Hazardous Waste Management System; Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste, 49533-49539 [2017-23239]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 206 / Thursday, October 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
49533
TABLE 1 TO SUBPART VVV OF PART 63—APPLICABILITY OF 40 CFR PART 63 GENERAL PROVISIONS TO SUBPART VVV—
Continued
General provisions
reference
§ 63.12
§ 63.13
§ 63.14
§ 63.15
......................
......................
......................
......................
Applicable to subpart VVV
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Explanation
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
State authority and designation.
Addresses of State air pollution control agencies and EPA Regional Offices.
Incorporation by reference.
Availability of information and confidentiality.
TABLE 2 TO SUBPART VVV OF PART 63—COMPLIANCE DATES AND REQUIREMENTS
If the construction/reconstruction
date is
Then the owner or operator must comply with
Group 1 POTW:
(1) After December 27, 2016 ..........
(2) After December 1, 1998 but on
or before December 27, 2016.
(3) On or before December 1, 1998
And the owner or operator must
achieve compliance
(i) New source requirements in §§ 63.1583(b); 63.1586(b) or (c); and
63.1588 through 63.1591.
(i) New source requirements in § 63.1583(b) but instead of complying
with both requirements (industrial user(s) NESHAP and the POTW
standards in §§ 63.1586(b) or (c)), you must comply with the most
stringent requirement1.
(ii) New source requirements in §§ 63.1586(b) or (c); and 63.1588
through 63.1591.
(i) Existing source requirements in §§ 63.1583(a) .................................
Upon initial startup.
(ii) Existing source requirements in §§ 63.1588 through 63.1591 .........
Group 2 POTW:
(4) After December 27, 2016 ..........
(5) After December 1, 1998 but on
or before December 27, 2016.
(6) On or before December 1, 1998
(i) New source requirements in §§ 63.1586(b) or (c); and 63.1588
through 63.1591.
(i) New source requirements in § 63.1586(b) or (c)1 .............................
(ii) New source requirements in §§ 63.1586(b) or (c); and 63.1588
through 63.1591.
(i) Existing source requirements in §§ 63.1586(a); and 63.1591(a) ......
Upon initial startup through October 26, 2020.
On or before October 26, 2020.
By the compliance date specified
in the other applicable NESHAP.
On or before October 26, 2018.
Upon initial startup.
Upon initial startup through October 26, 2020.
On or before October 26, 2020.
On or before October 26, 2018.
1 Note:
This represents the new source requirements in the original 1999 NESHAP, which are applicable until October 26, 2020. Between October 26, 2017 and October 26, 2020, you must transition to the new requirements in Table 2 (2)(ii) and (5)(ii) for Group 1 and Group 2 POTW,
respectively.
[FR Doc. 2017–23067 Filed 10–25–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 261
[EPA–R06–RCRA–2017–0153; SW–FRL–
9969–73–Region 6]
Hazardous Waste Management
System; Identification and Listing of
Hazardous Waste
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is granting a petition
submitted by ExxonMobil Oil
Corporation Beaumont Refinery
(ExxonMobil) to exclude from
hazardous waste control (or delist) a
certain solid waste. This final rule
responds to the petition submitted by
ExxonMobil to have the secondary
impoundment basin (SIB) solids
excluded, or delisted from the definition
of a hazardous waste. The SIB solids are
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SUMMARY:
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listed as F037 (primary oil/water/solids
separation sludge); and F038 (secondary
oil/water/solids separation sludge).
After careful analysis and evaluation
of comments submitted by the public,
the EPA has concluded that the
petitioned wastes are not hazardous
waste when disposed of in Subtitle D
landfills. This exclusion applies to the
surface impoundment solids generated
at ExxonMobil’s Beaumont, Texas
facility. Accordingly, this final rule
excludes the petitioned waste from the
requirements of hazardous waste
regulations under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
when disposed of in Subtitle D landfills
but imposes testing conditions to ensure
that the future-generated wastes remain
qualified for delisting.
DATES: Effective October 26, 2017.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA–R06–RCRA–2017–0153. All
documents in the docket are listed on
the https://www.regulations.gov Web
site. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available,
e.g., CBI or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute.
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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 electronically through https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
technical information regarding the
ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery
petition, contact Michelle Peace at 214–
665–7430 or by email at
peace.michelle@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
information in this section is organized
as follows:
I. Overview Information
A. What action is EPA finalizing?
B. Why is EPA approving this delisting?
C. What are the limits of this exclusion?
D. How will Beaumont Refinery manage
the waste if it is delisted?
E. When is the final delisting exclusion
effective?
F. How does this final rule affect states?
II. Background
A. What is a ‘‘delisting’’?
B. What regulations allow facilities to
delist a waste?
C. What information must the generator
supply?
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III. EPA’s Evaluation of the Waste Data
A. What waste and how much did
Beaumont Refinery petition EPA to
delist?
B. How did Beaumont Refinery sample and
analyze the waste data in this petition?
IV. Public Comments Received on the
Proposed Exclusion
A. Who submitted comments on the
proposed rule?
B. Comments and Responses
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. Overview Information
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A. What action is EPA finalizing?
The EPA is finalizing:
(1) The decision to grant
ExxonMobil’s Beaumont Refinery’s
petition to have its surface
impoundment basin solids excluded, or
delisted, from the definition of a
hazardous waste, subject to certain
continued verification and monitoring
conditions; and
(2) to use the Delisting Risk
Assessment Software to evaluate the
potential impact of the petitioned waste
on human health and the environment.
The Agency used this model to predict
the concentration of hazardous
constituents released from the
petitioned waste, once it is disposed.
After evaluating the petition, EPA
proposed rule, on May 31, 2017, to
exclude the ExxonMobil Beaumont
Refinery waste from the lists of
hazardous wastes under §§ 261.31 and
261.32. The comments received on this
rulemaking will be addressed as part of
this decision.
B. Why is EPA approving this delisting?
ExxonMobil’s petition requests an
exclusion from the F037 and F038 waste
listings pursuant to 40 CFR 260.20 and
260.22. ExxonMobil does not believe
that the petitioned waste meets the
criteria for which EPA listed it.
ExxonMobil also believes no additional
constituents or factors could cause the
waste to be hazardous. EPA’s review of
this petition included consideration of
the original listing criteria and the
additional factors required by the
Hazardous and Solid Waste
Amendments of 1984 (HSWA). See
section 3001(f) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C.
6921(f), and 40 CFR 260.22 (d)(1)–(4)
(hereinafter, all sectional references are
to 40 CFR unless otherwise indicated).
In making the initial delisting
determination, EPA evaluated the
petitioned waste against the listing
criteria and factors cited in
§§ 261.11(a)(2) and (a)(3). Based on this
review, EPA agrees with the petitioner
that the waste is non-hazardous with
respect to the original listing criteria. If
EPA had found, based on this review,
that the waste remained hazardous
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based on the factors for which the waste
was originally listed, EPA would have
proposed to deny the petition. EPA
evaluated the waste with respect to
other factors or criteria to assess
whether there is a reasonable basis to
believe that such additional factors
could cause the waste to be hazardous.
EPA considered whether the waste is
acutely toxic, the concentration of the
constituents in the waste, their tendency
to migrate and to bioaccumulate, their
persistence in the environment once
released from the waste, plausible and
specific types of management of the
petitioned waste, the quantities of waste
generated, and waste variability. EPA
believes that the petitioned waste does
not meet the listing criteria and thus
should not be a listed waste. EPA’s
proposed decision to delist waste from
ExxonMobil is based on the information
submitted in support of this rule,
including descriptions of the wastes and
analytical data from the Beaumont,
Texas facility.
C. What are the limits of this exclusion?
This exclusion applies to the waste
described in the petition only if the
requirements described in Table 1 of
part 261, Appendix IX, and the
conditions contained herein are
satisfied. The one-time exclusion
applies to 400,000 cubic yards of surface
impoundment basin solids.
D. How will Beaumont Refinery manage
the waste if it is delisted?
Storage containers with SIB solids
will be transported to an authorized
solid waste landfill (e.g. RCRA Subtitle
D landfill, commercial/industrial solid
waste landfill, etc.) for disposal.
E. When is the final delisting exclusion
effective?
This rule is effective October 26,
2017. The Hazardous and Solid Waste
Amendments of 1984 amended Section
3010 of RCRA to allow rules to become
effective in less than six months when
the regulated community does not need
the six-month period to come into
compliance. That is the case here
because this rule reduces, rather than
increases, the existing requirements for
persons generating hazardous wastes.
These reasons also provide a basis for
making this rule effective immediately,
upon publication, under the
Administrative Procedure Act, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 553(d).
F. How does this final rule affect states?
Because EPA is issuing this exclusion
under the Federal RCRA delisting
program, only states subject to Federal
RCRA delisting provisions would be
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affected. This would exclude two
categories of States: States having a dual
system that includes Federal RCRA
requirements and their own
requirements, and States who have
received our authorization to make their
own delisting decisions.
Here are the details: We allow states
to impose their own non-RCRA
regulatory requirements that are more
stringent than EPA’s, under section
3009 of RCRA. These more stringent
requirements may include a provision
that prohibits a Federally issued
exclusion from taking effect in the State.
Because a dual system (that is, both
Federal (RCRA) and State (non-RCRA)
programs) may regulate a petitioner’s
waste, we urge petitioners to contact the
State regulatory authority to establish
the status of their wastes under the State
law.
EPA has also authorized some States
(for example, Louisiana, Georgia,
Illinois) to administer a delisting
program in place of the Federal
program, that is, to make State delisting
decisions. Therefore, this exclusion
does not apply in those authorized
States. If Beaumont Refinery transports
the petitioned waste to or manages the
waste in any State with delisting
authorization, Beaumont Refinery must
obtain delisting authorization from that
State before they can manage the waste
as nonhazardous in the State.
II. Background
A. What is a delisting?
A delisting petition is a request from
a generator to EPA or another agency
with jurisdiction to exclude from the list
of hazardous wastes, wastes the
generator does not consider hazardous
under RCRA.
B. What regulations allow facilities to
delist a waste?
Under 40 CFR 260.20 and 260.22,
facilities may petition the EPA to
remove their wastes from hazardous
waste control by excluding them from
the lists of hazardous wastes contained
in §§ 261.31 and 261.32. Specifically,
§ 260.20 allows any person to petition
the Administrator to modify or revoke
any provision of Parts 260 through 266,
268 and 273 of Title 40 of the Code of
Federal Regulations. Section 260.22
provides generators the opportunity to
petition the Administrator to exclude a
waste on a ‘‘generator-specific’’ basis
from the hazardous waste lists.
C. What information must the generator
supply?
Petitioners must provide sufficient
information to EPA to allow the EPA to
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determine that the waste to be excluded
does not meet any of the criteria under
which the waste was listed as a
hazardous waste. In addition, the
Administrator must determine, where
he/she has a reasonable basis to believe
that factors (including additional
constituents) other than those for which
the waste was listed could cause the
waste to be a hazardous waste, that such
factors do not warrant retaining the
waste as a hazardous waste.
in Beaumont, Texas. The waste falls
under the classification of listed waste
pursuant to §§ 261.31 and 261.32.
Specifically, in its petition, ExxonMobil
requested that EPA grant a one-time
exclusion for 400,000 cubic yards of SIB
solids.
The 40 CFR part 261 Appendix VII
hazardous constituents which are the
basis for listing can be found in Table
1.
TABLE 1—EPA WASTE CODES FOR
SURFACE IMPOUNDMENT BASIN SOLIDS AND THE BASIS FOR LISTING
III. EPA’s Evaluation of the Waste Data
A. What waste and how much did
Beaumont Refinery petition EPA to
delist?
Waste code
In August 2016, ExxonMobil
petitioned EPA to exclude from the lists
of hazardous wastes contained in
§§ 261.31 and 261.32, SIB solids (F037,
F038) generated from its facility located
F037 ...........
F038 ...........
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B. How did Beaumont Refinery sample
and analyze the waste data in this
petition?
To support its petition, ExxonMobil
submitted:
(1) Historical information on waste
generation and management practices;
and
(2) analytical results from thirty-nine
samples for total and TCLP
concentrations of compounds of
concern (COC)s;
Basis for listing
Benzene, benzo(a)pyrene,
chrysene, lead, chromium.
Benzene, benzo(a)pyrene,
chrysene, lead, chromium.
TABLE 2—ANALYTICAL RESULTS/MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE DELISTING CONCENTRATION
[Secondary Impoundment Basin (SIB) Solids ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery, Beaumont, Texas]
Maximum total
concentration
(mg/kg)
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Constituent
Antimony ................................................................................................................................
Arsenic ...................................................................................................................................
Barium ....................................................................................................................................
Beryllium ................................................................................................................................
Cadmium ................................................................................................................................
Chromium ..............................................................................................................................
Cobalt .....................................................................................................................................
Lead .......................................................................................................................................
Mercury ..................................................................................................................................
Nickel .....................................................................................................................................
Selenium ................................................................................................................................
Silver ......................................................................................................................................
Vanadium ...............................................................................................................................
Zinc ........................................................................................................................................
2,4 Dimethylphenol ................................................................................................................
2-Methylphenol ......................................................................................................................
3-Methylphenol ......................................................................................................................
4-Methylphenol ......................................................................................................................
Acenaphthene ........................................................................................................................
Anthracene .............................................................................................................................
Benz(a)anthracene ................................................................................................................
Benz(a)pyrene .......................................................................................................................
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ......................................................................................................
Chrysene ................................................................................................................................
Di-n-butyl phthalate ................................................................................................................
Fluoranthene ..........................................................................................................................
Fluorene .................................................................................................................................
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene ..........................................................................................................
Naphthalene ...........................................................................................................................
Phenol ....................................................................................................................................
Pyrene ....................................................................................................................................
Benzene .................................................................................................................................
Xylenes, total .........................................................................................................................
Maximum
TCLP
concentration
(mg/L)
4.84
33.6
455
1.38
2.05
697
19.4
400
3.61
68.2
28.7
1.23
90.7
2,470
0.97
<0.71
<0.64
<0.64
1.7
2.9
7.2
5
34
19
0.66
2.1
4.9
2.6
26
<0.71
N/A
1.1
53
0.023
0.077
1.47
<0.002
<0.002
0.205
0.0371
0.656
0.000049
0.152
0.0177
0.002
0.0815
5.43
0.0018
<.000033
0.002
0.00047
0.00091
0.00019
0.000034
<0.00003
0.0002
0.000048
0.0013
0.000078
0.0016
<0.000051
0.02
0.00025
0.00019
<0.004
0.18
Maximum
TCLP
delisting
level
(mg/L)
.109
.424
36
2.0
0.09
2.27
0.214
0.702
0.068
13.5
0.890
5.0
3.77
197
11.3
28.9
28.9
2.89
10.6
25.9
0.07
26.3
106,000
7.01
24.6
2.46
4.91
73
0.0327
173
4.45
0.077
9.56
Notes: These levels represent the highest constituent concentration found in any one sample and does not necessarily represent the specific
level found in one sample.
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IV. Public Comments Received on the
Proposed Exclusion
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A. Who submitted comments on the
proposed rule?
The EPA received four anonymous
public comments on the May 31, 2017,
proposed rule via regulations.gov. EPA
also received comments from the facility
regarding the conditions and
nomenclature on Table 1. The
comments and responses are addressed
below.
B. Comments and Responses
Comment 1. ‘‘Exxon Mobil requests
that language found on Pages 24929,
24931, and 24932 be revised to reflect
that the SIB solids are delisted upon
final publication in the Federal
Register. The text in Section IV (Next
Steps), Items A.(2) and A.(3) is currently
structured such that additional testing
would have to be performed to verify
that delisting limits are met. Items (2),
(3), and (4) of Table 1 (Pages 24931 and
34932) also reflect these requirements.
This language appears to be a
‘‘holdover’’ associated with another
delisting petition request. Our sampling
program included collection of over 30
samples to support the delisting petition
request. As such, we believe we have
already completed a rigorous sampling
program in support of this request. Also,
we would note in several locations that
the petition volume is listed as ‘‘400,000
wet’’ cubic yards. The SIB solids will
contain water upon removal from the
pond. However, they will be dewatered
(e.g. filtration, addition of cement, etc.)
to pass the paint filter test prior to
disposal. As such, we suggest removing
the word wet in reference to the delisted
volume.’’
Response 1. The language found in
Table 1 of the exclusion has been
revised to remove all conditional
exclusion language. The request for the
delisting is a one-time exclusion which
is conditioned on proper disposal of up
to 400,000 cubic yards of SIB solids and
contains the data submittals, reopener
and disposal notification clauses for all
delisting exclusions. The conditions
were included in the proposed rule in
error. All references regarding the wet
solids have been removed because the
waste will not be disposed of in this
manner. The reference to wet solids was
in regards to the volume of solids as
generated during the removal.
Comment 2. ‘‘Excuse me?
ExxonMobile wants to dump their waste
into the landfills where it can pollute
our ground water? NO. Absolutely NOT.
These waste products are toxic to the
environment and need to stay listed as
hazardous. We don’t want this stuff
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seeping into our groundwater for our
kids to drink. ExxonMobile needs to
spend the money on research to break
down this waste sludge into something
that doesn’t hurt the environment. They
must not be allowed to put it in dumps
or store it somewhere. There probably
are some kind of bacteria that will break
this stuff down into something useful or
non toxic. This stuff should NOT end
up in our ground water. If you cannot
do something positive with this waste,
the process whereby this waste is
produced MUST BE STOPPED. We need
to move away from fossil fuel use and
towards renewable energy and
sustainable products.’’
Response 2. The Delisting Program
requires extensive waste sampling and a
risk assessment is performed to assess a
wastes potential harm to human health
and the environment. The program is
designed to insure that the wastes
which are deemed excluded will not be
managed in a manner to harm human
health or the environment. This waste
will be managed in a Subtitle D
industrial waste landfill as solid waste
to prevent releases to groundwater and
air pathways.
Comment 3. ‘‘The EPA should feel
obligated to ensure that there are no
possible adverse effects to humans or
the environment by approving the
petition from ExxonMobile. The EPA
should conduct their own investigation,
take their own samples, and perform
data analysis to confirm that there are
no discrepancies between their findings
and those provided by the Beaumont
facility. In the list of constituents
provided by ExxonMobile, there are
known human carcinogens such as
arsenic, beryllium, cadmium,
chromium, nickel, and benzene, along
with other harmful constituents such as
lead and mercury. The EPA should
conduct an environmental impact
assessment before approving this
petition.’’
Response 3. The requirements of the
Federal regulations defined in 40 CFR
part 260.20, and 260.22, describe the
process by which wastes may be
removed from the list of hazardous
waste. In addition to extensive quality
assurance and quality control data for
the samples taken, EPA performs a risk
assessment using the Delisting Risk
Assessment Software to ensure that our
decision is protective of human health
and the environment. The constituent
concentrations found in the surface
impoundment basin solids are below
the concentrations that would pose
harm to human health and the
environment.
Comment 4. ‘‘Although the tests that
have been run by ExxonMobil’s
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Delisting Risk Assessment Software
(DRAS) to provide scientific reasoning
to the EPA for the delisting of SIB
solids, I believe that more research must
be conducted by the EPA itself.
Employees of this agency should
especially check the individual
components of the SIB solids and test
for even greater possibilities than those
proposed by the DRAS; the DRAS was
not said to take into account the effects
that chemical exposure would produce
on surrounding populations or even
employees themselves if buildups were
to occur. Risk assessment should be
issued for each individual chemical
compound by the EPA. Assuming the
EPA would like to work rather quickly
on this issue considering ExxonMobil’s
insistence that the SIB solids are nonhazardous, benefits would include
reduced regulation on the industry, as
well as, one less responsibility for the
EPA. However, closer examination
needs to occur, especially since this test
has only been conducted for Beaumont,
Texas.’’
Response 4. A waste is eligible for
delisting only if that waste, as generated
at a particular facility, does not meet
any of the criteria under which the
waste was listed as a hazardous waste.
In addition, the waste may not contain
any other Appendix VIII constituents
that would cause the waste to be
hazardous. RCRA § 3001(f) and 40 CFR
260.22. A delisting is only intended to
address a specific waste stream
generated at a specific site. The risk
analysis is conducted specifically for
each chemical constituent of the waste
stream. If any constituent concentration
exceeds the delisting limit, the entire
waste stream remains hazardous.
The delisting risk analysis performed
using the Delisting Risk Assessment
Software evaluates the worst case
scenario for the petitioned waste and
risk pathways are evaluated. All
chemical constituents detected in the
waste are individually assessed for their
impact on human health and the
environment.
Comment 5. ‘‘I believe there should be
a thorough health examination of all
employees in the facility who work
directly with the waste proposed for
delisting. Some of these chemicals can
build-up in the system over time and if
any de-regulations are to occur they
need science based evidence to prove
the decision would not pose a human
safety issue. If the decision would not
prove to have a high economical impact,
I do not see any reason it should be
considered, especially when the
decision is for only a single site.’’
Response 5. A waste is eligible for
delisting only if that waste, as generated
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at a particular facility, does not meet
any of the criteria under which the
waste was listed as a hazardous waste.
In addition, the waste may not contain
any other Appendix VIII constituents
that would cause the waste to be
hazardous. RCRA § 3001(f) and 40 CFR
260.22. A delisting is only intended to
address a specific waste stream
generated at a specific site. Since
individual waste streams may vary
depending on raw materials, industrial
processes, and other factors, it may be
appropriate not to list a specific waste
from a specific site. Therefore, while a
waste described in the regulations or
resulting from the operation of the
mixture or derived-from rules generally
is hazardous, a specific waste from an
individual facility may not be
hazardous. For this reason, 40 CFR
260.20 and 260.22 provide an exclusion
procedure, called delisting, which
allows persons to prove that EPA should
not regulate a specific waste from a
particular generating facility as a
hazardous waste. A risk assessment of
the petitioned waste is completed and a
part of the decision factors in issuing an
exclusion. Specific health examinations
and worker protection is covered by the
facility operating plans and overseen by
OSHA. Worker safety during the
management of this waste to avoid
contact with this material are covered
by the Health and Safety plans of the
petitioner.
V. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
Under Executive Order 12866,
‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review’’ (58
FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this rule is
not of general applicability and
therefore, is not a regulatory action
subject to review by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). This
rule does not impose an information
collection burden under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) because it
applies to a particular facility only.
Because this rule is of particular
applicability relating to a particular
facility, it is not subject to the regulatory
flexibility provisions of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), or
to sections 202, 204, and 205 of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(UMRA) (Pub. L. 104–4). Because this
rule will affect only a particular facility,
it will not significantly or uniquely
affect small governments, as specified in
section 203 of UMRA. Because this rule
will affect only a particular facility, this
proposed rule does not have federalism
implications. It will not have substantial
direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national
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government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in
Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism’’,
(64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Thus,
Executive Order 13132 does not apply
to this rule.
Similarly, because this rule will affect
only a particular facility, this proposed
rule does not have tribal implications,
as specified in Executive Order 13175,
‘‘Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000). Thus,
Executive Order 13175 does not apply
to this rule. This rule also is not subject
to Executive Order 13045, ‘‘Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997), because it is not
economically significant as defined in
Executive Order 12866, and because the
Agency does not have reason to believe
the environmental health or safety risks
addressed by this action present a
disproportionate risk to children. The
basis for this belief is that the Agency
used DRAS, which considers health and
safety risks to children, to calculate the
maximum allowable concentrations for
this rule. This rule is not subject to
Executive Order 13211, ‘‘Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use’’ (66 FR 28355 (May
22, 2001)), because it is not a significant
regulatory action under Executive Order
12866. This rule does not involve
technical standards; thus, the
requirements of section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C.
272 note) do not apply. As required by
section 3 of Executive Order 12988,
‘‘Civil Justice Reform’’, (61 FR 4729,
February 7, 1996), in issuing this rule,
EPA has taken the necessary steps to
eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity,
minimize potential litigation, and
provide a clear legal standard for
affected conduct.
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. Section 804
exempts from section 801 the following
types of rules: (1) Rules of particular
applicability; (2) rules relating to agency
management or personnel; and (3) rules
of agency organization, procedure, or
practice that do not substantially affect
the rights or obligations of non-agency
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49537
parties (5 U.S.C. 804(3)). EPA is not
required to submit a rule report
regarding today’s action under section
801 because this is a rule of particular
applicability. Executive Order (E.O.)
12898 (59 FR 7629 (Feb. 16, 1994))
establishes Federal executive policy on
environmental justice. Its main
provision directs Federal agencies, to
the greatest extent practicable and
permitted by law, to make
environmental justice part of their
mission by identifying and addressing,
as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or
environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority
populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
EPA has determined that this
proposed rule will not have
disproportionately high and adverse
human health or environmental effects
on minority or low-income populations
because it does not affect the level of
protection provided to human health or
the environment. The Agency’s risk
assessment did not identify risks from
management of this material in an
authorized, solid waste landfill (e.g.
RCRA Subtitle D landfill, commercial/
industrial solid waste landfill, etc.).
Therefore, EPA believes that any
populations in proximity of the landfills
used by this facility should not be
adversely affected by common waste
management practices for this delisted
waste.
Lists of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 261
Environmental protection, Hazardous
waste, Recycling, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Authority: Sec. 3001(f) RCRA, 42 U.S.C.
6921(f).
Dated: October 4, 2017.
Wren Stenger,
Director, Multimedia Division, Region 6.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, 40 CFR part 261 is amended
as follows:
PART 261—IDENTIFICATION AND
LISTING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
1. The authority citation for part 261
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6905, 6912(a), 6921,
6922, and 6938.
2. In Table 1—Wastes Excluded From
Non-Specific Sources in Appendix IX to
Part 261, add the following waste stream
in alphabetical order by facility to read
as follows:
■
Appendix IX to Part 261—Waste
Excluded Under §§ 260.20 and 260.22
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49538
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 206 / Thursday, October 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 1—WASTES EXCLUDED FROM NON-SPECIFIC SOURCES
Facility
Address
Waste description
*
ExxonMobil ........
*
Beaumont, TX ..................
*
*
*
*
*
Secondary Impoundment Basin Solids (SIB) (EPA Hazardous Waste Numbers F037 and F038)
generated at a maximum rate of 400,000 cubic yards.
(1) Delisting Levels: All concentrations for those constituents must not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations in mg/l specified in this paragraph.
Surface Impoundment Basin Solids. Leachable Concentrations (mg/l): Antimony—0.109; Arsenic—0.424; Barium—36; Beryllium—2.0; Cadmium—0.09; Chromium—2.27; Cobalt—0.214;
Lead—0.702; Mercury—0.068; Nickel—13.5; Selenium—0.890; Silver—5.0; Vanadium—3.77;
Zinc—197; 2,4 Dimethylphenol—11.3; 2-Methylphenol—28.9; 3-Methylphenol—28.9; 4-Methylphenol—2.89;
Acenaphthene—10.6;
Anthracene-—25.9;
Benz(a)anthracene—0.07;
Benz(a)pyrene—26.3; Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate—106,000; Chrysene—7.01; Di-n-butyl
phthalate—24.6; Fluoranthene—2.46; Fluorene—4.91; Indeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene—73; Naphthalene—0.0327; Phenol—173; Pyrene—4.45; Benzene—0.077; Xylenes, total—9.56
(2) Reopener
(A) If, any time after disposal of the delisted waste ExxonMobil possesses or is otherwise made
aware of any environmental data (including but not limited to underflow water data or ground
water monitoring data) or any other data relevant to the delisted waste indicating that any constituent identified for the delisting verification testing is at level higher than the delisting level
allowed by the Division Director in granting the petition, then the facility must report the data,
in writing, to the Division Director within 10 days of first possessing or being made aware of
that data.
(B) If verification testing (and retest, if applicable) of the waste does not meet the delisting requirements in paragraph 1, ExxonMobil must report the data, in writing, to the Division Director within 10 days of first possessing or being made aware of that data.
(C) If ExxonMobil fails to submit the information described in paragraphs (2),(3)(A) or (3)(B) or if
any other information is received from any source, the Division Director will make a preliminary determination as to whether the reported information requires EPA action to protect
human health and/or the environment. Further action may include suspending, or revoking the
exclusion, or other appropriate response necessary to protect human health and the environment.
(D) If the Division Director determines that the reported information requires action by EPA, the
Division Director will notify the facility in writing of the actions the Division Director believes
are necessary to protect human health and the environment. The notice shall include a statement of the proposed action and a statement providing the facility with an opportunity to
present information as to why the proposed EPA action is not necessary. The facility shall
have 10 days from receipt of the Division Director’s notice to present such information.
(E) Following the receipt of information from the facility described in paragraph (3)(D) or (if no information is presented under paragraph (3)(D)) the initial receipt of information described in
paragraphs (2), (3)(A) or (3)(B), the Division Director will issue a final written determination describing EPA actions that are necessary to protect human health and/or the environment. Any
required action described in the Division Director’s determination shall become effective immediately, unless the Division Director provides otherwise.
(3) Notification Requirements:
ExxonMobil must do the following before transporting the delisted waste. Failure to provide this
notification will result in a violation of the delisting petition and a possible revocation of the decision.
(A) Provide a one-time written notification to any state Regulatory Agency to which or through
which it will transport the delisted waste described above for disposal, 60 days before beginning such activities.
(B) For onsite disposal, a notice should be submitted to the State to notify the State that disposal of the delisted materials has begun.
(C) Update one-time written notification, if it ships the delisted waste into a different disposal facility.
(D) Failure to provide this notification will result in a violation of the delisting exclusion and a
possible revocation of the decision.
*
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2017–23239 Filed 10–25–17; 8:45 am]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 206 / Thursday, October 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 161020985–7181–02]
RIN 0648–XF767
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish
in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; reallocation.
AGENCY:
NMFS is exchanging unused
flathead sole and rock sole Community
Development Quota (CDQ) for yellowfin
sole CDQ acceptable biological catch
(ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands management area. This
action is necessary to allow the 2017
total allowable catch of yellowfin sole in
SUMMARY:
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area to be harvested.
DATES: Effective October 26, 2017
through December 31, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area (BSAI) according to
the Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
Fishery Management Council under
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act. Regulations governing fishing by
U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
and 50 CFR part 679.
The 2017 flathead sole, rock sole, and
yellowfin sole CDQ reserves specified in
the BSAI are 1,288 metric tons (mt),
5,310 mt, and 16,472 mt as established
by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017)
and revised by flatfish exchange (82 FR
49539
48460; October 18, 2017). The 2017
flathead sole, rock sole, and yellowfin
sole CDQ ABC reserves are 6,018 mt,
11,286 mt and 11,434 mt as established
by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017)
and revised by flatfish exchange (82 FR
48460; October 18, 2017).
The Yukon Delta Fisheries
Development Association has requested
that NMFS exchange 60 mt of flathead
sole CDQ reserves and 145 mt of rock
sole CDQ reserves for 205 mt of
yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves under
§ 679.31(d). Therefore, in accordance
with § 679.31(d), NMFS exchanges 60
mt of flathead sole CDQ reserves and
145 mt of rock sole CDQ reserves for 205
mt of yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves
in the BSAI. This action also decreases
and increases the TACs and CDQ ABC
reserves by the corresponding amounts.
Tables 11 and 13 of the final 2017 and
2018 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI (82 FR 11826,
February 27, 2017), and revised by
flatfish exchange (82 FR 48460; October
18, 2017) are further revised as follows:
TABLE 11—FINAL 2017 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA (CDQ) RESERVES, INCIDENTAL CATCH AMOUNTS (ICAS), AND
AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH, AND BSAI FLATHEAD SOLE, ROCK
SOLE, AND YELLOWFIN SOLE TACS
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Pacific ocean perch
Sector
Eastern
Aleutian
district
TAC ..........................................................
CDQ .........................................................
ICA ...........................................................
BSAI trawl limited access ........................
Amendment 80 .........................................
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ...............
Alaska Seafood Cooperative ...................
Central
Aleutian
district
7,900
845
100
695
6,259
3,319
2,940
Flathead sole
Western
Aleutian
district
7,000
749
60
619
5,572
2,954
2,617
9,000
963
10
161
7,866
4,171
3,695
Rock sole
Yellowfin sole
BSAI
BSAI
BSAI
14,176
1,228
4,000
0
8,949
918
8,031
47,225
5,165
5,000
0
37,060
9,168
27,893
154,199
16,677
4,500
18,151
114,871
45,638
69,233
Note: Sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
TABLE 13—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 ABC SURPLUS,COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA (CDQ) ABC RESERVES, AND
AMENDMENT 80 ABC RESERVES IN THE BSAI FOR FLATHEAD SOLE, ROCK SOLE, AND YELLOWFIN SOLE
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017
Flathead sole
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Sector
ABC ..........................................................
TAC ..........................................................
ABC surplus .............................................
ABC reserve .............................................
CDQ ABC reserve ...................................
Amendment 80 ABC reserve ...................
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative for
2017 1 ...................................................
Alaska Seafood Cooperative for 2017 1 ..
2017
Rock sole
2017
Yellowfin sole
2018
Flathead sole
2018
Rock sole
2018
Yellowfin sole
68,278
14,176
54,102
54,102
6,078
48,024
155,100
47,225
107,875
107,875
11,431
96,444
260,800
154,199
106,601
106,601
11,229
95,372
66,164
14,500
51,664
51,664
5,528
46,136
143,100
47,100
96,000
96,000
10,272
85,728
250,800
154,000
96,800
96,800
10,358
86,442
4,926
43,098
23,857
72,587
37,891
57,481
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1 The 2018 allocations for Amendment 80 species between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not
be known until eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2017.
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 206 (Thursday, October 26, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49533-49539]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23239]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 261
[EPA-R06-RCRA-2017-0153; SW-FRL-9969-73-Region 6]
Hazardous Waste Management System; Identification and Listing of
Hazardous Waste
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is granting a
petition submitted by ExxonMobil Oil Corporation Beaumont Refinery
(ExxonMobil) to exclude from hazardous waste control (or delist) a
certain solid waste. This final rule responds to the petition submitted
by ExxonMobil to have the secondary impoundment basin (SIB) solids
excluded, or delisted from the definition of a hazardous waste. The SIB
solids are listed as F037 (primary oil/water/solids separation sludge);
and F038 (secondary oil/water/solids separation sludge).
After careful analysis and evaluation of comments submitted by the
public, the EPA has concluded that the petitioned wastes are not
hazardous waste when disposed of in Subtitle D landfills. This
exclusion applies to the surface impoundment solids generated at
ExxonMobil's Beaumont, Texas facility. Accordingly, this final rule
excludes the petitioned waste from the requirements of hazardous waste
regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
when disposed of in Subtitle D landfills but imposes testing conditions
to ensure that the future-generated wastes remain qualified for
delisting.
DATES: Effective October 26, 2017.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under
Docket ID No. EPA-R06-RCRA-2017-0153. All documents in the docket are
listed on the https://www.regulations.gov Web site. 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, is not placed on the
Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are available electronically
through https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information regarding
the ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery petition, contact Michelle Peace at
214-665-7430 or by email at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information in this section is organized
as follows:
I. Overview Information
A. What action is EPA finalizing?
B. Why is EPA approving this delisting?
C. What are the limits of this exclusion?
D. How will Beaumont Refinery manage the waste if it is
delisted?
E. When is the final delisting exclusion effective?
F. How does this final rule affect states?
II. Background
A. What is a ``delisting''?
B. What regulations allow facilities to delist a waste?
C. What information must the generator supply?
[[Page 49534]]
III. EPA's Evaluation of the Waste Data
A. What waste and how much did Beaumont Refinery petition EPA to
delist?
B. How did Beaumont Refinery sample and analyze the waste data
in this petition?
IV. Public Comments Received on the Proposed Exclusion
A. Who submitted comments on the proposed rule?
B. Comments and Responses
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. Overview Information
A. What action is EPA finalizing?
The EPA is finalizing:
(1) The decision to grant ExxonMobil's Beaumont Refinery's petition
to have its surface impoundment basin solids excluded, or delisted,
from the definition of a hazardous waste, subject to certain continued
verification and monitoring conditions; and
(2) to use the Delisting Risk Assessment Software to evaluate the
potential impact of the petitioned waste on human health and the
environment. The Agency used this model to predict the concentration of
hazardous constituents released from the petitioned waste, once it is
disposed.
After evaluating the petition, EPA proposed rule, on May 31, 2017,
to exclude the ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery waste from the lists of
hazardous wastes under Sec. Sec. 261.31 and 261.32. The comments
received on this rulemaking will be addressed as part of this decision.
B. Why is EPA approving this delisting?
ExxonMobil's petition requests an exclusion from the F037 and F038
waste listings pursuant to 40 CFR 260.20 and 260.22. ExxonMobil does
not believe that the petitioned waste meets the criteria for which EPA
listed it. ExxonMobil also believes no additional constituents or
factors could cause the waste to be hazardous. EPA's review of this
petition included consideration of the original listing criteria and
the additional factors required by the Hazardous and Solid Waste
Amendments of 1984 (HSWA). See section 3001(f) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C.
6921(f), and 40 CFR 260.22 (d)(1)-(4) (hereinafter, all sectional
references are to 40 CFR unless otherwise indicated). In making the
initial delisting determination, EPA evaluated the petitioned waste
against the listing criteria and factors cited in Sec. Sec.
261.11(a)(2) and (a)(3). Based on this review, EPA agrees with the
petitioner that the waste is non-hazardous with respect to the original
listing criteria. If EPA had found, based on this review, that the
waste remained hazardous based on the factors for which the waste was
originally listed, EPA would have proposed to deny the petition. EPA
evaluated the waste with respect to other factors or criteria to assess
whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that such additional
factors could cause the waste to be hazardous. EPA considered whether
the waste is acutely toxic, the concentration of the constituents in
the waste, their tendency to migrate and to bioaccumulate, their
persistence in the environment once released from the waste, plausible
and specific types of management of the petitioned waste, the
quantities of waste generated, and waste variability. EPA believes that
the petitioned waste does not meet the listing criteria and thus should
not be a listed waste. EPA's proposed decision to delist waste from
ExxonMobil is based on the information submitted in support of this
rule, including descriptions of the wastes and analytical data from the
Beaumont, Texas facility.
C. What are the limits of this exclusion?
This exclusion applies to the waste described in the petition only
if the requirements described in Table 1 of part 261, Appendix IX, and
the conditions contained herein are satisfied. The one-time exclusion
applies to 400,000 cubic yards of surface impoundment basin solids.
D. How will Beaumont Refinery manage the waste if it is delisted?
Storage containers with SIB solids will be transported to an
authorized solid waste landfill (e.g. RCRA Subtitle D landfill,
commercial/industrial solid waste landfill, etc.) for disposal.
E. When is the final delisting exclusion effective?
This rule is effective October 26, 2017. The Hazardous and Solid
Waste Amendments of 1984 amended Section 3010 of RCRA to allow rules to
become effective in less than six months when the regulated community
does not need the six-month period to come into compliance. That is the
case here because this rule reduces, rather than increases, the
existing requirements for persons generating hazardous wastes. These
reasons also provide a basis for making this rule effective
immediately, upon publication, under the Administrative Procedure Act,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d).
F. How does this final rule affect states?
Because EPA is issuing this exclusion under the Federal RCRA
delisting program, only states subject to Federal RCRA delisting
provisions would be affected. This would exclude two categories of
States: States having a dual system that includes Federal RCRA
requirements and their own requirements, and States who have received
our authorization to make their own delisting decisions.
Here are the details: We allow states to impose their own non-RCRA
regulatory requirements that are more stringent than EPA's, under
section 3009 of RCRA. These more stringent requirements may include a
provision that prohibits a Federally issued exclusion from taking
effect in the State. Because a dual system (that is, both Federal
(RCRA) and State (non-RCRA) programs) may regulate a petitioner's
waste, we urge petitioners to contact the State regulatory authority to
establish the status of their wastes under the State law.
EPA has also authorized some States (for example, Louisiana,
Georgia, Illinois) to administer a delisting program in place of the
Federal program, that is, to make State delisting decisions. Therefore,
this exclusion does not apply in those authorized States. If Beaumont
Refinery transports the petitioned waste to or manages the waste in any
State with delisting authorization, Beaumont Refinery must obtain
delisting authorization from that State before they can manage the
waste as nonhazardous in the State.
II. Background
A. What is a delisting?
A delisting petition is a request from a generator to EPA or
another agency with jurisdiction to exclude from the list of hazardous
wastes, wastes the generator does not consider hazardous under RCRA.
B. What regulations allow facilities to delist a waste?
Under 40 CFR 260.20 and 260.22, facilities may petition the EPA to
remove their wastes from hazardous waste control by excluding them from
the lists of hazardous wastes contained in Sec. Sec. 261.31 and
261.32. Specifically, Sec. 260.20 allows any person to petition the
Administrator to modify or revoke any provision of Parts 260 through
266, 268 and 273 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Section 260.22 provides generators the opportunity to petition the
Administrator to exclude a waste on a ``generator-specific'' basis from
the hazardous waste lists.
C. What information must the generator supply?
Petitioners must provide sufficient information to EPA to allow the
EPA to
[[Page 49535]]
determine that the waste to be excluded does not meet any of the
criteria under which the waste was listed as a hazardous waste. In
addition, the Administrator must determine, where he/she has a
reasonable basis to believe that factors (including additional
constituents) other than those for which the waste was listed could
cause the waste to be a hazardous waste, that such factors do not
warrant retaining the waste as a hazardous waste.
III. EPA's Evaluation of the Waste Data
A. What waste and how much did Beaumont Refinery petition EPA to
delist?
In August 2016, ExxonMobil petitioned EPA to exclude from the lists
of hazardous wastes contained in Sec. Sec. 261.31 and 261.32, SIB
solids (F037, F038) generated from its facility located in Beaumont,
Texas. The waste falls under the classification of listed waste
pursuant to Sec. Sec. 261.31 and 261.32. Specifically, in its
petition, ExxonMobil requested that EPA grant a one-time exclusion for
400,000 cubic yards of SIB solids.
The 40 CFR part 261 Appendix VII hazardous constituents which are
the basis for listing can be found in Table 1.
Table 1--EPA Waste Codes for Surface Impoundment Basin Solids and the
Basis for Listing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waste code Basis for listing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
F037............................... Benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene,
lead, chromium.
F038............................... Benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene,
lead, chromium.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. How did Beaumont Refinery sample and analyze the waste data in this
petition?
To support its petition, ExxonMobil submitted:
(1) Historical information on waste generation and management
practices; and
(2) analytical results from thirty-nine samples for total and TCLP
concentrations of compounds of concern (COC)s;
Table 2--Analytical Results/Maximum Allowable Delisting Concentration
[Secondary Impoundment Basin (SIB) Solids ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery, Beaumont, Texas]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum total Maximum TCLP Maximum TCLP
Constituent concentration concentration delisting level
(mg/kg) (mg/L) (mg/L)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antimony..................................................... 4.84 0.023 .109
Arsenic...................................................... 33.6 0.077 .424
Barium....................................................... 455 1.47 36
Beryllium.................................................... 1.38 <0.002 2.0
Cadmium...................................................... 2.05 <0.002 0.09
Chromium..................................................... 697 0.205 2.27
Cobalt....................................................... 19.4 0.0371 0.214
Lead......................................................... 400 0.656 0.702
Mercury...................................................... 3.61 0.000049 0.068
Nickel....................................................... 68.2 0.152 13.5
Selenium..................................................... 28.7 0.0177 0.890
Silver....................................................... 1.23 0.002 5.0
Vanadium..................................................... 90.7 0.0815 3.77
Zinc......................................................... 2,470 5.43 197
2,4 Dimethylphenol........................................... 0.97 0.0018 11.3
2-Methylphenol............................................... <0.71 <.000033 28.9
3-Methylphenol............................................... <0.64 0.002 28.9
4-Methylphenol............................................... <0.64 0.00047 2.89
Acenaphthene................................................. 1.7 0.00091 10.6
Anthracene................................................... 2.9 0.00019 25.9
Benz(a)anthracene............................................ 7.2 0.000034 0.07
Benz(a)pyrene................................................ 5 <0.00003 26.3
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate................................... 34 0.0002 106,000
Chrysene..................................................... 19 0.000048 7.01
Di-n-butyl phthalate......................................... 0.66 0.0013 24.6
Fluoranthene................................................. 2.1 0.000078 2.46
Fluorene..................................................... 4.9 0.0016 4.91
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene....................................... 2.6 <0.000051 73
Naphthalene.................................................. 26 0.02 0.0327
Phenol....................................................... <0.71 0.00025 173
Pyrene....................................................... N/A 0.00019 4.45
Benzene...................................................... 1.1 <0.004 0.077
Xylenes, total............................................... 53 0.18 9.56
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: These levels represent the highest constituent concentration found in any one sample and does not
necessarily represent the specific level found in one sample.
[[Page 49536]]
IV. Public Comments Received on the Proposed Exclusion
A. Who submitted comments on the proposed rule?
The EPA received four anonymous public comments on the May 31,
2017, proposed rule via regulations.gov. EPA also received comments
from the facility regarding the conditions and nomenclature on Table 1.
The comments and responses are addressed below.
B. Comments and Responses
Comment 1. ``Exxon Mobil requests that language found on Pages
24929, 24931, and 24932 be revised to reflect that the SIB solids are
delisted upon final publication in the Federal Register. The text in
Section IV (Next Steps), Items A.(2) and A.(3) is currently structured
such that additional testing would have to be performed to verify that
delisting limits are met. Items (2), (3), and (4) of Table 1 (Pages
24931 and 34932) also reflect these requirements. This language appears
to be a ``holdover'' associated with another delisting petition
request. Our sampling program included collection of over 30 samples to
support the delisting petition request. As such, we believe we have
already completed a rigorous sampling program in support of this
request. Also, we would note in several locations that the petition
volume is listed as ``400,000 wet'' cubic yards. The SIB solids will
contain water upon removal from the pond. However, they will be
dewatered (e.g. filtration, addition of cement, etc.) to pass the paint
filter test prior to disposal. As such, we suggest removing the word
wet in reference to the delisted volume.''
Response 1. The language found in Table 1 of the exclusion has been
revised to remove all conditional exclusion language. The request for
the delisting is a one-time exclusion which is conditioned on proper
disposal of up to 400,000 cubic yards of SIB solids and contains the
data submittals, reopener and disposal notification clauses for all
delisting exclusions. The conditions were included in the proposed rule
in error. All references regarding the wet solids have been removed
because the waste will not be disposed of in this manner. The reference
to wet solids was in regards to the volume of solids as generated
during the removal.
Comment 2. ``Excuse me? ExxonMobile wants to dump their waste into
the landfills where it can pollute our ground water? NO. Absolutely
NOT. These waste products are toxic to the environment and need to stay
listed as hazardous. We don't want this stuff seeping into our
groundwater for our kids to drink. ExxonMobile needs to spend the money
on research to break down this waste sludge into something that doesn't
hurt the environment. They must not be allowed to put it in dumps or
store it somewhere. There probably are some kind of bacteria that will
break this stuff down into something useful or non toxic. This stuff
should NOT end up in our ground water. If you cannot do something
positive with this waste, the process whereby this waste is produced
MUST BE STOPPED. We need to move away from fossil fuel use and towards
renewable energy and sustainable products.''
Response 2. The Delisting Program requires extensive waste sampling
and a risk assessment is performed to assess a wastes potential harm to
human health and the environment. The program is designed to insure
that the wastes which are deemed excluded will not be managed in a
manner to harm human health or the environment. This waste will be
managed in a Subtitle D industrial waste landfill as solid waste to
prevent releases to groundwater and air pathways.
Comment 3. ``The EPA should feel obligated to ensure that there are
no possible adverse effects to humans or the environment by approving
the petition from ExxonMobile. The EPA should conduct their own
investigation, take their own samples, and perform data analysis to
confirm that there are no discrepancies between their findings and
those provided by the Beaumont facility. In the list of constituents
provided by ExxonMobile, there are known human carcinogens such as
arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and benzene, along with
other harmful constituents such as lead and mercury. The EPA should
conduct an environmental impact assessment before approving this
petition.''
Response 3. The requirements of the Federal regulations defined in
40 CFR part 260.20, and 260.22, describe the process by which wastes
may be removed from the list of hazardous waste. In addition to
extensive quality assurance and quality control data for the samples
taken, EPA performs a risk assessment using the Delisting Risk
Assessment Software to ensure that our decision is protective of human
health and the environment. The constituent concentrations found in the
surface impoundment basin solids are below the concentrations that
would pose harm to human health and the environment.
Comment 4. ``Although the tests that have been run by ExxonMobil's
Delisting Risk Assessment Software (DRAS) to provide scientific
reasoning to the EPA for the delisting of SIB solids, I believe that
more research must be conducted by the EPA itself. Employees of this
agency should especially check the individual components of the SIB
solids and test for even greater possibilities than those proposed by
the DRAS; the DRAS was not said to take into account the effects that
chemical exposure would produce on surrounding populations or even
employees themselves if buildups were to occur. Risk assessment should
be issued for each individual chemical compound by the EPA. Assuming
the EPA would like to work rather quickly on this issue considering
ExxonMobil's insistence that the SIB solids are non-hazardous, benefits
would include reduced regulation on the industry, as well as, one less
responsibility for the EPA. However, closer examination needs to occur,
especially since this test has only been conducted for Beaumont,
Texas.''
Response 4. A waste is eligible for delisting only if that waste,
as generated at a particular facility, does not meet any of the
criteria under which the waste was listed as a hazardous waste. In
addition, the waste may not contain any other Appendix VIII
constituents that would cause the waste to be hazardous. RCRA Sec.
3001(f) and 40 CFR 260.22. A delisting is only intended to address a
specific waste stream generated at a specific site. The risk analysis
is conducted specifically for each chemical constituent of the waste
stream. If any constituent concentration exceeds the delisting limit,
the entire waste stream remains hazardous.
The delisting risk analysis performed using the Delisting Risk
Assessment Software evaluates the worst case scenario for the
petitioned waste and risk pathways are evaluated. All chemical
constituents detected in the waste are individually assessed for their
impact on human health and the environment.
Comment 5. ``I believe there should be a thorough health
examination of all employees in the facility who work directly with the
waste proposed for delisting. Some of these chemicals can build-up in
the system over time and if any de-regulations are to occur they need
science based evidence to prove the decision would not pose a human
safety issue. If the decision would not prove to have a high economical
impact, I do not see any reason it should be considered, especially
when the decision is for only a single site.''
Response 5. A waste is eligible for delisting only if that waste,
as generated
[[Page 49537]]
at a particular facility, does not meet any of the criteria under which
the waste was listed as a hazardous waste. In addition, the waste may
not contain any other Appendix VIII constituents that would cause the
waste to be hazardous. RCRA Sec. 3001(f) and 40 CFR 260.22. A
delisting is only intended to address a specific waste stream generated
at a specific site. Since individual waste streams may vary depending
on raw materials, industrial processes, and other factors, it may be
appropriate not to list a specific waste from a specific site.
Therefore, while a waste described in the regulations or resulting from
the operation of the mixture or derived-from rules generally is
hazardous, a specific waste from an individual facility may not be
hazardous. For this reason, 40 CFR 260.20 and 260.22 provide an
exclusion procedure, called delisting, which allows persons to prove
that EPA should not regulate a specific waste from a particular
generating facility as a hazardous waste. A risk assessment of the
petitioned waste is completed and a part of the decision factors in
issuing an exclusion. Specific health examinations and worker
protection is covered by the facility operating plans and overseen by
OSHA. Worker safety during the management of this waste to avoid
contact with this material are covered by the Health and Safety plans
of the petitioner.
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58
FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this rule is not of general applicability
and therefore, is not a regulatory action subject to review by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This rule does not impose an
information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) because it applies to a
particular facility only. Because this rule is of particular
applicability relating to a particular facility, it is not subject to
the regulatory flexibility provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), or to sections 202, 204, and 205 of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Pub. L. 104-4). Because
this rule will affect only a particular facility, it will not
significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as specified in
section 203 of UMRA. Because this rule will affect only a particular
facility, this proposed rule does not have federalism implications. It
will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism'', (64
FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply
to this rule.
Similarly, because this rule will affect only a particular
facility, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications, as
specified in Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). Thus,
Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule. This rule also is
not subject to Executive Order 13045, ``Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23,
1997), because it is not economically significant as defined in
Executive Order 12866, and because the Agency does not have reason to
believe the environmental health or safety risks addressed by this
action present a disproportionate risk to children. The basis for this
belief is that the Agency used DRAS, which considers health and safety
risks to children, to calculate the maximum allowable concentrations
for this rule. This rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211,
``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001)), because it
is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
This rule does not involve technical standards; thus, the requirements
of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not apply. As required by section 3
of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform'', (61 FR 4729,
February 7, 1996), in issuing this rule, EPA has taken the necessary
steps to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, minimize potential
litigation, and provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct.
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. Section 804 exempts from section 801 the following types of
rules: (1) Rules of particular applicability; (2) rules relating to
agency management or personnel; and (3) rules of agency organization,
procedure, or practice that do not substantially affect the rights or
obligations of non-agency parties (5 U.S.C. 804(3)). EPA is not
required to submit a rule report regarding today's action under section
801 because this is a rule of particular applicability. Executive Order
(E.O.) 12898 (59 FR 7629 (Feb. 16, 1994)) establishes Federal executive
policy on environmental justice. Its main provision directs Federal
agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law, to
make environmental justice part of their mission by identifying and
addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human
health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, and
activities on minority populations and low-income populations in the
United States.
EPA has determined that this proposed rule will not have
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not
affect the level of protection provided to human health or the
environment. The Agency's risk assessment did not identify risks from
management of this material in an authorized, solid waste landfill
(e.g. RCRA Subtitle D landfill, commercial/industrial solid waste
landfill, etc.). Therefore, EPA believes that any populations in
proximity of the landfills used by this facility should not be
adversely affected by common waste management practices for this
delisted waste.
Lists of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 261
Environmental protection, Hazardous waste, Recycling, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Authority: Sec. 3001(f) RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6921(f).
Dated: October 4, 2017.
Wren Stenger,
Director, Multimedia Division, Region 6.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 40 CFR part 261 is amended
as follows:
PART 261--IDENTIFICATION AND LISTING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
0
1. The authority citation for part 261 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6905, 6912(a), 6921, 6922, and 6938.
0
2. In Table 1--Wastes Excluded From Non-Specific Sources in Appendix IX
to Part 261, add the following waste stream in alphabetical order by
facility to read as follows:
Appendix IX to Part 261--Waste Excluded Under Sec. Sec. 260.20 and
260.22
[[Page 49538]]
Table 1--Wastes Excluded From Non-Specific Sources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facility Address Waste description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
ExxonMobil.................... Beaumont, TX............. Secondary Impoundment Basin Solids (SIB) (EPA
Hazardous Waste Numbers F037 and F038) generated at
a maximum rate of 400,000 cubic yards.
(1) Delisting Levels: All concentrations for those
constituents must not exceed the maximum allowable
concentrations in mg/l specified in this paragraph.
Surface Impoundment Basin Solids. Leachable
Concentrations (mg/l): Antimony--0.109; Arsenic--
0.424; Barium--36; Beryllium--2.0; Cadmium--0.09;
Chromium--2.27; Cobalt--0.214; Lead--0.702; Mercury--
0.068; Nickel--13.5; Selenium--0.890; Silver--5.0;
Vanadium--3.77; Zinc--197; 2,4 Dimethylphenol--11.3;
2-Methylphenol--28.9; 3-Methylphenol--28.9; 4-
Methylphenol--2.89; Acenaphthene--10.6; Anthracene---
25.9; Benz(a)anthracene--0.07; Benz(a)pyrene--26.3;
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate--106,000; Chrysene--
7.01; Di-n-butyl phthalate--24.6; Fluoranthene--
2.46; Fluorene--4.91; Indeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene--73;
Naphthalene--0.0327; Phenol--173; Pyrene--4.45;
Benzene--0.077; Xylenes, total--9.56
(2) Reopener
(A) If, any time after disposal of the delisted waste
ExxonMobil possesses or is otherwise made aware of
any environmental data (including but not limited to
underflow water data or ground water monitoring
data) or any other data relevant to the delisted
waste indicating that any constituent identified for
the delisting verification testing is at level
higher than the delisting level allowed by the
Division Director in granting the petition, then the
facility must report the data, in writing, to the
Division Director within 10 days of first possessing
or being made aware of that data.
(B) If verification testing (and retest, if
applicable) of the waste does not meet the delisting
requirements in paragraph 1, ExxonMobil must report
the data, in writing, to the Division Director
within 10 days of first possessing or being made
aware of that data.
(C) If ExxonMobil fails to submit the information
described in paragraphs (2),(3)(A) or (3)(B) or if
any other information is received from any source,
the Division Director will make a preliminary
determination as to whether the reported information
requires EPA action to protect human health and/or
the environment. Further action may include
suspending, or revoking the exclusion, or other
appropriate response necessary to protect human
health and the environment.
(D) If the Division Director determines that the
reported information requires action by EPA, the
Division Director will notify the facility in
writing of the actions the Division Director
believes are necessary to protect human health and
the environment. The notice shall include a
statement of the proposed action and a statement
providing the facility with an opportunity to
present information as to why the proposed EPA
action is not necessary. The facility shall have 10
days from receipt of the Division Director's notice
to present such information.
(E) Following the receipt of information from the
facility described in paragraph (3)(D) or (if no
information is presented under paragraph (3)(D)) the
initial receipt of information described in
paragraphs (2), (3)(A) or (3)(B), the Division
Director will issue a final written determination
describing EPA actions that are necessary to protect
human health and/or the environment. Any required
action described in the Division Director's
determination shall become effective immediately,
unless the Division Director provides otherwise.
(3) Notification Requirements:
ExxonMobil must do the following before transporting
the delisted waste. Failure to provide this
notification will result in a violation of the
delisting petition and a possible revocation of the
decision.
(A) Provide a one-time written notification to any
state Regulatory Agency to which or through which it
will transport the delisted waste described above
for disposal, 60 days before beginning such
activities.
(B) For onsite disposal, a notice should be submitted
to the State to notify the State that disposal of
the delisted materials has begun.
(C) Update one-time written notification, if it ships
the delisted waste into a different disposal
facility.
(D) Failure to provide this notification will result
in a violation of the delisting exclusion and a
possible revocation of the decision.
* * * * * * *
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[FR Doc. 2017-23239 Filed 10-25-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P