, on March 19, 2013, EPA
extended the close of the public comment period to August 5, 2013 (78
FR 16825).
On June 10, 2013, EPA signed a notice, published on June 19, 2013,
of our intent to hold five public hearings throughout the state of
Arizona (78 FR 36716), at one location each on reservation lands of the
Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe, and in Page, Phoenix, and Tucson,
Arizona.
On June 20, 2013, SRP submitted a letter, on behalf of itself and
certain other stakeholders, requesting another extension of the comment
period for NGS. The SRP letter described work that had been on-going
for several months with representatives from several organizations (the
TWG) to develop an Alternative to BART. On July 9, 2013, EPA extended
the close of the public comment period again to October 4, 2013 (78 FR
41012). On September 16, 2013, EPA signed a notice extending the close
of the public comment period a third time, to January 6, 2014.\15\
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\15\ See document number 0172 in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
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C. Technical Work Group Agreement
On July 26, 2013, a group of stakeholders known as the TWG and
composed of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD),
the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Gila River Indian Community
(Gila River, or the Community), the Navajo Nation, SRP, on behalf of
itself and the other non-federal Participants, the Department of the
Interior, and Western Resource Advocates, submitted a document
memorializing a multi-party agreement (the TWG Agreement) to EPA for
consideration.\16\ EPA had attended a ``kick-off'' meeting for the TWG
on March 21, 2013, at which we described our February 5, 2013 proposal,
but EPA did not have any further participation in the TWG.\17\ As
described in Section III of the TWG Agreement, ``Summary of Agreement
Elements; Reasonable Progress Alternative to BART, Obligations of
Support, and Reservation Right'', the Agreement consists of seven
elements: (1) A description of a ``Reasonable Progress Alternative to
BART'' (the TWG Alternative); \18\ (2) a study of options by
Reclamation for replacing the federal share of energy being generated
from NGS with low-emitting energy; (3) commitments by Interior to
reduce or offset emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by three
percent per year and facilitate the development of clean energy
resources; (4) commitments by Interior to mitigate potential impacts
from EPA's final BART rule to Affected Tribes; (5) a commitment by
Interior to carry out the Phase 2 Study by the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory (NREL) for the purposes of studying options for the
future of NGS; (6) a commitment by SRP to make funds available for a
Local Benefit Fund for community improvement projects within 100 miles
of NGS or the Kayenta Mine; and (7) a summary of obligations of the
Parties to the Agreement and miscellaneous legal provisions.
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\16\ See ``Technical Work Group Agreement Related to Navajo
Generating Station (NGS)'' dated July 25, 2013, and submitted to EPA
on July 26, 2013, in the docket for this proposed rulemaking at EPA-
R09-OAR-2013-0009-0122.
\17\ See document number 0033 in the docket for the proposed
rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
\18\ The ``Reasonable Progress Alternative to BART'' is a term
from the TWG Agreement. EPA interprets this term to have the same
meaning as an Alternative to BART or a ``better than BART''
Alternative, however, we do not otherwise use this term in today's
Supplemental Proposal.
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The TWG Agreement, in its entirety, is included in the docket for
this proposed rulemaking. Appendix B to the TWG Agreement is the only
component of the TWG Agreement that is applicable to today's action.
EPA is not requesting comment on the provisions of the TWG Agreement
unrelated to Appendix B, and will not be responding to comments on
aspects of the TWG Agreement that are not related to our authority
under section 169A of the CAA to require BART or an Alternative to
BART.
II. Legal Background for Proposing the TWG Alternative to BART as
Achieving Greater Progress Towards the National Visibility Goal
In our proposed BART determination for NGS on February 5, 2013 (78
FR 8274), we provided a detailed discussion of the statutory and
regulatory framework for addressing visibility, addressing sources
located in Indian country under the Tribal Authority Rule (TAR), and
developing BART determinations pursuant to the CAA and the BART
Guidelines set forth in Appendix Y to 40 CFR Part 51. Please see 77 FR
8275-8277 for our discussion on these topics. In the following
paragraphs, we describe the legal background and authority for
evaluating Alternatives to BART and for providing additional compliance
flexibility to NGS.
Under the CAA, compliance with emission limits determined as BART
must be achieved ``as expeditiously as practicable but in no event
later than five years'' after the effective date of the final BART
determination (See CAA 169A(b)(2)(A) and (g)(4)). Therefore, the BART
compliance date for NGS would be no later than 2019 if the rule is
finalized in 2014. As discussed in greater detail in our proposed BART
determination, EPA recognizes that the circumstances related to NGS
create unusual and significant challenges for a five-year compliance
schedule.\19\ Based on those challenges and our discretion under the
TAR for implementing CAA requirements on tribal lands, we considered
other options that are consistent with the CAA and RHR, and that
provide for a more flexible, extended compliance schedule.
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\19\ SRP expressed concern that the owners of NGS may choose to
retire the facility if faced with the financial risk of making a
large capital investment within five years without also having
certainty that the lease and contract re-negotiations would conclude
in a timely and favorable manner. EPA understands that the owners of
NGS face numerous uncertainties and the unusual requirement to
comply with NEPA for lease and other rights-of-way approvals, which
apply only to NGS and Four Corners Power Plant, the other coal-fired
power plant located on the Navajo Nation. EPA also understands the
importance of the continued operation of NGS and the Kayenta Mine to
the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe as a source of direct revenues
through lease payments or coal royalties, as well as the importance
of Reclamation's share of NGS to supply water to many tribes located
in Arizona in accordance with several water settlement acts.
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EPA's BART regulations allow an Alternative to BART provided the
alternative results in greater reasonable progress than would have been
achieved
[[Page 62513]]
through installation of BART. 40 CFR 51.308(e)(2). The regulations
provide that an Alternative to BART must ensure that all necessary
emission reductions occur within the period of the first long-term
strategy for regional haze (i.e., by 2018) for States that were
required to submit regional haze SIPs in December 2007. 40 CFR
51.308(e)(2)(iii). Thus, if states had submitted timely regional haze
SIPs in 2007 with BART compliance deadlines in 2012, the RHR provided
over five additional years for the implementation of Alternatives to
BART.
In our February 5, 2013 proposal for NGS, EPA proposed an
Alternative to BART (Alternative 1). In particular, EPA proposed that
consideration of a compliance schedule beyond 2018 for Alternative 1 at
NGS was appropriate for a number of reasons, including the importance
of NGS to numerous Indian tribes located in Arizona and the federal
government's reliance on NGS to meet the requirements of water
settlements with several tribes. The timeframe for compliance would
not, in itself, avoid or mitigate increases in water rates for tribes
located in Arizona; however, it would provide time for the
collaborating federal agencies to explore options to avoid or minimize
potential impacts to tribes, including seeking funding to cover
expenses for the federal portion of pollution control at NGS.
In developing this framework, EPA proposed to exercise its
authority and discretion under section 301(d)(4) of the CAA, 42 U.S.C.
7601(d)(4), and the TAR, 40 CFR 49.11(a) and proposed an extended
timeframe for an alternative measure under the RHR for NGS. EPA
considered this extension of time to be consistent with the general
programmatic requirements. States and regulated sources accordingly had
almost 20 years under the RHR to design and implement alternative
measures to BART. Because of the myriad stakeholder interests and
complex governmental interests unique to NGS, we are only now
addressing the BART requirements for NGS. For all the reasons explained
above, we considered it appropriate to consider an extended compliance
period for NGS.
Our proposal to require emission reductions beyond 2018 was
supported by the Tribal Authority Rule codified at 40 CFR 49.11(a). The
TAR reflects EPA's commitment to promulgate ``such Federal
implementation plan provisions as are necessary or appropriate to
protect air quality'' in Indian country where a tribe either does not
submit a Tribal Implementation Plan (TIP) or does not receive approval
of a submitted TIP. (Emphasis added.)
The use of the term ``provisions as are necessary or appropriate''
indicates EPA's determination that it may only be necessary or
appropriate to promulgate a FIP of limited scope. The United States
Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit has previously endorsed the
application of this approach in a challenge to the FIP for the Four
Corners Power Plant, stating: ``[40 C.F.R. 49.11(a)] provides the EPA
discretion to determine what rulemaking is necessary or appropriate to
protect air quality and requires the EPA to promulgate such
rulemaking.'' Ariz. Public Serv. Co. v. EPA, 562 F.3d 1116 (10th Cir.
2009). The court went on to observe: ``Nothing in section 49.11(a)
requires EPA . . . to submit a plan meeting the completeness criteria
of [40 CFR part 51] Appendix V.'' Id. While the decision in Arizona
Public Service Company focused on 40 CFR Part 51 Appendix V, EPA
believes the same considerations apply to the promulgation of a FIP
intended to address the objectives set forth in 40 CFR 51.308(e)(2). In
particular, EPA has discretion to determine if and when a FIP
addressing the objectives set forth in 40 CFR 51.308(e)(2) should be
promulgated, which necessarily includes discretion to determine the
timing for complying with the requirements of any such FIP.
III. EPA's Technical Evaluation of Greater Reasonable Progress Towards
the National Visibility Goal
A. Summary of TWG Alternative to BART
Appendix B of the TWG Agreement contains the TWG Alternative that
was submitted to EPA for consideration as a ''better than BART''
Alternative.\20\ The TWG Alternative was developed by the Technical
Work Group, which did not include EPA, to satisfy the ``better than
BART'' requirements of the RHR.\21\ The core element of the TWG
Alternative is that the TWG Alternative establishes a cap in
NOX emissions over the period 2009-2044 (the 2009-2044
NOX Cap). The TWG Alternative then outlines the operating
scenarios that would be required depending on the final outcome of NGS
ownership after the expiration of the current lease term at the end of
2019. The owners of NGS commit to maintaining emissions from NGS below
the 2009-2044 NOX Cap regardless of the post-2019 ownership
of NGS and the applicable operating scenario. In general, the operating
scenarios include specific actions for achieving emission reductions by
2019 and 2030 to ensure compliance with the 2009-2044 NOX
Cap. The TWG Alternative also provides for an operating scenario that
is less well-defined but establishes a second NOX emissions
cap over the period of 2009-2029 (the 2009-2029 NOX Cap)
that is equivalent to emission reductions that would be achieved by the
more well-defined operating scenarios. The 2009-2029 NOX Cap
would apply in addition to the 2009-2044 NOX Cap. The TWG
Alternative also includes annual reporting requirements to EPA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ The TWG Alternative is divided into distinct operating
scenarios that the TWG calls Alternative A and Alternative B. The
TWG Alternative further divides Alternative A into sub-scenarios.
EPA refers to the sub-scenarios under Alternative A as A1, A2, and
A3. EPA is reviewing all four scenarios (Alternatives A1, A2, A3,
and B) together as one Alternative.
\21\ The TWG Agreement also states that the TWG Alternative is
intended to satisfy any requirements of the Reasonably Attributable
Visibility Impairment (RAVI) program. On May 5, 2009, the National
Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) petitioned the Department of
the Interior to certify that emissions of NOX and
particulate matter cause visibility impairment at the Grand Canyon
National Park. This type of visibility impairment, reasonably
attributable from a single stationary source, is known as Reasonably
Attributable Visibility Impairment (RAVI). On January 20, 2011, NPCA
filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the
District of Columbia contending that the Department of the Interior
was unreasonably delaying making a finding of reasonable attribution
from NGS. In a letter dated March 8, 2011 to NPCA, the National Park
Service (NPS) declined to make such a finding based on EPA's on-
going work related to a BART determination for NGS. On June 30,
2011, the Court dismissed the complaint holding the NPS letter
refusing to make the finding of reasonable attribution constituted
denying the Petitioner's request for a RAVI finding. If NPS were to
certify RAVI at Grand Canyon from NGS, EPA must determine whether
visibility impairment at Grand Canyon is indeed reasonably
attributable to NGS. If EPA were to make a positive attribution
determination, then EPA would be required to conduct a BART
determination for NGS. We note, however, that while the process for
determining whether a given stationary source causes or contributes
to RAVI or regional haze are different, the process for determining
BART under both programs is essentially the same. In other words, a
BART determination for RAVI would likely be the same as a BART
determination for regional haze. The 2009 NPCA petition, the 2011
NPCA complaint, the 2011 letter from NPS, and the 2011 Court
decision are all included in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2009-2044 NOX Cap is calculated based on expected
emissions that would result if NGS complied with EPA's proposed BART
emission limit of 0.055 lb/MMBtu on each unit within five years of the
effective date of a final rule. The TWG Alternative also incorporates
EPA's proposed credit to NGS for the emission reductions achieved from
the early and voluntary installation of LNB/SOFA beginning in 2009 (the
LNB/SOFA credit).
The TWG Alternative puts forth two main operating scenarios, with
additional sub-options, for limiting NOX emissions below the
2009-2044 NOX Cap. These scenarios are called TWG
[[Page 62514]]
Alternatives A and B. The TWG Alternative provides different operating
scenarios because of current uncertainty over the ownership interests
in NGS following the expiration of the initial NGS lease term at the
end of 2019. Specifically, two owners, LADWP and NV Energy, have
announced plans to divest from any continuing ownership interest in NGS
after 2019. These owners may retire or sell their interest in NGS. In
addition, the recent Lease Amendment with the Navajo Nation that
extends the NGS lease to 2044 includes an option for the Navajo Nation
to purchase up to a 170 MW ownership share in NGS.\22\
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\22\ See Section XI of the ``Amendment No. 1 to Indenture of
Lease Navajo Units 1, 2, and 3 Between the Navajo Nation and Arizona
Public Service Company, Department of Water and Power of the City of
Los Angeles, Nevada Power Company dba NV Energy, Salt River Project
Agricultural Improvement and Power District, and Tucson Electric
Company'', within document number 0150 in the docket for this
proposed rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each of the three scenarios under TWG Alternative A (i.e., A1, A2,
or A3) requires two significant emission reductions, one to occur by
December 31, 2019 and the other by December 31, 2030. The emission
reductions in the first step, by December 31, 2019, under TWG
Alternative A1 would be achieved through closure of one unit.
Alternative A2 would entail closure of one unit with an increase in
capacity, not to exceed 189 MW, at the remaining two units; Alternative
A3 would entail the curtailment of energy production across all three
units such that the emission reductions are equivalent to the closure
of approximately one unit. The emission reductions to occur in the
second step, under Alternatives A1-3, would occur by December 31, 2030,
and would be achieved by compliance of two units at NGS with an
emission limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu, achievable with the installation of
SCR. Under the TWG Alternative, although the 2009-2044 NOX
Cap is calculated based on EPA's proposed BART emission limit of 0.055
lb/MMBtu, the owners of NGS commit to meeting a limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu
from the installation of SCR. The operator states that a limit of 0.055
lb/MMBtu is not achievable for a retrofit application when startup,
shutdown, and load following emissions are included.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\23\ See Appendix B.1.A.3 of the Technical Work Group Agreement
on NGS, document number 0122 in the docket for this proposed
rulemaking. EPA does not consider the limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu to be a
BART emission limit, rather, a component of the TWG Alternative.
Under the TWG Alternative, this higher emission rate is offset by
the closure of one unit, or the curtailment of generation. In other
words, despite the higher emission rate under the TWG Alternative
compared to EPA's proposed BART emission limit, NGS would comply
with the 2009-2044 NOX Cap because additional emission
reductions are achieved from closure or curtailment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative A1 would be triggered if LADWP and NV Energy retire
their ownership shares of NGS without selling, or if LADWP and NV
Energy sell their ownership shares to an existing NGS participant and
the Navajo Nation does not elect to purchase an interest in NGS.
Alternative A2 is triggered if LADWP or NV Energy sell their ownership
shares to an existing NGS participant, the Navajo Nation elects to
purchase an interest in NGS, and the NGS participants can increase the
capacity of NGS by no more than 189 MW \24\ without triggering major
source pre-construction permitting requirements.\25\ Alternative A3 is
triggered if LADWP or NV Energy sell their ownership shares to an
existing NGS Participant, the Navajo Nation elects to purchase an
interest in NGS, and the NGS Participants cannot increase the capacity
of NGS without triggering major source pre-construction permitting
requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\24\ LADWP owns approximately 477 MW of NGS, while NV Energy
owns approximately 254 MW. The sum of their shares is 731 MW, which
is 19 MW short of one 750 MW unit at NGS. The Navajo Nation has the
option to purchase up to a 170 MW interest in NGS. A 189 MW limit in
the capacity increase is based on making up the 19 MW shortfall and
the maximum amount the Navajo Nation can purchase (i.e., the sum of
19 MW and 170 MW).
\25\ The Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Program
generally requires pre-construction permitting for major sources if
the intended modification increases emissions of certain air
pollutants above the PSD significance thresholds. The TWG
Alternative also cites the Nonattainment New Source Review Program,
a pre-construction permitting program for areas that are not in
attainment with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Currently, this program does not apply to NGS as it is not located
in an area that is out of attainment with any of the NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWG Alternative B would be triggered if LADWP and/or NV Energy sell
their ownership interest to a third party (i.e., a party that is not an
existing NGS participant). TWG Alternative B establishes similar
emission reductions to Alternative A by setting a second NOX
emission cap over the 2009-2029 period, i.e., the 2009-2029
NOX Cap (calculated to be equivalent to the closure of one
unit in 2020), in addition to the 2009-2044 NOX Cap.
Alternative B specifies that NOX emissions must be
maintained below the cap during each applicable period (2009-2029 and
2009-2044), but does not specify how the NGS owners must operate NGS to
meet each cap. The TWG Alternative outlines annual emissions reporting
and planning requirements both to the public and to EPA to ensure
progress towards emissions goals and maintenance of emissions below the
2009-2044 NOX Cap.
B. EPA's Technical Evaluation of TWG Alternative to BART
EPA is proposing to include the TWG Alternative as a second
``better than BART'' Alternative to achieve compliance with the
RHR.\26\ We are proposing to determine that the TWG Alternative
satisfies the requirements of the RHR as discussed below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\26\ In our proposed action on February 5, 2013, EPA proposed a
BART determination for NGS and Alternative 1 as a ``better than
BART'' Alternative. In today's action, we are proposing that the TWG
Alternative also meets our ``better than BART'' framework. Taken
together, EPA has proposed a BART determination for NGS, Alternative
1, and the TWG Alternative.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As stated previously, the TWG Alternative establishes a 2009-2044
NOX Cap based on expected emissions that would result if NGS
complied with EPA's proposed BART determination. The TWG Alternative
also incorporates EPA's proposed LNB/SOFA credit into the 2009-2044
NOX Cap. In our February 5, 2013 proposed rule, EPA
established our proposed BART determination as a BART Benchmark based
on actual emissions and applied the LNB/SOFA credit to each Alternative
to BART (to calculate ``adjusted'' emissions). Adjusted emissions, from
each Alternative, were then compared against the BART Benchmark. As
discussed in the following paragraphs, these two methods of applying
credit for the early and voluntary installation of LNB/SOFA beginning
in 2009 are equivalent.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\27\ See also Spreadsheet titled ``Supplemental Better than BART
Alternatives.xlsx'' in the docket for this proposed rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As shown in our proposed rulemaking, EPA's proposed BART Benchmark
was 358,974 tons of NOX over 2009-2044.\28\ This value was
calculated assuming compliance with EPA's proposed BART emission limit
of 0.055 lb/MMBtu on January 1, 2018, based on a final rule effective
date of January 1, 2013. A final rule effective date of January 1, 2013
is no longer appropriate for NGS because EPA will
[[Page 62515]]
not issue a final BART rule by that date. The TWG Alternative provided
an example calculation for the 2009-2044 NOX Cap assuming a
final rule effective date of December 31, 2013, an emission limit of
0.055 lb/MMBtu, and the application of the LNB/SOFA credit to the
cap.\29\ The LNB/SOFA credit, as applied to the cap, assumes that LNB/
SOFA are installed at NGS concurrently with SCR, rather than using the
actual early installation dates on one unit per year over 2009-2011.
The example in the TWG Alternative calculates a 2009-2044
NOX Cap of 480,490 tons and acknowledges that the cap would
change depending on the actual effective date of the final rule. The
difference between the BART Benchmark from EPA's proposed rulemaking
(of 358,974 tons) and the example calculated in the TWG Alternative (of
480,490 tons) is based on the application of the LNB/SOFA credit to the
2009-2044 NOX Cap and the use of a different final rule
effective date, i.e., 2014 instead of 2013. Additionally, in our
proposed rulemaking, EPA included a transcription error in our
calculation of the BART Benchmark, which contributes nominally to the
difference.\30\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\28\ See Table 12 at 78 FR at 8290 and document titled ``BART
Alternatives.xlsx'' in document number 0005 in the docket for this
proposed rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009. In our BART proposal,
and in calculating the 2009-2044 NOX Cap in this
Supplemental Proposal, EPA used the average annual NOX
emissions from NGS over 2001-2008 (34,152 tons) to estimate future
annual emissions before compliance with the 0.055 lb/MMBtu
NOX limit. The TWG Alternative also used this value in
estimating its cap. Estimates for annual emissions in 2020 and
thereafter were based on the 0.055 lb/MMBtu NOX limit for
BART and the average heat input over 2001-2008. This method was
similarly used by EPA in our BART proposal and this Supplemental
Proposal, as well as the TWG Alternative.
\29\ Regarding the final rule effective date, see Infra. at
footnote 33.
\30\ EPA erroneously used the value 5,343 tons per year to
represent NOX emissions from NGS after installation of
SCR. The correct value was 5,345 tons per year. See, for example,
comparison of cells B23 and C23 in ``emissions'' tab of the
spreadsheet entitled ``BART Alternatives.xlsx'' in document number
0005 in the docket for this proposed rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-
0009.
Table 1--Differences Between BART Benchmark and Example Calculation of NOX Cap From TWG Alternative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BART Benchmark
for NOX Assumptions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As reported in 2/5/13 Proposed Rulemaking.... 358,974 BART compliance by January 1, 2018 (final rule
effective January 1, 2013).
Step 1: Correction for Transcription Error... 359,028 Transcription Error of 2 tpy for 27 years =
addition of 54 tons.
Step 2: Plus Correction for Revised BART 377,015 Change BART Compliance date from January 1,
Compliance Date. 2018 to January 1, 2019 = Difference between
LNB/SOFA and SCR+LNB/SOFA for one year =
23,325 tons minus 5,345 tons = 17,980 tons.
Step 3: Plus Application of LNB/SOFA Credit.. 480,489 Early emission reductions over 2009-2018
achieved from LNB/SOFA installation = (34,152
tpy * 10 years)--(30,500 + 24,427 + 19,837 +
(23,325 * 7 years) = 103,481 tons.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 1 shows that the correction for EPA's transcription error, a
revised BART compliance date, and the application of the LNB/SOFA
credit to the BART Benchmark instead of alternatives, account for the
full difference between EPA's BART Benchmark, as reported in our
proposed rulemaking, and the example calculation from the TWG
Alternative.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\31\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using the value from Table 1 of 480,489 tons, representing total
NOX emissions over 2009-2044 if LNB/SOFA were installed
concurrently with SCR by 2019, and the value of 377,015 tons,
representing total NOX emissions over 2009-2044 with actual
installation years for LNB/SOFA, the LNB/SOFA credit is 103,481 tons.
As discussed previously, in our proposed rulemaking, EPA set, as the
BART Benchmark, the value of total NOX emissions over 2009-
2044 based on the actual early installation years for LNB/SOFA (i.e.,
377,015 tons), and applied the LNB/SOFA credit to BART Alternatives to
calculated a value for ``adjusted emissions''. If the ``adjusted
emissions'' were lower than the BART Benchmark, the BART Alternative
was determined to be ``better than BART''. The TWG Alternative,
instead, applied the LNB/SOFA credit to the 2009-2044 NOX
Cap (i.e., resulting in 480,489 tons, very close to the value reported
by TWG of 480,490 tons), and calculated total emissions from
Alternatives based on the actual early installation years for LNB/SOFA.
If emissions from the BART Alternative are lower than the 2009-2044
NOX Cap, the Alternative is ``better than BART''. Using
Alternative 1 from our February 5, 2013 proposed rulemaking, i.e.,
compliance with the proposed BART emission limit in 2021, 2022, and
2023, as an example, Table 2 shows that these two methods of comparing
Alternatives against BART are equivalent.\32\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\32\ See also Spreadsheet titled ``Supplemental Better than BART
Alternatives.xlsx'' in the docket for this proposed rulemaking.
Table 2--EPA and TWG Methods of Comparing Alternatives Against BART
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BART Alternative 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPA Method
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance Years.............. By 2019.......... 2021, 2022, 2023.
Total Emissions (tons)........ 377,008 tons..... 430,948 tons.
LNB/SOFA Credit............... n/a.............. 103,481 tons.
Adjusted Emissions............ n/a.............. 327,467 tons.
Better than BART?............. n/a.............. Yes, by 49,541 tons
(377,008-327,467
tons).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWG Method
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance Years.............. By 2019.......... 2021, 2022, 2023.
Total Emissions (tons)........ 377,008 tons..... 430,948 tons.
LNB/SOFA Credit............... 103,481 tons..... n/a.
Adjusted Emissions............ 480,489 tons..... n/a.
Better than BART?............. n/a.............. Yes, by 49,541 tons
(480,489-430,948
tons).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 62516]]
As discussed previously, EPA anticipates that the compliance date
for BART would be based on the effective date of the final rule, which
is typically 60 days following publication of the final rule in the
Federal Register. Therefore, in calculating the 2009-2044
NOX Cap, EPA assumes that an effective date of July 1, 2014
is reasonable and justified.\33\ Based on a July 1, 2014 effective
date, compliance with the BART emission limit must occur by July 1,
2019. Using this compliance date, as well as correcting for the
transcription error in our proposed rulemaking and applying the LNB/
SOFA credit to the BART Benchmark instead of BART Alternatives, EPA
calculates the 2009-2044 NOX Cap to be 494,899 tons.\34\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\33\ The comment period for EPA's proposed BART determination
and Supplemental Proposal will close in January 2013. EPA
anticipates that a final rule that considers and responds to all
comments cannot be completed until Spring 2014. Because a final rule
is typically effective 60 days following publication in the Federal
Register, EPA anticipates the effective date of the final rule will
occur no earlier than mid-summer 2014.
\34\ See also Spreadsheet titled ``Supplemental Better than BART
Alternatives.xlsx'' in the docket for this proposed rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In our proposed BART determination on February 5, 2013, we
established a framework for evaluating other Alternatives to BART,
centered on our proposed BART determination that calculated a BART
benchmark for total NOX emissions over 2009-2044. We
compared total emissions from our proposed alternative, Alternative 1
(adjusted for the emission reductions associated with the early
installation of LNB/SOFA) against the BART benchmark to determine that
Alternative 1 was ``better than BART''. The TWG Alternative to BART
uses EPA's BART benchmark to establish an emission cap and commits to
operate NGS in a manner such that total NOX emissions over
2009-2044 remain below the 2009-2044 NOX Cap, which we
calculate to be 494,899 tons. In ensuring that total NOX
emissions over 2009-2044 from NGS remain below the 2009-2044
NOX Cap, the TWG Alternative meets the criteria of our
proposed ``better than BART'' framework.
EPA's technical evaluation has also focused on whether the four
potential operating scenarios in the TWG Alternative (Alternatives A1-
A3 and B) provide a reasonable basis to ensure the NOX
emissions will remain below the 2009-2044 NOX Cap of 494,899
tons.
The four possible operating scenarios under the TWG Alternative
(Alternatives A1, A2, A3, and B) are summarized in section III.A of
this Supplemental Proposal. These four scenarios are also shown in
Table 3 and compared against the 2009-2044 NOX Cap. The
2009-2044 NOX Cap reflects the final rule effective date
that EPA estimates is reasonable and justified for this rulemaking
(July 1, 2014), resulting in a BART compliance date of July 1, 2019. As
discussed above, the 2009-2044 NOX Cap incorporates the LNB/
SOFA early installation credit. EPA calculates the 2009-2044
NOX Cap to be 494,899 tons.
The three operating scenarios under Alternative A represent
emission reductions that occur during three distinct periods of time:
over 2009-2011 (through the early installation of LNB/SOFA), by 2020
(from closure or curtailment of one unit, and by 2031 (through
compliance with a NOX limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu on two units).
Similarly, Alternative B represents emission reduction that would occur
during three distinct periods of time: over 2009-2011 (through the
early installation of LNB/SOFA), any time prior to 2029 (to maintain
compliance with the 2009-2029 NOX Cap), and any time between
2029 and 2044 (to maintain compliance with the 2009-2044 NOX
Cap).
EPA notes that the closure or curtailment of one unit at NGS in
2020 would result not only in NOX reductions, but also in
reductions of other criteria and hazardous air pollutants, such as
sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter, and mercury.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\35\ Graphical representation of these Alternatives against the
2009-2044 NOX Cap are shown in Spreadsheet titled
``Supplemental Better than BART Alternatives.xlsx'' in the docket
for this proposed rulemaking.
Table 3--Summary of EPA Analysis of TWG Alternative \35\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWG Alternative: Maintain Emissions below 2009-2044 NOX Cap using one of the following
operating scenarios:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1 A2 A3 B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ownership Possibilities If: LADWP and NV Energy exit without selling ownership interest or by LADWP or NV Energy
selling to an existing NGS Participant. exits by selling to
a 3rd party, or
LADWP or NV Energy
do not exit NGS..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And: Navajo Nation does not Navajo Nation Navajo Nation
purchase ownership purchases interest purchases interest
interest. (up to 170 MW). (up to 170 MW).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And: Owners increase Owners do not
capacity (does not increase capacity
trigger permit). (triggers permit).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Cap or Operating 2009-2044 NOX Cap = By 12/31/2019, close By 12/31/2019, close Three units could Maintain total NOX
Scenarios. 494,899 tons: By 7/1/ one unit. one unit. remain open.. emissions below a
2019, meet limit of By 12/31/2030, meet By 12/31/2019, By 12/31/2019, 2009-2029 NOX Cap
0.055 lb/MMBtu NOX limit of 0.07 lb/ increase net curtail generation (416,865 tons). Cap
through installation MMBtu on two units.. capacity by no more by at least 561 MW.. is equivalent to
of LNB/SOFA than 189 MW.. By 12/31/2030, meet closure of one unit
concurrently with By 12/31/2030, meet NOX limit of 0.07 lb/ by 12/31/2019.
SCR. NOX limit of 0.07 lb/ MMBtu on two units..
MMBtu on two units..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 62517]]
Estimate of Total NOX over 2009-2044....................... 435,819 tons.......... 461,816 tons NGS must ensure total
emissions remain
below both Caps.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order to better understand whether the three potential operating
scenarios under Alternative A provide reasonable assurance that
emissions from NGS will remain below the 2009-2044 NOX Cap,
EPA estimated annual NOX emissions for each potential
operating scenario.\36\ These estimates were based on the specific
requirements for each scenario and the average heat input and average
emission rates for each unit operating with LNB/SOFA.\37\ EPA used
actual emission data, as reported to the EPA Clean Air Markets Program,
for 2001-2012.\38\ To estimate tons of NOX emitted in the
future, EPA calculated the product of annual heat input (in MMBtu/year)
and the annual average NOX emission rate (in lb/MMBtu). In
Table 3, estimates for total NOX emissions over 2009-2044
were calculated based on the average annual heat input over 2001-2012,
and the average annual NOX emission rate achieved over 2011-
2012 (when all three units were operating with LNB/SOFA) for the 2013-
2018 period, and 0.07 lb/MMBtu for the 2020-2044 period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\36\ Id.
\37\ Under EPA PSD permit AZ 08-01, November 20, 2008, Units 1-3
at NGS operate with modern LNB/SOFA with an emission limit of 0.24
lb/MMBtu. See documents within EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009-0005.
\38\ Id. See also https://ampd.epa.gov/ampd/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As shown in Table 3, estimates for total NOX emissions
over 2009-2044 for Alternatives A1, A2, and A3 are all below the 2009-
2044 NOX Cap. This indicates that under TWG Alternative A,
NGS can be reasonably expected to remain below the 2009-2044
NOX Cap. The TWG Alternative requires the operator of NGS to
submit an annual report to EPA, which it must also make publicly
available, that includes annual emissions of SO2 and
CO2, and annual and cumulative emissions of NOX.
In addition, EPA is including a provision to require reporting of
annual heat input at NGS to assess operation and utilization of
capacity at NGS.
Consistent with 40 CFR 51.308(e), the enforceable 2009-2044
NOX Cap will ensure that total emissions of NOX
are less than those that would be emitted under our proposed BART
determination. The weight of evidence, including the operating
scenarios and annual reporting requirements as discussed above, suggest
that NGS can be reasonably expected to remain below the 2009-2044
NOX Cap.
As indicated in Table 3, and as discussed previously, the operating
scenario under TWG Alternative B does not specify the exact process
that would be used to comply with the 2009-2044 NOX Cap. To
ensure that NOX emission reductions are achieved under TWG
Alternative B in a manner similar to TWG Alternative A1-A3, the TWG
Alternative imposes a nested NOX emission cap for the 2009-
2029 period (the 2009-2029 NOX Cap) that would apply in
addition to the 2009-2044 NOX Cap. Under TWG Alternative B,
the 2009-2029 NOX Cap would be equivalent to total
NOX emissions over 2009-2029 that would be achieved under
TWG Alternative A1, i.e., closure of one unit by December 31, 2019.
Thus, under TWG Alternative B, NGS must still reduce NOX
emissions over 2009-2029 and 2030-2044 in order to comply with the
2009-2029 and 2009-2044 NOX Caps, but the operator would
have flexibility to determine the timing and method of reducing
emissions.
To evaluate TWG Alternative B, EPA estimated potential emission
reduction timeframes that would be needed to comply with the 2009-2029
and 2009-2044 NOX Caps assuming the owners of NGS elect to
install SCR on all three units at NGS.\39\ Using the average annual
heat input over 2001-2012, and the average annual NOX
emission rate achieved over 2011-2012 (when all three units were
operating with LNB/SOFA), if NGS achieves emission rates of 0.07 lb/
MMBtu or below after installation of SCR, the owners of NGS would need
to install SCR on one unit each in 2026, 2027, and 2028 in order to
comply with the 2009-2029 and 2009-2044 NOX Caps. If NGS
achieves emission rates of 0.055 lb/MMBtu or below, the owners of NGS
would need to install SCR on one unit each in 2028, 2029, and 2030 in
order to comply with the 2009-2029 and 2009-2044 NOX Caps.
In addition to the option of installing SCR on each unit, under TWG
Alternative B, the owners of NGS could elect to implement any operating
scenario (including curtailment, installation of other technologies to
reduce emissions of NOX, or a combination of options or
technologies) as long as the operational changes result in reduced
emissions of NOX sufficient to maintain emissions below the
applicable NOX Cap.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\39\ Although Alternative B does not specify how the caps will
be maintained, installation of SCR on all units at NGS is a
reasonable compliance option, and therefore, EPA is using this as an
example for further examination of Alternative B. See spreadsheet,
titled ``Supplemental Better than BART Alternatives.xlsx''.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To ensure compliance, the annual reporting requirements that apply
to TWG Alternative A would also apply under TWG Alternative B. In
addition, if TWG Alternative B is triggered, the operator of NGS would
be required to submit annual Emission Reduction Plans to EPA that would
identify the potential emission reductions measures and operating
scenarios to comply with the 2009-2029 or 2009-2044 NOX
Caps. Each potential operating scenario in each annual Emission
Reduction Plan must show compliance with the applicable NOX
Cap.
Consistent with 40 CFR 51.308(e), the enforceable 2009-2029 and
2009-2044 NOX Caps will ensure that total emission
reductions of NOX are greater than those that would be
achieved under our proposed BART determination. The weight of evidence,
including possible operating scenarios and the reporting requirements
as discussed above, indicate that NGS can be reasonably expected to
remain below the 2009-2029 and 2009-2044 NOX Caps.
Based on our analysis of the operating scenarios under TWG
Alternatives A1-A3 and B, EPA is proposing to determine that the TWG
Alternative meets EPA's ``better than BART'' framework outlined in our
February 5, 2013 proposed BART determination for NGS.
IV. EPA's Supplemental Proposal
In addition to our proposed BART determination and Alternative 1
for NGS dated February 5, 2013, in today's action, EPA is supplementing
our proposal with the TWG Alternative submitted to EPA on July 26, 2013
as an additional ``better than BART'' Alternative. Because we are
supplementing our February 5, 2013 proposed rulemaking with today's
[[Page 62518]]
proposal, after considering public comments, EPA may finalize
provisions from either or both proposals, i.e., our proposed BART
determination, proposed Alternative 1, or the TWG Alternative.
EPA is proposing to determine that the TWG Alternative ensures that
total emissions of NOX from NGS over 2009-2044 will remain
below the total emissions from NGS over 2009-2044 that would have
occurred under BART. In today's action, EPA is proposing to establish
enforceable requirements to comply with the proposed 2009-2044
NOX Cap, and if applicable, a 2009-2029 NOX Cap,
including annual reporting requirements related to heat input,
emissions of SO2 and CO2, and annual and
cumulative emissions of NOX. In addition, if the final
ownership outcome triggers the operating scenarios under Alternatives
A1-A3, EPA is proposing to establish the emission reduction milestones
under A1-A3 (closure of one unit or curtailment of electricity
generation by December 31, 2019, and installation of SCR on two units
by December 31, 2030) as enforceable requirements. If the final
ownership outcome triggers Alternative B, EPA is proposing to require
the owners of NGS to submit annual Emission Reduction Plans to EPA to
achieve the NOX emission reductions necessary to assure
compliance with the 2009-2029 and 2009-2044 NOX Caps. EPA is
also proposing to require the owners of NGS to notify EPA no later than
December 1, 2019, of the final ownership outcome and the resulting
applicable operating scenario that it will implement. For the reasons
outlined above, EPA is supplementing our February 5, 2013 proposed
rulemaking to also propose the TWG Alternative as a ``better than
BART'' Alternative that ensures greater reasonable progress towards the
national visibility goal than BART.
EPA is accepting public comment concurrently on our February 5,
2013 proposed BART determination and proposed Alterative 1 and the TWG
Alternative put forth in today's Supplemental Proposal. From November
12-15, 2013, EPA will be holding five open house and public hearing
events throughout Arizona to accept written and oral comment on our
proposed rulemaking and Supplemental Proposal. The comment period for
our February 5, 2013 proposed rulemaking and today's Supplemental
Proposal closes on January 6, 2014.
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review 13563
This action supplements our proposed source-specific Federal
Implementation Plan for the Navajo Generating Station to propose and
take comment on an additional Alternative to BART that was developed by
and agreed upon by a group of seven stakeholders. Under the terms of
Executive Order (EO) 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and EO 13563
(76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), because this proposed rule applies to
only one facility, it is not a rule of general applicability. This
proposed rule, therefore, is exempt from review under EO 12866 and EO
13563.
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
This action does not impose an information collection burden under
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b). Under the Paperwork Reduction
Act, a ``collection of information'' is defined as a requirement for
``answers to * * * identical reporting or recordkeeping requirements
imposed on ten or more persons * * *.'' 44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A). Because
the Supplemental Proposal applies to a single facility, Navajo
Generating Station, the Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency
to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to
notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative
Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses,
small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions.
For purposes of assessing the impacts of today's proposed rule on
small entities, small entity is defined as: (1) a small business as
defined by the Small Business Administration's (SBA) regulations at 13
CFR 121.201; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a government
of a city, county, town, school district or special district with a
population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is
any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated
and is not dominant in its field.
After considering the economic impacts of this proposed action on
small entities, I certify that this proposed action will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
The Navajo Generating Station is not a small entity and the FIP for
Navajo Generating Station being proposed today does not impose any
compliance requirements on small entities. See Mid-Tex Electric
Cooperative, Inc. v. FERC, 773 F.2d 327 (D.C. Cir. 1985). We continue
to be interested in the potential impacts of the proposed rule and this
Supplemental Proposal on small entities and welcome comments on issues
related to such impacts.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2
U.S.C. 1531-1538, requires Federal agencies, unless otherwise
prohibited by law, to assess the effects of their regulatory actions on
State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector. Federal
agencies must also develop a plan to provide notice to small
governments that might be significantly or uniquely affected by any
regulatory requirements. The plan must enable officials of affected
small governments to have meaningful and timely input in the
development of EPA regulatory proposals with significant Federal
intergovernmental mandates and must inform, educate, and advise small
governments on compliance with the regulatory requirements.
This rule does not contain a Federal mandate that may result in
expenditures of $100 million or more for state, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector in any one year.
EPA anticipates the annual cost to the private sector of this
Supplemental Proposal, which involves compliance with BART emission
limits by two units, rather than three units, to be lower than the
anticipated cost of EPA's proposed BART determination of $64 million
per year (see Table 2 of EPA's proposed BART determination at 78 FR
8274, February 5, 2013). Thus, this Supplemental Proposal is not
subject to the requirements of sections 202 or 205 of UMRA. This
proposed rule will not impose direct compliance costs on state, local
or tribal governments. This proposed action will, if finalized, reduce
the emissions of NOX from a single source, the Navajo
Generating Station.
In developing this rule, EPA consulted with small governments
pursuant to a plan established under section 203 of UMRA to address
impacts
[[Page 62519]]
of regulatory requirements in the rule that might significantly or
uniquely affect small governments. EPA put forth an Advanced Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking on August 28, 2009 regarding our intention to
propose a BART determination for NGS and the Four Corners Power Plant.
We received comments from numerous small governments, including tribal
governments, and governments of several towns in Arizona. This proposed
rule will not impose direct compliance costs on any small governments.
However, increased electricity and water costs associated with this
proposed rule may indirectly affect small governments.
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have
substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between
the national government and the states, or in the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as
specified in Executive Order 13132. This action proposes emission
reductions of NOX at a specific stationary source located in
Indian country. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this
action.
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments
Under Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), EPA
may not issue a regulation that has tribal implications, that imposes
substantial direct compliance costs, and that is not required by
statute, unless the federal government provides the funds necessary to
pay the direct compliance costs incurred by tribal governments, or EPA
consults with tribal officials early in the process of developing the
proposed regulation and develops a tribal summary impact statement.
EPA has concluded that this proposed action will have tribal
implications, and consequently EPA has consulted with tribal officials
during the process of developing the proposed regulation and will
continue to consult with tribal officials during the process to take
final action. EPA notes that the TWG Alternative, on which this
Supplemental Proposal is based, was developed by a group of seven
stakeholders that included the Navajo Nation and the Gila River Indian
Community. However, we also note that not all tribes that may be
affected by this proposed alternative were among the stakeholders.
Other tribes may have views on this alternative and EPA welcomes their
comments. The proposed regulation will not pre-empt tribal law. The
proposed regulation will also not impose direct compliance costs on a
tribal government, because the direct compliance costs of this proposed
rule, if finalized, will be borne by the owners of NGS. However,
because several tribes located in Arizona rely directly or indirectly
on NGS, there may be indirect impacts of this proposed rule on these
tribes. The Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe receive coal-related
royalties, taxes and employment at NGS and the Kayenta Mine that
contribute to their economies. Several tribes in Arizona have
allocations of CAP water under existing water settlement agreements.
Because of the inter-relationship of CAP and NGS, impacts to NGS may
also impact CAP and the tribes that use CAP water or otherwise benefit
from CAP according to Congressionally-approved water settlement
agreements. The importance to tribes of continued operation of NGS and
affordable water costs cannot be overemphasized. In Section II.B.ii of
EPA's proposed BART determination dated February 5, 2013 (78 FR8274),
EPA explains in detail the tribal information that we received and
considered in this proposed rulemaking.
In addition to our consultation with tribes discussed in our
February 5, 2013 proposed rulemaking, EPA has had additional meetings
and conference calls with tribes at their request since the time we
received the TWG Alternative, and during our process of evaluating the
TWG Alternative. On August 22, 2013, we met with Governor Gregory
Mendoza and other representatives from the Gila River Indian
Community.\40\ On August 28, 2013, EPA met with President Ben Shelly
and other representatives from the Navajo Nation.\41\ We held a
conference call on September 13, 2013 with Chairman LeRoy Shingoitewa
and another representative from the Hopi Tribe.\42\ Chairman
Shingoitewa also submitted a letter to EPA, dated August 19, 2013,
expressing several concerns related to the TWG Alternative.\43\ An
updated timeline of all correspondence and consultation with tribes on
NGS is included in the docket for this proposed rulemaking.\44\
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\40\ See document number 0152 in the docket for the proposed
rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
\41\ See document number 0150 in the docket for the proposed
rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
\42\ See document number 0166 in the docket for the proposed
rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
\43\ See document number 0134 in the docket for the proposed
rulemaking at EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0009.
\44\ See document titled ``Timeline of All Tribal Consultations
on Navajo BART FIPs as of September 17 2013'' in the docket for this
proposed rulemaking.
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EPA recognizes that the Navajo Nation and the Gila River Indian
Community participated in the development of the TWG Agreement on NGS
and were signatories on the Agreement. However, EPA also understands
from discussions with President Shelly and Governor Mendoza that
concerns, related to potential impacts to their respective tribes from
BART and the TWG Alternative, still exist. EPA understands that
Chairman Shingoitewa has numerous concerns related to the TWG Agreement
and Alternative, including the exclusion of the Hopi Tribe from the TWG
and the development of the TWG Agreement, and the extended timeframe
for the installation of new air pollution controls at NGS under the TWG
Alternative. EPA will continue to consult with Tribal officials during
and following the public comment period on the proposed FIP.
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks
Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children from Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), applies to
any rule that: (1) is determined to be economically significant as
defined under Executive Order 12866, and (2) concerns an environmental
health or safety risk that EPA has reason to believe may have a
disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets
both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the environmental health or
safety effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the
planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and
reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the Agency. This
proposed rule is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it
requires emissions reductions of NOX from a single
stationary source. Because this proposed action only applies to a
single source and is not a proposed rule of general applicability, it
is not economically significant as defined under Executive Order 12866,
and does not have a disproportionate effect on children. However, to
the extent that the rule will reduce emissions of NOX, which
contribute to ozone and fine particulate matter formation as well as
visibility impairment, the rule will have a beneficial effect on
children's health by reducing air pollution that causes or
[[Page 62520]]
exacerbates childhood asthma and other respiratory issues.
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001)), because it is exempt under Executive Order 12866.
I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, 12 (10) (15 U.S.C. 272 note)
directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards (VCS) in its
regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with
applicable law or otherwise impractical. VCS are technical standards
(e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures and
business practices) that are developed or adopted by the VCS bodies.
The NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through annual reports to
OMB, with explanations when the Agency decides not to use available and
applicable VCS.
Consistent with the NTTAA, the Agency conducted a search to
identify potentially applicable VCS. For the measurements listed below,
there are a number of VCS that appear to have possible use in lieu of
the EPA test methods and performance specifications (40 CFR Part 60,
Appendices A and B) noted next to the measurement requirements. It
would not be practical to specify these standards in the current
proposed rulemaking due to a lack of sufficient data on equivalency and
validation and because some are still under development. However, EPA's
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards is in the process of
reviewing all available VCS for incorporation by reference into the
test methods and performance specifications of 40 CFR Part 60,
Appendices A and B. Any VCS so incorporated in a specified test method
or performance specification would then be available for use in
determining the emissions from this facility. This will be an ongoing
process designed to incorporate suitable VCS as they become available.
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994), establishes
federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision
directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and
permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission
by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
EPA has determined that this proposed rule, if finalized, will not
have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority or low-income populations because it increases the
level of environmental protection for all affected populations without
having any disproportionately high and adverse human health or
environmental effects on any population, including any minority or low-
income population. This proposed rule requires emissions reductions of
NOX from a single stationary source, Navajo Generating
Station.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 49
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Indians,
Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen Dioxide.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: September 25, 2013.
Jared Blumenfeld,
Regional Administrator, Region 9.
Title 40, chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations is proposed
to be amended as follows:
PART 49--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 49 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.
0
2. Section 49.5513 is amended by adding paragraph (j) to read as
follows:
Sec. 49.5513 Federal Implementation Plan Provisions for Navajo
Generating Station, Navajo Nation.
* * * * *
(j) (1) Applicability. Regional Haze Best Available Retrofit
Technology limits for this plant are in addition to the requirements of
paragraphs (a) through (i) of this section. The provisions of this
paragraph (j) are severable, and if any provision of this paragraph
(j), or the application of any provision of this paragraph (j) to any
owner/operator or circumstance, is held invalid, the application of
such provision to other owner/operators and other circumstances, and
the remainder of this paragraph (j), shall not be affected thereby.
Nothing in this paragraph (j) allows or authorizes any Unit to emit
NOX at a rate that exceeds its existing emission limit of
0.24 lb/MMBtu as established by EPA permit AZ 08-01 issued on November
20, 2008.
(2) Definitions. Terms not defined below shall have the meaning
given to them in the Clean Air Act or EPA's regulations implementing
the Clean Air Act and in paragraph (c) of this section. For purposes of
this paragraph (j):
(i) 2009-2029 NOX Cap is no more than 416,865 tons of
NOX. This value is calculated based on the sum of annual
emissions over January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2029, and closure of one
unit by December 31, 2019.
(ii) 2009-2044 NOX Cap is no more than 494,899 tons of
NOX. This value is calculated based on the sum of annual
emissions over January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2044, and compliance
with a BART emission limit of 0.055 lb/MMBtu on each Unit by July 1,
2019.
(iii) Boiler Operating Day means a 24-hour period between 12
midnight and the following midnight during which any fuel is combusted
at any time in the steam-generating unit. It is not necessary for fuel
to be combusted the entire 24-hour period.
(iv) Coal-Fired Unit means any of Units 1, 2, or 3 at Navajo
Generating Station.
(v) Continuous Emission Monitoring System or CEMS means the
equipment required by 40 CFR Part 75 and this paragraph (j).
(vi) Departing Participant means either Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power or Nevada Energy, also known as NV Energy or Nevada
Power Company.
(vi) Emission limitation or emission limit means the federal
emissions limitation required by this paragraph.
(vii) Existing Participant means the existing owners of NGS: Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power; Nevada Energy, also known as NV
Energy or Nevada Power Company; Salt River Project Agricultural
Improvement and Power District; Arizona Public Service Company; and
Tucson Electric Company, together with the United States, acting
through the Bureau of Reclamation.
(ix) lb means pound(s).
(x) Low-NOX Burners and Separated Over-Fire Air or LNB/SOFA means
combustion controls installed on one Unit each over 2009-2011.
(xi) Navajo Nation means the Navajo Nation, a federally recognized
Indian Tribe.
(xii) NGS or Navajo Generating Station means the steam electric
generating station located on the Navajo Reservation near Page,
Arizona, consisting of Units 1, 2, and 3, each 750
[[Page 62521]]
MW (nameplate rating), the switchyard facilities, and all facilities
and structures used or related thereto.
(xiii) NOX means nitrogen oxides expressed as nitrogen dioxide
(NO2).
(xiv) Owner(s)/operator(s) means any person(s) who own(s) or who
operate(s), control(s), or supervise(s) one more of the units of the
Navajo Generating Station.
(xv) MMBtu means million British thermal unit(s).
(xvi) Operating hour means any hour that fossil fuel is fired in
the unit.
(xvii) Unit means any of Units 1, 2, or 3 at Navajo Generating
Station.
(xviii) Valid Data means CEMs data that is not out of control as
defined in 40 CFR Part 75.
(3) BART Determination. BART for NGS is a NOX emission
limit of 0.055 lb/MMBtu on each Unit with a compliance date of July 1,
2019, and is used to establish a cap in NOX emissions, known
as the 2009-2044 NOX Cap. The owner/operator shall
demonstrate BART compliance by ensuring that total NOX
emissions from NGS, over January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2044, do not
exceed the 2009-2044 NOX Cap. The owner/operator shall
implement the applicable operating scenario, under paragraph (j)(3)(i),
to ensure NOX emission reductions sufficient to maintain
total NOX emissions below the 2009-2044 NOX Cap.
(i) Operating Scenarios to Comply with 2009-2044 NOX Cap.
(A) Alternative A1.
(1) By December 31, 2019, the owner/operator shall permanently
cease operation of one coal-fired Unit.
(2) By December 31, 2030, the owner/operator shall comply with a
NOX emission limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu on each of the two
remaining coal-fired Units.
(B) Alternative A2.
(1) By December 31, 2019, the owner/operator shall permanently
cease operation of one coal-fired Unit.
(2) By December 31, 2019, the owner/operator may elect to increase
net generating capacity of the remaining two coal-fired Units by a
combined total of no more than 189 MW. The actual increase in net
generating capacity shall be limited by the sum of 19 MW and the
ownership interest, in net MW capacity, purchased by the Navajo Nation
by December 31, 2019. The owner/operator shall ensure that any increase
in the net generating capacity is in compliance with all pre-
construction permitting requirements, as applicable.
(3) By December 31, 2030, the owner/operator shall comply with a
NOX emission limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu on each of the two
remaining coal-fired Units.
(C) Alternative A3.
(1) By December 31, 2019, the owner/operator shall reduce the net
generating capacity of NGS by no less than 561 MW. The actual reduction
in net generating capacity of NGS shall be determined by the difference
between 731 MW and the ownership interest, in net MW capacity,
purchased by the Navajo Nation by December 31, 2019.
(2) By December 31, 2030, the owner/operator shall comply with a
NOX emission limit of 0.07 lb/MMBtu on two Units.
(D) Alternative B. In addition to the 2009-2044 NOX Cap
that applies between January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2044, during the
January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2029 period, the owner/operator shall
ensure compliance with the 2009-2029 NOX Cap.
(ii) Applicability of Alternatives.
(A) Alternative A1 shall apply if both of the Departing
Participants retire their ownership interests in NGS by December 31,
2019, and the Navajo Nation does not purchase an ownership share of NGS
by December 31, 2019; or if both of the Departing Participants sell
their ownership interests to Existing Participants, and the Navajo
Nation does not purchase an ownership share of NGS by December 31,
2019; or if one of the Departing Participants retires its ownership
interest and the other Departing Participant sells its ownership
interest to an Existing Participant, and the Navajo Nation does not
purchase an ownership share of NGS by December 31, 2019.
(B) Alternative A2 shall apply if both of the Departing
Participants sell their ownership interests to Existing Participants,
the Navajo Nation elects to purchase an ownership share of NGS by
December 31, 2019, and the owner/operator elects to increase net
generating capacity of the two remaining Units; or if one of the
Departing Participants retires its ownership interest and the other
Departing Participant sells its ownership interest to an Existing
Participant, the Navajo Nation elects to purchase an ownership share of
NGS by December 31, 2019, and the owner/operator elects to increase net
generating capacity of the two remaining Units.
(C) Alternative A3 shall apply if both of the Departing
Participants sell their ownership interests to Existing Participants,
the Navajo Nation elects to purchase an ownership share of NGS by
December 31, 2019, and the owner/operator does not elect to increase
net generating capacity; or if one of the Departing Participants
retires its ownership interest and the other Departing Participant
sells its ownership interest to an Existing Participant, the Navajo
Nation elects to purchase an ownership share of NGS by December 31,
2019, and the owner/operator does not elect to increase net generating
capacity.
(D) Alternative B shall apply if, by December 31, 2019, any of the
Departing Participants sell their ownership interests to a Party that
is not an Existing Participant.
(4) Reporting and Implementation Requirements for BART.
(i) No later than December 1, 2019, the owner/operator must notify
EPA of the applicable Alternative for ensuring compliance with the
2009-2044 NOX Cap.
(ii) Beginning January 31, 2015, and annually thereafter until the
earlier of December 22, 2044 or the date on which the owner/operator
ceases conventional coal-fired generation at NGS, the owner/operator
shall submit to the Regional Administrator, a report summarizing the
annual heat input, the annual emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon
dioxide, and annual and cumulative emissions of NOX from NGS
for the previous full calendar year. The owner/operator shall make this
report available to the public, either through a link on its Web site
or directly on its Web site.
(iii) No later than December 31, 2020, the owner/operator shall
submit an application to revise its existing Part 71 Operating Permit
to incorporate the requirements and emission limits of the applicable
Alternative to BART under paragraph (j)(3).
(iv) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (j)(4)(i), (ii)
and (iii), if Alternative B applies, the owner/operator shall submit
annual Emission Reduction Plans to the Regional Administrator.
(A) No later than December 31, 2019 and annually thereafter through
December 31, 2028, the owner/operator shall submit an Emission
Reduction Plan containing anticipated year-by-year emissions covering
the period from 2020 to 2029 that will assure that the operation of NGS
will result in emissions of NOX that do not exceed the 2009-
2029 NOX Cap. The Emission Reduction Plan may contain
several potential operating scenarios and must set forth the past
annual actual emissions and the projected emissions for each potential
operating scenario. Each potential operating scenario must demonstrate
compliance with the 2009-2029 NOX Cap. The Emission
Reduction Plan shall identify emission reduction measures that may
include, but are not
[[Page 62522]]
limited to, the installation of advanced emission controls, a reduction
in generation output, or other operating strategies determined by the
owner/operator. The owner/operator may revise the potential operating
scenarios set forth in the Emission Reduction Plan, provided the
revised plan ensure that NOX emissions remain below the
2009-2029 NOX Cap.
(B) No later than December 31, 2029 and annually thereafter, the
owner/operator shall submit an Emission Reduction Plan containing year-
by-year emissions covering the period from January 1, 2030 to December
31, 2044 that will assure that the operation of NGS will result in
emissions of NOX that do not exceed the 2009-2044
NOX Cap. The Emission Reduction Plan shall identify emission
reduction measures that may include, but are not limited to, the
installation of advanced emission controls, a reduction in generation
output, or other operating strategies determined by the owner/operator.
The owner/operator may revise the potential operating scenarios set
forth in the Emission Reduction Plan, provided the revised plan ensure
that NOX emissions remain below the 2009-2044 NOX
Cap.
(5) Continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS).
(i) At all times, the owner/operator of each unit shall maintain,
calibrate, and operate a CEMS, in full compliance with the requirements
found at 40 CFR Part 75, to accurately measure NOX, diluent,
and stack gas volumetric flow rate from each unit. Valid data means
data recorded when the CEMS is not out-of-control as defined by Part
75, as defined in paragraph (j)(2) of this section. All valid CEMS
hourly data shall be used to determine compliance with the emission
limitations for NOX in paragraph (j)(3) of this section for
each unit. If the CEMs data is not valid, that CEMs data shall be
treated as missing data and not used to calculate the emission average.
CEMs data does not need to be bias adjusted as defined in 40 CFR Part
75. Each required CEMS must obtain valid data for at least 90 percent
of the unit operating hours, on an annual basis.
(ii) The owner/operator of each unit shall comply with the quality
assurance procedures for CEMS found in 40 CFR Part 75. In addition to
these Part 75 requirements, relative accuracy test audits shall be
calculated for both the NOX pounds per hour measurement and
the heat input measurement. The calculation of NOX pounds
per hour and heat input relative accuracy shall be evaluated each time
the CEMS undergo relative accuracy testing.
(6) Compliance Determination for NOX Emission Limits.
(i) Compliance with the NOX emission limits under
paragraphs (j)(3)(i) shall be determined on a rolling average basis of
thirty (30) Boiler Operating Days on a unit by unit basis. Compliance
shall be calculated in accordance with the following procedure: (1) Sum
the total pounds of NOX emitted from the Unit during the
current Boiler Operating Day and the previous twenty-nine (29) Boiler
Operating Days; (2) sum the total heat input to the Unit in MMBtu
during the current Boiler Operating Day and the previous twenty-nine
(29) Boiler Operating Days; and (3) divide the total number of pounds
of NOX by the total heat input in MMBtu during the thirty
(30) Boiler Operating Days. A new 30 Boiler Operating Day rolling
average shall be calculated for each new Boiler Operating Day. Each 30
Boiler Operating Day rolling average shall include all emissions that
occur during periods within any Boiler Operating Day, including
emissions from startup, shutdown, and malfunction.
(ii) If a valid NOX pounds per hour or heat input is not
available for any hour for a unit, that heat input and NOX
pounds per hour shall not be used in the calculation for that 30 boiler
operating day period.
(7) Recordkeeping. The owner or operator of each unit shall
maintain the following records for at least five years:
(i) All CEMS data, including the date, place, and time of sampling
or measurement; parameters sampled or measured; and results as required
by Part 75 and as necessary to calculate each unit's pounds of
NOX and heat input for each hour.
(ii) Each calendar day rolling average group emission rates for
NOX calculated in accordance with paragraph (j)(6)(i) of
this section.
(iii) Each unit's 30 Boiler Operating Day pounds of NOX
and heat input.
(iv) Records of quality assurance and quality control activities
for emissions measuring systems including, but not limited to, any
records required by 40 CFR Part 75.
(v) Records of the relative accuracy calculation of the
NOX lb/hr measurement and hourly heat input.
(vi) Records of all major maintenance activities conducted on
emission units, air pollution control equipment, and CEMS.
(vii) Any other records required by 40 CFR Part 75.
(8) Reporting. All reports and notifications under this paragraph
(j) shall be submitted to the Director, Navajo Environmental Protection
Agency, P.O. Box 339, Window Rock, Arizona 86515, and to the Director
of Enforcement Division, U.S. EPA Region IX, at 75 Hawthorne Street,
San Francisco, CA 94105.
(i) The owner/operator shall notify EPA within two weeks after
completion of installation of NOX control technology on any
of the units subject to this section.
(ii) Within 30 days after the first applicable compliance date in
paragraph (j)(3) of this section and within 30 days of every second
calendar quarter thereafter (i.e., semi-annually), the owner/operator
shall submit a report that lists for each calendar day, calculated in
accordance with paragraph (j)(6) of this section, total lb of
NOX and heat input (as used to calculate compliance per
paragraph (j)(6), for each unit's last 30 boiler operating days.
Included in this report shall be the results of the last relative
accuracy test audit and the calculated relative accuracy for lb/hr
NOX and heat input performed 45 days prior to the end of
that reporting period. The end of the year report shall also include
the percent valid data for each NOX, diluent, and flow
monitor used in the calculations of compliance with paragraph (j)(6).
(9) Enforcement. Notwithstanding any other provision in this
implementation plan, any credible evidence or information relevant as
to whether the unit would have been in compliance with applicable
requirements if the appropriate performance or compliance test had been
performed, can be used to establish whether or not the owner or
operator has violated or is in violation of any standard or applicable
emission limit in the plan.
(10) Equipment Operations. At all times, including periods of
startup, shutdown, and malfunction, the owner or operator shall, to the
extent practicable, maintain and operate the unit including associated
air pollution control equipment in a manner consistent with good air
pollution control practices for minimizing emissions. Determination of
whether acceptable operating and maintenance procedures are being used
will be based on information available to the Regional Administrator,
or their designee, which may include, but is not limited to, monitoring
results, review of operating and maintenance procedures, and inspection
of the unit.
(11) Affirmative Defense. The affirmative defense provisions of
paragraphs (c)(1) and (g)(3) of this
[[Page 62523]]
section, related only to malfunctions, apply to this paragraph (j).
[FR Doc. 2013-24281 Filed 10-21-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P