Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Washington: Infrastructure Requirements for the Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 27102-27107 [2015-11343]
Download as PDF
27102
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 91 / Tuesday, May 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
§ 165.T08–0284 Safety Zone, Monongahela
River, Pittsburgh, PA.
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes.
12. Energy Effects
This action is not a ‘‘significant
energy action’’ under Executive Order
13211, Actions Concerning Regulations
That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use.
13. Technical Standards
This rule does not use technical
standards. Therefore, we did not
consider the use of voluntary consensus
standards.
14. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under
Department of Homeland Security
Management Directive 023–01 and
Commandant Instruction M16475.lD,
which guide the Coast Guard in
complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and
have determined that this action is one
of a category of actions that do not
individually or cumulatively have a
significant effect on the human
environment. This rule establishes a
safety zone for waters of the
Monongahela River, from mile 68.0 to
68.8. This rule is categorically excluded
from further review under paragraph
34(g) of figure 2–1 of the Commandant
Instruction an environmental analysis
checklist supporting this determination
and a Categorical Exclusion
Determination are available in the
docket where indicated under
ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or
information that may lead to the
discovery of a significant environmental
impact from this rule.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
(a) Location. The following area is a
safety zone: All waters of the
Monongahela River, mile 68.0 to 68.8,
extending the entire width of the
waterway.
(b) Effective date. This rule is
effective, and will be enforced, from
9:15 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on June 12,
2015 and June 13, 2015.
(c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with
the general regulations in § 165.23 of
this part, entry into this zone is
prohibited unless authorized by the
Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or a
designated representative.
(2) Persons or vessels requiring entry
into or passage through the zone must
request permission from the Captain of
the Port Pittsburgh or a designated
representative. The Captain of the
Pittsburgh representative may be
contacted at 412–221–0807.
(3) All persons and vessels shall
comply with the instructions of the
Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or their
designated representative. Designated
Captain of the Port representatives
include United States Coast Guard
commissioned, warrant, and petty
officers.
(d) Information broadcasts. The
Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or a
designated representative will inform
the public through broadcast notices to
mariners of the enforcement period for
the safety zone as well as any changes
in the planned schedule.
Dated: April 27, 2015.
L.N. Weaver,
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of
the Port Pittsburgh.
[FR Doc. 2015–11442 Filed 5–11–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation
(water), Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Security measures,
Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33
CFR part 165 as follows:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R10–OAR–2014–0744; FRL–9927–45–
Region 10]
PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION
AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
■
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191;
33 CFR 1.05–1; 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;
Department of Homeland Security Delegation
No. 0170.1.
Approval and Promulgation of
Implementation Plans; Washington:
Infrastructure Requirements for the
Fine Particulate Matter National
Ambient Air Quality Standards
AGENCY:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
1. The authority citation for part 165
continues to read as follows:
PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION
AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
2. Temporary § 165.T08–0284 is
added to read as follows:
■
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:43 May 11, 2015
Jkt 235001
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is partially approving and
partially disapproving the State
Implementation Plan (SIP) submittal
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
from Washington demonstrating that the
SIP meets the infrastructure
requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA)
for the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) promulgated for
fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on July
18, 1997, October 17, 2006, and
December 14, 2012 (collectively, the
PM2.5 NAAQS). The CAA requires that
each state, after a new or revised
NAAQS is promulgated, review its SIP
to ensure that it meets the infrastructure
requirements necessary to implement
the new or revised NAAQS. On
September 22, 2014, Washington made
a SIP submission to establish that the
Washington SIP meets the infrastructure
requirements of the CAA for the PM2.5
NAAQS, except for certain elements
related to the Prevention of Significant
Deterioration (PSD) permitting program
currently addressed under a Federal
Implementation Plan (FIP), certain
elements of the regional haze program
currently addressed under a FIP, and
specific requirements related to
interstate transport which the State will
address in a separate submittal. The
EPA has determined that Washington’s
SIP is adequate for purposes of the
infrastructure SIP requirements of the
CAA for the PM2.5 NAAQS, with the
exceptions noted above. The SIP
deficiencies related to PSD permitting
and regional haze, however, have
already been adequately addressed by
the existing EPA FIPs and, therefore, no
further action is required by Washington
or the EPA for those elements. The EPA
will address the remaining interstate
transport requirements in a separate
action.
DATES: This final rule is effective June
11, 2015.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA–R10–OAR–2014–0744. All
documents in the docket are listed on
the www.regulations.gov Web site.
Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available,
e.g., Confidential Business Information
(CBI) or other information the disclosure
of which is restricted by statute. Certain
other material, such as copyrighted
material, is not placed on the Internet
and will be publicly available only in
hard copy form. Publicly available
docket materials are available either
electronically through
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Air Programs Unit, Office of Air
Waste and Toxics, EPA Region 10, 1200
Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. The
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
E:\FR\FM\12MYR1.SGM
12MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 91 / Tuesday, May 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
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: For
information please contact Jeff Hunt at
(206) 553–0256, hunt.jeff@epa.gov, or by
using the above EPA, Region 10 address.
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 words ‘‘EPA’’, ‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’ or
‘‘our’’ mean or refer to the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
(iii) The initials ‘‘SIP’’ mean or refer
to State Implementation Plan.
(iv) The words ‘‘Washington’’ and
‘‘State’’ mean the State of Washington.
Table of Contents
I. Background Information
II. Response to Comments
III. Final Action
IV. Incorporation by Reference
V. Statutory and Executive Orders Review
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
I. Background Information
On July 18, 1997, the EPA
promulgated a new 24-hour and a new
annual NAAQS for PM2.5 (62 FR 38652).
On October 17, 2006, the EPA revised
the standards for PM2.5, tightening the
24-hour PM2.5 standard from 65
micrograms per cubic meter (m/m3) to 35
m/m3, and retaining the annual PM2.5
standard at 15 m/m3 (71 FR 61144).
Subsequently, on December 14, 2012,
the EPA revised the level of the health
based (primary) annual PM2.5 standard
to 12 m/m3 (78 FR 3086, published
January 15, 2013).1
States must make SIP submissions
meeting the requirements of CAA
sections 110(a)(1) and (2) within three
years after promulgation of a new or
revised standard. CAA sections
110(a)(1) and (2) require states to
address basic SIP requirements,
including emissions inventories,
monitoring, and modeling to
implement, maintain, and enforce the
standards, so-called ‘‘infrastructure’’
requirements. To help states meet this
statutory requirement, the EPA issued
guidance to states. On October 2, 2007,
the EPA issued guidance to address
1 In the EPA’s 2012 PM
2.5 NAAQS revision, we
left unchanged the existing welfare (secondary)
standards for PM2.5 to address PM-related effects
such as visibility impairment, ecological effects,
damage to materials and climate impacts. This
includes an annual secondary standard of 15.0 mg/
m3 and a 24-hour standard of 35 mg/m3.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:43 May 11, 2015
Jkt 235001
infrastructure SIP elements for the 1997
ozone and 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS.2
Subsequently, on September 25, 2009,
the EPA issued guidance to address SIP
infrastructure elements for the 2006 24hour PM2.5 NAAQS.3 Finally, on
September 13, 2013, the EPA issued
guidance to address infrastructure SIP
elements generally for all NAAQS,
including the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.4 As
noted in the guidance documents, to the
extent an existing SIP already meets the
applicable CAA section 110(a)(2)
requirements, states may make a SIP
submission to EPA certifying how the
existing SIP meets applicable
requirements. On September 22, 2014,
Washington made a submittal to the
EPA certifying that the current
Washington SIP meets the CAA section
110(a)(1) and (2) infrastructure
requirements for the PM2.5 NAAQS,
except for certain requirements related
to PSD permitting, regional haze, and
interstate transport described in the
proposal for this action (79 FR 62368,
October 17, 2014).5
II. Response to Comments
The EPA received two sets of
comments on our proposal.
Commenter #1: The commenter raised
several issues related to wood smoke.
First, the commenter thanked the EPA
for our involvement in addressing wood
smoke health risks in Washington State.
Second, the commenter expressed
disappointment with the Washington
State Legislature for not taking seriously
the toxicity and multiple health hazards
of wood smoke. Third, the commenter
requested that the EPA establish
2 William T. Harnett, Director, Air Quality Policy
Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards. ‘‘Guidance on SIP Elements Required
Under Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-hour
Ozone and PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality
Standards.’’ Memorandum to EPA Air Division
Directors, Regions I–X, October 2, 2007.
3 William T. Harnett, Director, Air Quality Policy
Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards. ‘‘Guidance on SIP Elements Required
Under Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 2006 24hour Fine Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS).’’ Memorandum to
Regional Air Division Directors, Regions I–X,
September 25, 2009.
4 Stephen D. Page, Director, Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards. ‘‘Guidance on
Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP)
Elements under Clean Air Act Sections 110(a)(1)
and 110(a)(2).’’ Memorandum to EPA Air Division
Directors, Regions 1–10, September 13, 2013.
5 Following the EPA’s October 17, 2014 proposed
action the CAA section 110(a)(1) and (2)
infrastructure requirements for the PM2.5 NAAQS,
the EPA subsequently proposed to partially approve
Washington’s PSD permitting program while
retaining a FIP for certain facilities, emission
categories, and geographic areas (80 FR 838, January
7, 2015). The EPA’s action on Washington’s PSD
SIP submission does not affect the findings of this
final infrastructure action because a FIP or partial
FIP for PSD continues to remain in place.
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
27103
filtration controls on wood smoke
emissions from restaurants and food
trucks, such as pizza and barbeque
establishments. Fourth, the commenter
noted several apartment buildings in the
Seattle area that have uncertified wood
burning devices and requested a date for
removal or upgrade of the existing
devices.
Response #1: The EPA appreciates the
commenter’s general concerns with
respect to wood smoke. However, the
commenter raises issues that are outside
the scope of an action related to
infrastructure SIP requirements. In this
context, the EPA is merely evaluating
the State’s September 22, 2014,
submission intended to establish that
the Washington SIP meets the basic
infrastructure requirements of the CAA
for the PM2.5 NAAQS. In this final
action, the EPA is determining that the
State has met those requirements,
except for certain elements related to
the PSD and regional haze FIPs, and
specific requirements related to
interstate transport which the state will
address in a separate submission. The
points raised, and requests made, by the
commenter are thus not germane to this
specific rulemaking action.
The EPA notes that there have been
improvements related to wood smoke in
Washington through other substantive
actions. The EPA’s involvement in
addressing wood smoke health risks in
SIP provisions is driven by our CAA
statutory authorities and
responsibilities. Under CAA section
109, the EPA sets NAAQS for six criteria
pollutants, including particulate matter.
These NAAQS are set using the best
available scientific and health studies,
with a focus on protecting sensitive
populations such as asthmatics,
children, and the elderly (78 FR 3086,
January 15, 2013). Under part D of the
CAA, Plan Requirements for
Nonattainment Areas, the states have an
obligation to develop and submit SIP
provisions that provide for attainment
and maintenance of the NAAQS in
designated nonattainment areas. The
EPA has the authority and responsibility
to review this type of SIP submission to
assure that they meet applicable
statutory and regulatory requirements.
Through this process, the EPA recently
worked with the Washington
Department of Ecology (Ecology) and
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA)
to address PM2.5 nonattainment in the
Tacoma area (74 FR 58688, November
13, 2009). This resulted in more
stringent statutory and regulatory
provisions related to residential wood
stoves at both the local level (78 FR
32131, May 29, 2013) and the state level
(79 FR 26628, May 9, 2014). Currently
E:\FR\FM\12MYR1.SGM
12MYR1
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
27104
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 91 / Tuesday, May 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
all areas in Washington State are
meeting the NAAQS, including the
Tacoma area (77 FR 53772, September 4,
2012).
The commenter also requested EPA
intervention in regulating wood smoke
emissions from restaurants and food
trucks, such as pizza and barbeque retail
establishments. Currently the EPA has
not promulgated Federal emission
limitations or control technologies
specific to food preparation at
restaurants and other retail food
establishments; nor is the EPA seeking
comment on this issue at this time. If
necessary for purposes of attainment
and maintenance of the NAAQS, it may
be necessary for states to control
emissions from such sources in SIP
provisions. However, the EPA would
typically expect such actions to occur in
the context of the nonattainment plan
requirements of CAA sections 172 and
189 rather than the general
infrastructure provisions of CAA section
110. Given that all areas in Washington
State are currently attaining the PM2.5
NAAQS, however, there appears to be
no need for such regulations for these
sources at this time. To the extent that
particulate matter emissions from retail
food establishments could trigger air
permitting obligations, these would be
addressed under the EPA’s requirements
for state minor source permitting
programs under 40 CFR 51.160 through
51.164 (larger commercial or industrial
food preparation facilities could be
subject to other air permitting
requirements). The EPA’s minor source
permitting requirements generally give
states and local authorities discretion to
regulate sources in ways that most
effectively address pollution problems
in that area. In the case of PSCAA, with
jurisdiction in the Seattle area, the EPA
approved minor source permitting rules
that exclude ‘‘restaurants and other
retail food-preparing establishments’’
under PSCAA Regulation I—section
6.03(b)(13).6 To the extent that
restaurants and food trucks may violate
other regulatory provisions of the SIP,
such as the EPA-approved opacity limits
of PSCAA Regulation I—section 9.03,
the EPA provides a citizen hotline for
possible Federal oversight and
enforcement.7
Lastly, the commenter alleged that
nearby Seattle apartment buildings are
using uncertified wood burning devices
and requested that a date be set for
removal or upgrade of the devices. This
6 https://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/airpage.nsf/15f53
e4f3ac23a8088256b6e00039415/df888e71a7de53
a388257bef0077c3b8!OpenDocument.
7 https://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/reportenvironmental-violations.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:43 May 11, 2015
Jkt 235001
comment is also one that falls outside of
the scope of the current action, where
the EPA is finalizing its determination
that Washington’s SIP satisfies the
infrastructure requirements of CAA
section 110(a)(2) (A), (B), (C)—except for
those elements covered by the PSD FIP,
(D)(i)(II) (prong 4)—except for those
elements covered by the regional haze
FIP, (D)(ii)—except for those elements
covered by the PSD FIP, (E), (F), (G), (H),
(J)—except for those elements covered
by the PSD FIP, (K), (L), and (M).
Additionally, Federal action is being
taken separately to address emissions
from wood burning stoves. On March
16, 2015, the EPA finalized updated
Federal standards for residential wood
burning devices.8 The EPA’s final
rulemaking explicitly stated that it
would not ban the use of uncertified
devices that are already in existing
homes. In this respect, Washington’s
statutes and regulations are already
more stringent than the Federal
requirements. Under Washington
Administrative Code (WAC) 173–433–
155 Criteria for Prohibiting Solid Fuel
Burning Devices that are not Certified,
Ecology or a local clean air agency may
prohibit uncertified solid fuel burning
devices in a nonattainment area or an
area with an approved PM2.5
maintenance plan, if certain criteria are
met. Beginning in 2015, this provision
will apply to the Tacoma PM2.5 area as
a maintenance plan requirement.9
However the commenter’s request to
expand the ban on uncertified solid fuel
devices in other geographic areas of the
State is outside the scope of this current
rulemaking action which is limited to
the consideration of the adequacy of
Washington’s SIP submission with
respect to the infrastructure
requirements of the CAA.
Commenter #2: The commenter states
that the EPA cannot approve
Washington’s infrastructure SIP
submission with respect to CAA section
110(a)(2)(G) because the emergency
episode plan (contingency plan)
contained in WAC 173–435 does not
specify a significant harm level or action
levels for PM2.5. The commenter also
states that the sampling procedures,
equipment, and methods contained in
the contingency plan (WAC 173–435–
070) were written with coarse
8 Standards of Performance for New Residential
Wood Heaters, New Residential Hydronic Heaters
and Forced-Air Furnaces, and New Residential
Masonry Heaters (80 FR 13672, March 16, 2015).
9 Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Washington; Redesignation
to Attainment for the Tacoma-Pierce County
Nonattainment Area and Approval of Associated
Maintenance Plan for the 2006 24-Hour Fine
Particulate Matter Standard (80 FR 7347, February
10, 2015).
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
particulate (PM10) in mind and need to
be updated to reflect PM2.5. Lastly, the
commenter notes that Washington’s
contingency plan provisions contain no
significant harm level or updated
sampling, monitoring, and equipment
provisions for lead (Pb).
Response #2: The EPA’s September
2013 infrastructure guidance (2013
guidance) makes recommendations to
states for how to meet the two
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(G):
(the requirement to have state
emergency episode authority
comparable to CAA section 303, and the
requirement to have an adequate
contingency plan for the NAAQS at
issue). With respect to the first
requirement, the EPA recommended
that ‘‘[t]o meet Element G requirements,
the best practice for an air agency
submitting an infrastructure SIP would
be to submit . . . the statutory or
regulatory provision that provides the
air agency or official with authority
comparable to that of the EPA
Administrator under section 303 . . .
along with a narrative explanation of
how they meet the requirements of this
element.’’ With respect to the second
requirement, the EPA recommended
that ‘‘[t]he air agency is also required to
submit, for approval into the SIP, an
adequate contingency plan to
implement the air agency’s emergency
episode authority. This can be met by
submitting a contingency plan that
meets the applicable requirements of 40
CFR part 51, subpart H (40 CFR 51.150
through 51.153) (‘‘Prevention of Air
Pollution Emergency Episodes’’) for the
relevant NAAQS if the NAAQS is
covered by those regulations.’’
The regulations at 40 CFR part 51,
subpart H do not address PM2.5
specifically and do not identify a
significant harm level or priority
classification levels for PM2.5. However,
the EPA has recommended to states,
through the September 25, 2009
guidance, which remains in effect and is
referenced in the 2013 guidance, that
states only need to develop contingency
plans for any area that has monitored
and recorded 24-hour PM2.5 levels
greater than 140.4 ug/m3 since 2006.
The EPA has evaluated PM2.5 regulatory
monitoring data in the State of
Washington since 2006 and we have
confirmed that no values greater than
140.4 ug/m3 have been recorded. Please
see Monitoring Report in the docket for
this action.10 In the absence of a
significant harm level and classification
levels for PM2.5 the 2013 guidance
states, ‘‘the EPA believes that the central
10 205_supporting materials_AMP 350MX 88101
WA 2006–13 14Nov14
E:\FR\FM\12MYR1.SGM
12MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 91 / Tuesday, May 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
components of a contingency plan
would be to reduce emissions from the
source(s) at issue (if necessary by
curtailing operations of . . . PM2.5
sources) and public communication as
needed.’’ We believe that, based on our
guidance, Washington’s general
regulatory authority under WAC 173–
435 and statutory authority under
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
70.94.710 through 70.94.730, which
restrain any source from causing or
contributing to an imminent and
substantial endangerment, are
comparable to CAA section 303. The
adequacy of these authorities (including
the sampling, equipment, and methods
provision identified by the commenter)
were evaluated as part of the proposed
action, and we find that they are
sufficient to meet the requirements of
CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the PM2.5
NAAQS.
We note that this action does not
address CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the
2008 Pb NAAQS. Accordingly, the
comment regarding Pb is outside the
scope of this action. The EPA previously
took final action to approve the
Washington SIP for Pb infrastructure
requirements on July 23, 2014 (79 FR
42683). In that action, we relied on the
EPA’s guidance that, with respect to
lead, ‘‘[i]f a state believes, based on its
inventory of lead sources and historic
ambient monitoring data, that it does
not need a more specific contingency
plan beyond having authority to restrain
any source from causing or contributing
to an imminent and substantial
endangerment, then the state could
provide such a detailed rationale in
place of a specific contingency plan.’’ 11
For Washington, there were no facilities
that emitted lead at the emissions
inventory thresholds, therefore the EPA
accepted Washington’s demonstration
that there was not a need for more
specific contingency planning beyond
having general authority to restrain
sources comparable to CAA section 303.
The EPA made this final determination
on July 23, 2014, and therefore the
comment on this issue is not timely for
consideration regarding the Washington
Pb SIP, nor relevant to this action which
is limited in scope to the PM2.5 NAAQS.
EPA is not reopening this issue by
responding to this commenter
concerning the Pb NAAQS, and is
11 Stephen D. Page, Director, Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards. ‘‘Guidance on
Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP)
Elements Required under Clean Air Act Sections
110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) for the 2008 Lead (Pb)
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)’’
Memorandum to EPA Air Division Directors,
Regions 1–10, October 14, 2011.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:43 May 11, 2015
Jkt 235001
merely providing this response for
informational purposes.
We are finalizing our approval of the
Washington SIP for purposes of CAA
section 110(a)(2)(G) for the 1997, 2006
and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
III. Final Action
The EPA is partially approving and
partially disapproving the September
22, 2014, infrastructure SIP submittal
from Washington demonstrating that the
SIP meets the applicable requirements
of CAA sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the
PM2.5 NAAQS promulgated in 1997,
2006, and 2012. Specifically, we have
determined that the current EPAapproved Washington SIP meets the
following CAA section 110(a)(2)
infrastructure elements for the 1997,
2006 and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS: (A), (B),
(C)—except for those elements covered
by the PSD FIP, (D)(i)(II) (prong 4)—
except for those elements covered by the
regional haze FIP, (D)(ii)—except for
those elements covered by the PSD FIP,
(E), (F), (G), (H), (J)—except for those
elements covered by the PSD FIP, (K),
(L), and (M). We are also finalizing our
inclusion of WAC 173–400–111(3)(i) in
the SIP with respect to the CAA section
110(a)(2)(L) permit fee requirements, as
described in the proposal for this action.
Also, as discussed in the proposal for
this action, the EPA anticipates that
there would be no additional
consequences to Washington or to
sources in the State resulting from the
partial disapproval of portions of the
infrastructure SIP submission because
there are already PSD and regional haze
FIPs in place to address those
infrastructure SIP requirements. The
EPA likewise anticipates no additional
FIP responsibilities for PSD and regional
haze as a result of this partial
disapproval. Interstate transport
requirements with respect to CAA
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2006
and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS will be
addressed in a separate action.
IV. Incorporation by Reference
As discussed in the proposal for this
action, the State requested that the EPA
revise our incorporation by reference of
WAC 173–400–111(3)(i) in the SIP to
include the text that ‘‘[a]ll fees required
under chapter 173–455 WAC (or the
applicable new source review fee table
of the local air pollution control
authority) have been paid.’’ This minor
change to the incorporation by reference
of the SIP was made to ensure that all
infrastructure requirements under CAA
section 110(a)(2)(L) are met. In
accordance with requirements of 1 CFR
51.5, the EPA is finalizing the
incorporation by reference of the
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
27105
Washington Department of Ecology
regulations contained in WAC 173–400–
111. The EPA has made, and will
continue to make, these documents
generally available electronically
through www.regulations.gov and/or in
hard copy at the appropriate EPA office
(see the ADDRESSES section of this
preamble for more information).
V. 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, the
EPA’s role is to approve State choices,
provided that they meet the criteria of
the Clean Air Act. Accordingly, this
action merely approves State law as
meeting Federal requirements and does
not impose additional requirements
beyond those imposed by State law. For
that reason, this action:
• Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ subject to review by the Office
of Management and Budget under
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993);
• does not impose an information
collection burden under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
• 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
this action does not involve technical
standards; and
• does not provide the 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).
E:\FR\FM\12MYR1.SGM
12MYR1
27106
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 91 / Tuesday, May 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
The SIP is not approved to apply on
any Indian reservation land in
Washington except as specifically noted
below and is also not approved to apply
in any other area where the EPA or an
Indian tribe has demonstrated that a
tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of
Indian country, the rule does not have
tribal implications as specified by
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,
November 9, 2000), nor will it impose
substantial direct costs on tribal
governments or preempt tribal law.
Washington’s SIP is approved to apply
on non-trust land within the exterior
boundaries of the Puyallup Indian
Reservation, also known as the 1873
Survey Area. Under the Puyallup Tribe
of Indians Settlement Act of 1989, 25
U.S.C. 1773, Congress explicitly
provided state and local agencies in
Washington authority over activities on
non-trust lands within the 1873 Survey
Area. Consistent with EPA policy, the
EPA provided a consultation
opportunity to the Puyallup Tribe in a
letter dated September 3, 2013. The EPA
did not receive a request for
consultation.
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, to each House of the
Congress and to the Comptroller General
of the United States. The EPA will
submit a report containing this action
and other required information to the
U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. A major rule cannot take effect
until 60 days after it is published in the
Federal Register. This action is not a
‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,
petitions for judicial review of this
action must be filed in the United States
Court of Appeals for the appropriate
circuit by July 13, 2015. Filing a petition
for reconsideration by the Administrator
of this final rule does not affect the
finality of this action for the purposes of
judicial review nor does it extend the
time within which a petition for judicial
review may be filed, and shall not
postpone the effectiveness of such rule
or action. This action may not be
challenged later in proceedings to
enforce its requirements. See section
307(b)(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Incorporation by reference,
Intergovernmental relations, Lead,
Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile
organic compounds.
Dated: April 28, 2015.
Dennis J. McLerran,
Regional Administrator, Region 10.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, 40 CFR part 52 is amended as
follows:
PART 52—APPROVAL AND
PROMULGATION OF
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
1. The authority citation for Part 52
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart WW—Washington
2. Section 52.2470 is amended by:
a. In Table 2—Additional Regulations
Approved for Washington Department
of Ecology (Ecology) Direct Jurisdiction,
revising paragraph (c) entry 173–400–
111;
■ b. In Table 2—Attainment,
Maintenance, and Other Plans for
‘‘110(a)(2) Infrastructure
Requirements—1997, 2006, and 2012
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Standards’’, adding to paragraph (e) an
entry at the end of the section with the
undesignated center heading ‘‘110(a)(2)
Infrastructure and Interstate Transport.’’
The revision and addition read as
follows:
■
■
§ 52.2470
*
Identification of plan.
*
*
(c) * * *
*
*
TABLE 2—ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS APPROVED FOR WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY (ECOLOGY) DIRECT
JURISDICTION
[Applicable in Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille,
San Juan, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties, excluding facilities subject to Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) jurisdiction, Indian reservations (excluding non-trust land within the exterior boundaries of the Puyallup Indian Reservation), and any other
area where the EPA or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. These regulations also apply statewide for facilities
subject to the applicability sections of WAC 173–400–700, WAC 173–405–012, WAC 173–410–012, and WAC 173–415–012]
State citation
State
effective
date
Title/subject
*
*
*
*
EPA approval date
*
Explanations
*
*
Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 173–400—General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
173–400–111 .................
*
*
*
Processing Notice of Construction Applications
for Sources, Stationary Sources and Portable
Sources.
*
*
VerDate Sep<11>2014
*
*
*
16:43 May 11, 2015
*
12/29/12
5/12/15 [Insert Federal
Register citation].
*
*
(e) * * *
Jkt 235001
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\12MYR1.SGM
12MYR1
Except: 173–400–
111(3)(h); The part of
173–400–111(8)(a)(v)
that says, • ‘‘and
173–460–040,’’; 173–
400–111(9).
*
27107
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 91 / Tuesday, May 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 2—ATTAINMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND OTHER PLANS
Name of SIP provision
Applicable geographic or nonattainment area
*
*
*
*
110(a)(2)
*
110(a)(2) Infrastructure
Requirements—1997,
2006, and 2012 Fine
Particulate Matter
(PM2.5) Standards.
*
*
*
*
*
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 2
[GN Docket No. 13–185; FCC 14–31]
Commercial Operations in the 1695–
1710 MHz, 1755–1780 MHz, and 2155–
2180 MHz Bands
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Final rules; announcement of
effective date.
AGENCY:
In this document, the Federal
Communications Commission
(Commission) announces the effective
date to the amendment regarding Fixed
and Mobile allocations for the 2025–
2110 MHz band to the Federal Table of
Frequency Allocations. This document
is consistent with the Commission’s
Report and Order, Commercial
Operations in the 1695–1710 MHz,
1755–1780 MHz, and 2155–2180 MHz
Bands, stating that it would publish a
document in the Federal Register
announcing the effective date of this
amendment.
DATES: The amendment to 47 CFR 2.106
published at 79 FR 32366, 32407 (Jun.
4, 2014) is effective May 12, 2015.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ronald Repasi, Office of Engineering
and Technology, at (202) 418–0768 or
Ronald.Repasi@fcc.gov or Peter
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:43 May 11, 2015
Jkt 235001
*
9/22/14
*
*
5/12/15 [Insert Federal
Register citation].
*
Daronco, Broadband Division, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, at (202)
418–7235 or Peter.Daronco@fcc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the
Report and Order, FCC 14–31, 79 FR
32366 (Jun. 4, 2014) (correcting
amendments at 79 FR 59138 (Oct. 1,
2014) the Commission adopted an
amendment to 47 CFR 2.106 adding
Fixed and Mobile allocations for the
2025–2110 MHz band to the Federal
Table of Frequency Allocations. The
FCC determined that this rule change
would not take effect until the FCC
announces the effective date in the
Federal Register, which was dependent
upon: (1) The auction for 1755–1780
MHz being able to close under the
requirements of 47 U.S.C. 309(j)(16)(B)
(Commission shall not conclude any
auction of eligible frequencies if total
cash proceeds attributable to such
spectrum are less than 110 percent of
the total estimated Federal relocation or
sharing costs); and (2) satisfaction of a
joint certification requirement in section
1062(b)(1)(B) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000.
See Report and Order, 79 FR 32366,
32295–96, 32403 paragraphs 209, 213,
257 (Jun. 4, 2014).
On January 30, 2015, the Commission
announced the closing of the AWS–3
auction (Auction 97), noting that the net
total winning bids for licenses in the
paired 1755/2155–80 MHz band
exceeded the reserve price for the band
set to satisfy the statutory 110 percent
provision noted above. See Auction of
Advanced Wireless Service (AWS–3)
Licenses Closes, Winning Bidders
Announced for Auction 97, Public
PO 00000
*
Comments
*
Infrastructure and Interstate Transport
*
[FR Doc. 2015–11343 Filed 5–11–15; 8:45 am]
EPA approval date
*
*
*
*
Statewide ..............................................................
*
*
State
submittal
date
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
*
*
This action addresses
the following CAA elements: 110(a)(2)(A),
(B), (C), (D)(i)(II),
(D)(ii), (E), (F), (G),
(H), (J), (K), (L), and
(M).
*
Notice, 30 FCC Rcd 630 (WTB 2015). On
May 4, 2015, the National
Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) filed a letter
enclosing copies of identical letters
dated January 16, 2015, from the
Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of
Defense and the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff to leaders of the Senate
and House Committees on Armed
Services; the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation;
and the House Committee on Energy
and Commerce, jointly certifying that
the 2025–2110 MHz band and other
alternative frequencies specified in the
letters provide comparable technical
characteristics to restore essential
military capability that will be lost as a
result of the DoD surrendering use of the
1755–1780 MHz band. See GN Docket
No. 13–185, Letter to Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, FCC, from Kathy D. Smith,
Chief Counsel, NTIA (dated May 4,
2015) (available online at https://
apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/comment/
view?id=60001030820). Now that the
two conditions have been satisfied, the
Commission is publishing a document
in the Federal Register announcing the
effective date of the amendment to 47
CFR 2.106 (adopted in FCC 14–31)
adding Fixed and Mobile allocations for
the 2025–2110 MHz band to the Federal
Table of Frequency Allocations.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015–11352 Filed 5–11–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
E:\FR\FM\12MYR1.SGM
12MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 12, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27102-27107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-11343]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R10-OAR-2014-0744; FRL-9927-45-Region 10]
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Washington:
Infrastructure Requirements for the Fine Particulate Matter National
Ambient Air Quality Standards
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partially
approving and partially disapproving the State Implementation Plan
(SIP) submittal from Washington demonstrating that the SIP meets the
infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) promulgated for fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) on July 18, 1997, October 17, 2006, and
December 14, 2012 (collectively, the PM2.5 NAAQS). The CAA
requires that each state, after a new or revised NAAQS is promulgated,
review its SIP to ensure that it meets the infrastructure requirements
necessary to implement the new or revised NAAQS. On September 22, 2014,
Washington made a SIP submission to establish that the Washington SIP
meets the infrastructure requirements of the CAA for the
PM2.5 NAAQS, except for certain elements related to the
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting program
currently addressed under a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP), certain
elements of the regional haze program currently addressed under a FIP,
and specific requirements related to interstate transport which the
State will address in a separate submittal. The EPA has determined that
Washington's SIP is adequate for purposes of the infrastructure SIP
requirements of the CAA for the PM2.5 NAAQS, with the
exceptions noted above. The SIP deficiencies related to PSD permitting
and regional haze, however, have already been adequately addressed by
the existing EPA FIPs and, therefore, no further action is required by
Washington or the EPA for those elements. The EPA will address the
remaining interstate transport requirements in a separate action.
DATES: This final rule is effective June 11, 2015.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under
Docket ID No. EPA-R10-OAR-2014-0744. All documents in the docket are
listed on the www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the
index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other information the disclosure of which
is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted
material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available
only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are
available either electronically through www.regulations.gov or in hard
copy at the Air Programs Unit, Office of Air Waste and Toxics, EPA
Region 10, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. The 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
[[Page 27103]]
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: For information please contact Jeff
Hunt at (206) 553-0256, hunt.jeff@epa.gov, or by using the above EPA,
Region 10 address.
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 words ``EPA'', ``we'', ``us'' or ``our'' mean or refer to
the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
(iii) The initials ``SIP'' mean or refer to State Implementation
Plan.
(iv) The words ``Washington'' and ``State'' mean the State of
Washington.
Table of Contents
I. Background Information
II. Response to Comments
III. Final Action
IV. Incorporation by Reference
V. Statutory and Executive Orders Review
I. Background Information
On July 18, 1997, the EPA promulgated a new 24-hour and a new
annual NAAQS for PM2.5 (62 FR 38652). On October 17, 2006,
the EPA revised the standards for PM2.5, tightening the 24-
hour PM2.5 standard from 65 micrograms per cubic meter
([micro]/m\3\) to 35 [micro]/m\3\, and retaining the annual
PM2.5 standard at 15 [micro]/m\3\ (71 FR 61144).
Subsequently, on December 14, 2012, the EPA revised the level of the
health based (primary) annual PM2.5 standard to 12 [micro]/
m\3\ (78 FR 3086, published January 15, 2013).\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ In the EPA's 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS revision, we left
unchanged the existing welfare (secondary) standards for
PM2.5 to address PM-related effects such as visibility
impairment, ecological effects, damage to materials and climate
impacts. This includes an annual secondary standard of 15.0 [mu]g/
m\3\ and a 24-hour standard of 35 [mu]g/m\3\.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
States must make SIP submissions meeting the requirements of CAA
sections 110(a)(1) and (2) within three years after promulgation of a
new or revised standard. CAA sections 110(a)(1) and (2) require states
to address basic SIP requirements, including emissions inventories,
monitoring, and modeling to implement, maintain, and enforce the
standards, so-called ``infrastructure'' requirements. To help states
meet this statutory requirement, the EPA issued guidance to states. On
October 2, 2007, the EPA issued guidance to address infrastructure SIP
elements for the 1997 ozone and 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS.\2\
Subsequently, on September 25, 2009, the EPA issued guidance to address
SIP infrastructure elements for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5
NAAQS.\3\ Finally, on September 13, 2013, the EPA issued guidance to
address infrastructure SIP elements generally for all NAAQS, including
the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.\4\ As noted in the guidance documents,
to the extent an existing SIP already meets the applicable CAA section
110(a)(2) requirements, states may make a SIP submission to EPA
certifying how the existing SIP meets applicable requirements. On
September 22, 2014, Washington made a submittal to the EPA certifying
that the current Washington SIP meets the CAA section 110(a)(1) and (2)
infrastructure requirements for the PM2.5 NAAQS, except for
certain requirements related to PSD permitting, regional haze, and
interstate transport described in the proposal for this action (79 FR
62368, October 17, 2014).\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ William T. Harnett, Director, Air Quality Policy Division,
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. ``Guidance on SIP
Elements Required Under Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-
hour Ozone and PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality
Standards.'' Memorandum to EPA Air Division Directors, Regions I-X,
October 2, 2007.
\3\ William T. Harnett, Director, Air Quality Policy Division,
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. ``Guidance on SIP
Elements Required Under Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 2006 24-
hour Fine Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS).'' Memorandum to Regional Air Division Directors,
Regions I-X, September 25, 2009.
\4\ Stephen D. Page, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning
and Standards. ``Guidance on Infrastructure State Implementation
Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean Air Act Sections 110(a)(1) and
110(a)(2).'' Memorandum to EPA Air Division Directors, Regions 1-10,
September 13, 2013.
\5\ Following the EPA's October 17, 2014 proposed action the CAA
section 110(a)(1) and (2) infrastructure requirements for the
PM2.5 NAAQS, the EPA subsequently proposed to partially
approve Washington's PSD permitting program while retaining a FIP
for certain facilities, emission categories, and geographic areas
(80 FR 838, January 7, 2015). The EPA's action on Washington's PSD
SIP submission does not affect the findings of this final
infrastructure action because a FIP or partial FIP for PSD continues
to remain in place.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Response to Comments
The EPA received two sets of comments on our proposal.
Commenter #1: The commenter raised several issues related to wood
smoke. First, the commenter thanked the EPA for our involvement in
addressing wood smoke health risks in Washington State. Second, the
commenter expressed disappointment with the Washington State
Legislature for not taking seriously the toxicity and multiple health
hazards of wood smoke. Third, the commenter requested that the EPA
establish filtration controls on wood smoke emissions from restaurants
and food trucks, such as pizza and barbeque establishments. Fourth, the
commenter noted several apartment buildings in the Seattle area that
have uncertified wood burning devices and requested a date for removal
or upgrade of the existing devices.
Response #1: The EPA appreciates the commenter's general concerns
with respect to wood smoke. However, the commenter raises issues that
are outside the scope of an action related to infrastructure SIP
requirements. In this context, the EPA is merely evaluating the State's
September 22, 2014, submission intended to establish that the
Washington SIP meets the basic infrastructure requirements of the CAA
for the PM2.5 NAAQS. In this final action, the EPA is
determining that the State has met those requirements, except for
certain elements related to the PSD and regional haze FIPs, and
specific requirements related to interstate transport which the state
will address in a separate submission. The points raised, and requests
made, by the commenter are thus not germane to this specific rulemaking
action.
The EPA notes that there have been improvements related to wood
smoke in Washington through other substantive actions. The EPA's
involvement in addressing wood smoke health risks in SIP provisions is
driven by our CAA statutory authorities and responsibilities. Under CAA
section 109, the EPA sets NAAQS for six criteria pollutants, including
particulate matter. These NAAQS are set using the best available
scientific and health studies, with a focus on protecting sensitive
populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly (78 FR 3086,
January 15, 2013). Under part D of the CAA, Plan Requirements for
Nonattainment Areas, the states have an obligation to develop and
submit SIP provisions that provide for attainment and maintenance of
the NAAQS in designated nonattainment areas. The EPA has the authority
and responsibility to review this type of SIP submission to assure that
they meet applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Through
this process, the EPA recently worked with the Washington Department of
Ecology (Ecology) and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) to address
PM2.5 nonattainment in the Tacoma area (74 FR 58688,
November 13, 2009). This resulted in more stringent statutory and
regulatory provisions related to residential wood stoves at both the
local level (78 FR 32131, May 29, 2013) and the state level (79 FR
26628, May 9, 2014). Currently
[[Page 27104]]
all areas in Washington State are meeting the NAAQS, including the
Tacoma area (77 FR 53772, September 4, 2012).
The commenter also requested EPA intervention in regulating wood
smoke emissions from restaurants and food trucks, such as pizza and
barbeque retail establishments. Currently the EPA has not promulgated
Federal emission limitations or control technologies specific to food
preparation at restaurants and other retail food establishments; nor is
the EPA seeking comment on this issue at this time. If necessary for
purposes of attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS, it may be
necessary for states to control emissions from such sources in SIP
provisions. However, the EPA would typically expect such actions to
occur in the context of the nonattainment plan requirements of CAA
sections 172 and 189 rather than the general infrastructure provisions
of CAA section 110. Given that all areas in Washington State are
currently attaining the PM2.5 NAAQS, however, there appears
to be no need for such regulations for these sources at this time. To
the extent that particulate matter emissions from retail food
establishments could trigger air permitting obligations, these would be
addressed under the EPA's requirements for state minor source
permitting programs under 40 CFR 51.160 through 51.164 (larger
commercial or industrial food preparation facilities could be subject
to other air permitting requirements). The EPA's minor source
permitting requirements generally give states and local authorities
discretion to regulate sources in ways that most effectively address
pollution problems in that area. In the case of PSCAA, with
jurisdiction in the Seattle area, the EPA approved minor source
permitting rules that exclude ``restaurants and other retail food-
preparing establishments'' under PSCAA Regulation I--section
6.03(b)(13).\6\ To the extent that restaurants and food trucks may
violate other regulatory provisions of the SIP, such as the EPA-
approved opacity limits of PSCAA Regulation I--section 9.03, the EPA
provides a citizen hotline for possible Federal oversight and
enforcement.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ https://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/airpage.nsf/15f53e4f3ac23a8088256b6e00039415/df888e71a7de53a388257bef0077c3b8!OpenDocument.
\7\ https://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/report-environmental-violations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lastly, the commenter alleged that nearby Seattle apartment
buildings are using uncertified wood burning devices and requested that
a date be set for removal or upgrade of the devices. This comment is
also one that falls outside of the scope of the current action, where
the EPA is finalizing its determination that Washington's SIP satisfies
the infrastructure requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2) (A), (B),
(C)--except for those elements covered by the PSD FIP, (D)(i)(II)
(prong 4)--except for those elements covered by the regional haze FIP,
(D)(ii)--except for those elements covered by the PSD FIP, (E), (F),
(G), (H), (J)--except for those elements covered by the PSD FIP, (K),
(L), and (M). Additionally, Federal action is being taken separately to
address emissions from wood burning stoves. On March 16, 2015, the EPA
finalized updated Federal standards for residential wood burning
devices.\8\ The EPA's final rulemaking explicitly stated that it would
not ban the use of uncertified devices that are already in existing
homes. In this respect, Washington's statutes and regulations are
already more stringent than the Federal requirements. Under Washington
Administrative Code (WAC) 173-433-155 Criteria for Prohibiting Solid
Fuel Burning Devices that are not Certified, Ecology or a local clean
air agency may prohibit uncertified solid fuel burning devices in a
nonattainment area or an area with an approved PM2.5
maintenance plan, if certain criteria are met. Beginning in 2015, this
provision will apply to the Tacoma PM2.5 area as a
maintenance plan requirement.\9\ However the commenter's request to
expand the ban on uncertified solid fuel devices in other geographic
areas of the State is outside the scope of this current rulemaking
action which is limited to the consideration of the adequacy of
Washington's SIP submission with respect to the infrastructure
requirements of the CAA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters,
New Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces, and New
Residential Masonry Heaters (80 FR 13672, March 16, 2015).
\9\ Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation
Plans; Washington; Redesignation to Attainment for the Tacoma-Pierce
County Nonattainment Area and Approval of Associated Maintenance
Plan for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard (80 FR
7347, February 10, 2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commenter #2: The commenter states that the EPA cannot approve
Washington's infrastructure SIP submission with respect to CAA section
110(a)(2)(G) because the emergency episode plan (contingency plan)
contained in WAC 173-435 does not specify a significant harm level or
action levels for PM2.5. The commenter also states that the
sampling procedures, equipment, and methods contained in the
contingency plan (WAC 173-435-070) were written with coarse particulate
(PM10) in mind and need to be updated to reflect
PM2.5. Lastly, the commenter notes that Washington's
contingency plan provisions contain no significant harm level or
updated sampling, monitoring, and equipment provisions for lead (Pb).
Response #2: The EPA's September 2013 infrastructure guidance (2013
guidance) makes recommendations to states for how to meet the two
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(G): (the requirement to have state
emergency episode authority comparable to CAA section 303, and the
requirement to have an adequate contingency plan for the NAAQS at
issue). With respect to the first requirement, the EPA recommended that
``[t]o meet Element G requirements, the best practice for an air agency
submitting an infrastructure SIP would be to submit . . . the statutory
or regulatory provision that provides the air agency or official with
authority comparable to that of the EPA Administrator under section 303
. . . along with a narrative explanation of how they meet the
requirements of this element.'' With respect to the second requirement,
the EPA recommended that ``[t]he air agency is also required to submit,
for approval into the SIP, an adequate contingency plan to implement
the air agency's emergency episode authority. This can be met by
submitting a contingency plan that meets the applicable requirements of
40 CFR part 51, subpart H (40 CFR 51.150 through 51.153) (``Prevention
of Air Pollution Emergency Episodes'') for the relevant NAAQS if the
NAAQS is covered by those regulations.''
The regulations at 40 CFR part 51, subpart H do not address
PM2.5 specifically and do not identify a significant harm
level or priority classification levels for PM2.5. However,
the EPA has recommended to states, through the September 25, 2009
guidance, which remains in effect and is referenced in the 2013
guidance, that states only need to develop contingency plans for any
area that has monitored and recorded 24-hour PM2.5 levels
greater than 140.4 ug/m\3\ since 2006. The EPA has evaluated
PM2.5 regulatory monitoring data in the State of Washington
since 2006 and we have confirmed that no values greater than 140.4 ug/
m\3\ have been recorded. Please see Monitoring Report in the docket for
this action.\10\ In the absence of a significant harm level and
classification levels for PM2.5 the 2013 guidance states,
``the EPA believes that the central
[[Page 27105]]
components of a contingency plan would be to reduce emissions from the
source(s) at issue (if necessary by curtailing operations of . . .
PM2.5 sources) and public communication as needed.'' We
believe that, based on our guidance, Washington's general regulatory
authority under WAC 173-435 and statutory authority under Revised Code
of Washington (RCW) 70.94.710 through 70.94.730, which restrain any
source from causing or contributing to an imminent and substantial
endangerment, are comparable to CAA section 303. The adequacy of these
authorities (including the sampling, equipment, and methods provision
identified by the commenter) were evaluated as part of the proposed
action, and we find that they are sufficient to meet the requirements
of CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the PM2.5 NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ 205_supporting materials_AMP 350MX 88101 WA 2006-13 14Nov14
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We note that this action does not address CAA section 110(a)(2)(G)
for the 2008 Pb NAAQS. Accordingly, the comment regarding Pb is outside
the scope of this action. The EPA previously took final action to
approve the Washington SIP for Pb infrastructure requirements on July
23, 2014 (79 FR 42683). In that action, we relied on the EPA's guidance
that, with respect to lead, ``[i]f a state believes, based on its
inventory of lead sources and historic ambient monitoring data, that it
does not need a more specific contingency plan beyond having authority
to restrain any source from causing or contributing to an imminent and
substantial endangerment, then the state could provide such a detailed
rationale in place of a specific contingency plan.'' \11\ For
Washington, there were no facilities that emitted lead at the emissions
inventory thresholds, therefore the EPA accepted Washington's
demonstration that there was not a need for more specific contingency
planning beyond having general authority to restrain sources comparable
to CAA section 303. The EPA made this final determination on July 23,
2014, and therefore the comment on this issue is not timely for
consideration regarding the Washington Pb SIP, nor relevant to this
action which is limited in scope to the PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA is
not reopening this issue by responding to this commenter concerning the
Pb NAAQS, and is merely providing this response for informational
purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ Stephen D. Page, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning
and Standards. ``Guidance on Infrastructure State Implementation
Plan (SIP) Elements Required under Clean Air Act Sections 110(a)(1)
and 110(a)(2) for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS)'' Memorandum to EPA Air Division Directors,
Regions 1-10, October 14, 2011.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are finalizing our approval of the Washington SIP for purposes
of CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the 1997, 2006 and 2012
PM2.5 NAAQS.
III. Final Action
The EPA is partially approving and partially disapproving the
September 22, 2014, infrastructure SIP submittal from Washington
demonstrating that the SIP meets the applicable requirements of CAA
sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the PM2.5 NAAQS promulgated
in 1997, 2006, and 2012. Specifically, we have determined that the
current EPA-approved Washington SIP meets the following CAA section
110(a)(2) infrastructure elements for the 1997, 2006 and 2012
PM2.5 NAAQS: (A), (B), (C)--except for those elements
covered by the PSD FIP, (D)(i)(II) (prong 4)--except for those elements
covered by the regional haze FIP, (D)(ii)--except for those elements
covered by the PSD FIP, (E), (F), (G), (H), (J)--except for those
elements covered by the PSD FIP, (K), (L), and (M). We are also
finalizing our inclusion of WAC 173-400-111(3)(i) in the SIP with
respect to the CAA section 110(a)(2)(L) permit fee requirements, as
described in the proposal for this action. Also, as discussed in the
proposal for this action, the EPA anticipates that there would be no
additional consequences to Washington or to sources in the State
resulting from the partial disapproval of portions of the
infrastructure SIP submission because there are already PSD and
regional haze FIPs in place to address those infrastructure SIP
requirements. The EPA likewise anticipates no additional FIP
responsibilities for PSD and regional haze as a result of this partial
disapproval. Interstate transport requirements with respect to CAA
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2006 and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS
will be addressed in a separate action.
IV. Incorporation by Reference
As discussed in the proposal for this action, the State requested
that the EPA revise our incorporation by reference of WAC 173-400-
111(3)(i) in the SIP to include the text that ``[a]ll fees required
under chapter 173-455 WAC (or the applicable new source review fee
table of the local air pollution control authority) have been paid.''
This minor change to the incorporation by reference of the SIP was made
to ensure that all infrastructure requirements under CAA section
110(a)(2)(L) are met. In accordance with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5,
the EPA is finalizing the incorporation by reference of the Washington
Department of Ecology regulations contained in WAC 173-400-111. The EPA
has made, and will continue to make, these documents generally
available electronically through www.regulations.gov and/or in hard
copy at the appropriate EPA office (see the ADDRESSES section of this
preamble for more information).
V. 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, the EPA's role is to approve State choices,
provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. Accordingly,
this action merely approves State law as meeting Federal requirements
and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by
State law. For that reason, this action:
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
does not impose an information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
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 this action does not involve technical standards; and
does not provide the 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).
[[Page 27106]]
The SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land in
Washington except as specifically noted below and is also not approved
to apply in any other area where the EPA or an Indian tribe has
demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian
country, the rule does not have tribal implications as specified by
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor will it
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal
law. Washington's SIP is approved to apply on non-trust land within the
exterior boundaries of the Puyallup Indian Reservation, also known as
the 1873 Survey Area. Under the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Settlement
Act of 1989, 25 U.S.C. 1773, Congress explicitly provided state and
local agencies in Washington authority over activities on non-trust
lands within the 1873 Survey Area. Consistent with EPA policy, the EPA
provided a consultation opportunity to the Puyallup Tribe in a letter
dated September 3, 2013. The EPA did not receive a request for
consultation.
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule,
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. The EPA will submit a report containing this action and
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for
the appropriate circuit by July 13, 2015. Filing a petition for
reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect
the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor
does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may
be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or
action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to
enforce its requirements. See section 307(b)(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen
dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.
Dated: April 28, 2015.
Dennis J. McLerran,
Regional Administrator, Region 10.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 40 CFR part 52 is
amended as follows:
PART 52--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
0
1. The authority citation for Part 52 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart WW--Washington
0
2. Section 52.2470 is amended by:
0
a. In Table 2--Additional Regulations Approved for Washington
Department of Ecology (Ecology) Direct Jurisdiction, revising paragraph
(c) entry 173-400-111;
0
b. In Table 2--Attainment, Maintenance, and Other Plans for ``110(a)(2)
Infrastructure Requirements--1997, 2006, and 2012 Fine Particulate
Matter (PM2.5) Standards'', adding to paragraph (e) an entry
at the end of the section with the undesignated center heading
``110(a)(2) Infrastructure and Interstate Transport.''
The revision and addition read as follows:
Sec. 52.2470 Identification of plan.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
Table 2--Additional Regulations Approved for Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) Direct Jurisdiction
[Applicable in Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat,
Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, San Juan, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties, excluding facilities
subject to Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) jurisdiction, Indian reservations (excluding non-
trust land within the exterior boundaries of the Puyallup Indian Reservation), and any other area where the EPA
or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. These regulations also apply statewide for
facilities subject to the applicability sections of WAC 173-400-700, WAC 173-405-012, WAC 173-410-012, and WAC
173-415-012]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State
State citation Title/subject effective EPA approval date Explanations
date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 173-400--General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
173-400-111..................... Processing Notice of 12/29/12 5/12/15 [Insert Except: 173-400-
Construction Federal Register 111(3)(h); The
Applications for citation]. part of 173-400-
Sources, Stationary 111(8)(a)(v) that
Sources and Portable says,
Sources. ``and 173-460-
040,''; 173-400-
111(9).
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
(e) * * *
[[Page 27107]]
Table 2--Attainment, Maintenance, and Other Plans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State
Name of SIP provision Applicable geographic or submittal EPA approval date Comments
nonattainment area date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
110(a)(2) Infrastructure and Interstate Transport
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
110(a)(2) Infrastructure Statewide............... 9/22/14 5/12/15 [Insert This action
Requirements--1997, 2006, and Federal Register addresses the
2012 Fine Particulate Matter citation]. following CAA
(PM2.5) Standards. elements:
110(a)(2)(A),
(B), (C),
(D)(i)(II),
(D)(ii), (E),
(F), (G), (H),
(J), (K), (L),
and (M).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-11343 Filed 5-11-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P