Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Montana Second 10-Year Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan for Great Falls, 71057-71061 [2014-28293]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 2014 / Proposed Rules asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS cite the regulation that provides for collection of permitting fees under the State’s EPA-approved title V permit program (ARSD 74:37:01), which we approved and became effective February 28, 1996 (61 FR 2720, Jan. 29, 1996). Therefore, based on the State’s experience in relying on the grant and general funds for PSD permits, and the use of title V fees to implement and enforce PSD permits once they are incorporated into title V permits, we propose to approve the submissions as supplemented by the State for the 1997 and 2006 p.m.2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 ozone, and 2010 NO2 NAAQS. 13. Consultation/participation by affected local entities: Section 110(a)(2)(M) requires states to provide for consultation and participation in SIP development by local political subdivisions affected by the SIP. The statutory provisions cited in South Dakota’s SIP submittals (contained within this docket) meet the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(M), so we propose to approve South Dakota’s SIP as meeting these requirements for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 ozone, and 2010 NO2 NAAQS. VII. What action is EPA taking? In this action, EPA is proposing to approve the following infrastructure elements for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 ozone, and 2010 NO2 NAAQS: (A), (B), (C) with respect to minor NSR and PSD requirements, (D)(i)(II) prongs 3 and 4, (D)(ii), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L), and (M). EPA is also proposing to approve revisions to ARSD 74:36:09 submitted on July 29, 2013, which incorporate by reference the requirements of the 2010 PM2.5 Increment Rule. Specifically, we propose to approve the adoption of the text of 40 CFR 52.21, paragraphs (b)(14)(i),(ii),(iii), (b)(15)(i),(ii), and paragraph (c) as they existed on July 1, 2012 by proposing to approve revisions to: ARSD 74:34:09:02 (Prevention of significant deterioration) and 74:36:09:03 (Public participation). EPA is also proposing to approve revisions to ARSD 74:09 and SDCL 1–40–25.1 submitted on June 11, 2014 to satisfy requirements of element (E)(ii), state boards. Finally, EPA proposes approval of D(i)(I) prongs 1 and 2 for the 2006 PM2.5, 2008 Pb, and 2010 NO2 NAAQS. EPA will act separately on infrastructure element (D)(i)(I), interstate transport for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. VIII. Statutory and Executive Orders Review Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:22 Nov 28, 2014 Jkt 235001 that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable federal regulations (42 U.S.C. 7410(k), 40 CFR 52.02(a)). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA’s role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed action merely approves some state law as meeting federal requirements and disapproves other state law because it does not meet federal requirements; this proposed action 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, Oct. 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, Aug. 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, Feb. 16, 1994). In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, Nov. 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 71057 List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, Greenhouse gases, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Dated: November 19, 2014. Shaun L. McGrath, Regional Administrator, Region 8. [FR Doc. 2014–28301 Filed 11–28–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R08–OAR–2012–0353; FRL–9919–96– Region 8] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Montana Second 10-Year Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan for Great Falls Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing approval of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Montana. On July 13, 2011, the Governor of Montana’s designee submitted to EPA a second 10-year maintenance plan for the Great Falls area for the carbon monoxide (CO) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This maintenance plan addresses maintenance of the CO NAAQS for a second 10-year period beyond the original redesignation. EPA is also proposing approval of an alternative monitoring strategy for the Great Falls CO maintenance area, which was submitted by the Governor’s designee on June 22, 2012. DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 31, 2014. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R08– OAR–2012–0353, by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Email: clark.adam@epa.gov. • Fax: (303) 312–6064 (please alert the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT if you are faxing comments). SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01DEP1.SGM 01DEP1 asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 71058 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 2014 / Proposed Rules • Mail: Director, Air Program, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, Mail Code 8P–AR, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202–1129. • Hand Delivery: Director, Air Program, EPA, Region 8, Mail Code 8P– AR, 1595 Wynkoop, 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–2012– 0353. 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 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 https:// 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 instructions on submitting comments, go to Section I. General Information of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the https:// www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly-available docket VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:22 Nov 28, 2014 Jkt 235001 materials are available either electronically in https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air Program, EPA, Region 8, Mailcode 8P–AR, 1595 Wynkoop, 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: Adam Clark, Air Program, EPA, Region 8, Mailcode 8P–AR, 1595 Wynkoop, Denver, Colorado 80202–1129, (303) 312–7104, clark.adam@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 initials ADT mean or refer to Average Daily Traffic. (iii) The initials CO mean or refer to carbon monoxide. (iv) The words EPA, we, us or our mean or refer to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. (v) The initials LMP mean or refer to Limited Maintenance Plan. (vi) The initials MDEQ mean or refer to Montana Department of Environmental Quality. (vii) The initials MVEB mean or refer to Motor Vehicle Emissions Budget. (viii) The initials NAAQS mean or refer to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. (ix) The initials ppm mean or refer to parts per million. (x) The initials RTP mean or refer to Regional Transportation Plan. (xi) The initials SIP mean or refer to State Implementation Plan. (xii) The initials TIP mean or refer to Transportation Improvement Plan. (xiii) The words Montana and State mean or refer to the State of Montana. I. General Information What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA? 1. Submitting Confidential Business Information (CBI). Do not submit CBI to EPA through https://www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information on a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. Tips for preparing your comments. When submitting comments, remember to: • Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register, date, and page number); • Follow directions and organize your comments; • Explain why you agree or disagree; • Suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes; • Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/ or data that you used; • If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced; • Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and suggest alternatives; • Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats; and • Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. Background A. Great Falls CO Maintenance Plan Under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990, the Great Falls area was designated as nonattainment and classified as a ‘‘not classified’’ CO area. This was because the area had been designated as nonattainment before November 15, 1990, but had not violated the CO NAAQS in 1988 and 1989 (56 FR 56694, November 6, 1991). On February 9, 2001, the Governor of Montana submitted to us a request to redesignate the Great Falls CO nonattainment area to attainment for the CO NAAQS. Along with this request, the Governor submitted a CAA section 175A(a) maintenance plan which demonstrated that the area would maintain the CO NAAQS for the first 10 years following our approval of the redesignation request. We approved the State’s redesignation request and 10year maintenance plan on May 9, 2002 (67 FR 31143). Eight years after an area is redesignated to attainment, CAA section 175A(b) requires the state to submit a subsequent maintenance plan to EPA, E:\FR\FM\01DEP1.SGM 01DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 2014 / Proposed Rules covering a second 10-year period.1 This second 10-year maintenance plan must demonstrate continued compliance with the NAAQS during this second 10-year period. To fulfill this requirement of the CAA, the Governor of Montana’s designee submitted the second 10-year update of the Great Falls CO maintenance plan (hereafter; ‘‘revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan’’) to us on July 13, 2011. With this action, we are proposing approval of the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan. The 8-hour CO NAAQS—9.0 parts per million (ppm)—is attained when such value is not exceeded more than once a year. 40 CFR 50.8(a)(1). The Great Falls area has attained the 8-hour CO NAAQS from 1988 to the present. In October 1995, EPA issued guidance that provided nonclassifiable CO nonattainment areas the option of using a less rigorous ‘‘limited maintenance plan’’ (LMP) option to demonstrate continued attainment and maintenance of the CO NAAQS.2 According to this guidance, areas that can demonstrate design values (2nd highest max) at or below 7.65 ppm (85% of exceedance levels of the 8-hour CO NAAQS) for eight consecutive quarters qualify to use an LMP. The area qualified for and used EPA’s LMP option for the first 10-year Great Falls CO maintenance plan (67 FR 31143, May 9, 2002). For the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan the State again used the LMP option to demonstrate continued maintenance of the CO NAAQS in the Great Falls area. We have determined that the Great Falls area continues to qualify for the LMP option because the maximum design value for the most recent eight consecutive quarters with certified data at the time the State adopted the plan (years 2008 and 2009) was 1.6 ppm.3 B. Alternative CO Monitoring Strategy asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Along with the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan, the State submitted a CO maintenance plan for the Billings, Montana maintenance area, and an alternative strategy for monitoring continued attainment of the CO NAAQS in all of the State’s CO maintenance 1 In this case, the initial maintenance period extended through 2012. Thus, the second 10-year period extends through 2022. 2 Memorandum ‘‘Limited Maintenance Plan Option for Nonclassifiable CO Nonattainment Areas’’ from Joseph W. Paisie, Group Leader, EPA Integrated Policy and Strategies Group, to Air Branch Chiefs, October 6, 1995. 3 See Table 2 below. Additionally, according to the LMP guidance, an area using the LMP option must continue to have a design value ‘‘at or below 7.65 ppm until the time of final EPA action on the redesignation.’’ Table 2, below, demonstrates that the area meets this requirement. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:22 Nov 28, 2014 Jkt 235001 areas on July 13, 2011.4 The State submitted the alternative monitoring strategy to conserve resources by discontinuing the gaseous CO ambient monitors in both the Billings and Great Falls CO maintenance areas. In place of the gaseous ambient monitors, the State’s alternative method relies on rolling 3-year Average Daily Traffic (ADT) vehicle counts collected from permanent automatic traffic recorders in each maintenance area. We commented on the State’s ‘‘Alternative Monitoring Strategy,’’ and the State submitted to us a revised version of the strategy which incorporated our comments on June 22, 2012. The State’s June 22, 2012 Alternative Monitoring Strategy replaced the version submitted on July 13, 2011. III. EPA’s Evaluation of Montana’s Alternative Monitoring Strategy in Great Falls Since 2002, no Great Falls CO monitor has registered a design value greater than 2.8 ppm, which is below one-third of the NAAQS.5 Citing these consistently low monitor values, and expressing a desire to conserve monitoring resources, the State has requested to discontinue CO monitoring in Great Falls and instead use an alternative strategy for monitoring maintenance of the CO NAAQS. The State’s Alternative Monitoring Strategy utilizes ADT vehicle counts collected from permanent automatic traffic recorders in the Great Falls CO maintenance area to determine average monthly traffic during the traditional high CO concentration season of November through February. The State will compare the latest rolling 3-years of monthly ADT volumes to the 2008–2010 baseline ADT volumes (see Table 1) that correlate to the low CO monitored values during that period (see Table 2). Because mobile sources are the biggest driver of CO pollution, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) reasoned that any significant increase in CO emissions would have to be accompanied by a significant increase in ADT.6 EPA agrees with the State’s reasoning. 4 In addition to Great Falls and Billings, the Missoula, MT CO maintenance area was included in the July 13, 2011 Alternative Monitoring Strategy. 5 See Table 2 below. Design values were derived from the EPA AirData (https://www.epa.gov/ airdata/) Web site. 6 See ‘‘Review of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Carbon Monoxide,’’ 76 FR 54294, August 31, 2011. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 71059 TABLE 1—TRAFFIC VOLUMES FOR GREAT FALLS, MONTANA [Rolling 2008–2010 ADT: November to February] Month-Year January 2008 ........................ February 2008 ...................... November 2008 .................... December 2008 .................... January 2009 ........................ February 2009 ...................... November 2009 .................... December 2009 .................... January 2010 ........................ February 2010 ...................... November 2010 .................... December 2010 .................... Average ................................ Great Falls (#A–033) 34,123 36,855 35,675 33,584 33,820 36,102 37,110 34,742 34,371 36,576 34,164 34,691 35,151 TABLE 2—8-HOUR CO DESIGN VALUES FOR GREAT FALLS, MONTANA Design value (ppm) 7 2.8 ......................................... 2.7 ......................................... 2.4 ......................................... 2 ............................................ 1.7 ......................................... 1.5 ......................................... 1.5 ......................................... 1.6 ......................................... 1.9 ......................................... 0.9 ......................................... Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 If the rolling 3-year ADT value is 25% higher than the average value of 35,151 from the 2008–2010 baseline period, the State will reestablish CO ambient monitoring in Great Falls the following high season (November–February). If the CO design value in that season has not increased from the baseline mean by an equal or greater rate at which ADT has increased, and the monitor values remain at or below 50% of the CO NAAQS (2nd max concentration ≤4.5 ppm), the monitor may again be removed and the ADT counts will continue to be relied upon to determine compliance with the NAAQS. This process will be repeated each time the rolling 3-year ADT increases by a factor of 25% (e.g. 50%, 75%) above the baseline 2008–2010 period, and the same analysis will be conducted to determine if the monitors can again be removed. 40 CFR 58.14(c) allows approval of requests to discontinue ambient monitors ‘‘on a case-by-case basis if discontinuance does not compromise data collection needed for implementation of a NAAQS and if the requirements of appendix D to 40 CFR 7 Design values were derived from the EPA AirData (https://www.epa.gov/airdata/) Web site. E:\FR\FM\01DEP1.SGM 01DEP1 71060 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 2014 / Proposed Rules part 58, if any, continue to be met.’’ EPA finds that the Alternative Monitoring Strategy meets the criteria of 40 CFR 58.14(c) for the Great Falls CO maintenance area. Given the long history of low CO concentrations in the Great Falls area, and the adequacy of the Alternative Monitoring Strategy at ensuring continued attainment of the CO NAAQS, EPA finds it appropriate to approve the State’s request to discontinue the Great Falls monitor and use the Alternative Monitoring Strategy in its place. IV. EPA’s Evaluation of the Great Falls Second 10-Year CO Maintenance Plan The following are the key elements of an LMP for CO: Emission Inventory, Maintenance Demonstration, Monitoring Network/Verification of Continued Attainment, Contingency Plan, and Conformity Determinations. Below, we describe our evaluation of each of these elements as it pertains to the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS A. Emission Inventory The revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan contains an emissions inventory for the base year 2009. The emission inventory is a list, by source, of the air contaminants directly emitted into the Great Falls CO maintenance area on a typical winter day in 2009.8 The mobile sources data in the emission inventory in the July 13, 2011 submittal were developed using emissions modeling methods that EPA did not consider upto-date. After consultation with EPA, the State then provided EPA with technical information to clarify and supplement the emissions inventory from the July 13, 2011 submittal.9 This supplemental technical information utilized EPA-recommended mobile sources emissions modeling methods (MOVES2010b).10 The Great Falls LMP and supplementary technical information contain detailed emission inventory information that was prepared in accordance with EPA guidance and is acceptable to EPA.11 B. Maintenance Demonstration We consider the maintenance demonstration requirement to be satisfied for areas that qualify for and use the LMP option. As mentioned 8 Violations of the CO NAAQS are most likely to occur on winter weekdays. 9 The supplemental technical information was sent to EPA on July 23, 2014, and is available in the docket for this action. 10 Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) model; version 2010b. 11 ‘‘Procedures for Processing Requests to Redesignate Areas to Attainment,’’ from John Calcagni, September 4, 1992. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:22 Nov 28, 2014 Jkt 235001 above, a maintenance area is qualified to use the LMP option if that area’s maximum 8-hour CO design value for eight consecutive quarters does not exceed 7.65 ppm (85% of the CO NAAQS). EPA maintains that if an area begins the maintenance period with a design value no greater than 7.65 ppm, the applicability of prevention of significant deterioration requirements, the control measures already in the SIP, and federal measures should provide adequate assurance of maintenance over the 10-year maintenance period. Therefore, EPA does not require areas using the LMP option to project emissions over the maintenance period. Because CO design values in the Great Falls area are consistently well below the LMP threshold (See Table 2), the State has adequately demonstrated that the Great Falls area will maintain the CO NAAQS into the future. C. Monitoring Network/Verification of Continued Attainment In the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan, the State commits to ‘‘continue to monitor CO using an instrumental method or a functionally equivalent monitoring methodology as approved by EPA.’’ As noted, EPA is proposing to approve the State’s Alternative Monitoring Strategy for the Great Falls CO maintenance area as part of this action. Based on final approval of the Alternative Monitoring Strategy, we will have concluded that the strategy is adequate to verify continued attainment of the CO NAAQS in Great Falls. D. Contingency Plan Section 175A(d) of the CAA requires that a maintenance plan include contingency provisions to promptly correct any violation of the NAAQS that occurs after redesignation of an area. To meet this requirement, the State has identified appropriate contingency measures along with a schedule for the development and implementation of such measures. The Great Falls Maintenance Plan stated in section 7.10.6.4 that the State will use an exceedance of the CO NAAQS as the trigger for adopting specific contingency measures for the Great Falls area. As noted, the Alternative Monitoring Strategy requires reinstitution of a CO monitor in Great Falls if traffic levels increase from the 2008–2010 baseline by a factor of 25%. Therefore, EPA finds that CO emissions in Great Falls are very unlikely to increase to the point of an exceedance without that exceedance being observed by a gaseous monitor. PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 The State indicates that notification of an exceedance to EPA and to the local governments in the Great Falls area will occur within 60 days. Upon notification of a CO NAAQS exceedance, MDEQ and Cascade City/County Health Department (CCCHD) will recommend an appropriate contingency measure or measures that would be necessary to avoid a violation of the CO NAAQS standard. The necessary contingency measure(s) will then be proposed for local adoption. Finalization of the necessary contingency measures for local adoption will be completed within three months of the exceedance notification. Full implementation of the locally adopted contingency measure(s) will be achieved within one year after the recording of a CO NAAQS violation. The potential contingency measures, identified in section 7.10.6.4.C of the Great Falls Maintenance Plan, include implementation of a mandatory oxygenated fuels program with local regulations in the Great Falls or Cascade County area for the winter months of November, December, and January, and establishing an episodic woodburning curtailment program. A more complete description of the triggering mechanism and these contingency measures can be found in section 7.10.6.4 of the Great Falls Maintenance Plan. We find that the contingency measures provided in the State’s maintenance plan for Great Falls are sufficient and meet the requirements of section 175A(d) of the CAA. E. Transportation Conformity Transportation conformity is required by section 176(c) of the CAA. Conformity to a SIP means that transportation activities will not produce new air quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment of the NAAQS (CAA 176(c)(B)). EPA’s conformity rule provisions in 40 CFR part 93, Subpart A require that transportation plans, programs and projects conform to SIPs and establish the criteria and procedures for determining whether or not they demonstrate conformity. EPA’s conformity rule provisions include requirements for a demonstration that emissions from the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) are consistent with the motor vehicle emission budget (MVEB) contained in the SIP revision (40 CFR 93.118 and 93.124). The MVEB is defined as the level of mobile source emissions relied upon in the attainment or maintenance demonstration to maintain compliance with the NAAQS E:\FR\FM\01DEP1.SGM 01DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 2014 / Proposed Rules asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS in the nonattainment or maintenance area.12 Under the LMP policy, emissions budgets are treated as essentially not constraining for the length of the maintenance period. While EPA’s LMP policy does not exempt an area from the need to affirm conformity, it explains that the area may demonstrate conformity without submitting a MVEB. This is because it is unreasonable to expect that an LMP area will experience so much growth in that period that a violation of the CO NAAQS would result.13 Therefore, for the Great Falls CO maintenance area, all actions that require conformity determinations for CO under our conformity rule provisions are considered to have already satisfied the regional emissions analysis and ‘‘budget test’’ requirements in 40 CFR 93.118. Since LMP areas are still maintenance areas, certain aspects of transportation conformity determinations are still required for transportation plans, programs and projects. Specifically, for such determinations, RTPs, TIPs and projects must still demonstrate that they are fiscally constrained (40 CFR 93.108) and must meet the criteria for consultation and Transportation Control Measure implementation in the conformity rule provisions (40 CFR 93.112 and 40 CFR 93.113, respectively). In addition, projects in LMP areas will still be required to meet the applicable criteria for CO hot spot analyses to satisfy ‘‘project level’’ conformity determinations (40 CFR 93.116 and 40 CFR 93.123) which must also incorporate the latest planning assumptions and models available (40 CFR 93.110 and 40 CFR 93.111 respectively). In view of the CO LMP policy, the effect of this proposed approval will be to affirm our adequacy finding such that no regional emissions analyses for future transportation CO conformity determinations are required for the CO LMP period and beyond (as per EPA’s CO LMP policy and 40 CFR 93.109(e)). V. Proposed Action EPA is proposing to approve the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan submitted on July 13, 2011. This maintenance plan meets the applicable CAA requirements and EPA has determined it is sufficient to provide for maintenance of the CO NAAQS over the 12 EPA’s transportation conformity requirements and policy on MVEBs are found in the preamble to the November 24, 1993, transportation conformity rule (see 58 FR 62193–62196) and in the sections of 40 CFR part 93 referenced above. 13 Limited Maintenance Plan Guidance at 4. October 6, 1995. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:22 Nov 28, 2014 Jkt 235001 course of the second 10-year maintenance period out to 2022. EPA is also proposing to approve the State’s Alternative Monitoring Strategy for the Great Falls CO maintenance area. We do not propose to approve application of the Alternative Monitoring Strategy in other areas of Montana with this action, as the Alternative Monitoring Strategy must be considered on a case-by-case basis specific to the circumstances of each particular CO maintenance area rather than broadly. VI. Statutory and Executive Orders Review Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA’s role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this action merely proposes to approve state law as meeting federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action: • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Public Law 104–4); • Does not have federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act; and PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 71061 • Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the State, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Dated: November 10, 2014. Shaun L. McGrath, Regional Administrator, Region 8. [FR Doc. 2014–28293 Filed 11–28–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R01–OAR–2013–0786; A–1–FRL– 9918–26–Region–1] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Transit System Improvements Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Massachusetts on November 6, 2013. This proposal, if finalized, would remove the design of the Red Line/Blue Line Connector as a requirement in the Massachusetts SIP, without substitution or replacement, and would implement administrative changes that lengthen the existing public process by fifteen days and replace references to the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) with references to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before December 31, 2014. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01DEP1.SGM 01DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 230 (Monday, December 1, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71057-71061]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28293]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R08-OAR-2012-0353; FRL-9919-96-Region 8]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
State of Montana Second 10-Year Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan for 
Great Falls

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing 
approval of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the 
State of Montana. On July 13, 2011, the Governor of Montana's designee 
submitted to EPA a second 10-year maintenance plan for the Great Falls 
area for the carbon monoxide (CO) National Ambient Air Quality Standard 
(NAAQS). This maintenance plan addresses maintenance of the CO NAAQS 
for a second 10-year period beyond the original redesignation. EPA is 
also proposing approval of an alternative monitoring strategy for the 
Great Falls CO maintenance area, which was submitted by the Governor's 
designee on June 22, 2012.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 31, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R08-
OAR-2012-0353, by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: clark.adam@epa.gov.
     Fax: (303) 312-6064 (please alert the individual listed in 
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT if you are faxing comments).

[[Page 71058]]

     Mail: Director, Air Program, Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA), Region 8, Mail Code 8P-AR, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, 
Colorado 80202-1129.
     Hand Delivery: Director, Air Program, EPA, Region 8, Mail 
Code 8P-AR, 1595 Wynkoop, 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-
2012-0353. 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 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 https://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 instructions on submitting 
comments, go to Section I. General Information of the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this document.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such 
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. 
Publicly-available docket materials are available either electronically 
in https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air Program, EPA, 
Region 8, Mailcode 8P-AR, 1595 Wynkoop, 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: Adam Clark, Air Program, EPA, Region 
8, Mailcode 8P-AR, 1595 Wynkoop, Denver, Colorado 80202-1129, (303) 
312-7104, clark.adam@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

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 initials ADT mean or refer to Average Daily Traffic.
    (iii) The initials CO mean or refer to carbon monoxide.
    (iv) The words EPA, we, us or our mean or refer to the United 
States Environmental Protection Agency.
    (v) The initials LMP mean or refer to Limited Maintenance Plan.
    (vi) The initials MDEQ mean or refer to Montana Department of 
Environmental Quality.
    (vii) The initials MVEB mean or refer to Motor Vehicle Emissions 
Budget.
    (viii) The initials NAAQS mean or refer to the National Ambient Air 
Quality Standards.
    (ix) The initials ppm mean or refer to parts per million.
    (x) The initials RTP mean or refer to Regional Transportation Plan.
    (xi) The initials SIP mean or refer to State Implementation Plan.
    (xii) The initials TIP mean or refer to Transportation Improvement 
Plan.
    (xiii) The words Montana and State mean or refer to the State of 
Montana.

I. General Information

What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting Confidential Business Information (CBI). Do not 
submit CBI to EPA through https://www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly 
mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For 
CBI information on a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the 
outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically 
within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed as 
CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes 
information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain 
the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the 
public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in 
accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for preparing your comments. When submitting comments, 
remember to:
     Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other 
identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register, date, and 
page number);
     Follow directions and organize your comments;
     Explain why you agree or disagree;
     Suggest alternatives and substitute language for your 
requested changes;
     Describe any assumptions and provide any technical 
information and/or data that you used;
     If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how 
you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be 
reproduced;
     Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and 
suggest alternatives;
     Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the 
use of profanity or personal threats; and
     Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period 
deadline identified.

II. Background

A. Great Falls CO Maintenance Plan

    Under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990, the Great Falls 
area was designated as nonattainment and classified as a ``not 
classified'' CO area. This was because the area had been designated as 
nonattainment before November 15, 1990, but had not violated the CO 
NAAQS in 1988 and 1989 (56 FR 56694, November 6, 1991). On February 9, 
2001, the Governor of Montana submitted to us a request to redesignate 
the Great Falls CO nonattainment area to attainment for the CO NAAQS. 
Along with this request, the Governor submitted a CAA section 175A(a) 
maintenance plan which demonstrated that the area would maintain the CO 
NAAQS for the first 10 years following our approval of the 
redesignation request. We approved the State's redesignation request 
and 10-year maintenance plan on May 9, 2002 (67 FR 31143).
    Eight years after an area is redesignated to attainment, CAA 
section 175A(b) requires the state to submit a subsequent maintenance 
plan to EPA,

[[Page 71059]]

covering a second 10-year period.\1\ This second 10-year maintenance 
plan must demonstrate continued compliance with the NAAQS during this 
second 10-year period. To fulfill this requirement of the CAA, the 
Governor of Montana's designee submitted the second 10-year update of 
the Great Falls CO maintenance plan (hereafter; ``revised Great Falls 
Maintenance Plan'') to us on July 13, 2011. With this action, we are 
proposing approval of the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ In this case, the initial maintenance period extended 
through 2012. Thus, the second 10-year period extends through 2022.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The 8-hour CO NAAQS--9.0 parts per million (ppm)--is attained when 
such value is not exceeded more than once a year. 40 CFR 50.8(a)(1). 
The Great Falls area has attained the 8-hour CO NAAQS from 1988 to the 
present. In October 1995, EPA issued guidance that provided 
nonclassifiable CO nonattainment areas the option of using a less 
rigorous ``limited maintenance plan'' (LMP) option to demonstrate 
continued attainment and maintenance of the CO NAAQS.\2\ According to 
this guidance, areas that can demonstrate design values (2nd highest 
max) at or below 7.65 ppm (85% of exceedance levels of the 8-hour CO 
NAAQS) for eight consecutive quarters qualify to use an LMP. The area 
qualified for and used EPA's LMP option for the first 10-year Great 
Falls CO maintenance plan (67 FR 31143, May 9, 2002). For the revised 
Great Falls Maintenance Plan the State again used the LMP option to 
demonstrate continued maintenance of the CO NAAQS in the Great Falls 
area. We have determined that the Great Falls area continues to qualify 
for the LMP option because the maximum design value for the most recent 
eight consecutive quarters with certified data at the time the State 
adopted the plan (years 2008 and 2009) was 1.6 ppm.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Memorandum ``Limited Maintenance Plan Option for 
Nonclassifiable CO Nonattainment Areas'' from Joseph W. Paisie, 
Group Leader, EPA Integrated Policy and Strategies Group, to Air 
Branch Chiefs, October 6, 1995.
    \3\ See Table 2 below. Additionally, according to the LMP 
guidance, an area using the LMP option must continue to have a 
design value ``at or below 7.65 ppm until the time of final EPA 
action on the redesignation.'' Table 2, below, demonstrates that the 
area meets this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Alternative CO Monitoring Strategy

    Along with the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan, the State 
submitted a CO maintenance plan for the Billings, Montana maintenance 
area, and an alternative strategy for monitoring continued attainment 
of the CO NAAQS in all of the State's CO maintenance areas on July 13, 
2011.\4\ The State submitted the alternative monitoring strategy to 
conserve resources by discontinuing the gaseous CO ambient monitors in 
both the Billings and Great Falls CO maintenance areas. In place of the 
gaseous ambient monitors, the State's alternative method relies on 
rolling 3-year Average Daily Traffic (ADT) vehicle counts collected 
from permanent automatic traffic recorders in each maintenance area. We 
commented on the State's ``Alternative Monitoring Strategy,'' and the 
State submitted to us a revised version of the strategy which 
incorporated our comments on June 22, 2012. The State's June 22, 2012 
Alternative Monitoring Strategy replaced the version submitted on July 
13, 2011.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ In addition to Great Falls and Billings, the Missoula, MT CO 
maintenance area was included in the July 13, 2011 Alternative 
Monitoring Strategy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. EPA's Evaluation of Montana's Alternative Monitoring Strategy in 
Great Falls

    Since 2002, no Great Falls CO monitor has registered a design value 
greater than 2.8 ppm, which is below one-third of the NAAQS.\5\ Citing 
these consistently low monitor values, and expressing a desire to 
conserve monitoring resources, the State has requested to discontinue 
CO monitoring in Great Falls and instead use an alternative strategy 
for monitoring maintenance of the CO NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Table 2 below. Design values were derived from the EPA 
AirData (https://www.epa.gov/ airdata/) Web site.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The State's Alternative Monitoring Strategy utilizes ADT vehicle 
counts collected from permanent automatic traffic recorders in the 
Great Falls CO maintenance area to determine average monthly traffic 
during the traditional high CO concentration season of November through 
February. The State will compare the latest rolling 3-years of monthly 
ADT volumes to the 2008-2010 baseline ADT volumes (see Table 1) that 
correlate to the low CO monitored values during that period (see Table 
2). Because mobile sources are the biggest driver of CO pollution, the 
Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) reasoned that any 
significant increase in CO emissions would have to be accompanied by a 
significant increase in ADT.\6\ EPA agrees with the State's reasoning.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See ``Review of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for 
Carbon Monoxide,'' 76 FR 54294, August 31, 2011.

            Table 1--Traffic Volumes for Great Falls, Montana
              [Rolling 2008-2010 ADT: November to February]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Great Falls
                       Month-Year                            (#A-033)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 2008............................................          34,123
February 2008...........................................          36,855
November 2008...........................................          35,675
December 2008...........................................          33,584
January 2009............................................          33,820
February 2009...........................................          36,102
November 2009...........................................          37,110
December 2009...........................................          34,742
January 2010............................................          34,371
February 2010...........................................          36,576
November 2010...........................................          34,164
December 2010...........................................          34,691
Average.................................................          35,151
------------------------------------------------------------------------


        Table 2--8-Hour CO Design Values for Great Falls, Montana
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Design value (ppm) \7\                        Year
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.8.....................................................            2002
2.7.....................................................            2003
2.4.....................................................            2004
2.......................................................            2005
1.7.....................................................            2006
1.5.....................................................            2007
1.5.....................................................            2008
1.6.....................................................            2009
1.9.....................................................            2010
0.9.....................................................            2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the rolling 3-year ADT value is 25% higher than the average 
value of 35,151 from the 2008-2010 baseline period, the State will 
reestablish CO ambient monitoring in Great Falls the following high 
season (November-February). If the CO design value in that season has 
not increased from the baseline mean by an equal or greater rate at 
which ADT has increased, and the monitor values remain at or below 50% 
of the CO NAAQS (2nd max concentration <=4.5 ppm), the monitor may 
again be removed and the ADT counts will continue to be relied upon to 
determine compliance with the NAAQS. This process will be repeated each 
time the rolling 3-year ADT increases by a factor of 25% (e.g. 50%, 
75%) above the baseline 2008-2010 period, and the same analysis will be 
conducted to determine if the monitors can again be removed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Design values were derived from the EPA AirData (https://www.epa.gov/airdata/) Web site.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    40 CFR 58.14(c) allows approval of requests to discontinue ambient 
monitors ``on a case-by-case basis if discontinuance does not 
compromise data collection needed for implementation of a NAAQS and if 
the requirements of appendix D to 40 CFR

[[Page 71060]]

part 58, if any, continue to be met.'' EPA finds that the Alternative 
Monitoring Strategy meets the criteria of 40 CFR 58.14(c) for the Great 
Falls CO maintenance area. Given the long history of low CO 
concentrations in the Great Falls area, and the adequacy of the 
Alternative Monitoring Strategy at ensuring continued attainment of the 
CO NAAQS, EPA finds it appropriate to approve the State's request to 
discontinue the Great Falls monitor and use the Alternative Monitoring 
Strategy in its place.

IV. EPA's Evaluation of the Great Falls Second 10-Year CO Maintenance 
Plan

    The following are the key elements of an LMP for CO: Emission 
Inventory, Maintenance Demonstration, Monitoring Network/Verification 
of Continued Attainment, Contingency Plan, and Conformity 
Determinations. Below, we describe our evaluation of each of these 
elements as it pertains to the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan.

A. Emission Inventory

    The revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan contains an emissions 
inventory for the base year 2009. The emission inventory is a list, by 
source, of the air contaminants directly emitted into the Great Falls 
CO maintenance area on a typical winter day in 2009.\8\ The mobile 
sources data in the emission inventory in the July 13, 2011 submittal 
were developed using emissions modeling methods that EPA did not 
consider up-to-date. After consultation with EPA, the State then 
provided EPA with technical information to clarify and supplement the 
emissions inventory from the July 13, 2011 submittal.\9\ This 
supplemental technical information utilized EPA-recommended mobile 
sources emissions modeling methods (MOVES2010b).\10\ The Great Falls 
LMP and supplementary technical information contain detailed emission 
inventory information that was prepared in accordance with EPA guidance 
and is acceptable to EPA.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Violations of the CO NAAQS are most likely to occur on 
winter weekdays.
    \9\ The supplemental technical information was sent to EPA on 
July 23, 2014, and is available in the docket for this action.
    \10\ Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) model; version 
2010b.
    \11\ ``Procedures for Processing Requests to Redesignate Areas 
to Attainment,'' from John Calcagni, September 4, 1992.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Maintenance Demonstration

    We consider the maintenance demonstration requirement to be 
satisfied for areas that qualify for and use the LMP option. As 
mentioned above, a maintenance area is qualified to use the LMP option 
if that area's maximum 8-hour CO design value for eight consecutive 
quarters does not exceed 7.65 ppm (85% of the CO NAAQS). EPA maintains 
that if an area begins the maintenance period with a design value no 
greater than 7.65 ppm, the applicability of prevention of significant 
deterioration requirements, the control measures already in the SIP, 
and federal measures should provide adequate assurance of maintenance 
over the 10-year maintenance period. Therefore, EPA does not require 
areas using the LMP option to project emissions over the maintenance 
period. Because CO design values in the Great Falls area are 
consistently well below the LMP threshold (See Table 2), the State has 
adequately demonstrated that the Great Falls area will maintain the CO 
NAAQS into the future.

C. Monitoring Network/Verification of Continued Attainment

    In the revised Great Falls Maintenance Plan, the State commits to 
``continue to monitor CO using an instrumental method or a functionally 
equivalent monitoring methodology as approved by EPA.'' As noted, EPA 
is proposing to approve the State's Alternative Monitoring Strategy for 
the Great Falls CO maintenance area as part of this action. Based on 
final approval of the Alternative Monitoring Strategy, we will have 
concluded that the strategy is adequate to verify continued attainment 
of the CO NAAQS in Great Falls.

D. Contingency Plan

    Section 175A(d) of the CAA requires that a maintenance plan include 
contingency provisions to promptly correct any violation of the NAAQS 
that occurs after redesignation of an area. To meet this requirement, 
the State has identified appropriate contingency measures along with a 
schedule for the development and implementation of such measures.
    The Great Falls Maintenance Plan stated in section 7.10.6.4 that 
the State will use an exceedance of the CO NAAQS as the trigger for 
adopting specific contingency measures for the Great Falls area. As 
noted, the Alternative Monitoring Strategy requires reinstitution of a 
CO monitor in Great Falls if traffic levels increase from the 2008-2010 
baseline by a factor of 25%. Therefore, EPA finds that CO emissions in 
Great Falls are very unlikely to increase to the point of an exceedance 
without that exceedance being observed by a gaseous monitor.
    The State indicates that notification of an exceedance to EPA and 
to the local governments in the Great Falls area will occur within 60 
days. Upon notification of a CO NAAQS exceedance, MDEQ and Cascade 
City/County Health Department (CCCHD) will recommend an appropriate 
contingency measure or measures that would be necessary to avoid a 
violation of the CO NAAQS standard. The necessary contingency 
measure(s) will then be proposed for local adoption. Finalization of 
the necessary contingency measures for local adoption will be completed 
within three months of the exceedance notification. Full implementation 
of the locally adopted contingency measure(s) will be achieved within 
one year after the recording of a CO NAAQS violation.
    The potential contingency measures, identified in section 
7.10.6.4.C of the Great Falls Maintenance Plan, include implementation 
of a mandatory oxygenated fuels program with local regulations in the 
Great Falls or Cascade County area for the winter months of November, 
December, and January, and establishing an episodic woodburning 
curtailment program. A more complete description of the triggering 
mechanism and these contingency measures can be found in section 
7.10.6.4 of the Great Falls Maintenance Plan.
    We find that the contingency measures provided in the State's 
maintenance plan for Great Falls are sufficient and meet the 
requirements of section 175A(d) of the CAA.

E. Transportation Conformity

    Transportation conformity is required by section 176(c) of the CAA. 
Conformity to a SIP means that transportation activities will not 
produce new air quality violations, worsen existing violations, or 
delay timely attainment of the NAAQS (CAA 176(c)(B)). EPA's conformity 
rule provisions in 40 CFR part 93, Subpart A require that 
transportation plans, programs and projects conform to SIPs and 
establish the criteria and procedures for determining whether or not 
they demonstrate conformity. EPA's conformity rule provisions include 
requirements for a demonstration that emissions from the Regional 
Transportation Plan (RTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program 
(TIP) are consistent with the motor vehicle emission budget (MVEB) 
contained in the SIP revision (40 CFR 93.118 and 93.124). The MVEB is 
defined as the level of mobile source emissions relied upon in the 
attainment or maintenance demonstration to maintain compliance with the 
NAAQS

[[Page 71061]]

in the nonattainment or maintenance area.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ EPA's transportation conformity requirements and policy on 
MVEBs are found in the preamble to the November 24, 1993, 
transportation conformity rule (see 58 FR 62193-62196) and in the 
sections of 40 CFR part 93 referenced above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the LMP policy, emissions budgets are treated as essentially 
not constraining for the length of the maintenance period. While EPA's 
LMP policy does not exempt an area from the need to affirm conformity, 
it explains that the area may demonstrate conformity without submitting 
a MVEB. This is because it is unreasonable to expect that an LMP area 
will experience so much growth in that period that a violation of the 
CO NAAQS would result.\13\ Therefore, for the Great Falls CO 
maintenance area, all actions that require conformity determinations 
for CO under our conformity rule provisions are considered to have 
already satisfied the regional emissions analysis and ``budget test'' 
requirements in 40 CFR 93.118.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ Limited Maintenance Plan Guidance at 4. October 6, 1995.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since LMP areas are still maintenance areas, certain aspects of 
transportation conformity determinations are still required for 
transportation plans, programs and projects. Specifically, for such 
determinations, RTPs, TIPs and projects must still demonstrate that 
they are fiscally constrained (40 CFR 93.108) and must meet the 
criteria for consultation and Transportation Control Measure 
implementation in the conformity rule provisions (40 CFR 93.112 and 40 
CFR 93.113, respectively). In addition, projects in LMP areas will 
still be required to meet the applicable criteria for CO hot spot 
analyses to satisfy ``project level'' conformity determinations (40 CFR 
93.116 and 40 CFR 93.123) which must also incorporate the latest 
planning assumptions and models available (40 CFR 93.110 and 40 CFR 
93.111 respectively).
    In view of the CO LMP policy, the effect of this proposed approval 
will be to affirm our adequacy finding such that no regional emissions 
analyses for future transportation CO conformity determinations are 
required for the CO LMP period and beyond (as per EPA's CO LMP policy 
and 40 CFR 93.109(e)).

V. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to approve the revised Great Falls Maintenance 
Plan submitted on July 13, 2011. This maintenance plan meets the 
applicable CAA requirements and EPA has determined it is sufficient to 
provide for maintenance of the CO NAAQS over the course of the second 
10-year maintenance period out to 2022.
    EPA is also proposing to approve the State's Alternative Monitoring 
Strategy for the Great Falls CO maintenance area. We do not propose to 
approve application of the Alternative Monitoring Strategy in other 
areas of Montana with this action, as the Alternative Monitoring 
Strategy must be considered on a case-by-case basis specific to the 
circumstances of each particular CO maintenance area rather than 
broadly.

VI. Statutory and Executive Orders Review

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable 
federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this 
action merely proposes to approve state law as meeting federal 
requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. For that reason, this action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
     Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-4);
     Does not have federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the Clean Air Act; and
     Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as 
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), 
because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in 
the State, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct 
costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

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

    Dated: November 10, 2014.
Shaun L. McGrath,
Regional Administrator, Region 8.
[FR Doc. 2014-28293 Filed 11-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.