Environmental Protection Agency July 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In this notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is notifying the public that EPA has found that the motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) in the Baltimore, Maryland (MD) 1997 Fine Particulate (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) Nonattainment Area Maintenance Plan (Baltimore Maintenance Plan), submitted as a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), are adequate for transportation conformity purposes. As a result of EPA's finding, the State of Maryland must use the 2017 and 2025 MVEBs from the Baltimore Maintenance Plan for future conformity determinations for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add chemical-specific and default global warming potentials (GWPs) for a number of fluorinated greenhouse gases (GHGs) and fluorinated heat transfer fluids (HTFs) to the general provisions of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule. Currently, these fluorinated GHGs and HTFs are not assigned GWPs under the rule. The proposed changes would increase the completeness and accuracy of the carbon dioxide (CO2)- equivalent emissions calculated and reported by suppliers and emitters of fluorinated GHGs and HTFs. In addition, the EPA is proposing conforming changes to the provisions for the Electronics Manufacturing and Fluorinated Gas Production source categories.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is authorizing uses that qualify for the critical use exemption and the amount of methyl bromide that may be produced or imported for those uses for both the 2014 and 2015 control periods. EPA is taking this action under the authority of the Clean Air Act to reflect consensus decisions of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer at the Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Meetings of the Parties. EPA is also amending the regulatory framework to remove provisions related to sale of pre-phaseout inventory for critical uses.

This notice announces the availability of EPA's draft human health and ecological risk assessment for the registration review of Dicrotophos and opens a public comment period on this document. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. As part of the registration review process, the Agency has completed a comprehensive draft human health and ecological risk assessment for all Dicrotophos uses. After reviewing comments received during the public comment period, EPA will issue a revised risk assessment, explain any changes to the draft risk assessment, and respond to comments and may request public input on risk mitigation before completing a proposed registration review decision for Dictotophos. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment.

EPA is approving a request from Maine for an exemption from the requirements for the control of nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions contained in section 182(f) of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) in relation to the 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (standards or NAAQS). Maine's request, dated October 13, 2012, is based on a technical demonstration submitted to EPA by Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) showing that NOX emissions in Maine are not having a meaningful adverse impact on the ability of any nonattainment areas located in the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) to attain the ozone standards during times when elevated ozone levels are monitored in those areas. Specifically, Maine analyzed the nearest of these areas (i.e., the nonattainment areas in Massachusetts and Connecticut). Based on EPA's review of this technical demonstration, and other relevant information, we conclude that any additional reductions in NOX emissions in the State of Maine that would be required under the 2008 8-hour ozone standards, and which would be beyond what Maine's State Implementation Plan (SIP) regulations already provide for, would not produce net ozone air quality benefits in the OTR. Thus, EPA has determined that those emissions reductions may be exempted under the Act.

The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1363.23, OMB Control No. 2025-0009) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through October 31, 2014. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (79 FR 11783) on March 3, 2014 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. 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.

On October 29, 2013, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) submitted a request for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate the Bellefontaine nonattainment area to attainment for the 2008 national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for lead. EPA is proposing to determine that the Bellefontaine area meets the requirements for redesignation and is also proposing to approve several additional related actions. EPA is proposing to approve, as revisions to the Ohio state implementation plan, the state's plan for maintaining the 2008 lead NAAQS through 2025 for the area. EPA is proposing to approve the 2010 emissions inventory for the Bellefontaine area, which meet the comprehensive emissions inventory requirement of the Act. EPA is proposing to approve these actions in accordance with the Clean Air Act and EPA's implementation regulations regarding the 2008 lead NAAQS.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the Washington State Implementation Plan (SIP) that were submitted by the Department of Ecology (Ecology) on January 27, 2014. These revisions update the preconstruction permitting regulations for large industrial (major source) facilities located in designated nonattainment areas, referred to as the Nonattainment New Source Review (major nonattainment NSR or major NNSR) program. While these revisions update Ecology's major NNSR program generally, the most significant change is the incorporation of regulations to implement major NNSR for fine particulate matter, particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). The major NNSR program is designed to ensure that major stationary sources of air pollution are constructed or modified in a manner that is consistent with attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of state implementation plan (SIP) submissions from Ohio regarding the infrastructure requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2008 lead (Pb), 2008 ozone, 2010 nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a request submitted by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) on March 14, 2013, to revise the Indiana state implementation plan (SIP) solvent degreasing operation rule. The state's submission seeks to extend vapor pressure limitations (previously applying to four counties) state-wide, add certain exemptions and streamline the rule by repealing and consolidating certain provisions. There is also a revised definition for ``cold cleaner degreaser.''

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to grant full approval of Missouri's attainment demonstration State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the lead National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) nonattainment area of Herculaneum, Missouri submitted on April 18, 2013. The applicable standard addressed in this action is the lead NAAQS promulgated by EPA in 2008. EPA believes that the SIP submitted by the state satisfies the applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) identified in EPA's 2008 Final Rule and will bring the area into attainment of the 0.15 microgram per cubic meter (ug/ m\3\) lead NAAQS in the Herculaneum, Missouri area. In this action, EPA also proposes approval of a revision to the Missouri SIP related to the 2007 Consent Judgment which was previously approved into the Missouri SIP as part of an attainment demonstration for the 1978 lead NAAQS. This revision was submitted to EPA on November 21, 2011.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The ICR, entitled: ``Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Disclosure Requirements'' and identified by EPA ICR No. 1710.07 and OMB Control No. 2070-0151, represents the renewal of an existing ICR that is scheduled to expire on April 30, 2015. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection that is summarized in this document. The ICR and accompanying material are available in the docket for public review and comment.

The Environmental Protection Agency is making an interim final determination to stay the imposition of offset sanctions and to defer the imposition of highway sanctions based on a proposed approval of a revision to the Clark County Department of Air Quality (Clark or DEQ) portion of the Nevada State Implementation Plan (SIP) published elsewhere in this Federal Register. The SIP revision concerns six permitting rules (referred to as Sections) submitted by Clark: Sections 0Definitions, 12.0Applicability, General Requirements and Transition Procedures, 12.1Permit Requirements for Minor Sources, 12.2Permit Requirements for Major Sources in Attainment Areas, 12.3Permit Requirements for Major Sources in Nonattainment Areas, 12.4Authority to Construct Application and Permit Requirements For Part 70 Sources, and subsection 12.7.5 of Section 12.7Emission Reduction Credits.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve changes to the Kentucky State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (KDAQ) to EPA on January 31, 2013. The SIP revision modifies the Commonwealth's New Source Review (NSR), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) regulations to adopt into the Kentucky SIP Federal NSR permitting requirements for the implementation of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). All of the changes in Kentucky's January 31, 2013 SIP submission are necessary to comply with Federal requirements. EPA is proposing approval of the Commonwealth's January 31, 2013 revision to the Kentucky SIP because the Agency has preliminarily determined that the changes are consistent with the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). Additionally, EPA is proposing to convert two conditional approvals for SIP infrastructure requirements (related to Kentucky's permitting program) to full approval under the CAA.

This notice announces the availability of EPA's proposed interim registration review decisions and opens a public comment period on the proposed interim decisions. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, that the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). Vacancies are expected to be filled by March 9, 2015. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. Background: GNEB is a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463. GNEB was created in 1992 by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act, Public Law 102-532, 7 U.S.C. 5404. Implementing authority was delegated to the Administrator of EPA under Executive Order 12916. The GNEB is charged by statute with submitting an annual report to the President on the need for implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects within the states of the United States contiguous to Mexico. The statute calls for the GNEB to have representatives from U.S. Government agencies; the governments of the states of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas; and tribal and private organizations with experience in environmental and infrastructure issues along the U.S./Mexico Border. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for two year terms with the possibility of reappointment. The GNEB meets approximately three times annually either in person or via video/ teleconference. The average workload for committee members is approximately 10 to 15 hours per month. Members serve on the committees in a voluntary capacity. Although we are unable to offer compensation or an honorarium, members may receive travel and per diem allowances, according to applicable federal travel regulations. The EPA is seeking nominations from a variety of nongovernmental interests along the U.S.- Mexico border from the private sector, including representatives from business, academia, environmental groups, health groups, ranching and grazing, energy, financial, and other relevant sectors. EPA values and welcomes diversity. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups. The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees: Background and experiences that would help members contribute to the diversity of perspectives on the committee (e.g., geographic, economic, social, cultural, educational, and other considerations). Representative of a sector or group that helps to shape border-region environmental policy or representatives of a group that is affected by border region environmental policy. Has extensive professional knowledge and experience with the particular issues that the GNEB examines (i.e. environmental and infrastructure issues along the U.S.-Mexico border), including the bi- national dimension of these issues. Bring senior level experience that will fill a need of the GNEB in bringing a new and relevant dimension to its deliberations. Possesses a demonstrated ability to work in a consensus building process with a wide range of representatives from diverse constituencies. Ability to contribute approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to the GNEB's activities, including face-to-face meetings, conference calls and participation in the development of the GNEB's annual report to the President and comment letters. Nominees may self-nominate by submitting a resume describing their professional and educational qualifications, including current business address, email and daytime telephone number. All nominees must demonstrate the potential for active and constructive involvement in the GNEB's work. If you are interested in serving on GNEB, we will need the following items to process your nomination package: Nominations must include a brief statement of interest, resume, curriculum vitae, or a short biography (no more than two paragraphs) describing your professional and educational qualifications, including a list of relevant activities and any current or previous service on advisory committees. The statement of interest, resume, curriculum vitae, or short biography should include the candidate's name, name and address of current organization, position title, email address, and daytime telephone number(s). In preparing your statement of interest, please describe how your background, knowledge, and experience will bring value to the work of the committee, and how these qualifications would contribute to the overall diversity of the GNEB. Also, be sure to describe any previous involvement with the Agency through employment, grant funding and/or contracting sources. Candidates from the academic sector must also provide a letter of recommendation authorizing the nominee to represent their institution. Please be advised that federal registered lobbyists are not permitted to serve on federal advisory boards.

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.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the Nevada state implementation plan that provides for the maintenance of the national ambient air quality standard for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal ten micrometers (PM10) in Las Vegas Valley for the next ten years and to approve the related motor vehicle emissions budgets. Based in part on the proposed approval of the PM10 maintenance plan, EPA is also proposing to approve the State of Nevada's request for redesignation of Las Vegas Valley to attainment for the PM10 standard. Consistent with the assumptions of the maintenance plan, EPA is proposing to approve revisions to certain local fugitive dust rules to ensure their continued applicability after redesignation of the area to attainment. Lastly, EPA is proposing to delete the area designation for Las Vegas Valley for the revoked national standard for total suspended particulate because the designation is no longer necessary.

The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``NESHAP for Primary Aluminum Reduction Plants (40 CFR part 63, Subpart LL) (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1767.07, OMB Control No. 2060-0360) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through July 31, 2014. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (78 FR 35023) on June 11, 2013 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. 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.

This notice announces that pesticide related information submitted to EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) 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 Ace Info Solutions, Inc. and its subcontractor, Adventure Solutions, Prospect Infosystems, Camber Government Solutions, Inc, EMT Technologies, LLC, Peridot Solutions and KForce, in accordance with 40 CFR 2.307(h)(3) and 2.308(i)(2). Ace Info Solutions, Inc. and its subcontractor, Adventure Solutions, Prospect Infosystems, Camber Government Solutions, Inc, EMT Technologies, LLC, Peridot Solutions and KForce, have been awarded a contract to perform work for OPP, and access to this information will enable Ace Info Solutions, Inc. and its subcontractor, Adventure Solutions, Prospect Infosystems, Camber Government Solutions, Inc, EMT Technologies, LLC, Peridot Solutions and KForce, to fulfill the obligations of the contract.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Missouri to EPA on September 21, 2010, with a supplemental revision submitted on July 3, 2013. The purpose of the SIP revision is to incorporate revisions to a Missouri regulation to control Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) emissions from large stationary internal combustion engines. This revision includes an emission rate limitation for both large stationary diesel and dual fuel internal combustion engines and adds an exemption for compression ignited stationary internal combustion engines that emit 25 tons or less of NOX between May 1 and September 30. EPA has determined that the SIP revision submitted by the State of Missouri satisfies the applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act), and in particular, the April 21, 2004, final Federal Phase II NOX SIP Call.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Texas on October 28, 2011. These revisions remove the State general conformity provisions from the SIP so that Federal rules will govern conformity of general Federal actions within the State of Texas. The revisions also update the narrative portion of the SIP. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act.