Other Solid Waste Incinerators; Air Curtain Incinerators Title V Permitting Provisions, 27392-27397 [2024-08270]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
enforcement of the safety zone at any
time.
(c) Definitions. As used in this
section, designated representative
means a Coast Guard Patrol
Commander, including a Coast Guard
coxswain, petty officer, or other officer
operating a Coast Guard vessel and a
Federal, State, and local officer
designated by or assisting the COTP in
the enforcement of the safety zone.
(d) Regulations. (1) In accordance
with the general regulations in § 165.23,
entry into, transiting, or anchoring
within the safety zone in paragraph (a)
of this section is prohibited unless
authorized by the Captain of the Port
Detroit or his designated representative.
(2) Vessel operators desiring to enter
or operate within the safety zone shall
contact the Captain of the Port Detroit
or his designated representative to
obtain permission to do so. Vessel
operators given permission to enter or
operate in the safety zone must comply
with all directions given to them by the
Captain of the Port Detroit or his
designated representative. The COTP
Detroit or his designated representative
may be contacted via VHF Channel 16.
Dated: April 10, 2024.
Richard P. Armstrong,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
Port Detroit.
[FR Doc. 2024–08146 Filed 4–16–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 20
Changes in Classifications of General
Applicability for International
Competitive Services
Postal ServiceTM.
Final action.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Postal ServiceTM is
revising Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service,
International Mail Manual (IMM®), and
Notice 123, Price List, to reflect
classification changes to Competitive
services, as established by the
Governors of the United States Postal
Service.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
Effective July 14, 2024.
Dale
Kennedy at 202–268–6592 or Kathy
Frigo at 202–268–4178.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These
changes implement changes in the
minimum dimensions for First-Class
Package International Service®
(FCPIS®), International Priority
Airmail® (IPA®) service and
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®)
service letter-post rolls to bring them
closer to compliance with standards
established by the Universal Postal
Union (UPU) Convention Regulations,
which serves as applicable authority in
this instance, as adopted at a meeting of
the UPU Postal Operations Council in
May 2023.
To be in compliance with the UPU
regulations, the Postal Service must
revise its minimum dimensions for
international letter-post rolls, so that the
minimum length will be 8.25 inches
instead of 4 inches, and so that the
minimum length plus twice the
diameter will be 12 inches instead of
6.75 inches.
In addition, the Postal Service is
eliminating a competitive international
electronic money transfer service known
as Sure Money® (DineroSeguro®).
Revisions to the size limitations for
international rolls are posted under
Docket No. MC2024–224, and the
removal of prices for International
Money Transfer Service (Sure Money) is
posted under Docket Number CP2024–
230 and on the Postal Regulatory
Commission’s website at https://
www.prc.gov.
This final rule describes the
classification changes for the following
international competitive services:
• First-Class Package International
Service.
• International Money Transfer Service
Sure Money (DineroSeguro)
For pricing, see the Postal Explorer
website at https://pe.usps.com.
First-Class Package International
Service
First-Class Package International
Service (FCPIS) is an economical
international service for small packages
not exceeding 4 pounds in weight and
$400 in value. The Postal Service is
increasing the FCPIS minimum length
requirement on rolls from 4 inches to
8.25 inches and increasing the
minimum length plus twice the
diameter combined from 63⁄4 inches to
12 inches to align with the standards
established by the UPU. International
Priority Airmail (IPA) service and
International Surface Airlift (ISAL)
service packets are also affected by this
change since the dimensional
requirements for IPA and ISAL are
identical to those for FCPIS.
International Extra Services and Fees
The Postal Service is eliminating the
competitive international extra service
for International Money Transfer
Service known as Sure Money
(DineroSeguro).
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Revise the following sections of the
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, International Mail
Manual (IMM) as follows:
2
Conditions for Mailing
*
*
*
*
*
250 First-Class Package International
Service
*
*
251.23
*
*
*
Dimensions—Rolls
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the text to read as follows:]
Rolls must be within the following
dimensions:
a. Minimum length: 8.25 inches.
b. Minimum length plus twice the
diameter combined: 12 inches.
*
*
*
*
*
370 International Money Transfer
Services
*
*
*
*
*
[Remove all text and revise the header
to reflect ‘‘Reserved’’ as follows:]
372
Reserved
*
*
*
*
*
We will publish an appropriate
amended to 39 CFR part 20 to reflect
these changes.
Christopher Doyle,
Attorney, Ethics and Legal Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2024–08140 Filed 4–16–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 60
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0156; FRL–7547.3–
01–OAR]
RIN 2060–AW14
Other Solid Waste Incinerators; Air
Curtain Incinerators Title V Permitting
Provisions
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
On August 31, 2020, in
accordance with requirements under the
Clean Air Act (CAA), the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
performed a 5-year review of the
Standards of Performance for New
Stationary Sources and Emissions
Guidelines for Existing Sources: Other
Solid Waste Incineration (OSWI) Units,
which includes certain very small
municipal waste combustion (VSMWC)
and institutional waste incineration
(IWI) units. In the same action, the EPA
SUMMARY:
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proposed to remove the title V
permitting requirements for air curtain
incinerators (ACI) that burn only wood
waste, clean lumber, yard waste, or a
mixture of these three types of waste. In
response to supportive comments
received on the August 2020 proposal,
this action is finalizing, as proposed, to
remove the title V permitting
requirements for ACIs that only burn
wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste,
or a mixture of those, and are not
located at title V major sources or
subject to title V for other reasons. The
EPA is finalizing this proposed action
now to simplify the compliance
obligations for owners and operators of
these types of units.
DATES: The effective date of this rule is
April 17, 2024.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a
docket for this rulemaking under Docket
ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0156. 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
(CBI) 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 through https://
www.regulations.gov/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Noel
Cope, Sector Policies and Programs
Division (E143–05), Office of Air
Quality Planning and Standards, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 109
T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055,
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27711; telephone number: (919) 541–
2128; and email address: cope.noel@
epa.gov.
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:
ACI air curtain incinerator
CAA Clean Air Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CRA Congressional Review Act
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FR Federal Register
IWI institutional waste incineration
MSW municipal solid waste
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
OSWI other solid waste incineration
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
VSMWC very small municipal waste
combustion
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
A. What is the statutory authority and
regulatory history for this action?
B. What changes did we propose for ACIs
in our August 31, 2020, proposal?
III. Summary of Final Action
A. Removal of title V Permitting
Requirements for ACIs That Only Burn
Wood Waste, Clean Lumber and Yard
Waste
B. What are the effective and compliance
dates of the standards?
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IV. Public Comments and Responses
A. What key comments did we receive on
title V permitting requirements for ACIs
that burn only wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste?
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental, and
Economic Impacts
A. What are the affected facilities?
B. What are the air quality impacts?
C. What are the cost impacts?
D. What are the economic impacts?
E. What are the benefits?
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review and Executive
Order 14094: Modernizing Regulatory
Review
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
I. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act (NTTAA) and 1 CFR
Part 51
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions
To Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations and Executive Order 14096:
Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment
to Environmental Justice for All
K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
Categories and entities potentially
affected by this action are shown in
table 1 of this preamble.
TABLE 1—INDUSTRIAL SOURCE CATEGORIES AFFECTED BY THIS FINAL ACTION
NAICS code 1
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Source category
Examples of potentially regulated entities
Any State, local, or Tribal government using a VSMWC
unit.
Any correctional institution using an IWI unit .................
Any nursing or residential care facility using an OSWI
unit.
562213, 92411
Any Federal government agency using an OSWI unit ...
928, 7121
Any educational institution using an OSWI unit .............
6111, 6112, 6113
Any church or convent using an OSWI unit ...................
Any civic or religious organization using an OSWI unit
Any industrial or commercial facility using a VSMWC
unit.
8131
8134
114, 211, 212, 221, 486
1
922, 7213
623
Solid waste combustion units burning municipal solid
waste (MSW).
Correctional institutions.
Any nursing care, residential intellectual and developmental disability, residential mental health and substance abuse, or assisted living facilities.
Department of Defense (labs, military bases, munition
facilities) and National Parks.
Primary and secondary schools, universities, colleges,
and community colleges.
Churches and convents.
Civic associations and fraternal associations.
Oil and gas exploration operations; mining; pipeline operators; utility providers; fishing operations.
North American Industry Classification System.
Table 1 is not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather to provide a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
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regulated by this final action. To
determine whether your entity is
regulated by this action, you should
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carefully examine the applicability
criteria found in title 40 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), 60.2885,
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60.2981, and 60.2991. 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).
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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 also 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/other-solid-wasteincinerators-oswi-new-sourceperformance. Following publication in
the Federal Register (FR), the EPA will
post the FR version and key technical
documents at this same website.
C. Judicial Review and Administrative
Reconsideration
Under 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 June
17, 2024. 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 only 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
reconsider the rule if the person raising
an objection can demonstrate to the
Administrator 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 should
submit a Petition for Reconsideration to
the Office of the Administrator, U.S.
EPA, Room 3000, WJC South 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. EPA,
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1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460.
II. Background
A. What is the statutory authority and
regulatory history for this action?
Section 129 of the CAA, entitled
‘‘Solid Waste Combustion,’’ requires the
EPA to develop and adopt new source
performance standards (NSPS) and
emission guidelines (EG) for solid waste
incineration units pursuant to CAA
section 111 and 129. Section 129(a) of
the CAA requires EPA to establish NSPS
for new sources, and CAA section
129(b) requires the EPA to establish
guidelines, which include emission
limits pursuant to section 111(d) of the
CAA. Under CAA section 129, NSPS
and EG must be developed for new and
existing stationary sources that cause or
contribute significantly to air pollution
that may reasonably be anticipated to
endanger public health or welfare.
In 2005, the EPA promulgated NSPS
and EG for OSWI units (70 FR 74870;
December 16, 2005). ‘‘Standards of
Performance for Other Solid Waste
Incineration Units’’ (i.e., the OSWI rule),
which requires owners and operators of
ACIs burning only wood waste, clean
lumber, yard waste or a mixture of these
three types of waste to apply for and
obtain a title V permit (70 FR 74884–
85). The EPA explained that title V
operating permits ‘‘would assure
compliance with all applicable federal
requirements for regulated incineration
units.’’ (See 70 FR 74873.)
CAA section 129(a)(5) requires the
EPA, every 5 years, to review and, in
accordance with CAA sections 129 and
111, revise standards and other
requirements for solid waste
incineration units (such as the OSWI
standards). On August 31, 2020, in
accordance with EPA’s general authority
under CAA section 129(a), the EPA
issued a proposal to amend the NSPS
and EG for OSWI units (85 FR 54178).
Among other amendments, the EPA
proposed to eliminate the requirement
that ACIs that burn only wood waste,
clean lumber, and yard waste, and that
are not located at major sources or
subject to title V for other reasons,
obtain title V operating permits. The
EPA has received feedback from several
States indicating that the title V permits
are unnecessarily burdensome and
expensive for States to maintain for
these ACIs. Further, based on available
data, ACIs that burn exclusively wood
waste, clean lumber, and yard waste are
commonly located at facilities that
would not otherwise require title V
operating permits. In this action, the
EPA is finalizing only the portion of the
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proposed rule that eliminates the title V
permit requirement for ACIs that burn
only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste, for the reasons described
below. Since the proposal, both State
and industry stakeholders have
commented that the title V requirements
for these units are overly burdensome
and costly, particularly in light of the
dependence on ACI units to mitigate
natural disaster debris, such as massive
amounts of clean wood and vegetative
waste for wildfire mitigation and forest
management; burning of stormgenerated wood and vegetative debris;
and burning of land clearing debris.
Several States have commented that
these ACIs should not be required to
obtain title V permits because they are
low-emitting and because permitting
these ACIs is unnecessarily burdensome
and expensive. Further, ACIs that burn
exclusively wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste are typically used
temporarily at the location of a natural
disaster, not at facilities that are subject
to title V (See 85 FR 54194; August 31,
2020).
The EPA has also received comments
that the title V permit requirement for
ACIs that only burn wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste is inconsistent
with the definition of ‘‘solid waste
incineration unit’’ in CAA section
129(g)(1). CAA section 129(e) generally
requires title V permits for ‘‘solid waste
incineration units.’’ However, CAA
section 129(g)(1) excludes ACIs that
only burn wood waste, yard waste, and
clean lumber and comply with the
opacity limitations in 40 CFR 60.2971
and 60.3066. For these reasons, the EPA
is removing the title V permitting
requirements for ACI units burning only
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste.
B. What changes did we propose for
ACIs in our August 31, 2020, proposal?
On August 31, 2020, as part of the
Agency’s 5-year review of the Standards
of Performance for New Stationary
Sources and Emissions Guidelines for
Existing Sources: Other Solid Waste
Incineration (OSWI) Units, the EPA
proposed to remove the title V
permitting requirements for ACI units
burning only wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste. The EPA received 20
comment letters from States and
industry stakeholders supporting the
removal of title V permitting
requirement for ACIs that burn only
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste. The EPA received no adverse
comments on the proposal.
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III. Summary of Final Action
A. Removal of Title V Permitting
Requirements for ACIS That Burn Only
Wood Waste, Clean Lumber, and Yard
Waste
After considering public comments
received on the August 2020 proposal,
in this action the EPA is finalizing as
proposed to remove title V permit
requirements for ACI units that burn
only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste. EPA is finalizing this
provision to simplify the compliance
obligations for owners and operators of
these types of units.
B. What are the effective and
compliance dates of the standards?
The revisions to the title V permitting
requirements for ACIs burning only
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste being promulgated in this action
are effective on April 17, 2024.
IV. Public Comments and Responses
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A. What key comments did we receive
on title V permitting requirements for
ACIs that Burn only wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste and what are
our responses?
Comment: Commenters support the
removal of title V permitting
requirements for ACIs burning wood
waste, yard waste, and clean lumber.
Some States commented that these types
of ACIs are excluded from the definition
of ‘‘solid waste incineration units’’
under CAA section 129(g)(1) and are
therefore not subject to the title V
permit requirements in CAA section
129(e). Commenters further stated that
ACIs burning only the allowed materials
should not be considered subject to
standards or regulations under CAA
section 111, because only ‘‘solid waste
incineration units’’ are required to be
subject to New Source Performance
Standards pursuant to CAA section
129(a) and Emission Guidelines for
Existing Units pursuant to CAA section
129(b). Additionally, commenters stated
that ACIs burning only the allowed
materials should not be subject to title
V permitting pursuant to CAA section
502(a), because ACIs are not subject to
standards or regulations under CAA
section 111. Commenters stated that
ACIs burning only the allowed materials
should only be subject to the opacity
standards pursuant to CAA section
129(g)(1).
In addition, several commenters
indicated that the title V permit
requirement for these ACIs has been
unduly burdensome and expensive for
both ACI operators and permitting
agencies. Commenters asserted that this
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has impacted especially small
businesses, because of the high cost
involved in some jurisdictions, the
extensive paperwork, and timeconsuming reporting requirements.
Commenters further stated that these
impediments render utilizing an ACI for
the reduction of the allowed materials,
in most instances, not commercially
viable compared to open pile burning or
grinding and disposing of the grindings
by various means that are often
environmentally unsound, such as
landfilling. A commenter noted that the
title V permit requirements often
discourage ACI use and instead create
conditions where open burning of wood
waste occurs instead.
A commenter indicated that removal
of the title V permit requirement would
greatly simplify the permitting process
while encouraging a cleaner, less
polluting method of wood waste
disposal when compared to open
burning. Commenters stated that the
immediate result of removing the title V
permit requirement will be less open
pile burning and grinding of wood
waste, which will reduce Black Carbon
emissions with a positive effect on
global warming. Several commenters
noted that increased use of ACIs that are
not considered to be solid waste
incinerators would produce biochar that
can be used as a beneficial soil
amendment rather than being treated as
a hazardous waste that must be
disposed of in a landfill. A commenter
also asserted that ACIs are air quality
control devices and a preferred method
of managing wood wastes.
A commenter stated that ACIs that
burn wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste are not incinerators and
characterized ACIs that burn this type of
waste as air pollution control devices
for an open burn pile. Commenters
emphasized that the residuals from ACIs
that burn this type of waste consist of
wood ash and biochar, which are not
hazardous waste, as are residual ashes
from true MSW incinerators. A
commenter added that this would pave
the way in all jurisdictions for wood ash
and biochar from ACIs burning only the
allowed materials to be land-applied as
a beneficial soil additive and ACI
residuals from burning clean wood
waste would no longer require a
hazardous waste permit and subsequent
disposal into a landfill, often at
considerable cost.
A commenter encouraged the EPA to
clarify that the waiver of title V
permitting requirements also would
apply when ACIs are used to burn other
naturally occurring and organic
materials in an effort to remove or
reduce hazardous fuels loads that could
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lead to a wildland fire incident. Another
commenter urged the EPA to expand
this title V exemption to all ACIs that
burn only wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste (e.g., ACIs subject to 40
CFR 60.2020 and 60.2010).
Response: As noted by the
commenter, the EPA proposed to
eliminate the title V permit requirement
for ACIs that only burn wood wastes,
yard wastes, and clean lumber and that
comply with opacity limitations
established by the EPA, unless they
otherwise need title V permits (85 FR
54194). The definition of ‘‘solid waste
incineration unit’’ in CAA section
129(g)(1) ‘‘does not include (C) air
curtain incinerators [that] only burn
wood wastes, yard wastes and clean
lumber’’ and comply with opacity
limits. Importantly, the regulations at 40
CFR 70.3 stipulate the types of sources
that must obtain a permit for operation
pursuant to CAA section 502(a). In
particular, title V permitting applies to
any major source, as defined in 40 CFR
70.2, without exceptions, including ACI
that are not solid waste incineration
units under CAA section 129(g)(1), but
are themselves major sources. The
preamble to the proposal explains that
‘‘EPA is proposing to eliminate this
regulatory title V permitting
requirement for such ACIs that are not
located at a major source or subject to
title V for other reasons.’’ (85 FR 54194)
This final rule clarifies applicability of
title V permitting requirement for ACIs
that burn only wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste or a
combination of these materials and
comply with the Section 129 opacity
requirements. We disagree that this
interpretation should extend to ACIs
used to burn materials other than wood
waste, clean lumber, and yard waste, as
defined in 40 CFR 60.2992 and 60.3078.
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental,
and Economic Impacts
A. What are the affected facilities?
The OSWI database developed for the
August 31, 2020, proposal lists
approximately 29 ACI units that burn
only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste, at 29 facilities. It is possible
that there are units not included in the
OSWI database.
B. What are the air quality impacts?
There are no air quality impacts
associated with this action. The removal
of title V permitting requirements for
ACIs that only burn wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste does not have
an effect on the obligation for sources to
comply with the existing standards,
including the stringency of the
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standards in 40 CFR part 60, subpart
EEEE or FFFF, or on the ability of
Federal or State agencies to enforce
standards.
C. What are the cost impacts?
The removal of title V permit
requirements for ACI units that burn
only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste results in a cost savings in
permit costs for ACI units that burn only
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste. There is no cost impact on other
types of ACI units that do not burn only
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste.
D. What are the economic impacts?
The removal of title V permit
requirements for ACI units that burn
only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste results in a cost reduction
that cannot be quantified because the
EPA is unable to accurately identify the
number of these units to scale the cost
reduction. There is no economic impact
on other types of ACI units that do not
burn only wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste.
E. What are the benefits?
This final action will simplify
compliance and reduce administrative
cost burden for owners and operators of
ACI units that burn only wood waste,
clean lumber, and yard waste and
permitting authorities. The rule will not
change existing emission standards.
Further, it will have no adverse impact
on public health or the environment.
VI. 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 14094: Modernizing Regulatory
Review
This action is not a significant
regulatory action as defined in the
Executive Order 12866, as amended by
Executive Order 14094, and was
therefore not subject to a requirement
for Executive Order 12866 review.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
This action does not impose an
information collection burden under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). There
are no information collection request
activities associated with this action.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
I certify that this action will not have
a significant economic impact on a
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substantial number of small entities
under the RFA. In making this
determination, the EPA concludes that
the impact of concern for this action is
any significant adverse economic
impact on small entities and that the
agency is certifying that this action will
not have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities
because the action relieves regulatory
burden on the small entities subject to
this action. This action removes title V
permit requirements for affected small
entities. We have therefore concluded
that this action will relieve regulatory
burden for all directly regulated small
entities.
children. This action is not subject to
Executive Order 13045 because it does
not concern an environmental health
risk or safety risk.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This action does not contain an
unfunded mandate of $100 million or
more as described in the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), 2 U.S.C.
1531–1538, and does not significantly or
uniquely affect small governments. This
action imposes no enforceable duty on
any State, local, or Tribal governments
or the private sector.
This rulemaking does not involve
technical standards.
E. 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.
F. 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 neither impose
direct compliance costs on federally
recognized Tribal governments nor
preempt Tribal law. Thus, Executive
Order 13175 does not apply to this
action.
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
Executive Order 13045 directs Federal
agencies to include an evaluation of the
health and safety effects of the planned
regulation on children in Federal health
and safety standards and explain why
the regulation is preferable to
potentially effective and reasonably
feasible alternatives. This action is not
subject to Executive Order 13045
because it is not a significant regulatory
action under section 3(f)(1) of Executive
Order 12866, and because the EPA does
not anticipate the environmental health
or safety risks addressed by this action
present a disproportionate risk to
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
H. 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.
I. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act (NTTAA) and 1 CFR
Part 51
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal
Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations and Executive
Order 14096: Revitalizing Our Nation’s
Commitment to Environmental Justice
for All
The EPA believes that the human
health and environmental conditions
that exist prior to this action do not
result in disproportionate and adverse
effects on communities with
environmental justice (EJ) concerns. The
removal of title V requirements for ACIs
that burn only wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste do not affect the
level of protection provided to human
health or the environment.
The EPA believes that this action is
not likely to result in new
disproportionate and adverse effects on
communities with environmental justice
concerns. Air quality regulation on ACIs
remains in place to control
environmental exposure to the public
despite the removal of title V permit
requirements for ACIs that burn only
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste. This action will not compromise
standards and/or controls on ACIs that
burn only wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste.
K. Congressional Review Act
This action is subject to the
Congressional Review Act (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,
Administrative practice and procedures,
Air pollution control, Hazardous
substances, Intergovernmental relations,
E:\FR\FM\17APR1.SGM
17APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Michael S. Regan,
Administrator.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, title 40, chapter I of the Code
of Federal Regulations is amended 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 EEEE—Standards of
Performance for Other Solid Waste
Incineration Units for Which
Construction Is Commenced After
December 9, 2004, or for Which
Modification or Reconstruction Is
Commenced on or After June 16, 2006
■
2. Revise § 60.2966 to read as follows:
§ 60.2966 Am I required to apply for and
obtain a title V operating permit for my
unit?
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
(a) If you are the owner or operator of
an air curtain incinerator that is subject
to this subpart and that does not burn
only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste, you are required to apply for
and obtain a title V operating permit for
your OSWI unit.
(b) If you are the owner or operator of
an air curtain incinerator that burns
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16:02 Apr 16, 2024
Jkt 262001
only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste and that is subject only to
the requirements in §§ 60.2970 through
60.2973, you are exempt from the
obligation to obtain a title V operating
permit, provided that your air curtain
incinerator is not otherwise required to
obtain a title V operating permit.
■ 3. Revise § 60.2967 to read as follows:
27397
6. Revise the heading of subpart FFFF
to read as follows:
■
Subpart FFFF—Emission Guidelines
and Compliance Times for Other Solid
Waste
■
7. Revise § 60.3059 to read as follows:
§ 60.2967 When must I submit a title V
permit application for my new unit?
§ 60.3059 Am I required to apply for and
obtain a title V operating permit for my
unit?
(a) If your new unit subject to this
subpart is applying for a permit the first
time, a complete title V permit
application must be submitted timely
either 12 months after the date the unit
commences operation as a new source
or before one of the dates specified in
paragraph (b) of this section, as
applicable.
(b) For a unit that commenced
operation as a new source as of
December 16, 2005, then a complete
title V permit application must be
submitted not later than December 18,
2006. For a small OSWI unit that
commenced operation as a new source
as of April 17, 2024, a complete title V
permit application must be submitted
not later than April 18, 2025.
(c) [Reserved]
(a) Yes, if your OSWI unit is an
existing incineration unit subject to an
applicable EPA-approved and effective
Clean Air Act section 111(d)/129 state
or tribal plan or an applicable and
effective Federal plan, and your OSWI
unit does not burn only wood waste,
clean lumber, and yard waste, you are
required to apply for and obtain a title
V operating permit.
(b) If you are the owner or operator of
an air curtain incinerator that burns
only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste and is subject only to the
requirements in §§ 60.3062 through
60.3068, you are exempt from the
obligation to obtain an operating permit,
provided that your air curtain
incinerator is not otherwise required to
obtain a title V operating permit.
§ 60.2969
■
4. Remove and reserve § 60.2969.
§ 60.2974
■
[Removed and Reserved]
[Removed and Reserved]
5. Remove and reserve § 60.2974
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
§ 60.3060
■
[Removed and Reserved]
8. Remove and reserve § 60.3060.
[FR Doc. 2024–08270 Filed 4–16–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
E:\FR\FM\17APR1.SGM
17APR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27392-27397]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08270]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 60
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0156; FRL-7547.3-01-OAR]
RIN 2060-AW14
Other Solid Waste Incinerators; Air Curtain Incinerators Title V
Permitting Provisions
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: On August 31, 2020, in accordance with requirements under the
Clean Air Act (CAA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
performed a 5-year review of the Standards of Performance for New
Stationary Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Other
Solid Waste Incineration (OSWI) Units, which includes certain very
small municipal waste combustion (VSMWC) and institutional waste
incineration (IWI) units. In the same action, the EPA
[[Page 27393]]
proposed to remove the title V permitting requirements for air curtain
incinerators (ACI) that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste,
or a mixture of these three types of waste. In response to supportive
comments received on the August 2020 proposal, this action is
finalizing, as proposed, to remove the title V permitting requirements
for ACIs that only burn wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste, or a
mixture of those, and are not located at title V major sources or
subject to title V for other reasons. The EPA is finalizing this
proposed action now to simplify the compliance obligations for owners
and operators of these types of units.
DATES: The effective date of this rule is April 17, 2024.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this rulemaking under
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0156. 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 (CBI) 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 through https://www.regulations.gov/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Noel Cope, Sector Policies and
Programs Division (E143-05), Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander
Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711;
telephone number: (919) 541-2128; 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:
ACI air curtain incinerator
CAA Clean Air Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CRA Congressional Review Act
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FR Federal Register
IWI institutional waste incineration
MSW municipal solid waste
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
OSWI other solid waste incineration
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
VSMWC very small municipal waste combustion
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
A. What is the statutory authority and regulatory history for
this action?
B. What changes did we propose for ACIs in our August 31, 2020,
proposal?
III. Summary of Final Action
A. Removal of title V Permitting Requirements for ACIs That Only
Burn Wood Waste, Clean Lumber and Yard Waste
B. What are the effective and compliance dates of the standards?
IV. Public Comments and Responses
A. What key comments did we receive on title V permitting
requirements for ACIs that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste?
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental, and Economic Impacts
A. What are the affected facilities?
B. What are the air quality impacts?
C. What are the cost impacts?
D. What are the economic impacts?
E. What are the benefits?
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and
Executive Order 14094: Modernizing Regulatory Review
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With
Indian Tribal Governments
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) and
1 CFR Part 51
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations and Executive Order 14096: Revitalizing Our Nation's
Commitment to Environmental Justice for All
K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
Categories and entities potentially affected by this action are
shown in table 1 of this preamble.
Table 1--Industrial Source Categories Affected by This Final Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Examples of potentially regulated
Source category NAICS code \1\ entities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any State, local, or Tribal government using 562213, 92411 Solid waste combustion units burning
a VSMWC unit. municipal solid waste (MSW).
Any correctional institution using an IWI 922, 7213 Correctional institutions.
unit.
Any nursing or residential care facility 623 Any nursing care, residential
using an OSWI unit. intellectual and developmental
disability, residential mental
health and substance abuse, or
assisted living facilities.
Any Federal government agency using an OSWI 928, 7121 Department of Defense (labs,
unit. military bases, munition
facilities) and National Parks.
Any educational institution using an OSWI 6111, 6112, 6113 Primary and secondary schools,
unit. universities, colleges, and
community colleges.
Any church or convent using an OSWI unit..... 8131 Churches and convents.
Any civic or religious organization using an 8134 Civic associations and fraternal
OSWI unit. associations.
Any industrial or commercial facility using a 114, 211, 212, 221, 486 Oil and gas exploration operations;
VSMWC unit. mining; pipeline operators; utility
providers; fishing operations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ North American Industry Classification System.
Table 1 is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to provide a
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be regulated by this
final action. To determine whether your entity is regulated by this
action, you should carefully examine the applicability criteria found
in title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 60.2885,
[[Page 27394]]
60.2981, and 60.2991. 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 also 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/other-solid-waste-incinerators-oswi-new-source-performance. Following
publication in the Federal Register (FR), the EPA will post the FR
version and key technical documents at this same website.
C. Judicial Review and Administrative Reconsideration
Under 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 June 17, 2024.
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 only 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 reconsider the rule if the person
raising an objection can demonstrate to the Administrator 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 should submit a
Petition for Reconsideration to the Office of the Administrator, U.S.
EPA, Room 3000, WJC South 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. EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460.
II. Background
A. What is the statutory authority and regulatory history for this
action?
Section 129 of the CAA, entitled ``Solid Waste Combustion,''
requires the EPA to develop and adopt new source performance standards
(NSPS) and emission guidelines (EG) for solid waste incineration units
pursuant to CAA section 111 and 129. Section 129(a) of the CAA requires
EPA to establish NSPS for new sources, and CAA section 129(b) requires
the EPA to establish guidelines, which include emission limits pursuant
to section 111(d) of the CAA. Under CAA section 129, NSPS and EG must
be developed for new and existing stationary sources that cause or
contribute significantly to air pollution that may reasonably be
anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.
In 2005, the EPA promulgated NSPS and EG for OSWI units (70 FR
74870; December 16, 2005). ``Standards of Performance for Other Solid
Waste Incineration Units'' (i.e., the OSWI rule), which requires owners
and operators of ACIs burning only wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste
or a mixture of these three types of waste to apply for and obtain a
title V permit (70 FR 74884-85). The EPA explained that title V
operating permits ``would assure compliance with all applicable federal
requirements for regulated incineration units.'' (See 70 FR 74873.)
CAA section 129(a)(5) requires the EPA, every 5 years, to review
and, in accordance with CAA sections 129 and 111, revise standards and
other requirements for solid waste incineration units (such as the OSWI
standards). On August 31, 2020, in accordance with EPA's general
authority under CAA section 129(a), the EPA issued a proposal to amend
the NSPS and EG for OSWI units (85 FR 54178). Among other amendments,
the EPA proposed to eliminate the requirement that ACIs that burn only
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste, and that are not located at
major sources or subject to title V for other reasons, obtain title V
operating permits. The EPA has received feedback from several States
indicating that the title V permits are unnecessarily burdensome and
expensive for States to maintain for these ACIs. Further, based on
available data, ACIs that burn exclusively wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste are commonly located at facilities that would not
otherwise require title V operating permits. In this action, the EPA is
finalizing only the portion of the proposed rule that eliminates the
title V permit requirement for ACIs that burn only wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste, for the reasons described below. Since the
proposal, both State and industry stakeholders have commented that the
title V requirements for these units are overly burdensome and costly,
particularly in light of the dependence on ACI units to mitigate
natural disaster debris, such as massive amounts of clean wood and
vegetative waste for wildfire mitigation and forest management; burning
of storm-generated wood and vegetative debris; and burning of land
clearing debris. Several States have commented that these ACIs should
not be required to obtain title V permits because they are low-emitting
and because permitting these ACIs is unnecessarily burdensome and
expensive. Further, ACIs that burn exclusively wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste are typically used temporarily at the location
of a natural disaster, not at facilities that are subject to title V
(See 85 FR 54194; August 31, 2020).
The EPA has also received comments that the title V permit
requirement for ACIs that only burn wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste is inconsistent with the definition of ``solid waste incineration
unit'' in CAA section 129(g)(1). CAA section 129(e) generally requires
title V permits for ``solid waste incineration units.'' However, CAA
section 129(g)(1) excludes ACIs that only burn wood waste, yard waste,
and clean lumber and comply with the opacity limitations in 40 CFR
60.2971 and 60.3066. For these reasons, the EPA is removing the title V
permitting requirements for ACI units burning only wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste.
B. What changes did we propose for ACIs in our August 31, 2020,
proposal?
On August 31, 2020, as part of the Agency's 5-year review of the
Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emissions
Guidelines for Existing Sources: Other Solid Waste Incineration (OSWI)
Units, the EPA proposed to remove the title V permitting requirements
for ACI units burning only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste.
The EPA received 20 comment letters from States and industry
stakeholders supporting the removal of title V permitting requirement
for ACIs that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste. The
EPA received no adverse comments on the proposal.
[[Page 27395]]
III. Summary of Final Action
A. Removal of Title V Permitting Requirements for ACIS That Burn Only
Wood Waste, Clean Lumber, and Yard Waste
After considering public comments received on the August 2020
proposal, in this action the EPA is finalizing as proposed to remove
title V permit requirements for ACI units that burn only wood waste,
clean lumber, and yard waste. EPA is finalizing this provision to
simplify the compliance obligations for owners and operators of these
types of units.
B. What are the effective and compliance dates of the standards?
The revisions to the title V permitting requirements for ACIs
burning only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste being promulgated
in this action are effective on April 17, 2024.
IV. Public Comments and Responses
A. What key comments did we receive on title V permitting requirements
for ACIs that Burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste and
what are our responses?
Comment: Commenters support the removal of title V permitting
requirements for ACIs burning wood waste, yard waste, and clean lumber.
Some States commented that these types of ACIs are excluded from the
definition of ``solid waste incineration units'' under CAA section
129(g)(1) and are therefore not subject to the title V permit
requirements in CAA section 129(e). Commenters further stated that ACIs
burning only the allowed materials should not be considered subject to
standards or regulations under CAA section 111, because only ``solid
waste incineration units'' are required to be subject to New Source
Performance Standards pursuant to CAA section 129(a) and Emission
Guidelines for Existing Units pursuant to CAA section 129(b).
Additionally, commenters stated that ACIs burning only the allowed
materials should not be subject to title V permitting pursuant to CAA
section 502(a), because ACIs are not subject to standards or
regulations under CAA section 111. Commenters stated that ACIs burning
only the allowed materials should only be subject to the opacity
standards pursuant to CAA section 129(g)(1).
In addition, several commenters indicated that the title V permit
requirement for these ACIs has been unduly burdensome and expensive for
both ACI operators and permitting agencies. Commenters asserted that
this has impacted especially small businesses, because of the high cost
involved in some jurisdictions, the extensive paperwork, and time-
consuming reporting requirements. Commenters further stated that these
impediments render utilizing an ACI for the reduction of the allowed
materials, in most instances, not commercially viable compared to open
pile burning or grinding and disposing of the grindings by various
means that are often environmentally unsound, such as landfilling. A
commenter noted that the title V permit requirements often discourage
ACI use and instead create conditions where open burning of wood waste
occurs instead.
A commenter indicated that removal of the title V permit
requirement would greatly simplify the permitting process while
encouraging a cleaner, less polluting method of wood waste disposal
when compared to open burning. Commenters stated that the immediate
result of removing the title V permit requirement will be less open
pile burning and grinding of wood waste, which will reduce Black Carbon
emissions with a positive effect on global warming. Several commenters
noted that increased use of ACIs that are not considered to be solid
waste incinerators would produce biochar that can be used as a
beneficial soil amendment rather than being treated as a hazardous
waste that must be disposed of in a landfill. A commenter also asserted
that ACIs are air quality control devices and a preferred method of
managing wood wastes.
A commenter stated that ACIs that burn wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste are not incinerators and characterized ACIs that burn
this type of waste as air pollution control devices for an open burn
pile. Commenters emphasized that the residuals from ACIs that burn this
type of waste consist of wood ash and biochar, which are not hazardous
waste, as are residual ashes from true MSW incinerators. A commenter
added that this would pave the way in all jurisdictions for wood ash
and biochar from ACIs burning only the allowed materials to be land-
applied as a beneficial soil additive and ACI residuals from burning
clean wood waste would no longer require a hazardous waste permit and
subsequent disposal into a landfill, often at considerable cost.
A commenter encouraged the EPA to clarify that the waiver of title
V permitting requirements also would apply when ACIs are used to burn
other naturally occurring and organic materials in an effort to remove
or reduce hazardous fuels loads that could lead to a wildland fire
incident. Another commenter urged the EPA to expand this title V
exemption to all ACIs that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste (e.g., ACIs subject to 40 CFR 60.2020 and 60.2010).
Response: As noted by the commenter, the EPA proposed to eliminate
the title V permit requirement for ACIs that only burn wood wastes,
yard wastes, and clean lumber and that comply with opacity limitations
established by the EPA, unless they otherwise need title V permits (85
FR 54194). The definition of ``solid waste incineration unit'' in CAA
section 129(g)(1) ``does not include (C) air curtain incinerators
[that] only burn wood wastes, yard wastes and clean lumber'' and comply
with opacity limits. Importantly, the regulations at 40 CFR 70.3
stipulate the types of sources that must obtain a permit for operation
pursuant to CAA section 502(a). In particular, title V permitting
applies to any major source, as defined in 40 CFR 70.2, without
exceptions, including ACI that are not solid waste incineration units
under CAA section 129(g)(1), but are themselves major sources. The
preamble to the proposal explains that ``EPA is proposing to eliminate
this regulatory title V permitting requirement for such ACIs that are
not located at a major source or subject to title V for other
reasons.'' (85 FR 54194) This final rule clarifies applicability of
title V permitting requirement for ACIs that burn only wood waste,
clean lumber, and yard waste or a combination of these materials and
comply with the Section 129 opacity requirements. We disagree that this
interpretation should extend to ACIs used to burn materials other than
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste, as defined in 40 CFR 60.2992
and 60.3078.
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental, and Economic Impacts
A. What are the affected facilities?
The OSWI database developed for the August 31, 2020, proposal lists
approximately 29 ACI units that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and
yard waste, at 29 facilities. It is possible that there are units not
included in the OSWI database.
B. What are the air quality impacts?
There are no air quality impacts associated with this action. The
removal of title V permitting requirements for ACIs that only burn wood
waste, clean lumber, and yard waste does not have an effect on the
obligation for sources to comply with the existing standards, including
the stringency of the
[[Page 27396]]
standards in 40 CFR part 60, subpart EEEE or FFFF, or on the ability of
Federal or State agencies to enforce standards.
C. What are the cost impacts?
The removal of title V permit requirements for ACI units that burn
only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste results in a cost savings
in permit costs for ACI units that burn only wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste. There is no cost impact on other types of ACI units
that do not burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste.
D. What are the economic impacts?
The removal of title V permit requirements for ACI units that burn
only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste results in a cost
reduction that cannot be quantified because the EPA is unable to
accurately identify the number of these units to scale the cost
reduction. There is no economic impact on other types of ACI units that
do not burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste.
E. What are the benefits?
This final action will simplify compliance and reduce
administrative cost burden for owners and operators of ACI units that
burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste and permitting
authorities. The rule will not change existing emission standards.
Further, it will have no adverse impact on public health or the
environment.
VI. 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 14094: Modernizing Regulatory Review
This action is not a significant regulatory action as defined in
the Executive Order 12866, as amended by Executive Order 14094, and was
therefore not subject to a requirement for Executive Order 12866
review.
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
This action does not impose an information collection burden under
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). There are no information collection
request activities associated with this action.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
I certify that this action will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. In
making this determination, the EPA concludes that the impact of concern
for this action is any significant adverse economic impact on small
entities and that the agency is certifying that this action will not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities because the action relieves regulatory burden on the small
entities subject to this action. This action removes title V permit
requirements for affected small entities. We have therefore concluded
that this action will relieve regulatory burden for all directly
regulated small entities.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This action does not contain an unfunded mandate of $100 million or
more as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), 2 U.S.C.
1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect small
governments. This action imposes no enforceable duty on any State,
local, or Tribal governments or the private sector.
E. 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.
F. 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 neither impose direct compliance costs
on federally recognized Tribal governments nor preempt Tribal law.
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action.
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks
Executive Order 13045 directs Federal agencies to include an
evaluation of the health and safety effects of the planned regulation
on children in Federal health and safety standards and explain why the
regulation is preferable to potentially effective and reasonably
feasible alternatives. This action is not subject to Executive Order
13045 because it is not a significant regulatory action under section
3(f)(1) of Executive Order 12866, and because the EPA does not
anticipate the environmental health or safety risks addressed by this
action present a disproportionate risk to children. This action is not
subject to Executive Order 13045 because it does not concern an
environmental health risk or safety risk.
H. 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.
I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) and 1 CFR
Part 51
This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations and
Executive Order 14096: Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to
Environmental Justice for All
The EPA believes that the human health and environmental conditions
that exist prior to this action do not result in disproportionate and
adverse effects on communities with environmental justice (EJ)
concerns. The removal of title V requirements for ACIs that burn only
wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste do not affect the level of
protection provided to human health or the environment.
The EPA believes that this action is not likely to result in new
disproportionate and adverse effects on communities with environmental
justice concerns. Air quality regulation on ACIs remains in place to
control environmental exposure to the public despite the removal of
title V permit requirements for ACIs that burn only wood waste, clean
lumber, and yard waste. This action will not compromise standards and/
or controls on ACIs that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard
waste.
K. Congressional Review Act
This action is subject to the Congressional Review Act (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, Administrative practice and procedures,
Air pollution control, Hazardous substances, Intergovernmental
relations,
[[Page 27397]]
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Michael S. Regan,
Administrator.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 40, chapter I of the
Code of Federal Regulations is amended 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 EEEE--Standards of Performance for Other Solid Waste
Incineration Units for Which Construction Is Commenced After
December 9, 2004, or for Which Modification or Reconstruction Is
Commenced on or After June 16, 2006
0
2. Revise Sec. 60.2966 to read as follows:
Sec. 60.2966 Am I required to apply for and obtain a title V
operating permit for my unit?
(a) If you are the owner or operator of an air curtain incinerator
that is subject to this subpart and that does not burn only wood waste,
clean lumber, and yard waste, you are required to apply for and obtain
a title V operating permit for your OSWI unit.
(b) If you are the owner or operator of an air curtain incinerator
that burns only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste and that is
subject only to the requirements in Sec. Sec. 60.2970 through 60.2973,
you are exempt from the obligation to obtain a title V operating
permit, provided that your air curtain incinerator is not otherwise
required to obtain a title V operating permit.
0
3. Revise Sec. 60.2967 to read as follows:
Sec. 60.2967 When must I submit a title V permit application for my
new unit?
(a) If your new unit subject to this subpart is applying for a
permit the first time, a complete title V permit application must be
submitted timely either 12 months after the date the unit commences
operation as a new source or before one of the dates specified in
paragraph (b) of this section, as applicable.
(b) For a unit that commenced operation as a new source as of
December 16, 2005, then a complete title V permit application must be
submitted not later than December 18, 2006. For a small OSWI unit that
commenced operation as a new source as of April 17, 2024, a complete
title V permit application must be submitted not later than April 18,
2025.
(c) [Reserved]
Sec. 60.2969 [Removed and Reserved]
0
4. Remove and reserve Sec. 60.2969.
Sec. 60.2974 [Removed and Reserved]
0
5. Remove and reserve Sec. 60.2974
0
6. Revise the heading of subpart FFFF to read as follows:
Subpart FFFF--Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Other
Solid Waste
0
7. Revise Sec. 60.3059 to read as follows:
Sec. 60.3059 Am I required to apply for and obtain a title V
operating permit for my unit?
(a) Yes, if your OSWI unit is an existing incineration unit subject
to an applicable EPA-approved and effective Clean Air Act section
111(d)/129 state or tribal plan or an applicable and effective Federal
plan, and your OSWI unit does not burn only wood waste, clean lumber,
and yard waste, you are required to apply for and obtain a title V
operating permit.
(b) If you are the owner or operator of an air curtain incinerator
that burns only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste and is subject
only to the requirements in Sec. Sec. 60.3062 through 60.3068, you are
exempt from the obligation to obtain an operating permit, provided that
your air curtain incinerator is not otherwise required to obtain a
title V operating permit.
Sec. 60.3060 [Removed and Reserved]
0
8. Remove and reserve Sec. 60.3060.
[FR Doc. 2024-08270 Filed 4-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P