Review of Existing VOC Emissions Factor for Flares at Natural Gas Production Sites and New Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares, 9313-9314 [2018-04373]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Notices 9313 TABLE 1—TIERING OF CONTACT-HANDLED TRANSURANIC WASTE CHARACTERIZATION PROCESSES IMPLEMENTED BY THE AMWTP 1—Continued [Based on August 8–10, 2017 baseline inspection] AMWTP waste characterization process—Tier 1 changes Real-Time Radiography (RTR) ....... Visual Examination (VE) ................. AMWTP waste characterization process—Tier 2 changes * Extension of or changes to approved calibration ranges for approved equipment. Process elements Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to: • Software for approved equipment. • Operating ranges upon DOE CBFO approval. • Site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval. Submission of a list of AMWTP RTR operators and ITRs who performed work during the previous quarter. New equipment or substantive physical modifications ** to approved equipment. Implementation of any new realtime radiography process. Implementation of any new visual examination process. Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval. Submission of a list of AMWTP VE operators, VE Experts and ITRs that performed work during the previous quarter. Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval. 1 For various acronyms, see the referenced AMWTP baseline inspection report in the EPA’s Air Docket. * The AMWTP will report all T2 changes to the EPA every three months. ** ‘‘Substantive modification’’ refers to a change with the potential to affect the AMWTP’s CH waste characterization processes or documentation of them, excluding changes that are solely related to the environment, safety and health; nuclear safety; or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; or that are editorial in nature or are required to address administrative concerns. The EPA may request copies of new references that the DOE adds during a document revision. The EPA’s final approval decision regarding the contact-handled TRU waste characterization program at the AMWTP will be conveyed to the DOE separately by letter following review of public comments. This decision and accompanying report will be posted on the EPA’s WIPP website and electronic docket. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES IV. Availability of the Baseline Inspection Report for Public Comment The EPA has placed the draft report discussing the results of the inspection of the waste characterization program at the AMWTP in the public docket as described in the ADDRESSES section of this document. In accordance with 40 CFR 194.8, the Agency is providing the public 45 days to comment on these documents and the EPA’s proposed decision to accept the waste characterization program. The Agency requests comments particularly concerning the Enhanced Acceptable Knowledge process, a major significant change made by the AMWTP to their existing waste characterization program. The EPA will accept public comment on this notice and supplemental information as described in Section 1 of this document. At the end of the public comment period, the EPA will evaluate all relevant public comments and, as the Agency may deem appropriate and necessary, revise the inspection report and proposed decision or take other appropriate action. If the EPA concludes that there are no unresolved issues after the public comment period, the Agency will issue an approval letter and the final inspection report. The letter of VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:49 Mar 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 approval will authorize the DOE to use the approved TRU waste characterization processes to characterize waste at the AMWTP. Information on the approval decision will be filed in the official public docket opened for this action on www.regulations.gov, Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0650 (as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document). Dated: February 12, 2018. Jonathan D. Edwards, Director, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. [FR Doc. 2018–04423 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL 9974–90–OAR] Review of Existing VOC Emissions Factor for Flares at Natural Gas Production Sites and New Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of final action. AGENCY: On February 5, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took final action on its review of the existing volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions factor for flares at natural gas production sites pursuant to section 130 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). While the review did not result in a revision to this existing VOC emissions factor, the EPA issued new total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions factors for SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 enclosed ground flares based on the available flare data. DATES: Applicable on March 5, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may view this final action and the supporting information electronically at: https://www.epa.gov/ air-emissions-factors-andquantification/new-emissions-factorsenclosed-ground-flares. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy Group (MPG), Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243–05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number: (919) 541– 2406; fax number: (919) 541–4991; and email address: garwood.gerri@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 5, 2018, the EPA finalized its review of the existing VOC emissions factor for flares at natural gas production sites pursuant to its obligation under CAA section 130 to review, and, if necessary, revise emissions factors for certain pollutants, including VOC, at least every 3 years. We evaluated test data available to the Agency for flares at natural gas production sites, data from testing conducted by manufacturers under 40 CFR part 60, subparts OOOO and OOOOa and 40 CFR part 63, subpart HH and HHH, and information submitted during the public comment period. The available flare data pertained to THC emissions and did not provide sufficient information for estimating VOC emissions from the tested flares. As such, the available data gave no indication that the existing VOC E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 9314 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Notices emissions factor for flares at natural gas production sites is somehow flawed or outdated and, thus, warrants revision. Therefore, our review did not result in a revision to this VOC emissions factor. While we have not revised the existing VOC emissions factor, we did use the available THC emissions data for enclosed ground flares to develop six new THC emissions factors for enclosed ground flares. The six emissions factors are finalized as an update to Section 13.5 of AP–42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors. AP–42 is the primary compilation of EPA’s emissions factor information. We have also clarified the heating value basis for the emissions factors in AP–42 Tables 13.5–1 through 13.5–3 in order to allow users to generate more accurate emissions estimates and clarified that the emissions factors in the tables represent the emissions at the exit of a flare, not the uncontrolled VOC or THC emissions routed to the flare. The final actions described above were issued on February 5, 2018. Our review and analysis of the data are documented in a report titled ‘‘Review and Analysis of Emissions Test Reports for Purposes of Reviewing the Natural Gas Production Flares Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions Factor Under Clean Air Act Section 130.’’ Prior to taking final action, the EPA issued a proposal on its AP–42 website on June 5, 2017, and solicited comment on the proposal. The EPA responded to the comments received during the public comment period in a memorandum titled ‘‘Summary of EPA Responses to Public Comments Received on the Proposed Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares at Natural Gas Production Sites and Chemical Manufacturing Processes.’’ These documents, along with a link to the updated section in AP–42, were posted on the website listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice on February 5, 2018. These actions constitute final agency action of national applicability for purposes of section 307(b)(1) of the CAA. Pursuant to CAA section 307(b)(1), judicial review of these final agency actions may be sought only in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Petitions for review must be filed by May 4, 2018. Judicial review of these final agency actions may not be obtained in subsequent proceedings, pursuant to CAA section 307(b)(2). These actions are not a rulemaking and are not subject to the various statutory and other provisions applicable to a rulemaking. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:25 Mar 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 Dated: February 26, 2018. Panagiotis E. Tsirigotis, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. [FR Doc. 2018–04373 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OEI–2006–0037; FRL–9975–12– OEI] Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Exchange Network Grants Progress Reports (Renewal) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), Exchange Network Grants Progress Reports Renewal (EPA ICR No. 2207.06, OMB Control No. 2025–0006) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through August 31, 2018. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 4, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OEI–2006–0037 online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by email to oira_submission@ omb.eop.gov. Address comments to OMB Desk Officer for EPA. or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Mixon, Information Exchange and Services Division, Office of Information Management, (2823T), SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202–566– 2142; fax number: 202–566–1684; email address: mixon.edward@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202–566–1744. For additional information about EPA’s public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets. Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. Abstract: This notice announces the collection of information related to the U.S. EPA National Environmental Information Exchange Network (NEIEN) Grant Program. EPA proposes to collect information from the NEIEN grantees on assistance agreements EPA has awarded. Specifically, for each project, EPA proposes to have grantees submit semiannual reports on the progress and current status of each goal and output, completion dates for outputs, and any problems encountered. This information will help EPA ensure projects are on schedule to meet their goals and produce high quality environmental outputs. New award recipients will complete one Quality Assurance E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1

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[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9313-9314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04373]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL 9974-90-OAR]


Review of Existing VOC Emissions Factor for Flares at Natural Gas 
Production Sites and New Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of final action.

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

SUMMARY: On February 5, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 
took final action on its review of the existing volatile organic 
compounds (VOC) emissions factor for flares at natural gas production 
sites pursuant to section 130 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). While the 
review did not result in a revision to this existing VOC emissions 
factor, the EPA issued new total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions factors 
for enclosed ground flares based on the available flare data.

DATES: Applicable on March 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may view this final action and the supporting 
information electronically at: https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-factors-and-quantification/new-emissions-factors-enclosed-ground-flares.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy 
Group (MPG), Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243-05), Office of 
Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number: 
(919) 541-2406; fax number: (919) 541-4991; and email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 5, 2018, the EPA finalized its 
review of the existing VOC emissions factor for flares at natural gas 
production sites pursuant to its obligation under CAA section 130 to 
review, and, if necessary, revise emissions factors for certain 
pollutants, including VOC, at least every 3 years.
    We evaluated test data available to the Agency for flares at 
natural gas production sites, data from testing conducted by 
manufacturers under 40 CFR part 60, subparts OOOO and OOOOa and 40 CFR 
part 63, subpart HH and HHH, and information submitted during the 
public comment period. The available flare data pertained to THC 
emissions and did not provide sufficient information for estimating VOC 
emissions from the tested flares. As such, the available data gave no 
indication that the existing VOC

[[Page 9314]]

emissions factor for flares at natural gas production sites is somehow 
flawed or outdated and, thus, warrants revision. Therefore, our review 
did not result in a revision to this VOC emissions factor.
    While we have not revised the existing VOC emissions factor, we did 
use the available THC emissions data for enclosed ground flares to 
develop six new THC emissions factors for enclosed ground flares. The 
six emissions factors are finalized as an update to Section 13.5 of AP-
42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors. AP-42 is the primary 
compilation of EPA's emissions factor information. We have also 
clarified the heating value basis for the emissions factors in AP-42 
Tables 13.5-1 through 13.5-3 in order to allow users to generate more 
accurate emissions estimates and clarified that the emissions factors 
in the tables represent the emissions at the exit of a flare, not the 
uncontrolled VOC or THC emissions routed to the flare.
    The final actions described above were issued on February 5, 2018. 
Our review and analysis of the data are documented in a report titled 
``Review and Analysis of Emissions Test Reports for Purposes of 
Reviewing the Natural Gas Production Flares Volatile Organic Compounds 
Emissions Factor Under Clean Air Act Section 130.'' Prior to taking 
final action, the EPA issued a proposal on its AP-42 website on June 5, 
2017, and solicited comment on the proposal. The EPA responded to the 
comments received during the public comment period in a memorandum 
titled ``Summary of EPA Responses to Public Comments Received on the 
Proposed Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares at Natural Gas 
Production Sites and Chemical Manufacturing Processes.'' These 
documents, along with a link to the updated section in AP-42, were 
posted on the website listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice on 
February 5, 2018.
    These actions constitute final agency action of national 
applicability for purposes of section 307(b)(1) of the CAA. Pursuant to 
CAA section 307(b)(1), judicial review of these final agency actions 
may be sought only in the United States Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia Circuit. Petitions for review must be filed by May 
4, 2018. Judicial review of these final agency actions may not be 
obtained in subsequent proceedings, pursuant to CAA section 307(b)(2). 
These actions are not a rulemaking and are not subject to the various 
statutory and other provisions applicable to a rulemaking.

    Dated: February 26, 2018.
Panagiotis E. Tsirigotis,
Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
[FR Doc. 2018-04373 Filed 3-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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