North Carolina: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program Revisions, Codification, and Incorporation by Reference, 79756-79764 [2024-22541]
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[FR Doc. 2024–22386 Filed 9–30–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 281 and 282
[EPA–R04–UST–2024–0279; FRL–12181–
02–R4]
North Carolina: Final Approval of State
Underground Storage Tank Program
Revisions, Codification, and
Incorporation by Reference
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
AGENCY:
The State of North Carolina
(North Carolina) has applied to the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
for final approval of revisions to its
Underground Storage Tank Program
(UST Program) under subtitle I of the
Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA). Pursuant to RCRA, the EPA
is taking direct final action, subject to
public comment, to approve revisions to
the UST Program. The EPA has
reviewed North Carolina’s revisions and
has determined that these revisions
satisfy all requirements needed for
approval. In addition, this action also
codifies the EPA’s approval of North
Carolina’s revised UST Program and
incorporates by reference those
provisions of the State statutes and
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SUMMARY:
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10/1/24, [INSERT FEDERAL REGISTER
CITATION].
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regulations that the EPA has determined
meet the requirements for approval.
DATES: This rule is effective December 2,
2024, unless the EPA receives adverse
comment by October 31, 2024. If the
EPA receives adverse comment, it will
publish a timely withdrawal in the
Federal Register informing the public
that the rule will not take effect. The
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations is
approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of December 2, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments by
one of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov (our
preferred method). Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
• Email: giri.upendra@epa.gov.
Include the Docket ID No. EPA–R04–
UST–2024–0279 in the subject line of
the message.
Instructions: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R04–
UST–2024–0279, via the Federal
eRulemaking Portal at https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Once submitted, comments cannot be
edited or removed from https://
www.regulations.gov. The EPA may
publish any comment received to its
public docket. Do not submit
electronically any information you
consider to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Multimedia submissions (audio, video,
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Incorporates by reference the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations for ‘‘unconventional’’ and ‘‘conventional’’
oil and natural gas sources promulgated at
52 Pa.B. 5287 and 52 Pa.B 7635 (both published on December 10, 2022). The SIP revision does not include the last sentence of
§ 2105.87.a, which is noted in strikethrough.
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etc.) must be accompanied by a written
comment. The written comment is
considered the official comment and
should include discussion of all points
you wish to make. The EPA will
generally not consider comments or
comment contents located outside of the
primary submission (i.e., on the web,
cloud, or other file sharing system). For
additional submission methods, the full
EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia
submissions, and general guidance on
making effective comments, please visit:
https://www.epa.gov/dockets/
commenting-epa-dockets.
The EPA encourages electronic
comment submittals, but if you are
unable to submit electronically or need
other assistance, please contact Upendra
Giri, the contact listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT provision
below. The index to the docket for this
action and all documents that form the
basis of this action and associated
publicly available docket materials are
available electronically in https://
www.regulations.gov. The EPA
encourages electronic reviewing of these
documents, but if you are unable to
review these documents electronically,
please contact Upendra Giri for
alternative access to docket materials.
Please also contact Upendra Giri if
you need assistance in a language other
than English or if you are a person with
disabilities who needs a reasonable
accommodation at no cost to you. For
further information on EPA Docket
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
Center services please visit us online at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Upendra Giri, RCRA Programs and
Cleanup Branch, Land, Chemicals, and
Redevelopment Division, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 4, Atlanta Federal Center, 61
Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia
30303–8960; Phone number: (404) 562–
8185; email address: giri.upendra@
epa.gov. Please contact Upendra Giri by
phone or email for further information.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Approval of Revisions to North
Carolina’s Underground Storage Tank
Program
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A. Why are revisions to State UST
programs necessary?
States that have received final
approval from the EPA under section
9004(b) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c(b),
must maintain a UST program that is no
less stringent than the Federal program.
When the EPA revises the regulations
that govern the UST program, States
must revise their programs to comply
with the updated regulations and
submit these revisions to the EPA for
approval. Most commonly, States must
change their programs because of
changes to the EPA’s regulations in title
40 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) part 280. States can also initiate
changes on their own to their UST
programs and these changes must then
be approved by the EPA.
B. What decision has the EPA made in
this rule?
In accordance with 40 CFR 281.51(a),
North Carolina submitted a complete
program revision application (State
Application) seeking approval of
changes to its UST Program. The State
Application was submitted on October
22, 2018, and amended on February 22,
2023, May 4, 2023, and June 24, 2024.
The program revisions described in the
State Application correspond to the EPA
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 UST
Program and operating procedures; a
demonstration of the State of North
Carolina’s procedures to ensure
adequate enforcement; a Memorandum
of Agreement outlining the roles and
responsibilities of the EPA and the
implementing agency; an Attorney
General’s Statement; and copies of all
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relevant North Carolina statutes and
regulations. The EPA has reviewed the
State Application and has determined
that the revisions to North Carolina’s
UST Program are no less stringent than
the corresponding Federal requirements
in subpart C of 40 CFR part 281, and
that the North Carolina UST Program
continues to provide adequate
enforcement of compliance. Therefore,
the EPA grants North Carolina final
approval to operate its UST Program
with the revisions described in the State
Application, and as outlined below. The
North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ) (formerly
the North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources) is
the lead implementing agency for the
UST Program in North Carolina, except
in Indian country as noted below in
Section I.I.
C. What is the effect of this approval on
the regulated community?
Section 9004(b) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C.
6991c(b), as amended, allows the EPA to
approve State UST programs to operate
in lieu of the Federal program. With this
approval, the changes described in the
State Application will become part of
the approved North Carolina UST
Program, and therefore will be federally
enforceable. North Carolina will
continue to have primary enforcement
authority and responsibility for its State
UST Program. 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 North
Carolina, and are not changed by this
action. This action merely approves the
existing North Carolina regulations as
being no less stringent than the 2015
Federal Revisions and rendering them
federally enforceable.
D. Why is the EPA using a direct final
rule?
The 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. North
Carolina addressed all comments it
received during its comment period
when the rules and regulations being
considered in this document were
proposed at the State level.
E. What happens if the EPA receives
comments that oppose this action?
Along with this direct final rule, the
EPA is simultaneously publishing a
separate document in the ‘‘Proposed
Rules’’ section of this Federal Register
that serves as the proposal to approve
North Carolina’s UST Program revisions
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and provides an opportunity for public
comment. If the EPA receives comments
that oppose this approval, the EPA will
withdraw this direct final rule by
publishing a document in the Federal
Register before it becomes effective. The
EPA will make any further decision on
approval of the State Application after
considering all comments received
during the comment period. The 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 North Carolina
previously been approved?
On January 16, 1998, North Carolina
submitted a complete State program
approval application seeking approval
of its UST Program under subtitle I of
RCRA. Effective August 14, 2001, the
EPA granted final approval for North
Carolina to administer its UST Program
in lieu of the Federal UST program and
incorporated by reference and codified
the federally approved North Carolina
UST Program (66 FR 32564 and 32566,
June 15, 2001). As a result of the EPA’s
approval, these provisions became
subject to the EPA’s corrective action,
inspection, and enforcement authorities
under RCRA sections 9003(h), 9005, and
9006, 42 U.S.C. 6991b(h), 6991d, and
6991e, and other applicable statutory
and regulatory provisions.
G. What changes is the EPA approving
with this action and what standards do
we use for review?
In order to be approved, each State
program revision application must meet
the general requirements in 40 CFR
281.11 (General Requirements), and the
specific requirements in 40 CFR part
281, subpart B (Components of a
Program Application), subpart C
(Criteria for No Less Stringent), and
subpart D (Adequate Enforcement of
Compliance).
As more fully described below, North
Carolina has made changes to its UST
Program to reflect the 2015 Federal
Revisions. These changes are included
in North Carolina’s UST Rules at North
Carolina Administrative Code
(N.C.A.C.), Title 15A, Chapter 2,
Subchapter 2N (2023), and the North
Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.)
sections 143–215.94NN through 143–
215.94UU (2018). The EPA is approving
North Carolina’s changes because they
are no less stringent than the Federal
UST program, and because the revised
North Carolina UST Program will
continue to provide for adequate
enforcement of compliance as required
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by 40 CFR 281.11(b) and part 281,
subparts C and D, after this approval.
DEQ continues to be the lead
implementing agency for the UST
Program in North Carolina. DEQ has
broad statutory and regulatory authority
to regulate the installation, operation,
maintenance, and closure of USTs, as
well as UST releases, under the Chapter
143 of the N.C.G.S., Article 21A, Parts
2A (Leaking Petroleum Underground
Storage Tank Cleanup), 2B
(Underground Storage Tank Regulation),
and 2D (Training of Underground
Storage Tank Operators) (2018); and
Title 15A of the North Carolina
Administrative Code, Chapter 2,
Subchapters 2L, 2N, 2O, and 2P (2023).
The following North Carolina
authorities provide authority for
compliance monitoring as required
pursuant to 40 CFR 281.40: N.C.G.S.
sections 143–215.3(a) through (d), 143–
215.79, 143–215.94T; N.C.G.S. section
143B–282; and 15A N.C.A.C. 02N
.0101(b) and .0405.
The following North Carolina
authorities provide authority for
enforcement response as required
pursuant to 40 CFR 281.41: N.C.G.S.
sections 143–215.2, 143–215.3(a),
143.215.3(c), 143–215.3(f), 143–215.6A,
143–215.94F, 143–215.94J, 143–
215.94K, 143–215.94U, 143–215.94V(b)
through (h), 143–215.94W, 143–
215.94X, 143–215.94Y, and 143–
215.94TT; N.C.G.S. section 143B–282;
and 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0101(b).
The following North Carolina
authorities provide authority for
enabling public participation in the
State enforcement process, including
citizen intervention and filing of
complaints, required pursuant to 40
CFR 281.42: Rule 24(a)(2) of the North
Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure
(2024); and N.C.G.S. sections 150B–23
and 143–215.94L. Further, through a
Memorandum of Agreement between
DEQ and the EPA, effective October 12,
2018, North Carolina maintains
procedures for receiving and ensuring
proper consideration of information
about violations submitted by the
public, and DEQ will not oppose citizen
intervention on the ground that the
applicant’s interest is adequately
represented by the State. The following
North Carolina authorities provide
authority for enabling the sharing of
information in the State files obtained or
used in the administration of the North
Carolina UST Program with the EPA as
required by 40 CFR 281.43: N.C.G.S.
sections 132–1 through 132–1.14.
Further, through the Memorandum of
Agreement between DEQ and the EPA,
effective October 12, 2018, North
Carolina agrees to furnish the EPA,
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upon request, any information in State
files obtained or used in the
administration of the State UST
Program.
To qualify for final approval,
revisions to a State’s UST program must
be no less stringent than the 2015
Federal Revisions. In the 2015 Federal
Revisions, the 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, the EPA removed past
deferrals for emergency generator tanks,
field constructed tanks, and airport
hydrant systems. North Carolina
adopted all of the required 2015 Federal
Revisions in Title 15A of the North
Carolina Administrative Code, Chapter
2, Subchapter 2N (2023), and N.C.G.S.
sections 143–215.94NN through 143–
215.94UU (2018).
As part of the State Application, the
North Carolina Attorney General has
certified that the State regulations
provide for adequate enforcement of
compliance and meet the no less
stringent criteria in 40 CFR part 281,
subparts C and D. The EPA is relying on
this certification, in addition to the
analysis submitted by the State, in
approving the State’s changes.
H. Where are the revised State rules
different from the Federal rules?
States may enact laws that are more
stringent than their Federal
counterparts. See RCRA section 9008,
42 U.S.C. 6991g. When an approved
State program includes requirements
that are considered more stringent than
those required by Federal law, the more
stringent requirements become part of
the federally approved program in
accordance with 40 CFR 281.12(a)(3)(i).
The EPA has determined that some of
North Carolina’s regulations are
considered more stringent than the
Federal program, and upon approval,
they will become part of the federally
approved North Carolina UST Program
and therefore federally enforceable.
In addition, States may enact laws
which are broader in scope than their
Federal counterparts in accordance with
40 CFR 281.12(a)(3)(ii). State
requirements that go beyond the scope
of the Federal program are not part of
the federally approved program and the
EPA cannot enforce them. Although
these requirements are enforceable by
the State in accordance with North
Carolina law, they are not Federal RCRA
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requirements. The EPA considers the
following North Carolina requirements
to be broader in scope than the Federal
program and therefore not part of the
federally approved State UST Program:
Statutory Broader in Scope Provisions
General Statutes of North Carolina,
Chapter 143; Article 21, Part 1.
Organization and Powers Generally;
Control of Pollution (2018).
(i) N.C.G.S. section 143–215.3(e),
insofar as it provides for the granting of
variances which are not available to
UST owners and operators as these
terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
General Statutes of North Carolina,
Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part 2A.
Leaking Petroleum UST Tank Cleanup
(2018).
(ii) N.C.G.S. section 143–215.94A(2)c.,
as to the definition of ‘‘Commercial
underground storage tank,’’ insofar as it
includes certain heating oil tanks and
connected piping that are excluded by
the Federal program.
(iii) N.C.G.S. section 143–215.94B,
insofar as it provides for the creation of
the Commercial Leaking Petroleum
Underground Storage Tank Cleanup
Fund (State Fund) and criteria for the
expenditure of funds.
(iv) N.C.G.S. section 143–215.94C,
insofar as it requires owners and
operators to pay an annual operating fee
to the State Fund.
(v) N.C.G.S. sections 143–215.94E(b)
through (k), insofar as these provisions
relate to the State Fund.
(vi) N.C.G.S. section 143–215.94G,
insofar as it provides for DEQ to perform
cleanups and provides for
reimbursement from the State Fund.
(vii) N.C.G.S. section 143–215.94N,
insofar as it relates to the State Fund.
(viii) N.C.G.S. section 143–215.94P,
insofar as it provides for the creation of
the Groundwater Protection Loan Fund
and promulgation of regulations
regarding such fund.
General Statutes of North Carolina,
Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part 2D.
Training of UST Operators (2018).
(ix) N.C.G.S. section 143–
215.94OO(4), as to the definition of
‘‘Underground storage tank system’’ or
‘‘tank system,’’ insofar as it includes
dispensers as part of the system.
General Statutes of North Carolina,
Chapter 143B; Article 7, Part 1. General
Provisions (2018).
(x) N.C.G.S. section 143B–279.9,
insofar as it regulates releases from
sources that are not underground
storage tanks and entities that are not
owners and operators as these terms are
defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(xi) N.C.G.S. section 143B–279.11,
insofar as it regulates releases from
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sources that are not underground
storage tanks and entities that are not
owners and operators as these terms are
defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
Regulatory Broader in Scope Provisions
North Carolina Administrative Code,
Title 15A—Environmental Quality;
Chapter 2, Environmental Management;
Subchapter 2L, Groundwater
Classification and Standards (2023).
(i) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0100, including
.0101 through .0115, insofar as these
provisions provide general
considerations for groundwater
classification and standards.
(ii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0200, including
.0201 through .0202, insofar as these
provisions establish underground water
classifications and quality standards.
(iii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0300,
including .0301 through .0319, insofar
as these provisions assign underground
water classifications.
(iv) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0403, insofar
as it defines a ‘‘responsible party’’ to
include persons other than owners and
operators as these terms are defined in
40 CFR 280.12.
(v) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0415, insofar as
it regulates releases from sources other
than underground storage tank systems.
(vi) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0500,
including .0501 through .0515, insofar
these provisions regulate aboveground
storage tanks and sources.
North Carolina Administrative Code,
Title 15A—Environmental Quality;
Chapter 2, Environmental Management;
Subchapter 2N, Underground Storage
Tanks (2023).
(vii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0201(1),
insofar as it regulates underground
storage tanks containing de minimis
concentrations of regulated substances.
(viii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0203(a)(1), as
to the definition of ‘‘UST system’’ or
‘‘Tank system,’’ insofar as it includes
dispensers as part of the system.
(ix) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0504(c),
insofar as it relates to the permitting of
monitoring wells.
(x) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0802, insofar as
it regulates underground storage tanks
containing de minimis amounts of
regulated substances.
(xi) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0901(d),
insofar as it requires dispensers to have
more than under-dispenser
containment.
North Carolina Administrative Code,
Title 15A—Environmental Quality;
Chapter 2, Environmental Management;
Subchapter 2P, Leaking Petroleum
Underground Storage Tank Cleanup
Funds (2023).
(xii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02P, including
.0101 through .0408, except .0302,
insofar as these provisions relate to the
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State Fund and the collection of annual
operating fees.
I. How does this action affect Indian
country (18 U.S.C. 1151) in North
Carolina?
The EPA’s approval of North
Carolina’s UST Program does not extend
to Indian country as defined in 18
U.S.C. 1151. The EPA will retain
responsibility 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. Codification
A. What is codification?
Codification is the process of placing
citations and references to a State’s
statutes and regulations that comprise a
State’s approved UST program into the
CFR. The EPA codifies its approval of
State programs in 40 CFR part 282 and
incorporates by reference State statutes
and regulations that the EPA can
enforce, after the approval is final,
under sections 9005 and 9006 of RCRA,
and any other applicable statutory
provisions. The incorporation by
reference of EPA-approved State
programs in the CFR should
substantially enhance the public’s
ability to discern the status of the
approved State UST programs and State
requirements that can be federally
enforced. This effort provides clear
notice to the public of the scope of the
approved program in each State.
B. What is the history of codification of
North Carolina’s UST Program?
In 2001, the EPA incorporated by
reference and codified North Carolina’s
approved UST Program at 40 CFR
282.83 (66 FR 32566, June 15, 2001).
Through this action, the EPA is
amending 40 CFR 282.83 to incorporate
by reference and codify North Carolina’s
revised UST Program.
C. What codification decisions is the
EPA making in this rule?
In this rule, the EPA is finalizing
regulatory text that incorporates by
reference the federally approved North
Carolina UST Program, including the
revisions made to the UST Program
based on the 2015 Federal Revisions. In
accordance with the requirements of 1
CFR 51.5, the EPA is incorporating by
reference North Carolina’s statutes and
regulations as described in the
amendments to 40 CFR part 282 set
forth below. These documents are
available through https://
www.regulations.gov. This codification
reflects the State UST Program that will
be in effect at the time the EPA’s
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approval of the revisions to the North
Carolina UST Program addressed in this
direct final rule becomes final. If,
however, the EPA receives substantive
comment on the proposed rule, the EPA
will withdraw this direct final rule and
this codification will not take effect. The
EPA will consider all comments and
will make a decision on program
approval and codification in a future
final rule. By codifying the approved
North Carolina UST Program and by
amending the CFR, the public will more
easily be able to discern the status of the
federally-approved requirements of the
North Carolina UST Program.
Specifically, in 40 CFR 282.83(d)(1)(i),
the EPA is incorporating by reference
the EPA-approved North Carolina UST
Program. Section 282.83(d)(1)(ii)
identifies the State’s statutes and
regulations that are part of the approved
North Carolina UST Program, although
not incorporated by reference for
enforcement purposes, unless they
impose obligations on the regulated
entity. Section 282.83(d)(1)(iii)
identifies the State’s statutory and
regulatory provisions that are broader in
scope or external to the State’s approved
UST Program and therefore not
incorporated by reference. Sections
282.83(d)(2) through (5) reference the
Attorney General’s Statement,
Demonstration of Adequate
Enforcement Procedures, Program
Description, and Memorandum of
Agreement, which are part of the State
Application and part of the North
Carolina UST Program under subtitle I
of RCRA.
D. What is the effect of the EPA’s
codification of the federally approved
North Carolina UST Program on
enforcement?
The EPA retains the authority under
sections 9003(h), 9005, and 9006 of
subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991b(h),
6991d, and 6991e, and other applicable
statutory and regulatory provisions, to
undertake corrective action, inspections,
and enforcement actions, and to issue
orders in approved States. If the EPA
determines it will take such actions in
North Carolina, the EPA will rely on
Federal sanctions, Federal inspection
authorities, and other Federal
procedures rather than the North
Carolina analogs. Therefore, the EPA is
not incorporating by reference North
Carolina’s procedural and enforcement
authorities, although they are listed in
40 CFR 282.83(d)(1)(ii).
E. What State provisions are not part of
the codification?
As discussed in section I.H. above,
some provisions of North Carolina’s
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UST Program are not part of the
federally approved State UST Program
because they are broader in scope than
the Federal UST Program. Where an
approved State program has provisions
that are broader in scope than the
Federal program, those provisions are
not a part of the federally approved
program. As a result, North Carolina
provisions which are broader in scope
than the Federal program are not
incorporated by reference for purposes
of enforcement in part 282. See 40 CFR
281.12(a)(3)(ii). In addition, provisions
that are external to the State UST
program approval requirements, but
included in the North Carolina’s State
Application, are also being excluded
from incorporation by reference in part
282. For reference and clarity, 40 CFR
282.83(d)(1)(iii) lists the North Carolina
statutory and regulatory provisions
which are broader in scope than the
Federal program or external to State
UST program approval requirements.
These provisions are, therefore, not part
of the approved UST Program that the
EPA is codifying. Although these
provisions cannot be enforced by the
EPA, the State will continue to
implement and enforce such provisions
under State law.
III. Statutory and Executive Order
(E.O.) Reviews
The EPA’s actions merely approve
and codify North Carolina’s revised UST
Program requirements pursuant to
RCRA section 9004, and do not impose
additional requirements other than
those imposed by State law. For that
reason, these actions:
• Are not significant regulatory
actions subject to review by the Office
of Management and Budget under
Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993) and 14094 (88 FR
21879, April 11, 2023);
• Do not impose an information
collection burden under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
• Are certified as not having a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
• Do not contain any unfunded
mandate or significantly or uniquely
affect small governments, as described
in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);
• Do not have federalism implications
as specified in Executive Order 13132
(64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
• Are not economically significant
regulatory actions based on health or
safety risks subject to Executive Order
13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
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• Are not significant regulatory
actions subject to Executive Order
13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
• Are not subject to the requirements
of section 12(d) of the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because
application of those requirements would
be inconsistent with RCRA;
• Do not provide the EPA with the
discretionary authority to address, as
appropriate, disproportionate human
health or environmental effects, using
practicable and legally permissible
methods, under Executive Order 12898
(59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) and
Executive Order 14096 (88 FR 25251,
April 26, 2023).
• Do not apply on any Indian
reservation land or in any other area
where the EPA or an Indian Tribe has
demonstrated that a Tribe has
jurisdiction. The rule does not have
Tribal implications as specified by
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,
November 9, 2000), nor will it impose
substantial direct costs on Tribal
governments or preempt Tribal law.
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, 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. The 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). This final action will
be effective December 2, 2024.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 281 and
282
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Hazardous substances, Incorporation by
reference, Indian country, Petroleum,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, State program approval,
Underground storage tanks.
Authority: This action is issued under the
authority of sections 2002(a), 7004(b), 9004,
9005, and 9006 of the Solid Waste Disposal
Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6912(a), 6974(b),
6991c, 6991d, and 6991e.
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Dated: September 25, 2024.
Jeaneanne Gettle,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the EPA is amending 40 CFR
part 282 as follows:
PART 282—APPROVED
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK
PROGRAMS
1. The authority citation for part 282
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6912, 6991c, 6991d,
and 6991e.
■
2. Revise § 282.83 to read as follows:
§ 282.83 North Carolina StateAdministered Program.
(a) History of the approval of North
Carolina’s program. The State of North
Carolina (State) is approved to
administer and enforce an underground
storage tank (UST) program in lieu of
the Federal program under subtitle I of
the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. The
State’s Underground Storage Tank
Program (UST Program), as
administered by the North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ), was approved by EPA pursuant
to 42 U.S.C. 6991c and part 281 of this
chapter. EPA approved the North
Carolina UST Program on June 15, 2001,
and it was effective on August 14, 2001.
A subsequent program revision was
approved by EPA and became effective
December 2, 2024.
(b) Enforcement authority. North
Carolina has primary responsibility for
administering and enforcing its
federally approved UST Program.
However, EPA retains the authority to
exercise its corrective action,
inspection, and enforcement authorities
under sections 9003(h), 9005, and 9006
of subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C.
6991b(h), 6991d, and 6991e, as well as
under any other applicable statutory
and regulatory provisions.
(c) Retention of program approval. To
retain program approval, North Carolina
must revise its approved UST Program
to adopt new changes to the Federal
subtitle I program which make it more
stringent, in accordance with section
9004 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, and 40
CFR part 281, subpart E. If North
Carolina obtains approval for revised
requirements pursuant to section 9004
of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, the newly
approved statutory and regulatory
provisions will be added to this subpart
and notice of any change will be
published in the Federal Register.
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(d) Final approval. North Carolina has
final approval for the following
elements of its UST Program submitted
to EPA and approved effective August
14, 2001, and the program revisions
approved by EPA effective on December
2, 2024.
(1) State statutes and regulations—
(i) Incorporation by reference.
The North Carolina materials cited in
this paragraph (d)(1)(i), and listed in
appendix A to this part, are
incorporated by reference as part of the
UST Program under subtitle I of RCRA,
42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. (See § 282.2 for
incorporation by reference approval and
inspection information.) You may
obtain copies of the North Carolina
statutes and regulations that are
incorporated by reference in this
paragraph (d)(1)(i) from the North
Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh,
North Carolina 27603 (physical
address); 1646 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699–1646
(mailing address); Phone number: (919)
707–8200; website: https://www.deq.
nc.gov/about/divisions/wastemanagement/underground-storagetanks-section/underground-storagetanks-rules.
(A) ‘‘North Carolina Statutory
Requirements Applicable to the
Underground Storage Tank Program,’’
dated August 15, 2024.
(B) ‘‘North Carolina Regulatory
Requirements Applicable to the
Underground Storage Tank Program,’’
dated August 15, 2024.
(ii) Legal basis. EPA considered the
following statutes and regulations
which provide the legal basis for the
State’s implementation of the UST
Program, but do not replace Federal
authorities. Further, these provisions are
not being incorporated by reference,
unless the provisions place
requirements on regulated entities.
(A) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 132—Public Records
(2018).
Sections 132–1 through132–1.14,
insofar as these provisions provide for
information sharing with EPA and the
State’s Public Records laws.
(B) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21, Part
1. Organization and Powers Generally;
Control of Pollution (2018).
(1) Section 143–215.2, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response,
issuance of orders, injunctive relief,
public notice and review of orders,
proceedings before the North Carolina
Environmental Management
Commission (Commission), and
procedures to contest orders.
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(2) Section 143–215.3(a), insofar as it
provides additional general authorities
to the Commission pertaining to the
State UST Program.
(3) Section 143–215.3(b), insofar as it
provides for compliance monitoring and
establishes authority to conduct
research, investigations, and requires
cooperation from other State
departments.
(4) Section 143–215.3(c), insofar as it
provides authority to participate in
Federal programs.
(5) Section 143–215.3(d), insofar as it
establishes procedures for consulting
with other States on regulations.
(6) Section 143–215.3(f), insofar as it
provides enforcement response and
establishes authorities for groundwater
corrective action.
(7) Section 143–215.6A, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response,
assessment of penalties, and procedures
for contesting penalties.
(C) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part
1. General Provisions (2018).
Section 143–215.79, insofar as it
provides for compliance monitoring and
establishes authority for inspections and
the right to enter property to conduct
inspections.
(D) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part
2A. Leaking Petroleum UST Tank
Cleanup (2018).
(1) Section 143–215.94F, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response and
establishes a limitation of liability.
(2) Section 143–215.94J, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response and
establishes a limitation of liability for
the State.
(3) Section 143–215.94K, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response, civil
penalties, criminal penalties, and
injunctive relief.
(4) Section 143–215.94L, insofar as it
establishes authority to adopt
regulations necessary to implement the
State UST Program.
(E) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part
2B. UST Regulation (2018).
(1) Section 143–215.94T, insofar as it
provides for compliance monitoring,
and the promulgation of regulations for
the implementation of the State UST
Program.
(2) Section 143–215.94U, insofar as it
provides for delivery prohibition and
enforcement of the State UST Program.
(3) Section 143–215.94V(b) through
(h), insofar as these provisions provide
for enforcement response and establish
authorities for corrective action.
(4) Section 143–215.94W, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response and
civil penalties.
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(5) Section 143–215.94X, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response and
criminal penalties.
(6) Section 143–215.94Y, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response and
injunctive relief.
(F) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part
2D. Training of UST Operators (2018).
Section 143–215.94TT, insofar as it
provides for enforcement response, civil
penalties, criminal penalties, and
injunctive relief.
(G) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143B; Article 7, Part
4. Environmental Management
Commission (2018).
Section 143B–282, insofar as it creates
the Environmental Management
Commission and provides the
Commission with the powers and duty
to promulgate rules pertaining to the
State UST Program.
(H) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 150B—Administrative
Procedure Act (2024).
Section 150B–23, insofar as it
provides for public intervention and
procedures for administrative hearings.
(I) North Carolina Administrative
Code, Title 15A, Chapter 2, Subchapter
2N (2023).
(1) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0101(b), insofar
as it provides authority to administer
the State UST Program.
(2) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0405, insofar as
it provides for compliance monitoring
and establishes authority to conduct
inspections, tests, and obtain
information from owners.
(J) Rule 24(a)(2) of the North Carolina
Rules of Civil Procedure (2024), insofar
as it provides for citizen intervention
and public participation in the State
enforcement process.
(iii) Other provisions not incorporated
by reference. The following statutory
and regulatory provisions applicable to
the North Carolina UST Program are
broader in scope than the Federal
program or external to the State UST
program approval requirements.
Therefore, these provisions are not part
of the approved UST Program and are
not incorporated by reference in this
section:
(A) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21, Part
1. Organization and Powers Generally;
Control of Pollution (2018).
Section 143–215.3(e) is broader in
scope insofar as it provides for the
granting of variances which are not
available to UST owners and operators
as these terms are defined in 40 CFR
280.12.
(B) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part
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2A. Leaking Petroleum UST Tank
Cleanup (2018).
(1) Section 143–215.94A(2)c. is
broader in scope as to the definition of
‘‘Commercial underground storage
tank,’’ insofar as it includes certain
heating oil tanks and connected piping
that are excluded by the Federal
program.
(2) Section 143–215.94B is broader in
scope insofar as it provides for the
creation of the Commercial Leaking
Petroleum Underground Storage Tank
Cleanup Fund (State Fund) and criteria
for the expenditure of funds.
(3) Section 143–215.94C is broader in
scope insofar as it requires owners and
operators to pay an annual operating fee
to the State Fund.
(4) Sections 143–215.94E(b) through
(k) are broader in scope insofar as these
provisions relate to the State Fund.
(5) Section 143–215.94G is broader in
scope insofar as it provides for DEQ to
perform cleanups and provides for
reimbursement from the State Fund.
(6) Section 143–215.94M is external
insofar as it contains reporting
obligations on the State agency, not a
regulated entity.
(7) Section 143–215.94N is broader in
scope insofar as it relates to the State
Fund.
(8) Section 143–215.94P is broader in
scope insofar as it provides for the
creation of the Groundwater Protection
Loan Fund and promulgation of
regulations regarding such fund.
(C) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A; Part
2B. UST Regulation (2018).
Section 143–215.94V(a) is external
insofar as it pertains to legislative
findings and intent.
(D) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part
2D. Training of UST Operators (2018).
Section 143–215.94OO(4) is broader
in scope as to the definition of
‘‘Underground storage tank system’’ or
‘‘tank system,’’ insofar as it includes
dispensers as part of the system.
(E) General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143B; Article 7, Part
4. Environmental Management
Commission (2018).
(1) Section 143B–279.9 is broader in
scope insofar as it regulates releases
from sources that are not underground
storage tanks and entities that are not
owners and operators as these terms are
defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(2) Section 143B–279.11 is broader in
scope insofar as it regulates releases
from sources that are not underground
storage tanks and entities that are not
owners and operators as these terms are
defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(F) North Carolina Administrative
Code, Title 15A—Environmental
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Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental
Management; Subchapter 2L,
Groundwater Classification and
Standards (2023).
(1) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0100, including
.0101 through .0115, is broader in scope
insofar as it provides general
considerations for groundwater
classification and standards.
(2) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0200, including
.0201 through .0202, is broader in scope
insofar as it establishes underground
water classifications and quality
standards.
(3) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0300, including
.0310 through .0319, is broader in scope
insofar as it assigns underground water
classifications.
(4) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0403 is broader
in scope insofar as it defines a
‘‘responsible party’’ to include persons
other than owners and operators as
these terms are defined in 40 CFR
280.12.
(5) 15A N.C.A.C 02L .0410 is external
insofar as it contains reporting
obligations on the State agency, not a
regulated entity.
(6) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0414 is external
insofar as it regulates entities other than
owners or operators as these terms are
defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(7) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0415 is broader
in scope insofar as it regulates releases
from sources other than underground
storage tank systems.
(8) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0500, including
.0501 through .0515, is broader in scope
insofar as it regulates aboveground
storage tanks and sources.
(G) North Carolina Administrative
Code, Title 15A—Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental
Management; Subchapter 2N,
Underground Storage Tanks (2023).
(1) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0201(1) is
broader in scope insofar as it regulates
underground storage tanks containing
de minimis concentrations of regulated
substances.
(2) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0203(a)(1) is
broader in scope as to the definition of
‘‘UST system’’ or ‘‘Tank system,’’
insofar as they include dispensers as
part of the system.
(3) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0504(c) is
broader in scope insofar as it relates to
the permitting of monitoring wells.
(4) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0802 is broader
in scope insofar as it regulates
underground storage tanks containing
de minimis amounts of regulated
substances.
(5) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0901(d) is
broader in scope insofar as it requires
dispensers to have more than underdispenser containment.
(6) Note to paragraph (e) of Section
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0901 is external
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insofar as it regulates entities other than
owners or operators as these terms are
defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(H) North Carolina Administrative
Code, Title 15A—Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental
Management; Subchapter 2P, Leaking
Petroleum Underground Storage Tank
Cleanup Funds (2023).
15A N.C.A.C. 02P, including .0101
through .0408, except .0302, insofar as
these provisions relate to the State Fund
and the collection of annual operating
fees.
(2) Statement of legal authority. The
Attorney General’s Statement, signed by
independent legal counsel for the State
on behalf of the North Carolina Attorney
General on October 11, 2018, though not
incorporated by reference, is referenced
as part of the approved underground
storage tank program under subtitle I of
RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
(3) Demonstration of procedures for
adequate enforcement. The
‘‘Demonstration of Adequate
Enforcement Procedures’’ submitted in
the application dated October 22, 2018,
as amended on February 22, 2023, May
4, 2023, and June 24, 2024, though not
incorporated by reference, is referenced
as part of the approved underground
storage tank program under subtitle I of
RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
(4) Program description. The program
description submitted in the application
dated October 22, 2018, as amended on
February 22, 2023, May 4, 2023, and
June 24, 2024, though not incorporated
by reference, is referenced as part of the
approved underground storage tank
program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42
U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
(5) Memorandum of Agreement. The
Memorandum of Agreement between
EPA Region 4 and the DEQ, signed by
the EPA Regional Administrator on
October 12, 2018, though not
incorporated by reference, is referenced
as part of the approved underground
storage tank program under subtitle I of
RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
■ 3. Amend appendix A to part 282 by
revising the entry for North Carolina to
read as follows:
Appendix A to Part 282—State
Requirements Incorporated by
Reference in Part 282 of the Code of
Federal Regulations
*
*
*
*
*
North Carolina
(a) The statutory provisions include:
General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter
143; Article 21A, Part 2A. Leaking Petroleum
UST Tank Cleanup (2018):
143–215.94A Definitions, except ‘‘by four
or fewer households’’ in (2)(c).
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143–215.94E Rights and obligations of the
owner or operator, except (b) through (k).
143–215.94H Financial responsibility.
143–215.94I Insurance pools authorized;
requirements.
General Statutes of North Carolina,
Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part 2D. Training
of UST Operators (2018):
143–215.94NN Applicability.
143–215.94OO Definitions, except
‘‘dispenser’’ in (4).
143–215.94PP Designation of operators to
be trained.
143–215.94QQ Training requirements for
primary operators.
143–215.94RR Training requirements for
emergency response operators.
143–215.94SS Tank systems for
emergency power generators.
143–215.94UU Effect on other laws.
General Statutes of North Carolina,
Chapter 143B; Article 7, Part 1. General
Provisions (2018):
143B–279.9 Land-use restrictions may be
imposed to reduce danger to public health at
contaminated sites, except for ‘‘Except with
respect to land contaminated from a
discharge or release of petroleum from an
underground storage tank, the imposition of
restrictions on the current or future use of
real property on sites contaminated by the
discharge or release of petroleum from an
aboveground storage tank, or another
petroleum source, from which contamination
has migrated to off-site properties, as that
term is defined under G.S. 130A–310.65(3a),
shall only be allowed as provided in G.S.
143–215.104AA or G.S. 130A–310.73A, as
applicable’’ in (b).
143B–279.11 Recordation of residual
petroleum from underground or above
ground storage tanks or other sources, except
‘‘or from an aboveground storage tank or
other petroleum source pursuant to Part 7 of
Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General
Statutes’’ in (a); ‘‘aboveground storage tank,
or other petroleum source’’ in (b) and (d); (e);
and (h).
(b) The regulatory provisions include:
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title
15A-Environmental Quality; Chapter 2,
Environmental Management; Subchapter 2L,
Groundwater Classification and Standards
(2023):
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0401 Purpose.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0402 Definitions.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0403 Rule
Application, except ‘‘a landowner seeking
reimbursement from the Commercial Leaking
Underground Storage Tank Fund or the
Noncommercial Leaking Underground
Storage Tank Fund under G.S. 143–215.94E,
and any other person responsible for the
assessment or cleanup of a discharge or
release from an underground storage tank,
including any person who has conducted or
controlled an activity that results in the
discharge or release of petroleum or
petroleum products as defined in G.S. 143–
215.94A(10) to the groundwaters of the State
or in proximity thereto.’’
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0404 Required initial
abatement actions by responsible party.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0405 Requirements for
limited site assessment.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0406 Discharge or
release classifications.
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15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0407 Reclassification
of risk levels.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0408 Assessment and
remediation procedures.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0409 Notification
requirements.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0411 Establishing
maximum soil contamination concentrations.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0412 Analytical
procedures for soil samples.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0413 Analytical
procedures for groundwater samples.
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title
15A-Environmental Quality; Chapter 2,
Environmental Management; Subchapter 2N,
Underground Storage Tanks (2023):
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0101 General, except
for (b).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0102 Copies of
referenced federal regulations.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0104 Identification of
tanks.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0201 Applicability,
except (1).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0202 Installation
requirements for partially excluded UST
systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0203 Definitions,
except ‘‘dispenser’’ in (a)(1).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0301 Performance
standards for UST system installations or
replacements completed after December 22,
1988 and before November 1, 2007.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0302 Upgrading of
existing UST systems after December 22,
1998 and before November 1, 2007.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0303 Notification
requirements.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0304 Implementation
schedule for performance standards for new
UST systems and upgrading requirements for
existing UST systems located in areas
defined in Rule .0301(D).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0401 Spill and overfill
control.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0402 Operation and
maintenance of corrosion protection.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0403 Compatibility.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0404 Repairs allowed.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0405 Reporting and
recordkeeping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0406 Periodic testing
of spill prevention equipment and
containment sumps used for interstitial
monitoring of piping and periodic inspection
of overfill prevention equipment.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0407 Periodic
operation and maintenance walkthrough
inspections.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0501 General
Requirements for all UST systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0502 Requirements for
petroleum UST systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0503 Requirements for
hazardous substance UST systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0504 Methods of
release detection for tanks, except (c).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0505 Methods of
release detection for piping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0506 Release
detection recordkeeping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0601 Reporting of
suspected releases.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0602 Investigation
due to off-site impacts.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0603 Release
investigation and confirmation steps.
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79763
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0604 Reporting and
cleanup of spills and overfills.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0701 General.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0702 Initial response.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0703 Initial abatement
measures and site check.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0704 Initial site
characterization.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0705 Free product
removal.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0706 Investigations
for soil and groundwater cleanup.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0707 Corrective action
plan.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0708 Public
participation.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0801 Temporary
closure.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0802 Permanent
closure and change-in-service, except for
‘‘except that an UST system containing de
minimis concentrations of a regulated
substance shall meet the closure
requirements of this Rule within 12 months
of January 1, 1991.’’
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0803 Assessing the
site at closure or change-in-service.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0804 Applicability to
previously closed UST Systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0805 Closure records.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0901 General
requirements, except ‘‘dispensers’’ in (d); and
Note to Paragraph (e).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0902 Notification.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0903 Tanks.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0904 Piping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0905 Containment
sumps.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0906 Spill buckets.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0907 National codes
of practice and industry standards.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .1001 Definitions.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .1002 General
requirements.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .1003 Additions,
exceptions, and alternatives for UST systems
with field-constructed tanks and airport
hydrant systems.
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title
15A-Environmental Quality; Chapter 2,
Environmental Management; Subchapter 2O,
Financial Responsibility Requirements for
Owners and Operators of Underground
Storage Tanks (2023):
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0101 General.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0102 Financial
responsibility.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0203 Definitions.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0204 Amount and
scope of required financial responsibility.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0302 Self insurance.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0304 Insurance and
risk retention group coverage.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0308 Insurance pools.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0402 Record keeping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0503 Incapacity of
owner or operator or provider of assurance.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0504 Replenishment.
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title
15A-Environmental Quality; Chapter 2,
Environmental Management; Subchapter 2P,
Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage
Tank Cleanup Funds (2023):
15A N.C.A.C. 02P .0302 Notification.
(c) Copies of the North Carolina statutes
and regulations that are incorporated by
E:\FR\FM\01OCR1.SGM
01OCR1
79764
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
reference are available from the North
Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh,
North Carolina, 27603 (physical address);
1646 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North
Carolina 27699–1646 (mailing address);
Phone number: (919) 707–8200; website:
https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/
waste-management/underground-storagetanks-section/underground-storage-tanksrules.
II. Summary of Errors
[FR Doc. 2024–22541 Filed 9–30–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services
42 CFR Part 418
[CMS–1810–CN]
RIN 0938–AV29
Medicare Program; FY 2025 Hospice
Wage Index and Payment Rate Update,
Hospice Conditions of Participation
Updates, and Hospice Quality
Reporting Program Requirements;
Correction
Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS), Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS).
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
AGENCY:
This document corrects
technical and typographical errors in
the final rule that appeared in the
August 6, 2024 Federal Register titled
‘‘Medicare Program; FY 2025 Hospice
Wage Index and Payment Rate Update,
Hospice Conditions of Participation
Updates, and Hospice Quality Reporting
Program Requirements’’.
DATES: This correction is effective on
October 1, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For questions regarding the hospice
wage index, contact Chantelle Caldwell,
(410) 786–8743.
For general questions about hospice
payment policy, contact the hospice
mailbox at: hospicepolicy@cms.hhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
I. Background
In FR Doc. 2024–16910 of August 6,
2024 (89 FR 64202), there were a
number of technical and typographical
errors that are identified and corrected
in this correcting document. The
provisions in this correction document
are effective as if they had been
included in the final rule that appeared
in the August 6, 2024 Federal Register.
Accordingly, the corrections are
effective October 1, 2024.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:06 Sep 30, 2024
Jkt 265001
A. Summary of Errors in the Preamble
On page 64207, we made a
typographical error in the reported corebased statistical area (CBSA) name and
wage index value for CBSA 25980,
Hinesville, Georgia. We reported the
CBSA name as Hinesville-Fort Stewart,
Georgia instead of Hinesville, Georgia,
and the FY 2025 hospice wage index
value as 0.8872, instead of 0.8886.
On page 64210, in Table 3, titled
‘‘Urban Counties that Would Change to
Rural Status’’, we inadvertently omitted
FIPS county 09015 Windham County
from the list of counties that were
previously urban but would gain rural
status beginning in FY 2025. Table 3
contains the FIPS codes, county name,
current CBSA number and name of the
counties that will gain rural status in FY
2025. Windham County was previously
designated in CBSA 49340 Worchester,
MA–CT. However, beginning in FY
2025 this county is redesignated into
rural Connecticut (rural area 99907).
Accordingly, we are adding FIPS 09015
Windham County to the list of counties
that will gain rural status beginning in
FY 2025. We also reported a total of 53
counties and county equivalents that are
currently considered urban that would
be considered rural beginning in FY
2025. Therefore, with the addition of
Windham County to the list, we are
correcting that number to 54 counties
and county equivalents.
Windham County is also experiencing
a change to its county name beginning
in FY 2025, as described in the FY 2025
hospice final rule (89 FR 64209) and
will transition from FIPS county 09015
Windham County to 09150 Northeastern
Connecticut planning region.
On page 64222, in Table 8, titled
‘‘Counties That Will Use a Wage Index
Transition Code’’, we inadvertently
omitted FIPS county 09150
‘‘Northeastern Connecticut Planning
Region’’ from the list of counties that
will use a transition code on hospice
claims for FY 2025 instead of the CBSA
number. Table 8 contains the FIPS
codes, county name, current CBSA
number and name, the redesignated FY
2025 CBSA number and name and the
corresponding ‘‘500XX’’ transition code
that must be submitted on hospice
claims for FY 2025 to ensure that
hospice providers who provide services
in certain counties receive that county’s
appropriate wage index value. The
omission of the Northeastern planning
region from Table 8 and the subsequent
unassigned transition code for that
region resulted in two wage index
values being assigned to statewide rural
area 99907 in the FY 2025 hospice final
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Frm 00034
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
wage index file located at: https://
www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/feefor-service-providers/hospice/hospicewage-index. However, for hospice
claims processing, each CBSA or
statewide rural area can have only one
wage index value assigned to that CBSA
or statewide rural area. Therefore,
hospices that serve beneficiaries in the
Northeastern Connecticut planning
region must use transition code 50030,
instead of the rural statewide code
99907, on hospice claims beginning in
FY 2025. Accordingly, we are adding
FIPS county 09150 ‘‘Northeastern
Connecticut Planning Region’’ to the list
of counties in Table 8 that will use a
transition code on hospice claims for FY
2025 instead of the CBSA number.
This correction does not represent a
change in policy and is consistent with
the finalized transition policy outlined
in the FY 2025 Hospice final rule (89 FR
64220–64224), where beginning in FY
2025, certain counties must use a 500XX
transition code on hospice claims
instead of the statewide rural area or
CBSA code in circumstances where a
county was redesignated into a new
CBSA or rural area and has a different
wage index than the constituent
counties that make up that CBSA or
rural area due to the calculation of the
5-percent cap.
On page 64239, we made a
typographical error. We inadvertently
included the word ‘‘Proposed’’ in the
title of Section III.D.2, which therefore
incorrectly read: ‘‘Implementation of
Two Process Quality Measures Based on
Proposed HOPE Data Collection’’. As
HOPE is finalized as of the FY 2025
final rule, it should not be referred to as
‘‘proposed’’. Therefore, the title of this
Section III.D.2 is corrected to read:
‘‘Implementation of Two Process
Quality Measures Based on HOPE Data
Collection.’’
On page 64240, we made a
typographical error in the sentence
‘‘CMS maintains to avoid creating
unnecessary burden for hospice
providers.’’ The sentence is corrected to
read: ‘‘CMS maintains its commitment
to avoid creating unnecessary burden
for hospice providers.’’
On page 64242, we made a
typographical error in the sentence
‘‘Theses (SFVs) may be performed by
RNs or LPNs/LVNs.’’ The sentence is
corrected to read: ‘‘These SFVs may be
performed by RNs or LPNs/LVNs.’’
On page 64244, under the
undesignated heading ‘‘Public
Availability of Data Submitted’’, we
made two typographical errors. We
stated the following: ‘‘We are finalizing
the decision that the data from the first
quarter Q4 CY 2025, if HOPE data
E:\FR\FM\01OCR1.SGM
01OCR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79756-79764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-22541]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 281 and 282
[EPA-R04-UST-2024-0279; FRL-12181-02-R4]
North Carolina: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank
Program Revisions, Codification, and Incorporation by Reference
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The State of North Carolina (North Carolina) has applied to
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final approval of
revisions to its Underground Storage Tank Program (UST Program) under
subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Pursuant to RCRA, the EPA is taking direct final action, subject to
public comment, to approve revisions to the UST Program. The EPA has
reviewed North Carolina's revisions and has determined that these
revisions satisfy all requirements needed for approval. In addition,
this action also codifies the EPA's approval of North Carolina's
revised UST Program and incorporates by reference those provisions of
the State statutes and regulations that the EPA has determined meet the
requirements for approval.
DATES: This rule is effective December 2, 2024, unless the EPA receives
adverse comment by October 31, 2024. If the EPA receives adverse
comment, it will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register
informing the public that the rule will not take effect. The
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
December 2, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov
(our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
Email: [email protected]. Include the Docket ID No.
EPA-R04-UST-2024-0279 in the subject line of the message.
Instructions: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No.
EPA-R04-UST-2024-0279, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from
https://www.regulations.gov. The EPA may publish any comment received
to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you
consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written
comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and
should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will
generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of
the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing
system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment
policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general
guidance on making effective comments, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
The EPA encourages electronic comment submittals, but if you are
unable to submit electronically or need other assistance, please
contact Upendra Giri, the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT provision below. The index to the docket for this action and
all documents that form the basis of this action and associated
publicly available docket materials are available electronically in
https://www.regulations.gov. The EPA encourages electronic reviewing of
these documents, but if you are unable to review these documents
electronically, please contact Upendra Giri for alternative access to
docket materials.
Please also contact Upendra Giri if you need assistance in a
language other than English or if you are a person with disabilities
who needs a reasonable accommodation at no cost to you. For further
information on EPA Docket
[[Page 79757]]
Center services please visit us online at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Upendra Giri, RCRA Programs and
Cleanup Branch, Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, Atlanta Federal Center, 61
Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960; Phone number: (404)
562-8185; email address: [email protected]. Please contact Upendra
Giri by phone or email for further information.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Approval of Revisions to North Carolina's Underground Storage Tank
Program
A. Why are revisions to State UST programs necessary?
States that have received final approval from the EPA under section
9004(b) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c(b), must maintain a UST program that
is no less stringent than the Federal program. When the EPA revises the
regulations that govern the UST program, States must revise their
programs to comply with the updated regulations and submit these
revisions to the EPA for approval. Most commonly, States must change
their programs because of changes to the EPA's regulations in title 40
of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 280. States can also
initiate changes on their own to their UST programs and these changes
must then be approved by the EPA.
B. What decision has the EPA made in this rule?
In accordance with 40 CFR 281.51(a), North Carolina submitted a
complete program revision application (State Application) seeking
approval of changes to its UST Program. The State Application was
submitted on October 22, 2018, and amended on February 22, 2023, May 4,
2023, and June 24, 2024. The program revisions described in the State
Application correspond to the EPA 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 UST Program and operating procedures; a
demonstration of the State of North Carolina's procedures to ensure
adequate enforcement; a Memorandum of Agreement outlining the roles and
responsibilities of the EPA and the implementing agency; an Attorney
General's Statement; and copies of all relevant North Carolina statutes
and regulations. The EPA has reviewed the State Application and has
determined that the revisions to North Carolina's UST Program are no
less stringent than the corresponding Federal requirements in subpart C
of 40 CFR part 281, and that the North Carolina UST Program continues
to provide adequate enforcement of compliance. Therefore, the EPA
grants North Carolina final approval to operate its UST Program with
the revisions described in the State Application, and as outlined
below. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
(formerly the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources) is the lead implementing agency for the UST Program in North
Carolina, except in Indian country as noted below in Section I.I.
C. What is the effect of this approval on the regulated community?
Section 9004(b) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c(b), as amended, allows the
EPA to approve State UST programs to operate in lieu of the Federal
program. With this approval, the changes described in the State
Application will become part of the approved North Carolina UST
Program, and therefore will be federally enforceable. North Carolina
will continue to have primary enforcement authority and responsibility
for its State UST Program. 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 North
Carolina, and are not changed by this action. This action merely
approves the existing North Carolina regulations as being no less
stringent than the 2015 Federal Revisions and rendering them federally
enforceable.
D. Why is the EPA using a direct final rule?
The 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. North Carolina addressed all comments it
received during its comment period when the rules and regulations being
considered in this document were proposed at the State level.
E. What happens if the EPA receives comments that oppose this action?
Along with this direct final rule, the EPA is simultaneously
publishing a separate document in the ``Proposed Rules'' section of
this Federal Register that serves as the proposal to approve North
Carolina's UST Program revisions and provides an opportunity for public
comment. If the EPA receives comments that oppose this approval, the
EPA will withdraw this direct final rule by publishing a document in
the Federal Register before it becomes effective. The EPA will make any
further decision on approval of the State Application after considering
all comments received during the comment period. The 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 North Carolina previously been approved?
On January 16, 1998, North Carolina submitted a complete State
program approval application seeking approval of its UST Program under
subtitle I of RCRA. Effective August 14, 2001, the EPA granted final
approval for North Carolina to administer its UST Program in lieu of
the Federal UST program and incorporated by reference and codified the
federally approved North Carolina UST Program (66 FR 32564 and 32566,
June 15, 2001). As a result of the EPA's approval, these provisions
became subject to the EPA's corrective action, inspection, and
enforcement authorities under RCRA sections 9003(h), 9005, and 9006, 42
U.S.C. 6991b(h), 6991d, and 6991e, and other applicable statutory and
regulatory provisions.
G. What changes is the EPA approving with this action and what
standards do we use for review?
In order to be approved, each State program revision application
must meet the general requirements in 40 CFR 281.11 (General
Requirements), and the specific requirements in 40 CFR part 281,
subpart B (Components of a Program Application), subpart C (Criteria
for No Less Stringent), and subpart D (Adequate Enforcement of
Compliance).
As more fully described below, North Carolina has made changes to
its UST Program to reflect the 2015 Federal Revisions. These changes
are included in North Carolina's UST Rules at North Carolina
Administrative Code (N.C.A.C.), Title 15A, Chapter 2, Subchapter 2N
(2023), and the North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) sections
143-215.94NN through 143-215.94UU (2018). The EPA is approving North
Carolina's changes because they are no less stringent than the Federal
UST program, and because the revised North Carolina UST Program will
continue to provide for adequate enforcement of compliance as required
[[Page 79758]]
by 40 CFR 281.11(b) and part 281, subparts C and D, after this
approval.
DEQ continues to be the lead implementing agency for the UST
Program in North Carolina. DEQ has broad statutory and regulatory
authority to regulate the installation, operation, maintenance, and
closure of USTs, as well as UST releases, under the Chapter 143 of the
N.C.G.S., Article 21A, Parts 2A (Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage
Tank Cleanup), 2B (Underground Storage Tank Regulation), and 2D
(Training of Underground Storage Tank Operators) (2018); and Title 15A
of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Chapter 2, Subchapters 2L,
2N, 2O, and 2P (2023).
The following North Carolina authorities provide authority for
compliance monitoring as required pursuant to 40 CFR 281.40: N.C.G.S.
sections 143-215.3(a) through (d), 143-215.79, 143-215.94T; N.C.G.S.
section 143B-282; and 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0101(b) and .0405.
The following North Carolina authorities provide authority for
enforcement response as required pursuant to 40 CFR 281.41: N.C.G.S.
sections 143-215.2, 143-215.3(a), 143.215.3(c), 143-215.3(f), 143-
215.6A, 143-215.94F, 143-215.94J, 143-215.94K, 143-215.94U, 143-
215.94V(b) through (h), 143-215.94W, 143-215.94X, 143-215.94Y, and 143-
215.94TT; N.C.G.S. section 143B-282; and 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0101(b).
The following North Carolina authorities provide authority for
enabling public participation in the State enforcement process,
including citizen intervention and filing of complaints, required
pursuant to 40 CFR 281.42: Rule 24(a)(2) of the North Carolina Rules of
Civil Procedure (2024); and N.C.G.S. sections 150B-23 and 143-215.94L.
Further, through a Memorandum of Agreement between DEQ and the EPA,
effective October 12, 2018, North Carolina maintains procedures for
receiving and ensuring proper consideration of information about
violations submitted by the public, and DEQ will not oppose citizen
intervention on the ground that the applicant's interest is adequately
represented by the State. The following North Carolina authorities
provide authority for enabling the sharing of information in the State
files obtained or used in the administration of the North Carolina UST
Program with the EPA as required by 40 CFR 281.43: N.C.G.S. sections
132-1 through 132-1.14. Further, through the Memorandum of Agreement
between DEQ and the EPA, effective October 12, 2018, North Carolina
agrees to furnish the EPA, upon request, any information in State files
obtained or used in the administration of the State UST Program.
To qualify for final approval, revisions to a State's UST program
must be no less stringent than the 2015 Federal Revisions. In the 2015
Federal Revisions, the 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, the EPA removed past deferrals for
emergency generator tanks, field constructed tanks, and airport hydrant
systems. North Carolina adopted all of the required 2015 Federal
Revisions in Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code,
Chapter 2, Subchapter 2N (2023), and N.C.G.S. sections 143-215.94NN
through 143-215.94UU (2018).
As part of the State Application, the North Carolina Attorney
General has certified that the State regulations provide for adequate
enforcement of compliance and meet the no less stringent criteria in 40
CFR part 281, subparts C and D. The EPA is relying on this
certification, in addition to the analysis submitted by the State, in
approving the State's changes.
H. Where are the revised State rules different from the Federal rules?
States may enact laws that are more stringent than their Federal
counterparts. See RCRA section 9008, 42 U.S.C. 6991g. When an approved
State program includes requirements that are considered more stringent
than those required by Federal law, the more stringent requirements
become part of the federally approved program in accordance with 40 CFR
281.12(a)(3)(i). The EPA has determined that some of North Carolina's
regulations are considered more stringent than the Federal program, and
upon approval, they will become part of the federally approved North
Carolina UST Program and therefore federally enforceable.
In addition, States may enact laws which are broader in scope than
their Federal counterparts in accordance with 40 CFR 281.12(a)(3)(ii).
State requirements that go beyond the scope of the Federal program are
not part of the federally approved program and the EPA cannot enforce
them. Although these requirements are enforceable by the State in
accordance with North Carolina law, they are not Federal RCRA
requirements. The EPA considers the following North Carolina
requirements to be broader in scope than the Federal program and
therefore not part of the federally approved State UST Program:
Statutory Broader in Scope Provisions
General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21, Part
1. Organization and Powers Generally; Control of Pollution (2018).
(i) N.C.G.S. section 143-215.3(e), insofar as it provides for the
granting of variances which are not available to UST owners and
operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part
2A. Leaking Petroleum UST Tank Cleanup (2018).
(ii) N.C.G.S. section 143-215.94A(2)c., as to the definition of
``Commercial underground storage tank,'' insofar as it includes certain
heating oil tanks and connected piping that are excluded by the Federal
program.
(iii) N.C.G.S. section 143-215.94B, insofar as it provides for the
creation of the Commercial Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank
Cleanup Fund (State Fund) and criteria for the expenditure of funds.
(iv) N.C.G.S. section 143-215.94C, insofar as it requires owners
and operators to pay an annual operating fee to the State Fund.
(v) N.C.G.S. sections 143-215.94E(b) through (k), insofar as these
provisions relate to the State Fund.
(vi) N.C.G.S. section 143-215.94G, insofar as it provides for DEQ
to perform cleanups and provides for reimbursement from the State Fund.
(vii) N.C.G.S. section 143-215.94N, insofar as it relates to the
State Fund.
(viii) N.C.G.S. section 143-215.94P, insofar as it provides for the
creation of the Groundwater Protection Loan Fund and promulgation of
regulations regarding such fund.
General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part
2D. Training of UST Operators (2018).
(ix) N.C.G.S. section 143-215.94OO(4), as to the definition of
``Underground storage tank system'' or ``tank system,'' insofar as it
includes dispensers as part of the system.
General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143B; Article 7, Part
1. General Provisions (2018).
(x) N.C.G.S. section 143B-279.9, insofar as it regulates releases
from sources that are not underground storage tanks and entities that
are not owners and operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR
280.12.
(xi) N.C.G.S. section 143B-279.11, insofar as it regulates releases
from
[[Page 79759]]
sources that are not underground storage tanks and entities that are
not owners and operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
Regulatory Broader in Scope Provisions
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A--Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2L,
Groundwater Classification and Standards (2023).
(i) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0100, including .0101 through .0115, insofar
as these provisions provide general considerations for groundwater
classification and standards.
(ii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0200, including .0201 through .0202, insofar
as these provisions establish underground water classifications and
quality standards.
(iii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0300, including .0301 through .0319,
insofar as these provisions assign underground water classifications.
(iv) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0403, insofar as it defines a ``responsible
party'' to include persons other than owners and operators as these
terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(v) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0415, insofar as it regulates releases from
sources other than underground storage tank systems.
(vi) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0500, including .0501 through .0515, insofar
these provisions regulate aboveground storage tanks and sources.
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A--Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2N,
Underground Storage Tanks (2023).
(vii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0201(1), insofar as it regulates
underground storage tanks containing de minimis concentrations of
regulated substances.
(viii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0203(a)(1), as to the definition of ``UST
system'' or ``Tank system,'' insofar as it includes dispensers as part
of the system.
(ix) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0504(c), insofar as it relates to the
permitting of monitoring wells.
(x) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0802, insofar as it regulates underground
storage tanks containing de minimis amounts of regulated substances.
(xi) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0901(d), insofar as it requires dispensers
to have more than under-dispenser containment.
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A--Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2P, Leaking
Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Funds (2023).
(xii) 15A N.C.A.C. 02P, including .0101 through .0408, except
.0302, insofar as these provisions relate to the State Fund and the
collection of annual operating fees.
I. How does this action affect Indian country (18 U.S.C. 1151) in North
Carolina?
The EPA's approval of North Carolina's UST Program does not extend
to Indian country as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151. The EPA will retain
responsibility 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. Codification
A. What is codification?
Codification is the process of placing citations and references to
a State's statutes and regulations that comprise a State's approved UST
program into the CFR. The EPA codifies its approval of State programs
in 40 CFR part 282 and incorporates by reference State statutes and
regulations that the EPA can enforce, after the approval is final,
under sections 9005 and 9006 of RCRA, and any other applicable
statutory provisions. The incorporation by reference of EPA-approved
State programs in the CFR should substantially enhance the public's
ability to discern the status of the approved State UST programs and
State requirements that can be federally enforced. This effort provides
clear notice to the public of the scope of the approved program in each
State.
B. What is the history of codification of North Carolina's UST Program?
In 2001, the EPA incorporated by reference and codified North
Carolina's approved UST Program at 40 CFR 282.83 (66 FR 32566, June 15,
2001). Through this action, the EPA is amending 40 CFR 282.83 to
incorporate by reference and codify North Carolina's revised UST
Program.
C. What codification decisions is the EPA making in this rule?
In this rule, the EPA is finalizing regulatory text that
incorporates by reference the federally approved North Carolina UST
Program, including the revisions made to the UST Program based on the
2015 Federal Revisions. In accordance with the requirements of 1 CFR
51.5, the EPA is incorporating by reference North Carolina's statutes
and regulations as described in the amendments to 40 CFR part 282 set
forth below. These documents are available through https://www.regulations.gov. This codification reflects the State UST Program
that will be in effect at the time the EPA's approval of the revisions
to the North Carolina UST Program addressed in this direct final rule
becomes final. If, however, the EPA receives substantive comment on the
proposed rule, the EPA will withdraw this direct final rule and this
codification will not take effect. The EPA will consider all comments
and will make a decision on program approval and codification in a
future final rule. By codifying the approved North Carolina UST Program
and by amending the CFR, the public will more easily be able to discern
the status of the federally-approved requirements of the North Carolina
UST Program.
Specifically, in 40 CFR 282.83(d)(1)(i), the EPA is incorporating
by reference the EPA-approved North Carolina UST Program. Section
282.83(d)(1)(ii) identifies the State's statutes and regulations that
are part of the approved North Carolina UST Program, although not
incorporated by reference for enforcement purposes, unless they impose
obligations on the regulated entity. Section 282.83(d)(1)(iii)
identifies the State's statutory and regulatory provisions that are
broader in scope or external to the State's approved UST Program and
therefore not incorporated by reference. Sections 282.83(d)(2) through
(5) reference the Attorney General's Statement, Demonstration of
Adequate Enforcement Procedures, Program Description, and Memorandum of
Agreement, which are part of the State Application and part of the
North Carolina UST Program under subtitle I of RCRA.
D. What is the effect of the EPA's codification of the federally
approved North Carolina UST Program on enforcement?
The EPA retains the authority under sections 9003(h), 9005, and
9006 of subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991b(h), 6991d, and 6991e, and
other applicable statutory and regulatory provisions, to undertake
corrective action, inspections, and enforcement actions, and to issue
orders in approved States. If the EPA determines it will take such
actions in North Carolina, the EPA will rely on Federal sanctions,
Federal inspection authorities, and other Federal procedures rather
than the North Carolina analogs. Therefore, the EPA is not
incorporating by reference North Carolina's procedural and enforcement
authorities, although they are listed in 40 CFR 282.83(d)(1)(ii).
E. What State provisions are not part of the codification?
As discussed in section I.H. above, some provisions of North
Carolina's
[[Page 79760]]
UST Program are not part of the federally approved State UST Program
because they are broader in scope than the Federal UST Program. Where
an approved State program has provisions that are broader in scope than
the Federal program, those provisions are not a part of the federally
approved program. As a result, North Carolina provisions which are
broader in scope than the Federal program are not incorporated by
reference for purposes of enforcement in part 282. See 40 CFR
281.12(a)(3)(ii). In addition, provisions that are external to the
State UST program approval requirements, but included in the North
Carolina's State Application, are also being excluded from
incorporation by reference in part 282. For reference and clarity, 40
CFR 282.83(d)(1)(iii) lists the North Carolina statutory and regulatory
provisions which are broader in scope than the Federal program or
external to State UST program approval requirements. These provisions
are, therefore, not part of the approved UST Program that the EPA is
codifying. Although these provisions cannot be enforced by the EPA, the
State will continue to implement and enforce such provisions under
State law.
III. Statutory and Executive Order (E.O.) Reviews
The EPA's actions merely approve and codify North Carolina's
revised UST Program requirements pursuant to RCRA section 9004, and do
not impose additional requirements other than those imposed by State
law. For that reason, these actions:
Are not significant regulatory actions subject to review
by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58
FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 14094 (88 FR 21879, April 11, 2023);
Do not impose an information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
Are certified as not having a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
Do not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
Do not have federalism implications as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
Are not economically significant regulatory actions based
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997);
Are not significant regulatory actions subject to
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
Are not subject to the requirements of section 12(d) of
the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C.
272 note) because application of those requirements would be
inconsistent with RCRA;
Do not provide the EPA with the discretionary authority to
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) and Executive
Order 14096 (88 FR 25251, April 26, 2023).
Do not apply on any Indian reservation land or in any
other area where the EPA or an Indian Tribe has demonstrated that a
Tribe has jurisdiction. The rule does not have Tribal implications as
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor
will it impose substantial direct costs on Tribal governments or
preempt Tribal law.
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, 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. The 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). This
final action will be effective December 2, 2024.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 281 and 282
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Hazardous substances, Incorporation by reference, Indian country,
Petroleum, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, State program
approval, Underground storage tanks.
Authority: This action is issued under the authority of sections
2002(a), 7004(b), 9004, 9005, and 9006 of the Solid Waste Disposal
Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6912(a), 6974(b), 6991c, 6991d, and
6991e.
Dated: September 25, 2024.
Jeaneanne Gettle,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the EPA is amending 40
CFR part 282 as follows:
PART 282--APPROVED UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAMS
0
1. The authority citation for part 282 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6912, 6991c, 6991d, and 6991e.
0
2. Revise Sec. 282.83 to read as follows:
Sec. 282.83 North Carolina State-Administered Program.
(a) History of the approval of North Carolina's program. The State
of North Carolina (State) is approved to administer and enforce an
underground storage tank (UST) program in lieu of the Federal program
under subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
(RCRA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. The State's Underground
Storage Tank Program (UST Program), as administered by the North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), was approved by EPA
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6991c and part 281 of this chapter. EPA approved
the North Carolina UST Program on June 15, 2001, and it was effective
on August 14, 2001. A subsequent program revision was approved by EPA
and became effective December 2, 2024.
(b) Enforcement authority. North Carolina has primary
responsibility for administering and enforcing its federally approved
UST Program. However, EPA retains the authority to exercise its
corrective action, inspection, and enforcement authorities under
sections 9003(h), 9005, and 9006 of subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C.
6991b(h), 6991d, and 6991e, as well as under any other applicable
statutory and regulatory provisions.
(c) Retention of program approval. To retain program approval,
North Carolina must revise its approved UST Program to adopt new
changes to the Federal subtitle I program which make it more stringent,
in accordance with section 9004 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, and 40 CFR
part 281, subpart E. If North Carolina obtains approval for revised
requirements pursuant to section 9004 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, the
newly approved statutory and regulatory provisions will be added to
this subpart and notice of any change will be published in the Federal
Register.
[[Page 79761]]
(d) Final approval. North Carolina has final approval for the
following elements of its UST Program submitted to EPA and approved
effective August 14, 2001, and the program revisions approved by EPA
effective on December 2, 2024.
(1) State statutes and regulations--
(i) Incorporation by reference.
The North Carolina materials cited in this paragraph (d)(1)(i), and
listed in appendix A to this part, are incorporated by reference as
part of the UST Program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et
seq. (See Sec. 282.2 for incorporation by reference approval and
inspection information.) You may obtain copies of the North Carolina
statutes and regulations that are incorporated by reference in this
paragraph (d)(1)(i) from the North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603 (physical
address); 1646 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1646
(mailing address); Phone number: (919) 707-8200; website: https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/waste-management/underground-storage-tanks-section/underground-storage-tanks-rules.
(A) ``North Carolina Statutory Requirements Applicable to the
Underground Storage Tank Program,'' dated August 15, 2024.
(B) ``North Carolina Regulatory Requirements Applicable to the
Underground Storage Tank Program,'' dated August 15, 2024.
(ii) Legal basis. EPA considered the following statutes and
regulations which provide the legal basis for the State's
implementation of the UST Program, but do not replace Federal
authorities. Further, these provisions are not being incorporated by
reference, unless the provisions place requirements on regulated
entities.
(A) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 132--Public Records
(2018).
Sections 132-1 through132-1.14, insofar as these provisions provide
for information sharing with EPA and the State's Public Records laws.
(B) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21,
Part 1. Organization and Powers Generally; Control of Pollution (2018).
(1) Section 143-215.2, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response, issuance of orders, injunctive relief, public notice and
review of orders, proceedings before the North Carolina Environmental
Management Commission (Commission), and procedures to contest orders.
(2) Section 143-215.3(a), insofar as it provides additional general
authorities to the Commission pertaining to the State UST Program.
(3) Section 143-215.3(b), insofar as it provides for compliance
monitoring and establishes authority to conduct research,
investigations, and requires cooperation from other State departments.
(4) Section 143-215.3(c), insofar as it provides authority to
participate in Federal programs.
(5) Section 143-215.3(d), insofar as it establishes procedures for
consulting with other States on regulations.
(6) Section 143-215.3(f), insofar as it provides enforcement
response and establishes authorities for groundwater corrective action.
(7) Section 143-215.6A, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response, assessment of penalties, and procedures for contesting
penalties.
(C) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A,
Part 1. General Provisions (2018).
Section 143-215.79, insofar as it provides for compliance
monitoring and establishes authority for inspections and the right to
enter property to conduct inspections.
(D) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A,
Part 2A. Leaking Petroleum UST Tank Cleanup (2018).
(1) Section 143-215.94F, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response and establishes a limitation of liability.
(2) Section 143-215.94J, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response and establishes a limitation of liability for the State.
(3) Section 143-215.94K, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response, civil penalties, criminal penalties, and injunctive relief.
(4) Section 143-215.94L, insofar as it establishes authority to
adopt regulations necessary to implement the State UST Program.
(E) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A,
Part 2B. UST Regulation (2018).
(1) Section 143-215.94T, insofar as it provides for compliance
monitoring, and the promulgation of regulations for the implementation
of the State UST Program.
(2) Section 143-215.94U, insofar as it provides for delivery
prohibition and enforcement of the State UST Program.
(3) Section 143-215.94V(b) through (h), insofar as these provisions
provide for enforcement response and establish authorities for
corrective action.
(4) Section 143-215.94W, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response and civil penalties.
(5) Section 143-215.94X, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response and criminal penalties.
(6) Section 143-215.94Y, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response and injunctive relief.
(F) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A,
Part 2D. Training of UST Operators (2018).
Section 143-215.94TT, insofar as it provides for enforcement
response, civil penalties, criminal penalties, and injunctive relief.
(G) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143B; Article 7,
Part 4. Environmental Management Commission (2018).
Section 143B-282, insofar as it creates the Environmental
Management Commission and provides the Commission with the powers and
duty to promulgate rules pertaining to the State UST Program.
(H) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 150B--
Administrative Procedure Act (2024).
Section 150B-23, insofar as it provides for public intervention and
procedures for administrative hearings.
(I) North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Chapter 2,
Subchapter 2N (2023).
(1) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0101(b), insofar as it provides authority to
administer the State UST Program.
(2) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0405, insofar as it provides for compliance
monitoring and establishes authority to conduct inspections, tests, and
obtain information from owners.
(J) Rule 24(a)(2) of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure
(2024), insofar as it provides for citizen intervention and public
participation in the State enforcement process.
(iii) Other provisions not incorporated by reference. The following
statutory and regulatory provisions applicable to the North Carolina
UST Program are broader in scope than the Federal program or external
to the State UST program approval requirements. Therefore, these
provisions are not part of the approved UST Program and are not
incorporated by reference in this section:
(A) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21,
Part 1. Organization and Powers Generally; Control of Pollution (2018).
Section 143-215.3(e) is broader in scope insofar as it provides for
the granting of variances which are not available to UST owners and
operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(B) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A,
Part
[[Page 79762]]
2A. Leaking Petroleum UST Tank Cleanup (2018).
(1) Section 143-215.94A(2)c. is broader in scope as to the
definition of ``Commercial underground storage tank,'' insofar as it
includes certain heating oil tanks and connected piping that are
excluded by the Federal program.
(2) Section 143-215.94B is broader in scope insofar as it provides
for the creation of the Commercial Leaking Petroleum Underground
Storage Tank Cleanup Fund (State Fund) and criteria for the expenditure
of funds.
(3) Section 143-215.94C is broader in scope insofar as it requires
owners and operators to pay an annual operating fee to the State Fund.
(4) Sections 143-215.94E(b) through (k) are broader in scope
insofar as these provisions relate to the State Fund.
(5) Section 143-215.94G is broader in scope insofar as it provides
for DEQ to perform cleanups and provides for reimbursement from the
State Fund.
(6) Section 143-215.94M is external insofar as it contains
reporting obligations on the State agency, not a regulated entity.
(7) Section 143-215.94N is broader in scope insofar as it relates
to the State Fund.
(8) Section 143-215.94P is broader in scope insofar as it provides
for the creation of the Groundwater Protection Loan Fund and
promulgation of regulations regarding such fund.
(C) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A;
Part 2B. UST Regulation (2018).
Section 143-215.94V(a) is external insofar as it pertains to
legislative findings and intent.
(D) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A,
Part 2D. Training of UST Operators (2018).
Section 143-215.94OO(4) is broader in scope as to the definition of
``Underground storage tank system'' or ``tank system,'' insofar as it
includes dispensers as part of the system.
(E) General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143B; Article 7,
Part 4. Environmental Management Commission (2018).
(1) Section 143B-279.9 is broader in scope insofar as it regulates
releases from sources that are not underground storage tanks and
entities that are not owners and operators as these terms are defined
in 40 CFR 280.12.
(2) Section 143B-279.11 is broader in scope insofar as it regulates
releases from sources that are not underground storage tanks and
entities that are not owners and operators as these terms are defined
in 40 CFR 280.12.
(F) North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A--Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2L,
Groundwater Classification and Standards (2023).
(1) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0100, including .0101 through .0115, is
broader in scope insofar as it provides general considerations for
groundwater classification and standards.
(2) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0200, including .0201 through .0202, is
broader in scope insofar as it establishes underground water
classifications and quality standards.
(3) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0300, including .0310 through .0319, is
broader in scope insofar as it assigns underground water
classifications.
(4) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0403 is broader in scope insofar as it
defines a ``responsible party'' to include persons other than owners
and operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(5) 15A N.C.A.C 02L .0410 is external insofar as it contains
reporting obligations on the State agency, not a regulated entity.
(6) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0414 is external insofar as it regulates
entities other than owners or operators as these terms are defined in
40 CFR 280.12.
(7) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0415 is broader in scope insofar as it
regulates releases from sources other than underground storage tank
systems.
(8) 15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0500, including .0501 through .0515, is
broader in scope insofar as it regulates aboveground storage tanks and
sources.
(G) North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A--Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2N,
Underground Storage Tanks (2023).
(1) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0201(1) is broader in scope insofar as it
regulates underground storage tanks containing de minimis
concentrations of regulated substances.
(2) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0203(a)(1) is broader in scope as to the
definition of ``UST system'' or ``Tank system,'' insofar as they
include dispensers as part of the system.
(3) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0504(c) is broader in scope insofar as it
relates to the permitting of monitoring wells.
(4) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0802 is broader in scope insofar as it
regulates underground storage tanks containing de minimis amounts of
regulated substances.
(5) 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0901(d) is broader in scope insofar as it
requires dispensers to have more than under-dispenser containment.
(6) Note to paragraph (e) of Section 15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0901 is
external insofar as it regulates entities other than owners or
operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.
(H) North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A--Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2P, Leaking
Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Funds (2023).
15A N.C.A.C. 02P, including .0101 through .0408, except .0302,
insofar as these provisions relate to the State Fund and the collection
of annual operating fees.
(2) Statement of legal authority. The Attorney General's Statement,
signed by independent legal counsel for the State on behalf of the
North Carolina Attorney General on October 11, 2018, though not
incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved
underground storage tank program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C.
6991 et seq.
(3) Demonstration of procedures for adequate enforcement. The
``Demonstration of Adequate Enforcement Procedures'' submitted in the
application dated October 22, 2018, as amended on February 22, 2023,
May 4, 2023, and June 24, 2024, though not incorporated by reference,
is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program
under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
(4) Program description. The program description submitted in the
application dated October 22, 2018, as amended on February 22, 2023,
May 4, 2023, and June 24, 2024, though not incorporated by reference,
is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program
under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
(5) Memorandum of Agreement. The Memorandum of Agreement between
EPA Region 4 and the DEQ, signed by the EPA Regional Administrator on
October 12, 2018, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced
as part of the approved underground storage tank program under subtitle
I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
0
3. Amend appendix A to part 282 by revising the entry for North
Carolina to read as follows:
Appendix A to Part 282--State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in
Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations
* * * * *
North Carolina
(a) The statutory provisions include: General Statutes of North
Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A, Part 2A. Leaking Petroleum UST
Tank Cleanup (2018):
143-215.94A Definitions, except ``by four or fewer households''
in (2)(c).
[[Page 79763]]
143-215.94E Rights and obligations of the owner or operator,
except (b) through (k).
143-215.94H Financial responsibility.
143-215.94I Insurance pools authorized; requirements.
General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143; Article 21A,
Part 2D. Training of UST Operators (2018):
143-215.94NN Applicability.
143-215.94OO Definitions, except ``dispenser'' in (4).
143-215.94PP Designation of operators to be trained.
143-215.94QQ Training requirements for primary operators.
143-215.94RR Training requirements for emergency response
operators.
143-215.94SS Tank systems for emergency power generators.
143-215.94UU Effect on other laws.
General Statutes of North Carolina, Chapter 143B; Article 7,
Part 1. General Provisions (2018):
143B-279.9 Land-use restrictions may be imposed to reduce danger
to public health at contaminated sites, except for ``Except with
respect to land contaminated from a discharge or release of
petroleum from an underground storage tank, the imposition of
restrictions on the current or future use of real property on sites
contaminated by the discharge or release of petroleum from an
aboveground storage tank, or another petroleum source, from which
contamination has migrated to off-site properties, as that term is
defined under G.S. 130A-310.65(3a), shall only be allowed as
provided in G.S. 143-215.104AA or G.S. 130A-310.73A, as applicable''
in (b).
143B-279.11 Recordation of residual petroleum from underground
or above ground storage tanks or other sources, except ``or from an
aboveground storage tank or other petroleum source pursuant to Part
7 of Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes'' in (a);
``aboveground storage tank, or other petroleum source'' in (b) and
(d); (e); and (h).
(b) The regulatory provisions include:
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A-Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2L,
Groundwater Classification and Standards (2023):
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0401 Purpose.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0402 Definitions.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0403 Rule Application, except ``a landowner
seeking reimbursement from the Commercial Leaking Underground
Storage Tank Fund or the Noncommercial Leaking Underground Storage
Tank Fund under G.S. 143-215.94E, and any other person responsible
for the assessment or cleanup of a discharge or release from an
underground storage tank, including any person who has conducted or
controlled an activity that results in the discharge or release of
petroleum or petroleum products as defined in G.S. 143-215.94A(10)
to the groundwaters of the State or in proximity thereto.''
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0404 Required initial abatement actions by
responsible party.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0405 Requirements for limited site assessment.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0406 Discharge or release classifications.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0407 Reclassification of risk levels.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0408 Assessment and remediation procedures.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0409 Notification requirements.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0411 Establishing maximum soil contamination
concentrations.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0412 Analytical procedures for soil samples.
15A N.C.A.C. 02L .0413 Analytical procedures for groundwater
samples.
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A-Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2N,
Underground Storage Tanks (2023):
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0101 General, except for (b).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0102 Copies of referenced federal regulations.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0104 Identification of tanks.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0201 Applicability, except (1).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0202 Installation requirements for partially
excluded UST systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0203 Definitions, except ``dispenser'' in
(a)(1).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0301 Performance standards for UST system
installations or replacements completed after December 22, 1988 and
before November 1, 2007.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0302 Upgrading of existing UST systems after
December 22, 1998 and before November 1, 2007.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0303 Notification requirements.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0304 Implementation schedule for performance
standards for new UST systems and upgrading requirements for
existing UST systems located in areas defined in Rule .0301(D).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0401 Spill and overfill control.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0402 Operation and maintenance of corrosion
protection.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0403 Compatibility.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0404 Repairs allowed.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0405 Reporting and recordkeeping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0406 Periodic testing of spill prevention
equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of
piping and periodic inspection of overfill prevention equipment.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0407 Periodic operation and maintenance
walkthrough inspections.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0501 General Requirements for all UST systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0502 Requirements for petroleum UST systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0503 Requirements for hazardous substance UST
systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0504 Methods of release detection for tanks,
except (c).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0505 Methods of release detection for piping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0506 Release detection recordkeeping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0601 Reporting of suspected releases.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0602 Investigation due to off-site impacts.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0603 Release investigation and confirmation
steps.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0604 Reporting and cleanup of spills and
overfills.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0701 General.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0702 Initial response.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0703 Initial abatement measures and site
check.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0704 Initial site characterization.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0705 Free product removal.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0706 Investigations for soil and groundwater
cleanup.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0707 Corrective action plan.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0708 Public participation.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0801 Temporary closure.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0802 Permanent closure and change-in-service,
except for ``except that an UST system containing de minimis
concentrations of a regulated substance shall meet the closure
requirements of this Rule within 12 months of January 1, 1991.''
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0803 Assessing the site at closure or change-
in-service.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0804 Applicability to previously closed UST
Systems.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0805 Closure records.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0901 General requirements, except
``dispensers'' in (d); and Note to Paragraph (e).
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0902 Notification.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0903 Tanks.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0904 Piping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0905 Containment sumps.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0906 Spill buckets.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .0907 National codes of practice and industry
standards.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .1001 Definitions.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .1002 General requirements.
15A N.C.A.C. 02N .1003 Additions, exceptions, and alternatives
for UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant
systems.
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A-Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2O,
Financial Responsibility Requirements for Owners and Operators of
Underground Storage Tanks (2023):
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0101 General.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0102 Financial responsibility.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0203 Definitions.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0204 Amount and scope of required financial
responsibility.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0302 Self insurance.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0304 Insurance and risk retention group
coverage.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0308 Insurance pools.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0402 Record keeping.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0503 Incapacity of owner or operator or
provider of assurance.
15A N.C.A.C. 02O .0504 Replenishment.
North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A-Environmental
Quality; Chapter 2, Environmental Management; Subchapter 2P, Leaking
Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Funds (2023):
15A N.C.A.C. 02P .0302 Notification.
(c) Copies of the North Carolina statutes and regulations that
are incorporated by
[[Page 79764]]
reference are available from the North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, North
Carolina, 27603 (physical address); 1646 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1646 (mailing address); Phone number:
(919) 707-8200; website: https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/waste-management/underground-storage-tanks-section/underground-storage-tanks-rules.
[FR Doc. 2024-22541 Filed 9-30-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P