Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After July 23, 1984, 5013-5019 [2021-00678]
Download as PDF
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
requirements, definitions, and selection
criteria will impose no burden on small
entities unless they applied for funding
under the program. We expect that in
determining whether to apply for PN
program funds, an applicant will
evaluate the requirements of preparing
an application and any associated costs,
and weigh them against the benefits
likely to be achieved by receiving a PN
program grant. An applicant will
probably apply only if it determines that
the likely benefits exceed the costs of
preparing an application.
We believe that the priorities,
requirements, definitions, and selection
criteria will not impose any additional
burden on a small entity applying for a
grant than the entity would face in the
absence of this regulatory action. That
is, the length of the applications those
entities would submit in the absence of
this regulatory action and the time
needed to prepare an application would
likely be the same.
This regulatory action will not have a
significant economic impact on a small
entity once it receives a grant because it
will be able to meet the costs of
compliance using the funds provided
under this program.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995:
The proposed priorities, requirements,
definitions, and selection criteria
contain information collection
requirements that are approved by OMB
under OMB control number 1894–0006;
the proposed priorities, requirements,
definitions, and selection criteria do not
affect the currently approved data
collection.
Intergovernmental Review: This
program is subject to Executive Order
12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR
part 79. One of the objectives of the
Executive order is to foster an
intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism. The Executive
order relies on processes developed by
State and local governments for
coordination and review of proposed
Federal financial assistance. This
document provides early notification of
our specific plans and actions for this
program.
Accessible Format: On request to the
program contact person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT,
individuals with disabilities can obtain
this document and a copy of the
application package in an accessible
format. The Department will provide the
requestor with an accessible format that
may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or
text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3
file, braille, large print, audiotape, or
compact disc, or other accessible format.
Electronic Access to This Document:
The official version of this document is
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jan 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
the document published in the Federal
Register. You may access the official
edition of the Federal Register and the
Code of Federal Regulations at:
www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can
view this document, as well as all other
documents of this Department
published in the Federal Register, in
text or Portable Document Format
(PDF). To use PDF you must have
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
available free at the site.
You may also access documents of the
Department published in the Federal
Register by using the article search
feature at: www.federalregister.gov.
Specifically, through the advanced
search feature at this site, you can limit
your search to documents published by
the Department.
Frank T. Brogan,
Assistant Secretary for Elementary and
Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2021–00902 Filed 1–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 60
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2020–0372; FRL–10019–21–
OAR]
RIN 2060–AU91
Standards of Performance for Volatile
Organic Liquid Storage Vessels
(Including Petroleum Liquid Storage
Vessels) for Which Construction,
Reconstruction, or Modification
Commenced After July 23, 1984
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing
amendments to the Standards of
Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid
Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum
Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which
Construction, Reconstruction, or
Modification Commenced After July 23,
1984. We are finalizing specific
amendments that would allow owners
or operators of storage vessels subject to
the Standards of Performance for
Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels
and equipped with either an external
floating roof (EFR) or internal floating
roof (IFR) to voluntarily elect to comply
with the requirements specified in the
National Emission Standards for Storage
Vessels (Tanks)—Control Level 2, as an
alternative standard, in lieu of the
requirements specified in the Standards
of Performance for Volatile Organic
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00137
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
5013
Liquid Storage Vessels, subject to
certain caveats and exceptions for
monitoring, recordkeeping, and
reporting.
The final rule is effective on
January 19, 2021.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a
docket for this rulemaking under Docket
ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2020–0372. All
documents in the docket are listed on
the https://www.regulations.gov/
website. Although listed, some
information is not publicly available,
e.g., Confidential Business Information
or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket
materials are available electronically on
the https://www.regulations.gov/
website. 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. For further
information and updates on EPA Docket
Center services, please visit us online at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets. The EPA
continues to carefully and continuously
monitor information from the Center for
Disease Control, local area health
departments, and our federal partners so
that we can respond rapidly as
conditions change regarding COVID–19.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
questions about this final action, contact
Mr. Neil Feinberg, Sector Policies and
Programs Division (E143–01), Office of
Air Quality Planning and Standards,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27711; telephone number: (919) 541–
2214; fax number: (919) 541–0516; and
email address: feinberg.stephen@
epa.gov.
DATES:
Preamble
acronyms and abbreviations. We use
multiple acronyms and terms in this
preamble. While this list may not be
exhaustive, to ease the reading of this
preamble and for reference purposes,
the EPA defines the following terms and
acronyms here:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
CAA Clean Air Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
EFR external floating roof
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ICR Information Collection Request
IFR internal floating roof
kPa kilopascals
m3 cubic meters
E:\FR\FM\19JAR1.SGM
19JAR1
5014
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
NAICS North American Industry
Classification System
NESHAP national emission standards for
hazardous air pollutants
NSPS new source performance standards
OMB Office of Management and Budget
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
tpy tons per year
VOC volatile organic compound(s)
Organization of this document. The
information in this preamble is
organized as follows:
Background information. On October
16, 2020, the EPA proposed revisions to
the Standards of Performance for
Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels
(Including Petroleum Liquid Storage
Vessels) for Which Construction,
Reconstruction, or Modification
Commenced After July 23, 1984. 85 FR
65774. In this action, the EPA is
finalizing decisions and revisions for
the rule. We summarize the in-scope
comments we timely received regarding
the proposed rule and provide our
responses in this preamble. A ‘‘track
changes’’ version of the regulatory
language that incorporates the changes
in this action is available in the docket.
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
B. Where can I get a copy of this document
and other related information?
C. Judicial Review and Administrative
Reconsideration
II. Background and Final Amendments
III. Public Comments and Responses
IV. Impacts of the Final Rule
A. What are the air quality impacts?
B. What are the cost impacts?
C. What are the economic impacts?
D. What are the benefits?
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing
Regulations and Controlling Regulatory
Costs
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA)
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
J. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act (NTTAA)
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions
to Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
Regulated entities. Categories and
entities potentially affected by this
action are shown in Table 1 of this
preamble.
TABLE 1—EXAMPLES OF POTENTIALLY AFFECTED ENTITIES BY CATEGORY
Category
NAICS code 1
Industrial .........................
1 North
325
324
422710
Examples of potentially regulated entities
Chemical manufacturing facilities.
Petroleum and coal products manufacturing facilities.
Petroleum bulk stations and terminals.
American Industry Classification System.
This table is not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather provides a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
affected by this action. To determine
whether your entity is affected by this
action, you should carefully examine
the applicability criteria found in the
final rule. If you have questions
regarding the applicability of this action
to a particular entity, consult the person
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section of this preamble, your
delegated authority, or your EPA
Regional representative listed in 40 CFR
60.4 (General Provisions).
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
B. Where can I get a copy of this
document and other related
information?
In addition to being available in the
docket, an electronic copy of this final
action will be available on the internet.
Following signature by the EPA
Administrator, the EPA will post a copy
of this final action at https://
www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-airpollution/volatile-organic-liquidstorage-vessels-including-petroleumstorage. Following publication in the
Federal Register, the EPA will post the
Federal Register version of the final rule
and key technical documents at this
same website.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
00:39 Jan 18, 2021
Jkt 253001
C. Judicial Review and Administrative
Reconsideration
Under Clean Air Act (CAA) section
307(b)(1), judicial review of this final
action is available only by filing a
petition for review in the United States
Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit by March 22, 2021.
Under CAA section 307(b)(2), the
requirements established by this final
rule may not be challenged separately in
any civil or criminal proceedings
brought by the EPA to enforce the
requirements.
Section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA
further provides that ‘‘[o]nly an
objection to a rule or procedure which
was raised with reasonable specificity
during the period for public comment
(including any public hearing) may be
raised during judicial review.’’ This
section also provides a mechanism for
the EPA to convene a proceeding for
reconsideration, ‘‘[i]f the person raising
an objection can demonstrate to the EPA
that it was impracticable to raise such
objection within [the period for public
comment] or if the grounds for such
objection arose after the period for
public comment, (but within the time
specified for judicial review) and if such
objection is of central relevance to the
outcome of the rule.’’ Any person
PO 00000
Frm 00138
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
seeking to make such a demonstration to
us should submit a Petition for
Reconsideration to the Office of the
Administrator, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Room 3000, WJC
West Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW, Washington, DC 20460, with a
copy to both the person(s) listed in the
preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section, and the Associate
General Counsel for the Air and
Radiation Law Office, Office of General
Counsel (Mail Code 2344A), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460.
II. Background and Final Amendments
Pursuant to the EPA’s authority under
CAA section 111, the Agency proposed
(49 FR 29698, July 23, 1984) and
promulgated (52 FR 11420, April 8,
1987) new source performance
standards (NSPS) at 40 CFR part 60,
subpart Kb, for Volatile Organic Liquid
Storage Vessels, Including Petroleum
Liquid Storage Vessels, for Which
Construction, Reconstruction, or
Modification Commenced After July 23,
1984. To reduce volatile organic
compound (VOC) emissions from
storage vessels with a capacity of 75
E:\FR\FM\19JAR1.SGM
19JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
cubic meters (m3) or more that store
organic liquids with a true vapor
pressure over 27.6 kilopascals (kPa), and
from storage vessels with a capacity of
151 m3 or more that store organic
liquids with a true vapor pressure over
5.2 kPa, NSPS subpart Kb requires the
use of either an EFR, an IFR, or a closed
vent system and a control device. See 40
CFR 60.110b(a) and 60.112b(a) and (b).1
NSPS subpart Kb also specifies testing,
monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting,
and other requirements in 40 CFR
60.113b through 60.116b to ensure
compliance with the standards. More
specifically, 40 CFR 60.113b requires,
among other things, that certain
inspections for IFR and EFR occur at
least once within certain defined
timeframes (such as at least once every
year, 5 years, or 10 years). Storage
vessels with an EFR consist of an opentop cylindrical steel shell equipped with
a deck that floats on the surface of the
stored liquid (commonly referred to as
a floating roof). Storage vessels with an
IFR are fixed roof vessels 2 that also
have a deck internal to the tank that
floats on the liquid surface within the
fixed roof vessel (commonly referred to
as an internal floating roof).
The standards in NSPS subpart Kb for
storage vessels with an EFR or IFR are
a combination of a design, equipment,
work practice, and operational
standards set pursuant to CAA section
111(h). These standards require, among
other things, that a rim seal be installed
continuously around the circumference
of the vessel (between the inner wall of
the vessel and the floating roof) to
prevent VOC from escaping to the
atmosphere through gaps between the
floating roof and the inner wall of the
storage vessel. Similarly, NSPS subpart
Kb requires deck fittings 3 on the
floating roof to be equipped with a
gasketed cover or lid that is kept in the
closed position at all times (i.e., no
visible gap), except when the device
(the deck fitting) is in actual use, to
prevent VOC emissions from escaping
through the deck fittings. In general,
NSPS subpart Kb requires owners or
1 All affected storage vessels storing organic
liquids with a true vapor pressure of 76.6 kPa or
more must use a closed vent system and a control
device. 40 CFR 60.112b(b).
2 A fixed roof storage vessel consists of a
cylindrical steel shell with a permanently affixed
roof, which may vary in design from cone or domeshaped to flat.
3 Numerous fittings pass through or are attached
to floating roof decks to accommodate structural
support components or to allow for operational
functions. Typical deck fittings include, but are not
limited to, the following: Access hatches, gauge
floats, gauge-hatch/sample ports, rim vents, deck
drains, deck legs, vacuum breakers, and guidepoles.
IFR tanks may also have deck seams, fixed-roof
support columns, ladders, and/or stub drains.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jan 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
operators to conduct visual inspections
to check for defects in the floating roof,
rim seals, and deck fittings (e.g., holes,
tears, or other openings in the rim seal,
or covers and lids on deck fittings that
no longer close properly) that could
expose the liquid surface to the
atmosphere and potentially result in
VOC emission losses through rim seals
and deck fittings.4
Since promulgation of NSPS subpart
Kb, the EPA promulgated 40 CFR part
63, subpart WW, which is applicable to
storage vessels containing organic
materials, as part of the generic
maximum achievable control
technology standards program for
setting national emission standards for
hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP)
under CAA section 112. See 64 FR
34854 (June 29, 1999). NESHAP subpart
WW was developed for the purpose of
providing consistent EFR and IFR
requirements for storage vessels that
could be referenced by multiple
NESHAP subparts. Like the NSPS
subpart Kb standards for floating roof
tanks, NESHAP subpart WW is
comprised of a combination of design,
equipment, work practice, and
operational standards. See proposed
rule for NESHAP subpart WW (63 FR
55178, 55196 (October 14, 1998)). Both
rules specify monitoring, recordkeeping,
and reporting requirements for storage
vessels equipped with EFR or IFR, and
both include numerous requirements for
inspections that occur at least once
within certain defined timeframes. See
40 CFR 63.1063 for the IFR and EFR
inspection requirements of NESHAP
subpart WW. The inspections required
by NESHAP subpart WW are intended
to achieve the same goals as those
inspections required by NSPS subpart
Kb (e.g., both rules require visual
inspections to check for defects in the
floating roof, rim seals, and deck
fittings). Further, NESHAP subpart WW
incorporates technical improvements
based on the EPA’s experience with
implementation of other NESHAP. For
storage vessels equipped with either an
EFR or IFR, as long as there is visual
access (as explained below), NESHAP
subpart WW allows that the visual
inspection of the floating roof deck,
deck fittings, and rim seals may be
conducted, while the tank remains inservice, from the top-side of the floating
roof (meaning on top of the floating roof,
4 For details about storage vessel emissions, refer
to the Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission
Factors, Volume 1: Stationary Point and Area
Sources, AP–42, Fifth Edition, Chapter 7: Liquid
Storage Tanks, dated June 2020, which is available
at: https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-factors-andquantification/ap-42-compilation-air-emissionsfactors.
PO 00000
Frm 00139
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
5015
and in the case of an IFR, under the
fixed roof and internal to the tank); this
is referred to as an in-service top-side of
the floating roof visual inspection. In
other words, in the case of an IFR, if an
owner or operator has physical access to
the inside of the tank above the floating
roof and a floating roof design which
allows inspectors to have visual access
to all rim seals and deck fittings of the
floating roof (meaning an inspector can
see all the components required to be
inspected) while the storage vessel is inservice, then NESHAP subpart WW does
not require the owner or operator to take
the storage vessel out of service to
inspect the floating roof, rim seals, and
deck fittings in accordance with 40 CFR
63.1063(d)(1).5 This contrasts with
NSPS subpart Kb, which, as explained
in the proposed rule, requires that these
inspections be conducted when the
storage vessel is out-of-service (compare
40 CFR 63.1063(d)(1) with 40 CFR
60.113b(a)(4) and (b)(6)).
Pursuant to the EPA’s authority under
CAA section 111(h), we proposed
amendments to NSPS subpart Kb in a
new paragraph (see proposed 85 FR
65782—40 CFR 60.110b(e)(5)) that
would allow owners or operators of
storage vessels subject to NSPS subpart
Kb, and equipped with either an EFR or
IFR, the choice to elect to comply with
the requirements specified in NESHAP
subpart WW as an alternative standard,
in lieu of the requirements specified in
NSPS subpart Kb. 85 FR 65774 (October
16, 2020). Sources subject to NSPS
subpart Kb that are equipped with either
an EFR or IFR that elect to utilize the
alternative standard would comply with
all of the requirements in NESHAP
subpart WW instead of the requirements
in NSPS subpart Kb, 40 CFR 60.112b
through 60.117b, subject to certain
caveats and exceptions explained in the
proposed rule and below. Among other
things, this alternative allows owners or
operators of storage vessels subject to
NSPS subpart Kb that are equipped with
an IFR, and that can meet the visual
access requirement of NESHAP subpart
WW explained above, to conduct the
internal in-service top-side of the
floating roof visual inspection pursuant
to NESHAP subpart WW, thereby
avoiding the need to empty and degas
the vessel for the sole purpose of
conducting the inspection. Further, we
are not changing the underlying
monitoring, reporting, or recordkeeping
requirements in either NSPS subpart Kb
or NESHAP subpart WW (with the
5 ‘‘The inspection may be performed entirely from
the top side of the floating roof, as long as there is
visual access to all deck components specified in
paragraph (a) of this section.’’ 40 CFR 63.1063(d)(1).
E:\FR\FM\19JAR1.SGM
19JAR1
5016
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
exception of some conforming and
referencing edits to recordkeeping and
reporting as discussed in the proposed
rule and below), nor are we changing
the applicability criteria in NSPS
subpart Kb or NESHAP subpart WW.
We are requiring that owners or
operators that choose to use this
optional alternative standard continue
to use the same NSPS subpart Kb
procedures for all storage vessels when
determining applicability of NSPS
subpart Kb; thus, owners or operators
that choose to use this alternative must
continue to comply with the monitoring
requirements of 40 CFR 60.116b(a), (c),
(e), and (f)(1), and also must keep other
records and furnish other reports (as
discussed in the proposed rule and
below) in addition to all of the
requirements specified in 40 CFR
63.1060 through 63.1067 of NESHAP
subpart WW. In addition, because NSPS
subpart Kb applies to each single storage
vessel (see 40 CFR 60.110b for NSPS
subpart Kb applicability and definition
of affected facility), this alternative
standard would be available for each
affected facility as defined in NSPS
subpart Kb. In other words, an owner or
operator with multiple affected facilities
can choose to use (or not use) the
alternative for each individual affected
facility.
After considering the public
comments received, the EPA is
finalizing the amendments that were
proposed with minimal changes as a
result of comments. We are clarifying
that the notification for switching to or
from the alternative standard is only
required for the initial inspection after
the switch. We are also correcting
typographical errors in NSPS subpart Kb
that inadvertently referenced the wrong,
nonexistent subparts.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
III. Public Comments and Responses
This section presents a summary of
the relevant public comments received
on the proposed amendments and the
EPA’s responses. The EPA received five
relevant public comments on the
proposed amendments, some of which
contained portions that were out of
scope, and one comment that was
entirely out of scope. The comments can
be obtained online from the Federal
Docket Management System at https://
www.regulations.gov/.
Comment: One commenter stated that
the EPA should consider increasing the
required frequency of inspections under
the alternative standard, and that the
EPA did not offer strong evidence of
equivalence between the NSPS subpart
Kb requirements and the alternative
standard.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jan 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
Response: As discussed in section
III.A of the preamble to the proposed
rule, EPA determined that the
alternative standard is appropriate
because it will achieve a reduction in
emissions at least equivalent to the
reduction in emissions achieved under
NSPS subpart Kb, and that the
alternative standard is just as stringent
as, if not more stringent than, the
underlying standard. This
determination was based upon the
premise that the proposal would not
change the underlying compliance
schedule(s) for events (inspections)
under NSPS subpart Kb or NESHAP
subpart WW. The EPA did not solicit
comment on, nor did we intend to make
changes to, any other provisions of
NSPS subpart Kb or NESHAP subpart
WW, including the frequency of
inspections required by each of those
subparts. Further, the EPA referenced
and provided background
documentation in the docket to support
this equivalency determination (see
Docket Item No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2020–
0372–0004). The commenter did not
explain how the EPA’s support of the
proposed equivalency determination
was inadequate or provide any evidence
to support the claimed need of
increased inspection frequency. While
the commenter states that ‘‘empty vessel
inspections’’ are ‘‘potentially more
comprehensive,’’ they offer no
explanation for this claim and do not
dispute the EPA’s explanation that
‘‘[c]onducting the in-service top-side-ofthe-floating-roof inspection per
NESHAP subpart WW affords the
inspector the same ability to examine all
the listed components for all of the
listed defects/inspection failures as if
the storage vessel was emptied and
degassed.’’ 85 FR 65779. Therefore, the
EPA does not find it necessary to
increase the required frequency of
inspections under the alternative
standard in order to determine
equivalency for the multiple reasons
stated in section III.A of the proposal
preamble which are not repeated here.
Comment: One commenter suggested
that the EPA consider including
additional context for the Agency’s
explanation regarding the emission
reduction potential of allowing
compliance with the alternative
standard.
Response: The EPA has already
included a document in the docket
titled ‘‘Impacts for Revision of Internal
Floating Roof Storage Vessel (Tank)
Inspection Requirements Subject to 40
CFR part 60 Subpart Kb’’ (Docket Item
No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2020–0372–0005)
that explains the air quality impacts of
the proposal. This document explains
PO 00000
Frm 00140
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
emission releases from tank emptying
and degassing events and includes
national impact estimates of the
potential emissions avoided by the
proposal in terms of tons per year (tpy)
of VOC. This document already
includes information that the
commenter suggests should be added.
Further, the commenter did not provide
any explanation as to why it believes
the documentation in the docket at
proposal provided inadequate context
for understanding the predicted
emissions reductions associated with
the proposed alternative standard.
Therefore, the EPA does not find it
necessary to conduct any additional
analysis of the air quality impacts
associated with the alternative standard.
Comment: Several commenters
recommended clarifying that the
proposed revisions (the alternative
standard) can be used by sources subject
to other regulations that reference NSPS
subpart Kb, such as the National
Emission Standard for Benzene Waste
Operations and the Gasoline
Distribution MACT. The commenters
noted that some emission standards that
reference NSPS subpart Kb do not have
the same design capacity and vapor
pressure thresholds for requiring control
as NSPS subpart Kb yet still require
compliance with NSPS subpart Kb. The
commenter suggested that the language
of the proposed revisions be changed to
be inclusive of storage vessels subject to
those referencing standards.
Response: The EPA did not propose to
allow the alternative standard for any
sources aside from those that meet the
applicability criteria in 40 CFR 60.110b
and which are equipped with either an
IFR or EFR pursuant to 40 CFR
60.112b(a)(1) or (2). If the EPA were to
make the alternative standard available
to sources that comply with NSPS
subpart Kb via a referencing subpart as
commenters suggest, then the EPA
would first need to conduct a detailed
analysis of how each potential
referencing subpart references NSPS
subpart Kb. The EPA would then need
to include conforming regulations in
this rulemaking for recordkeeping,
reporting, and applicability of general
provisions as needed for those
referencing subparts. These timeconsuming analyses and associated
regulatory amendments are outside the
scope of this limited rulemaking.
Therefore, we are not making changes to
the criteria for storage vessels allowed to
use the alternative standard at this time.
However, the EPA will consider
addressing the commenters’ suggestion
should the Agency decide to propose
additional amendments to NSPS subpart
E:\FR\FM\19JAR1.SGM
19JAR1
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Kb in the future via a different
rulemaking process.
Comment: Several commenters
recommended clarifying the reporting
requirements of the proposed revisions.
The commenters stated that the
proposed revisions at 40 CFR
60.110b(e)(5)(iv)(B) and (C) require that
each affected facility using the
alternative standard submit reports
under 40 CFR 63.1066 of NESHAP
subpart WW; however, it was unclear
when these reports need to be
submitted. The commenter stated that it
was unclear whether these reports
should be submitted only with the first
inspection using the alternative
standard or with every subsequent
inspection as well. The commenter
stated that if the report was only
required for the first inspection, this
would be redundant with the reporting
requirement in 40 CFR
60.110b(e)(5)(iv)(A). Alternatively, if
this requirement were for every
inspection, this requirement would
conflict with the requirement in 40 CFR
60.110b(e)(5)(iv)(F)(2) to submit
inspection reports only when inspection
failures occur.
Response: The EPA intended to
require only the initial notification that
occurs after electing to comply with the
alternative standard under 40 CFR
60.110b(e)(5)(iv)(A). Therefore, we agree
with the commenters’ suggestion to
remove the proposed provision that
would have required inclusion of this
notification with subsequent reports and
have made the corresponding changes
in the final rule language.
Comment: Several commenters
suggested clarifying the reporting
frequency in the proposed revisions.
The commenters stated that maintaining
the reporting frequency of NSPS subpart
Kb ‘‘could lead to inconsistent and
duplicative reporting requirements
which . . . EPA has repeatedly
acknowledged impose unnecessary
burden with no environmental benefit,’’
and that the EPA should allow semiannual reporting frequency. The
commenters stated that a semi-annual
reporting requirement would be more
consistent with reporting requirements
established after the promulgation of
NSPS subpart Kb in 1987. They also
stated that the EPA allows storage
vessels subject to both NSPS subpart Kb
and a NESHAP to submit compliance
reports on a semi-annual basis.
Response: As the EPA explained in
section V of the proposed amendments,
the Agency did not solicit comment on,
nor did we intend to make changes to,
any other provisions of NSPS subpart
Kb or NESHAP subpart WW aside from
incorporating the proposed alternative
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jan 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
standard. As such, the EPA is not
modifying the reporting schedule for
NSPS subpart Kb because such a change
would be outside the scope of this
limited rulemaking which was intended
only to incorporate the proposed
alternative standard. It was not the
EPA’s intent to make changes to the
underlying reporting schedules in NSPS
subpart Kb. However, the EPA will
consider addressing the commenters’
suggestion should the Agency decide to
propose additional amendments to
NSPS subpart Kb in the future via a
different rulemaking process.
Comment: Several commenters
recommended clarifying the inspection
deadlines of the alternative standard.
The commenters stated that the EPA
should allow inspections to occur at any
point within the specified calendar
period (e.g., within each calendar year
rather than a specific 1-year interval),
provided that a minimum amount of
time has passed since the last
inspection.
Response: As the EPA explained in
section V of the proposed amendments,
the Agency did not solicit comment on,
nor did we intend to make changes to,
any other provisions of NSPS subpart
Kb or NESHAP subpart WW aside from
incorporating the proposed alternative
standard. As such, the EPA is not
modifying the inspection schedule
requirements for NSPS subpart Kb
because such a modification would be
outside the scope of this limited
rulemaking which was intended only to
incorporate the proposed alternative
standard. It was not the EPA’s intent to
make changes to the underlying
inspection schedules in NSPS subpart
Kb. However, the EPA will consider
addressing the commenters’ suggestion
should the Agency decide to propose
additional amendments to NSPS subpart
Kb in the future via a different
rulemaking process.
Comment: One commenter suggested
that the EPA make technical corrections
to 40 CFR 60.115b(a)(4) and (b) to
correct previous inadvertent errors in
citations.
Response: The EPA agrees with the
commenter and has corrected 40 CFR
60.115b(a)(4) to reference 40 CFR
60.112b(a)(1) and 40 CFR 60.115b(b) to
reference 40 CFR 60.112b(a)(2). While
this comment and the EPA’s associated
revisions do not fit squarely within the
scope of the proposal to incorporate the
alternative standard, and do address a
separate provision of NSPS subpart Kb
unrelated to the alternative standard,
the EPA found it appropriate to make
these changes because commenters
identified a genuine typographical error.
The EPA’s revisions here will not alter
PO 00000
Frm 00141
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
5017
how sources and/or the Agency have
been implementing NSPS subpart Kb in
any way. The EPA finds it appropriate
and convenient to use this rulemaking
to correct the inadvertent typographical
error.
IV. Impacts of the Final Rule
A. What are the air quality impacts?
We estimate that nationwide VOC
emissions reductions would range from
65.8 tpy to 83.3 tpy as a result of the
amendments. As explained at proposal,
the alternative standard allows owners
or operators to avoid emptying and
degassing storage vessels in order to
perform certain inspections, thereby
reducing emissions caused by degassing
vapors which have historically been
vented to the atmosphere or sent to
control equipment. These emissions
reductions were documented in the
memorandum, Impacts for Revision of
Internal Floating Roof Storage Vessel
(Tank) Inspection Requirements Subject
to 40 CFR part 60 Subpart Kb (see
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–0372–
0005).
B. What are the cost impacts?
We estimate that the amendments will
result in a nationwide net cost savings
of between $768,000 and $1,091,000 per
year (in 2019 dollars). For further
information on the cost savings
associated with the amendments, see
the memorandum, Impacts for Revision
of Internal Floating Roof Storage Vessel
(Tank) Inspection Requirements Subject
to 40 CFR part 60 Subpart Kb (see
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–0372–
0005).
C. What are the economic impacts?
As noted earlier, we estimated a
nationwide cost savings associated with
the amendments. Therefore, we do not
expect the actions in this rulemaking to
result in business closures, significant
price increases or decreases in affected
output, or substantial profit loss. For
more information, refer to the Economic
Impact Analysis for the Proposed
Alternative Standard Available to
Floating Roof Storage Vessels (Tanks)
Subject to 40 CFR part 60 Subpart Kb,
which is in the docket for this
rulemaking.
D. What are the benefits?
The EPA did not monetize the
benefits from the estimated emission
reductions of VOC associated with this
action. However, we expect this action
would provide benefits associated with
VOC emission reductions.
E:\FR\FM\19JAR1.SGM
19JAR1
5018
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
V. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
Additional information about these
statutes and Executive orders can be
found at https://www.epa.gov/lawsregulations/laws-and-executive-orders.
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review
This action is not a significant
regulatory action and was, therefore, not
submitted to the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) for review.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing
Regulations and Controlling Regulatory
Costs
This action is considered an
Executive Order 13771 deregulatory
action. Details on the estimated cost
savings of this rule can be found in the
EPA’s analysis of the potential costs and
benefits associated with this action.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
The information collection activities
in this rule have been submitted for
approval to the OMB under the PRA.
The Information Collection Request
(ICR) document that the EPA prepared
has been assigned EPA ICR number
1854.13. You can find a copy of the ICR
in the docket for this rule, and it is
briefly summarized here. The
information collection requirements are
not enforceable until OMB approves
them.
See section III.A of the preamble for
the proposed rule (‘‘What actions are we
proposing?’’) for a description of the
alternative standard. Information about
inspection activities related to NSPS
subpart Kb is collected to assure
compliance with NSPS subpart Kb.
Most of the costs associated with the
alternative standard are associated with
labor hours. The time needed to conduct
an in-service top-side-of-the-floatingroof visual inspection pursuant to the
requirements in NESHAP subpart WW
is expected to be less than the time
needed to complete an out-of-service
inspection pursuant to NSPS subpart
Kb. Therefore, we anticipate a cost
savings. This ICR documents the
incremental burden imposed by the
final amendments only. In summary,
there is a decrease in the burden (labor
hours) documented in this ICR due a
reduction in the number of respondents
(storage vessels subject to NSPS subpart
Kb) that would be required to empty
and degas their storage vessels equipped
with an IFR.
Respondents/affected entities:
Owners or operators of storage vessels
constructed after July 23, 1984, that
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jan 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
have capacity greater than or equal to 75
m3 used to store volatile organic liquids
(including petroleum liquids) with a
true vapor pressure greater than or equal
to 3.5 kPa, and storage vessels
constructed after July 23, 1984, that
have capacity between 75 and 151 m3
capacity for which the true vapor
pressure of the stored liquid is greater
than or equal to 15 kPa.
Respondent’s obligation to respond:
Mandatory (40 CFR part 60, subpart Kb,
and 40 CFR part 63, subpart WW).
Estimated number of respondents:
385 facilities.
Frequency of response: Variable
(storage vessel specific).
Total estimated burden: A reduction
of 6,210 hours (per year). Burden is
defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).
Total estimated cost: A savings of
$930,000 (per year), includes a savings
of $466,000 annualized capital or
operation and maintenance costs.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number. The OMB control
numbers for the EPA’s regulations in 40
CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9. When
OMB approves this ICR, the Agency will
announce that approval in the Federal
Register and publish a technical
amendment to 40 CFR part 9 to display
the OMB control number for the
approved information collection
activities contained in this final rule.
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
I certify that this action will not have
a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the RFA. This action will not
impose any requirements on small
entities. The alternative standard is
optional; therefore, small entities are not
required to comply with the alternative.
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA)
This action does not contain any
unfunded mandate as described in
UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531–1538, and does
not significantly or uniquely affect small
governments. The action imposes no
enforceable duty on any state, local, or
tribal governments or the private sector.
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action does not have federalism
implications. It will not have substantial
direct effects on the states, on the
relationship between the National
Government and the states, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
PO 00000
Frm 00142
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
This action does not have tribal
implications as specified in Executive
Order 13175. It will not have substantial
direct effects on tribal governments, on
the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, as
specified in Executive Order 13175.
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not
apply to this action.
Consistent with the EPA Policy on
Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribes, the EPA offered
consultation with tribal officials during
the development of this action;
however, the Agency did not receive a
request for consultation. The EPA held
a webinar with communities on
November 10, 2020, which included
tribes during the public comment period
to inform them of the content of the
proposed rule and to encourage them to
submit comments on the proposed rule.
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
The EPA interprets Executive Order
13045 as applying only to those
regulatory actions that concern
environmental health or safety risks that
the EPA has reason to believe may
disproportionately affect children, per
the definition of ‘‘covered regulatory
action’’ in section 2–202 of the
Executive order. This action is not
subject to Executive Order 13045
because it does not concern an
environmental health risk or safety risk.
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
This action is not subject to Executive
Order 13211 because it is not a
significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866.
J. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act (NTTAA)
This rulemaking does not involve
technical standards.
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal
Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations
The EPA believes that this action does
not have disproportionately high and
adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority populations, lowincome populations, and/or indigenous
peoples, as specified in Executive Order
E:\FR\FM\19JAR1.SGM
19JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Although the proposed alternative is
optional, the alternative standard is at
least as stringent as the current
applicable requirements.
As discussed above in section V.G, a
webinar was held for community groups
which included environmental justice
communities.
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
This action is subject to the CRA, and
the EPA will submit a rule report to
each House of the Congress and to the
Comptroller General of the United
States. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 60
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Volatile
organic compounds.
Andrew Wheeler,
Administrator.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the EPA is amending 40 CFR
part 60 as follows:
PART 60—STANDARDS OF
PERFORMANCE FOR NEW
STATIONARY SOURCES
1. The authority citation for part 60
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart Kb—Standards of
Performance for Volatile Organic
Liquid Storage Vessels (Including
Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for
Which Construction, Reconstruction,
or Modification Commenced After July
23, 1984
2. Section 60.110b is amended by
adding paragraph (e)(5) to read as
follows:
■
§ 60.110b Applicability and designation of
affected facility.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
(e) * * *
(5) Option to comply with part 63,
subpart WW, of this chapter. Except as
specified in paragraphs (e)(5)(i) through
(iv) of this section, owners or operators
may choose to comply with 40 CFR part
63, subpart WW, to satisfy the
requirements of §§ 60.112b through
60.117b for storage vessels either with a
design capacity greater than or equal to
151 m3 containing a VOL that, as stored,
has a maximum true vapor pressure
equal to or greater than 5.2 kPa but less
than 76.6 kPa, or with a design capacity
greater than or equal to 75 m3 but less
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jan 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
than 151 m3 containing a VOL that, as
stored, has a maximum true vapor
pressure equal to or greater than 27.6
kPa but less than 76.6 kPa.
(i) The general provisions in subpart
A of this part apply instead of the
general provisions in subpart A of part
63 of this chapter.
(ii) Where terms are defined in both
this subpart and 40 CFR part 63, subpart
WW, the definitions in this subpart
apply.
(iii) Owners or operators who choose
to comply with 40 CFR part 63, subpart
WW, also must comply with the
monitoring requirements of § 60.116b(a),
(c), (e), and (f)(1), except as specified in
paragraphs (e)(5)(iii)(A) through (C) of
this section.
(A) The reference to all records
applies only to the records required by
§ 60.116b(c);
(B) The reference to § 60.116b(b) does
not apply; and
(C) The reference to § 60.116b(g) does
not apply.
(iv) Owners or operators who choose
to comply with 40 CFR part 63, subpart
WW, must also keep records and furnish
reports as specified in paragraphs
(e)(5)(iv)(A) through (F) of this section.
(A) For each affected facility, the
owner or operator must notify the
Administrator at least 30 days before the
first inspection is conducted under 40
CFR part 63, subpart WW. After this
notification is submitted to the
Administrator, the owner or operator
must continue to comply with the
alternative standard described in this
paragraph (e)(5) until the owner or
operator submits another notification to
the Administrator indicating the
affected facility is using the
requirements of §§ 60.112b through
60.117b instead of the alternative
standard described in this paragraph
(e)(5). The compliance schedule for
events does not reset upon switching
between compliance with this subpart
and 40 CFR part 63, subpart WW.
(B) Keep a record of each affected
facility using the alternative standard
described in this paragraph (e)(5) when
conducting an inspection required by
§ 63.1063(c)(1) of this chapter.
(C) Keep a record of each affected
facility using the alternative standard
described in this paragraph (e)(5) when
conducting an inspection required by
§ 63.1063(c)(2) of this chapter.
(D) Copies of all records and reports
kept pursuant to § 60.115b(a) and (b)
that have not met the 2-year record
retention required by the introductory
text of § 60.115b must be kept for an
additional 2 years after the date of
PO 00000
Frm 00143
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
5019
submittal of the inspection notification
specified in paragraph (e)(5)(iv)(A) of
this section, indicating the affected
facility is using the requirements of 40
CFR part 63, subpart WW.
(E) Copies of all records and reports
kept pursuant to § 63.1065 of this
chapter that have not met the 5-year
record retention required by the
introductory text of § 63.1065 must be
kept for an additional 5 years after the
date of submittal of the notification
specified in paragraph (e)(5)(iv)(A) of
this section, indicating the affected
facility is using the requirements of
§§ 60.112b through 60.117b.
(F) The following exceptions to the
reporting requirements of § 63.1066 of
this chapter apply:
(1) The notification of initial startup
required under § 63.1066(a)(1) and (2) of
this chapter must be submitted as an
attachment to the notification required
by §§ 60.7(a)(3) and 60.115b(a)(1);
(2) The reference in § 63.1066(b)(2) of
this chapter to periodic reports ‘‘when
inspection failures occur’’ means to
submit inspections results within 60
days of the initial gap measurements
required by § 63.1063(c)(2)(i) of this
chapter and within 30 days of all other
inspections required by § 63.1063(c)(1)
and (2) of this chapter.
3. Section 60.115b is amended by
revising paragraph (a)(4) and the
introductory text of paragraph (b) to
read as follows:
■
§ 60.115b Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
*
*
*
*
*
(a) * * *
(4) After each inspection required by
§ 60.113b(a)(3) that finds holes or tears
in the seal or seal fabric, or defects in
the internal floating roof, or other
control equipment defects listed in
§ 60.113b(a)(3)(ii), a report shall be
furnished to the Administrator within
30 days of the inspection. The report
shall identify the storage vessel and the
reason it did not meet the specifications
of § 60.112b(a)(1) or § 60.113b(a)(3) and
list each repair made.
(b) After installing control equipment
in accordance with § 60.112b(a)(2)
(external floating roof), the owner or
operator shall meet the following
requirements.
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2021–00678 Filed 1–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
E:\FR\FM\19JAR1.SGM
19JAR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 19, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5013-5019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00678]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 60
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0372; FRL-10019-21-OAR]
RIN 2060-AU91
Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage
Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which
Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After July 23,
1984
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing
amendments to the Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid
Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which
Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After July 23,
1984. We are finalizing specific amendments that would allow owners or
operators of storage vessels subject to the Standards of Performance
for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels and equipped with either an
external floating roof (EFR) or internal floating roof (IFR) to
voluntarily elect to comply with the requirements specified in the
National Emission Standards for Storage Vessels (Tanks)--Control Level
2, as an alternative standard, in lieu of the requirements specified in
the Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage
Vessels, subject to certain caveats and exceptions for monitoring,
recordkeeping, and reporting.
DATES: The final rule is effective on January 19, 2021.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this rulemaking under
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0372. All documents in the docket are
listed on the https://www.regulations.gov/ website. Although listed,
some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business
Information or other information whose disclosure is restricted by
statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not
placed on the internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket materials are available electronically
on the https://www.regulations.gov/ website. 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. For further information and updates on EPA Docket Center
services, please visit us online at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. The
EPA continues to carefully and continuously monitor information from
the Center for Disease Control, local area health departments, and our
federal partners so that we can respond rapidly as conditions change
regarding COVID-19.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this final action,
contact Mr. Neil Feinberg, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143-
01), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711;
telephone number: (919) 541-2214; fax number: (919) 541-0516; and email
address: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Preamble acronyms and abbreviations. We use
multiple acronyms and terms in this preamble. While this list may not
be exhaustive, to ease the reading of this preamble and for reference
purposes, the EPA defines the following terms and acronyms here:
CAA Clean Air Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
EFR external floating roof
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ICR Information Collection Request
IFR internal floating roof
kPa kilopascals
m3 cubic meters
[[Page 5014]]
NAICS North American Industry Classification System
NESHAP national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants
NSPS new source performance standards
OMB Office of Management and Budget
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
tpy tons per year
VOC volatile organic compound(s)
Background information. On October 16, 2020, the EPA proposed
revisions to the Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid
Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which
Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After July 23,
1984. 85 FR 65774. In this action, the EPA is finalizing decisions and
revisions for the rule. We summarize the in-scope comments we timely
received regarding the proposed rule and provide our responses in this
preamble. A ``track changes'' version of the regulatory language that
incorporates the changes in this action is available in the docket.
Organization of this document. The information in this preamble is
organized as follows:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
B. Where can I get a copy of this document and other related
information?
C. Judicial Review and Administrative Reconsideration
II. Background and Final Amendments
III. Public Comments and Responses
IV. Impacts of the Final Rule
A. What are the air quality impacts?
B. What are the cost impacts?
C. What are the economic impacts?
D. What are the benefits?
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and
Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulations and Controlling
Regulatory Costs
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
Regulated entities. Categories and entities potentially affected by
this action are shown in Table 1 of this preamble.
Table 1--Examples of Potentially Affected Entities by Category
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Examples of potentially
Category NAICS code \1\ regulated entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industrial..................... 325 Chemical manufacturing
facilities.
324 Petroleum and coal
products manufacturing
facilities.
422710 Petroleum bulk stations
and terminals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ North American Industry Classification System.
This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. To determine whether your entity is affected by this action,
you should carefully examine the applicability criteria found in the
final rule. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this
action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this preamble, your delegated
authority, or your EPA Regional representative listed in 40 CFR 60.4
(General Provisions).
B. Where can I get a copy of this document and other related
information?
In addition to being available in the docket, an electronic copy of
this final action will be available on the internet. Following
signature by the EPA Administrator, the EPA will post a copy of this
final action at https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/volatile-organic-liquid-storage-vessels-including-petroleum-storage.
Following publication in the Federal Register, the EPA will post the
Federal Register version of the final rule and key technical documents
at this same website.
C. Judicial Review and Administrative Reconsideration
Under Clean Air Act (CAA) section 307(b)(1), judicial review of
this final action is available only by filing a petition for review in
the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
by March 22, 2021. Under CAA section 307(b)(2), the requirements
established by this final rule may not be challenged separately in any
civil or criminal proceedings brought by the EPA to enforce the
requirements.
Section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA further provides that ``[o]nly an
objection to a rule or procedure which was raised with reasonable
specificity during the period for public comment (including any public
hearing) may be raised during judicial review.'' This section also
provides a mechanism for the EPA to convene a proceeding for
reconsideration, ``[i]f the person raising an objection can demonstrate
to the EPA that it was impracticable to raise such objection within
[the period for public comment] or if the grounds for such objection
arose after the period for public comment, (but within the time
specified for judicial review) and if such objection is of central
relevance to the outcome of the rule.'' Any person seeking to make such
a demonstration to us should submit a Petition for Reconsideration to
the Office of the Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Room 3000, WJC West Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460, with a copy to both the person(s) listed in the preceding FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, and the Associate General Counsel
for the Air and Radiation Law Office, Office of General Counsel (Mail
Code 2344A), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460.
II. Background and Final Amendments
Pursuant to the EPA's authority under CAA section 111, the Agency
proposed (49 FR 29698, July 23, 1984) and promulgated (52 FR 11420,
April 8, 1987) new source performance standards (NSPS) at 40 CFR part
60, subpart Kb, for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels, Including
Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels, for Which Construction,
Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After July 23, 1984. To
reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from storage vessels
with a capacity of 75
[[Page 5015]]
cubic meters (m\3\) or more that store organic liquids with a true
vapor pressure over 27.6 kilopascals (kPa), and from storage vessels
with a capacity of 151 m\3\ or more that store organic liquids with a
true vapor pressure over 5.2 kPa, NSPS subpart Kb requires the use of
either an EFR, an IFR, or a closed vent system and a control device.
See 40 CFR 60.110b(a) and 60.112b(a) and (b).\1\ NSPS subpart Kb also
specifies testing, monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting, and other
requirements in 40 CFR 60.113b through 60.116b to ensure compliance
with the standards. More specifically, 40 CFR 60.113b requires, among
other things, that certain inspections for IFR and EFR occur at least
once within certain defined timeframes (such as at least once every
year, 5 years, or 10 years). Storage vessels with an EFR consist of an
open-top cylindrical steel shell equipped with a deck that floats on
the surface of the stored liquid (commonly referred to as a floating
roof). Storage vessels with an IFR are fixed roof vessels \2\ that also
have a deck internal to the tank that floats on the liquid surface
within the fixed roof vessel (commonly referred to as an internal
floating roof).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ All affected storage vessels storing organic liquids with a
true vapor pressure of 76.6 kPa or more must use a closed vent
system and a control device. 40 CFR 60.112b(b).
\2\ A fixed roof storage vessel consists of a cylindrical steel
shell with a permanently affixed roof, which may vary in design from
cone or dome-shaped to flat.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The standards in NSPS subpart Kb for storage vessels with an EFR or
IFR are a combination of a design, equipment, work practice, and
operational standards set pursuant to CAA section 111(h). These
standards require, among other things, that a rim seal be installed
continuously around the circumference of the vessel (between the inner
wall of the vessel and the floating roof) to prevent VOC from escaping
to the atmosphere through gaps between the floating roof and the inner
wall of the storage vessel. Similarly, NSPS subpart Kb requires deck
fittings \3\ on the floating roof to be equipped with a gasketed cover
or lid that is kept in the closed position at all times (i.e., no
visible gap), except when the device (the deck fitting) is in actual
use, to prevent VOC emissions from escaping through the deck fittings.
In general, NSPS subpart Kb requires owners or operators to conduct
visual inspections to check for defects in the floating roof, rim
seals, and deck fittings (e.g., holes, tears, or other openings in the
rim seal, or covers and lids on deck fittings that no longer close
properly) that could expose the liquid surface to the atmosphere and
potentially result in VOC emission losses through rim seals and deck
fittings.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ Numerous fittings pass through or are attached to floating
roof decks to accommodate structural support components or to allow
for operational functions. Typical deck fittings include, but are
not limited to, the following: Access hatches, gauge floats, gauge-
hatch/sample ports, rim vents, deck drains, deck legs, vacuum
breakers, and guidepoles. IFR tanks may also have deck seams, fixed-
roof support columns, ladders, and/or stub drains.
\4\ For details about storage vessel emissions, refer to the
Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors, Volume 1: Stationary
Point and Area Sources, AP-42, Fifth Edition, Chapter 7: Liquid
Storage Tanks, dated June 2020, which is available at: https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-factors-and-quantification/ap-42-compilation-air-emissions-factors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since promulgation of NSPS subpart Kb, the EPA promulgated 40 CFR
part 63, subpart WW, which is applicable to storage vessels containing
organic materials, as part of the generic maximum achievable control
technology standards program for setting national emission standards
for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) under CAA section 112. See 64 FR
34854 (June 29, 1999). NESHAP subpart WW was developed for the purpose
of providing consistent EFR and IFR requirements for storage vessels
that could be referenced by multiple NESHAP subparts. Like the NSPS
subpart Kb standards for floating roof tanks, NESHAP subpart WW is
comprised of a combination of design, equipment, work practice, and
operational standards. See proposed rule for NESHAP subpart WW (63 FR
55178, 55196 (October 14, 1998)). Both rules specify monitoring,
recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for storage vessels equipped
with EFR or IFR, and both include numerous requirements for inspections
that occur at least once within certain defined timeframes. See 40 CFR
63.1063 for the IFR and EFR inspection requirements of NESHAP subpart
WW. The inspections required by NESHAP subpart WW are intended to
achieve the same goals as those inspections required by NSPS subpart Kb
(e.g., both rules require visual inspections to check for defects in
the floating roof, rim seals, and deck fittings). Further, NESHAP
subpart WW incorporates technical improvements based on the EPA's
experience with implementation of other NESHAP. For storage vessels
equipped with either an EFR or IFR, as long as there is visual access
(as explained below), NESHAP subpart WW allows that the visual
inspection of the floating roof deck, deck fittings, and rim seals may
be conducted, while the tank remains in-service, from the top-side of
the floating roof (meaning on top of the floating roof, and in the case
of an IFR, under the fixed roof and internal to the tank); this is
referred to as an in-service top-side of the floating roof visual
inspection. In other words, in the case of an IFR, if an owner or
operator has physical access to the inside of the tank above the
floating roof and a floating roof design which allows inspectors to
have visual access to all rim seals and deck fittings of the floating
roof (meaning an inspector can see all the components required to be
inspected) while the storage vessel is in-service, then NESHAP subpart
WW does not require the owner or operator to take the storage vessel
out of service to inspect the floating roof, rim seals, and deck
fittings in accordance with 40 CFR 63.1063(d)(1).\5\ This contrasts
with NSPS subpart Kb, which, as explained in the proposed rule,
requires that these inspections be conducted when the storage vessel is
out-of-service (compare 40 CFR 63.1063(d)(1) with 40 CFR 60.113b(a)(4)
and (b)(6)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ ``The inspection may be performed entirely from the top side
of the floating roof, as long as there is visual access to all deck
components specified in paragraph (a) of this section.'' 40 CFR
63.1063(d)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to the EPA's authority under CAA section 111(h), we
proposed amendments to NSPS subpart Kb in a new paragraph (see proposed
85 FR 65782--40 CFR 60.110b(e)(5)) that would allow owners or operators
of storage vessels subject to NSPS subpart Kb, and equipped with either
an EFR or IFR, the choice to elect to comply with the requirements
specified in NESHAP subpart WW as an alternative standard, in lieu of
the requirements specified in NSPS subpart Kb. 85 FR 65774 (October 16,
2020). Sources subject to NSPS subpart Kb that are equipped with either
an EFR or IFR that elect to utilize the alternative standard would
comply with all of the requirements in NESHAP subpart WW instead of the
requirements in NSPS subpart Kb, 40 CFR 60.112b through 60.117b,
subject to certain caveats and exceptions explained in the proposed
rule and below. Among other things, this alternative allows owners or
operators of storage vessels subject to NSPS subpart Kb that are
equipped with an IFR, and that can meet the visual access requirement
of NESHAP subpart WW explained above, to conduct the internal in-
service top-side of the floating roof visual inspection pursuant to
NESHAP subpart WW, thereby avoiding the need to empty and degas the
vessel for the sole purpose of conducting the inspection. Further, we
are not changing the underlying monitoring, reporting, or recordkeeping
requirements in either NSPS subpart Kb or NESHAP subpart WW (with the
[[Page 5016]]
exception of some conforming and referencing edits to recordkeeping and
reporting as discussed in the proposed rule and below), nor are we
changing the applicability criteria in NSPS subpart Kb or NESHAP
subpart WW. We are requiring that owners or operators that choose to
use this optional alternative standard continue to use the same NSPS
subpart Kb procedures for all storage vessels when determining
applicability of NSPS subpart Kb; thus, owners or operators that choose
to use this alternative must continue to comply with the monitoring
requirements of 40 CFR 60.116b(a), (c), (e), and (f)(1), and also must
keep other records and furnish other reports (as discussed in the
proposed rule and below) in addition to all of the requirements
specified in 40 CFR 63.1060 through 63.1067 of NESHAP subpart WW. In
addition, because NSPS subpart Kb applies to each single storage vessel
(see 40 CFR 60.110b for NSPS subpart Kb applicability and definition of
affected facility), this alternative standard would be available for
each affected facility as defined in NSPS subpart Kb. In other words,
an owner or operator with multiple affected facilities can choose to
use (or not use) the alternative for each individual affected facility.
After considering the public comments received, the EPA is
finalizing the amendments that were proposed with minimal changes as a
result of comments. We are clarifying that the notification for
switching to or from the alternative standard is only required for the
initial inspection after the switch. We are also correcting
typographical errors in NSPS subpart Kb that inadvertently referenced
the wrong, nonexistent subparts.
III. Public Comments and Responses
This section presents a summary of the relevant public comments
received on the proposed amendments and the EPA's responses. The EPA
received five relevant public comments on the proposed amendments, some
of which contained portions that were out of scope, and one comment
that was entirely out of scope. The comments can be obtained online
from the Federal Docket Management System at https://www.regulations.gov/.
Comment: One commenter stated that the EPA should consider
increasing the required frequency of inspections under the alternative
standard, and that the EPA did not offer strong evidence of equivalence
between the NSPS subpart Kb requirements and the alternative standard.
Response: As discussed in section III.A of the preamble to the
proposed rule, EPA determined that the alternative standard is
appropriate because it will achieve a reduction in emissions at least
equivalent to the reduction in emissions achieved under NSPS subpart
Kb, and that the alternative standard is just as stringent as, if not
more stringent than, the underlying standard. This determination was
based upon the premise that the proposal would not change the
underlying compliance schedule(s) for events (inspections) under NSPS
subpart Kb or NESHAP subpart WW. The EPA did not solicit comment on,
nor did we intend to make changes to, any other provisions of NSPS
subpart Kb or NESHAP subpart WW, including the frequency of inspections
required by each of those subparts. Further, the EPA referenced and
provided background documentation in the docket to support this
equivalency determination (see Docket Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0372-
0004). The commenter did not explain how the EPA's support of the
proposed equivalency determination was inadequate or provide any
evidence to support the claimed need of increased inspection frequency.
While the commenter states that ``empty vessel inspections'' are
``potentially more comprehensive,'' they offer no explanation for this
claim and do not dispute the EPA's explanation that ``[c]onducting the
in-service top-side-of-the-floating-roof inspection per NESHAP subpart
WW affords the inspector the same ability to examine all the listed
components for all of the listed defects/inspection failures as if the
storage vessel was emptied and degassed.'' 85 FR 65779. Therefore, the
EPA does not find it necessary to increase the required frequency of
inspections under the alternative standard in order to determine
equivalency for the multiple reasons stated in section III.A of the
proposal preamble which are not repeated here.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the EPA consider including
additional context for the Agency's explanation regarding the emission
reduction potential of allowing compliance with the alternative
standard.
Response: The EPA has already included a document in the docket
titled ``Impacts for Revision of Internal Floating Roof Storage Vessel
(Tank) Inspection Requirements Subject to 40 CFR part 60 Subpart Kb''
(Docket Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0372-0005) that explains the air
quality impacts of the proposal. This document explains emission
releases from tank emptying and degassing events and includes national
impact estimates of the potential emissions avoided by the proposal in
terms of tons per year (tpy) of VOC. This document already includes
information that the commenter suggests should be added. Further, the
commenter did not provide any explanation as to why it believes the
documentation in the docket at proposal provided inadequate context for
understanding the predicted emissions reductions associated with the
proposed alternative standard. Therefore, the EPA does not find it
necessary to conduct any additional analysis of the air quality impacts
associated with the alternative standard.
Comment: Several commenters recommended clarifying that the
proposed revisions (the alternative standard) can be used by sources
subject to other regulations that reference NSPS subpart Kb, such as
the National Emission Standard for Benzene Waste Operations and the
Gasoline Distribution MACT. The commenters noted that some emission
standards that reference NSPS subpart Kb do not have the same design
capacity and vapor pressure thresholds for requiring control as NSPS
subpart Kb yet still require compliance with NSPS subpart Kb. The
commenter suggested that the language of the proposed revisions be
changed to be inclusive of storage vessels subject to those referencing
standards.
Response: The EPA did not propose to allow the alternative standard
for any sources aside from those that meet the applicability criteria
in 40 CFR 60.110b and which are equipped with either an IFR or EFR
pursuant to 40 CFR 60.112b(a)(1) or (2). If the EPA were to make the
alternative standard available to sources that comply with NSPS subpart
Kb via a referencing subpart as commenters suggest, then the EPA would
first need to conduct a detailed analysis of how each potential
referencing subpart references NSPS subpart Kb. The EPA would then need
to include conforming regulations in this rulemaking for recordkeeping,
reporting, and applicability of general provisions as needed for those
referencing subparts. These time-consuming analyses and associated
regulatory amendments are outside the scope of this limited rulemaking.
Therefore, we are not making changes to the criteria for storage
vessels allowed to use the alternative standard at this time. However,
the EPA will consider addressing the commenters' suggestion should the
Agency decide to propose additional amendments to NSPS subpart
[[Page 5017]]
Kb in the future via a different rulemaking process.
Comment: Several commenters recommended clarifying the reporting
requirements of the proposed revisions. The commenters stated that the
proposed revisions at 40 CFR 60.110b(e)(5)(iv)(B) and (C) require that
each affected facility using the alternative standard submit reports
under 40 CFR 63.1066 of NESHAP subpart WW; however, it was unclear when
these reports need to be submitted. The commenter stated that it was
unclear whether these reports should be submitted only with the first
inspection using the alternative standard or with every subsequent
inspection as well. The commenter stated that if the report was only
required for the first inspection, this would be redundant with the
reporting requirement in 40 CFR 60.110b(e)(5)(iv)(A). Alternatively, if
this requirement were for every inspection, this requirement would
conflict with the requirement in 40 CFR 60.110b(e)(5)(iv)(F)(2) to
submit inspection reports only when inspection failures occur.
Response: The EPA intended to require only the initial notification
that occurs after electing to comply with the alternative standard
under 40 CFR 60.110b(e)(5)(iv)(A). Therefore, we agree with the
commenters' suggestion to remove the proposed provision that would have
required inclusion of this notification with subsequent reports and
have made the corresponding changes in the final rule language.
Comment: Several commenters suggested clarifying the reporting
frequency in the proposed revisions. The commenters stated that
maintaining the reporting frequency of NSPS subpart Kb ``could lead to
inconsistent and duplicative reporting requirements which . . . EPA has
repeatedly acknowledged impose unnecessary burden with no environmental
benefit,'' and that the EPA should allow semi-annual reporting
frequency. The commenters stated that a semi-annual reporting
requirement would be more consistent with reporting requirements
established after the promulgation of NSPS subpart Kb in 1987. They
also stated that the EPA allows storage vessels subject to both NSPS
subpart Kb and a NESHAP to submit compliance reports on a semi-annual
basis.
Response: As the EPA explained in section V of the proposed
amendments, the Agency did not solicit comment on, nor did we intend to
make changes to, any other provisions of NSPS subpart Kb or NESHAP
subpart WW aside from incorporating the proposed alternative standard.
As such, the EPA is not modifying the reporting schedule for NSPS
subpart Kb because such a change would be outside the scope of this
limited rulemaking which was intended only to incorporate the proposed
alternative standard. It was not the EPA's intent to make changes to
the underlying reporting schedules in NSPS subpart Kb. However, the EPA
will consider addressing the commenters' suggestion should the Agency
decide to propose additional amendments to NSPS subpart Kb in the
future via a different rulemaking process.
Comment: Several commenters recommended clarifying the inspection
deadlines of the alternative standard. The commenters stated that the
EPA should allow inspections to occur at any point within the specified
calendar period (e.g., within each calendar year rather than a specific
1-year interval), provided that a minimum amount of time has passed
since the last inspection.
Response: As the EPA explained in section V of the proposed
amendments, the Agency did not solicit comment on, nor did we intend to
make changes to, any other provisions of NSPS subpart Kb or NESHAP
subpart WW aside from incorporating the proposed alternative standard.
As such, the EPA is not modifying the inspection schedule requirements
for NSPS subpart Kb because such a modification would be outside the
scope of this limited rulemaking which was intended only to incorporate
the proposed alternative standard. It was not the EPA's intent to make
changes to the underlying inspection schedules in NSPS subpart Kb.
However, the EPA will consider addressing the commenters' suggestion
should the Agency decide to propose additional amendments to NSPS
subpart Kb in the future via a different rulemaking process.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the EPA make technical
corrections to 40 CFR 60.115b(a)(4) and (b) to correct previous
inadvertent errors in citations.
Response: The EPA agrees with the commenter and has corrected 40
CFR 60.115b(a)(4) to reference 40 CFR 60.112b(a)(1) and 40 CFR
60.115b(b) to reference 40 CFR 60.112b(a)(2). While this comment and
the EPA's associated revisions do not fit squarely within the scope of
the proposal to incorporate the alternative standard, and do address a
separate provision of NSPS subpart Kb unrelated to the alternative
standard, the EPA found it appropriate to make these changes because
commenters identified a genuine typographical error. The EPA's
revisions here will not alter how sources and/or the Agency have been
implementing NSPS subpart Kb in any way. The EPA finds it appropriate
and convenient to use this rulemaking to correct the inadvertent
typographical error.
IV. Impacts of the Final Rule
A. What are the air quality impacts?
We estimate that nationwide VOC emissions reductions would range
from 65.8 tpy to 83.3 tpy as a result of the amendments. As explained
at proposal, the alternative standard allows owners or operators to
avoid emptying and degassing storage vessels in order to perform
certain inspections, thereby reducing emissions caused by degassing
vapors which have historically been vented to the atmosphere or sent to
control equipment. These emissions reductions were documented in the
memorandum, Impacts for Revision of Internal Floating Roof Storage
Vessel (Tank) Inspection Requirements Subject to 40 CFR part 60 Subpart
Kb (see Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-0372-0005).
B. What are the cost impacts?
We estimate that the amendments will result in a nationwide net
cost savings of between $768,000 and $1,091,000 per year (in 2019
dollars). For further information on the cost savings associated with
the amendments, see the memorandum, Impacts for Revision of Internal
Floating Roof Storage Vessel (Tank) Inspection Requirements Subject to
40 CFR part 60 Subpart Kb (see Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-0372-0005).
C. What are the economic impacts?
As noted earlier, we estimated a nationwide cost savings associated
with the amendments. Therefore, we do not expect the actions in this
rulemaking to result in business closures, significant price increases
or decreases in affected output, or substantial profit loss. For more
information, refer to the Economic Impact Analysis for the Proposed
Alternative Standard Available to Floating Roof Storage Vessels (Tanks)
Subject to 40 CFR part 60 Subpart Kb, which is in the docket for this
rulemaking.
D. What are the benefits?
The EPA did not monetize the benefits from the estimated emission
reductions of VOC associated with this action. However, we expect this
action would provide benefits associated with VOC emission reductions.
[[Page 5018]]
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Additional information about these statutes and Executive orders
can be found at https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/laws-and-executive-orders.
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
This action is not a significant regulatory action and was,
therefore, not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for review.
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulations and Controlling
Regulatory Costs
This action is considered an Executive Order 13771 deregulatory
action. Details on the estimated cost savings of this rule can be found
in the EPA's analysis of the potential costs and benefits associated
with this action.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
The information collection activities in this rule have been
submitted for approval to the OMB under the PRA. The Information
Collection Request (ICR) document that the EPA prepared has been
assigned EPA ICR number 1854.13. You can find a copy of the ICR in the
docket for this rule, and it is briefly summarized here. The
information collection requirements are not enforceable until OMB
approves them.
See section III.A of the preamble for the proposed rule (``What
actions are we proposing?'') for a description of the alternative
standard. Information about inspection activities related to NSPS
subpart Kb is collected to assure compliance with NSPS subpart Kb. Most
of the costs associated with the alternative standard are associated
with labor hours. The time needed to conduct an in-service top-side-of-
the-floating-roof visual inspection pursuant to the requirements in
NESHAP subpart WW is expected to be less than the time needed to
complete an out-of-service inspection pursuant to NSPS subpart Kb.
Therefore, we anticipate a cost savings. This ICR documents the
incremental burden imposed by the final amendments only. In summary,
there is a decrease in the burden (labor hours) documented in this ICR
due a reduction in the number of respondents (storage vessels subject
to NSPS subpart Kb) that would be required to empty and degas their
storage vessels equipped with an IFR.
Respondents/affected entities: Owners or operators of storage
vessels constructed after July 23, 1984, that have capacity greater
than or equal to 75 m\3\ used to store volatile organic liquids
(including petroleum liquids) with a true vapor pressure greater than
or equal to 3.5 kPa, and storage vessels constructed after July 23,
1984, that have capacity between 75 and 151 m\3\ capacity for which the
true vapor pressure of the stored liquid is greater than or equal to 15
kPa.
Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory (40 CFR part 60,
subpart Kb, and 40 CFR part 63, subpart WW).
Estimated number of respondents: 385 facilities.
Frequency of response: Variable (storage vessel specific).
Total estimated burden: A reduction of 6,210 hours (per year).
Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).
Total estimated cost: A savings of $930,000 (per year), includes a
savings of $466,000 annualized capital or operation and maintenance
costs.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for the
EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9. When OMB
approves this ICR, the Agency will announce that approval in the
Federal Register and publish a technical amendment to 40 CFR part 9 to
display the OMB control number for the approved information collection
activities contained in this final rule.
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
I certify that this action will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. This
action will not impose any requirements on small entities. The
alternative standard is optional; therefore, small entities are not
required to comply with the alternative.
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
This action does not contain any unfunded mandate as described in
UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect
small governments. The action imposes no enforceable duty on any state,
local, or tribal governments or the private sector.
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have
substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between
the National Government and the states, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments
This action does not have tribal implications as specified in
Executive Order 13175. It will not have substantial direct effects on
tribal governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government
and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified in
Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to
this action.
Consistent with the EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribes, the EPA offered consultation with tribal officials
during the development of this action; however, the Agency did not
receive a request for consultation. The EPA held a webinar with
communities on November 10, 2020, which included tribes during the
public comment period to inform them of the content of the proposed
rule and to encourage them to submit comments on the proposed rule.
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks
The EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those
regulatory actions that concern environmental health or safety risks
that the EPA has reason to believe may disproportionately affect
children, per the definition of ``covered regulatory action'' in
section 2-202 of the Executive order. This action is not subject to
Executive Order 13045 because it does not concern an environmental
health risk or safety risk.
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 because it is
not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)
This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
The EPA believes that this action does not have disproportionately
high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority
populations, low-income populations, and/or indigenous peoples, as
specified in Executive Order
[[Page 5019]]
12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). Although the proposed
alternative is optional, the alternative standard is at least as
stringent as the current applicable requirements.
As discussed above in section V.G, a webinar was held for community
groups which included environmental justice communities.
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
This action is subject to the CRA, and the EPA will submit a rule
report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of
the United States. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 60
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.
Andrew Wheeler,
Administrator.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the EPA is amending 40
CFR part 60 as follows:
PART 60--STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES
0
1. The authority citation for part 60 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart Kb--Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid
Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for
Which Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After
July 23, 1984
0
2. Section 60.110b is amended by adding paragraph (e)(5) to read as
follows:
Sec. 60.110b Applicability and designation of affected facility.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(5) Option to comply with part 63, subpart WW, of this chapter.
Except as specified in paragraphs (e)(5)(i) through (iv) of this
section, owners or operators may choose to comply with 40 CFR part 63,
subpart WW, to satisfy the requirements of Sec. Sec. 60.112b through
60.117b for storage vessels either with a design capacity greater than
or equal to 151 m\3\ containing a VOL that, as stored, has a maximum
true vapor pressure equal to or greater than 5.2 kPa but less than 76.6
kPa, or with a design capacity greater than or equal to 75 m\3\ but
less than 151 m\3\ containing a VOL that, as stored, has a maximum true
vapor pressure equal to or greater than 27.6 kPa but less than 76.6
kPa.
(i) The general provisions in subpart A of this part apply instead
of the general provisions in subpart A of part 63 of this chapter.
(ii) Where terms are defined in both this subpart and 40 CFR part
63, subpart WW, the definitions in this subpart apply.
(iii) Owners or operators who choose to comply with 40 CFR part 63,
subpart WW, also must comply with the monitoring requirements of Sec.
60.116b(a), (c), (e), and (f)(1), except as specified in paragraphs
(e)(5)(iii)(A) through (C) of this section.
(A) The reference to all records applies only to the records
required by Sec. 60.116b(c);
(B) The reference to Sec. 60.116b(b) does not apply; and
(C) The reference to Sec. 60.116b(g) does not apply.
(iv) Owners or operators who choose to comply with 40 CFR part 63,
subpart WW, must also keep records and furnish reports as specified in
paragraphs (e)(5)(iv)(A) through (F) of this section.
(A) For each affected facility, the owner or operator must notify
the Administrator at least 30 days before the first inspection is
conducted under 40 CFR part 63, subpart WW. After this notification is
submitted to the Administrator, the owner or operator must continue to
comply with the alternative standard described in this paragraph (e)(5)
until the owner or operator submits another notification to the
Administrator indicating the affected facility is using the
requirements of Sec. Sec. 60.112b through 60.117b instead of the
alternative standard described in this paragraph (e)(5). The compliance
schedule for events does not reset upon switching between compliance
with this subpart and 40 CFR part 63, subpart WW.
(B) Keep a record of each affected facility using the alternative
standard described in this paragraph (e)(5) when conducting an
inspection required by Sec. 63.1063(c)(1) of this chapter.
(C) Keep a record of each affected facility using the alternative
standard described in this paragraph (e)(5) when conducting an
inspection required by Sec. 63.1063(c)(2) of this chapter.
(D) Copies of all records and reports kept pursuant to Sec.
60.115b(a) and (b) that have not met the 2-year record retention
required by the introductory text of Sec. 60.115b must be kept for an
additional 2 years after the date of submittal of the inspection
notification specified in paragraph (e)(5)(iv)(A) of this section,
indicating the affected facility is using the requirements of 40 CFR
part 63, subpart WW.
(E) Copies of all records and reports kept pursuant to Sec.
63.1065 of this chapter that have not met the 5-year record retention
required by the introductory text of Sec. 63.1065 must be kept for an
additional 5 years after the date of submittal of the notification
specified in paragraph (e)(5)(iv)(A) of this section, indicating the
affected facility is using the requirements of Sec. Sec. 60.112b
through 60.117b.
(F) The following exceptions to the reporting requirements of Sec.
63.1066 of this chapter apply:
(1) The notification of initial startup required under Sec.
63.1066(a)(1) and (2) of this chapter must be submitted as an
attachment to the notification required by Sec. Sec. 60.7(a)(3) and
60.115b(a)(1);
(2) The reference in Sec. 63.1066(b)(2) of this chapter to
periodic reports ``when inspection failures occur'' means to submit
inspections results within 60 days of the initial gap measurements
required by Sec. 63.1063(c)(2)(i) of this chapter and within 30 days
of all other inspections required by Sec. 63.1063(c)(1) and (2) of
this chapter.
0
3. Section 60.115b is amended by revising paragraph (a)(4) and the
introductory text of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 60.115b Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
(4) After each inspection required by Sec. 60.113b(a)(3) that
finds holes or tears in the seal or seal fabric, or defects in the
internal floating roof, or other control equipment defects listed in
Sec. 60.113b(a)(3)(ii), a report shall be furnished to the
Administrator within 30 days of the inspection. The report shall
identify the storage vessel and the reason it did not meet the
specifications of Sec. 60.112b(a)(1) or Sec. 60.113b(a)(3) and list
each repair made.
(b) After installing control equipment in accordance with Sec.
60.112b(a)(2) (external floating roof), the owner or operator shall
meet the following requirements.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2021-00678 Filed 1-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P