Environmental Protection Agency February 21, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

EPA is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maine. This revision limits open burning of construction and demolition debris to on-site burning for the disposal of wood wastes and painted and unpainted wood, and adds restrictions to open burning conducted for training, research and recreational purposes. The revised rule also defines which open-burning recreational activities do not require a permit, such as residential use of outdoor grills and fireplaces, and recreational campfires while the ground is covered in snow. The revised rule eliminates provisions that allowed permits to be issued for open burning of rubbish where no rubbish collection is available or ``reasonably located'' and where ``there is no other suitable method for disposal.'' In addition, the revised rule includes a reference to reasonable precautions required by Maine statute 38 MRSA section 1296 to prevent the introduction of lead into the environment from lead-based paint. This action will have a beneficial effect on air quality in Maine by reducing emissions of particulate matter, air toxics, and other pollutants, especially from the burning of lead-painted wood, plastics, metals, and other non-wood materials. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 has completed its statutory review of variances and exemptions issued by the State of Colorado under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) program. This review was announced in the Federal Register published September 25, 2007, 72 FR 54445, and provided the public with an opportunity to comment. No comments related to Variances and/or Exemptions issued or proposed by the State of Colorado were received. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 determined as a result of this review that the State of Colorado did not abuse its discretion on any variance or exemption granted or proposed as of the date of the on site review on September 25, 2007.

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.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (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 collection and the estimated burden and cost.

EPA is publishing for public review and comment a draft list of contaminants that are currently not subject to any proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water regulations, that are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems, and which may require regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This is the third Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 3) published by the Agency since the SDWA amendments of 1996. This draft CCL 3 includes 93 chemicals or chemical groups and 11 microbiological contaminants. The EPA seeks comment on the draft CCL 3, the approach used to develop the list, and other specific contaminants.