National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (Radionuclides), Availability of Updated Compliance Model, CAP88-PC, 12917-12920 [2020-04546]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 44 / Thursday, March 5, 2020 / Notices
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Office of Transportation and Air
Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, 2000 Traverwood, Ann Arbor,
Michigan 48105; telephone number:
734–214–4851; fax number 734–214–
4869; email address: sohacki.lynn@
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.
Abstract: Under Section 206(a) of the
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521), onhighway engine and vehicle
manufacturers may not legally introduce
their products into U.S. commerce
unless EPA has certified that their
production complies with applicable
emission standards. Per section 207(a),
original vehicle manufacturers must
warrant that vehicles are free from
defects in materials and workmanship
that would cause the vehicle not to
comply with emission regulations
during its useful life. Section 207(a)
directs EPA to provide certification to
those manufacturers or builders of
automotive aftermarket parts that
demonstrate that the installation and
use of their products will not cause
failure of the engine or vehicle to
comply with emission standards. An
aftermarket part is any part offered for
sale for installation in or on a motor
vehicle after such vehicle has left the
vehicle manufacturer’s production line
(40 CFR 85.2113(b)). Participation in the
aftermarket certification program is
voluntary. Aftermarket part
manufacturers or builders
(manufacturers) electing to participate
conduct emission and durability testing
as described in 40 CFR part 85, subpart
V, and submit data about their products
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claim of confidentiality is made is
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forth in CFR title 40, chapter 1, part 2,
subpart B—Confidentiality of Business
Information (see 40 CFR part 2).
Form Numbers: None.
Respondents/affected entities:
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aftermarket parts.
Respondent’s obligation to respond:
Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
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Estimated number of respondents: 1
(total).
Frequency of response: On occasion.
Total estimated burden: 547 hours
(per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR
1320.3(b).
Total estimated cost: $19,063 (per
year), which includes $1,955 annualized
capital or operation & maintenance
costs.
Changes in the Estimates: There is no
change in the total estimated respondent
burden compared with the ICR currently
approved by OMB.
Courtney Kerwin,
Director, Regulatory Support Division.
[FR Doc. 2020–04467 Filed 3–4–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2002–0050; FRL–10006–13–
OAR]
National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants
(Radionuclides), Availability of
Updated Compliance Model, CAP88–
PC
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of Availability.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to section 112 of the
Clean Air Act, as amended, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA
or Agency) is announcing the
availability of Version 4.1 of the
CAP88–PC model. This version may be
used to demonstrate compliance with
the National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs)
applicable to radionuclides. CAP88–PC
is approved for this use by the EPA.
Version 4.1 includes a number of
improvements from previous versions,
including Version 4.0. The most
significant of these changes from a user
perspective are the implementation of a
new Wix installer technology that
enhances compatibility with Windows
10 and future Windows updates, an
update in the number of included
radionuclides and the data for these
radionuclides, and a change in the
manner in which reports are printed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian Littleton, Office of Radiation and
Indoor Air, Radiation Protection
Division (6608T), U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460;
telephone number: (202) 343–9200; fax
number: (202) 343–2304; email address:
Littleton.brian@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
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I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are subject to the
requirements for radionuclide NESHAPs
found in 40 CFR part 61, subpart H.
This subpart applies to Department of
Energy (DOE or Department) facilities.
B. How can I get copies of the model
and other related information?
Docket. The EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2019–0050.
Publicly available docket materials are
available either electronically through
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA
Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West,
Room B 102, 1301 Constitution Avenue
NW, Washington, DC. The EPA Docket
Center Public Reading Room is open
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the
Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
and the telephone number for the Air
and Radiation Docket is (202) 566–1742.
2. Electronic Access. You may access
this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA website
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
3. EPA website. You may download
the CAP88–PC model and
documentation from the EPA’s website
at https://www.epa.gov/radiation/cap88-pc.
II. Background
On December 15, 1989, the EPA
promulgated the National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAPs) under section 112 of the
Clean Air Act to control radionuclide
emissions to the ambient air from a
number of different source categories
[54 FR 51654, December 15, 1989
(Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–2002–0050–
0028)]. Subpart H of 40 CFR part 61 is
one of the source categories covered in
the 1989 final rule. Facilities owned and
operated by the DOE are regulated
under subpart H. The Department
administers many facilities across the
country, including government-owned,
contractor-operated facilities. Some of
these facilities handle significant
amounts of radioactive material that
could potentially be emitted into the air
in various chemical and physical states.
The purpose of subpart H is to limit
radionuclide emissions (not including
radon) from the stacks and vents at DOE
facilities so that no member of the
public receives an effective dose
equivalent of more than 10 millirems
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 44 / Thursday, March 5, 2020 / Notices
per year (mrem/yr) or, in SI units, 0.1
millisievert per year (mSv/yr).
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III. CAP88–PC Model for Demonstrating
Compliance
A. CAP88–PC History
The EPA is today announcing the
availability of Version 4.1 of the
CAP88–PC model for use in
demonstrating compliance with the
requirements of 40 CFR part 61, subpart
H. CAP88 (Clean Air Act Assessment
Package-1988) is a set of computer
programs, databases and associated
utility programs for estimation of dose
and risk from radionuclide emissions to
the air. CAP88–PC implements, on the
personal computer platform, modified
versions of the AIRDOS–EPA and
DARTAB codes that were written in
FORTRAN 77 and executed in a
mainframe computing environment.
CAP88–PC provides for dose and risk
assessments of collective populations,
maximally-exposed individuals and
selected individuals.
The original CAP88–PC software
package, Version 1.0 allowed users to
perform full-featured dose and risk
assessments in a DOS environment for
the purpose of demonstrating
compliance with 40 CFR 61.93(a); it was
approved for compliance demonstration
in February 1992.
CAP88–PC Version 2.0 provided a
framework for developing inputs to
perform full-featured dose and risk
assessments in a Windows environment
for the purpose of demonstrating
compliance with 40 CFR 61.93(a).
Version 2.0 was approved for
compliance demonstration in 1999.
Version 2.1 included some additional
changes compared to the DOS version
and the previous Windows Version 2.0.
The changes included the addition of
more decay chains, improvements in the
Windows code error handling and a
modified nuclide data input form. The
CAP88–PC User Guide provides a
summary of the changes incorporated
into Version 2.1 relative to Version 2.0.
CAP88–PC Version 3.0, released in
2006 (71 FR 8854, February 21, 2006),
was a significant update to Version 2.1.
Version 3 incorporated dose and risk
factors from Federal Guidance Report
13, ‘‘Cancer Risk Coefficients for
Environmental Exposure to
Radionuclides’’ (FGR 13) in place of the
RADRISK data that was used in
previous versions. In addition, the
CAP88–PC database, the user interface,
input files and output files were
modified to accommodate the FGR 13
data formats and nomenclature. Page 9
of the CAP88–PC Version 3 User’s
Guide describes the modifications
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incorporated into Version 3 relative to
Version 2.1.
CAP88–PC Version 4, released in
2015 (80 FR 7461, February 10, 2015),
was a significant update to Version 3.
While keeping the fundamental model
unchanged, modifications were made to
add flexibility, enhance stability of the
code, and make it easier for the user to
use while also improving the quality
assurance of the modeling. The most
significant of these changes from a user
perspective were the incorporation of
age-dependent radionuclide dose and
risk factors for ingestion and inhalation
(the use of which is specified by the
user), the increase in the number of
included radionuclides, and a change in
the file management system used by the
program. Those modifications produced
a significant improvement in speed and
stability for Version 4 relative to Version
3 and eliminated the solution
approximations used in Version 3. The
EPA also implemented an extensive
testing and documentation program for
CAP88–PC Version 4 to address user
concerns with past versions. This
enhanced documentation allowed for
greater compatibility with user software
quality assurance programs. The total
number of nuclides available in Version
4 was increased from the 825 in Version
3 to 1,252. The maximum number of
nuclides that can be included in any
single case was increased from the 256
in Version 3 to 500 in Version 4.
CAP88–PC Version 4.1 incorporates
the following changes to Version 4.0:
(1) Dose and risk coefficient data have
been updated to the values supplied by
Oak Ridge National Laboratory with the
Dose Coefficient Data File Package
(DCFPAK) Version 3.02 (addition of
internal dose information for 151
isotopes; updated information for
isotopes in vapor or gas forms; and
additional risk information for many
isotopes);
(2) The ability to print from the
Reports tab has been removed because
of incompatibility of certain characters
in the reports with some printer drivers.
Printing reports can be done by opening
the report files in any word processor or
text editor. The new button opens the
location of the report files;
(3) The synopsis file now provides the
adjusted fractions of milk, meat, and/or
vegetables produced in the assessment
area, if CAP88–PC adjusted them to
account for population;
(4) Enhancements to the user interface
code have been made to increase
performance and/or maintain
compatibility with the DCFPAK Version
3 data;
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(5) The installer system has been
updated for better compatibility with
Windows;
(6) Migration utility updates have
been made to migrate data from Version
3 to Version 4.1 formats; and
(7) The user interface has been
updated to provide automatic
conversion of Version 4.0 datasets to
Version 4.1.
In summary, Version 4.1 enhances
and completes the updates initiated
under CAP88–PC Version 4.0 and
incorporates compatibility for newer
operating systems.
B. CAP88–PC Model Summary
All versions of CAP88–PC use a
modified Gaussian plume equation to
estimate the average dispersion of
radionuclides released from up to six
sources. The sources may be either
elevated stacks, such as a smokestack, or
uniform area sources, such as a pile of
uranium mill tailings. ‘‘Plume rise’’ can
be calculated assuming either a
momentum or buoyant-driven plume.
Assessments are made for a circular grid
of distances and directions for a radius
of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) around
the source. The Gaussian plume model
produces results that agree with
experimental data as well as any model,
is fairly easy to work with and is
consistent with the random nature of
turbulence. Site-specific information on
population location and meteorological
conditions is provided to CAP88–PC as
input files developed by the user. The
formats for these input files have not
changed from the original mainframe
version of the CAP88 code package.
CAP88–PC Version 4.1 is a
modification intended to improve
usability, enhance the modeling
methodology, update the dataset
formats, and provide a more
maintainable code base and
documentation set for the future.
Version 4.1 provides age-dependent
dose conversion factors and lifetime risk
factors and uses a code architecture that
conforms to more recent coding
standards and data formats. The data
updates include adoption of the
ingestion and inhalation age and
particle size dependent dose and risk
factor data supplied by Oak Ridge
National Laboratory in the DCFPAK
Version 3.02 model,1 and age-dependent
ingestion and inhalation rates from the
EPA.
The CAP88–PC Version 4.1 software
was developed using a structured
software engineering methodology that
included adoption of a defined software
1 https://www.epa.gov/radiation/toolscalculating-radiation-dose-and-risk.
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architecture, rigorous source control,
independent verification of source code
as it was being implemented, multiple
phases of testing, and configuration
control of the documentation and the
code as development progressed.
To conform to Windows 10 security
requirements, and to improve usability,
case-specific input and output data files
are now stored by default in the user’s
Windows profile folders, rather than in
the application’s Program Files folder.
CAP88–PC Version 4.1 input datasets
can be stored in their own folders, as
subfolders of the Datasets folder. As an
example, for the Modtest dataset
included with the Version 4.1
distribution set, the folder holding the
dataset and all associated data files and
reports would be located at
c:\Users\xxxx\Documents\CAP88\
Datasets\Modtest. Datasets are
recommended to be put into their own
folders, because using this data storage
structure will simplify use of the code
and management of case data. Reports
are always stored in the same folder as
the dataset. Population and wind files
can be stored with the dataset or in the
default Population/Wind folders.
However, CAP88–PC Version 4.1 will
preferentially use the population and
wind files located in the dataset. This
improves sharing of dataset information
between organizations and simplifies
configuration management of cases
because all pertinent case records (input
and report files) are stored together. A
user can send a dataset, its population
and wind files, and its reports to
another user, who can open them, using
CAP88–PC Version 4.1 or any text
editor, confident that the proper files are
being used.
As was the case with Versions 3 and
4.0, Version 4.1 is not backward
compatible, and datasets generated
using Versions 3 and 4.0 cannot be used
directly by Version 4.1. This is the
result of many factors, including the
addition of age-specific data and the
inclusion of many more nuclides than
in previous versions. However, both
Versions 4.0 and 4.1 include a dataset
migration utility that upgrades many
Version 3 datasets to the applicable
Version 4.0 or 4.1 format. The migration
utility runs on first use and is also
available on demand from the Tools≤
Options drop-down menu. The
migration utility will move Version 3
database files, input dataset files,
population files, and wind files from the
format used with the 9 December 2007
release of Version 3 to their respective
Version 4 formats. The folder locations
of the Version 3 files being migrated and
the locations for the Version 4 files
being generated are selectable by the
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user or the utility will select the default
locations for those files.
The overall principle of the Version 4
architecture was to optimize the code by
performing data manipulation in the
user interface and computational
functions in FORTRAN. CAP88–PC
Versions 4.0 and 4.1 have accomplished
this by having the user interface collect
the user input data, read the associated
databases, generate the dose and risk
factors from the DCFPAK data, then
build and write the case dataset. The
user interface also handles all program
interactions with the file system. The
FORTRAN computational sub-system
now performs all decay and ground
surface buildup calculations along with
all the air dispersion, deposition, intake,
dose, and risk calculations. The only file
manipulation performed by the
FORTRAN sub-system is reading the
dataset files and writing report files. The
data system used in CAP88–PC Version
4.1 has access to information for all
1,252 radionuclides, including those for
which internal dose and risk factors
have been added in to DCFPAK Version
3.02.
C. Validation of the CAP88–PC Version
4.1 Model
The CAP88–PC Version 4.1 program
is a well-established and validated code
for the purpose of making
comprehensive dose and risk
assessments. The Gaussian plume
model used in CAP88–PC to estimate
dispersion in air is one of the most
commonly used models for dispersion
modeling. It produces results that agree
with experimental data as well as any
model, is fairly easy to work with, and
is consistent with the random nature of
turbulence. Version 4.1 has not
modified the basic Gaussian plume
algorithm used by the AIRDOS module
of CAP88–PC, and comparison cases
between Versions 4.0 and 4.1 have been
run.
The EPA’s Office of Radiation and
Indoor Air (ORIA) has reviewed the
testing report submitted by the
contractor and verified the results
through independent testing. The report
can be found at https://www.epa.gov/
radiation/cap-88-pc.
As part of the software testing, the
user interface was extensively tested.
The testing verified that the interface
only accepted:
(1) Positive distances less than or
equal to 80 kilometers (km) for receptor
distances;
(2) Non-negative release rates;
(3) Annual precipitation amounts
between 0.01 and 500 centimeters per
year (cm/yr);
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(4) Annual ambient temperatures
between ¥100 and 100 degrees Celsius
(°C);
(5) Lid heights between 25 and 10,000
meters (m);
(6) Non-negative source heights, and
positive source diameters or areas;
(7) Non-negative heat release rates,
exit velocities and fixed plume rises;
and
(8) Agricultural fractions that summed
to unity.
All issues identified with the interface
have been resolved and closed. Seven
test cases were developed to test the
capabilities of CAP88–PC Version 4.1.
Six of these cases involve the
calculation of dose and risk to an
individual or population at the location
identified by the model as that of the
maximally exposed individual (MEI) or
specified by the user. The testing
objectives for these six cases include the
following verifications:
(1) Dose factors agree with those
calculated using the DCFPAK 3.02 from
Oak Ridge National Laboratory to 1% or
less;
(2) Values of Chi-over-Q (c/Q) agree
within 1% with those calculated using
CAP88–PC Version 4.0, including but
not limited to the direction of the MEI
(the calculated values for c/Q showed
good agreement between Versions 4.0
and 4.1 in all directions);
(3) Air concentrations and deposition
rates (where applicable) agree within
1% with those calculated using CAP88–
PC Version 4.0; and
(4) Results for dose rates and risks
agree within 5% of independent
calculations; the 5% criterion was used
here to allow for differences caused by
different modeling methods.
The objective of Test Case 7 was to
verify the CAP88–PC Version 4.1
calculations of the air concentrations
and working levels for radon-only are
consistent with Version 4.0.
D. Limitations of the CAP88–PC Model
Like all models, there are some
limitations in the CAP88–PC system.
While up to six stacks or six area
sources can be modeled, all the sources
are modeled as if located at the same
point; that is, stacks cannot be located
in different areas of a facility. The same
plume rise mechanism (buoyant or
momentum) is used for each source.
Also, area sources are treated as
uniform. Variation in radionuclide
concentrations due to complex terrain
cannot be modeled. Errors arising from
these assumptions will have a negligible
effect for assessments where the
distance of exposed individuals is large
compared to the stack height, area or
facility emissions.
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Data
E. Use of CAP88–PC Version 4.1 for
Compliance Purposes
In the same manner as CAP88–PC
Version 4.0, Version 4.1 allows the user
to incorporate the age-specific dose
conversion factors and intake rates
contained in DCFPAK Version 3.02. The
code allows the user to select the
ingestion and inhalation dose
conversion and intake rates from the age
groups modeled in DCFPAK Version
3.02: infant (100 days old), one-year old,
five-year old, ten-year old, fifteen-year
old, and adult. However, the addition of
this capability does not change the
requirements for compliance to the
NESHAPS Subpart H requirements.
These are clearly stated in 40 CFR part
61 Subpart H. The ability to allow the
code base to include age-dependency
does not impact or imply changes to the
compliance demonstration.
F. Summary of Changes for CAP88–PC
Version 4 to Version 4.1.
Version 4.1 of CAP88–PC is an update
from Version 4.0, and a significant
upgrade from earlier versions. CAP88–
PC Versions 4.0 and 4.1 not only added
significant features, but also redesigned
the interface to give the user a more
standard experience. The entire user
interface module was re-written for
Version 4 using VB.Net, the
Microsoft.Net Framework Version 4,
and the Visual Studio 2010
development environment, in order to
better comply with updated code
standards in Windows 7, Windows 8.1.
and Windows 10. Specific changes from
Version 4.0 visible to the user in
Version 4.1 include:
(1) The dose and risk coefficients have
been updated from DCFPAK 2.2 to those
in DCFPAK 3.02 provided by Oak Ridge
National Laboratory;
(2) Internal dose and risk coefficient
factors for 151 more radionuclides have
been added;
(3) Additional risk coefficient data has
been added for more radionuclides and
chemical forms beyond the additional
151;
(4) Inhalation coefficients for
radionuclides with special chemical
forms, such as iodine, have been added.
Error Handling
CAP88–PC Versions 4.0 and 4.1
contain an internal error logging and
tracking system. In the case of internal
code errors, the code will write errors to
a file in the Message Log folder located
in the same folder set as the folder
containing the datasets. Sending this file
to the EPA representative will facilitate
troubleshooting.
On-Line Help System
CAP88–PC Version 4.1 includes a
context-sensitive help system that is
accessible during operation. The on-line
help system is a hypertext version of the
traditional user manual; the traditional
user manual is included as part of the
release distribution package in pdf
format.
Dated: February 26, 2020.
Lee Ann B. Veal,
Director, Radiation Protection Division, Office
of Radiation and Indoor Air.
[FR Doc. 2020–04546 Filed 3–4–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
User Interface
(1) The Print button on the Reports
tab has been replaced with a button that
opens the folder holding the report files
which may then be printed using a word
processing program;
(2) Some labels in the user interface
have been modified for clarity;
(3) The capabilities for migrating
datasets from previous versions of
CAP88–PC have been improved,
including automatic conversion of
Version 4.0 datasets to Version 4.1.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Reports
(1) Some report headers have been
modified for clarity;
(2) The Agricultural Data in the
Synopsis report now prints the values
for the fractions of vegetables, milk, and
meat from the assessment area used in
the calculation, which may have been
adjusted by CAP88–PC from the input
values.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OA–2019–0370; FRL–10004–25–
OMS]
Information Collection Request
Submitted to OMB for Review and
Approval; Comment Request;
Environmental Impact Assessment of
Nongovernmental Activities in
Antarctica (Renewal)
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has submitted an
information collection request (ICR),
Environmental Impact Assessment of
Nongovernmental Activities in
Antarctica (EPA ICR Number 1808.09,
OMB Control Number 2020–0007) to the
Office of Management and Budget
SUMMARY:
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(OMB) for review and approval in
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act. This is a proposed
extension of the ICR, which is currently
approved through May 31, 2020. Public
comments were previously requested
via the Federal Register on September
30, 2019 during a 60-day comment
period. This notice allows for an
additional 30 days for public comments.
A fuller description of the ICR is given
below, including its estimated burden
and cost to the public. 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 April 6, 2020.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OA–2019–0370 online using
www.regulations.gov (our preferred
method) or by mail to: EPA Docket
Center, Environmental Protection
Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460, and (2) OMB via email to oira_
submission@omb.eop.gov. Address
comments to OMB Desk Officer for the
EPA.
The 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: Julie
Roemele, NEPA Compliance Division,
Office of Federal Activities, Mail Code
2203A, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460; telephone
number: 202–564–5632; fax number:
202–564–0070; email address:
roemele.julie@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.
Abstract: The EPA’s regulations at 40
CFR part 8, Environmental Impact
Assessment of Nongovernmental
Activities in Antarctica (Rule), were
promulgated pursuant to the Antarctic
E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM
05MRN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 44 (Thursday, March 5, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12917-12920]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-04546]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0050; FRL-10006-13-OAR]
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(Radionuclides), Availability of Updated Compliance Model, CAP88-PC
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of Availability.
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 112 of the Clean Air Act, as amended, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the
availability of Version 4.1 of the CAP88-PC model. This version may be
used to demonstrate compliance with the National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) applicable to radionuclides. CAP88-
PC is approved for this use by the EPA. Version 4.1 includes a number
of improvements from previous versions, including Version 4.0. The most
significant of these changes from a user perspective are the
implementation of a new Wix installer technology that enhances
compatibility with Windows 10 and future Windows updates, an update in
the number of included radionuclides and the data for these
radionuclides, and a change in the manner in which reports are printed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Littleton, Office of Radiation
and Indoor Air, Radiation Protection Division (6608T), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9200; fax number:
(202) 343-2304; email address: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are subject
to the requirements for radionuclide NESHAPs found in 40 CFR part 61,
subpart H. This subpart applies to Department of Energy (DOE or
Department) facilities.
B. How can I get copies of the model and other related information?
Docket. The EPA has established a docket for this action under
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0050. Publicly available docket materials
are available either electronically through www.regulations.gov or in
hard copy at the Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA Docket Center
(EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B 102, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202)
566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air and Radiation Docket is
(202) 566-1742.
2. Electronic Access. You may access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA website under the ``Federal Register''
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
3. EPA website. You may download the CAP88-PC model and
documentation from the EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/radiation/cap-88-pc.
II. Background
On December 15, 1989, the EPA promulgated the National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) under section 112 of
the Clean Air Act to control radionuclide emissions to the ambient air
from a number of different source categories [54 FR 51654, December 15,
1989 (Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0050-0028)]. Subpart H of 40 CFR part 61
is one of the source categories covered in the 1989 final rule.
Facilities owned and operated by the DOE are regulated under subpart H.
The Department administers many facilities across the country,
including government-owned, contractor-operated facilities. Some of
these facilities handle significant amounts of radioactive material
that could potentially be emitted into the air in various chemical and
physical states. The purpose of subpart H is to limit radionuclide
emissions (not including radon) from the stacks and vents at DOE
facilities so that no member of the public receives an effective dose
equivalent of more than 10 millirems
[[Page 12918]]
per year (mrem/yr) or, in SI units, 0.1 millisievert per year (mSv/yr).
III. CAP88-PC Model for Demonstrating Compliance
A. CAP88-PC History
The EPA is today announcing the availability of Version 4.1 of the
CAP88-PC model for use in demonstrating compliance with the
requirements of 40 CFR part 61, subpart H. CAP88 (Clean Air Act
Assessment Package-1988) is a set of computer programs, databases and
associated utility programs for estimation of dose and risk from
radionuclide emissions to the air. CAP88-PC implements, on the personal
computer platform, modified versions of the AIRDOS-EPA and DARTAB codes
that were written in FORTRAN 77 and executed in a mainframe computing
environment. CAP88-PC provides for dose and risk assessments of
collective populations, maximally-exposed individuals and selected
individuals.
The original CAP88-PC software package, Version 1.0 allowed users
to perform full-featured dose and risk assessments in a DOS environment
for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with 40 CFR 61.93(a); it
was approved for compliance demonstration in February 1992.
CAP88-PC Version 2.0 provided a framework for developing inputs to
perform full-featured dose and risk assessments in a Windows
environment for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with 40 CFR
61.93(a). Version 2.0 was approved for compliance demonstration in
1999. Version 2.1 included some additional changes compared to the DOS
version and the previous Windows Version 2.0. The changes included the
addition of more decay chains, improvements in the Windows code error
handling and a modified nuclide data input form. The CAP88-PC User
Guide provides a summary of the changes incorporated into Version 2.1
relative to Version 2.0.
CAP88-PC Version 3.0, released in 2006 (71 FR 8854, February 21,
2006), was a significant update to Version 2.1. Version 3 incorporated
dose and risk factors from Federal Guidance Report 13, ``Cancer Risk
Coefficients for Environmental Exposure to Radionuclides'' (FGR 13) in
place of the RADRISK data that was used in previous versions. In
addition, the CAP88-PC database, the user interface, input files and
output files were modified to accommodate the FGR 13 data formats and
nomenclature. Page 9 of the CAP88-PC Version 3 User's Guide describes
the modifications incorporated into Version 3 relative to Version 2.1.
CAP88-PC Version 4, released in 2015 (80 FR 7461, February 10,
2015), was a significant update to Version 3. While keeping the
fundamental model unchanged, modifications were made to add
flexibility, enhance stability of the code, and make it easier for the
user to use while also improving the quality assurance of the modeling.
The most significant of these changes from a user perspective were the
incorporation of age-dependent radionuclide dose and risk factors for
ingestion and inhalation (the use of which is specified by the user),
the increase in the number of included radionuclides, and a change in
the file management system used by the program. Those modifications
produced a significant improvement in speed and stability for Version 4
relative to Version 3 and eliminated the solution approximations used
in Version 3. The EPA also implemented an extensive testing and
documentation program for CAP88-PC Version 4 to address user concerns
with past versions. This enhanced documentation allowed for greater
compatibility with user software quality assurance programs. The total
number of nuclides available in Version 4 was increased from the 825 in
Version 3 to 1,252. The maximum number of nuclides that can be included
in any single case was increased from the 256 in Version 3 to 500 in
Version 4.
CAP88-PC Version 4.1 incorporates the following changes to Version
4.0:
(1) Dose and risk coefficient data have been updated to the values
supplied by Oak Ridge National Laboratory with the Dose Coefficient
Data File Package (DCFPAK) Version 3.02 (addition of internal dose
information for 151 isotopes; updated information for isotopes in vapor
or gas forms; and additional risk information for many isotopes);
(2) The ability to print from the Reports tab has been removed
because of incompatibility of certain characters in the reports with
some printer drivers. Printing reports can be done by opening the
report files in any word processor or text editor. The new button opens
the location of the report files;
(3) The synopsis file now provides the adjusted fractions of milk,
meat, and/or vegetables produced in the assessment area, if CAP88-PC
adjusted them to account for population;
(4) Enhancements to the user interface code have been made to
increase performance and/or maintain compatibility with the DCFPAK
Version 3 data;
(5) The installer system has been updated for better compatibility
with Windows;
(6) Migration utility updates have been made to migrate data from
Version 3 to Version 4.1 formats; and
(7) The user interface has been updated to provide automatic
conversion of Version 4.0 datasets to Version 4.1.
In summary, Version 4.1 enhances and completes the updates
initiated under CAP88-PC Version 4.0 and incorporates compatibility for
newer operating systems.
B. CAP88-PC Model Summary
All versions of CAP88-PC use a modified Gaussian plume equation to
estimate the average dispersion of radionuclides released from up to
six sources. The sources may be either elevated stacks, such as a
smokestack, or uniform area sources, such as a pile of uranium mill
tailings. ``Plume rise'' can be calculated assuming either a momentum
or buoyant-driven plume. Assessments are made for a circular grid of
distances and directions for a radius of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles)
around the source. The Gaussian plume model produces results that agree
with experimental data as well as any model, is fairly easy to work
with and is consistent with the random nature of turbulence. Site-
specific information on population location and meteorological
conditions is provided to CAP88-PC as input files developed by the
user. The formats for these input files have not changed from the
original mainframe version of the CAP88 code package.
CAP88-PC Version 4.1 is a modification intended to improve
usability, enhance the modeling methodology, update the dataset
formats, and provide a more maintainable code base and documentation
set for the future. Version 4.1 provides age-dependent dose conversion
factors and lifetime risk factors and uses a code architecture that
conforms to more recent coding standards and data formats. The data
updates include adoption of the ingestion and inhalation age and
particle size dependent dose and risk factor data supplied by Oak Ridge
National Laboratory in the DCFPAK Version 3.02 model,\1\ and age-
dependent ingestion and inhalation rates from the EPA.
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\1\ https://www.epa.gov/radiation/tools-calculating-radiation-dose-and-risk.
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The CAP88-PC Version 4.1 software was developed using a structured
software engineering methodology that included adoption of a defined
software
[[Page 12919]]
architecture, rigorous source control, independent verification of
source code as it was being implemented, multiple phases of testing,
and configuration control of the documentation and the code as
development progressed.
To conform to Windows 10 security requirements, and to improve
usability, case-specific input and output data files are now stored by
default in the user's Windows profile folders, rather than in the
application's Program Files folder.
CAP88-PC Version 4.1 input datasets can be stored in their own
folders, as subfolders of the Datasets folder. As an example, for the
Modtest dataset included with the Version 4.1 distribution set, the
folder holding the dataset and all associated data files and reports
would be located at c:\Users\xxxx\Documents\CAP88\Datasets\Modtest.
Datasets are recommended to be put into their own folders, because
using this data storage structure will simplify use of the code and
management of case data. Reports are always stored in the same folder
as the dataset. Population and wind files can be stored with the
dataset or in the default Population/Wind folders. However, CAP88-PC
Version 4.1 will preferentially use the population and wind files
located in the dataset. This improves sharing of dataset information
between organizations and simplifies configuration management of cases
because all pertinent case records (input and report files) are stored
together. A user can send a dataset, its population and wind files, and
its reports to another user, who can open them, using CAP88-PC Version
4.1 or any text editor, confident that the proper files are being used.
As was the case with Versions 3 and 4.0, Version 4.1 is not
backward compatible, and datasets generated using Versions 3 and 4.0
cannot be used directly by Version 4.1. This is the result of many
factors, including the addition of age-specific data and the inclusion
of many more nuclides than in previous versions. However, both Versions
4.0 and 4.1 include a dataset migration utility that upgrades many
Version 3 datasets to the applicable Version 4.0 or 4.1 format. The
migration utility runs on first use and is also available on demand
from the Tools>Options drop-down menu. The migration utility will move
Version 3 database files, input dataset files, population files, and
wind files from the format used with the 9 December 2007 release of
Version 3 to their respective Version 4 formats. The folder locations
of the Version 3 files being migrated and the locations for the Version
4 files being generated are selectable by the user or the utility will
select the default locations for those files.
The overall principle of the Version 4 architecture was to optimize
the code by performing data manipulation in the user interface and
computational functions in FORTRAN. CAP88-PC Versions 4.0 and 4.1 have
accomplished this by having the user interface collect the user input
data, read the associated databases, generate the dose and risk factors
from the DCFPAK data, then build and write the case dataset. The user
interface also handles all program interactions with the file system.
The FORTRAN computational sub-system now performs all decay and ground
surface buildup calculations along with all the air dispersion,
deposition, intake, dose, and risk calculations. The only file
manipulation performed by the FORTRAN sub-system is reading the dataset
files and writing report files. The data system used in CAP88-PC
Version 4.1 has access to information for all 1,252 radionuclides,
including those for which internal dose and risk factors have been
added in to DCFPAK Version 3.02.
C. Validation of the CAP88-PC Version 4.1 Model
The CAP88-PC Version 4.1 program is a well-established and
validated code for the purpose of making comprehensive dose and risk
assessments. The Gaussian plume model used in CAP88-PC to estimate
dispersion in air is one of the most commonly used models for
dispersion modeling. It produces results that agree with experimental
data as well as any model, is fairly easy to work with, and is
consistent with the random nature of turbulence. Version 4.1 has not
modified the basic Gaussian plume algorithm used by the AIRDOS module
of CAP88-PC, and comparison cases between Versions 4.0 and 4.1 have
been run.
The EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA) has reviewed
the testing report submitted by the contractor and verified the results
through independent testing. The report can be found at https://www.epa.gov/radiation/cap-88-pc.
As part of the software testing, the user interface was extensively
tested. The testing verified that the interface only accepted:
(1) Positive distances less than or equal to 80 kilometers (km) for
receptor distances;
(2) Non-negative release rates;
(3) Annual precipitation amounts between 0.01 and 500 centimeters
per year (cm/yr);
(4) Annual ambient temperatures between -100 and 100 degrees
Celsius ([deg]C);
(5) Lid heights between 25 and 10,000 meters (m);
(6) Non-negative source heights, and positive source diameters or
areas;
(7) Non-negative heat release rates, exit velocities and fixed
plume rises; and
(8) Agricultural fractions that summed to unity.
All issues identified with the interface have been resolved and
closed. Seven test cases were developed to test the capabilities of
CAP88-PC Version 4.1. Six of these cases involve the calculation of
dose and risk to an individual or population at the location identified
by the model as that of the maximally exposed individual (MEI) or
specified by the user. The testing objectives for these six cases
include the following verifications:
(1) Dose factors agree with those calculated using the DCFPAK 3.02
from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to 1% or less;
(2) Values of Chi-over-Q ([chi]/Q) agree within 1% with those
calculated using CAP88-PC Version 4.0, including but not limited to the
direction of the MEI (the calculated values for [chi]/Q showed good
agreement between Versions 4.0 and 4.1 in all directions);
(3) Air concentrations and deposition rates (where applicable)
agree within 1% with those calculated using CAP88-PC Version 4.0; and
(4) Results for dose rates and risks agree within 5% of independent
calculations; the 5% criterion was used here to allow for differences
caused by different modeling methods.
The objective of Test Case 7 was to verify the CAP88-PC Version 4.1
calculations of the air concentrations and working levels for radon-
only are consistent with Version 4.0.
D. Limitations of the CAP88-PC Model
Like all models, there are some limitations in the CAP88-PC system.
While up to six stacks or six area sources can be modeled, all the
sources are modeled as if located at the same point; that is, stacks
cannot be located in different areas of a facility. The same plume rise
mechanism (buoyant or momentum) is used for each source. Also, area
sources are treated as uniform. Variation in radionuclide
concentrations due to complex terrain cannot be modeled. Errors arising
from these assumptions will have a negligible effect for assessments
where the distance of exposed individuals is large compared to the
stack height, area or facility emissions.
[[Page 12920]]
E. Use of CAP88-PC Version 4.1 for Compliance Purposes
In the same manner as CAP88-PC Version 4.0, Version 4.1 allows the
user to incorporate the age-specific dose conversion factors and intake
rates contained in DCFPAK Version 3.02. The code allows the user to
select the ingestion and inhalation dose conversion and intake rates
from the age groups modeled in DCFPAK Version 3.02: infant (100 days
old), one-year old, five-year old, ten-year old, fifteen-year old, and
adult. However, the addition of this capability does not change the
requirements for compliance to the NESHAPS Subpart H requirements.
These are clearly stated in 40 CFR part 61 Subpart H. The ability to
allow the code base to include age-dependency does not impact or imply
changes to the compliance demonstration.
F. Summary of Changes for CAP88-PC Version 4 to Version 4.1.
Version 4.1 of CAP88-PC is an update from Version 4.0, and a
significant upgrade from earlier versions. CAP88-PC Versions 4.0 and
4.1 not only added significant features, but also redesigned the
interface to give the user a more standard experience. The entire user
interface module was re-written for Version 4 using VB.Net, the
Microsoft.Net Framework Version 4, and the Visual Studio 2010
development environment, in order to better comply with updated code
standards in Windows 7, Windows 8.1. and Windows 10. Specific changes
from Version 4.0 visible to the user in Version 4.1 include:
User Interface
(1) The Print button on the Reports tab has been replaced with a
button that opens the folder holding the report files which may then be
printed using a word processing program;
(2) Some labels in the user interface have been modified for
clarity;
(3) The capabilities for migrating datasets from previous versions
of CAP88-PC have been improved, including automatic conversion of
Version 4.0 datasets to Version 4.1.
Reports
(1) Some report headers have been modified for clarity;
(2) The Agricultural Data in the Synopsis report now prints the
values for the fractions of vegetables, milk, and meat from the
assessment area used in the calculation, which may have been adjusted
by CAP88-PC from the input values.
Data
(1) The dose and risk coefficients have been updated from DCFPAK
2.2 to those in DCFPAK 3.02 provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory;
(2) Internal dose and risk coefficient factors for 151 more
radionuclides have been added;
(3) Additional risk coefficient data has been added for more
radionuclides and chemical forms beyond the additional 151;
(4) Inhalation coefficients for radionuclides with special chemical
forms, such as iodine, have been added.
Error Handling
CAP88-PC Versions 4.0 and 4.1 contain an internal error logging and
tracking system. In the case of internal code errors, the code will
write errors to a file in the Message Log folder located in the same
folder set as the folder containing the datasets. Sending this file to
the EPA representative will facilitate troubleshooting.
On-Line Help System
CAP88-PC Version 4.1 includes a context-sensitive help system that
is accessible during operation. The on-line help system is a hypertext
version of the traditional user manual; the traditional user manual is
included as part of the release distribution package in pdf format.
Dated: February 26, 2020.
Lee Ann B. Veal,
Director, Radiation Protection Division, Office of Radiation and Indoor
Air.
[FR Doc. 2020-04546 Filed 3-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
