Texas: Approval of State Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program, 78980-78987 [2020-26987]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 257
[EPA–HQ–OLEM–2020–0508; FRL–10017–
69–OLEM]
Texas: Approval of State Coal
Combustion Residuals Permit Program
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of availability; request
for comment.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA),
the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA or the Agency) is proposing to
approve in part the Texas Coal
Combustion Residuals (CCR) permit
program. After reviewing the state CCR
permit program application, submitted
by the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ), EPA has
preliminarily determined that the Texas
CCR permit program meets the standard
for partial approval under RCRA. If
approved, the Texas CCR permit
program will operate in lieu of the
federal CCR program, with the
exception of the specific provisions
noted below. This document announces
that EPA is seeking comment on this
proposal during a 60-day public
comment period and will be holding a
virtual public hearing on EPA’s
preliminary approval of the Texas
partial CCR permit program.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before February 8, 2021.
Public Hearing: EPA will hold a
virtual public hearing on February 2,
2021.
You may send comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OLEM–2020–0508, by any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov/ (our
preferred method). Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center,
Office of Land and Emergency
Management (OLEM) Docket, Mail Code
28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460.
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the Docket ID No. for this
rulemaking. Comments received may be
posted without change to https://
www.regulations.gov/, including any
personal information provided. For
detailed instructions on sending
comments and additional information
on the rulemaking process, see the
‘‘Public Participation’’ heading of the
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ADDRESSES:
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document. Out of an abundance of
caution for members of the public and
our staff, the EPA Docket Center and
Reading Room are closed to the public,
with limited exceptions, to reduce the
risk of transmitting COVID–19. Our
Docket Center staff will continue to
provide remote customer service via
email, phone, and webform. We
encourage the public to submit
comments via https://
www.regulations.gov/ or email, as there
may be a delay in processing mail and
faxes. For further information on EPA
Docket Center services and the current
status, please visit us online at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets.
EPA will hold a virtual public
hearing. EPA will announce further
details on the public hearing website
(https://www.epa.gov/coalash) in
advance of the hearing. The hearing will
convene on February 2, 2021 at 9 a.m.
(ET) and conclude at 6 p.m. (ET). If
necessary, the hearing may go later to
accommodate all those wishing to
speak. For additional information on the
public hearing, see the ‘‘Public
Participation’’ heading of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle Long, Office of Resource
Conservation and Recovery, Materials
Recovery and Waste Management
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW, MC: 5304P, Washington, DC 20460;
telephone number: (703) 347–8953;
email address: long.michelle@epa.gov.
For more information on this document
please visit https://www.epa.gov/
coalash.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Throughout this document ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’
and ‘‘our’’ means the U.S. EPA.
I. Public Participation
A. Written Comments
Submit your comments, identified by
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OLEM–2020–
0508, at https://www.regulations.gov
(our preferred method), or the other
methods identified in the ADDRESSES
section. Once submitted, comments
cannot be edited or removed from the
docket. EPA may publish any comment
received to its public docket. Do not
submit to EPA’s docket at https://
www.regulations.gov any information
you consider to be Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Multimedia
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be
accompanied by a written comment.
The written comment is considered the
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official comment and should include
discussion of all points you wish to
make. EPA will generally not consider
comments or comment contents located
outside of the primary submission (i.e.,
on the web, cloud, or other file sharing
system). For additional submission
methods, the full EPA public comment
policy, information about CBI or
multimedia submissions, and general
guidance on making effective
comments, please visit https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epadockets.
EPA is temporarily suspending its
Docket Center and Reading Room for
public visitors, with limited exceptions,
to reduce the risk of transmitting
COVID–19. Our Docket Center staff will
continue to provide remote customer
service via email, phone, and webform.
We encourage the public to submit
comments via https://
www.regulations.gov/ as there may be a
delay in processing mail and faxes. For
further information and updates on EPA
Docket Center services, please visit us
online at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
EPA continues to carefully and
continuously monitor information from
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), local area health
departments, and our Federal partners
so that we can respond rapidly as
conditions change regarding COVID–19.
B. Participation in Virtual Public
Hearing
Please note that EPA is deviating from
its typical approach because the
President has declared a national
emergency. Because of current CDC
recommendations, as well as State and
local orders for social distancing to limit
the spread of COVID–19, EPA cannot
hold in-person public hearings at this
time.
EPA will begin pre-registering
speakers for the hearing upon
publication of this document in the
Federal Register. To register to speak at
the virtual hearing, please use the
online registration form available on
EPA’s CCR website (https://
www.epa.gov/coalash) or contact the
person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section to register
to speak at the hearing. The last day to
pre-register to speak at the hearing will
be January 29, 2021. On January 29,
2021, EPA will post a general agenda for
the hearing on EPA’s CCR website
(https://www.epa.gov/coalash).
EPA will make every effort to follow
the schedule as closely as possible on
the day of the hearing; however, please
plan for the hearing to run either ahead
of schedule or behind schedule.
Additionally, requests to speak will be
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taken the day of the hearing according
to the procedures specified on EPA’s
CCR website (https://www.epa.gov/
coalash) for this hearing. The Agency
will make every effort to accommodate
all speakers who arrive and register,
although preferences on speaking times
may not be able to be fulfilled.
Each commenter will have five (5)
minutes to provide oral testimony. EPA
encourages commenters to provide EPA
with a copy of their oral testimony
electronically (via email) to the person
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section. If EPA is anticipating
a high attendance, the time allotment
per testimony may be shortened to no
shorter than 3 minutes per person to
accommodate all those wishing to
provide testimony and who have preregistered. While EPA will make every
effort to accommodate all speakers who
do not preregister, opportunities to
speak may be limited based upon the
number of pre-registered speakers.
Therefore, EPA strongly encourages
anyone wishing to speak to preregister.
Participation in the virtual public
hearing does not preclude any entity or
individual from submitting a written
comment.
EPA may ask clarifying questions
during the oral presentations but will
not respond to the presentations at that
time. Written statements and supporting
information submitted during the
comment period will be considered
with the same weight as oral comments
and supporting information presented at
the public hearing. Verbatim transcripts
of the hearings and written statements
will be included in the docket for this
action.
Please note that any updates made to
any aspect of the hearing will be posted
online on EPA’s CCR website at https://
www.epa.gov/coalash. While EPA
expects the hearing to go forward as set
forth above, please monitor our website
or contact the person listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to
determine if there are any updates. EPA
does not intend to publish a document
in the Federal Register announcing
updates.
If you require the service of a
translator, please pre-register for the
hearing and describe your needs on the
registration form by January 19, 2021. If
you require special accommodations
such as audio description or closed
captioning, please pre-register for the
hearing and describe your needs on the
registration form by January 26, 2021.
Alternatively, registrants may notify the
person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section of any
special needs. We may not be able to
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arrange accommodations without
advanced notice.
II. General Information
A. Overview of Proposed Action
EPA is proposing to approve the
Texas CCR permit program, in part,
pursuant to RCRA 4005(d)(1)(B). 42
U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B). The fact that Texas
is seeking a partial program approval
does not mean it must subsequently
apply for a full program approval.
However, Texas could apply for a
revised partial program approval or a
full program approval at some point in
the future if it chooses to do so. If
approved, the Texas CCR permit
program would operate in lieu of the
federal CCR program, codified at 40 CFR
part 257, subpart D, with the exception
of the provisions specifically identified
below for which the State is not seeking
approval. However, even for the
approved provisions, EPA would retain
its inspection and enforcement
authorities under RCRA sections 3007
and 3008, 42 U.S.C. 6927 and 6928. See
42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(4)(B).
EPA has also engaged federallyrecognized tribes within the State of
Texas in consultation and coordination
regarding the program authorizations for
the TCEQ. EPA has established
opportunities for formal as well as
informal discussion throughout the
consultation period, beginning with an
initial conference call on October 19,
2020. Tribal consultation has been and
will continue to be conducted in
accordance with the EPA policy on
Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribes (https://www.epa.gov/
sites/production/files/2013-08/
documents/cons-and-coord-with-indiantribes-policy.pdf).
B. Background
CCR are generated from the
combustion of coal, including solid
fuels classified as anthracite,
bituminous coal, subbituminous coal,
and lignite, for the purpose of
generating steam to power a generator to
produce electricity or electricity and
other thermal energy by electric utilities
and independent power producers.
CCR, commonly known as coal ash,
include fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag,
and flue gas desulfurization materials.
CCR can be sent offsite for disposal or
beneficial use, or disposed of in on-site
landfills or surface impoundments.
On April 17, 2015, EPA published a
final rule, creating 40 CFR part 257,
subpart D, that established a
comprehensive set of minimum federal
requirements for the disposal of CCR in
landfills and surface impoundments (80
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FR 21302) (‘‘federal CCR regulations’’).
The rule created a self-implementing
program which regulates the location,
design, operating criteria, and
groundwater monitoring and corrective
action for CCR units, as well as the
closure and post-closure care of CCR
units. It also requires recordkeeping and
notifications for CCR units. The federal
CCR regulations do not apply to
‘‘beneficial use’’ of CCR, as that term is
defined in 40 CFR 257.53.
On August 5, 2016, EPA published a
direct final rule (81 FR 51802),
responding to an order issued by the
United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit (D.C.
Circuit) in Utility Solid Waste Activities
Group, et al. v. EPA, No. 15–1219 (D.C.
Cir. 2015). The direct final rule removed
certain provisions of the federal CCR
regulations at 40 CFR 257.100(b), (c),
and (d) related to the ‘‘early closure’’ of
inactive CCR surface impoundments by
April 17, 2018, that had been vacated by
the D.C. Circuit’s June 14, 2016, order.1
The direct final rule extended the
deadlines for owners and operators of
inactive CCR surface impoundments
who had taken advantage of the ‘‘early
closure’’ provisions of 40 CFR 257.100
to bring the units into compliance with
the federal CCR regulations’ substantive
requirements, but did not otherwise
amend the federal CCR regulations or
impose new requirements on those
units.
On July 30, 2018, EPA published a
final rule, Hazardous and Solid Waste
Management System: Disposal of Coal
Combustion Residuals From Electric
Utilities; Amendments to the National
Minimum Criteria (Phase One, Part
One), which finalized additional
revisions to the federal CCR regulations
(83 FR 36435) (‘‘July 2018 Final Rule’’).
Specifically, EPA amended the CCR
regulations to (1) provide states with
approved CCR permit programs under
the WIIN Act or EPA, when EPA is the
permitting authority, the ability to use
alternative performance standards; (2)
revise the groundwater protection
standards for four constituents in
Appendix IV to 40 CFR part 257 for
which maximum contaminant levels
(MCLs) under the Safe Drinking Water
Act have not been established; and (3)
provide additional time to facilities,
triggered by 40 CFR 257.101(a)(1) and
1 The D.C. Circuit’s June 14, 2016, order also
vacated the phrase ‘‘not to exceed a height of 6
inches above the slope of the dike’’ within 40 CFR
257.73(a)(4), 257.73(d)(1)(iv), 257.74(a)(4), and
257.74(d)(1)(iv). EPA proposed slope protection
requirements in its Phase One Proposed Rule (83 FR
11584, March 15, 2018) but has not yet finalized
such requirements.
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(b)(1)(i), to cease receiving waste and
initiate closure.
On August 28, 2020, EPA published a
final rule Hazardous and Solid Waste
Management System: Disposal of Coal
Combustion Residuals From Electric
Utilities; A Holistic Approach to Closure
Part A: Deadline To Initiate Closure (85
FR 53516) (‘‘Part A Final Rule’’). The
rule revises portions of the federal CCR
regulations to (1) accurately reflect the
D.C. Circuit’s Util. Solid Waste
Activities Group v. Envtl. Protec.
Agency, 901 F.3d 414 (D.C. 2018)
(‘‘USWAG decision’’ or ‘‘USWAG’’),
which vacated and remanded to EPA
the provisions at 40 CFR 257.101(a),
257.71(a)(1)(i) and 257.50(e); (2) address
the October 31, 2020 deadline and
finalize a new deadline of April 11,
2021 in 40 CFR 257.101(a) and (b)(1)(i),
by which CCR surface impoundments
must cease receipt of waste in light of
the 2018 USWAG decision and the 2019
Waterkeeper decision (See Waterkeeper
Alliance Inc. v. EPA, No. 18–1289 (D.C.
Cir. 2019)); (3) finalize alternative
closure provisions at 40 CFR 257.103 in
order to allow facilities to request
additional time to develop alternative
capacity to manage their waste streams
(both CCR and/or non-CCR) to achieve
cease receipt of waste and initiate
closure of their CCR surface
impoundments; and (4) finalize two of
the proposed amendments from the
August 14, 2019 rule (84 FR 40353): The
addition of an executive summary to the
annual groundwater monitoring and
corrective action reports under 40 CFR
257.90(e); and amend the requirements
for posting to the publicly accessible
CCR internet sites under 40 CFR
257.107.
C. Statutory Authority
EPA is issuing this proposed action
pursuant to sections 4005(d) and
7004(b)(1) of RCRA. See 42 U.S.C.
6945(d) and 6974(b)(1). Section 2301 of
the 2016 Water Infrastructure
Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act
amended section 4005 of RCRA,
creating a new subsection (d) that
establishes a federal permitting program
similar to those under RCRA subtitle C
and other environmental statutes. See
42 U.S.C. 6945(d).
Under RCRA section 4005(d)(1)(A), 42
U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(A), states seeking
approval must submit to the
Administrator ‘‘in such form as the
Administrator may establish, evidence
of a permit program or other system of
prior approval and conditions under
State law for regulation by the State of
coal combustion residuals units that are
located in the State.’’ EPA shall approve
a state permit program if the
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Administrator determines that the state
program will require each CCR unit
located in the state to achieve
compliance with either: (1) The federal
CCR requirements at 40 CFR part 257,
subpart D; or (2) other state criteria that
the Administrator, after consultation
with the state, determines to be ‘‘at least
as protective as’’ the federal
requirements. See 42 U.S.C.
6945(d)(1)(B). The Administrator must
make a final determination, after
providing for public notice and an
opportunity for public comment, within
180 days of receiving a state’s complete
submittal of the information in RCRA
section 4005(d)(1)(A). See 42 U.S.C.
6945(d)(1)(B). EPA may approve a state
CCR permit program in whole or in part.
Id. Once approved, the state permit
program operates in lieu of the federal
requirements. See 42 U.S.C.
6945(d)(1)(A). In a state with a partial
program, only the state requirements
that have been approved operate in lieu
of the federal requirements, and
facilities remain responsible for
compliance with all remaining
requirements in 40 CFR part 257.
RCRA section 7004(b) applies to all
RCRA programs, directing that ‘‘public
participation in the development,
revision, implementation, and
enforcement of any . . . program under
this chapter shall be provided for,
encouraged, and assisted by the
Administrator and the States.’’ 42 U.S.C.
6974(b)(1).
Once a program is approved, the
Administrator must review the
approved state CCR permit program not
less frequently than every 12 years, as
well as no later than three years after a
revision to an applicable section of 40
CFR part 257, subpart D or one year
after any unauthorized significant
release from a CCR unit located in the
state. EPA also must review an
approved program at the request of
another state alleging that the soil,
groundwater, or surface water of the
requesting state is or is likely to be
adversely affected by a release from a
CCR unit in the approved state. See 42
U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(D)(i)(I)–(IV).
In a state with an approved state CCR
permit program, EPA may commence
administrative or judicial enforcement
actions under section 3008 of RCRA, 42
U.S.C. 6928, if the state requests
assistance or if EPA determines that an
EPA enforcement action is likely to be
necessary to ensure that a CCR unit is
operating in accordance with the criteria
of the state’s permit program. See 42
U.S.C. 6945(d)(4). EPA can enforce any
federal requirements that remain in
effect (i.e., those for which there is no
corresponding approved state
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provision). EPA may also exercise its
inspection and information gathering
authorities under section 3007 of RCRA,
42 U.S.C. 6927.
III. The Texas Application
On September 11, 2020, the TCEQ
submitted its state CCR permit program
application to EPA Region 6 requesting
approval of the State’s partial CCR
permit program. After receiving
comments from EPA, Texas provided
revisions to its Program Description on
November 9, 2020, and November 23,
2020.2 The Texas application package
documents included (1) State statutes
and regulations, (2) the Attorney
General Statement, and (3) a Program
Description which provides details
about the State’s CCR permit program,
including the (a) State agency with the
authority for the CCR permit program;
(b) scope and coverage of the program,
(c) TCEQ responsibilities; (d) structure
and processes of TCEQ to implement
the CCR program; (e) applications,
public notice, hearing, and appeal
procedures for CCR registrations; (f)
technical requirements for the CCR
program; (g) a list of CCR facilities in
Texas; and (h) a description of State
resources to implement the CCR
program.
Throughout this document, EPA
interchangeably uses the Texas terms of
‘‘registration’’ and ‘‘permit’’ and
‘‘Program Description’’ to mean the
‘‘Narrative’’ document as described in
the Guidance Document (82 FR 38685,
August 15, 2017).
IV. EPA Analysis of the Texas
Application
RCRA section 4005(d) requires EPA to
evaluate two components of a state
program to determine whether it meets
the standard for approval. First, EPA is
to evaluate the permit program itself (or
other system of prior approval and
conditions). See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(A),
(B). RCRA section 4005(d)(1)(A) directs
the state to provide evidence of a state
permit program, in such form as EPA
may determine. In turn, RCRA section
4005(d)(1)(B) directs EPA to approve the
state program based upon a
determination that the program
‘‘requires each coal combustion
residuals unit located in the State to
2 The revised narrative (Program Description),
dated November 23, 2020, shall be substituted for
the original program description, dated September
2, 2020, and November 9, 2020, as well as
Attachment IV—Facility Unit Summary and CCR
Units Map, Replacement of Attachment II with
Attachment II—30 TAC Chapter 352, and the Texas
Water Code—Chapter 26. All other documents
submitted as part of the original September 11, 2020
application remain unchanged and are available in
the docket for this action.
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achieve compliance with the applicable
[federal or state] criteria.’’ In other
words, the statute directs EPA to
determine that the state has sufficient
authority to require compliance from all
CCR units located within the state. See
also, 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(D)(ii)(I). To
make this determination EPA evaluates
the state’s authority to issue permits and
impose conditions in those permits, as
well as the state’s authority for
compliance monitoring and
enforcement.
EPA also determines during this
portion of the review whether the state
permit program contains procedures
consistent with the directive in RCRA
section 7004(b). RCRA section 7004(b)
applies to all RCRA programs, directing
that ‘‘public participation in the
development, revision, implementation,
and enforcement of any . . . program
under this chapter shall be provided for,
encouraged, and assisted by the
Administrator and the States.’’ 42 U.S.C.
6974(b)(1). To make this determination
EPA evaluates the state provisions
governing the procedures for issuing
permits and for intervention in civil
enforcement proceedings.
Although 40 CFR part 239 applies to
the approval of State Municipal Solid
Waste Landfill (MSWLF) programs
under RCRA section 4005(c)(1) rather
than EPA’s evaluation of CCR permit
programs under RCRA section 4005(d),
the specific criteria outlined in 40 CFR
part 239 provide a helpful framework to
examine the relevant aspects of a state’s
permit program. In addition, states are
familiar with these criteria as a
consequence of the MSWLF program
(all States have MSWLF programs that
have been approved pursuant to these
regulations) and the regulations are
generally regarded as protective and
appropriate.
Consequently, EPA relied on the four
categories of criteria outlined in 40 CFR
part 239 as guidelines to evaluate the
Texas permitting requirements:
Requirements for compliance
monitoring authority, requirements for
enforcement authority, and
requirements for intervention in civil
enforcement proceedings.
Second, EPA is to evaluate the
technical criteria that will be included
in each permit, to determine whether
they are the same as the federal criteria,
or to the extent they differ, whether the
modified criteria are ‘‘at least as
protective as’’ the federal requirements.
See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B). Only if both
components meet the statutory
requirements may EPA approve the
program. See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1).
EPA has preliminarily determined
that the Texas CCR permit program
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includes all the elements of an adequate
state CCR permit program as discussed
in more detail below. It also contains all
the technical criteria in 40 CFR part 257,
except for the provisions specifically
discussed below. Consequently, EPA is
proposing to approve the Texas permit
program ‘‘in part.’’ 42 U.S.C.
6945(d)(1)(B). EPA’s analysis and
findings are discussed in greater detail
below and in the Technical Support
Document, which is available in the
docket supporting this preliminary
determination.
EPA’s full analysis of the Texas CCR
permit program, and how the Texas
regulations differ from the federal
requirements, can be found in the
Technical Support Document. EPA
determined that the Texas CCR permit
program application was complete and
notified Texas of its determination by
letter dated on December 3, 2020.3
A. Adequacy of the Texas Permit
Program
Section 4005(d)(1)(A) of RCRA, 42
U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(A), requires a state
seeking state CCR permit program
approval to submit to EPA, ‘‘in such
form as the Administrator may
establish, evidence of a permit program
or other system of prior approval and
conditions under State law for
regulation by the State of coal
combustion residuals units that are
located in the State.’’ Although the
statute directs EPA to establish the form
of such evidence, the statute does not
require EPA to promulgate regulations
governing the process or standard for
determining the adequacy of such state
programs. EPA, therefore, developed the
Coal Combustion Residuals State Permit
Program Guidance Document; Interim
Final (82 FR 38685, August 15, 2017)
(the ‘‘Guidance Document’’). The
Guidance Document provides
recommendations on a process and
standards that states may choose to use
to apply for EPA approval of its CCR
permit programs, based on the standards
in RCRA section 4005(d), existing
regulations at 40 CFR part 239, and the
Agency’s experience in reviewing and
approving state programs.
EPA evaluated the Texas CCR permit
program using the process, statutory and
regulatory standards discussed in the
Units II.C and IV.A. EPA’s findings are
summarized below and provided in
more detail in the Technical Support
Document located in the docket
3 The Texas application, EPA’s completeness
determination letter, and the Technical Support
Document are available in the docket supporting
this action.
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supporting this preliminary
determination.
1. Guidelines for Permitting
It is EPA’s judgment that an adequate
state CCR permit program will ensure
that: (1) Existing and new facilities are
permitted or otherwise approved and in
compliance with either 40 CFR part 257
or other state criteria; (2) the state has
the authority to collect all information
necessary to issue permits that are
adequate to ensure compliance with
relevant 40 CFR part 257, subpart D
requirements; and (3) the state has the
authority to impose requirements for
CCR units adequate to ensure
compliance with either 40 CFR part 257,
subpart D or such other state criteria
that have been determined and
approved by the Administrator to be at
least as protective as 40 CFR part 257,
subpart D.
EPA has preliminarily determined
that the Texas approach to CCR
registration applications and approvals
is adequate. At Title 30 of the Texas
Administrative Code (TAC) sections
352.101 through 352.141, Texas has
State-specific provisions imposing
requirements for CCR registration,
registration characteristics and
conditions, registration duration,
registration amendments, and the
issuance and transfer of registrations. 30
TAC section 352.101 specifically
requires registration for the management
or disposal of CCR in an existing
landfill, in an existing or inactive
surface impoundment, and for a new or
lateral expansion of a landfill or surface
impoundment. Such registrations are
subject to the state’s standard permit
characteristics and conditions
established in 30 TAC Chapter 305,
Subchapter F (See 30 TAC section
352.111). Under 30 TAC section
352.121, a registration may be issued for
the active life of the unit, as well as any
post-closure care period, as needed;
however, the registration may be
revoked or amended at any time that the
owner or operator fails to meet the
minimum standards of the CCR
regulations, or for any other good cause.
Texas also requires that a change in a
term, condition or provision of a
registration requires an amendment
pursuant to 30 TAC section 352.131. An
application requesting an amendment is
processed as a major amendment or a
minor amendment in accordance with
30 TAC section 305.62. At 30 TAC
section 305.62(c)(1), Texas describes a
major amendment as ‘‘an amendment
that changes a substantive term,
provision, requirement, or a limiting
parameter of a permit.’’ At 30 TAC
section 305.62(c)(2), Texas describes a
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minor amendment as ‘‘an amendment to
improve or maintain the permitted
quality or method of disposal of waste,
. . .’’ and which includes any other
change ‘‘that will not cause or relax a
standard or criterion which may result
in a potential deterioration of quality of
water in the state.’’ Under 30 TAC
section 305.62(d), the executive director
may initiate a major amendment or a
minor amendment if good cause exists.
The Texas provision at 30 TAC
section 352.141 prohibits the transfer of
a registration from one person to
another without complying with
provisions of 30 TAC section 305.64
relating to the transfer of permits. Under
30 TAC section 305.64, the registrant or
the transferee must submit an
application to the executive director at
least 30 days before the proposed
transfer date and receive approval of the
application from the commission before
the registration can be transferred. The
Texas regulations provide that a
registration cannot be transferred from
one facility to another. The specific CCR
registration application requirements
are established in 30 TAC sections
352.201 through 352.311 where Texas
has State-specific provisions addressing
CCR registration application contents
and information requirements. Under 30
TAC sections 352.241 through 352.301,
Texas requires sufficient information to
ensure that all the 40 CFR part 257,
subpart D technical requirements will
be followed. Specifically, a registration
application shall include sufficient
information and reports to: (1)
Characterize the geology and
hydrogeology at the facility; (2)
demonstrate compliance with location
restrictions; (3) demonstrate compliance
with design criteria; (4) demonstrate
compliance with operating criteria; (5)
demonstrate compliance with
applicable groundwater monitoring and
corrective action requirements; and (6)
demonstrate compliance with
applicable closure and post-closure
requirements. The provision at 30 TAC
section 352.311 requires the owner or
operator to keep records of data used to
complete the application and any
supplemental information or material
throughout the term of the registration.
At 30 TAC sections 352.401 through
352.481, Texas adopted State-specific
provisions addressing procedures for
registration application deficiencies,
public notifications, and registration
decisions by the executive director. As
part of the State’s evaluation of the
completeness of a registration
application, 30 TAC section 352.401
requires the executive director to notify
an applicant of any additional
information or application materials
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required to complete the application by
transmitting a notice of deficiency
(NOD) to the applicant. The NOD
specifies a deadline for the NOD
response of up to 60 days from the
executive director’s transmittal of the
NOD. If the executive director does not
receive an adequate and timely response
to a notice of deficiency by the response
deadline, the executive director may
return the incomplete application to the
applicant (30 TAC section 352.421).
EPA has preliminarily determined
that the Texas approach to CCR
registration applications and approvals
is adequate, and that this aspect of the
Texas CCR permit program meets the
standard for program approval.
2. Guidelines for Public Participation
Based on RCRA section 7004, 42
U.S.C. 6974, it is EPA’s judgment that
an adequate state CCR permit program
will ensure that: (1) Documents for
permit determinations are made
available for public review and
comment; (2) final determinations on
permit applications are made known to
the public; and (3) public comments on
permit determinations are considered.
Texas has adopted public participation
opportunities for the CCR program that
can provide an inclusive dialogue,
allowing interested parties to talk
openly and frankly about issues within
the CCR program and search for
mutually agreeable solutions to
differences. An overview of the Texas
public participation provisions is
provided below.
a. Public Participation in the CCR
Registration Application Process
Under 30 TAC section 39.418, the
TCEQ requires that no later than 30 days
after the executive director declares an
application to be complete, the
applicant must publish a Notice of
Receipt of Application and Intent to
Obtain Permit in a newspaper of largest
circulation in the county in which the
facility is located, or, if a newspaper is
not published in the county, the notice
must be published in any newspaper of
general circulation in the county in
which the facility is located or proposed
to be located. Registration applications
are also made available to the public on
the applicant’s publicly accessible CCR
internet site. Under 30 TAC section
352.461(a)(1), the applicant is also
required to make a copy of the
application available for review and
copying at a public place in the county
in which the facility is located. Upon
completion of the application review,
the TCEQ publishes a public notice of
the TCEQ’s receipt of the registration
application, the executive director’s
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initial decision on the application, and
provides an opportunity for public
comments or for the public to request a
public meeting in accordance with the
procedures contained in 30 TAC
sections 39.503(c), 39.405(f) and
39.405(h).
30 TAC section 352.471 gives the
executive director the authority to
prepare a draft registration upon a
preliminary determination that an
application for a new registration or a
major amendment of a registration
meets the regulatory requirements for
issuance of a registration. When the
executive director has prepared a draft
registration, copies of it are also made
available to the public, along with a
technical summary. The technical
summary provides information
regarding the application, staff review,
and agency contacts available to assist
members of the public in answering
questions about the application. In
addition, the commission records are
open to the public for review subject to
statutory privileges and claims of
confidentiality consistent with the
Texas Public Information Act. See Texas
Government Code Annotated, Chapter
552 and 30 TAC 1.5.
b. Public Notice
30 TAC section 352.461 subjects all
public notices to the requirements in (1)
30 TAC section 39.405 (relating to
General Notice Provisions); (2) 30 TAC
section 39.407 (relating to Mailing
Lists); (3) 30 TAC section 39.409
(relating to Deadline for Public
Comment, and for Requests for
Reconsideration, Contested Case
Hearing, or Notice and Comment
Hearing); (4) 30 TAC section 39.411
(relating to Text of Public Notice); (5) 30
TAC section 39.413 (relating to Mailed
Notice); and (6) 30 TAC section 39.420
(relating to Transmittal of the Executive
Director’s Response to Comments and
Decision). 30 TAC section 352.431(c)
requires that the text of the public
notices on the application include the
internet address required by 30 TAC
section 352.1321 for the publicly
accessible website for that facility.
Under 30 TAC sections 39.503(c) and
39.405(f), Texas applicants must publish
the notice in the newspaper of largest
general circulation that is published in
the county in which the facility is
located or is proposed to be located. In
certain instances, Texas applicants may
be required to publish notice in a
language other than English in a
newspaper predominately published in
that alternative language. In certain
circumstances, Texas requires that
notices are mailed to select individuals
such as adjacent landowners, State and
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local government officials, and anyone
who asks to be included in the mailing
list, among others. In addition to the 30
TAC section 352.431(c) requirements,
the provision at 30 TAC section 352.441
requires that a revised notice be
published if changes to an application
constitute a major amendment under 30
TAC section 352.131 (relating to
Amendments) after notice of receipt of
application has been mailed and
published.
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c. Public Comments and Response to
Comments
Texas requires a minimum of a 30-day
public comment period for CCR
registration applications pursuant to 30
TAC section 352.431(d). Pursuant to 30
TAC section 352.431(e), the executive
director shall consider all public
comments received before the close of
the public comment period. 30 TAC
section 352.461(c) requires the
executive director to prepare a response
to all timely, relevant and material, or
significant public comment. The
executive director’s response and
decision are sent to the mailing list,
including all commenters, as required
under 30 TAC section 39.420.
d. Public Meeting
Under 30 TAC section 352.451(a), the
owner or operator and the commission
may hold a public meeting under 30
TAC section 55.154 for a new CCR
registration application or a major
amendment to a CCR registration in the
county in which the facility is located,
based on the criteria of 30 TAC sections
39.503(e), 55.154(c) or 352.961(c), as
cited in 30 TAC section 352.461(b). The
purpose of a public meeting is to
provide information and receive public
comment. Under 30 TAC sections
39.503(e)(1) and 55.154(c)(1) through
(2), the TCEQ is required to hold a
public meeting upon request of a
member of the legislature who
represents the general area in which the
facility is proposed to be located for an
application for a new facility or when
the executive director determines that
there is substantial public interest in the
application or proposed facility. 30 TAC
section 39.503(e)(3) provides, for
example, that a ‘‘substantial public
interest’’ is demonstrated when a
request for a public meeting is filed by
a homeowners’ or property owners’
association formally organized or
chartered and having at least ten
members located in the general area in
which the facility is located or proposed
to be located; or a group of ten or more
local residents, property owners, or
businesses located in the general area in
which the facility is located or proposed
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to be located. Finally, under 30 TAC
section 352.961(c), a public meeting
must be held on applications for
registrations that authorize corrective
action and selection of a remedy as
provided in 40 CFR 257.96(e). 30 TAC
section 352.451(c) requires that a notice
of the public meeting must be provided
in accordance with the procedures
contained in 30 TAC section
39.503(e)(6), including newspaper
publication and mailed notice from the
chief clerk to persons listed in 30 TAC
section 39.413.
e. Challenges to Executive Director’s
Action on a Registration Application
30 TAC section 352.481 provides that
the executive director’s action on a CCR
application for a new registration or an
amendment of a registration is subject to
30 TAC sections 50.139 and 80.272
which provide the public with a right to
file a rehearing request for decisions
made in administrative hearing and a
right to file a motion to overturn the
executive director’s action on an
application decision.
EPA has preliminarily determined
that the Texas approach to public
participation requirements provides
adequate opportunities for public
participation in the permitting process
sufficient to meet the standard for
program approval.
3. Guidelines for Compliance
Monitoring Authority
It is EPA’s judgment that an adequate
permit program should provide the state
with the authority to gather information
about compliance, perform inspections,
and ensure that information it gathers is
suitable for enforcement. The TCEQ has
compliance monitoring authority under
its Texas Health and Safety Code
(THSC) and the Texas Water Code
(TWC). Specifically, THSC section
361.032 provides the authority for
environmental investigators to enter
public or private property and conduct
inspections or investigate solid waste
facilities, including CCR units. In
addition, TWC section 5.102 gives the
commission the powers to perform any
acts specifically authorized by this code,
another law, implied by this code, or
other law necessary and convenient to
the exercise of its jurisdiction, as
provided by the laws of the state rules,
orders and permits. The TCEQ
Enforcement Division maintains
compliance schedules and reviews the
schedules regularly to determine
whether a facility is complying with its
schedule. If a facility fails to meet its
compliance schedule, the facility is
deemed to be in violation of the TWC,
the THSC, or TCEQ rules.
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EPA has preliminarily determined
that these compliance monitoring
authorities are adequate, and that this
aspect of the Texas CCR permit program
meets the standard for program
approval.
4. Guidelines for Enforcement Authority
It is EPA’s judgment that an adequate
state CCR permit program should
provide the state with adequate
enforcement authority to administer its
state CCR permit program, including the
authority to: (1) Restrain any person
from engaging in activity which may
damage human health or the
environment, (2) sue to enjoin
prohibited activity, and (3) sue to
recover civil penalties for prohibited
activity.
The TCEQ has adequate enforcement
authority for its existing programs under
TWC sections 5.512, 7.002, 7.032, 7.051,
7.052, 7.101, 7.103 and 7.105–7.110.
Under TWC section 7.002, the state has
the authority to initiate an enforcement
action to enforce the provisions of the
Texas Water Code, the Texas Health and
Safety Code within the commission’s
jurisdiction, and rules adopted under
those provisions. Under TWC section
5.512, the TCEQ has specific authority
to issue an emergency order concerning
an activity of solid waste management
under its commission’s jurisdiction,
even if that activity is not covered by a
permit, if it finds that an emergency
requiring immediate action to protect
the public health and safety exists.
The state also has the authority to sue
in a court of competent jurisdiction and
may enforce a state rule or a provision
of a permit by injunction or other
appropriate remedy that may include
corrective action. (TWC section 7.032).
On request of the executive director, the
attorney general may initiate a suit in
the name of the state for injunctive
relief. (TWC section 7.032(e)).
The TCEQ may assess administrative
penalties and civil penalties for solid
waste violations under TWC section
7.051, 7.101, 7.103 and 7.105 through
7.110. Under TWC section 7.052(c) and
(d), the TCEQ may seek administrative
penalties of up to $25,000 per day for
each violation for solid waste
management violations. TWC section
7.105(a) specifically provides authority
for the Attorney General to initiate a suit
to recover a civil penalty, or for both
injunctive relief and a civil penalty. The
Attorney General may represent the
State in civil judicial actions that may
seek penalties from $50 to $25,000 per
day for each violation. (TWC section
7.102).
EPA has preliminarily determined
that this aspect of the Texas CCR permit
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program meets the standard for program
approval.
5. Intervention in Civil Enforcement
Proceedings
Based on section 7004 of RCRA, it is
EPA’s judgment that an adequate State
CCR permit program should provide an
opportunity for citizen intervention in
civil enforcement proceedings.
Specifically, the state must either: (a)
Provide for citizen intervention as a
matter of right or (b) have in place a
process to (1) provide notice and
opportunity for public involvement in
civil enforcement actions, (2) investigate
and provide responses to citizen
complaints about violations, and (3) not
oppose citizen intervention when
permissive intervention is allowed by
statute, rule, or regulation.
Under TWC sections 7.075, and 7.110,
Texas has specific authorities and the
TCEQ rules that provide opportunity for
public participation in state
enforcement proceedings by allowing
persons to comment or intervene in
certain administrative and civil actions.
Notice of the opportunity to comment
on the action is published in the Texas
Register. Specifically, TWC sections
7.075(a) and 7.110(a) and (b) allow for
a 30-day public comment period for
administrative enforcement actions and
civil enforcement actions. The
commission, under TWC section
7.075(b) and the Office of Attorney
General under TWC section 7.110(c),
must consider any written comments
and may withdraw or withhold consent
to a proposed order, judgment or other
agreement if the comments disclose
facts or considerations that indicate that
the consent is inappropriate, improper,
inadequate, or inconsistent with the
requirements of the commission’s
statutes, rules, or permits.
The TCEQ rules also provide at least
two other opportunities for public
participation in enforcement actions,
including, (1) when an agreement is
reached in an enforcement action
between a respondent and the executive
director, by providing public notice in
the Texas Register and a 30-day public
comment period (30 TAC section
70.10(c)); and (2) by providing
opportunity for public comments at
commission meetings on enforcement
orders, pursuant to the Texas Open
Meetings Act under 30 TAC Chapter 10.
Texas Water Code sections 5.176
through 5.1773 provides for a public
process for submitting and participating
in complaints about a matter within the
commission’s jurisdiction. If a
complaint relating to an entity regulated
by the commission is filed with the
commission, the commission must
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notify the parties to the complaint at
least quarterly of the status of the
complaint until the complaint reaches
final disposition. Additionally, in
accordance with TWC section 5.176
through 5.1765, the commission
maintains a public website that contains
public education materials informing
the public about the commission’s
complaint policies and procedures, the
collection and preservation of citizen
collected evidence, and the status of
environmental complaints and pending
enforcement actions, as well as
administrative and judicial orders.
Under TWC section 7.110(d), the Office
of the Attorney General may not oppose
intervention by a person who has
standing to intervene as provided by
Rule 60, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
EPA has preliminarily determined
that these authorities provide for an
adequate level of citizen involvement in
the enforcement process, and that this
aspect of the Texas CCR permit program
meets the standard for program
approval.
B. Adequacy of Technical Criteria
EPA conducted an analysis of the
Texas CCR Permit Program Application,
including a thorough analysis of Texas
statutory authorities for the CCR
program, as well as its regulations at 30
TAC Chapter 352. As noted, Texas has
requested partial program approval of
its CCR permit program.
1. Texas CCR Regulatory Authority
On May 6, 2020, the TCEQ adopted 30
TAC Chapter 352—Coal Combustion
Residuals Waste Management, which in
general are identical or analogous to the
requirements of the self-implementing
40 CFR part 257, subpart D. The TCEQ’s
CCR regulations were effective as of
May 28, 2020.4 The commission
adopted Chapter 352 under: (1) TWC
section 5.102, which provides the
commission the power to perform any
acts necessary and convenient to the
exercise of its jurisdiction and powers
as provided by the TWC and other laws;
TWC section 5.103, which provides the
commission with the authority to adopt
any rules necessary to carry out its
powers and duties under the TWC and
other laws of the State; and TWC,
section 5.105, which authorizes the
commission to establish and approve all
general policy of the commission by
rule; and (2) THSC, Solid Waste
Disposal Act, sections 361.017 and
361.024, which authorize the
commission to regulate industrial solid
4 The Texas CCR Regulations are included in
Attachment II of Texas’ application and which is
available in the docket supporting this preliminary
determination.
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waste and municipal hazardous waste
and to adopt rules consistent with the
general intent and purposes of the
THSC; and THSC section 361.090(d),
which allows the commission to adopt
rules to control the collection, handling,
storage, processing, and disposal of
industrial solid waste to protect the
property of others, public property and
rights-of-way, groundwater, and other
rights requiring protection.
The TCEQ has identified 58 units that
are currently or have been used for
disposal of CCR (17 landfills and 41
surface impoundments) in Texas.5 The
TCEQ demonstrated that it has the
personnel and funding to administer a
registration program that is at least as
protective as the Federal requirements.6
2. Texas CCR Regulations
EPA has preliminarily determined
that the portions of the Texas CCR
permit program that were submitted for
approval meet the standard for approval
under RCRA section 4005(d)(1)(B)(i), 42
U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B)(i). To make this
preliminary determination, EPA
compared the technical requirements in
the Texas CCR regulations at 30 TAC
Chapter 352 to the Federal CCR
regulations at 40 CFR part 257, subpart
D to determine whether they differed
from the Federal requirements, and if
so, whether those differences met the
standard in RCRA sections
4005(d)(1)(B)(ii) and (C), 42 U.S.C.
6945(d)(1)(B)(ii) and (C).
At 30 TAC Chapter 352, the TCEQ
largely adopted by reference the
requirements of 40 CFR part 257,
subpart D, and implements procedural
requirements for a registration and
compliance monitoring program to
authorize CCR units subject to the
Federal CCR regulations. Specifically,
Texas adopted by reference 40 CFR
257.52, 40 CFR 257.53, 40 CFR 257.60
through 257.107, and the 40 CFR part
257 Appendices, as amended through
August 5, 2016 (81 FR 51807), and as
modified by the USWAG decision.
Texas did not adopt by reference 40 CFR
257.71, 257.95(h) and 257.101(a). See 30
TAC sections 352.2 and 352.3(a), 30
TAC sections 352.601 through 352.981
and 352.1200 through 352.1431.7 With
5 For more information on the specific facilities
covered by the Texas CCR Permit Program, see
Section VII of the Texas Program Description and
Attachment IV of the Texas application which are
available in the docket for this action.
6 The discussion on State personnel and funding
is included in Section VIII of the Program
Description, which is included in the docket for
this action.
7 A reference crosswalk comparison of 40 CFR
part 257, subpart D and 30 TAC Chapter 352
provided by Texas is also available in the docket
as Attachment I.
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these exceptions, the technical
requirements are identical to the Federal
regulations.
In addition to the technical criteria in
30 TAC Chapter 352, Texas has adopted
State-specific registration for CCR units
and public participation requirements
in 30 TAC sections 352.101 through
352.481; State financial assurance
requirements in 30 TAC sections
352.1101 and 352.1111; and for certain
activities, Texas has additional
requirements for State notifications by
owners and operators of CCR units, and
State approvals by the executive
director employed by the commission.
Specifically, in addition to what is
required by 40 CFR part 257, the State
CCR regulations contain additional
State-specific requirements for the use
of licensed professional engineers and
geoscientists in 30 TAC section 352.4;
use of laboratories accredited and
certified by the State in 30 TAC section
352.5; State notifications and approvals
for specific CCR activities by owners
and operators in 30 TAC sections
352.731(b), 352.741(b), 352.831(b),
352.841(b), 352.902, 352.911(b) and (c),
352.931(b), 352.941(b) through (d),
352.951(c) through (e), 352.981(b) and
(c), 352.1221(b) and 352.1241(b) and (c);
pre-opening inspection requirements for
new and lateral expansions of CCR
landfills and surface impoundments in
30 TAC section 352.851; groundwater
monitoring and corrective action in 30
TAC sections 352.911(d), 352.951(b) and
352.991; recordkeeping in 30 TAC
section 352.1301(b); and posting of
information on the publicly accessible
website in 30 TAC section 352.1321(c)
and (d).
3. Texas Partial Program
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The TCEQ is seeking approval of its
state CCR permit program, in part,
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pursuant to RCRA section 4005(d). The
TCEQ’s rules implement the Federal
regulations promulgated through August
5, 2016, and as modified by the USWAG
decision. The TCEQ has not amended
state CCR program rules to implement
the Part A Final Rule. Accordingly,
Texas is not seeking approval for the
following five provisions of its
regulations, which are described in
more detail below:
1. 30 TAC section 352.1(b)(2); this
state provision is the analog to the
Federal exclusion of inactive
impoundments at inactive facilities,
found at 40 CFR 257.50(e), that was
vacated in USWAG;
2. The state provision that is the
analog to the Federal requirement that
multiunit groundwater monitoring
systems with unlined CCR surface
impoundments must retrofit or close,
found at 40 CFR 257.91(d)(2), which is
no longer relevant, as all unlined CCR
surface impoundments must close;
3. The state provision that is the
analog to the Federal requirement that
unlined CCR surface impoundments
must retrofit or close after an assessment
of corrective measures is required,
found at 40 CFR 257.95(g)(5), which
references a provision that was vacated
in USWAG;
4. 30 TAC sections 352.711(a)(4) and
352.1211(b); these state provisions relate
to the date for unlined surface
impoundments to cease receipt of waste.
EPA has since revised the Federal
regulation and the state has not adopted
the Federal revision, found at 40 CFR
257.101(a)(1) or 257.101(b)(1)(i);
5. 30 TAC section 352.1231; this state
provision is the analog to the Federal
alternative closure requirements of CCR
units, found at 40 CFR 257.103. EPA has
since revised the Federal regulation and
the state has not adopted the Federal
revision.
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With the exception of the five
provisions noted above, EPA has
preliminarily determined that the Texas
CCR regulations contain all of the
technical elements of the Federal CCR
regulations, including requirements for
location restrictions, design and
operating criteria, groundwater
monitoring and corrective action,
closure requirements and post-closure
care, recordkeeping, notification and
publicly accessible CCR internet site
posting requirements. The Texas CCR
permit program also contains Statespecific language, references,
definitions, and State-specific
requirements that differ from the
Federal CCR regulations, but which EPA
has determined to be ‘‘at least as
protective as’’ the Federal criteria.
The effect of granting a partial
approval is that, except for the five
provisions for which EPA has not
granted approval, the Texas CCR permit
program will apply in lieu of the
Federal regulations. For the five state
provisions that were not approved, the
corresponding Federal requirements
will continue to apply directly to
facilities, and therefore facilities must
comply with both the Federal
requirements and the state
requirements.
V. Proposed Action
EPA has preliminarily determined
that the Texas partial CCR permit
program meets the statutory standard for
approval. Accordingly, in accordance
with 42 U.S.C. 6945(d), EPA is
proposing to approve the Texas partial
CCR permit program.
Andrew Wheeler,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020–26987 Filed 12–7–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
E:\FR\FM\08DEP1.SGM
08DEP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 236 (Tuesday, December 8, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78980-78987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26987]
[[Page 78980]]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 257
[EPA-HQ-OLEM-2020-0508; FRL-10017-69-OLEM]
Texas: Approval of State Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA),
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is proposing to
approve in part the Texas Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) permit
program. After reviewing the state CCR permit program application,
submitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), EPA
has preliminarily determined that the Texas CCR permit program meets
the standard for partial approval under RCRA. If approved, the Texas
CCR permit program will operate in lieu of the federal CCR program,
with the exception of the specific provisions noted below. This
document announces that EPA is seeking comment on this proposal during
a 60-day public comment period and will be holding a virtual public
hearing on EPA's preliminary approval of the Texas partial CCR permit
program.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 8, 2021.
Public Hearing: EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on February
2, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OLEM-2020-0508, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov/
(our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket
Center, Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) Docket, Mail
Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket ID
No. for this rulemaking. Comments received may be posted without change
to https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal information
provided. For detailed instructions on sending comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process, see the ``Public Participation''
heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. Out
of an abundance of caution for members of the public and our staff, the
EPA Docket Center and Reading Room are closed to the public, with
limited exceptions, to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19. Our
Docket Center staff will continue to provide remote customer service
via email, phone, and webform. We encourage the public to submit
comments via https://www.regulations.gov/ or email, as there may be a
delay in processing mail and faxes. For further information on EPA
Docket Center services and the current status, please visit us online
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
EPA will hold a virtual public hearing. EPA will announce further
details on the public hearing website (https://www.epa.gov/coalash) in
advance of the hearing. The hearing will convene on February 2, 2021 at
9 a.m. (ET) and conclude at 6 p.m. (ET). If necessary, the hearing may
go later to accommodate all those wishing to speak. For additional
information on the public hearing, see the ``Public Participation''
heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Long, Office of Resource
Conservation and Recovery, Materials Recovery and Waste Management
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Avenue NW, MC: 5304P, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (703)
347-8953; email address: [email protected]. For more information on
this document please visit https://www.epa.gov/coalash.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document ``we,'' ``us,'' and
``our'' means the U.S. EPA.
I. Public Participation
A. Written Comments
Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2020-
0508, at https://www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or the
other methods identified in the ADDRESSES section. Once submitted,
comments cannot be edited or removed from the docket. EPA may publish
any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit to EPA's
docket at https://www.regulations.gov any information you consider to
be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio,
video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written
comment is considered the official comment and should include
discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will generally not
consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary
submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For
additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance
on making effective comments, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
EPA is temporarily suspending its Docket Center and Reading Room
for public visitors, with limited exceptions, to reduce the risk of
transmitting COVID-19. Our Docket Center staff will continue to provide
remote customer service via email, phone, and webform. We encourage the
public to submit comments via https://www.regulations.gov/ as there may
be a delay in processing mail and faxes. For further information and
updates on EPA Docket Center services, please visit us online at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
EPA continues to carefully and continuously monitor information
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local area
health departments, and our Federal partners so that we can respond
rapidly as conditions change regarding COVID-19.
B. Participation in Virtual Public Hearing
Please note that EPA is deviating from its typical approach because
the President has declared a national emergency. Because of current CDC
recommendations, as well as State and local orders for social
distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19, EPA cannot hold in-person
public hearings at this time.
EPA will begin pre-registering speakers for the hearing upon
publication of this document in the Federal Register. To register to
speak at the virtual hearing, please use the online registration form
available on EPA's CCR website (https://www.epa.gov/coalash) or contact
the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to
register to speak at the hearing. The last day to pre-register to speak
at the hearing will be January 29, 2021. On January 29, 2021, EPA will
post a general agenda for the hearing on EPA's CCR website (https://www.epa.gov/coalash).
EPA will make every effort to follow the schedule as closely as
possible on the day of the hearing; however, please plan for the
hearing to run either ahead of schedule or behind schedule.
Additionally, requests to speak will be
[[Page 78981]]
taken the day of the hearing according to the procedures specified on
EPA's CCR website (https://www.epa.gov/coalash) for this hearing. The
Agency will make every effort to accommodate all speakers who arrive
and register, although preferences on speaking times may not be able to
be fulfilled.
Each commenter will have five (5) minutes to provide oral
testimony. EPA encourages commenters to provide EPA with a copy of
their oral testimony electronically (via email) to the person listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. If EPA is anticipating a
high attendance, the time allotment per testimony may be shortened to
no shorter than 3 minutes per person to accommodate all those wishing
to provide testimony and who have pre-registered. While EPA will make
every effort to accommodate all speakers who do not preregister,
opportunities to speak may be limited based upon the number of pre-
registered speakers. Therefore, EPA strongly encourages anyone wishing
to speak to preregister. Participation in the virtual public hearing
does not preclude any entity or individual from submitting a written
comment.
EPA may ask clarifying questions during the oral presentations but
will not respond to the presentations at that time. Written statements
and supporting information submitted during the comment period will be
considered with the same weight as oral comments and supporting
information presented at the public hearing. Verbatim transcripts of
the hearings and written statements will be included in the docket for
this action.
Please note that any updates made to any aspect of the hearing will
be posted online on EPA's CCR website at https://www.epa.gov/coalash.
While EPA expects the hearing to go forward as set forth above, please
monitor our website or contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section to determine if there are any updates. EPA
does not intend to publish a document in the Federal Register
announcing updates.
If you require the service of a translator, please pre-register for
the hearing and describe your needs on the registration form by January
19, 2021. If you require special accommodations such as audio
description or closed captioning, please pre-register for the hearing
and describe your needs on the registration form by January 26, 2021.
Alternatively, registrants may notify the person listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of any special needs. We may not be
able to arrange accommodations without advanced notice.
II. General Information
A. Overview of Proposed Action
EPA is proposing to approve the Texas CCR permit program, in part,
pursuant to RCRA 4005(d)(1)(B). 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B). The fact that
Texas is seeking a partial program approval does not mean it must
subsequently apply for a full program approval. However, Texas could
apply for a revised partial program approval or a full program approval
at some point in the future if it chooses to do so. If approved, the
Texas CCR permit program would operate in lieu of the federal CCR
program, codified at 40 CFR part 257, subpart D, with the exception of
the provisions specifically identified below for which the State is not
seeking approval. However, even for the approved provisions, EPA would
retain its inspection and enforcement authorities under RCRA sections
3007 and 3008, 42 U.S.C. 6927 and 6928. See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(4)(B).
EPA has also engaged federally-recognized tribes within the State
of Texas in consultation and coordination regarding the program
authorizations for the TCEQ. EPA has established opportunities for
formal as well as informal discussion throughout the consultation
period, beginning with an initial conference call on October 19, 2020.
Tribal consultation has been and will continue to be conducted in
accordance with the EPA policy on Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribes (https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-08/documents/cons-and-coord-with-indian-tribes-policy.pdf).
B. Background
CCR are generated from the combustion of coal, including solid
fuels classified as anthracite, bituminous coal, subbituminous coal,
and lignite, for the purpose of generating steam to power a generator
to produce electricity or electricity and other thermal energy by
electric utilities and independent power producers. CCR, commonly known
as coal ash, include fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas
desulfurization materials. CCR can be sent offsite for disposal or
beneficial use, or disposed of in on-site landfills or surface
impoundments.
On April 17, 2015, EPA published a final rule, creating 40 CFR part
257, subpart D, that established a comprehensive set of minimum federal
requirements for the disposal of CCR in landfills and surface
impoundments (80 FR 21302) (``federal CCR regulations''). The rule
created a self-implementing program which regulates the location,
design, operating criteria, and groundwater monitoring and corrective
action for CCR units, as well as the closure and post-closure care of
CCR units. It also requires recordkeeping and notifications for CCR
units. The federal CCR regulations do not apply to ``beneficial use''
of CCR, as that term is defined in 40 CFR 257.53.
On August 5, 2016, EPA published a direct final rule (81 FR 51802),
responding to an order issued by the United States Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) in Utility Solid Waste
Activities Group, et al. v. EPA, No. 15-1219 (D.C. Cir. 2015). The
direct final rule removed certain provisions of the federal CCR
regulations at 40 CFR 257.100(b), (c), and (d) related to the ``early
closure'' of inactive CCR surface impoundments by April 17, 2018, that
had been vacated by the D.C. Circuit's June 14, 2016, order.\1\ The
direct final rule extended the deadlines for owners and operators of
inactive CCR surface impoundments who had taken advantage of the
``early closure'' provisions of 40 CFR 257.100 to bring the units into
compliance with the federal CCR regulations' substantive requirements,
but did not otherwise amend the federal CCR regulations or impose new
requirements on those units.
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\1\ The D.C. Circuit's June 14, 2016, order also vacated the
phrase ``not to exceed a height of 6 inches above the slope of the
dike'' within 40 CFR 257.73(a)(4), 257.73(d)(1)(iv), 257.74(a)(4),
and 257.74(d)(1)(iv). EPA proposed slope protection requirements in
its Phase One Proposed Rule (83 FR 11584, March 15, 2018) but has
not yet finalized such requirements.
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On July 30, 2018, EPA published a final rule, Hazardous and Solid
Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From
Electric Utilities; Amendments to the National Minimum Criteria (Phase
One, Part One), which finalized additional revisions to the federal CCR
regulations (83 FR 36435) (``July 2018 Final Rule''). Specifically, EPA
amended the CCR regulations to (1) provide states with approved CCR
permit programs under the WIIN Act or EPA, when EPA is the permitting
authority, the ability to use alternative performance standards; (2)
revise the groundwater protection standards for four constituents in
Appendix IV to 40 CFR part 257 for which maximum contaminant levels
(MCLs) under the Safe Drinking Water Act have not been established; and
(3) provide additional time to facilities, triggered by 40 CFR
257.101(a)(1) and
[[Page 78982]]
(b)(1)(i), to cease receiving waste and initiate closure.
On August 28, 2020, EPA published a final rule Hazardous and Solid
Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From
Electric Utilities; A Holistic Approach to Closure Part A: Deadline To
Initiate Closure (85 FR 53516) (``Part A Final Rule''). The rule
revises portions of the federal CCR regulations to (1) accurately
reflect the D.C. Circuit's Util. Solid Waste Activities Group v. Envtl.
Protec. Agency, 901 F.3d 414 (D.C. 2018) (``USWAG decision'' or
``USWAG''), which vacated and remanded to EPA the provisions at 40 CFR
257.101(a), 257.71(a)(1)(i) and 257.50(e); (2) address the October 31,
2020 deadline and finalize a new deadline of April 11, 2021 in 40 CFR
257.101(a) and (b)(1)(i), by which CCR surface impoundments must cease
receipt of waste in light of the 2018 USWAG decision and the 2019
Waterkeeper decision (See Waterkeeper Alliance Inc. v. EPA, No. 18-1289
(D.C. Cir. 2019)); (3) finalize alternative closure provisions at 40
CFR 257.103 in order to allow facilities to request additional time to
develop alternative capacity to manage their waste streams (both CCR
and/or non-CCR) to achieve cease receipt of waste and initiate closure
of their CCR surface impoundments; and (4) finalize two of the proposed
amendments from the August 14, 2019 rule (84 FR 40353): The addition of
an executive summary to the annual groundwater monitoring and
corrective action reports under 40 CFR 257.90(e); and amend the
requirements for posting to the publicly accessible CCR internet sites
under 40 CFR 257.107.
C. Statutory Authority
EPA is issuing this proposed action pursuant to sections 4005(d)
and 7004(b)(1) of RCRA. See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d) and 6974(b)(1). Section
2301 of the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation
(WIIN) Act amended section 4005 of RCRA, creating a new subsection (d)
that establishes a federal permitting program similar to those under
RCRA subtitle C and other environmental statutes. See 42 U.S.C.
6945(d).
Under RCRA section 4005(d)(1)(A), 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(A), states
seeking approval must submit to the Administrator ``in such form as the
Administrator may establish, evidence of a permit program or other
system of prior approval and conditions under State law for regulation
by the State of coal combustion residuals units that are located in the
State.'' EPA shall approve a state permit program if the Administrator
determines that the state program will require each CCR unit located in
the state to achieve compliance with either: (1) The federal CCR
requirements at 40 CFR part 257, subpart D; or (2) other state criteria
that the Administrator, after consultation with the state, determines
to be ``at least as protective as'' the federal requirements. See 42
U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B). The Administrator must make a final
determination, after providing for public notice and an opportunity for
public comment, within 180 days of receiving a state's complete
submittal of the information in RCRA section 4005(d)(1)(A). See 42
U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B). EPA may approve a state CCR permit program in
whole or in part. Id. Once approved, the state permit program operates
in lieu of the federal requirements. See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(A). In a
state with a partial program, only the state requirements that have
been approved operate in lieu of the federal requirements, and
facilities remain responsible for compliance with all remaining
requirements in 40 CFR part 257.
RCRA section 7004(b) applies to all RCRA programs, directing that
``public participation in the development, revision, implementation,
and enforcement of any . . . program under this chapter shall be
provided for, encouraged, and assisted by the Administrator and the
States.'' 42 U.S.C. 6974(b)(1).
Once a program is approved, the Administrator must review the
approved state CCR permit program not less frequently than every 12
years, as well as no later than three years after a revision to an
applicable section of 40 CFR part 257, subpart D or one year after any
unauthorized significant release from a CCR unit located in the state.
EPA also must review an approved program at the request of another
state alleging that the soil, groundwater, or surface water of the
requesting state is or is likely to be adversely affected by a release
from a CCR unit in the approved state. See 42 U.S.C.
6945(d)(1)(D)(i)(I)-(IV).
In a state with an approved state CCR permit program, EPA may
commence administrative or judicial enforcement actions under section
3008 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6928, if the state requests assistance or if
EPA determines that an EPA enforcement action is likely to be necessary
to ensure that a CCR unit is operating in accordance with the criteria
of the state's permit program. See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(4). EPA can
enforce any federal requirements that remain in effect (i.e., those for
which there is no corresponding approved state provision). EPA may also
exercise its inspection and information gathering authorities under
section 3007 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6927.
III. The Texas Application
On September 11, 2020, the TCEQ submitted its state CCR permit
program application to EPA Region 6 requesting approval of the State's
partial CCR permit program. After receiving comments from EPA, Texas
provided revisions to its Program Description on November 9, 2020, and
November 23, 2020.\2\ The Texas application package documents included
(1) State statutes and regulations, (2) the Attorney General Statement,
and (3) a Program Description which provides details about the State's
CCR permit program, including the (a) State agency with the authority
for the CCR permit program; (b) scope and coverage of the program, (c)
TCEQ responsibilities; (d) structure and processes of TCEQ to implement
the CCR program; (e) applications, public notice, hearing, and appeal
procedures for CCR registrations; (f) technical requirements for the
CCR program; (g) a list of CCR facilities in Texas; and (h) a
description of State resources to implement the CCR program.
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\2\ The revised narrative (Program Description), dated November
23, 2020, shall be substituted for the original program description,
dated September 2, 2020, and November 9, 2020, as well as Attachment
IV--Facility Unit Summary and CCR Units Map, Replacement of
Attachment II with Attachment II--30 TAC Chapter 352, and the Texas
Water Code--Chapter 26. All other documents submitted as part of the
original September 11, 2020 application remain unchanged and are
available in the docket for this action.
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Throughout this document, EPA interchangeably uses the Texas terms
of ``registration'' and ``permit'' and ``Program Description'' to mean
the ``Narrative'' document as described in the Guidance Document (82 FR
38685, August 15, 2017).
IV. EPA Analysis of the Texas Application
RCRA section 4005(d) requires EPA to evaluate two components of a
state program to determine whether it meets the standard for approval.
First, EPA is to evaluate the permit program itself (or other system of
prior approval and conditions). See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(A), (B). RCRA
section 4005(d)(1)(A) directs the state to provide evidence of a state
permit program, in such form as EPA may determine. In turn, RCRA
section 4005(d)(1)(B) directs EPA to approve the state program based
upon a determination that the program ``requires each coal combustion
residuals unit located in the State to
[[Page 78983]]
achieve compliance with the applicable [federal or state] criteria.''
In other words, the statute directs EPA to determine that the state has
sufficient authority to require compliance from all CCR units located
within the state. See also, 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(D)(ii)(I). To make
this determination EPA evaluates the state's authority to issue permits
and impose conditions in those permits, as well as the state's
authority for compliance monitoring and enforcement.
EPA also determines during this portion of the review whether the
state permit program contains procedures consistent with the directive
in RCRA section 7004(b). RCRA section 7004(b) applies to all RCRA
programs, directing that ``public participation in the development,
revision, implementation, and enforcement of any . . . program under
this chapter shall be provided for, encouraged, and assisted by the
Administrator and the States.'' 42 U.S.C. 6974(b)(1). To make this
determination EPA evaluates the state provisions governing the
procedures for issuing permits and for intervention in civil
enforcement proceedings.
Although 40 CFR part 239 applies to the approval of State Municipal
Solid Waste Landfill (MSWLF) programs under RCRA section 4005(c)(1)
rather than EPA's evaluation of CCR permit programs under RCRA section
4005(d), the specific criteria outlined in 40 CFR part 239 provide a
helpful framework to examine the relevant aspects of a state's permit
program. In addition, states are familiar with these criteria as a
consequence of the MSWLF program (all States have MSWLF programs that
have been approved pursuant to these regulations) and the regulations
are generally regarded as protective and appropriate.
Consequently, EPA relied on the four categories of criteria
outlined in 40 CFR part 239 as guidelines to evaluate the Texas
permitting requirements: Requirements for compliance monitoring
authority, requirements for enforcement authority, and requirements for
intervention in civil enforcement proceedings.
Second, EPA is to evaluate the technical criteria that will be
included in each permit, to determine whether they are the same as the
federal criteria, or to the extent they differ, whether the modified
criteria are ``at least as protective as'' the federal requirements.
See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B). Only if both components meet the statutory
requirements may EPA approve the program. See 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1).
EPA has preliminarily determined that the Texas CCR permit program
includes all the elements of an adequate state CCR permit program as
discussed in more detail below. It also contains all the technical
criteria in 40 CFR part 257, except for the provisions specifically
discussed below. Consequently, EPA is proposing to approve the Texas
permit program ``in part.'' 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B). EPA's analysis and
findings are discussed in greater detail below and in the Technical
Support Document, which is available in the docket supporting this
preliminary determination.
EPA's full analysis of the Texas CCR permit program, and how the
Texas regulations differ from the federal requirements, can be found in
the Technical Support Document. EPA determined that the Texas CCR
permit program application was complete and notified Texas of its
determination by letter dated on December 3, 2020.\3\
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\3\ The Texas application, EPA's completeness determination
letter, and the Technical Support Document are available in the
docket supporting this action.
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A. Adequacy of the Texas Permit Program
Section 4005(d)(1)(A) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(A), requires a
state seeking state CCR permit program approval to submit to EPA, ``in
such form as the Administrator may establish, evidence of a permit
program or other system of prior approval and conditions under State
law for regulation by the State of coal combustion residuals units that
are located in the State.'' Although the statute directs EPA to
establish the form of such evidence, the statute does not require EPA
to promulgate regulations governing the process or standard for
determining the adequacy of such state programs. EPA, therefore,
developed the Coal Combustion Residuals State Permit Program Guidance
Document; Interim Final (82 FR 38685, August 15, 2017) (the ``Guidance
Document''). The Guidance Document provides recommendations on a
process and standards that states may choose to use to apply for EPA
approval of its CCR permit programs, based on the standards in RCRA
section 4005(d), existing regulations at 40 CFR part 239, and the
Agency's experience in reviewing and approving state programs.
EPA evaluated the Texas CCR permit program using the process,
statutory and regulatory standards discussed in the Units II.C and
IV.A. EPA's findings are summarized below and provided in more detail
in the Technical Support Document located in the docket supporting this
preliminary determination.
1. Guidelines for Permitting
It is EPA's judgment that an adequate state CCR permit program will
ensure that: (1) Existing and new facilities are permitted or otherwise
approved and in compliance with either 40 CFR part 257 or other state
criteria; (2) the state has the authority to collect all information
necessary to issue permits that are adequate to ensure compliance with
relevant 40 CFR part 257, subpart D requirements; and (3) the state has
the authority to impose requirements for CCR units adequate to ensure
compliance with either 40 CFR part 257, subpart D or such other state
criteria that have been determined and approved by the Administrator to
be at least as protective as 40 CFR part 257, subpart D.
EPA has preliminarily determined that the Texas approach to CCR
registration applications and approvals is adequate. At Title 30 of the
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) sections 352.101 through 352.141, Texas
has State-specific provisions imposing requirements for CCR
registration, registration characteristics and conditions, registration
duration, registration amendments, and the issuance and transfer of
registrations. 30 TAC section 352.101 specifically requires
registration for the management or disposal of CCR in an existing
landfill, in an existing or inactive surface impoundment, and for a new
or lateral expansion of a landfill or surface impoundment. Such
registrations are subject to the state's standard permit
characteristics and conditions established in 30 TAC Chapter 305,
Subchapter F (See 30 TAC section 352.111). Under 30 TAC section
352.121, a registration may be issued for the active life of the unit,
as well as any post-closure care period, as needed; however, the
registration may be revoked or amended at any time that the owner or
operator fails to meet the minimum standards of the CCR regulations, or
for any other good cause.
Texas also requires that a change in a term, condition or provision
of a registration requires an amendment pursuant to 30 TAC section
352.131. An application requesting an amendment is processed as a major
amendment or a minor amendment in accordance with 30 TAC section
305.62. At 30 TAC section 305.62(c)(1), Texas describes a major
amendment as ``an amendment that changes a substantive term, provision,
requirement, or a limiting parameter of a permit.'' At 30 TAC section
305.62(c)(2), Texas describes a
[[Page 78984]]
minor amendment as ``an amendment to improve or maintain the permitted
quality or method of disposal of waste, . . .'' and which includes any
other change ``that will not cause or relax a standard or criterion
which may result in a potential deterioration of quality of water in
the state.'' Under 30 TAC section 305.62(d), the executive director may
initiate a major amendment or a minor amendment if good cause exists.
The Texas provision at 30 TAC section 352.141 prohibits the
transfer of a registration from one person to another without complying
with provisions of 30 TAC section 305.64 relating to the transfer of
permits. Under 30 TAC section 305.64, the registrant or the transferee
must submit an application to the executive director at least 30 days
before the proposed transfer date and receive approval of the
application from the commission before the registration can be
transferred. The Texas regulations provide that a registration cannot
be transferred from one facility to another. The specific CCR
registration application requirements are established in 30 TAC
sections 352.201 through 352.311 where Texas has State-specific
provisions addressing CCR registration application contents and
information requirements. Under 30 TAC sections 352.241 through
352.301, Texas requires sufficient information to ensure that all the
40 CFR part 257, subpart D technical requirements will be followed.
Specifically, a registration application shall include sufficient
information and reports to: (1) Characterize the geology and
hydrogeology at the facility; (2) demonstrate compliance with location
restrictions; (3) demonstrate compliance with design criteria; (4)
demonstrate compliance with operating criteria; (5) demonstrate
compliance with applicable groundwater monitoring and corrective action
requirements; and (6) demonstrate compliance with applicable closure
and post-closure requirements. The provision at 30 TAC section 352.311
requires the owner or operator to keep records of data used to complete
the application and any supplemental information or material throughout
the term of the registration.
At 30 TAC sections 352.401 through 352.481, Texas adopted State-
specific provisions addressing procedures for registration application
deficiencies, public notifications, and registration decisions by the
executive director. As part of the State's evaluation of the
completeness of a registration application, 30 TAC section 352.401
requires the executive director to notify an applicant of any
additional information or application materials required to complete
the application by transmitting a notice of deficiency (NOD) to the
applicant. The NOD specifies a deadline for the NOD response of up to
60 days from the executive director's transmittal of the NOD. If the
executive director does not receive an adequate and timely response to
a notice of deficiency by the response deadline, the executive director
may return the incomplete application to the applicant (30 TAC section
352.421).
EPA has preliminarily determined that the Texas approach to CCR
registration applications and approvals is adequate, and that this
aspect of the Texas CCR permit program meets the standard for program
approval.
2. Guidelines for Public Participation
Based on RCRA section 7004, 42 U.S.C. 6974, it is EPA's judgment
that an adequate state CCR permit program will ensure that: (1)
Documents for permit determinations are made available for public
review and comment; (2) final determinations on permit applications are
made known to the public; and (3) public comments on permit
determinations are considered. Texas has adopted public participation
opportunities for the CCR program that can provide an inclusive
dialogue, allowing interested parties to talk openly and frankly about
issues within the CCR program and search for mutually agreeable
solutions to differences. An overview of the Texas public participation
provisions is provided below.
a. Public Participation in the CCR Registration Application Process
Under 30 TAC section 39.418, the TCEQ requires that no later than
30 days after the executive director declares an application to be
complete, the applicant must publish a Notice of Receipt of Application
and Intent to Obtain Permit in a newspaper of largest circulation in
the county in which the facility is located, or, if a newspaper is not
published in the county, the notice must be published in any newspaper
of general circulation in the county in which the facility is located
or proposed to be located. Registration applications are also made
available to the public on the applicant's publicly accessible CCR
internet site. Under 30 TAC section 352.461(a)(1), the applicant is
also required to make a copy of the application available for review
and copying at a public place in the county in which the facility is
located. Upon completion of the application review, the TCEQ publishes
a public notice of the TCEQ's receipt of the registration application,
the executive director's initial decision on the application, and
provides an opportunity for public comments or for the public to
request a public meeting in accordance with the procedures contained in
30 TAC sections 39.503(c), 39.405(f) and 39.405(h).
30 TAC section 352.471 gives the executive director the authority
to prepare a draft registration upon a preliminary determination that
an application for a new registration or a major amendment of a
registration meets the regulatory requirements for issuance of a
registration. When the executive director has prepared a draft
registration, copies of it are also made available to the public, along
with a technical summary. The technical summary provides information
regarding the application, staff review, and agency contacts available
to assist members of the public in answering questions about the
application. In addition, the commission records are open to the public
for review subject to statutory privileges and claims of
confidentiality consistent with the Texas Public Information Act. See
Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 552 and 30 TAC 1.5.
b. Public Notice
30 TAC section 352.461 subjects all public notices to the
requirements in (1) 30 TAC section 39.405 (relating to General Notice
Provisions); (2) 30 TAC section 39.407 (relating to Mailing Lists); (3)
30 TAC section 39.409 (relating to Deadline for Public Comment, and for
Requests for Reconsideration, Contested Case Hearing, or Notice and
Comment Hearing); (4) 30 TAC section 39.411 (relating to Text of Public
Notice); (5) 30 TAC section 39.413 (relating to Mailed Notice); and (6)
30 TAC section 39.420 (relating to Transmittal of the Executive
Director's Response to Comments and Decision). 30 TAC section
352.431(c) requires that the text of the public notices on the
application include the internet address required by 30 TAC section
352.1321 for the publicly accessible website for that facility. Under
30 TAC sections 39.503(c) and 39.405(f), Texas applicants must publish
the notice in the newspaper of largest general circulation that is
published in the county in which the facility is located or is proposed
to be located. In certain instances, Texas applicants may be required
to publish notice in a language other than English in a newspaper
predominately published in that alternative language. In certain
circumstances, Texas requires that notices are mailed to select
individuals such as adjacent landowners, State and
[[Page 78985]]
local government officials, and anyone who asks to be included in the
mailing list, among others. In addition to the 30 TAC section
352.431(c) requirements, the provision at 30 TAC section 352.441
requires that a revised notice be published if changes to an
application constitute a major amendment under 30 TAC section 352.131
(relating to Amendments) after notice of receipt of application has
been mailed and published.
c. Public Comments and Response to Comments
Texas requires a minimum of a 30-day public comment period for CCR
registration applications pursuant to 30 TAC section 352.431(d).
Pursuant to 30 TAC section 352.431(e), the executive director shall
consider all public comments received before the close of the public
comment period. 30 TAC section 352.461(c) requires the executive
director to prepare a response to all timely, relevant and material, or
significant public comment. The executive director's response and
decision are sent to the mailing list, including all commenters, as
required under 30 TAC section 39.420.
d. Public Meeting
Under 30 TAC section 352.451(a), the owner or operator and the
commission may hold a public meeting under 30 TAC section 55.154 for a
new CCR registration application or a major amendment to a CCR
registration in the county in which the facility is located, based on
the criteria of 30 TAC sections 39.503(e), 55.154(c) or 352.961(c), as
cited in 30 TAC section 352.461(b). The purpose of a public meeting is
to provide information and receive public comment. Under 30 TAC
sections 39.503(e)(1) and 55.154(c)(1) through (2), the TCEQ is
required to hold a public meeting upon request of a member of the
legislature who represents the general area in which the facility is
proposed to be located for an application for a new facility or when
the executive director determines that there is substantial public
interest in the application or proposed facility. 30 TAC section
39.503(e)(3) provides, for example, that a ``substantial public
interest'' is demonstrated when a request for a public meeting is filed
by a homeowners' or property owners' association formally organized or
chartered and having at least ten members located in the general area
in which the facility is located or proposed to be located; or a group
of ten or more local residents, property owners, or businesses located
in the general area in which the facility is located or proposed to be
located. Finally, under 30 TAC section 352.961(c), a public meeting
must be held on applications for registrations that authorize
corrective action and selection of a remedy as provided in 40 CFR
257.96(e). 30 TAC section 352.451(c) requires that a notice of the
public meeting must be provided in accordance with the procedures
contained in 30 TAC section 39.503(e)(6), including newspaper
publication and mailed notice from the chief clerk to persons listed in
30 TAC section 39.413.
e. Challenges to Executive Director's Action on a Registration
Application
30 TAC section 352.481 provides that the executive director's
action on a CCR application for a new registration or an amendment of a
registration is subject to 30 TAC sections 50.139 and 80.272 which
provide the public with a right to file a rehearing request for
decisions made in administrative hearing and a right to file a motion
to overturn the executive director's action on an application decision.
EPA has preliminarily determined that the Texas approach to public
participation requirements provides adequate opportunities for public
participation in the permitting process sufficient to meet the standard
for program approval.
3. Guidelines for Compliance Monitoring Authority
It is EPA's judgment that an adequate permit program should provide
the state with the authority to gather information about compliance,
perform inspections, and ensure that information it gathers is suitable
for enforcement. The TCEQ has compliance monitoring authority under its
Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC) and the Texas Water Code (TWC).
Specifically, THSC section 361.032 provides the authority for
environmental investigators to enter public or private property and
conduct inspections or investigate solid waste facilities, including
CCR units. In addition, TWC section 5.102 gives the commission the
powers to perform any acts specifically authorized by this code,
another law, implied by this code, or other law necessary and
convenient to the exercise of its jurisdiction, as provided by the laws
of the state rules, orders and permits. The TCEQ Enforcement Division
maintains compliance schedules and reviews the schedules regularly to
determine whether a facility is complying with its schedule. If a
facility fails to meet its compliance schedule, the facility is deemed
to be in violation of the TWC, the THSC, or TCEQ rules.
EPA has preliminarily determined that these compliance monitoring
authorities are adequate, and that this aspect of the Texas CCR permit
program meets the standard for program approval.
4. Guidelines for Enforcement Authority
It is EPA's judgment that an adequate state CCR permit program
should provide the state with adequate enforcement authority to
administer its state CCR permit program, including the authority to:
(1) Restrain any person from engaging in activity which may damage
human health or the environment, (2) sue to enjoin prohibited activity,
and (3) sue to recover civil penalties for prohibited activity.
The TCEQ has adequate enforcement authority for its existing
programs under TWC sections 5.512, 7.002, 7.032, 7.051, 7.052, 7.101,
7.103 and 7.105-7.110. Under TWC section 7.002, the state has the
authority to initiate an enforcement action to enforce the provisions
of the Texas Water Code, the Texas Health and Safety Code within the
commission's jurisdiction, and rules adopted under those provisions.
Under TWC section 5.512, the TCEQ has specific authority to issue an
emergency order concerning an activity of solid waste management under
its commission's jurisdiction, even if that activity is not covered by
a permit, if it finds that an emergency requiring immediate action to
protect the public health and safety exists.
The state also has the authority to sue in a court of competent
jurisdiction and may enforce a state rule or a provision of a permit by
injunction or other appropriate remedy that may include corrective
action. (TWC section 7.032). On request of the executive director, the
attorney general may initiate a suit in the name of the state for
injunctive relief. (TWC section 7.032(e)).
The TCEQ may assess administrative penalties and civil penalties
for solid waste violations under TWC section 7.051, 7.101, 7.103 and
7.105 through 7.110. Under TWC section 7.052(c) and (d), the TCEQ may
seek administrative penalties of up to $25,000 per day for each
violation for solid waste management violations. TWC section 7.105(a)
specifically provides authority for the Attorney General to initiate a
suit to recover a civil penalty, or for both injunctive relief and a
civil penalty. The Attorney General may represent the State in civil
judicial actions that may seek penalties from $50 to $25,000 per day
for each violation. (TWC section 7.102).
EPA has preliminarily determined that this aspect of the Texas CCR
permit
[[Page 78986]]
program meets the standard for program approval.
5. Intervention in Civil Enforcement Proceedings
Based on section 7004 of RCRA, it is EPA's judgment that an
adequate State CCR permit program should provide an opportunity for
citizen intervention in civil enforcement proceedings. Specifically,
the state must either: (a) Provide for citizen intervention as a matter
of right or (b) have in place a process to (1) provide notice and
opportunity for public involvement in civil enforcement actions, (2)
investigate and provide responses to citizen complaints about
violations, and (3) not oppose citizen intervention when permissive
intervention is allowed by statute, rule, or regulation.
Under TWC sections 7.075, and 7.110, Texas has specific authorities
and the TCEQ rules that provide opportunity for public participation in
state enforcement proceedings by allowing persons to comment or
intervene in certain administrative and civil actions. Notice of the
opportunity to comment on the action is published in the Texas
Register. Specifically, TWC sections 7.075(a) and 7.110(a) and (b)
allow for a 30-day public comment period for administrative enforcement
actions and civil enforcement actions. The commission, under TWC
section 7.075(b) and the Office of Attorney General under TWC section
7.110(c), must consider any written comments and may withdraw or
withhold consent to a proposed order, judgment or other agreement if
the comments disclose facts or considerations that indicate that the
consent is inappropriate, improper, inadequate, or inconsistent with
the requirements of the commission's statutes, rules, or permits.
The TCEQ rules also provide at least two other opportunities for
public participation in enforcement actions, including, (1) when an
agreement is reached in an enforcement action between a respondent and
the executive director, by providing public notice in the Texas
Register and a 30-day public comment period (30 TAC section 70.10(c));
and (2) by providing opportunity for public comments at commission
meetings on enforcement orders, pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act
under 30 TAC Chapter 10. Texas Water Code sections 5.176 through 5.1773
provides for a public process for submitting and participating in
complaints about a matter within the commission's jurisdiction. If a
complaint relating to an entity regulated by the commission is filed
with the commission, the commission must notify the parties to the
complaint at least quarterly of the status of the complaint until the
complaint reaches final disposition. Additionally, in accordance with
TWC section 5.176 through 5.1765, the commission maintains a public
website that contains public education materials informing the public
about the commission's complaint policies and procedures, the
collection and preservation of citizen collected evidence, and the
status of environmental complaints and pending enforcement actions, as
well as administrative and judicial orders. Under TWC section 7.110(d),
the Office of the Attorney General may not oppose intervention by a
person who has standing to intervene as provided by Rule 60, Texas
Rules of Civil Procedure.
EPA has preliminarily determined that these authorities provide for
an adequate level of citizen involvement in the enforcement process,
and that this aspect of the Texas CCR permit program meets the standard
for program approval.
B. Adequacy of Technical Criteria
EPA conducted an analysis of the Texas CCR Permit Program
Application, including a thorough analysis of Texas statutory
authorities for the CCR program, as well as its regulations at 30 TAC
Chapter 352. As noted, Texas has requested partial program approval of
its CCR permit program.
1. Texas CCR Regulatory Authority
On May 6, 2020, the TCEQ adopted 30 TAC Chapter 352--Coal
Combustion Residuals Waste Management, which in general are identical
or analogous to the requirements of the self-implementing 40 CFR part
257, subpart D. The TCEQ's CCR regulations were effective as of May 28,
2020.\4\ The commission adopted Chapter 352 under: (1) TWC section
5.102, which provides the commission the power to perform any acts
necessary and convenient to the exercise of its jurisdiction and powers
as provided by the TWC and other laws; TWC section 5.103, which
provides the commission with the authority to adopt any rules necessary
to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC and other laws of the
State; and TWC, section 5.105, which authorizes the commission to
establish and approve all general policy of the commission by rule; and
(2) THSC, Solid Waste Disposal Act, sections 361.017 and 361.024, which
authorize the commission to regulate industrial solid waste and
municipal hazardous waste and to adopt rules consistent with the
general intent and purposes of the THSC; and THSC section 361.090(d),
which allows the commission to adopt rules to control the collection,
handling, storage, processing, and disposal of industrial solid waste
to protect the property of others, public property and rights-of-way,
groundwater, and other rights requiring protection.
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\4\ The Texas CCR Regulations are included in Attachment II of
Texas' application and which is available in the docket supporting
this preliminary determination.
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The TCEQ has identified 58 units that are currently or have been
used for disposal of CCR (17 landfills and 41 surface impoundments) in
Texas.\5\ The TCEQ demonstrated that it has the personnel and funding
to administer a registration program that is at least as protective as
the Federal requirements.\6\
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\5\ For more information on the specific facilities covered by
the Texas CCR Permit Program, see Section VII of the Texas Program
Description and Attachment IV of the Texas application which are
available in the docket for this action.
\6\ The discussion on State personnel and funding is included in
Section VIII of the Program Description, which is included in the
docket for this action.
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2. Texas CCR Regulations
EPA has preliminarily determined that the portions of the Texas CCR
permit program that were submitted for approval meet the standard for
approval under RCRA section 4005(d)(1)(B)(i), 42 U.S.C.
6945(d)(1)(B)(i). To make this preliminary determination, EPA compared
the technical requirements in the Texas CCR regulations at 30 TAC
Chapter 352 to the Federal CCR regulations at 40 CFR part 257, subpart
D to determine whether they differed from the Federal requirements, and
if so, whether those differences met the standard in RCRA sections
4005(d)(1)(B)(ii) and (C), 42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(1)(B)(ii) and (C).
At 30 TAC Chapter 352, the TCEQ largely adopted by reference the
requirements of 40 CFR part 257, subpart D, and implements procedural
requirements for a registration and compliance monitoring program to
authorize CCR units subject to the Federal CCR regulations.
Specifically, Texas adopted by reference 40 CFR 257.52, 40 CFR 257.53,
40 CFR 257.60 through 257.107, and the 40 CFR part 257 Appendices, as
amended through August 5, 2016 (81 FR 51807), and as modified by the
USWAG decision. Texas did not adopt by reference 40 CFR 257.71,
257.95(h) and 257.101(a). See 30 TAC sections 352.2 and 352.3(a), 30
TAC sections 352.601 through 352.981 and 352.1200 through 352.1431.\7\
With
[[Page 78987]]
these exceptions, the technical requirements are identical to the
Federal regulations.
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\7\ A reference crosswalk comparison of 40 CFR part 257, subpart
D and 30 TAC Chapter 352 provided by Texas is also available in the
docket as Attachment I.
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In addition to the technical criteria in 30 TAC Chapter 352, Texas
has adopted State-specific registration for CCR units and public
participation requirements in 30 TAC sections 352.101 through 352.481;
State financial assurance requirements in 30 TAC sections 352.1101 and
352.1111; and for certain activities, Texas has additional requirements
for State notifications by owners and operators of CCR units, and State
approvals by the executive director employed by the commission.
Specifically, in addition to what is required by 40 CFR part 257,
the State CCR regulations contain additional State-specific
requirements for the use of licensed professional engineers and
geoscientists in 30 TAC section 352.4; use of laboratories accredited
and certified by the State in 30 TAC section 352.5; State notifications
and approvals for specific CCR activities by owners and operators in 30
TAC sections 352.731(b), 352.741(b), 352.831(b), 352.841(b), 352.902,
352.911(b) and (c), 352.931(b), 352.941(b) through (d), 352.951(c)
through (e), 352.981(b) and (c), 352.1221(b) and 352.1241(b) and (c);
pre-opening inspection requirements for new and lateral expansions of
CCR landfills and surface impoundments in 30 TAC section 352.851;
groundwater monitoring and corrective action in 30 TAC sections
352.911(d), 352.951(b) and 352.991; recordkeeping in 30 TAC section
352.1301(b); and posting of information on the publicly accessible
website in 30 TAC section 352.1321(c) and (d).
3. Texas Partial Program
The TCEQ is seeking approval of its state CCR permit program, in
part, pursuant to RCRA section 4005(d). The TCEQ's rules implement the
Federal regulations promulgated through August 5, 2016, and as modified
by the USWAG decision. The TCEQ has not amended state CCR program rules
to implement the Part A Final Rule. Accordingly, Texas is not seeking
approval for the following five provisions of its regulations, which
are described in more detail below:
1. 30 TAC section 352.1(b)(2); this state provision is the analog
to the Federal exclusion of inactive impoundments at inactive
facilities, found at 40 CFR 257.50(e), that was vacated in USWAG;
2. The state provision that is the analog to the Federal
requirement that multiunit groundwater monitoring systems with unlined
CCR surface impoundments must retrofit or close, found at 40 CFR
257.91(d)(2), which is no longer relevant, as all unlined CCR surface
impoundments must close;
3. The state provision that is the analog to the Federal
requirement that unlined CCR surface impoundments must retrofit or
close after an assessment of corrective measures is required, found at
40 CFR 257.95(g)(5), which references a provision that was vacated in
USWAG;
4. 30 TAC sections 352.711(a)(4) and 352.1211(b); these state
provisions relate to the date for unlined surface impoundments to cease
receipt of waste. EPA has since revised the Federal regulation and the
state has not adopted the Federal revision, found at 40 CFR
257.101(a)(1) or 257.101(b)(1)(i);
5. 30 TAC section 352.1231; this state provision is the analog to
the Federal alternative closure requirements of CCR units, found at 40
CFR 257.103. EPA has since revised the Federal regulation and the state
has not adopted the Federal revision.
With the exception of the five provisions noted above, EPA has
preliminarily determined that the Texas CCR regulations contain all of
the technical elements of the Federal CCR regulations, including
requirements for location restrictions, design and operating criteria,
groundwater monitoring and corrective action, closure requirements and
post-closure care, recordkeeping, notification and publicly accessible
CCR internet site posting requirements. The Texas CCR permit program
also contains State-specific language, references, definitions, and
State-specific requirements that differ from the Federal CCR
regulations, but which EPA has determined to be ``at least as
protective as'' the Federal criteria.
The effect of granting a partial approval is that, except for the
five provisions for which EPA has not granted approval, the Texas CCR
permit program will apply in lieu of the Federal regulations. For the
five state provisions that were not approved, the corresponding Federal
requirements will continue to apply directly to facilities, and
therefore facilities must comply with both the Federal requirements and
the state requirements.
V. Proposed Action
EPA has preliminarily determined that the Texas partial CCR permit
program meets the statutory standard for approval. Accordingly, in
accordance with 42 U.S.C. 6945(d), EPA is proposing to approve the
Texas partial CCR permit program.
Andrew Wheeler,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020-26987 Filed 12-7-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P