Department of Agriculture 2015 โ Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 351 - 400 of 1,139
Pesticide Product Registrations; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients
EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Rebate Program; EPA ICR No. 2461.02, OMB Control No. 2060-0686 RENEWAL
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Rebate Program'' (EPA ICR No. 2461.02, OMB Control No. 2060-0686 RENEWAL) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through October 31, 2015. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Good Neighbor Environmental Board; Notification of Public Advisory Committee Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92- 463, notice is hereby given that the Good Neighbor Environmental Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18, 2015 in San Diego, CA. The meeting is open to the public.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Klamath Falls, Oregon Nonattainment Area; Fine Particulate Matter Emissions Inventory and SIP Strengthening Measures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) on December 12, 2012 to address Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for the Klamath Falls, Oregon nonattainment area for the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). Specifically, the EPA is approving the emissions inventory contained in the ODEQ's submittal as meeting the requirement to submit a comprehensive, accurate, and current inventory of direct PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursor emissions in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The EPA also is approving and incorporating by reference PM2.5 control measures contained in the December 12, 2012, submittal because incorporation of these measures will strengthen the Oregon SIP and are designed to reduce PM2.5 emissions in the Klamath Falls, Oregon nonattainment area (Klamath Falls NAA) that contribute to violations of the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Utah; Revisions to the Utah Division of Administrative Rules, R307-300 Series; Area Source Rules for Attainment of Fine Particulate Matter Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing approval and conditional approval of portions of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) State Implementation Plan (SIP) and other general rule revisions submitted by the State of Utah. The revisions affect the Utah Division of Administrative Rules (DAR), R307-300 Series; Requirements for Specific Locations; the revisions had submission dates of February 2, 2012, May 9, 2013, June 8, 2013, February 18, 2014, April 17, 2014, May 20, 2014, July 10, 2014, August 6, 2014, and December 9, 2014. These area source rules control emissions of direct PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors, sulfur dioxides (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Additionally, the EPA will be proposing to approve the State's reasonably available control measure (RACM) determinations for the rule revisions that pertain to the PM2.5 SIP. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
North Carolina: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions
North Carolina has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final authorization of changes to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). These changes correspond to certain Federal rules promulgated between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2014 (also known as RCRA Clusters XIX through XXIII). With this proposed rule, EPA is proposing to grant final authorization to North Carolina for these changes.
North Carolina: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions
North Carolina has applied to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final authorization of changes to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA has determined that these changes satisfy all requirements needed to qualify for final authorization, and is authorizing the State's changes through this direct final rule. In the ``Proposed Rules'' section of today's Federal Register, EPA is also publishing a separate document that serves as the proposal to authorize these changes. EPA believes this action is not controversial and does not expect comments that oppose it. Unless EPA receives written comments that oppose this authorization during the comment period, the decision to authorize North Carolina's changes to its hazardous waste program will take effect. If EPA receives comments that oppose this action, EPA will publish a document in the Federal Register withdrawing today's direct final rule before it takes effect, and the separate document published in today's ``Proposed Rules'' section of this Federal Register will serve as the proposal to authorize the changes.
Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities; New York
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to withdraw its approval of a provision of the New York State plan that implements and enforces the Emission Guidelines for existing sewage sludge incineration units. This action would withdraw the EPA's approval of a provision of the State sewage sludge incineration plan allowing for affirmative defenses of Clean Air Act violations in the case of malfunctions. No other provision in the State plan would be affected by this action.
Proposed Issuance of the NPDES General Permit for Offshore Seafood Processors in Federal Waters off the Washington and Oregon Coast (Permit Number WAG520000)
The Director, Office of Water and Watersheds, EPA Region 10, is proposing to issue a general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for Offshore Seafood Processors discharging in Federal Waters off the coasts of Washington and Oregon, pursuant to the provisions of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq. As proposed, the draft general permit authorizes the discharge of treated seafood processing wastes from facilities to Federal Waters of the contiguous zone and ocean.
Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC); Homeland Security Subcommittee Public and Closed Meeting-August 2015
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92- 463, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development (ORD), gives notice of a meeting of the Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) Homeland Security Subcommittee.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Transportation Conformity Determinations for Federally Funded and Approved Transportation Plans, Programs and Projects (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``Transportation Conformity Determinations for Federally Funded and Approved Transportation Plans, Programs and Projects (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2130.05, OMB Control No. 2060-0561) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is approved through August 31, 2015. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (80 FR 9454) on February 23, 2015 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public.
Air Plan Approval; IL; MN; Determinations of Attainment of the 2008 Lead Standard for Chicago and Eagan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make determinations under the Clean Air Act (CAA) that the Chicago, Illinois and Eagan, Minnesota nonattainment areas (hereafter also referred to, respectively, as the ``Chicago area,'' ``Eagan area,'' or ``areas'') have attained the 2008 lead (Pb) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or standard). These determinations of attainment are based upon complete, quality-assured, and certified ambient air monitoring data for the 2012-2014 design period showing that the areas have achieved attainment of the 2008 Pb NAAQS. Additionally, as a result of these determinations, EPA proposes to suspend the requirements for the areas to submit attainment demonstrations, and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), reasonable further progress (RFP) plans, contingency measures for failure to meet RFP, and attainment deadlines, for as long as the areas continue to attain the 2008 Pb NAAQS. In this action EPA is not proposing a redesignation of the areas to attainment of the 2008 Pb NAAQS; the areas remain designated nonattainment until such time as EPA determines that the areas meet the CAA requirements for redesignation to attainment and takes action to redesignate the areas.
Air Plan Approval; IL; MN; Determinations of Attainment of the 2008 Lead Standard for Chicago and Eagan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making determinations under the Clean Air Act (CAA) that the Chicago, Illinois and Eagan, Minnesota nonattainment areas (hereafter also referred to, respectively, as the ``Chicago area,'' ``Eagan area,'' or ``areas'') have attained the 2008 lead (Pb) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or standard). These determinations of attainment are based upon complete, quality-assured, and certified ambient air monitoring data for the 2012-2014 design period showing that the areas have achieved attainment of the 2008 Pb NAAQS. Additionally, as a result of these determinations, EPA is suspending the requirements for the areas to submit attainment demonstrations, and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), reasonable further progress (RFP) plans, contingency measures for failure to meet RFP, and attainment deadlines, for as long as the areas continue to attain the 2008 Pb NAAQS. This action does not constitute a redesignation of the areas to attainment of the 2008 Pb NAAQS; the areas remain designated nonattainment until such time as EPA determines that the areas meet the CAA requirements for redesignation to attainment and takes action to redesignate the areas.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Missouri; Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Missouri in a letter dated March 30, 2015. This SIP revision provides Missouri's state-determined allowance allocations for existing electric generating units (EGUs) in the state for the 2016 control periods and replaces certain allowance allocations for the 2016 control periods established by EPA under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). The CSAPR addresses the ``good neighbor'' provision of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) that requires states to reduce the transport of pollution that significantly affects downwind air quality. In this final action EPA is approving Missouri's SIP revision, incorporating the state-determined allocations for the 2016 control periods into the SIP, and amending the regulatory text of the CSAPR Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to reflect this approval and inclusion of the state-determined allocations. EPA is taking direct final action to approve Missouri's SIP revision because it meets the requirements of the CAA and the CSAPR requirements to replace EPA's allowance allocations for the 2016 control periods. This action is being taken pursuant to the CAA and its implementing regulations. EPA's allocations of CSAPR trading program allowances for Missouri for control periods in 2017 and beyond remain in place until the State submits and EPA approves state-determined allocations for those control periods through another SIP revision. The CSAPR FIPs for Missouri remain in place until such time as the State decides to replace the FIPs with a SIP revision.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Missouri; Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Missouri in a letter dated March 30, 2015. This SIP revision provides Missouri's state-determined allowance allocations for existing electric generating units (EGUs) in the state for the 2016 control period and replaces certain allowance allocations for the 2016 control periods established by EPA under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). The CSAPR addresses the ``good neighbor'' provision of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) that requires states to reduce the transport of pollution that significantly affects downwind air quality. In this action EPA is proposing to approve Missouri's SIP revision, incorporating the state-determined allocations for the 2016 control periods into the SIP, and amending the regulatory text of the CSAPR Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to reflect this approval and inclusion of the state-determined allocations. EPA is proposing to take direct final action to approve Missouri's SIP revision because it meets the requirements of the CAA and the CSAPR requirements to replace EPA's allowance allocations for the 2016 control periods. This action is being proposed pursuant to the CAA and its implementing regulations. EPA's allocations of CSAPR trading program allowances for Missouri for control periods in 2017 and beyond remain in place until the State submits and EPA approves state-determined allocations for those control periods through another SIP revision. The CSAPR FIPs for Missouri remain in place until such time as the State decides to replace the FIPs with a SIP revision.
Air Plan Approval; Michigan and Wisconsin; 2006 PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving elements of state implementation plan (SIP) submissions from Michigan regarding Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Wisconsin regarding visibility infrastructure requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2006 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA.
Air Plan Approval; Michigan and Wisconsin; 2006 PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of state implementation plan (SIP) submissions from Michigan regarding Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Wisconsin regarding visibility infrastructure requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2006 fine particulate matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; California; San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District; Employer Based Trip Reduction Programs
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a regulation submitted for incorporation into the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVUAPCD or District) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). The regulation, Rule 9410 (Employer Based Trip Reduction), establishes requirements for employers in the San Joaquin Valley to implement programs encouraging employees to use ridesharing and alternative transportation methods to reduce air pollution. The effect of this action would be to make the requirements of Rule 9410 federally enforceable as part of the California SIP.
Revision to the California State Implementation Plan; San Joaquin Valley; Demonstration of Creditable Emission Reductions from Economic Incentive Programs
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a demonstration of creditable emission reductions submitted by California for approval into the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). This SIP submittal demonstrates that certain state mobile source incentive funding programs have achieved specified amounts of reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the SJV area by 2014. The effect of this action would be to approve these amounts of emission reductions for credit toward an emission reduction commitment in the California SIP. We are taking comments on this proposal and plan to follow with a final action.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Florida; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions, submitted by the State of Florida, through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), on June 3, 2013, and supplemented on January 8, 2014, for inclusion into the Florida SIP. This proposal pertains to the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2010 1-hour sulfur dioxide (SO2) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, which is commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure SIP submission.'' FDEP certified that the Florida SIP contains provisions that ensure the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS is implemented, enforced, and maintained in Florida. EPA is proposing to determine that Florida's infrastructure SIP submissions, provided to EPA on June 3, 2013, and supplemented on January 8, 2014, satisfy the required infrastructure elements for the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS.
Air Plan Approval; North Carolina; Conflict of Interest Infrastructure Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the North Carolina State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Air Quality (DAQ), on February 5, 2013, and supplemented on July 27, 2015. The submissions pertain to conflict of interest requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and were submitted to satisfy the infrastructure SIP sub-element related to the State board for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) NAAQS, 2008 8-hour Ozone NAAQS and 2008 Lead NAAQS. The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure'' SIP, which includes conflict of interest requirements. EPA is proposing to approve the portions of North Carolina's 2010 NO2 infrastructure SIP, 2010 SO2 infrastructure SIP, 2008 8-hour ozone infrastructure SIP, and 2008 Lead infrastructure SIP as meeting these State board requirements. EPA is also proposing to convert conditional approvals related to the State board for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, and the 1997 Annual Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS to full approval under the CAA. EPA notes that all other applicable North Carolina infrastructure SIP elements for the above listed NAAQS have been or will be addressed in separate rulemakings.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; South Dakota; Revisions to South Dakota Administrative Code; Correction
This document contains a correction to the proposed rulemaking, which was published on July 14, 2015. The proposal contained an error that is identified and corrected in this action.
Pesticides; Certification of Pesticide Applicators
EPA is proposing changes to the existing regulation concerning the certification of applicators of restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in response to extensive stakeholder review of the regulation and its implementation since 1974. EPA's proposed changes would ensure the Federal certification program standards adequately protect applicators, the public, and the environment from risks associated with use of RUPs. The proposed changes are intended to improve the competency of certified applicators of RUPs, increase protection for noncertified applicators of RUPs operating under the direct supervision of a certified applicator through enhanced pesticide safety training and standards for supervision of noncertified applicators, and establish a minimum age requirement for certified and noncertified applicators. In keeping with EPA's commitment to work more closely with Tribal governments to strengthen environmental protection in Indian country, certain changes are intended to provide more practical options for establishing certification programs in Indian country.
Idaho: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program; Revision
Idaho applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final authorization of certain changes to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended. On June 2, 2015, the EPA published a proposed rule to authorize the changes and opened a public comment period under Docket ID No. EPA-R10- RCRA-2015-0307. The comment period closed on July 2, 2015. The EPA received no comments on the proposed rule. The EPA has determined that the revisions to the Idaho hazardous waste management program satisfy all the requirements necessary to qualify for final authorization. The EPA is approving these revisions to Idaho's authorized hazardous waste management program in this final rule.
Final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Industrial Activities Availability for Idaho, Federal Operators in Washington, and the Spokane Tribe
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) previously announced the issuance of the NPDES general permit for storm water discharges from industrial activity, also referred to as the 2015 Multi-Sector General Permit (2015 MSGP), in the June 16, 2015 Federal Register. This action provides notice of final 2015 MSGP issuance for Idaho; federal operators in Washington; and the Spokane Tribe.
Notice of Administrative Settlement Agreement Pursuant to Section 122(H) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as Amended
In accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (``CERCLA''), notice is hereby given that a proposed administrative settlement agreement for recovery of response costs (``Proposed Agreement'') associated with the Lin Electric Superfund Site, Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia (``Site'') was executed by the Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') and is now subject to public comment, after which EPA may modify or withdraw its consent if comments received disclose facts or considerations that indicate that the Proposed Agreement is inappropriate, improper, or inadequate. The Proposed Agreement would resolve potential EPA claims under Section 107(a) of CERCLA, against Danny E. Lusk and Gordon M. Lusk, (``Settling Parties''). The Proposed Agreement would require Settling Parties to reimburse EPA $21,358.00 for response costs incurred by EPA for the Site. For thirty (30) days following the date of publication of this notice, EPA will receive written comments relating to the Proposed Agreement. EPA's response to any comments received will be available for public inspection at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Kansas; Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Kansas in a letter dated March 30, 2015. This SIP revision provides Kansas' state-determined allowance allocations for existing electric generating units (EGUs) in the State for the 2016 control periods and replaces certain allowance allocations for the 2016 control periods established by EPA under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). The CSAPR addresses the ``good neighbor'' provision of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) that requires states to reduce the transport of pollution that significantly affects downwind air quality. In this final action EPA is approving Kansas' SIP revision, incorporating the state-determined allocations for the 2016 control periods into the SIP, and amending the regulatory text of the CSAPR Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to reflect this approval and inclusion of the state-determined allocations. EPA is taking direct final action to approve Kansas' SIP revision because it meets the requirements of the CAA and the CSAPR requirements to replace EPA's allowance allocations for the 2016 control periods. This action is being taken pursuant to the CAA and its implementing regulations. EPA's allocations of CSAPR trading program allowances for Kansas for control periods in 2017 and beyond remain in place until the State submits and EPA approves state-determined allowance allocations for those control periods through another SIP revision. The CSAPR FIPs for Kansas remain in place until such time as the State decides to replace the FIPs with a SIP revision.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Kansas; Cross State Air Pollution Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the State of Kansas submitted on March 30, 2015. This SIP revision provides Kansas' state-determined allowance allocations for existing electric generating units (EGUs) in the State for the 2016 control periods and replaces the allowance allocations for the 2016 control periods established by EPA under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). The CSAPR addresses the ``good neighbor'' provision of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) that requires states to reduce the transport of pollution that significantly affects downwind nonattainment and maintenance areas. EPA is proposing to approve Kansas' SIP revision, incorporate the state-determined allocations for the 2016 control periods into the SIP, and amend the regulatory text of the CSAPR Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to reflect approval and inclusion of the state-determined allocations. EPA is proposing to approve Kansas' SIP revision because it meets the requirements of the CAA and the CSAPR requirements to replace EPA's allowance allocations for the 2016 control periods. This action is being proposed pursuant to the CAA and its implementing regulations. EPA's allocations of CSAPR trading program allowances for Kansas for control periods in 2017 and beyond remain in place until the State submits and EPA approves state- determined allowance allocations for those control periods through another SIP revision. The CSAPR FIPs for Kansas remain in place until such time as the State decides to replace the FIPs with a SIP revision.
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan; National Priorities List: Deletion of the National Southwire Aluminum (NSA) Superfund Site
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 is publishing a direct final Notice of Deletion of the National Southwire Aluminum (NSA) Superfund Site (Site), located in Hawesville, Hancock County, Kentucky, from the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). This direct final deletion is being published by the EPA with the concurrence of the State of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Division of Waste Management (KDWM), because the EPA has determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA, other than operation, maintenance, monitoring and five-year reviews, have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund.
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan; National Priorities List: Deletion of the National Southwire Aluminum Superfund Site
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 is issuing a Notice of Intent to Delete the National Southwire Aluminum Superfund Site (Site) located in Hawesville in Hancock County, Kentucky, from the National Priorities List (NPL) and requests public comments on this proposed action. The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The EPA and the State of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Division of Waste Management (KDWM), have determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA, other than operation, maintenance, monitoring and five-year reviews, have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; District of Columbia; Interstate Pollution Transport Requirements for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve a revision to the District of Columbia State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revision addresses the infrastructure requirements for interstate transport pollution with respect to the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is approving this revision in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; District of Columbia; Interstate Pollution Transport Requirements for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve the State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the District of Columbia addressing the infrastructure requirements for interstate transport pollution with respect to the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). In the Final Rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the District's SIP submittal as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no adverse comments are received in response to this action, no further activity is contemplated. If EPA receives adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. EPA will not institute a second comment period. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time.
Data Requirements Rule for the 2010 1-Hour Sulfur Dioxide (SO2
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating a rule directing state and tribal air agencies (air agencies) to provide data to characterize current air quality in areas with large sources of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions to identify maximum 1-hour SO2 concentrations in ambient air. The final rule establishes minimum criteria for identifying the emissions sources and associated areas for which air agencies are required to characterize SO2 air quality. Air agencies remain free to also characterize air quality in additional areas beyond those required to be characterized under the rule. The final rule also sets forth a process and timetables by which air agencies must characterize air quality through ambient monitoring and/or air quality modeling techniques and submit such data to the EPA. The EPA has issued separate non-binding draft technical assistance documents recommending how air agencies should conduct such monitoring or modeling. The air quality data developed by air agencies pursuant to this rule may be used by the EPA in future actions to evaluate areas' air quality under the 2010 1- hour SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), including area designations and redesignations, as appropriate.
Water Quality Standards Regulatory Revisions
EPA updates the federal water quality standards (WQS) regulation to provide a better-defined pathway for states and authorized tribes to improve water quality and protect high quality waters. The WQS regulation establishes a strong foundation for water quality management programs, including water quality assessments, impaired waters lists, and total maximum daily loads, as well as water quality-based effluent limits in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permits. In this rule, EPA is revising six program areas to improve the WQS regulation's effectiveness, increase transparency, and enhance opportunities for meaningful public engagement at the state, tribal and local levels. Specifically, in this rule EPA: Clarifies what constitutes an Administrator's determination that new or revised WQS are necessary; refines how states and authorized tribes assign and revise designated uses for individual water bodies; revises the triennial review requirements to clarify the role of new or updated Clean Water Act (CWA) section 304(a) criteria recommendations in the development of WQS by states and authorized tribes, and applicable WQS that must be reviewed triennially; establishes stronger antidegradation requirements to enhance protection of high quality waters and promotes public transparency; adds new regulatory provisions to promote the appropriate use of WQS variances; and clarifies that a state or authorized tribe must adopt, and EPA must approve, a permit compliance schedule authorizing provision prior to authorizing the use of schedules of compliance for water quality-based effluent limits (WQBELs) in NPDES permits. In total, these revisions to the WQS regulation enable states and authorized tribes to more effectively address complex water quality challenges, protect existing water quality, and facilitate environmental improvements. The final rule also leads to better understanding and proper use of available CWA tools by promoting transparent and engaged public participation. This action finalizes the WQS regulation revisions initially proposed by EPA on September 4, 2013.
Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Alcoa BART
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the Alcoa Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) averaging time for nitrogen oxides (NOX) in the Indiana State Implementation Plan (SIP). On July 23, 2014, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) submitted to EPA a revision to the daily NOX emissions limits, changing from a rolling 24-hour average to a 24-hour daily average. IDEM provided an analysis showing that no significant increase in emissions will occur as a result of this change. EPA is approving this SIP revision because it will not interfere with attainment or maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Alcoa BART
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a revision to the Alcoa Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) averaging time for nitrogen oxides (NOX) in the Indiana State Implementation Plan (SIP). On July 23, 2014, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) submitted to EPA a revision to the daily NOX emissions limits, changing from a rolling 24-hour average to a 24-hour daily average. IDEM provided a statistical analysis showing that no significant increase in emissions will occur as a result of this change. EPA is approving this SIP revision because it will not interfere with attainment or maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Florida; Regional Haze Plan Amendment-Lakeland Electric C.D. McIntosh
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the State of Florida's March 10, 2015, State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision, submitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). This submittal fulfills Florida's commitment to EPA to provide a regional haze SIP revision with a Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions limit for Unit 1 at the Lakeland Electric-C.D. McIntosh Power Plant (McIntosh) reflecting best operating practices for good combustion. States are required to address the BART provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and EPA's regional haze regulations as part of a program to prevent any future and remedy any existing anthropogenic impairment of visibility in mandatory Class I areas (national parks and wilderness areas) caused by emissions of air pollutants from numerous sources located over a wide geographic area (also referred to as the ``regional haze program'') and to assure reasonable progress toward the national goal of achieving natural visibility conditions in Class I areas. In this action, EPA proposes to approve the BART NOX emissions limit for Unit 1 at McIntosh into the Florida SIP.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Montana; Revisions to the Administrative Rules of Montana; Correction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Montana on March 17, 2010, August 1, 2011, November 22, 2011, and September 19, 2014. The revisions are to the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) and include minor editorial and grammatical changes, updates to citations and references to federal and state laws and regulations, revisions to open burning rules, changes to the process for appealing air quality permits, and providing a process for revocation of air quality permits when owners cannot be found by mail. Also in this action, EPA is correcting final rules pertaining to Montana's SIP. On January 29, 2010, EPA took direct final action to approve SIP revisions as submitted by the State of Montana on January 16, 2009 and May 4, 2009. EPA subsequently discovered an error in our January 29, 2010 direct final action related to ``incorporation by reference'' (IBR) materials and the associated regulatory text numbering. EPA is correcting this error with today's action. Finally, EPA is updating the Montana nonregulatory provisions table to add carbon monoxide maintenance plans for Billings, Montana, and Great Falls, Montana approved by EPA on March 30, 2015 and April 1, 2015, respectively. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Applicability Determination Index (ADI) Database System Recent Posting: Applicability Determinations, Alternative Monitoring Decisions, and Regulatory Interpretations Pertaining to Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, and the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program
This notice announces applicability determinations, alternative monitoring decisions, and regulatory interpretations that EPA has made under the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS); the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP); and/ or the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program.
Request for Public Comments on the List of Candidates for EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) Agricultural Science Committee
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites public comments on the list of candidates being considered for appointment to the EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) Agricultural Science Committee to provide advice to the chartered SAB regarding matters referred to the SAB that will have a significant direct impact on farming and agriculture-related industries.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Establishing No-Discharge Zones (NDZs) Under Clean Water Act ยง 312 (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Establishing No-Discharge Zones (NDZs) Under Clean Water Act Sec. 312 (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1791.07, OMB Control No. 2040-0187) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA solicits public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2015. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Amendments to Regional Consistency Regulations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to revise its Regional Consistency regulations to ensure the EPA has the flexibility necessary to implement Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) programs on a national scale while addressing court rulings that concern certain agency actions under the Act. In addition, the proposed revisions would help to foster overall fairness and predictability regarding the scope and impact of judicial decisions under the CAA.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; Major Source Permitting State Implementation Plan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve portions of revisions to the Louisiana New Source Review (NSR) State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Louisiana designee. These revisions are updates to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment NSR (NNSR) permit programs.
Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Permitting for Greenhouse Gases: Removal of Certain Vacated Elements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is amending its Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and title V regulations to remove from the Code of Federal Regulations portions of those regulations that were initially promulgated in 2010 and that the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) specifically identified as vacated in the April 10, 2015, amended judgment, Coalition for Responsible Regulation v. EPA. This action is exempt from notice-and-comment rulemaking because it is ministerial in nature.
Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
This notice announces EPA's order for cancellation of certain pesticide products, identified in Table 1, Unit II, which were voluntarily deleted by the registrant and accepted by the Agency, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a March 13, 2013 Federal Register, Notice of Receipt of Request from the registrant listed in Table 2 of Unit II to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the March 13, 2013 Notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellation of the subject products, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrant withdrew their request. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrant did not withdraw their request. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; El Paso Particulate Matter Contingency Measures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve under the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Texas. These revisions pertain to contingency measures for particulate matter in the City of El Paso. The affected contingency measures are the paving of alleys and sweeping of streets.
Notification of Public Teleconferences of the Science Advisory Board Radiation Advisory Committee
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces two public teleconferences of the Radiation Advisory Committee (RAC) to receive a briefing about the agency's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to consider revising the Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations (40 CFR part 190).
Promulgation of State Implementation Plan Revisions; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 Ozone, 2008 Lead, and 2010 NO2
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions from the State of Colorado to demonstrate the State meets infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (Act, CAA) for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) promulgated for ozone on March 12, 2008; lead (Pb) on October 15, 2008; and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on January 22, 2010. Section 110(a) of the CAA requires that each state submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Rhode Island; Rhode Island Low Emission Vehicle Program
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The regulations adopted by Rhode Island include the California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) II light-duty motor vehicle emission standards effective in model year 2008, the California LEV II medium-duty vehicle standards effective in model year 2009, and greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty motor vehicles and medium-duty vehicles effective with model year 2009. The Rhode Island LEV regulation submitted also includes a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) provision. Rhode Island has adopted these revisions to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA), as well as to reduce greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons). In addition, Rhode Island has worked to ensure that their program is identical to California's, as required by the CAA. These actions are being taken in accordance with the CAA.
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