Indiana: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program Revisions, 9879-9883 [2021-03168]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 17, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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EPA determined that this action will not
have disproportionately high and
adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority or low-income
populations because it does not affect
the level of protection provided to
human health or the environment. The
EPA has assessed the overall
protectiveness of modifying the existing
HOODS against the criteria established
pursuant to the MPRSA to ensure that
any adverse impact to the environment
will be mitigated to the greatest extent
practicable.
V. Response to Comments on the
Proposed Rule, EA and SMMP
EPA published the draft EA and the
proposed rule for a 30-day public
comment period on May 29, 2020, and
accepted comments until June 29, 2020.
Both the draft EA and proposed rule
were available at www.regulations.gov
(Docket ID No. EPA–R09–OW–2020–
0188) and at https://www.epa.gov/
ocean-dumping/humboldt-open-oceandisposal-site-hoods-documents.
EPA received feedback from a total of
four commenters on the draft EA and
proposed rule. Most of the comments
did not specify whether they applied to
the EA, the proposed rule, or the SMMP;
EPA therefore accepted them as
applicable to all three documents. The
full comments, and EPA’s responses, are
included in Appendix E to the Final EA
and are summarized below. Based on
the comments received, only minor,
clarifying wording changes have been
made to the Final EA, final rule, and
updated SMMP.
One citizen commenter supported
expanding HOODS, asked how long
before expansion might be needed
again, hoped that expansion would
cause no environmental harm, and
recommended that dumping violations
should be punished. EPA responded
that the site should not need further
expansion for approximately 75 years at
present disposal rates; that EPA had
substantial enforcement authority
should violations occur; and that
environmental impacts are not expected
based on the prior 25 years of site use
and the results of recent comprehensive
monitoring studies.
One agency commenter pointed out
some potential for confusion regarding
whether the modified HOODS boundary
would completely supersede the
original HOODS boundary on future
NOAA navigation charts, or whether
both old and new boundaries would be
shown. The commenter pointed out that
if both were shown, confusion could
result because small corners of the old
boundary would protrude from the
(otherwise perfectly square) new
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boundary. EPA responded that the new
boundary would completely supersede
the original boundary on future NOAA
navigation chart updates.
Another agency commented that it
looked forward to receiving EPA’s
consistency determination for the
proposed boundary modification and to
working with EPA staff on this
submittal. EPA thanked the agency and
noted that EPA would not publish the
final rule for modifying HOODS until
the agency’s comments (if any) had been
fully considered.
The final agency commenter pointed
out a minor typographical error in draft
EA Section 4.4.1. This typographical
error was corrected.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 228
Environmental protection, Water
pollution control.
Authority: This action is issued under the
authority of Section 102 of the Marine
Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, as
amended, 33 U.S.C. 1401, 1411, 1412.
9879
(iv) Use Restricted to Disposal of:
Disposal shall be limited to dredged
material determined to be suitable for
ocean disposal according to 40 CFR
220–228.
(v) Period of Use: Continuing use for
50 years from the effective date of this
updated site designation, subject to
restrictions and provisions set forth in
paragraph (l)(10)(vi) of this section.
(vi) Restrictions/Provisions: Disposal
at HOODS shall be in accordance with
the permit or Federal project approval
that incorporates all conditions set forth
in the most recent Site Management and
Monitoring Plan (SMMP) for the
HOODS published by EPA in
consultation with USACE, and as may
be modified in EPA concurrences for
individual projects disposing at
HOODS. The SMMP may be
periodically revised as necessary;
proposed substantive revisions to the
SMMP shall be made following
opportunity for public review and
comment.
*
*
*
*
*
Dated: February 3, 2021.
Deborah Jordan,
Acting Regional Administrator, EPA Region
9.
[FR Doc. 2021–02731 Filed 2–16–21; 8:45 am]
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, the EPA amends chapter I,
title 40 of the Code of Federal
Regulations as follows:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
PART 228—CRITERIA FOR THE
MANAGEMENT OF DISPOSAL SITES
FOR OCEAN DUMPING
[EPA–R05–UST–2020–0685; FRL–10020–
05–Region 5]
1. The authority citation for Part 228
continues to read as follows:
Indiana: Final Approval of State
Underground Storage Tank Program
Revisions
■
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1412 and 1418.
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
40 CFR Part 281
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
■
2. Section 228.15 is amended by
revising paragraph (l)(10) to read as
follows:
AGENCY:
§ 228.15 Dumping sites designated on a
final basis.
SUMMARY:
*
*
*
*
*
(l) * * *
(10) Humboldt Open Ocean Disposal
Site (HOODS) Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site—Region IX.
(i) Location: The coordinates of the
four corners of the square site are:
40°50.300′ North latitude (N) by
124°018.017′ West longitude (W);
40°49.267′ N by 124°15.767′ W;
40°47.550′ N by 124°17.083′ W; and
40°48.567′ N by 124°19.300′ W (North
American Datum from 1983). The
expanded disposal site boundary
defined by these coordinates replaces
and supersedes the previous boundary.
(ii) Size: 4 square nautical miles (13.4
square kilometers).
(iii) Depth: Water depths within the
area range between approximately 150
to 210 feet (45 to 64 meters).
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Pursuant to the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA
or Act), the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is taking direct final
action to approve revisions to the State
of Indiana’s Underground Storage Tank
(UST) program submitted by the State.
EPA has determined that these revisions
satisfy all requirements needed for
program approval. The State’s federallyauthorized program, as revised pursuant
to this action, will remain subject to
EPA’s inspection and enforcement
authorities under sections 9005 and
9006 of RCRA subtitle I and other
applicable statutory and regulatory
provisions.
This rule is effective April 19,
2021, unless EPA receives adverse
comment by March 19, 2021. If EPA
receives adverse comment, it will
publish a timely withdrawal in the
DATES:
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Federal Register informing the public
that the rule will not take effect.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by EPA–R05–UST–2020–0685
by one of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for submitting
comments.
2. Email: Kamke.Sherry@epa.gov.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–R05–UST–2020–
0685. EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change and may be
available online at https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through https://
www.regulations.gov, or email. The
federal https://www.regulations.gov
website is an ‘‘anonymous access’’
system, which means EPA will not
know your identity or contact
information unless you provide it in the
body of your comment. If you send an
email comment directly to EPA without
going through https://
www.regulations.gov, your email
address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment
that is placed in the public docket and
made available on the internet. If you
submit an electronic comment, EPA
recommends that you include your
name and other contact information in
the body of your comment and with any
disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties, and cannot
contact you for clarification, EPA may
not be able to consider your comment.
Electronic files should avoid the use of
special characters, any form of
encryption, and be free of any defects or
viruses.
EPA encourages electronic submittals,
but if you are unable to submit
electronically, please reach out to EPA
contact person listed in the notice for
assistance with additional submission
methods.
You can view and copy the
documents that form the basis for this
action and associated publicly available
materials through www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sherry Kamke, Environmental Engineer,
Corrective Action Section #3,
Remediation Branch (LR–17J), EPA
Region 5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard,
Chicago, Illinois 60604, (312) 353–5794,
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Kamke.Sherry@epa.gov. Out of an
abundance of caution for members of
the public and our staff, EPA’s Region
5 office will be closed to the public to
reduce the risk of transmitting COVID–
19. We encourage the public to submit
comments via https://
www.regulations.gov or via email.
Please call or email the contact listed
above if you need alternative means to
access the material provided in the
docket.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Approval of Revisions to Indiana’s
Underground Storage Tank Program
A. Why are revisions to state programs
necessary?
States which have received final
approval from EPA under RCRA section
9004(b) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c(b),
must maintain an underground storage
tank program that is equivalent to,
consistent with, and no less stringent
than the federal underground storage
tank program. When EPA makes
revisions to the regulations that govern
the UST program, states must revise
their programs to comply with the
updated regulations and submit these
revisions to EPA for approval. Most
commonly, states must change their
programs because of changes to EPA’s
regulations in 40 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) part 280. States can
also initiate changes on their own to
their underground storage tank program
and these changes must then be
approved by EPA.
B. What decisions has EPA made in this
rule?
On October 11, 2018, in accordance
with 40 CFR 281.51(a), Indiana
submitted a complete program revision
application seeking EPA approval for its
UST program revisions (State
Application). Indiana’s revisions
correspond to EPA’s final rule
published on July 15, 2015 (80 FR
41566), which revised the 1988 UST
regulations and the 1988 state program
approval (SPA) regulations (2015
Federal Revisions). As required by 40
CFR 281.20, the State Application
contains the following: A transmittal
letter from the Governor requesting
approval, a description of the program
and operating procedures, a
demonstration of the state’s procedures
to ensure adequate enforcement, a
Memorandum of Agreement outlining
the roles and responsibilities of EPA
and the implementing agency, a
statement of certification from the
Attorney General, and copies of all
relevant state statutes and regulations.
We have reviewed the State Application
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and determined that the revisions to
Indiana’s UST program are equivalent
to, consistent with, and no less stringent
than the corresponding federal
requirements in subpart C of 40 CFR
part 281, and that the Indiana program
provides for adequate enforcement of
compliance (40 CFR 281.11(b)).
Therefore, EPA grants Indiana final
approval to operate its UST program
with the changes described in the
program revision application and as
outlined below in Section I.G of this
document.
C. What is the effect of this action on the
regulated community?
This action does not impose
additional requirements on the
regulated community because the
regulations being approved by this rule
are already in effect in the State of
Indiana, and are not changed by this
action. This action merely approves the
existing state regulations as meeting the
federal requirements and renders them
federally enforceable.
D. Why is EPA using a direct final rule?
EPA is publishing this direct final
rule without a prior proposed rule
because we view this as a
noncontroversial action and we
anticipate no adverse comment. Indiana
did not receive any comments during its
comment period when the rules and
regulations being considered today were
proposed at the state level.
E. What happens if EPA receives
comments that oppose this action?
Along with this direct final rule, EPA
is publishing a separate document in the
‘‘Proposed Rules’’ section of this
Federal Register that serves as the
proposal to approve the State’s UST
program revisions, and provides an
opportunity for public comment. If EPA
receives comments that oppose this
approval, EPA will withdraw this direct
final rule by publishing a document in
the Federal Register before it becomes
effective. EPA will base any further
decision on approval of the State
Application after considering all
comments received during the comment
period. EPA will then address all public
comments in a later final rule. You may
not have another opportunity to
comment. If you want to comment on
this approval, you must do so at this
time.
F. For what has Indiana previously been
approved?
On August 11, 2006, EPA finalized a
rule approving the UST program that
Indiana proposed to administer in lieu
of the federal UST program. The State’s
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program has not previously been
codified.
G. What changes are we approving with
this action and what standards do we
use for review?
In order to be approved, each state
program application must meet the
general requirements in 40 CFR 281.11,
and specific requirements in 40 CFR
Subpart B (Components of a Program
Application); Subpart C (Criteria for No
Less Stringent); and Subpart D
(Adequate Enforcement of Compliance).
This also is true for proposed revisions
to approved state programs.
As more fully described below, the
State has made the changes to its
approved UST program to reflect the
2015 Federal Revisions. EPA is
approving the State’s changes because
they are equivalent to, consistent with,
and no less stringent than the federal
UST program and because EPA has
confirmed that the Indiana UST
program will continue to provide for
adequate enforcement of compliance as
described in 40 CFR 281.11(b) and part
281, Subpart D after this approval.
The Indiana Department of
Environmental Management (IDEM or
Department) is the lead implementing
agency for the UST program in Indiana,
except in Indian country.
IDEM continues to have broad
statutory authority to regulate the
installation, operation, maintenance,
and closure of USTs, as well as UST
releases under Indiana Code Title 4
State Offices and Administration,
Article 22 Administrative Rules and
Procedures, Chapter 2, Adoption of
Administrative Rules; and selected
provisions from Title 13 Environment,
Article 23 Underground Storage Tanks.
The Indiana UST Program gets its
enforcement authority from the powers
of the Department found in IC Sections
4–21.5–4, 13–14–2–6. 13–14–2–7, 13–
23–1–4, 13–23–14–3, and 13–30–3.
Under IC 13–14–2–2, an employee or
agent of the Department has the
authority to enter and inspect any
property premises or place where
regulated substances are stored at any
reasonable time. In the case of a release,
IC Sections 13–23–13–2, 13–23–13–4,
and 13–23–13–12 provide employees or
agents of the Department the authority
to take such action as necessary,
including the authority to enter any
property, premises or place where an
UST is located for inspection, in order
to conduct sampling, and to have access
to records. IC Section 13–23–13–1
provides the Department with
rulemaking authority for corrective
action. Notice of violation may be
issued, and penalties for non-
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compliance with Indiana’s UST Act may
be assessed under IC 13–30–3–3. The
State also includes requirements for
delivery prohibitions in the event of
non-compliance as described in 329
Indiana Administrative Code (IAC)
Section 9–1–15.1.
Specific authorities to regulate the
installation, operation, maintenance,
and closure of USTs, as well as UST
releases are found under IC 13–23, in
addition to the regulatory provisions in
329 IAC Article 9 Underground Storage,
as amended effective June 28, 2018;
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements are found under 329 IAC
9–3–1. The aforementioned statutory
and regulatory sections satisfy the
requirements of 40 CFR 281.40 and
281.41.
Through a Memorandum of
Agreement between the State of Indiana
and EPA, signed by EPA Region 5
Regional Administrator November 27,
2018, the State maintains procedures for
receiving and ensuring proper
consideration of information about
violations submitted by the public. The
State agrees to comply with public
participation provisions contained in 40
CFR 281.42 including the provision that
the State will not oppose intervention
under Rule 24 of the Indiana Rules of
Court, Rules of Trial Procedure, in the
same manner as the Federal rules at 40
CFR 281.42.
To qualify for final approval,
revisions to a state’s program must be
‘‘equivalent to, consistent with, and no
less stringent’’ than the 2015 Federal
Revisions. In the 2015 Federal
Revisions, EPA addressed UST systems
deferred in the 1988 UST regulations,
and added, among other things, new
operation and maintenance
requirements; secondary containment
requirements for new and replaced
tanks and piping; operator training
requirements; and a requirement to
ensure UST system compatibility before
storing certain biofuel blends. In
addition, EPA removed past deferrals
for emergency generator tanks, field
constructed tanks, and airport hydrant
systems. EPA analyzes revisions to
approved state programs pursuant to the
criteria found in 40 CFR 281.30 through
281.39.
The Department has revised its
regulations to help ensure that the
state’s UST program revisions are
equivalent to, consistent with, and no
less stringent than the 2015 Federal
Revisions. In particular, the Department
has amended Indiana Administrative
Code to incorporate the revised
requirements of 40 CFR part 280,
including the requirements added by
the 2015 Federal Revisions. The State,
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9881
therefore, has ensured that the criteria
found in 40 CFR 281.30 through 281.38
are met.
Title 40 CFR 281.39 describes the
state operator training requirements that
must be met in order to be considered
equivalent to, consistent with, and no
less stringent than federal requirements.
Indiana has elected to incorporate by
reference the Federal Rules at 329 IAC
9–1–1(b) and (c); therefore, Indiana’s
operator training requirements are
equivalent to, consistent with, and no
less stringent than federal requirements.
As part of the State Application, the
Chief Counsel in the Advisory Division
of the State of Indiana—Office of the
Attorney General certified that the laws
of Indiana provide adequate authority to
carry out the ‘‘no less stringent’’
technical requirements submitted by the
State in order to meet the criteria in 40
CFR 281.30 through 281.39. EPA is
relying on this certification in addition
to the analysis submitted by the State in
making our determination.
For further information on EPA’s
analysis of the State’s application, see
the supporting documentation for both
the statutory and regulatory programs
contained in the docket for this
rulemaking.
H. Where are the revised rules different
from the federal rules?
Broader in Scope Provisions
Where an approved state program has
a greater scope of coverage than
required by federal law, the additional
coverage is not part of the federallyapproved program and are not federally
enforceable (40 CFR 281.12(a)(3)(ii)).
The following regulatory requirements
are considered broader in coverage than
the federal program as these state-only
regulations are not required by federal
regulation and are implemented by the
state in addition to the federally
approved program:
Indiana Code Title 13, Article 23
Underground Storage Tanks:
Chapter 6 Underground Storage
Petroleum Tank Trust Fund, Sections
13–23–6–1 through 13–23–6–5; Chapter
7 Underground Petroleum Storage Tank
Excess Liability Fund, Sections 13–23–
7–1 through 13–23–7–7; Chapter 8 Use
of Money in Excess Liability Fund,
Sections 13–23–8–4 through 13–23–8–6;
Chapter 9 Payment from Excess Liability
Fund, Sections 13–23–9–1.3 through
13–23–9–6; and Chapter 13 Corrective
Actions, Sections 13–23–13–6 and 13–
23–13–7, because funds of this type are
state specific and are broader in scope
than the federal program.
Chapter 12 Fees, Sections 13–23–12–
1 through 13–23–12–4 because fees are
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broader in scope and not imposed by
the federal program.
More Stringent Provisions
Where an approved state program
includes requirements that are
considered more stringent than required
by federal law, the more stringent
requirements become part of the
federally approved program (40 CFR
281.12(a)(3)(i)).
The following regulatory
requirements are considered more
stringent than the federal program, and
on approval, they become part of the
federally approved program and are
federally enforceable:
Under 329 Indiana Administrative
Code (IAC):
At Section 329 IAC 9–2–2(f) Indiana
requires UST system owners and
operators to ensure that workers
performing UST installations, testing,
upgrades, closures, removals, and
change in service are certified by the
State Fire Marshall. The federal
regulations do not require certification
making the state requirement more
stringent.
At Section 329 IAC 9–2–2(g) Indiana
requires UST system owners and
operators to submit notice of temporary
closure, upgrades, or release detection
installation within 30 days of
completing such actions. The federal
regulations do not contain similar
requirements.
Indiana has state-only provisions
related to reporting at 329 IAC 9–3–
1(b)(4), and (b)(6)–(b)(15). These
additional reporting requirements are
more stringent than the federal
regulations because 40 CFR 280.34 does
not require the submittal of the
documentation described in this state
program requirement.
At Section 329 IAC 9–3–1(c)(5)–
(c)(10) the state has additional
recordkeeping requirements that require
retention of additional items not
required by the federal regulations.
These additional requirements make the
state program more stringent than the
federal regulations.
329 IAC 9–2–3 requires UST system
owners or operators to certify
compliance with the release detection
requirements of 40 CFR 280, Subpart D
and Indiana Article 9 within the state’s
notification forms. The federal program
requires certification, but does not
require the use of specific notification
forms or that the person who performs
the work be certified by the state fire
marshal, making this state-only
requirement more stringent.
At Section 329 IAC 9–4–4(a)(1) the
State requires owners and operators to
contain, cleanup a spill or overfill, and
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report the incident in cases when a
petroleum release to the environment
equals or exceeds 25 gallons at 329 IAC
9–4–4(a)(1)(A). This state provision is
more stringent than the federal
regulations, because under the federal
regulations these actions are only
required if the release of petroleum
exceeds 25 gallons.
Section 329 IAC 9–5–5.1 is more
stringent because Indiana has additional
and more detailed requirements for site
characterization after release than
federal regulations. Specifically, at 329
IAC 9–5–5.1(b), Indiana requires an
investigation and submittal of a signed
report detailing specific information
concerning site background, release
incident description, initial response
and abatement, free product recovery,
investigation, sampling, results and
conclusions, and recommendations.
At Section 329 IAC 9–5–4.2 the state
provision is more stringent because
Indiana has a more detailed requirement
for the safe handling of flammable
products. Specifically, at 329 IAC 9–5–
4.2(3), Indiana requires that flammable
products be handled in in accordance
with the site health and safety plan
which is required under the State’s
corrective action plan at Section 329
IAC 9–5–7(e).
329 IAC 9–5–6 addresses further site
investigations for soil and ground water
cleanup. The state provisions are more
stringent than the federal regulations
because Indiana has additional and
more detailed requirements for further
site investigation in the event evidence
exists that a contaminant exceeds the
cleanup objectives of IC 13–12–3–2.
At Section 329 IAC 9–5–7 the state
provisions are more stringent because
Indiana has additional and more
detailed requirements for the corrective
action plan than the federal regulations
including consideration of the
proximity of potential contaminant
receptors and suitability of chosen
remediation method when approving
corrective action plans and adherence to
a written health and safety plan.
At 329 IAC 9–6–5(d) the State
requires owners and operators provide
certification of closure compliance
pursuant to the notification form
requirements at 329 IAC 9–2–2 (see
specifically 329 IAC 9–2–2(f) and (g)).
The federal program does not include a
similar requirement making the state
provision potentially more stringent
than the federal regulations.
At 329 IAC 9–6–2.1(a) the State
requires owners and operators to notify
both the department and the office of
the state fire marshal before beginning
permanent closure or a change-inservice where the federal regulation
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requires notification only of the
implementing agency. The state
provision is more stringent than federal
regulations because of this additional
notification requirement.
Section 329 IAC 9–6–3 requires that
when previously closed UST systems
must be assessed and closed as directed
by the State Commissioner, the closures
be performed by a person certified
under the rules of the fire prevention
and building safety commission at 675
IAC 12–12. The State’s requirement for
certification is more stringent than
federal regulations.
At Section 329 IAC 9–8–4(a) the state
provision is more stringent than the
federal regulations as it requires all UST
system owners and operators to
maintain financial responsibility for
corrective action and third-party claims
in a per-occurrence amount of at least
$1 million, without considering their
monthly throughput or whether they are
located at petroleum marketing
facilities. The federal regulations allow
owners or operators who do not meet
the requirement of 280.93(a)(1) to
maintain financial responsibility of
$500,000.
At Section 329 IAC 9–8–17(b) this
state provision continues to require that
the local government fund be funded for
ten times the full amount of coverage
required under 329 IAC 9–8–4 though
EPA reduced the required local
government fund funding amount from
ten times the full amount of coverage
required under § 280.93 to five times the
coverage. The State’s higher coverage
requirement makes the state provision
more stringent than the federal
regulations.
At Section 329 IAC 9–8–25(a) and (b)
the State requires owners or operators to
replenish guarantees, letters of credit
and surety bonds by the anniversary
date or within 120 days after the
reduction has occurred, whichever is
sooner. The State’s inclusion of this
other option and subjecting owners or
operators to whichever option is sooner
is more stringent than the federal
program that does not contain these
requirements.
I. How does this action affect Indian
country (18 U.S.C. 1151) in Indiana?
EPA’s approval of Indiana’s Program
does not extend to Indian country as
defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151. Indian
country generally includes any land
held in trust by the United States for an
Indian tribe; and any other areas that are
‘‘Indian country’’ within the meaning of
18 U.S.C. 1151. Any lands removed
from an Indian reservation status by
federal court action are not considered
reservation lands even if located within
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D. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
and Safety Risks
the exterior boundaries of an Indian
reservation. EPA will retain
responsibilities under RCRA for
underground storage tanks in Indian
country. Therefore, this action has no
effect in Indian country. See 40 CFR
281.12(a)(2).
II. Statutory and Executive Order (E.O.)
Reviews
This action only applies to Indiana’s
UST Program requirements pursuant to
RCRA Section 9004 and imposes no
requirements other than those imposed
by state law. It complies with applicable
EOs and statutory provisions as follows:
A. Executive Order 12866 Regulatory
Planning and Review, Executive Order
13563: Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review
The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) has exempted this action from
the requirements of Executive Order
12866 (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993) and
13563 (76 FR 3821, Jan. 21, 2011). This
action approves state requirements for
the purpose of RCRA section 9004 and
imposes no additional requirements
beyond those imposed by state law.
Therefore, this action is not subject to
review by OMB.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
B. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and
Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
Because this action approves preexisting requirements under state law
and does not impose any additional
enforceable duty beyond that required
by state law, it does not contain any
unfunded mandate or significantly or
uniquely affect small governments, as
described in the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–
1538). For the same reason, this action
also does not significantly or uniquely
affect the communities of tribal
governments, as specified by Executive
Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9,
2000).
C. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action will not have substantial
direct effects on the states, on the
relationship between the national
government and the states, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255,
Aug. 10, 1999), because it merely
approves state requirements as part of
the state RCRA Underground Storage
Tank Program without altering the
relationship or the distribution of power
and responsibilities established by
RCRA.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:56 Feb 16, 2021
Jkt 253001
This action also is not subject to
Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885,
Apr. 23, 1997), because it is not
economically significant and it does not
make decisions based on environmental
health or safety risks.
E. Executive Order 13211: Actions That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
This rule is not subject to Executive
Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22,
2001) because it is not a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ as defined under
Executive Order 12866.
F. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
Under RCRA section 9004(b), EPA
grants a state’s application for approval
as long as the state meets the criteria
required by RCRA. It would thus be
inconsistent with applicable law for
EPA, when it reviews a state approval
application, to require the use of any
particular voluntary consensus standard
in place of another standard that
otherwise satisfies the requirements of
RCRA. Thus, the requirements of
section 12(d) of the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not
apply.
G. Executive Order 12988: Civil Justice
Reform
As required by section 3 of Executive
Order 12988 (61 FR 4729, February 7,
1996), in issuing this rule, EPA has
taken the necessary steps to eliminate
drafting errors and ambiguity, minimize
potential litigation, and provide a clear
legal standard for affected conduct.
H. Executive Order 12630:
Governmental Actions and Interference
With Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights
EPA has complied with Executive
Order 12630 (53 FR 8859, Mar. 15, 1988)
by examining the takings implications
of the rule in accordance with the
‘‘Attorney General’s Supplemental
Guidelines for the Evaluation of Risk
and Avoidance of Unanticipated
Takings’’ issued under the executive
order.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not impose an
information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
‘‘Burden’’ is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
9883
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal
Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low
Income Populations
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629,
Feb. 16, 1994) establishes federal
executive policy on environmental
justice. Its main provision directs
federal agencies, to the greatest extent
practicable and permitted by law, to
make environmental justice part of their
mission by identifying and addressing,
as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or
environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority
populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
Because this rule approves pre-existing
state rules which are at least equivalent
to, consistent with, and no less stringent
than existing federal requirements, and
imposes no additional requirements
beyond those imposed by state law, and
there are no anticipated significant
adverse human health or environmental
effects, the rule is not subject to
Executive Order 12898.
K. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801–808, generally provides that
before a rule may take effect, the agency
promulgating the rule must submit a
rule report, which includes a copy of
the rule, to each House of the Congress
and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. EPA will submit a report
containing this document and other
required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United
States prior to publication in the
Federal Register. A major rule cannot
take effect until 60 days after it is
published in the Federal Register. This
action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined
by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). However, this action
will be effective April 19, 2021 because
it is a direct final rule.
Authority: This rule is issued under the
authority of Sections 2002(a), 7004(b), and
9004, 9005 and 9006 of the Solid Waste
Disposal Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6912(a),
6974(b), and 6991c, 6991d, and 6991e.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 281 and
282
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Hazardous substances, State program
approval, and Underground storage
tanks.
Dated: February 9, 2021.
Cheryl Newton,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 5.
[FR Doc. 2021–03168 Filed 2–16–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
E:\FR\FM\17FER1.SGM
17FER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 17, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9879-9883]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03168]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 281
[EPA-R05-UST-2020-0685; FRL-10020-05-Region 5]
Indiana: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program
Revisions
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA
or Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct
final action to approve revisions to the State of Indiana's Underground
Storage Tank (UST) program submitted by the State. EPA has determined
that these revisions satisfy all requirements needed for program
approval. The State's federally-authorized program, as revised pursuant
to this action, will remain subject to EPA's inspection and enforcement
authorities under sections 9005 and 9006 of RCRA subtitle I and other
applicable statutory and regulatory provisions.
DATES: This rule is effective April 19, 2021, unless EPA receives
adverse comment by March 19, 2021. If EPA receives adverse comment, it
will publish a timely withdrawal in the
[[Page 9880]]
Federal Register informing the public that the rule will not take
effect.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by EPA-R05-UST-2020-0685 by
one of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the online instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: [email protected].
Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R05-UST-
2020-0685. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included
in the public docket without change and may be available online at
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through https://www.regulations.gov, or email. The federal https://www.regulations.gov
website is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not
know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the
body of your comment. If you send an email comment directly to EPA
without going through https://www.regulations.gov, your email address
will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that
is placed in the public docket and made available on the internet. If
you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your
name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with
any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties, and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA
may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid
the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of
any defects or viruses.
EPA encourages electronic submittals, but if you are unable to
submit electronically, please reach out to EPA contact person listed in
the notice for assistance with additional submission methods.
You can view and copy the documents that form the basis for this
action and associated publicly available materials through
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sherry Kamke, Environmental Engineer,
Corrective Action Section #3, Remediation Branch (LR-17J), EPA Region
5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604, (312) 353-5794,
[email protected]. Out of an abundance of caution for members of the
public and our staff, EPA's Region 5 office will be closed to the
public to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19. We encourage the
public to submit comments via https://www.regulations.gov or via email.
Please call or email the contact listed above if you need alternative
means to access the material provided in the docket.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Approval of Revisions to Indiana's Underground Storage Tank Program
A. Why are revisions to state programs necessary?
States which have received final approval from EPA under RCRA
section 9004(b) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c(b), must maintain an
underground storage tank program that is equivalent to, consistent
with, and no less stringent than the federal underground storage tank
program. When EPA makes revisions to the regulations that govern the
UST program, states must revise their programs to comply with the
updated regulations and submit these revisions to EPA for approval.
Most commonly, states must change their programs because of changes to
EPA's regulations in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 280.
States can also initiate changes on their own to their underground
storage tank program and these changes must then be approved by EPA.
B. What decisions has EPA made in this rule?
On October 11, 2018, in accordance with 40 CFR 281.51(a), Indiana
submitted a complete program revision application seeking EPA approval
for its UST program revisions (State Application). Indiana's revisions
correspond to EPA's final rule published on July 15, 2015 (80 FR
41566), which revised the 1988 UST regulations and the 1988 state
program approval (SPA) regulations (2015 Federal Revisions). As
required by 40 CFR 281.20, the State Application contains the
following: A transmittal letter from the Governor requesting approval,
a description of the program and operating procedures, a demonstration
of the state's procedures to ensure adequate enforcement, a Memorandum
of Agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of EPA and the
implementing agency, a statement of certification from the Attorney
General, and copies of all relevant state statutes and regulations. We
have reviewed the State Application and determined that the revisions
to Indiana's UST program are equivalent to, consistent with, and no
less stringent than the corresponding federal requirements in subpart C
of 40 CFR part 281, and that the Indiana program provides for adequate
enforcement of compliance (40 CFR 281.11(b)). Therefore, EPA grants
Indiana final approval to operate its UST program with the changes
described in the program revision application and as outlined below in
Section I.G of this document.
C. What is the effect of this action on the regulated community?
This action does not impose additional requirements on the
regulated community because the regulations being approved by this rule
are already in effect in the State of Indiana, and are not changed by
this action. This action merely approves the existing state regulations
as meeting the federal requirements and renders them federally
enforceable.
D. Why is EPA using a direct final rule?
EPA is publishing this direct final rule without a prior proposed
rule because we view this as a noncontroversial action and we
anticipate no adverse comment. Indiana did not receive any comments
during its comment period when the rules and regulations being
considered today were proposed at the state level.
E. What happens if EPA receives comments that oppose this action?
Along with this direct final rule, EPA is publishing a separate
document in the ``Proposed Rules'' section of this Federal Register
that serves as the proposal to approve the State's UST program
revisions, and provides an opportunity for public comment. If EPA
receives comments that oppose this approval, EPA will withdraw this
direct final rule by publishing a document in the Federal Register
before it becomes effective. EPA will base any further decision on
approval of the State Application after considering all comments
received during the comment period. EPA will then address all public
comments in a later final rule. You may not have another opportunity to
comment. If you want to comment on this approval, you must do so at
this time.
F. For what has Indiana previously been approved?
On August 11, 2006, EPA finalized a rule approving the UST program
that Indiana proposed to administer in lieu of the federal UST program.
The State's
[[Page 9881]]
program has not previously been codified.
G. What changes are we approving with this action and what standards do
we use for review?
In order to be approved, each state program application must meet
the general requirements in 40 CFR 281.11, and specific requirements in
40 CFR Subpart B (Components of a Program Application); Subpart C
(Criteria for No Less Stringent); and Subpart D (Adequate Enforcement
of Compliance). This also is true for proposed revisions to approved
state programs.
As more fully described below, the State has made the changes to
its approved UST program to reflect the 2015 Federal Revisions. EPA is
approving the State's changes because they are equivalent to,
consistent with, and no less stringent than the federal UST program and
because EPA has confirmed that the Indiana UST program will continue to
provide for adequate enforcement of compliance as described in 40 CFR
281.11(b) and part 281, Subpart D after this approval.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM or
Department) is the lead implementing agency for the UST program in
Indiana, except in Indian country.
IDEM continues to have broad statutory authority to regulate the
installation, operation, maintenance, and closure of USTs, as well as
UST releases under Indiana Code Title 4 State Offices and
Administration, Article 22 Administrative Rules and Procedures, Chapter
2, Adoption of Administrative Rules; and selected provisions from Title
13 Environment, Article 23 Underground Storage Tanks. The Indiana UST
Program gets its enforcement authority from the powers of the
Department found in IC Sections 4-21.5-4, 13-14-2-6. 13-14-2-7, 13-23-
1-4, 13-23-14-3, and 13-30-3. Under IC 13-14-2-2, an employee or agent
of the Department has the authority to enter and inspect any property
premises or place where regulated substances are stored at any
reasonable time. In the case of a release, IC Sections 13-23-13-2, 13-
23-13-4, and 13-23-13-12 provide employees or agents of the Department
the authority to take such action as necessary, including the authority
to enter any property, premises or place where an UST is located for
inspection, in order to conduct sampling, and to have access to
records. IC Section 13-23-13-1 provides the Department with rulemaking
authority for corrective action. Notice of violation may be issued, and
penalties for non-compliance with Indiana's UST Act may be assessed
under IC 13-30-3-3. The State also includes requirements for delivery
prohibitions in the event of non-compliance as described in 329 Indiana
Administrative Code (IAC) Section 9-1-15.1.
Specific authorities to regulate the installation, operation,
maintenance, and closure of USTs, as well as UST releases are found
under IC 13-23, in addition to the regulatory provisions in 329 IAC
Article 9 Underground Storage, as amended effective June 28, 2018;
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements are found under 329 IAC 9-3-1.
The aforementioned statutory and regulatory sections satisfy the
requirements of 40 CFR 281.40 and 281.41.
Through a Memorandum of Agreement between the State of Indiana and
EPA, signed by EPA Region 5 Regional Administrator November 27, 2018,
the State maintains procedures for receiving and ensuring proper
consideration of information about violations submitted by the public.
The State agrees to comply with public participation provisions
contained in 40 CFR 281.42 including the provision that the State will
not oppose intervention under Rule 24 of the Indiana Rules of Court,
Rules of Trial Procedure, in the same manner as the Federal rules at 40
CFR 281.42.
To qualify for final approval, revisions to a state's program must
be ``equivalent to, consistent with, and no less stringent'' than the
2015 Federal Revisions. In the 2015 Federal Revisions, EPA addressed
UST systems deferred in the 1988 UST regulations, and added, among
other things, new operation and maintenance requirements; secondary
containment requirements for new and replaced tanks and piping;
operator training requirements; and a requirement to ensure UST system
compatibility before storing certain biofuel blends. In addition, EPA
removed past deferrals for emergency generator tanks, field constructed
tanks, and airport hydrant systems. EPA analyzes revisions to approved
state programs pursuant to the criteria found in 40 CFR 281.30 through
281.39.
The Department has revised its regulations to help ensure that the
state's UST program revisions are equivalent to, consistent with, and
no less stringent than the 2015 Federal Revisions. In particular, the
Department has amended Indiana Administrative Code to incorporate the
revised requirements of 40 CFR part 280, including the requirements
added by the 2015 Federal Revisions. The State, therefore, has ensured
that the criteria found in 40 CFR 281.30 through 281.38 are met.
Title 40 CFR 281.39 describes the state operator training
requirements that must be met in order to be considered equivalent to,
consistent with, and no less stringent than federal requirements.
Indiana has elected to incorporate by reference the Federal Rules at
329 IAC 9-1-1(b) and (c); therefore, Indiana's operator training
requirements are equivalent to, consistent with, and no less stringent
than federal requirements.
As part of the State Application, the Chief Counsel in the Advisory
Division of the State of Indiana--Office of the Attorney General
certified that the laws of Indiana provide adequate authority to carry
out the ``no less stringent'' technical requirements submitted by the
State in order to meet the criteria in 40 CFR 281.30 through 281.39.
EPA is relying on this certification in addition to the analysis
submitted by the State in making our determination.
For further information on EPA's analysis of the State's
application, see the supporting documentation for both the statutory
and regulatory programs contained in the docket for this rulemaking.
H. Where are the revised rules different from the federal rules?
Broader in Scope Provisions
Where an approved state program has a greater scope of coverage
than required by federal law, the additional coverage is not part of
the federally-approved program and are not federally enforceable (40
CFR 281.12(a)(3)(ii)). The following regulatory requirements are
considered broader in coverage than the federal program as these state-
only regulations are not required by federal regulation and are
implemented by the state in addition to the federally approved program:
Indiana Code Title 13, Article 23 Underground Storage Tanks:
Chapter 6 Underground Storage Petroleum Tank Trust Fund, Sections
13-23-6-1 through 13-23-6-5; Chapter 7 Underground Petroleum Storage
Tank Excess Liability Fund, Sections 13-23-7-1 through 13-23-7-7;
Chapter 8 Use of Money in Excess Liability Fund, Sections 13-23-8-4
through 13-23-8-6; Chapter 9 Payment from Excess Liability Fund,
Sections 13-23-9-1.3 through 13-23-9-6; and Chapter 13 Corrective
Actions, Sections 13-23-13-6 and 13-23-13-7, because funds of this type
are state specific and are broader in scope than the federal program.
Chapter 12 Fees, Sections 13-23-12-1 through 13-23-12-4 because
fees are
[[Page 9882]]
broader in scope and not imposed by the federal program.
More Stringent Provisions
Where an approved state program includes requirements that are
considered more stringent than required by federal law, the more
stringent requirements become part of the federally approved program
(40 CFR 281.12(a)(3)(i)).
The following regulatory requirements are considered more stringent
than the federal program, and on approval, they become part of the
federally approved program and are federally enforceable:
Under 329 Indiana Administrative Code (IAC):
At Section 329 IAC 9-2-2(f) Indiana requires UST system owners and
operators to ensure that workers performing UST installations, testing,
upgrades, closures, removals, and change in service are certified by
the State Fire Marshall. The federal regulations do not require
certification making the state requirement more stringent.
At Section 329 IAC 9-2-2(g) Indiana requires UST system owners and
operators to submit notice of temporary closure, upgrades, or release
detection installation within 30 days of completing such actions. The
federal regulations do not contain similar requirements.
Indiana has state-only provisions related to reporting at 329 IAC
9-3-1(b)(4), and (b)(6)-(b)(15). These additional reporting
requirements are more stringent than the federal regulations because 40
CFR 280.34 does not require the submittal of the documentation
described in this state program requirement.
At Section 329 IAC 9-3-1(c)(5)-(c)(10) the state has additional
recordkeeping requirements that require retention of additional items
not required by the federal regulations. These additional requirements
make the state program more stringent than the federal regulations.
329 IAC 9-2-3 requires UST system owners or operators to certify
compliance with the release detection requirements of 40 CFR 280,
Subpart D and Indiana Article 9 within the state's notification forms.
The federal program requires certification, but does not require the
use of specific notification forms or that the person who performs the
work be certified by the state fire marshal, making this state-only
requirement more stringent.
At Section 329 IAC 9-4-4(a)(1) the State requires owners and
operators to contain, cleanup a spill or overfill, and report the
incident in cases when a petroleum release to the environment equals or
exceeds 25 gallons at 329 IAC 9-4-4(a)(1)(A). This state provision is
more stringent than the federal regulations, because under the federal
regulations these actions are only required if the release of petroleum
exceeds 25 gallons.
Section 329 IAC 9-5-5.1 is more stringent because Indiana has
additional and more detailed requirements for site characterization
after release than federal regulations. Specifically, at 329 IAC 9-5-
5.1(b), Indiana requires an investigation and submittal of a signed
report detailing specific information concerning site background,
release incident description, initial response and abatement, free
product recovery, investigation, sampling, results and conclusions, and
recommendations.
At Section 329 IAC 9-5-4.2 the state provision is more stringent
because Indiana has a more detailed requirement for the safe handling
of flammable products. Specifically, at 329 IAC 9-5-4.2(3), Indiana
requires that flammable products be handled in in accordance with the
site health and safety plan which is required under the State's
corrective action plan at Section 329 IAC 9-5-7(e).
329 IAC 9-5-6 addresses further site investigations for soil and
ground water cleanup. The state provisions are more stringent than the
federal regulations because Indiana has additional and more detailed
requirements for further site investigation in the event evidence
exists that a contaminant exceeds the cleanup objectives of IC 13-12-3-
2.
At Section 329 IAC 9-5-7 the state provisions are more stringent
because Indiana has additional and more detailed requirements for the
corrective action plan than the federal regulations including
consideration of the proximity of potential contaminant receptors and
suitability of chosen remediation method when approving corrective
action plans and adherence to a written health and safety plan.
At 329 IAC 9-6-5(d) the State requires owners and operators provide
certification of closure compliance pursuant to the notification form
requirements at 329 IAC 9-2-2 (see specifically 329 IAC 9-2-2(f) and
(g)). The federal program does not include a similar requirement making
the state provision potentially more stringent than the federal
regulations.
At 329 IAC 9-6-2.1(a) the State requires owners and operators to
notify both the department and the office of the state fire marshal
before beginning permanent closure or a change-in-service where the
federal regulation requires notification only of the implementing
agency. The state provision is more stringent than federal regulations
because of this additional notification requirement.
Section 329 IAC 9-6-3 requires that when previously closed UST
systems must be assessed and closed as directed by the State
Commissioner, the closures be performed by a person certified under the
rules of the fire prevention and building safety commission at 675 IAC
12-12. The State's requirement for certification is more stringent than
federal regulations.
At Section 329 IAC 9-8-4(a) the state provision is more stringent
than the federal regulations as it requires all UST system owners and
operators to maintain financial responsibility for corrective action
and third-party claims in a per-occurrence amount of at least $1
million, without considering their monthly throughput or whether they
are located at petroleum marketing facilities. The federal regulations
allow owners or operators who do not meet the requirement of
280.93(a)(1) to maintain financial responsibility of $500,000.
At Section 329 IAC 9-8-17(b) this state provision continues to
require that the local government fund be funded for ten times the full
amount of coverage required under 329 IAC 9-8-4 though EPA reduced the
required local government fund funding amount from ten times the full
amount of coverage required under Sec. 280.93 to five times the
coverage. The State's higher coverage requirement makes the state
provision more stringent than the federal regulations.
At Section 329 IAC 9-8-25(a) and (b) the State requires owners or
operators to replenish guarantees, letters of credit and surety bonds
by the anniversary date or within 120 days after the reduction has
occurred, whichever is sooner. The State's inclusion of this other
option and subjecting owners or operators to whichever option is sooner
is more stringent than the federal program that does not contain these
requirements.
I. How does this action affect Indian country (18 U.S.C. 1151) in
Indiana?
EPA's approval of Indiana's Program does not extend to Indian
country as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151. Indian country generally includes
any land held in trust by the United States for an Indian tribe; and
any other areas that are ``Indian country'' within the meaning of 18
U.S.C. 1151. Any lands removed from an Indian reservation status by
federal court action are not considered reservation lands even if
located within
[[Page 9883]]
the exterior boundaries of an Indian reservation. EPA will retain
responsibilities under RCRA for underground storage tanks in Indian
country. Therefore, this action has no effect in Indian country. See 40
CFR 281.12(a)(2).
II. Statutory and Executive Order (E.O.) Reviews
This action only applies to Indiana's UST Program requirements
pursuant to RCRA Section 9004 and imposes no requirements other than
those imposed by state law. It complies with applicable EOs and
statutory provisions as follows:
A. Executive Order 12866 Regulatory Planning and Review, Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this action
from the requirements of Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4,
1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, Jan. 21, 2011). This action approves state
requirements for the purpose of RCRA section 9004 and imposes no
additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. Therefore,
this action is not subject to review by OMB.
B. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments
Because this action approves pre-existing requirements under state
law and does not impose any additional enforceable duty beyond that
required by state law, it does not contain any unfunded mandate or
significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538). For the same
reason, this action also does not significantly or uniquely affect the
communities of tribal governments, as specified by Executive Order
13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000).
C. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action will not have substantial direct effects on the states,
on the relationship between the national government and the states, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR
43255, Aug. 10, 1999), because it merely approves state requirements as
part of the state RCRA Underground Storage Tank Program without
altering the relationship or the distribution of power and
responsibilities established by RCRA.
D. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health and Safety Risks
This action also is not subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, Apr. 23, 1997), because it is not economically significant and
it does not make decisions based on environmental health or safety
risks.
E. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use
This rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May
22, 2001) because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' as
defined under Executive Order 12866.
F. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
Under RCRA section 9004(b), EPA grants a state's application for
approval as long as the state meets the criteria required by RCRA. It
would thus be inconsistent with applicable law for EPA, when it reviews
a state approval application, to require the use of any particular
voluntary consensus standard in place of another standard that
otherwise satisfies the requirements of RCRA. Thus, the requirements of
section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not apply.
G. Executive Order 12988: Civil Justice Reform
As required by section 3 of Executive Order 12988 (61 FR 4729,
February 7, 1996), in issuing this rule, EPA has taken the necessary
steps to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, minimize potential
litigation, and provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct.
H. Executive Order 12630: Governmental Actions and Interference With
Constitutionally Protected Property Rights
EPA has complied with Executive Order 12630 (53 FR 8859, Mar. 15,
1988) by examining the takings implications of the rule in accordance
with the ``Attorney General's Supplemental Guidelines for the
Evaluation of Risk and Avoidance of Unanticipated Takings'' issued
under the executive order.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not impose an information collection burden under
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.). ``Burden'' is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, Feb. 16, 1994) establishes
federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision
directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and
permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission
by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income
populations in the United States. Because this rule approves pre-
existing state rules which are at least equivalent to, consistent with,
and no less stringent than existing federal requirements, and imposes
no additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law, and there
are no anticipated significant adverse human health or environmental
effects, the rule is not subject to Executive Order 12898.
K. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801-808, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule
must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each
House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United
States. EPA will submit a report containing this document and other
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot take effect
until 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. This
action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). However,
this action will be effective April 19, 2021 because it is a direct
final rule.
Authority: This rule is issued under the authority of Sections
2002(a), 7004(b), and 9004, 9005 and 9006 of the Solid Waste
Disposal Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6912(a), 6974(b), and 6991c,
6991d, and 6991e.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 281 and 282
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Hazardous substances, State program approval, and Underground storage
tanks.
Dated: February 9, 2021.
Cheryl Newton,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 5.
[FR Doc. 2021-03168 Filed 2-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P