Environmental Protection Agency January 30, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In 1997, Illinois adopted and submitted rules establishing a cap and trade program regulating emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The program was designed to address VOC sources in the Chicago area with potential to emit at least 25 tons per year. Then, in 2004, EPA replaced the ``Severe'' classification for the Chicago ozone nonattainment area with a ``Moderate'' classification, which according to EPA guidance revised the applicable definition of major sources from 25 tons per year to 100 tons per year. Illinois adopted rule revisions, submitted to EPA on January 10, 2007, to require that sources with potential to emit at least 25 tons per year remain in the program. Illinois' rule revisions also address other ramifications of the ``reclassification.'' EPA is approving these rule revisions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or we) is announcing the availability of, and soliciting public comments for 45 days on, the proposed approval of the radioactive, contact-handled (CH), transuranic (TRU) waste characterization program implemented at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. This waste is intended for disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico. In accordance with the WIPP Compliance Criteria, EPA evaluated the characterization of CH TRU debris and solid waste from Hanford during an inspection conducted the week of June 4, 2007. Using the systems and processes developed as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) program, EPA verified whether DOE could adequately characterize CH TRU waste consistent with the Compliance Criteria. The results of EPA's evaluation of Hanford's program and its proposed approval are described in the Agency's inspection report, which is available for review in the public dockets listed in ADDRESSES. We will consider public comments received on or before the due date mentioned in DATES. This notice summarizes the waste characterization processes evaluated by EPA and EPA's proposed approval. As required by 40 CFR 194.8, at the end of a 45-day comment period EPA will evaluate public comments received, and if appropriate, finalize the reports responding to the relevant public comments, and issue a final report and approval letter to DOE.

This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of fluopicolide, 2,6-dichloro-N-[[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2- pyridinyl]methyl]benzamide, as an indicator of combined residues of fluopicolide and its metabolite, 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM), in or on grape at 2.0 parts per million (ppm); grape, raisin at 6.0 ppm; vegetable, cucurbit, group 9 at 0.50 ppm; vegetable, fruiting, group 8 at 1.6 ppm; vegetable, leafy, except brassica, group 4 at 25 ppm; and vegetable, tuberous and corm, subgroup, except potato, 1D at 0.02 ppm. Valent U.S.A. Corporation requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

This notice announces receipt of an application 264-EUP-140 from Bayer CropScience requesting to amend and extend the existing experimental use permit (EUP) for the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab protein and the genetic material necessary for its production in event T303-3 and T304-40 cotton plants. The Agency has determined that the application may be of regional and national significance. Therefore, in accordance with 40 CFR 172.11(a), the Agency is soliciting comments on this application.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding a second public workshop to discuss the development of proposed regulations for the underground injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) for geologic sequestration under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The SDWA requires EPA to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination due to underground injection activities. The Underground Injection Control Program works with States and Tribes to oversee underground injection activities and prevent endangerment of drinking water sources. This public workshop will provide an opportunity for dialogue with representatives from industry, government, public interest groups, and the general public on geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide.