Environmental Protection Agency March 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Considerations for Developing Alternative Health Risk Assessment Approaches for Addressing Multiple Chemicals, Exposures and Effects; External Review Draft
Document Number: E6-4746
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is announcing a 45-day public comment period for the draft document titled, ``Considerations for Developing Alternative Health Risk Assessment Approaches for Addressing Multiple Chemicals, Exposures and Effects'' (EPA/600/R-06/013A). The draft document was prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA's Office of Research and Development. EPA is releasing this draft document solely for the purpose of pre- dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. This document has not been formally disseminated by EPA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency policy or determination. EPA will consider any public comments submitted in accordance with this notice when revising the document.
FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-4731
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
There will be a 3-day meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to review an analysis of a refuge of non-cotton hosts for Monsanto Bollgard II[reg] cotton. Specifically, the Agency is seeking input from the Scientific Advisory Panel on whether a natural refuge of non cotton hosts is an effective refuge to delay the potential for tobacco budworm resistance to the proteins (Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2) expressed in Bollgard II[reg] cotton.
Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability
Document Number: E6-4727
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments
Document Number: E6-4726
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA does not object to the proposed action. Rating LO.
National Drinking Water Advisory Council's Working Group on Public Education Requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule Meeting Announcement
Document Number: E6-4681
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the fourth public meeting of the Working Group of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) on the Public Education Requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule (WGPE). The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for the WGPE members to continue discussions on the public education requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule.
Davis Refining Superfund Site Tallahassee, Leon County, FL Notice of Proposed Settlement
Document Number: 06-3131
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Under section 122(h)(1) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to enter into a settlement for the partial reimbursement of past response costs concerning the Davis Refining Superfund Site in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Maryland; Revised Definition of Volatile Organic Compound
Document Number: 06-3108
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA proposes to approve the State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland. The revisions update the SIP's reference to the EPA definition of volatile organic compounds (VOC). In the Final Rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the State'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.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Maryland; Revised Definition of Volatile Organic Compounds
Document Number: 06-3107
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is taking direct final action on revisions to the Maryland State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE). The revisions update the SIP's reference to the EPA definition of volatile organic compounds (VOC). EPA is approving these revisions to the State of Maryland's SIP in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Amendments to the Control of VOC Emissions From Yeast Manufacturing
Document Number: 06-3106
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland. This revision pertains to the amendments of a regulation that controls volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from yeast manufacturing facilities. EPA is approving this SIP revision in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; VOC and NOX
Document Number: 06-3105
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-31
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is taking final action to approve revisions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revisions were submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to establish and require reasonably available control technology (RACT) for two major sources of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) pursuant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's (Pennsylvania's or the Commonwealth's) SIP-approved generic RACT regulations. EPA is approving these revisions in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Annual Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Visibility Union (MANE-VU)
Document Number: 06-3040
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-30
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the 2006 Annual Board Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Northeast Visibility Union (MANE-VU). This meeting will deal with matters relative to Regional Haze and visibility improvement in Federal Class I areas within MANE-VU.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Iowa; Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)
Document Number: 06-3036
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-30
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is making a revision to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for the purpose of giving the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) full regulatory responsibility for EPA-issued Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits. IDNR demonstrated state legislative authority to take responsibility for the permits, and demonstrated that resources are available to accomplish full regulatory responsibility.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Iowa; Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)
Document Number: 06-3035
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-30
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA proposes to approve a revision to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for the purpose of giving the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) full regulatory responsibility for EPA-issued Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits. IDNR demonstrated state legislative authority to take responsibility for the permits, and demonstrated that resources are available to accomplish full regulatory responsibility.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Iowa
Document Number: 06-3033
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-30
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA proposes to approve a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the state of Iowa. The purpose of this revision is to approve the 2005 update to the Polk County Board of Health Rules and Regulations, Chapter V, Air Pollution. These revisions will help to ensure consistency between the applicable local agency rules and Federally-approved rules, and ensure Federal enforceability of the applicable parts of the local agency air programs.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Iowa
Document Number: 06-3032
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-30
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is announcing a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the state of Iowa. The purpose of this revision is to approve the 2005 update to the Polk County Board of Health Rules and Regulations, Chapter V, Air Pollution. These revisions will help to ensure consistency between the applicable local agency rules and Federally-approved rules, and ensure Federal enforceability of the applicable parts of the local agency air programs.
Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Amendments to the Tier 2 Motor Vehicle Emission Regulations; Proposed Rule
Document Number: 06-2980
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-30
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is proposing to make minor amendments to the existing Tier 2 motor vehicle regulations (65 FR 6698, February 10, 2000, hereinafter referred to as the Tier 2 rule). These proposed minor amendments are consistent with our intention, under the original Tier 2 rule, to provide interim compliance flexibilities for clean diesels in the passenger car market. While the automotive industry has made rapid advancements in light-duty diesel emissions control technologies and will, as a result, be able to produce diesel vehicles that can comply with the primary regulatory requirements of the Tier 2 program, diesel vehicles still face some very limited technological challenges in meeting the full suite of Tier 2 requirements. This action would provide two voluntary, interim alternative compliance options for a very limited set of standards for oxides of nitrogen (NOX), including only high altitude and high speed/high acceleration conditions. These temporary alternative compliance options are designed to be environmentally neutral, as manufacturers choosing them would then be required to meet more stringent standards in other aspects of the Tier 2 program. The alternative compliance options would last for only three model years, during which time advancements in diesel emissions control technologies would be further developed. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, we are making these technical amendments as a direct final rule without prior proposal because we view these technical amendments as noncontroversial revisions and anticipate no adverse comment. We have explained our reasons for these technical amendments in the preamble to the direct final rule. If we receive no adverse comment, we would not take further action on this proposed rule. If we receive adverse comment, we would withdraw the portions of the direct final rule receiving such comment and those portions would not take effect. We would address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. We would not institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time.
Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Amendments to the Tier 2 Motor Vehicle Emission Regulations
Document Number: 06-2979
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-30
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is taking direct final action to make minor amendments to the existing Tier 2 motor vehicle regulations (65 FR 6698, February 10, 2000, hereinafter referred to as the Tier 2 rule). These minor amendments are consistent with our intention, under the original Tier 2 rule, to provide interim compliance flexibilities for clean diesels in the passenger car market. While the automotive industry has made rapid advancements in light-duty diesel emissions control technologies and will, as a result, be able to produce diesel vehicles that can comply with the primary regulatory requirements of the Tier 2 program, diesel vehicles still face some very limited technological challenges in meeting the full suite of Tier 2 requirements. This action will provide two voluntary, interim alternative compliance options for a very limited set of standards for oxides of nitrogen (NOX), including only high altitude and high speed/high acceleration conditions. These temporary alternative compliance options are designed to be environmentally neutral, as manufacturers choosing them would then be required to meet more stringent standards in other aspects of the Tier 2 program. The alternative compliance options will last for only three model years, during which time advancements in diesel emissions control technologies will be further developed.
Guidelines for the Award of Monitoring Initiative Funds Under Section 106 Grants to States, Interstate Agencies, and Tribes
Document Number: E6-4585
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
These guidelines describe the formula necessary for EPA to allot Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 106 water pollution control program grant funds that have been targeted in EPA's appropriation process to support enhanced monitoring efforts by states, interstate agencies, and tribes for FY 2006 and beyond. These guidelines also describe the specific activities that states, interstate agencies, and tribes must carry out under the monitoring initiative in order to receive the funds. These activities will improve state and tribal capacity to monitor and report on water quality, and include two components: implementation of comprehensive monitoring strategies, including building capacity for state-scale statistically-valid surveys of water condition, and collaboration on statistically-valid surveys of the nation's waters.
Endocrine Disruptor Methods Validation Advisory Committee (EDMVAC); Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-4570
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
There will be a meeting of the Endocrine Disruptor Methods Validation Advisory Committe (EDMVAC) on April 18 through April 20, 2006, in Washington, DC. This meeting, as with all EDMVAC meetings, is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come basis. The purpose of the meeting is to receive advice and input from the EDMVAC on: Male and Female Pubertals Assay Interlaboratory Studies, EDSP's Applied Approach to Validation, Tier 1 Fish Screen Assay Validation Status, updates on Tier 1 Aromatase Assay, and Tier 1 Steroidogenesis Cell Based H295R Assay.
Azinphos-methyl; Order to Amend Registrations to Terminate Certain Uses
Document Number: E6-4569
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces the order to amend registrations to terminate certain uses, voluntarily requested by the registrant(s) and accepted by the Agency, of end-use products containing the pesticide azinphos-methyl, pursuant to section 6(f)(1) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. This cancellation order follows an August 17, 2005, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests (70 FR 48395) (FRL-7733-3) from the azinphos- methyl registrants to amend their product registrations to terminate certain uses of azinphos-methyl from their product registrations. In the August 17, 2005 Notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 60-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests. The Agency received two comments on the notice. These comments have been reviewed and taken into consideration in the Agency's decision to proceed with this termination order, and a response was sent to each commentor and placed in the public docket. EPA's decision is discussed in Unit III. of this notice. Any distribution, sale, or use of the azinphos-methyl products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions.
Methyl Bromide Revised Risk Assessment for Uses in Enclosures, Chambers and Structural Food Processing/Storage Facilities; Notice of Availability and Solicitation of Risk Reduction Options
Document Number: E6-4568
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces the availability of EPA's revised risk assessment for the pesticide methyl bromide's uses in enclosures, chambers and structural food processing/storage facilities. In addition, this notice solicits public comment on risk reduction options for methyl bromide's commodity uses. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for uses in enclosures, chambers and structural food processing/ storage facilities of methyl bromide (i.e. uses that result in a food tolerance) through the full, 6-Phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Contractor Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation (Renewal), EPA ICR Number 0246.09, OMB Control Number 2030-0016
Document Number: E6-4567
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that an Information Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Fabrication EPA ICR Number 2027.03, OMB Number 2060-0516
Document Number: E6-4566
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that an Information Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and costs.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Asbestos (Renewal); OMB Number 2060-0101; EPA ICR Number 0111.11
Document Number: E6-4564
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that an Information Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and costs.
Pesticide Product; Registration Applications
Document Number: E6-4549
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces receipt of applications to register pesticide products containing new active ingredients not included in any previously registered products pursuant to the provisions of section 3(c)(4) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended.
Chloroacetanilide Cumulative Risk Assessment; Notice of Availability
Document Number: E6-4505
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces the availability of EPA's cumulative risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide group of pesticides and opens a public comment period on these documents. As required by the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), a cumulative risk assessment, which evaluates exposures based on a common mechanism of toxicity, was conducted to evaluate the risk from food, drinking water, and non- occupational exposure resulting from all registered uses of chloroacetanilide pesticides. The chloroacetanilides group includes the pesticides acetochlor, alachlor and butachlor; however, butachlor was not incorporated into the cumulative assessment because there are no U.S. registrations or established tolerances. The Agency is also releasing the Report on FQPA Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision (TRED) for Acetochlor concurrent with the release of the chloroacetanilide cumulative assessment. See EPA-HQ-OPP-2005- 0227 in the Notice section of this issue of the Federal Register.
Certain New Chemicals; Receipt and Status Information
Document Number: E6-4504
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires any person who intends to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) a new chemical (i.e., a chemical not on the TSCA Inventory) to notify EPA and comply with the statutory provisions pertaining to the manufacture of new chemicals. Under sections 5(d)(2) and 5(d)(3) of TSCA, EPA is required to publish a notice of receipt of a premanufacture notice (PMN) or an application for a test marketing exemption (TME), and to publish periodic status reports on the chemicals under review and the receipt of notices of commencement to manufacture those chemicals. This status report, which covers the period from February 27, 2006 to March 10, 2006, consists of the PMNs and TMEs, both pending or expired, and the notices of commencement to manufacture a new chemical that the Agency has received under TSCA section 5 during this time period.
Acetochlor; Tolerance Reassessment Decision
Document Number: E6-4503
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces the availability of EPA's Report on Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision (TRED) for the chloroacetanilide pesticide acetochlor. The Agency's risk assessments and other related supporting documents also are available in the acetochlor docket. Through the tolerance reassessment program, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and food safety standards. This decision is being released concurrent with the Notice of Availability of the cumulative risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide pesticides which include acetochlor and alachlor. See EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0202 in the Notice section of this issue of the Federal Register.
Notice of Filing of Pesticide Petitions for Establishment or Amendment to Regulations for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities
Document Number: E6-4502
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces the initial filing of pesticide petitions proposing the establishment or amendment of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities.
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice 20 for Significant New Alternatives Policy Program
Document Number: 06-3030
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This Notice of Acceptability expands the list of acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The substitutes are for use in the following sectors: refrigeration and air conditioning, foam blowing, and fire suppression and explosion protection. The determinations concern new substitutes.
Fenpropimorph; Pesticide Tolerance
Document Number: 06-3029
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of fenpropimorph in or on bananas. BASF Corporation Agricultural Products requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996.
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan
Document Number: 06-3028
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is proposing to approve a revision to the existing Priority Reserve rule, Rule 1309.1, into the South Coast Air Quality Management District (District) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). Rule 1309.1 was approved into the SIP in 1996 to allow the District to provide emission reduction credits (ERCs) for specific priority sources, such as sources using innovative technology, conducting research operations or providing essential public services. The revision to Rule 1309.1 that we are proposing to approve merely adds specific types of electrical generating facilities to the list of sources entitled to use ERCs from the Priority Reserve. We are proposing to approve the revision to Rule 1309.1 and taking comment on the revision that adds specific types of electrical generating facilities to the sources eligible for ERCs from the Priority Reserve. We plan to follow this proposal with a final action.
Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerance
Document Number: 06-2978
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This regulation establishes a tolerance for combined residues of trifloxystrobin (benzeneacetic acid, (E,E)-[alpha]-(methoxyimino)-2- [[[[1-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethylidene]amino]oxy]methyl]-, methyl ester) and the free form of its acid metabolite CGA-321113 ((E,E)- methoxyimino-[2-[1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ethylideneaminoo xymethyl]- phenyl]acetic acid) pesticide petition (PP 4F6892) in or on corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed at 0.04 parts per million (ppm), corn, sweet, forage at 0.6 ppm, corn, sweet, stover at 0.25 ppm, and corn, sweet, cannery waste at 0.6 ppm; (PP 3E6769) oat, forage at 0.3 ppm, oat, grain at 0.05 ppm, oat, hay at 0.3 ppm, oat, straw at 5.0 ppm, barley, grain at 0.05 ppm, barley, hay at 0.3 ppm, barley, straw at 5.0 ppm. Bayer Crop Science requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA).
Flonicamid; Pesticide Tolerance
Document Number: 06-2977
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This regulation establishes a tolerance for combined residues of flonicamid and its metabolites in or on head and stem brassica and mustard greens. ISK Biosciences Corporation requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA).
Fenhexamid; Pesticide Tolerance
Document Number: 06-2975
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of fenhexamid in or on ginseng and pear. The Interregional Research Project 4 (IR-4), Center for Minor Crop Pest Management requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA).
Control of Hazardous Air Pollutants From Mobile Sources
Document Number: 06-2315
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-29
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Today EPA is proposing controls on gasoline, passenger vehicles, and portable gasoline containers (gas cans) that would significantly reduce emissions of benzene and other hazardous air pollutants (``mobile source air toxics''). Benzene is a known human carcinogen, and mobile sources are responsible for the majority of benzene emissions. The other mobile source air toxics are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. We are proposing to limit the benzene content of gasoline to an annual average of 0.62% by volume, beginning in 2011. We are also proposing to limit exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons from passenger vehicles when they are operated at cold temperatures. This standard would be phased in from 2010 to 2015. For passenger vehicles we also propose evaporative emissions standards that are equivalent to those in California. Finally, we are proposing a hydrocarbon emissions standard for gas cans beginning in 2009, which would reduce evaporation and spillage of gasoline from these containers. These controls would significantly reduce emissions of benzene and other mobile source air toxics such as 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and naphthalene. This proposal would result in additional substantial benefits to public health and welfare by significantly reducing emissions of particulate matter from passenger vehicles. We project annual nationwide benzene reductions of 35,000 tons in 2015, increasing to 65,000 tons by 2030. Total reductions in mobile source air toxics would be 147,000 tons in 2015 and over 350,000 tons in 2030. Passenger vehicles in 2030 would emit 45% less benzene. Gas cans meeting the new standards would emit almost 80% less benzene. Gasoline would have 37% less benzene overall. We estimate that these reductions would have an average cost of less than 1 cent per gallon of gasoline and less than $1 per vehicle. The average cost for gas cans would be less than $2 per can. The reduced evaporation from gas cans would result in significant fuel savings, which would more than offset the increased cost for the gas can.
Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources
Document Number: 06-2969
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-28
Agency: Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Engineers Corps, Army Department
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are proposing to revise regulations governing compensatory mitigation for activities authorized by permits issued by the Department of the Army. The proposed regulations are intended to establish performance standards and criteria for the use of permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation and mitigation banks, and to improve the quality and success of compensatory mitigation projects for activities authorized by Department of the Army permits. The proposed regulations are also intended to account for regional variations in aquatic resource types, functions, and values, and apply equivalent standards to each type of compensatory mitigation to the maximum extent practicable. The proposed rule includes a watershed approach to improve the quality and success of compensatory mitigation projects in replacing losses of aquatic resource functions, services, and values resulting from activities authorized by Department of the Army permits. We are proposing to require in-lieu fee programs, after a five-year transition period, to meet the same standards as mitigation banks.
Extension of Public Comment Period for Proposed Rule on the Transition to New or Revised Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Document Number: E6-4369
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-27
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA is announcing a 90-day extension of the public comment period for the proposed ``Transition to New or Revised Particulate Matter (PM); National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).'' As initially published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2006 written comments on the advance proposal for rulemaking were to be submitted to EPA on or before April 10, 2006 (a 60-day public comment period). Since publication, EPA has received several requests for additional time to submit comments. Therefore, the public comment period is being extended for 90 days and will now end on July 10, 2006. This extension is based on the fact that the PM NAAQS will not be finalized until September 27, 2006.
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations; Ground Water Rule; Notice of Data Availability
Document Number: 06-2931
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-27
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
On May 10, 2000, EPA published the proposed Ground Water Rule (GWR), a national primary drinking water regulation, in the Federal Register. The purpose of the proposed rule is to provide for increased protection against microbial pathogens in public water systems that use ground water sources. In the proposed rule, EPA presented 16 occurrence studies. Since the rule was proposed, new data have become available that further delineate pathogen and fecal indicator occurrence in groundwater. The purpose of this notice of data availability is to present additional occurrence studies that the Agency may use in performing its economic analysis of the final GWR, and to solicit comment on those additional studies and on whether EPA should consider any additional ground water microbial occurrence data not mentioned in the proposed rule or in this notice.
Revisions to the Arizona State Implementation Plan, Pinal County Air Quality Control District
Document Number: 06-2912
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-27
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is finalizing approval of revisions to the Pinal County Air Quality Control District (PCAQCD) portion of the Arizona State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions were proposed in the Federal Register on November 10, 2005 and concern opacity standards. We are approving local rules that regulate PM-10 emission sources under the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA or the Act).
Implementation of the 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard-Phase 1: Reconsideration
Document Number: 06-2909
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-27
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA is requesting comment on the overwhelming transport classification for 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas as requested in a petition for reconsideration of EPA's final rule to implement the 8- hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or standard). We are requesting comment on the draft guidance document entitled ``Criteria For Assessing Whether an Ozone Nonattainment Area is Affected by Overwhelming Transport,'' and we are reopening the comment period on our proposed rule regarding how the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 172 requirements would apply to an area that might receive an overwhelming transport classification. In the Phase 1 Rule to Implement the 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS we stated that we were considering the comments we received on the issue of applicable requirements for these subpart 1 areas and would address them when we issued guidance on assessing overwhelming transport. Consequently, today's action takes comment on the overwhelming transport guidance and on the applicable requirements that would apply to areas receiving the overwhelming transport classification. In addition, EPA is holding a public hearing on April 12, 2006.
Revisions to the Nevada State Implementation Plan
Document Number: 06-2868
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-27
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is finalizing approval of revisions to the Nevada State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions were proposed in the Federal Register on September 13, 2005 and include definitions, sulfur oxide emission regulations, and various other burning regulations. We are approving these regulations in order to regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA or the Act).
Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments
Document Number: E6-4300
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-24
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA expressed environmental concerns about the proposed project arising from the reliability of projecting traffic data to the year 2035, and the lack of data in the Tier 1 document to support the intended Tier 1 decisions. Rating EC2.
Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability
Document Number: E6-4299
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-24
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem Areas Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan for the Carbon Monoxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard
Document Number: 06-2870
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-24
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA is approving a revision to the North Carolina State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted in final form on March 23, 2005. The SIP revision provides the second 10-year maintenance plan for the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Areas, which are composed of the following four counties: Mecklenburg (Charlotte Area); Durham and Wake (Raleigh-Durham Area); and Forsyth (Winston-Salem Area). The second 10-year maintenance plan includes new motor vehicle emission budgets (MVEBs) for carbon monoxide for the year 2015. EPA is approving this SIP revision, including the new 2015 MVEBs for carbon monoxide, because it satisfies the requirement of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the second 10-year maintenance plan for the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem Areas. In addition, in this rulemaking, EPA is providing information on its transportation conformity adequacy determination for new MVEBs for the year 2015 that are contained in the second 10-year carbon monoxide maintenance plan for the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem Areas. EPA determined that the 2015 MVEBs are adequate through a previous action.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem Areas Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan for the Carbon Monoxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard
Document Number: 06-2869
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-24
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA is proposing to approve a revision to the North Carolina State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted in final form on March 23, 2005. The SIP revision provides the second 10-year maintenance plan for the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Areas, which are composed of the following four counties: Mecklenburg (Charlotte Area); Durham and Wake (Raleigh- Durham Area); and Forsyth (Winston-Salem Area). The second 10-year maintenance plan includes new motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) for carbon monoxide for the year 2015. EPA is proposing to approve this SIP revision, including the new 2015 MVEBs for carbon monoxide, because it satisfies the requirement of the Clean Air Act for the second 10- year maintenance plan for the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston- Salem Areas. In addition, in this rulemaking, EPA is providing information on its transportation conformity adequacy determination for new MVEBs for the year 2015 that are contained in the second 10-year carbon monoxide maintenance plan for the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem Areas. EPA determined that the 2015 MVEBs are adequate through a previous action. In the Final Rules Section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the State's SIP revision 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 significant, material, and adverse comments are received in response to this rule, 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 on this document. Any parties interested in commenting on this document should do so at this time.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maine; 15% and 5% Emission Reduction Plans, Inventories, and Transportation Conformity Budgets for the Portland One and Eight Hour Ozone Nonattainment Areas
Document Number: 06-2815
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-03-24
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is approving State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Maine. These revisions establish a 15% VOC emission reduction plan, and revised 1990 base year emissions inventory, for the Portland Maine one-hour ozone nonattainment area. Additionally, these revisions establish a 5% increment of progress emission reduction plan, 2002 base year inventory, and transportation conformity budget for the Portland Maine eight-hour ozone nonattainment area. The intended effect of this action is to approve these plans as revisions to the Maine SIP. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act.
Outer Continental Shelf Air Regulations Consistency Update for California
Document Number: E6-4204
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-03-23
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is proposing to update a portion of the Outer Continental Shelf (``OCS'') Air Regulations. Requirements applying to OCS sources located within 25 miles of States' seaward boundaries must be updated periodically to remain consistent with the requirements of the corresponding onshore area (``COA''), as mandated by section 328(a)(1) of the Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990 (``the Act''). The portion of the OCS air regulations that is being updated pertains to the requirements for OCS sources by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (Ventura County APCD). The intended effect of approving the OCS requirements for the Ventura County APCD is to regulate emissions from OCS sources in accordance with the requirements onshore. The change to the existing requirements discussed below is proposed to be incorporated by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations and is listed in the appendix to the OCS air regulations.
Dale Hollow Lake No Discharge Zone Determination
Document Number: E6-4203
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-23
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Monthly Progress Reports (Renewal), EPA ICR Number 1039.11, OMB Control Number 2030-0005
Document Number: E6-4200
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-23
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that an Information Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost.
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