July 30, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the July 17, 2012, State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, submitted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection, through the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (KY DAQ) for inclusion into the Kentucky SIP. This proposal pertains to the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act) infrastructure requirements for the 2008 Lead national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, which is commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure SIP submission.'' KY DAQ certified that the Kentucky SIP contains provisions that ensure the 2008 Lead NAAQS is implemented, enforced, and maintained in Kentucky. With the exception of provisions pertaining to prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permitting, EPA is proposing to determine that Kentucky's infrastructure SIP submission, provided to EPA on July 17, 2012, satisfies the required infrastructure elements for the 2008 Lead NAAQS.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is issuing a proposed rule amending the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) coverage on Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts, including provisions and clauses for solicitations and resultant contracts, to remove unnecessary regulations.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-17- 13, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. For certain airplanes, AD 2012-17-13 required using redefined flight cycle counts; determining the type of material of the horizontal stabilizer, rear spar, and upper and lower chords on the inboard and outboard ends of the rear spar; repetitively inspecting for cracking of the horizontal stabilizer components; and repairing or replacing the chord, or modifying chord segments made of 7079 aluminum, if necessary. For all airplanes, AD 2012-17-13 required inspecting certain structurally significant items, and repairing discrepancies if necessary. Since we issued AD 2012-17- 13, we have determined that all chord segments made of 7079 aluminum must be replaced with new, improved chord segments made of 7075 aluminum. This proposed AD would add a requirement to replace all chord segments made of 7079 aluminum with new, improved chord segments made of 7075 aluminum. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct stress corrosion and potential early fatigue cracking in the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A319-131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-232 and - 233 airplanes; and Model A321-131, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of forward engine mount attachment pins that were manufactured from discrepant raw material. This proposed AD would require identification and replacement of affected forward engine mount attachment pins. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of a forward engine mount attachment pin, possible loss of an engine in-flight, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

On February 27, 2015, FRA published a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require certain railroads to develop a Risk Reduction Program (RRP). FRA is announcing a public hearing to provide interested persons an opportunity to provide oral comments on the proposal. The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 requires the development and implementation of railroad safety risk reduction programs. Risk reduction is a comprehensive, system-oriented approach to safety that: (1) Determines an operation's level of risk by identifying and analyzing applicable hazards; and (2) involves the development of plans to mitigate that risk. Each RRP is statutorily required to be supported by a risk analysis and a Risk Reduction Program Plan (RRPP), which must include a Technology Implementation Plan and a Fatigue Management Plan. FRA is also reopening the comment period for this proceeding to allow time for interested parties to submit comments after the public hearing.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the limited maintenance plan submitted by the State of Oregon on April 22, 2015, for the Grants Pass maintenance area for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 10 micrometers (PM10). The plan explains how this area will continue to meet the PM10 National Ambient Air Quality Standard for a second 10-year period through 2025.