Environmental Protection Agency May 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 50 of 134
Disapproval of State Implementation Plan; Infrastructure Requirements for the 1997 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard; Montana
EPA is proposing to disapprove a specific portion of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) certifications submitted by the State of Montana to demonstrate that the SIP meets the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) promulgated for ozone on July 18, 1997. The CAA requires that each state, after a new or revised NAAQS is promulgated, review its SIP to ensure that it meets certain infrastructure requirements detailed in the CAA. The State of Montana submitted two certifications, dated November 28, 2007 and December 22, 2009, that its SIP met these requirements for the 1997 ozone NAAQS. EPA is proposing to disapprove a portion of the submitted revisions because the SIP does not meet the requirements in the CAA for state boards that approve permits or enforcement orders.
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Request for Methyl Bromide Critical Use Exemption Applications for 2016
EPA is soliciting applications for the critical use exemption from the phaseout of methyl bromide for 2016. Critical use exemptions last only one year. All entities interested in obtaining a critical use exemption for 2016 must provide EPA with technical and economic information to support a ``critical use'' claim and must do so by the deadline specified in this notice even if they have applied for an exemption in previous years. Today's notice also invites interested parties to provide EPA with new data on the technical and economic feasibility of methyl bromide alternatives.
Notification of a Public Teleconference of the Great Lakes Advisory Board
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces a public teleconference of the Great Lakes Advisory Board (GLAB). The purpose of the teleconference is to continue discussions that will inform the development of a draft Great Lakes Restoration Initiative FY 2015-2019 Action Plan.
Proposed Modification of Significant New Uses of 1-Propene, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-
Under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA is proposing to amend the significant new use rule (SNUR) for the chemical substance identified as 1-Propene, 2,3,3,3- tetrafluoro-, which was the subject of premanufacture notice (PMN) P- 07-601. This action would amend the SNUR to allow the manufacture and processing for certain uses without requiring a significant new use notice (SNUN). EPA is proposing this amendment based on review of newly submitted exposure and toxicity data.
Azoxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerance; Technical Correction
EPA issued a final rule in the Federal Register of April 24, 2013, establishing new and modifying existing tolerances for residues of azoxystrobin. EPA inadvertently omitted the revised tolerance for wheat, forage to the table in the regulatory text. This document corrects that omission.
Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures
This action announces the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) approval of alternative testing methods for use in measuring the levels of contaminants in drinking water and determining compliance with national primary drinking water regulations. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) authorizes EPA to approve the use of alternative testing methods through publication in the Federal Register. EPA is using this streamlined authority to make 84 additional methods available for analyzing drinking water samples. This expedited approach provides public water systems, laboratories, and primacy agencies with more timely access to new measurement techniques and greater flexibility in the selection of analytical methods, thereby reducing monitoring costs while maintaining public health protection.
Cross-Media Electronic Reporting: Authorized Program Revision Approval, State of Arkansas
This notice announces EPA's approval of the State of Arkansas' request to revise/modify certain of its EPA-authorized programs to allow electronic reporting.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimethylammo-nium Chloride; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of guar hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CAS Reg. No. 71329-50-5) when used as an inert ingredient (thickener/drift reduction agent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops. SciReg. Inc., on behalf of Rhodia Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of guar hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride.
CDM Smith and Dynamac Corp; Transfer of Data
This notice announces that pesticide related information submitted to EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), including information that may have been claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI) by the submitter, will be transferred to CDM Smith and its subcontractor, Dynamac Corp, in accordance with 40 CFR 2.307(h)(3) and 2.308(i)(2). CDM Smith and its subcontractor, Dynamac Corp, have been awarded a contract to perform work for OPP, and access to this information will enable CDM Smith and its subcontractor, Dynamac Corp, to fulfill the obligations of the contract.
Notice of Receipt of Pesticide Products; Registration Applications To Register New Uses
This notice announces receipt of applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients pursuant to the provisions of section 3(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. This notice provides the public with an opportunity to comment on the applications.
Control of Air Pollution From Motor Vehicles: Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') is announcing an extension of the public comment period for the proposed rule ``Control of Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles: Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards'' (the proposed rule is hereinafter referred to as ``Tier 3''). EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking, which included a request for comment, in the Federal Register on May 21, 2013. The public comment period was to end on June 13, 2013. The purpose of this document is to extend the public comment period an additional 18 days, to July 1, 2013.
Oklahoma: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revision
Oklahoma has applied to the EPA for Final authorization of the 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 immediate final action. The EPA is publishing this rule to authorize the changes without a prior proposal because we believe this action is not controversial and do not expect comments that oppose it. Unless we receive written comments which oppose this authorization during the comment period, the decision to authorize Oklahoma's changes to its hazardous waste program will take effect. If we receive comments that oppose this action, we will publish a document in the Federal Register withdrawing this rule before it takes effect, and a separate document in the proposed rules section of this Federal Register will serve as a proposal to authorize the changes.
Oklahoma: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions
The State of Oklahoma has applied to EPA for Final authorization of the changes to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA proposes to grant Final authorization to the State of Oklahoma. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, EPA is authorizing the changes by an immediate final rule. EPA did not make a proposal prior to the direct final rule because we believe this action is not controversial and do not expect comments that oppose it. We have explained the reasons for this authorization in the preamble to the direct final rule. Unless we get written comments which oppose this authorization during the comment period, the direct final rule will become effective on the date it establishes, and we will not take further action on this proposal. If we receive comments that oppose this action, we will withdraw the direct final rule and it will not take effect. We will then respond to public comments in a later final rule based on this proposal. You may not have another opportunity for comment. If you want to comment on this action, you must do so at this time.
Notice of Receipt of a Request to Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of request by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw their requests. The cancellation for the allethrins manufacturing use products will be effective September 30, 2015, and the cancellation for the allethrins end-use products will be effective December 31, 2016, as described in Unit II. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registration has been cancelled only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order.
Pesticide Products; Registration Applications for New Active Ingredients
EPA has received several 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.
SFIREG Full Committee; Notice of Public Meeting
The Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO)/State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group (SFIREG), Full Committee will hold a 2-day meeting, beginning on June 10, 2013 and ending June 11, 2013. This notice announces the location and times for the meeting and sets forth the tentative agenda topics.
Difenzoquat; Order Revoking Tolerances
EPA is revoking all the tolerances for the pesticide difenzoquat. EPA previously required that data be submitted to support these tolerances and that notice of intent to submit that data be submitted to the Agency by March 19, 2013. No notice of intent to provide the required data was submitted.
Revision to the Washington State Implementation Plan; Tacoma-Pierce County Nonattainment Area
The EPA is approving State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) dated November 28, 2012. The EPA's final rulemaking approves two revisions to the SIP. First, the EPA is approving the ``2008 Baseline Emissions Inventory and Documentation'' included as Appendix A to the SIP revision. The emissions inventory was submitted to meet Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements related to the Tacoma-Pierce County nonattainment area for the 2006 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Second, the EPA is approving updated rules submitted by Ecology on behalf of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA), contained in Appendix B, ``SIP Strengthening Rules.'' The updated PSCAA rules help implement the recommendations of the Tacoma-Pierce County Clean Air Task Force, an advisory committee of community leaders, citizen representatives, public health advocates, and other affected parties, formed to develop PM2.5 reduction strategies.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Atlanta, Georgia 1997 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area; Reasonable Further Progress Plan
EPA is taking direct final action to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision, submitted by the State of Georgia, through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD), on October 21, 2009, to address the reasonable further progress (RFP) plan requirements for the Atlanta, Georgia 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) nonattainment area. The Atlanta, Georgia 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as the ``Atlanta Area'' or ``the Area'') is comprised of Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton Counties in Georgia. EPA is also finding adequate the motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEB) for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that were included in Georgia's RFP plan. Further, EPA is approving these MVEB. Additionally, as an administrative update EPA is also removing the numbering system from the non-regulatory provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Atlanta, Georgia 1997 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area; Reasonable Further Progress Plan
EPA is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision, submitted by the State of Georgia, through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, on October 21, 2009, to address the reasonable further progress (RFP) plan requirements for the Atlanta, Georgia 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) nonattainment area. The Atlanta, Georgia 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as the ``Atlanta Area'') is comprised of Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton Counties in Georgia. EPA is also providing the status of its adequacy determination for the motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEB) for volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides that were included in Georgia's RFP plan. Further, EPA is approving these MVEB. In the Final Rules Section of this issue of the Federal Register, EPA is approving the State's implementation plan revisions and providing the Agency's adequacy determination for Georgia's MVEB as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views these submittals as noncontroversial and anticipates no adverse comments.
Triforine; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of triforine in or on blueberry and tomato. Summit Agro North America Holding Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Methyl 5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5-oxopentanoate; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of methyl 5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5- oxopentanoate (1174627-68-9) when used as an inert ingredient solvent in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. SciReg, Inc. (12733 Director's Loop, Woodbridge, VA 22192), on behalf of Rhodia Inc. (CN 7500, 8 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512-7500) submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of methyl 5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5-oxopentanoate.
National Environmental Justice Advisory Council; Notification of Public Teleconference Meeting and Public Comment
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby provides notice that the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will host a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, June 13, 2013, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The primary topics of discussion will be (1) preliminary recommendations concerning EPA's research programs and the scientific foundation needed to address and prevent environmental inequities and (2) EPA's draft Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis. There will be a public comment period from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Members of the public are encouraged to provide comments relevant to the topics of the meeting. For additional information about registering to attend the meeting or to provide public comment, please see the ``Registration'' and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION sections below. Due to a limited number of telephone lines, attendance will be on a first-come, first served basis. Pre-registration is required. Registration for the teleconference meeting closes at Noon Eastern Time on Monday, June 10, 2013. The deadline to sign up to speak during the public comment period, or to submit written public comments, is also Noon, Monday, June 10, 2013.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements for National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Automobile Refinish Coatings, EPA ICR Number 1765.07
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.), this document announces that the EPA is planning to submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request to the Office of Management and Budget with changes to the ICR burden estimates. This ICR is scheduled to expire on October 31, 2013. Before submitting the Information Collection Request to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval, the EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection.
California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; In-Use Heavy Duty Vehicles (as Applicable to Yard Trucks and Two-Engine Sweepers); Notice of Decision
EPA is granting the California Air Resources Board's (CARB's) request for authorization of California's emission standards and accompanying enforcement procedures for in-use nonroad yard trucks and auxiliary engines used in two-engine sweepers as found within CARB's ``Regulation to Reduce Emissions of Diesel Particulate Matter, Oxides of Nitrogen and Other Criteria Pollutants from In-Use Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Vehicles'' (Truck and Bus Regulation). The yard truck and auxiliary engine regulation that EPA is authorizing represents only a subset of provisions within the broader Truck and Bus Regulation. The California Truck and Bus Regulation establishes requirements for and principally applies to ``non-new'' on-road motor vehicles which are not the subject of this decision (such regulations are not preempted under the Clean Air Act). However, the Truck and Bus Regulation also applies to some engines that are subject to preemption, including any nonroad engines used to power yard trucks (which are principally used in nonroad agricultural operations) and the auxiliary engines used to power the broom or vacuum functions on two-engine sweepers. EPA's authorization in this Notice of Decision applies only to the yard truck and auxiliary engine provisions in the Truck and Bus Regulation.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Reasonably Available Control Technology Update To Address Control Techniques Guidelines Issued in 2006, 2007, and 2008
The EPA is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Connecticut. This revision establishes and requires Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for several categories of volatile organic compound (VOC) sources. The intended effect of this action is to propose approval of these requirements into the Connecticut SIP. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act.
National Priorities List, Proposed Rule No. 58
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (``CERCLA'' or ``the Act''), as amended, requires that the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (``NCP'') include a list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants throughout the United States. The National Priorities List (``NPL'') constitutes this list. The NPL is intended primarily to guide the Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'' or ``the agency'') in determining which sites warrant further investigation. These further investigations will allow the EPA to assess the nature and extent of public health and environmental risks associated with the site and to determine what CERCLA-financed remedial action(s), if any, may be appropriate. This rule proposes to add nine sites to the General Superfund section of the NPL and proposes to change the name of an NPL site.
National Priorities List, Final Rule No. 56
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (``CERCLA'' or ``the Act''), as amended, requires that the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (``NCP'') include a list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants throughout the United States. The National Priorities List (``NPL'') constitutes this list. The NPL is intended primarily to guide the Environmental Protection Agency (``the EPA'' or ``the agency'') in determining which sites warrant further investigation. These further investigations will allow the EPA to assess the nature and extent of public health and environmental risks associated with the site and to determine what CERCLA-financed remedial action(s), if any, may be appropriate. This rule: Adds eight sites to the General Superfund section of the NPL; adds one site to the Federal Facilities section of the NPL; corrects an error in a footnote; and corrects an error in the state location for Five Points PCE Plume site.
Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit
In accordance with section 113(g) of the Clean Air Act, as amended (``CAA'' or the ``Act''), notice is hereby given of a proposed consent decree to address a lawsuit filed by Sierra Club in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California: Sierra Club v. Perciasepe, No. 3:12-cv-4078-JST (N.D. CA). On August 2, 2012, Plaintiff filed a complaint alleging that EPA failed to take action on certain state implementation plan (``SIP'') submissions from the State of Nevada by the statutory deadline established by CAA section 110(k)(2). EPA has since taken final action on most of these SIP submissions, and the proposed consent decree establishes a deadline for EPA to take action on the one remaining SIP submission.
Promulgation of State Implementation Plan Revisions; Infrastructure Requirements for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
EPA is proposing to approve the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions from the State of Colorado to demonstrate that the SIP meets the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) promulgated for particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers ([mu]m) in diameter (PM2.5) on July 18, 1997 and on October 17, 2006. The CAA requires that each state, after a new or revised NAAQS is promulgated, review their SIP to ensure that they meet the requirements of the ``infrastructure elements'' necessary to implement the new or revised NAAQS. Colorado submitted certifications of its infrastructure SIP for the 1997 and the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS on April 4, 2008 and on June 4, 2010, respectively. Colorado also submitted revisions to Regulation 3 of the Air Quality Control Commission permitting requirements for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program on May 11, 2012 and May 13, 2013 that incorporate the required elements of the 2008 PM2.5 Implementation Rule and the 2010 PM2.5 Increment Rule. EPA proposes to approve portions of these two SIP revisions that bring Colorado's PSD regulations up to date for regulated pollutants. EPA does not propose to act on the portions of the submission for the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS that are intended to meet requirements related to interstate transport of air pollution. EPA will act on the remainder of the submissions in a separate action.
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, South Coast Air Quality Management District
EPA is finalizing approval of revisions to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). This action was proposed in the Federal Register on February 4, 2013 and concerns volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from municipal solid waste landfills and dairies. We are approving local rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Illinois; Air Quality Standards Revision
EPA is proposing to approve a revision to the Illinois State Implementation Plan (SIP) to reflect current national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone, lead, and particulate matter. EPA is proposing to approve a revision to add new incorporations by reference associated with current ozone, lead, and particulate matter NAAQS into the Illinois SIP. EPA is also proposing to approve revisions that amend typographical errors in the Illinois SIP.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Illinois; Air Quality Standards Revision
EPA is approving a revision to the Illinois state implementation plan (SIP) to reflect current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone and particulate matter (PM). EPA is approving a revision to add new incorporations by reference associated with current ozone, lead, and particulate matter NAAQS into the Illinois SIP. EPA is also approving revisions that amend typographical errors in the Illinois SIP.
Kraft Pulp Mills NSPS Review
The EPA is proposing revisions to the new source performance standards for kraft pulp mills. These revised standards include particulate matter emission limits for recovery furnaces, smelt dissolving tanks and lime kilns, which apply to emission units commencing construction, reconstruction or modification after May 23, 2013 that are different than those required under the existing standards for kraft pulp mills. The exemptions to opacity standards do not apply to the proposed standards for kraft pulp mills. The proposed rule also removes the exemption for periods of startup and shutdown resulting in a standard that applies at all times. The proposed rule includes additional testing requirements and updated monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements for affected sources. These differences are expected to ensure that control systems are properly maintained over time, ensure continuous compliance with standards and improve data accessibility for the EPA, states, tribal governments and communities.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Implementation of Ambient Air Protocol Gas Verification Participation Survey; EPA ICR No. 2375.02
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that the EPA is planning to submit a request for a renewal Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Before submitting the ICR to the OMB for review and approval, the EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below.
1-Naphthaleneacetic acid; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 1- naphthaleneacetic acid in or on avocado; fruit, pome, group 11-10; mango; sapote, mamey; and rambutan. This regulation additionally deletes certain tolerances, identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Wisconsin; Prevention of Significant Deterioration Greenhouse Gas Tailoring and Biomass Deferral Rule
EPA is approving revisions to the Wisconsin State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to EPA on May 4, 2011, June 20, 2012, and September 28, 2012. The revisions modify Wisconsin's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program to establish appropriate emission thresholds for determining which new stationary sources and modification projects become subject to Wisconsin's PSD permitting requirements for their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, these revisions defer until July 21, 2014, the application of the PSD permitting requirements to biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from bioenergy and other biogenic stationary sources in the State of Wisconsin. EPA has made the preliminary determination that these revisions are in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and EPA regulations regarding PSD permitting for GHGs and is approving Wisconsin's revisions.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Arizona; Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Programs
EPA is taking final action to approve three revisions to the Arizona State Implementation Plan submitted by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Two of these revisions relate to an amendment to Arizona's vehicle emissions inspection program that exempts motorcycles in the Phoenix metropolitan area from emissions testing requirements. The third revision expands the geographic area in which various air quality control measures, including the vehicle emissions inspection program but also including other control measures, apply in the Phoenix metropolitan area. EPA is approving these SIP revisions based on our conclusion that the SIP revisions meet all applicable requirements and would not interfere with reasonable further progress or attainment of any of the national ambient air quality standards. EPA is finalizing this action under the Clean Air Act obligation to take action on State submittals of revisions to state implementation plans.
Notification of a Public Teleconference of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces a public teleconference of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). The EPA established the CAAAC on November 19, 1990, to provide independent advice and counsel to EPA on policy issues associated with implementation of the Clean Air Act of 1990. The Committee advises on economic, environmental, technical, scientific and enforcement policy issues.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collections; Request for Comment on Two Proposed Information Collection Requests (ICRs)
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit two information collection requests (ICRs), (see the item specific information provided in the text), 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 both ICRs, which are currently approved through July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2013, as specified for each item in the text below. 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.
Ocean Dumping; Atchafalaya-West Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation
The EPA is proposing to re-designate the existing Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA) Section 103(b) Atchafalaya-West Ocean Disposal Site (ODMDS-West) as a permanent MPRSA Section 102(c) ocean dredged material disposal site (ODMDS) located adjacent to and west of the Atchafalaya River Bar Channel (ARBC) of Louisiana. The approval for the ODMDS-West use expired in August 2012; therefore, the site can no longer accept shoal material dredged from the ARBC unless it is re-designated as a MPRSA Section 102(c) site by EPA. Studies have shown that use of the ODMDS-West reduces the amount and rate of shoal material runback into the ARBC, and thus, decreases the overall annual maintenance dredging effort needed for the ARBC while providing vessels with a longer period of safe navigation access prior to a maintenance dredging event. Therefore, there is a need to designate a permanent ODMDS on the west side of the ARBC. Approximately 10.8 million cubic yards will be placed every 7 months and must be conducted in accordance with the Site Management and Monitoring Plan. The proposed ODMDS will be monitored periodically to ensure that the site operates as expected.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Kentucky; Approval of Revisions to the Jefferson County Portion of the Kentucky SIP; Emissions During Startups, Shutdowns, and Malfunctions
EPA is proposing to approve part of a revision to the Kentucky State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (KDAQ), on March 22, 2011. The proposed revision was submitted by KDAQ on behalf of the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (District), which has jurisdiction over Jefferson County, Kentucky. The portion of the revision that EPA is proposing for approval modifies the Regulation entitled, ``Emissions During Startups, Shutdowns, Malfunctions and Emergencies'' in the Jefferson County portion of the Kentucky SIP. EPA is proposing approval of this portion of the March 22, 2011, SIP revision because the Agency has determined that it is in accordance with the requirements for SIP provisions under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). EPA will act on the other portions of KDAQ's March 22, 2011, submittal, which are severable and unrelated, in a separate action.
Control of Air Pollution From Motor Vehicles: Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards
This action would establish more stringent vehicle emissions standards and reduce the sulfur content of gasoline beginning in 2017, as part of a systems approach to addressing the impacts of motor vehicles and fuels on air quality and public health. The proposed gasoline sulfur standard would make emission control systems more effective for both existing and new vehicles, and would enable more stringent vehicle emissions standards. The proposed vehicle standards would reduce both tailpipe and evaporative emissions from passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles, and some heavy-duty vehicles. This would result in significant reductions in pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and air toxics across the country and help state and local agencies in their efforts to attain and maintain health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Motor vehicles are an important source of exposure to air pollution both regionally and near roads. These proposed vehicle standards are intended to harmonize with California's Low Emission Vehicle program, thus creating a federal vehicle emissions program that would allow automakers to sell the same vehicles in all 50 states. The proposed vehicle standards would be implemented over the same timeframe as the greenhouse gas/fuel efficiency standards for light-duty vehicles, as part of a comprehensive approach toward regulating emissions from motor vehicles.
Partial Approval and Partial Disapproval of Air Quality State Implementation Plans; Arizona; Regional Haze Requirements
EPA is proposing to approve in part and disapprove in part revisions to Arizona's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for its regional haze program based on our evaluation of its supplemental submittal dated May 3, 2013. The State's new submittal revises Arizona's SIP that was submitted on February 28, 2011. The new revisions are in response to EPA's proposed rule published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2012. Specifically, we propose to approve Arizona's most recent emissions inventory for 2008, the reasonable progress analysis of coarse mass and fine soils, and aspects of the analyses and determinations of Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) controls for four sources. These sources are Freeport-McMoRan Incorporated (FMMI) Miami Smelter, American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) Hayden Smelter, Catalyst Paper, and Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO) Apache Generating Station. However, we are proposing to disapprove other revisions to the reasonable progress analysis and some aspects of the revised BART analyses and determinations. We describe in today's action the major elements of the State's new SIP submittal and our assessment in terms of why we are proposing to approve or disapprove these revised elements. Today's action does not address any other parts of Arizona's SIP. Regional haze is caused by emissions of air pollutants from numerous sources located over a broad geographic area. The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires states to adopt and submit to EPA SIPs that assure reasonable progress toward the national goal of achieving natural visibility conditions by 2064 in 156 national parks and wilderness areas designated as Class I areas.
Access to Confidential Business Information by ABT Associates, Incorporated; Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc.; SGS North America, Inc.; SAI Global, Inc.; Orion Registrar, Inc.; NSF-ISR International, and TÜV SÜD America, Inc.
EPA will authorize its contractor ABT Associates, Incorporated (ABT) and six (6) auditing organizations: Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc.; SGS North America, Inc.; SAI Global; Orion Registrar, Inc.; NSF- ISR International, and T[Uuml]V S[Uuml]D America, Inc., also known as the ``Certifying Bodies'', to access Confidential Business Information (CBI) which has been submitted to EPA under the authority of all sections of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, as amended. EPA has issued regulations that outline business confidentiality provisions for the Agency and require all EPA Offices that receive information designated by the submitter, as CBI to abide by these provisions.
Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans; State of Utah; Interstate Transport of Pollution for the 2006 PM2.5
EPA is proposing to disapprove a portion of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from the State of Utah that is intended to demonstrate that its SIP meets certain interstate transport requirements of the Clean Air Act (``Act'' or ``CAA'') for the 2006 fine particulate matter (``PM2.5'') National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This SIP submission addresses the requirement that Utah's SIP contain adequate provisions to prohibit air emissions from adversely affecting another state's air quality through interstate transport. Specifically, EPA is proposing to disapprove the portion of the Utah SIP submission that addresses the CAA requirement prohibiting emissions from Utah sources from significantly contributing to nonattainment of the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS in any other state or interfering with maintenance of the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS by any other state. Under a recent court decision, this disapproval does not trigger an obligation for EPA to promulgate a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to address these interstate transport requirements.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NSPS for Nitric Acid Plants (Renewal)
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.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Florida; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
EPA is proposing to approve in part, and disapprove in part, the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, submitted by the State of Florida, through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on October 31, 2011, to demonstrate that the State meets the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by the EPA, which is commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure'' SIP. FDEP certified that the Florida SIP contains provisions that ensure the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS are implemented, enforced, and maintained in Florida (hereafter referred to as ``infrastructure submission''). EPA is now taking two related actions on FDEP's infrastructure submission for Florida. First, EPA is proposing to disapprove in part portions of Florida's infrastructure submission as it relates to the regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Second, EPA is proposing to determine that Florida's infrastructure submission, addresses all other required infrastructure elements for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, with the exception of the aforementioned portions and the requirement that the SIP include provisions prohibiting any source or other type of emissions activity in one state from interfering with measures to protect visibility in another state.
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