Approval of North Dakota Request for Partial Delegation of Prevention of Accidental Release, Clean Air Act Section 112(r) Program, 66321-66325 [2013-26356]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 214 / Tuesday, November 5, 2013 / Proposed Rules
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Susan Hedman,
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[FR Doc. 2013–26357 Filed 11–4–13; 8:45 am]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 63
[EPA–R08–OAR–2013–0330, FRL–9902–46–
Region 8]
Approval of North Dakota Request for
Partial Delegation of Prevention of
Accidental Release, Clean Air Act
Section 112(r) Program
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
Under Clean Air Act (CAA)
Section 112(l), EPA may approve State
or local rules or programs to be
implemented and enforced in place of
certain otherwise applicable Federal
rules, emissions standards, or
requirements. On September 13, 2012,
the State of North Dakota, Department of
Agriculture (NDDA), requested partial
delegation of the CAA section 112(r)(7)
Risk Management Program (RM
Program) for agricultural anhydrous
ammonia facilities. The September 13,
2012 request was supplemented by the
NDAA on February 26, 2013, and April
11, 2013. EPA has preliminarily
determined that NDDA’s request meets
CAA requirements for partial
delegation, and EPA is proposing to
approve the request.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before December 5, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R08–
OAR–2013–0330, by one of the
following methods:
• www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• Email: Truskowski.brent@epa.gov.
• Fax: (303) 312–7203 (please alert
the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT if you are faxing
comments).
• Mail: Brent Truskowski, Acting
RMP Coordinator, Emergency Response
and Preparedness Program, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Region 8, Mailcode 8EPR–ER,
1595 Wynkoop St., Denver, Colorado
80202–1129.
• Hand Delivery: Brent Truskowski,
Acting RMP Coordinator, Emergency
Response and Preparedness Program,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Region 8, Mailcode 8EPR–ER,
1595 Wynkoop St., Denver, Colorado
80202–1129. Such deliveries are only
accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Federal
holidays. Special arrangements should
be made for deliveries of boxed
information.
SUMMARY:
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Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–R08–OAR–2014–
0330. EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change and may be
made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through www.regulations.gov
or email. The www.regulations.gov Web
site is an anonymous access system,
which means EPA will not know your
identity or contact information unless
you provide it in the body of your
comment. If you send an email
comment directly to EPA, without going
through www.regulations.gov your email
address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment
that is placed in the public docket and
made available on the Internet. If you
submit an electronic comment, EPA
recommends that you include your
name and other contact information in
the body of your comment and with any
disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, EPA may not be
able to consider your comment.
Electronic files should avoid the use of
special characters, any form of
encryption, and be free of any defects or
viruses. For additional information
about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA
Docket Center homepage at https://
www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
Docket: All documents in the docket
are listed in the www.regulations.gov
index. Although listed in the index,
some information is not publicly
available, e.g., CBI or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, will be publicly
available only in hard copy. Publicly
available docket materials are available
either electronically in
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Preparedness Program,
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Region 8, 1595 Wynkoop St.,
Denver, Colorado 80202–1129. EPA
requests that if at all possible, you
contact the individual listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to
view the hard copy of the docket. You
may view the hard copy of the docket
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brent Truskowski, Acting RMP
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Coordinator, Emergency Response and
Preparedness Program, Mailcode 8EPR–
ER, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), Region 8, 1595 Wynkoop
St., Denver, Colorado 80202–1129, (303)
312–6235, truskowski.brent@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Information is organized as follows:
Definitions
For the purpose of this document, we
are giving meaning to certain words or
initials as follows:
(i) The words or initials Act or CAA
mean or refer to the Clean Air Act,
unless the context indicates otherwise.
(ii) The word and initials RM Program
means Risk Management Program.
(iii) The initials NDDA mean North
Dakota Department of Agriculture.
(iv) The initials RMP mean Risk
Management Plan.
(v) The initials CFR mean Code of
Federal Regulations.
(vi) The initials FR mean Federal
Register.
(vii) The initials CAS mean Chemical
Abstract Service.
(viii) The initials NDCC mean North
Dakota Century Code.
(ix) The initials NDAC mean North
Dakota Administrative Code.
(x) The initials MOU mean
Memorandum of Understanding.
Table of Contents
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I. What action is EPA proposing in today’s
notice?
II. Background
A. Risk Management Program Background
B. Delegation of Section 112 Programs
C. North Dakota’s Request for Delegation
III. EPA’s Analysis of NDDA’s Submittal
IV. Proposed Action
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. What action is EPA proposing in
today’s notice?
On June 20, 1996, EPA promulgated
Risk Management Program (RM
Program) regulations (40 CFR part 68)
which were mandated under the
accidental release prevention provisions
of section 112(r)(7) of the CAA. 61 FR
31668. These regulations require owners
and operators of stationary sources
subject to the regulations to submit risk
management plans (RMPs) to a central
location specified by EPA. These
regulations also encourage sources to
reduce the probability of accidentally
releasing substances that have the
potential to cause harm to public health
and the environment, and stimulate
dialogue between industry and the
public to improve accident prevention
and emergency response practices.
The North Dakota Department of
Agriculture (NDAA) has requested
partial delegation of the RM Program for
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facilities with an anhydrous ammonia
storage capacity of ten thousand pounds
or more that is intended to be used as
fertilizer or in the manufacturing of a
fertilizer (‘‘agricultural anhydrous
ammonia facilities’’). EPA is proposing
to approve this request and to partially
delegate the RM Program for agricultural
anhydrous ammonia facilities to the
State of North Dakota. EPA would retain
authority for the RM Program for all
other regulated chemicals which may be
present at these facilities. See 40 CFR
68.130.
After a thorough review of North
Dakota’s partial delegation request, and
the pertinent statutes and regulations,
Region 8 proposes to find that such a
delegation is appropriate in that North
Dakota has satisfied the criteria in 40
CFR 63.91 and 63.95 by demonstrating
it has adequate and effective authorities,
resources, and procedures in place for
implementation and enforcement of
agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities subject to the RM Program. If
approved, North Dakota will have the
primary authority and responsibility to
carry out elements of the RM Program
for agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities within the State, including onsite inspections, recordkeeping reviews,
audits, compliance assistance and
outreach, and non-criminal
enforcement. EPA will retain authority
for implementing the RM Program for
all other chemicals at these facilities,
and for the RM Program generally in
North Dakota for all other facilities.
II. Background
A. Risk Management Program
Background
On January 31, 1994 (59 FR 4493),
EPA promulgated (along with various
other provisions) the ‘‘List of Regulated
Substances and Thresholds for
Accidental Release Prevention and Risk
Management Programs for Chemical
Accident Release Prevention.’’ See 40
CFR 68.130. The list, known as Tables
1 to 4 in section 68.130, sets forth the
list of regulated substances and
thresholds under CAA Section 112(r).
Anhydrous ammonia is a regulated
substance under section 112(r) based on
a mandate from Congress and its
subsequent inclusion on the list in
Tables 1 and 2 in section 68.130. Tables
1 and 2 are identical lists of toxic
chemicals arranged alphabetically in
Table 1 and by Chemical Abstract
Service (CAS) number in Table 2.
Part 68 also sets forth the
requirements for owners or operators of
stationary sources concerning the
prevention of accidental releases. The
regulations address the safe design,
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operation, and maintenance of covered
processes and emergency response to
accidental releases that may occur. The
regulations also include requirements
for the development and submission of
RMPs by regulated sources. The RMP is
required to include information about
the regulated stationary source and
about the source’s hazard assessment,
prevention program, and emergency
response program.
B. Delegation of Section 112 Programs
Section 112(l) of the CAA and 40 CFR
part 63, subpart E authorize EPA to
approve state rules and programs to be
implemented and enforced in place of
certain CAA requirements, including
the RM Program set forth at 40 CFR part
68. EPA promulgated 40 CFR part 63,
subpart E on November 26, 1993 (58 FR
62262) and subsequently amended these
regulations on September 14, 2000 (65
FR 55810).
Under 40 CFR 63.91(a), a state must
satisfy requirements under 40 CFR
63.91(d) to obtain delegation of a section
112 program. If the state adopts federal
rules unchanged, then only the criteria
in 40 CFR 63.91(d) are required, except
for delegation of the RM Program for
which the provisions of 40 CFR 63.95
must also be met. See 40 CFR 63.91(a)(1)
and (a)(4).
Under 40 CFR 63.91(d), the state may
either reference approval of a Title V
program or directly satisfy the
requirements in (d)(3)(i)–(v). These
requirements include:
• A written finding by the State
Attorney General that the state has the
necessary legal authority to implement
and enforce the program and to assure
compliance;
• Copies of the state’s statutes and
regulations granting authority to
implement the program;
• A demonstration that the state has
adequate resources to implement and
enforce the program;
• A schedule demonstrating
expeditious implementation of the
program; and
• A plan that assures expeditious
compliance, including a complete
description of the state’s compliance
tracking and enforcement program.
If a State’s legal authorities substantially
meet the requirements above (set out in
detail in 40 CFR 63.91(d)(3)(i)), but are
not fully approvable, EPA may grant
partial approval with the State’s consent
and the EPA will continue to implement
those authorities that are not approved.
See 40 CFR 63.91(f).
Under 40 CFR 63.95(b), the State’s
part 68 program shall contain the
following elements, consistent with the
procedures in § 63.91, for at least the
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chemicals listed in 40 CFR part 68,
subpart F, that an approvable State
Accidental Release Prevention program
is regulating:
• A demonstration of the state’s
authority and resources to implement
and enforce regulations that are no less
stringent than the regulations of 40 CFR
part 68, subparts A through G and 40
CFR 68.200; and
• A requirement that any source
subject to the State’s part 68 program
submit a RMP that reports at least the
same information in the same format as
required under part 68, subpart G; 1
• Procedures for reviewing RMPs and
providing technical assistance to
stationary sources including small
businesses.
• A demonstration of the State’s
authority to enforce all part 68
requirements must be made, including
an auditing strategy that complies with
section 68.220.
For a program that covers all of the
federally-listed chemicals (a ‘‘complete
program’’) or a program covering less
than all of the federally–listed
chemicals (a ‘‘partial program’’) the
State must take delegation of the full
part 68 program for the federally-listed
chemicals it regulates.
C. North Dakota’s Request for
Delegation
In late 2009 and early 2010, NDDA
initiated conversations with EPA Region
8 regarding the procedure for receiving
partial delegation of the RM Program for
agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities. EPA provided NDDA
information regarding the delegation
process through various email
correspondence, phone conversations
and meetings. On February 17, 2011,
EPA Region 8 sent NDDA a letter
formally recognizing NDDA’s interest in
receiving partial delegation of the RM
program, and describing the basic
requirements for the NDDA to request
and receive partial delegation of the RM
Program.
NDDA has in place a program for
regulation of certain aspects of
anhydrous ammonia facilities, but this
program does not address RM Program
requirements. North Dakota Century
Code (NDCC) 19–20.2 provides general
authority for NDDA to license and
regulate anhydrous ammonia facilities
with a capacity exceeding six thousand
1 Under 40 CFR 63.95(b)(2), a State’s RM Program
may require reporting of information not required
by the Federal program, and these requirements
(like any other additional State requirements) will
become federally enforceable upon approval. In this
case, NDDA has directly adopted by reference the
Federal program in part 68, including the reporting
requirements of subpart G.
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gallons. NDCC 19–20.2 contains
engineering requirements for tanks,
valve fittings, and other equipment to
ensure that tanks and appurtenances are
structurally sound and properly
maintained. NDCC 19–20.2 also
includes siting requirements that
specify minimum distances between
anhydrous ammonia storage tanks and
adjoining property lines, residences,
places of public assembly, and
institutional residences. NDCC 19–20.2
also provides NDDA authority to enter
any public or private premises to
inspect equipment and respond to
complaints. If violations are found,
NDCC 19–20.2 allows NDDA to issue
cease and desist orders, revoke or
suspend facility licenses, and issue civil
penalties.
On April 18, 2011, the North Dakota
Legislative Assembly enacted House Bill
1321, which created NDCC 19–20.3.
NDCC 19–20.3 was enacted in
anticipation of NDDA requesting and
assuming partial delegation for the RM
Program for agricultural anhydrous
ammonia facilities. NDCC 19–20.3
became effective April 1, 2013. NDCC
19–20.3–01 gives the Agriculture
Commissioner authority to determine
compliance with the RM Program
requirements set forth in 40 CFR part 68
by providing the Commissioner
authority to:
1. Request information from any
person that sells, stores, or handles
anhydrous ammonia for agricultural
purposes, and is required to comply
with the risk management program
requirements.
2. Conduct inspections of any person
that sells, stores, or handles anhydrous
ammonia for agricultural purposes, and
is required to comply with the risk
management program requirements.
3. Obtain and review RMPs required
under 40 CFR part 68, and other records
applicable to any person that sells,
stores, or handles anhydrous ammonia
for agricultural purposes, and is
required to comply with the risk
management program requirements.
NDCC 19–20.3 also provides the
Agriculture Commissioner with
enforcement authority when RM
Program violations are identified.
Specifically, NDCC 19–20.3–02 states
that the Commissioner may:
1. Bring an action to enjoin a violation
or a threatened violation;
2. Issue a cease and desist order; and
3. Impose a civil penalty through an
administrative hearing in an amount not
exceeding ten thousand dollars per day
for each violation.
On September 13, 2012, NDDA
submitted to EPA a request to receive
partial delegation of authority to
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implement and enforce the RM Program.
This request included the following
documents (which are included in the
docket for this action):
• A summary of the State’s anhydrous
ammonia regulatory authority and
general components of a proposed RMP
enforcement program;
• A copy of NDCC 19–20.2;
• A copy of NDCC 19–20.3;
• A letter from the North Dakota
Attorney General asserting authority of
the Agriculture Commissioner to
enforce the RM Program;
• A proposed Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between NDDA
and the EPA;
• A proposed RMP enforcement
response policy;
• A proposed administrative rule for
incorporating by reference 40 CFR part
68 into North Dakota’s regulations
(NDAC 7–12–03).
EPA reviewed the information
provided with the request for partial
delegation, and requested further
information in December 2012. In
addition, EPA responded to NDDA’s
request on December 13, 2012,
acknowledging the receipt of the request
for partial delegation, and describing the
steps required by EPA to delegate the
RM Program to NDDA.
On February 26, 2013, NDDA
submitted further information in
response to EPA’s request. The response
provided EPA with a revised letter from
the Attorney General addressing specific
questions and concerns raised by EPA
and a revised summary of North
Dakota’s regulatory authority and
general components of the proposed
enforcement program. The response
indicated that North Dakota was
amending a portion of its previous
request and excluding the criminal
enforcement authority required under
40 CFR 70.11(a)(3)(ii) and (iii) from its
partial delegation request. The response
discussed the status of North Dakota’s
rulemaking process to incorporate the
RM Program into its regulations. The
response also described how the
requirements of 40 CFR 63.95(b)(3) and
(b)(4) would be met, as well as a
description of how EPA concerns
regarding the proposed MOU were met.2
2 The MOU between EPA and the NDDA, while
not a delegation requirement, is intended to ensure
regular communication between the two Agencies
to ensure effective enforcement of the RM program
by NDDA. The purposes of the MOU are to promote
the identification and coordination of the section
112(r)(7) RM Program compliance and enforcement
activities pertaining to agricultural bulk anhydrous
ammonia facilities, to describe both parties’ mutual
understanding of compliance responsibilities, and
to avoid replication and duplication of efforts while
discharging the parties’ respective duties. By
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On April 1, 2013, North Dakota
incorporated by reference into its
regulations the provisions of 40 CFR
part 68 3 as published on June 30, 2011,
with only one adjustment. See NDAC 7–
12–03. This adjustment clarifies North
Dakota is incorporating 40 CFR part 68
only insofar as it applies to agricultural
anhydrous ammonia facilities. NDAC 7–
12–03–02.
EPA reviewed the additional
information provided by North Dakota
and requested additional information on
proposed enforcement tracking. On
April 18, 2013, NDDA provided EPA
with a ‘‘Revised Summary of North
Dakota’s Anhydrous Ammonia
Regulatory Authority and General
Components of a Proposed RMP
Enforcement Program.’’ On June 3, 2013,
EPA Region 8 determined that the
delegation package was complete, and
sent NDDA a letter confirming the
determination.
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III. EPA’s Analysis of NDDA’s
Submittal
Based on NDDA’s partial delegation
request, and applicable laws and
regulations, EPA is proposing to
approve the request as it appears NDDA
has satisfied the relevant criteria of 40
CFR 63.91 and 63.95. EPA is treating
NDDA’s request as a request for straight
partial delegation under 40 CFR
63.91(a)(1), (4) and (f), since North
Dakota has incorporated by reference
the RM Program in 40 CFR part 68 as
described above.
In accordance with 40 CFR
63.91(d)(3)(i), the North Dakota
November 30 of each year, North Dakota plans to
provide EPA Region 8 with an end of year report
that summarizes North Dakota’s RM Program
regulatory activities for the previous federal fiscal
year. The report is expected to include information
on the number of RM Program inspections
conducted, number and types of violations
identified, notable cases, description of the
enforcement actions taken, number and description
of RM Program compliance assistance activities,
and other information related to RM Program
enforcement. The MOU ensures ongoing
communication regarding NDDA enforcement of the
RM Program by NDDA providing EPA with an
enforcement targeting scheme at the beginning of
each federal fiscal year. The targeting scheme is
expected to identify facilities scheduled for initial
or follow-up inspection for the upcoming federal
fiscal year and priority areas for regulation. NDDA
will also notify EPA of accidents at regulated
facilities that cause environmental damage,
personal injury, property damage, or involve
releases of 100 lbs or more. EPA and NDDA plan
to share facility and chemical data base
information, progress reports, and results of
inspections to the extent that the information is not
confidential.
3 Consistent with 40 CFR 63.95(b), North Dakota
did not incorporate the following sections into its
regulations: 40 CFR 68.120 (Petition Process), 40
CFR 68.210 (Availability of Information to the
Public), and 40 CFR 68.215 (Permit Content and Air
Permitting Authority or Designated Agency
Requirements).
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Assistant Attorney General submitted a
written finding of NDDA’s authority to
implement and enforce the RM Program
for agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities.4 The Assistant Attorney
General supplemented this finding to
clarify that the NDDA does not have the
criminal enforcement authority
specified in section 70.11(a)(3)(ii) and
(iii). As a result, North Dakota has not
requested delegation of that criminal
enforcement authority. With respect to
the remaining requirements, North
Dakota demonstrated the appropriate
authority for section 70.11(a)(1) (ability
to enjoin activity in violation of a permit
that is presenting an imminent and
substantial endangerment to the public
health or welfare, or the environment),
section 70.11(a)(2) (ability to enjoin
violation of any program requirement),
and section 70.11(a)(3)(i) (ability to
assess civil penalties up to $10,000 per
day of violation).
The Assistant Attorney General also
determined that NDDA had adequate
authority to assure compliance with the
RM Program for sources subject to these
provisions. As explained above, NDCC
19–20.3 provides NDDA with authority
to request information from and conduct
inspections of such sources, as required
by 40 CFR 63.91(d)(3)(i)(B) and (C).
In accordance with 40 CFR
63.91(d)(3)(ii)-(v), NDDA submitted
copies of the appropriate provisions of
State statutes and regulations,
documentation of adequate resources to
implement and enforce the RM Program,
and a schedule and plan to assure
expeditious implementation and
compliance by all sources, including a
description of the State’s compliance
tracking and enforcement program
(including inspection strategies). With
respect to adequate resources and
expeditious implementation, the NDDA
currently has three employees devoted
almost entirely to program
implementation. With respect to
expeditious compliance, NDDA already
conducts inspections of anhydrous
ammonia facilities once every five years
to ensure compliance with NDCC 19–
20.2. There are currently 368 licensed
4 North Dakota originally relied on authority
under NDCC 19–20.2 for its adoption of the RM
Program. NDCC 19–20.2 defined anhydrous
ammonia storage facility as a bulk anhydrous
ammonia storage facility with a capacity exceeding
six thousand gallons. 40 CFR 68.130 sets a
threshold quantity for accidental release prevention
at ten thousand pounds, or approximately one
thousand nine hundred forty gallons. EPA
discussed this gap in potential coverage with the
State. The Attorney General’s supplemental finding
identified NDDA’s general rulemaking authority
along with the grant of authority under NDCC 19–
20.3 as appropriate authority for adoption of the RM
Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities with the appropriate threshold.
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facilities in the State, which requires
NDDA to inspect approximately 70
facilities each year. NDDA will conduct
RM Program compliance inspections
and audits while conducting
inspections for the engineering
requirements found in NDCC 19–20.2.5
In accordance with 40 CFR
63.95(b)(1), NDDA submitted
information which demonstrates that it
has the authority and resources to
implement and enforce regulations that
are no less stringent than the regulations
in 40 CFR part 68, subparts A through
G and section 68.200, and a requirement
that subject sources submit a RMP that
reports at least the same information in
the same format to the same location as
required under 40 CFR part 68, subpart
G. As required by 40 CFR 63.95(b)(3)–
(4), NDDA submitted documentation
that it has adequate procedures for
reviewing RMPs, providing technical
assistance to stationary sources,
including small businesses, and
auditing RMPs in a manner consistent
with 40 CFR 68.220. In particular,
NDDA will review and audit RMPs as
part of the inspections described above.
The NDDA also anticipates providing
technical assistance, including outreach
and education, by conducting annual
safety and compliance meetings with
regulated persons as a tool to increase
awareness of the RM Program
requirements and improving
compliance.
If this proposal is finalized, NDDA
will have primary authority and
responsibility to implement and enforce
(with the exception of criminal
enforcement) the RM Program for
agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities. However, nothing shall
preclude, limit, or interfere with the
authority of EPA to exercise its outreach
and compliance assistance,
enforcement, investigatory, and
information gathering authorities
concerning this part of the Act. If EPA
determines that NDDA’s procedures for
enforcing or implementing the 40 CFR
part 63 or 40 CFR part 68 requirements
are inadequate, or are not being
effectively carried out, this delegation
may be revoked in whole or in part in
accordance with the procedures set
forth in 40 CFR 63.96(b).
In addition, this delegation to NDDA
will not extend to sources or activities
located in Indian country, as defined in
18 U.S.C. 1151. Under this definition,
5 As discussed above, NDCC 19–20.3 gives the
Agriculture Commissioner the authority to conduct
inspections and access records necessary to verify
compliance with the RM Program. NDCC 19–20.3
also provides the legal authority for the NDDA to
access, review and audit RMPs from regulated
persons.
E:\FR\FM\05NOP1.SGM
05NOP1
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 214 / Tuesday, November 5, 2013 / Proposed Rules
EPA treats as reservations, trust lands
validly set aside for the use of a Tribe
even if the trust lands have not been
formally designated as a reservation.
Consistent with previous federal
program approvals or delegations, EPA
will continue to implement the RM
Program in Indian country because
NDDA has not demonstrated authority
over sources and activities located
within the exterior boundaries of Indian
reservations and other areas in Indian
country.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
IV. Proposed Action
EPA proposes approving NDDA’s
request for partial delegation of
authority to implement and enforce
(with the exception of criminal
enforcement) the RM Program for
agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities. NDDA has incorporated by
reference Federal requirements set forth
in 40 CFR part 68 in NDAC 7–12–03 and
regulates agricultural anhydrous
ammonia facilities through this
authority as well as its authority in
NDCC 19–20.2 and 19–20.3. This partial
delegation will extend to agricultural
anhydrous ammonia facilities which are
sources subject to the accidental release
prevention regulations in 40 CFR part
68, with the exception of sources in
Indian country.
V. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
Under the CAA, the Regional
Administrator is authorized to approve
program delegation when that program
complies with the provisions of the
Clean Air Act and applicable federal
regulations (42 U.S.C. 7410(k), 40 CFR
52.02(a)). Thus, in reviewing delegation
requests, EPA’s role is to review and
approve state programs provided that
they meet the criteria of the CAA.
Accordingly, this proposed action
merely approves a state program and
does not impose additional
requirements beyond those imposed by
state law. For that reason, this proposed
action:
• Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ subject to review by the Office
of Management and Budget under
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993);
• Does not impose an information
collection burden under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
• Is certified as not having a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
• Does not contain any unfunded
mandate or significantly or uniquely
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:55 Nov 04, 2013
Jkt 232001
affect small governments, as described
in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);
• Does not have federalism
implications as specified in Executive
Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999);
• Is not an economically significant
regulatory action based on health or
safety risks subject to Executive Order
13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
• Is not a significant regulatory action
subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR
28355, May 22, 2001);
• Is not subject to requirements of
Section 12(d) of the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because
application of those requirements would
be inconsistent with the CAA; and,
• Does not provide EPA with the
discretionary authority to address, as
appropriate, disproportionate human
health or environmental effects, using
practicable and legally permissible
methods, under Executive Order 12898
(59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
In addition, this rule does not have
Tribal implications as specified by
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,
November 9, 2000), because the State
program is not approved to regulate in
Indian country located in North Dakota,
and EPA notes that it will not impose
substantial direct costs on Tribal
governments or preempt Tribal law.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 63
Environmental protection, Risk
management program, Air pollution
control, Hazardous substances,
Chemicals, Intergovernmental relations.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: October 22, 2013.
Shaun L. McGrath,
Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Region 8.
[FR Doc. 2013–26356 Filed 11–4–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 300
[EPA–HQ–SFUND–2005–0011; FRL–9902–
28-Region 4]
National Oil and Hazardous
Substances Pollution Contingency
Plan; National Priorities List: Deletion
of the Geiger (C&M Oil) Superfund Site
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of intent.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Region 4 is issuing a
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
66325
Notice of Intent to Delete the Geiger
(C&M Oil) Superfund Site (Site) located
in Hollywood, Charleston County,
South Carolina, from the National
Priorities List (NPL) and requests public
comments on this proposed action. The
NPL, promulgated pursuant to section
105 of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an
appendix of the National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan (NCP). The EPA and
the State of South Carolina, through the
South Carolina Department of Health
and Environmental Control, have
determined that all appropriate
response actions under CERCLA, other
than operation, maintenance, and fiveyear reviews (include if applicable),
have been completed. However, this
deletion does not preclude future
actions under Superfund.
DATES: Comments must be received by
December 5, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID no. EPA–HQ–
SFUND–2005–0011, by one of the
following methods:
• https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• Email: Joyner.William@EPA.gov and
or Miller.Angela@EPA.gov.
• Fax: (404) 562–8788.
• Mail: William Joyner, Remedial
Project Manager, Superfund Remedial
Section A, Superfund Remedial Branch
Superfund Division, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 4, Atlanta
Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street SW.,
Atlanta, GA 30303–8960.
• Hand delivery: U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth
Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303–
8960. 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–HQ–SFUND–2005–
0011. EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change and may be
made available online at https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes 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 https://
www.regulations.gov or email. The
https://www.regulations.gov Web site is
E:\FR\FM\05NOP1.SGM
05NOP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 214 (Tuesday, November 5, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66321-66325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26356]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 63
[EPA-R08-OAR-2013-0330, FRL-9902-46-Region 8]
Approval of North Dakota Request for Partial Delegation of
Prevention of Accidental Release, Clean Air Act Section 112(r) Program
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Under Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(l), EPA may approve
State or local rules or programs to be implemented and enforced in
place of certain otherwise applicable Federal rules, emissions
standards, or requirements. On September 13, 2012, the State of North
Dakota, Department of Agriculture (NDDA), requested partial delegation
of the CAA section 112(r)(7) Risk Management Program (RM Program) for
agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities. The September 13, 2012
request was supplemented by the NDAA on February 26, 2013, and April
11, 2013. EPA has preliminarily determined that NDDA's request meets
CAA requirements for partial delegation, and EPA is proposing to
approve the request.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 5, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R08-
OAR-2013-0330, by one of the following methods:
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for
submitting comments.
Email: Truskowski.brent@epa.gov.
Fax: (303) 312-7203 (please alert the individual listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT if you are faxing comments).
Mail: Brent Truskowski, Acting RMP Coordinator, Emergency
Response and Preparedness Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Region 8, Mailcode 8EPR-ER, 1595 Wynkoop St., Denver, Colorado
80202-1129.
Hand Delivery: Brent Truskowski, Acting RMP Coordinator,
Emergency Response and Preparedness Program, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, Mailcode 8EPR-ER, 1595 Wynkoop St.,
Denver, Colorado 80202-1129. Such deliveries are only accepted Monday
through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.
Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed
information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R08-OAR-
2014-0330. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided,
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or email. The
www.regulations.gov Web site is an anonymous access system, which means
EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you
provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment
directly to EPA, without going through www.regulations.gov your email
address will be automatically captured and included as part of the
comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the
Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you
include your name and other contact information in the body of your
comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional
information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center
homepage at https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Preparedness Program,
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, 1595 Wynkoop St.,
Denver, Colorado 80202-1129. EPA requests that if at all possible, you
contact the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section to view the hard copy of the docket. You may view the hard copy
of the docket Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding
Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brent Truskowski, Acting RMP
[[Page 66322]]
Coordinator, Emergency Response and Preparedness Program, Mailcode
8EPR-ER, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, 1595
Wynkoop St., Denver, Colorado 80202-1129, (303) 312-6235,
truskowski.brent@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Information is organized as follows:
Definitions
For the purpose of this document, we are giving meaning to certain
words or initials as follows:
(i) The words or initials Act or CAA mean or refer to the Clean Air
Act, unless the context indicates otherwise.
(ii) The word and initials RM Program means Risk Management
Program.
(iii) The initials NDDA mean North Dakota Department of
Agriculture.
(iv) The initials RMP mean Risk Management Plan.
(v) The initials CFR mean Code of Federal Regulations.
(vi) The initials FR mean Federal Register.
(vii) The initials CAS mean Chemical Abstract Service.
(viii) The initials NDCC mean North Dakota Century Code.
(ix) The initials NDAC mean North Dakota Administrative Code.
(x) The initials MOU mean Memorandum of Understanding.
Table of Contents
I. What action is EPA proposing in today's notice?
II. Background
A. Risk Management Program Background
B. Delegation of Section 112 Programs
C. North Dakota's Request for Delegation
III. EPA's Analysis of NDDA's Submittal
IV. Proposed Action
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. What action is EPA proposing in today's notice?
On June 20, 1996, EPA promulgated Risk Management Program (RM
Program) regulations (40 CFR part 68) which were mandated under the
accidental release prevention provisions of section 112(r)(7) of the
CAA. 61 FR 31668. These regulations require owners and operators of
stationary sources subject to the regulations to submit risk management
plans (RMPs) to a central location specified by EPA. These regulations
also encourage sources to reduce the probability of accidentally
releasing substances that have the potential to cause harm to public
health and the environment, and stimulate dialogue between industry and
the public to improve accident prevention and emergency response
practices.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDAA) has requested
partial delegation of the RM Program for facilities with an anhydrous
ammonia storage capacity of ten thousand pounds or more that is
intended to be used as fertilizer or in the manufacturing of a
fertilizer (``agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities''). EPA is
proposing to approve this request and to partially delegate the RM
Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities to the State of
North Dakota. EPA would retain authority for the RM Program for all
other regulated chemicals which may be present at these facilities. See
40 CFR 68.130.
After a thorough review of North Dakota's partial delegation
request, and the pertinent statutes and regulations, Region 8 proposes
to find that such a delegation is appropriate in that North Dakota has
satisfied the criteria in 40 CFR 63.91 and 63.95 by demonstrating it
has adequate and effective authorities, resources, and procedures in
place for implementation and enforcement of agricultural anhydrous
ammonia facilities subject to the RM Program. If approved, North Dakota
will have the primary authority and responsibility to carry out
elements of the RM Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities within the State, including on-site inspections,
recordkeeping reviews, audits, compliance assistance and outreach, and
non-criminal enforcement. EPA will retain authority for implementing
the RM Program for all other chemicals at these facilities, and for the
RM Program generally in North Dakota for all other facilities.
II. Background
A. Risk Management Program Background
On January 31, 1994 (59 FR 4493), EPA promulgated (along with
various other provisions) the ``List of Regulated Substances and
Thresholds for Accidental Release Prevention and Risk Management
Programs for Chemical Accident Release Prevention.'' See 40 CFR 68.130.
The list, known as Tables 1 to 4 in section 68.130, sets forth the list
of regulated substances and thresholds under CAA Section 112(r).
Anhydrous ammonia is a regulated substance under section 112(r) based
on a mandate from Congress and its subsequent inclusion on the list in
Tables 1 and 2 in section 68.130. Tables 1 and 2 are identical lists of
toxic chemicals arranged alphabetically in Table 1 and by Chemical
Abstract Service (CAS) number in Table 2.
Part 68 also sets forth the requirements for owners or operators of
stationary sources concerning the prevention of accidental releases.
The regulations address the safe design, operation, and maintenance of
covered processes and emergency response to accidental releases that
may occur. The regulations also include requirements for the
development and submission of RMPs by regulated sources. The RMP is
required to include information about the regulated stationary source
and about the source's hazard assessment, prevention program, and
emergency response program.
B. Delegation of Section 112 Programs
Section 112(l) of the CAA and 40 CFR part 63, subpart E authorize
EPA to approve state rules and programs to be implemented and enforced
in place of certain CAA requirements, including the RM Program set
forth at 40 CFR part 68. EPA promulgated 40 CFR part 63, subpart E on
November 26, 1993 (58 FR 62262) and subsequently amended these
regulations on September 14, 2000 (65 FR 55810).
Under 40 CFR 63.91(a), a state must satisfy requirements under 40
CFR 63.91(d) to obtain delegation of a section 112 program. If the
state adopts federal rules unchanged, then only the criteria in 40 CFR
63.91(d) are required, except for delegation of the RM Program for
which the provisions of 40 CFR 63.95 must also be met. See 40 CFR
63.91(a)(1) and (a)(4).
Under 40 CFR 63.91(d), the state may either reference approval of a
Title V program or directly satisfy the requirements in (d)(3)(i)-(v).
These requirements include:
A written finding by the State Attorney General that the
state has the necessary legal authority to implement and enforce the
program and to assure compliance;
Copies of the state's statutes and regulations granting
authority to implement the program;
A demonstration that the state has adequate resources to
implement and enforce the program;
A schedule demonstrating expeditious implementation of the
program; and
A plan that assures expeditious compliance, including a
complete description of the state's compliance tracking and enforcement
program.
If a State's legal authorities substantially meet the requirements
above (set out in detail in 40 CFR 63.91(d)(3)(i)), but are not fully
approvable, EPA may grant partial approval with the State's consent and
the EPA will continue to implement those authorities that are not
approved. See 40 CFR 63.91(f).
Under 40 CFR 63.95(b), the State's part 68 program shall contain
the following elements, consistent with the procedures in Sec. 63.91,
for at least the
[[Page 66323]]
chemicals listed in 40 CFR part 68, subpart F, that an approvable State
Accidental Release Prevention program is regulating:
A demonstration of the state's authority and resources to
implement and enforce regulations that are no less stringent than the
regulations of 40 CFR part 68, subparts A through G and 40 CFR 68.200;
and
A requirement that any source subject to the State's part
68 program submit a RMP that reports at least the same information in
the same format as required under part 68, subpart G; \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Under 40 CFR 63.95(b)(2), a State's RM Program may require
reporting of information not required by the Federal program, and
these requirements (like any other additional State requirements)
will become federally enforceable upon approval. In this case, NDDA
has directly adopted by reference the Federal program in part 68,
including the reporting requirements of subpart G.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Procedures for reviewing RMPs and providing technical
assistance to stationary sources including small businesses.
A demonstration of the State's authority to enforce all
part 68 requirements must be made, including an auditing strategy that
complies with section 68.220.
For a program that covers all of the federally-listed chemicals (a
``complete program'') or a program covering less than all of the
federally-listed chemicals (a ``partial program'') the State must take
delegation of the full part 68 program for the federally-listed
chemicals it regulates.
C. North Dakota's Request for Delegation
In late 2009 and early 2010, NDDA initiated conversations with EPA
Region 8 regarding the procedure for receiving partial delegation of
the RM Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities. EPA
provided NDDA information regarding the delegation process through
various email correspondence, phone conversations and meetings. On
February 17, 2011, EPA Region 8 sent NDDA a letter formally recognizing
NDDA's interest in receiving partial delegation of the RM program, and
describing the basic requirements for the NDDA to request and receive
partial delegation of the RM Program.
NDDA has in place a program for regulation of certain aspects of
anhydrous ammonia facilities, but this program does not address RM
Program requirements. North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 19-20.2 provides
general authority for NDDA to license and regulate anhydrous ammonia
facilities with a capacity exceeding six thousand gallons. NDCC 19-20.2
contains engineering requirements for tanks, valve fittings, and other
equipment to ensure that tanks and appurtenances are structurally sound
and properly maintained. NDCC 19-20.2 also includes siting requirements
that specify minimum distances between anhydrous ammonia storage tanks
and adjoining property lines, residences, places of public assembly,
and institutional residences. NDCC 19-20.2 also provides NDDA authority
to enter any public or private premises to inspect equipment and
respond to complaints. If violations are found, NDCC 19-20.2 allows
NDDA to issue cease and desist orders, revoke or suspend facility
licenses, and issue civil penalties.
On April 18, 2011, the North Dakota Legislative Assembly enacted
House Bill 1321, which created NDCC 19-20.3. NDCC 19-20.3 was enacted
in anticipation of NDDA requesting and assuming partial delegation for
the RM Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities. NDCC 19-
20.3 became effective April 1, 2013. NDCC 19-20.3-01 gives the
Agriculture Commissioner authority to determine compliance with the RM
Program requirements set forth in 40 CFR part 68 by providing the
Commissioner authority to:
1. Request information from any person that sells, stores, or
handles anhydrous ammonia for agricultural purposes, and is required to
comply with the risk management program requirements.
2. Conduct inspections of any person that sells, stores, or handles
anhydrous ammonia for agricultural purposes, and is required to comply
with the risk management program requirements.
3. Obtain and review RMPs required under 40 CFR part 68, and other
records applicable to any person that sells, stores, or handles
anhydrous ammonia for agricultural purposes, and is required to comply
with the risk management program requirements.
NDCC 19-20.3 also provides the Agriculture Commissioner with
enforcement authority when RM Program violations are identified.
Specifically, NDCC 19-20.3-02 states that the Commissioner may:
1. Bring an action to enjoin a violation or a threatened violation;
2. Issue a cease and desist order; and
3. Impose a civil penalty through an administrative hearing in an
amount not exceeding ten thousand dollars per day for each violation.
On September 13, 2012, NDDA submitted to EPA a request to receive
partial delegation of authority to implement and enforce the RM
Program. This request included the following documents (which are
included in the docket for this action):
A summary of the State's anhydrous ammonia regulatory
authority and general components of a proposed RMP enforcement program;
A copy of NDCC 19-20.2;
A copy of NDCC 19-20.3;
A letter from the North Dakota Attorney General asserting
authority of the Agriculture Commissioner to enforce the RM Program;
A proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NDDA
and the EPA;
A proposed RMP enforcement response policy;
A proposed administrative rule for incorporating by
reference 40 CFR part 68 into North Dakota's regulations (NDAC 7-12-
03).
EPA reviewed the information provided with the request for partial
delegation, and requested further information in December 2012. In
addition, EPA responded to NDDA's request on December 13, 2012,
acknowledging the receipt of the request for partial delegation, and
describing the steps required by EPA to delegate the RM Program to
NDDA.
On February 26, 2013, NDDA submitted further information in
response to EPA's request. The response provided EPA with a revised
letter from the Attorney General addressing specific questions and
concerns raised by EPA and a revised summary of North Dakota's
regulatory authority and general components of the proposed enforcement
program. The response indicated that North Dakota was amending a
portion of its previous request and excluding the criminal enforcement
authority required under 40 CFR 70.11(a)(3)(ii) and (iii) from its
partial delegation request. The response discussed the status of North
Dakota's rulemaking process to incorporate the RM Program into its
regulations. The response also described how the requirements of 40 CFR
63.95(b)(3) and (b)(4) would be met, as well as a description of how
EPA concerns regarding the proposed MOU were met.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ The MOU between EPA and the NDDA, while not a delegation
requirement, is intended to ensure regular communication between the
two Agencies to ensure effective enforcement of the RM program by
NDDA. The purposes of the MOU are to promote the identification and
coordination of the section 112(r)(7) RM Program compliance and
enforcement activities pertaining to agricultural bulk anhydrous
ammonia facilities, to describe both parties' mutual understanding
of compliance responsibilities, and to avoid replication and
duplication of efforts while discharging the parties' respective
duties. By November 30 of each year, North Dakota plans to provide
EPA Region 8 with an end of year report that summarizes North
Dakota's RM Program regulatory activities for the previous federal
fiscal year. The report is expected to include information on the
number of RM Program inspections conducted, number and types of
violations identified, notable cases, description of the enforcement
actions taken, number and description of RM Program compliance
assistance activities, and other information related to RM Program
enforcement. The MOU ensures ongoing communication regarding NDDA
enforcement of the RM Program by NDDA providing EPA with an
enforcement targeting scheme at the beginning of each federal fiscal
year. The targeting scheme is expected to identify facilities
scheduled for initial or follow-up inspection for the upcoming
federal fiscal year and priority areas for regulation. NDDA will
also notify EPA of accidents at regulated facilities that cause
environmental damage, personal injury, property damage, or involve
releases of 100 lbs or more. EPA and NDDA plan to share facility and
chemical data base information, progress reports, and results of
inspections to the extent that the information is not confidential.
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[[Page 66324]]
On April 1, 2013, North Dakota incorporated by reference into its
regulations the provisions of 40 CFR part 68 \3\ as published on June
30, 2011, with only one adjustment. See NDAC 7-12-03. This adjustment
clarifies North Dakota is incorporating 40 CFR part 68 only insofar as
it applies to agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities. NDAC 7-12-03-
02.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ Consistent with 40 CFR 63.95(b), North Dakota did not
incorporate the following sections into its regulations: 40 CFR
68.120 (Petition Process), 40 CFR 68.210 (Availability of
Information to the Public), and 40 CFR 68.215 (Permit Content and
Air Permitting Authority or Designated Agency Requirements).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPA reviewed the additional information provided by North Dakota
and requested additional information on proposed enforcement tracking.
On April 18, 2013, NDDA provided EPA with a ``Revised Summary of North
Dakota's Anhydrous Ammonia Regulatory Authority and General Components
of a Proposed RMP Enforcement Program.'' On June 3, 2013, EPA Region 8
determined that the delegation package was complete, and sent NDDA a
letter confirming the determination.
III. EPA's Analysis of NDDA's Submittal
Based on NDDA's partial delegation request, and applicable laws and
regulations, EPA is proposing to approve the request as it appears NDDA
has satisfied the relevant criteria of 40 CFR 63.91 and 63.95. EPA is
treating NDDA's request as a request for straight partial delegation
under 40 CFR 63.91(a)(1), (4) and (f), since North Dakota has
incorporated by reference the RM Program in 40 CFR part 68 as described
above.
In accordance with 40 CFR 63.91(d)(3)(i), the North Dakota
Assistant Attorney General submitted a written finding of NDDA's
authority to implement and enforce the RM Program for agricultural
anhydrous ammonia facilities.\4\ The Assistant Attorney General
supplemented this finding to clarify that the NDDA does not have the
criminal enforcement authority specified in section 70.11(a)(3)(ii) and
(iii). As a result, North Dakota has not requested delegation of that
criminal enforcement authority. With respect to the remaining
requirements, North Dakota demonstrated the appropriate authority for
section 70.11(a)(1) (ability to enjoin activity in violation of a
permit that is presenting an imminent and substantial endangerment to
the public health or welfare, or the environment), section 70.11(a)(2)
(ability to enjoin violation of any program requirement), and section
70.11(a)(3)(i) (ability to assess civil penalties up to $10,000 per day
of violation).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ North Dakota originally relied on authority under NDCC 19-
20.2 for its adoption of the RM Program. NDCC 19-20.2 defined
anhydrous ammonia storage facility as a bulk anhydrous ammonia
storage facility with a capacity exceeding six thousand gallons. 40
CFR 68.130 sets a threshold quantity for accidental release
prevention at ten thousand pounds, or approximately one thousand
nine hundred forty gallons. EPA discussed this gap in potential
coverage with the State. The Attorney General's supplemental finding
identified NDDA's general rulemaking authority along with the grant
of authority under NDCC 19-20.3 as appropriate authority for
adoption of the RM Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities with the appropriate threshold.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Assistant Attorney General also determined that NDDA had
adequate authority to assure compliance with the RM Program for sources
subject to these provisions. As explained above, NDCC 19-20.3 provides
NDDA with authority to request information from and conduct inspections
of such sources, as required by 40 CFR 63.91(d)(3)(i)(B) and (C).
In accordance with 40 CFR 63.91(d)(3)(ii)-(v), NDDA submitted
copies of the appropriate provisions of State statutes and regulations,
documentation of adequate resources to implement and enforce the RM
Program, and a schedule and plan to assure expeditious implementation
and compliance by all sources, including a description of the State's
compliance tracking and enforcement program (including inspection
strategies). With respect to adequate resources and expeditious
implementation, the NDDA currently has three employees devoted almost
entirely to program implementation. With respect to expeditious
compliance, NDDA already conducts inspections of anhydrous ammonia
facilities once every five years to ensure compliance with NDCC 19-
20.2. There are currently 368 licensed facilities in the State, which
requires NDDA to inspect approximately 70 facilities each year. NDDA
will conduct RM Program compliance inspections and audits while
conducting inspections for the engineering requirements found in NDCC
19-20.2.\5\
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\5\ As discussed above, NDCC 19-20.3 gives the Agriculture
Commissioner the authority to conduct inspections and access records
necessary to verify compliance with the RM Program. NDCC 19-20.3
also provides the legal authority for the NDDA to access, review and
audit RMPs from regulated persons.
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In accordance with 40 CFR 63.95(b)(1), NDDA submitted information
which demonstrates that it has the authority and resources to implement
and enforce regulations that are no less stringent than the regulations
in 40 CFR part 68, subparts A through G and section 68.200, and a
requirement that subject sources submit a RMP that reports at least the
same information in the same format to the same location as required
under 40 CFR part 68, subpart G. As required by 40 CFR 63.95(b)(3)-(4),
NDDA submitted documentation that it has adequate procedures for
reviewing RMPs, providing technical assistance to stationary sources,
including small businesses, and auditing RMPs in a manner consistent
with 40 CFR 68.220. In particular, NDDA will review and audit RMPs as
part of the inspections described above. The NDDA also anticipates
providing technical assistance, including outreach and education, by
conducting annual safety and compliance meetings with regulated persons
as a tool to increase awareness of the RM Program requirements and
improving compliance.
If this proposal is finalized, NDDA will have primary authority and
responsibility to implement and enforce (with the exception of criminal
enforcement) the RM Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities. However, nothing shall preclude, limit, or interfere with
the authority of EPA to exercise its outreach and compliance
assistance, enforcement, investigatory, and information gathering
authorities concerning this part of the Act. If EPA determines that
NDDA's procedures for enforcing or implementing the 40 CFR part 63 or
40 CFR part 68 requirements are inadequate, or are not being
effectively carried out, this delegation may be revoked in whole or in
part in accordance with the procedures set forth in 40 CFR 63.96(b).
In addition, this delegation to NDDA will not extend to sources or
activities located in Indian country, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151.
Under this definition,
[[Page 66325]]
EPA treats as reservations, trust lands validly set aside for the use
of a Tribe even if the trust lands have not been formally designated as
a reservation. Consistent with previous federal program approvals or
delegations, EPA will continue to implement the RM Program in Indian
country because NDDA has not demonstrated authority over sources and
activities located within the exterior boundaries of Indian
reservations and other areas in Indian country.
IV. Proposed Action
EPA proposes approving NDDA's request for partial delegation of
authority to implement and enforce (with the exception of criminal
enforcement) the RM Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia
facilities. NDDA has incorporated by reference Federal requirements set
forth in 40 CFR part 68 in NDAC 7-12-03 and regulates agricultural
anhydrous ammonia facilities through this authority as well as its
authority in NDCC 19-20.2 and 19-20.3. This partial delegation will
extend to agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities which are sources
subject to the accidental release prevention regulations in 40 CFR part
68, with the exception of sources in Indian country.
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Under the CAA, the Regional Administrator is authorized to approve
program delegation when that program complies with the provisions of
the Clean Air Act and applicable federal regulations (42 U.S.C.
7410(k), 40 CFR 52.02(a)). Thus, in reviewing delegation requests,
EPA's role is to review and approve state programs provided that they
meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed action merely
approves a state program and does not impose additional requirements
beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed
action:
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
Does not impose an information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
Is certified as not having a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
Does not have federalism implications as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
Is not an economically significant regulatory action based
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997);
Is not a significant regulatory action subject to
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent
with the CAA; and,
Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
In addition, this rule does not have Tribal implications as
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000),
because the State program is not approved to regulate in Indian country
located in North Dakota, and EPA notes that it will not impose
substantial direct costs on Tribal governments or preempt Tribal law.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 63
Environmental protection, Risk management program, Air pollution
control, Hazardous substances, Chemicals, Intergovernmental relations.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: October 22, 2013.
Shaun L. McGrath,
Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Region 8.
[FR Doc. 2013-26356 Filed 11-4-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P