Environmental Protection Agency February 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 150 of 154
Badger Technical Services, LLC; Transfer of Data
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 Badger Technical Services, LLC, in accordance with 40 CFR 2.307(h)(3) and 2.308(i)(2). Badger Technical Services, LLC, has been awarded multiple contracts to perform work for OPP, and access to this information will enable Badger Technical Services, LLC, to fulfill the obligations of the contract.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (Radionuclides); Availability of Updated Compliance Model
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of Version 4 of the CAP88-PC model. This version may be used to demonstrate compliance with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) applicable to radionuclides. CAP88-PC is approved for this use by EPA. Version 4 has many changes and improvements from previous versions. The most significant of these changes from a user perspective are the incorporation of age-dependent radionuclide dose and risk factors for ingestion and inhalation, the increase in the number of included radionuclides, and a change in the file management system used by the program. Other changes less visible to the user include new code architecture, incorporation of numerical solvers for the calculation of radioactive decay chains, including the ingrowth of decay products during air transport and ground surface deposition, enhanced error messages, updated on-line help, and a utility for migrating Version 3 datasets, wind files and population files to Version 4. The modifications have produced a significant improvement in speed and stability for Version 4 relative to Version 3, and eliminated the solution approximations used in Version 3.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Federal Operating Permit Program; Renewal
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Part 71 Federal Operating Permit Program (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1713.10, OMB Control No. 2060.0336) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, the EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through June 30, 2015. 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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Continuous Release Reporting Regulations (CRRR) under CERCLA 1980 (Renewal); EPA ICR No. 1445.12, OMB Control No. 2050-0086
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Continuous Release Reporting Regulations (CRRR) Under CERCLA 1980 (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1445.12, OMB Control No. 2050- 0086) 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 the ICR, which is currently approved through June 30, 2015. 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.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Washington; Redesignation to Attainment for the Tacoma-Pierce County Nonattainment Area and Approval of Associated Maintenance Plan for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is redesignating to attainment the entire Tacoma-Pierce County nonattainment area (hereafter ``the Tacoma area'' or ``the area'') for the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). The EPA is also approving as a revision to the Washington State Implementation Plan (SIP), the associated maintenance plan that provides for continued compliance of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. Additionally, the EPA is approving the 2017 and 2026 motor vehicle emissions budgets included in Washington's maintenance plan for PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides.
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) and the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVUAPCD) portions of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from gasoline transfer into stationary storage containers, and gasoline transfer into vehicle fuel tanks. We are proposing to approve local rules to regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Placer County Air Pollution Control District and San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve revisions to the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) and the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVUAPCD) portions of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from gasoline transfer into stationary storage containers, delivery vessels and bulk plants, and gasoline transfer into vehicle fuel tanks. We are approving local rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Revisions to the Clean Air Act Section 110 Submission Requirements for State Implementation Plans and Notice of Availability of an Option for Electronic Reporting
In this final rule and notice of availability, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is revising the requirements for how state and tribal implementation plans (hereinafter, collectively referred to as SIPs) under the Clean Air Act (CAA) are required to be submitted to the EPA. Specifically, we are providing state, local and tribal air agencies (hereinafter, collectively referred to as states or air agencies) an option to submit SIPs, including any necessary supporting documents, using our new electronic SIP (eSIP) submission system, which is web-based. We are providing notification that electronic submission via the eSIP submission system is now our preferred method for air agencies to make SIP submissions, and that if a SIP submission is made through the eSIP submission system, all documents transmitted through the system will be considered part of the official SIP submission from the air agency. We are also simplifying submission requirements for those air agencies that still wish to make paper submissions by reducing the number of paper copies required, and providing non-binding guidelines for SIP submissions that will aid in SIP processing.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New Mexico; Transportation Conformity and Conformity of General Federal Actions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action approving State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of New Mexico on October 28, 2011, November 1, 2013, and August 8, 2014. These revisions amend the State transportation conformity provisions and remove the State general conformity provisions from the SIP, as allowed by the 2005 amendments to the Clean Air Act (Act or CAA). These revisions also establish transportation conformity criteria and procedures related to interagency consultation and enforceability of certain transportation- related control measures and mitigation measures. Upon the effective date of this final action, the EPA federal rules will govern conformity of transportation Federal actions and general Federal actions within the State of New Mexico. This action is being taken in accordance with sections 110 and 176 of the Act.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New Mexico; Transportation Conformity and Conformity of General Federal Actions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of New Mexico on October 28, 2011, November 1, 2013, and August 8, 2014 on behalf of the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). These revisions amend the State transportation conformity provisions and remove the State general conformity provisions from the SIP as allowed by the 2005 amendments to the Clean Air Act (Act or CAA). These revisions also establish transportation conformity criteria and procedures related to interagency consultation and enforceability of certain transportation-related control measures and mitigation measures. If finalized, upon the effective date of this final action, the EPA federal rules will govern conformity of transportation Federal actions and general Federal actions within the State of New Mexico. This action is being taken in accordance with sections 110 and 176 of the Act.
Announcement of the Board of Directors for the National Environmental Education Foundation
The National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (doing business as The National Environmental Education Foundation or NEEF) was created by Section 10 of Public Law 101-619, the National Environmental Education Act of 1990. It is a private 501(c)(3) non- profit organization established to promote and support education and training as necessary tools to further environmental protection and sustainable, environmentally sound development. It provides the common ground upon which leaders from business and industry, all levels of government, public interest groups, and others can work cooperatively to expand the reach of environmental education and training programs beyond the traditional classroom. The Foundation promotes innovative environmental education and training programs such as environmental education for medical healthcare providers and broadcast meteorologists; it also develops partnerships with government and other organizations to administer projects that promote the development of an environmentally literal public. The Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as required by the terms of the Act, announces the following appointment to the National Environmental Education Foundation Board of Directors. The appointee is Raul Perea- Henze, M.D., M.P.H., managing director of HORUS Advisors as a strategy advisor in healthcare, global affairs and government relations.
Announcement of the Board of Directors for the National Environmental Education Foundation
The National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (doing business as The National Environmental Education Foundation or NEEF) was created by Section 10 of Public Law 101-619, the National Environmental Education Act of 1990. It is a private 501(c)(3) non- profit organization established to promote and support education and training as necessary tools to further environmental protection and sustainable, environmentally sound development. It provides the common ground upon which leaders from business and industry, all levels of government, public interest groups, and others can work cooperatively to expand the reach of environmental education and training programs beyond the traditional classroom. The Foundation promotes innovative environmental education and training programs such as environmental education for medical healthcare providers and broadcast meteorologists; it also develops partnerships with government and other organizations to administer projects that promote the development of an environmentally literal public. The Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as required by the terms of the Act, announces the following appointment to the National Environmental Education Foundation Board of Directors. The appointee is George Basile, Ph.D., a Professor in the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University (ASU), a Senior Sustainability Scientist in ASU's Global Institute of Sustainability and Affiliate Professor in the School on Public Affairs.
Revision to the Arizona State Implementation Plan; Nogales Nonattainment Area; Fine Particulate Matter Emissions Inventories
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve revisions to the Arizona State Implementation Plan (SIP) concerning the Nogales fine particle (PM2.5) nonattainment area 2008 and 2010 emissions inventories. These emission inventories were submitted for the 2006 24-hour fine particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). We are approving these annual emissions inventories under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Background Checks for Contractor Employees (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Background Checks for Contractor Employees (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2159.06, OMB Control No. 2030-0043) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (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 the ICR, which is currently approved through April 30, 2015. 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.
Proposed Settlement Agreement, 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 settlement agreement to address a lawsuit filed by Finger Lakes Zero Waste Coalition, Inc. and Katherine M. Bennett Roll (collectively Plaintiffs''): Finger Lakes Zero Waste Coalition, Inc. v. McCarthy, No. 6:14-cv-06542 (W.D.N.Y.). On September 16, 2014, Plaintiffs filed this complaint alleging that Gina McCarthy, in her official capacity as Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA''), failed to perform a non-discretionary duty to grant or deny within 60 days a petition submitted by Plaintiffs. In their petition, Plaintiffs requested that EPA object to a CAA Title V permit issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to Seneca Energy II, LLC, for purposes of operating a landfill gas-to-energy facility in Stanley, New York. The proposed settlement agreement would establish a deadline for EPA to respond to this petition.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Contractor Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Contractor Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation'' (EPA ICR No. 0246.12, OMB Control No. 2030- 0016) 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 the ICR, which is currently approved through May 31, 2015. 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.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 Ozone, 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide, 2010 Sulfur Dioxide, and 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve portions of four State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submittals from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA). Whenever new or revised national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) are promulgated, the CAA requires states to submit a plan for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of such NAAQS. The plan is required to address basic program elements, including, but not limited to, regulatory structure, monitoring, modeling, legal authority, and adequate resources necessary to assure attainment and maintenance of the standards. These elements are referred to as infrastructure requirements. Pennsylvania has made four separate submittals addressing the infrastructure requirements for the 2008 ozone, the 2010 nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2), and the 2012 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) NAAQS. In this rulemaking action, EPA is proposing to approve, in accordance with the requirements of the CAA, the four infrastructure SIP submissions with the exception of some portions of the submittals addressing visibility protection.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Monthly Progress Reports (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Monthly Progress Reports (Renewal)'' to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. 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 the ICR, which is currently approved through May 31, 2015. 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.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Drug Testing for Contract Employees (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Drug Testing for Contract Employees (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2183.06, OMB Control No. 2030-0044) 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 the ICR, which is currently approved through April 30, 2015. 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.
Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Extension of the Reformulated Gasoline Program to Maine's Southern Counties
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the Clean Air Act's (CAA) prohibition against the sale of conventional gasoline in reformulated gasoline (RFG) areas to the southern Maine counties of York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, and Lincoln (hereinafter, the ``Southern Maine Counties''). This action is based on a request from the Governor of the State of Maine for areas within the ozone transport region established under the CAA. The CAA does not give the EPA discretion to deny a Governor's request on this matter. The scope of the EPA's discretion is limited to establishing the date that the prohibition commences. Consistent with the Governor's request, the EPA is finalizing as proposed a prohibition commencement date of May 1, 2015 for all refiners, importers, and distributors in the Maine counties referenced in the Governor's request, and June 1, 2015 for all retailers and wholesale purchaser- consumers in those counties. The EPA is also adding in its RFG opt-out rules a provision to reflect that there is a four-year minimum opt-in period for areas that opt into the RFG program on the basis of their location within the ozone transport region. This clarification aligns the federal regulation for RFG opt-out requirements with the CAA.
Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request
This notice announces EPA's receipt of application 72500-EUP-G from Scimetrics Ltd. Corp. requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for the chemical warfarin. The Agency has determined that the permit may be of regional and national significance. Therefore, because of the potential significance, EPA is seeking comments on this application.
Notice of Withdrawal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (Army) are announcing the withdrawal of an interpretive document addressing the exemption from permitting provided under section 404(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request
This notice announces EPA's receipt of an application 88232- EUP-R from Southern Garden Citrus requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for the SoD2 and SoD7 defensin proteins derived from spinach and inserted into citrus. The Agency has determined that the permit may be of regional and national significance. Therefore, because of the potential significance, EPA is seeking comments on this application.
Petition To Add n-Propyl Bromide to the List of Hazardous Air Pollutants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the receipt of a complete petition requesting that the EPA add the chemical n-Propyl Bromide (nPB) (Chemical Abstract Service No. 106-94- 5) to the list of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) contained in section 112(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). On October 28, 2010 and November 28, 2012, the Halogenated Solvent Industry Alliance (HSIA) submitted a petition to list nPB as a HAP and a supplement to the petition, respectively. In addition, on November 24, 2011, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) submitted a petition to add nPB to the HAP list. We have determined that these petitions are complete for purposes of this process, which means they provide sufficient information to assess the human health impacts on people living in the vicinity of facilities emitting nPB. Today's document initiates our comprehensive technical review phase of the petition process. The EPA invites the public to comment on these petitions and to provide additional data, beyond what are in these petitions, on sources, emissions, exposure, health effects and environmental impacts associated with nPB that may be relevant to our technical review. These petitions and supporting information are available through Docket ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2014-0471. Following completion of the technical review phase that is initiated by today's notice and runs through the EPA's evaluation of all the comments received, the EPA will decide whether to grant or deny the petitions.
Air Quality Implementation Plan; Florida; Attainment Plan for the Hillsborough Area for the 2008 Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the state implementation plan (SIP), submitted by the State of Florida through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FL DEP), to EPA on June 29, 2012, as amended on June 27, 2013, for the purpose of providing for attainment of the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in the Hillsborough 2008 Lead nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as the ``Hillsborough Area'' or ``Area''). The Hillsborough Area is comprised of a portion of Hillsborough County in Florida surrounding EnviroFocus Technologies, LLC (hereafter referred to as ``EnviroFocus''). The attainment plan includes the base year emissions inventory, an analysis of reasonably available control technology (RACT) and reasonably available control measures (RACM), reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, modeling demonstration of lead attainment, and contingency measures for the Hillsborough Area. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: 2015 Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems; Extension of Comment Period
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing an extension of the public comment period for the proposed rule titled ``Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: 2015 Revision and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems''. The public comment period for this proposal began on December 9, 2014. This document announces the extension of the deadline for public comment from February 9, 2015 to February 24, 2015.
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan National Priorities List: Deletion of the Midvale Slag Superfund Site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 is issuing a Notice of Intent to Delete the Midvale Slag Superfund Site (Site), located in Salt Lake County, Utah from the National Priorities List (NPL) and requests comments on this proposed action. The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The EPA and the State of Utah, through the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ), have determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA, other than operation, maintenance and five-year reviews, have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund.
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan National Priorities List: Deletion of the Midvale Slag Superfund Site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 is publishing a direct final Notice of Deletion of the Midvale Slag Superfund Site (Site), located in Salt Lake County, Utah, from the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). This direct final deletion is being published by EPA with the concurrence of the State of Utah, through the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ), because EPA has determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA, other than operation, maintenance and five-year reviews of the Site, have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund.
Air Quality: Revision to the Regulatory Definition of Volatile Organic Compounds-Requirements for t-Butyl Acetate
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend the EPA's regulatory definition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The regulatory definition of VOCs currently excludes t-butyl acetate (also known as tertiary butyl acetate or TBAC; CAS NO: 540-88-5) for purposes of VOC emissions limitations or VOC content requirements on the basis that it makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation. However, the current definition includes TBAC as a VOC for purposes of all recordkeeping, emissions reporting, photochemical dispersion modeling and inventory requirements which apply to VOCs. The regulatory definition requires that TBAC be uniquely identified in emission reports. TBAC is used as a solvent in paints, inks and adhesives, in which it substitutes for compounds that are regulated as VOCs. This proposed action would remove recordkeeping, emissions reporting, photochemical dispersion modeling and inventory requirements related to the use of TBAC as a VOC. The EPA has concluded that these requirements are not resulting in useful information. Furthermore, there is no evidence that TBAC is being used at levels that would cause concern for ozone formation. As these requirements are unnecessary and can be burdensome for states and industry, we are proposing to revoke these requirements and exclude TBAC from the regulatory definition of VOCs for all purposes. Note that the EPA is not reconsidering its determination that TBAC is ``negligibly reactive'' with respect to ground-level ozone formation.
Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
EPA has granted or denied emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions or denials were granted during the period July 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014 to control unforeseen pest outbreaks.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; West Virginia; Permits for Construction and Major Modification of Major Stationary Sources Which Cause or Contribute to Nonattainment Areas
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to grant approval to four State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for the State of West Virginia on June 29, 2010, July 8, 2011, July 6, 2012, and July 1, 2014 with the exception of certain revisions related to ethanol production facilities on which EPA is taking no action at this time. These revisions proposed for approval pertain to West Virginia's nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) program, notably provisions for preconstruction permitting requirements for major sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and NSR reform. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Proposed Partial 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 partial consent decree to address a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California: Sierra Club v. McCarthy, Civil Action No. 4:14-cv-3198-JSW (N.D. Cal.). On July 15, 2014, Plaintiff filed a complaint and on December 10, 2014, Plaintiff filed a first amended complaint. Plaintiff alleged that Gina McCarthy, in her official capacity as Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA''), failed to: (a) Perform a mandatory duty to find that Tennessee failed to submit a state implementation plan (``SIP'') element for the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (``NAAQS''); and (b) take timely final action to approve or disapprove, in whole or in part, certain 2008 ozone NAAQS SIP elements from named states. The proposed consent decree would establish deadlines for EPA to take some of these actions.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; North Carolina; Inspection and Maintenance Program Updates
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of North Carolina, through the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR) on January 31, 2008, May 24, 2010, October 11, 2013, and February 11, 2014, pertaining to state rule changes to the North Carolina Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. Specifically, these SIP revisions update the North Carolina I/ M program as well as repeal one rule that is included in the federally- approved SIP. In this final rulemaking, EPA is also responding to comments received on the proposed approval.
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan; National Priorities List: Partial Deletion of the Fulton Terminals Superfund Site
The Fulton Terminals Superfund site (Site), located in the City of Fulton, Oswego County, New York, consists of an ``On-Property'' portion, an approximately 1.5-acre parcel of land bounded on the west by First Street, on the south by Shaw Street, on the east by New York State Route 481 and on the north by a warehouse, and an ``Off- Property'' portion, defined by the area between the On-Property portion's western property boundary to the Oswego River (approximately 50 feet). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 2, is issuing this Notice of Intent for Partial Deletion (NOIPD) of the On-Property portion of the Site from the National Priorities List (NPL) and requests public comments on this proposed action. The NPL, promulgated pursuant to Section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). EPA and the State of New York, through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), have determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA have been completed at the Site and that the soil on the On-Property portion of the Site and the groundwater beneath the On-Property portion of the Site no longer pose a threat to public health or the environment. Therefore, EPA and NYSDEC have concluded that this NOIPD, which pertains only to the On-Property portion of the Site, may proceed. The Off-Property portion of the Site will remain on the NPL. Because residual groundwater contamination remains in the Off-Property portion of the Site, groundwater monitoring and five-year reviews will still be required for this the Off-Property portion of the Site.
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan; National Priorities List: Partial Deletion of the Fulton Terminals Superfund Site
The Fulton Terminals Superfund site (Site), located in the City of Fulton, Oswego County, New York, consists of an ``On-Property'' portion, an approximately 1.5-acre parcel of land bounded on the west by First Street, on the south by Shaw Street, on the east by New York State Route 481, and on the north by a warehouse, and an ``Off- Property'' portion, defined by the area between the On-Property portion's western property boundary to the Oswego River (approximately 50 feet). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2, is publishing this direct final Notice of Partial Deletion (NOPD) of the On-Property portion of the Site from the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL, promulgated pursuant to Section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). This direct final partial deletion is being published by EPA with the concurrence of the State of New York, through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), because EPA has determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA have been completed at the On-Property portion of the Site and that the soil on the On-Property portion of the Site and the groundwater beneath the On-Property portion of the Site no longer pose a threat to public health or the environment. The NOPD pertains to the On-Property portion of the Site. The Off-Property portion of the Site will remain on the NPL. Because residual groundwater contamination remains in the Off-Property portion of the Site, groundwater monitoring and five-year reviews will still be required for this area. The partial deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund.
Request for Nominations of Experts for the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) Particulate Matter Review Panel
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office requests public nominations for scientific experts to form a CASAC ad hoc panel to provide advice through the chartered CASAC on the scientific and technical aspects of air quality criteria and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM).
Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 4- Draft
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. These contaminants are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems and may require regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This draft list is the fourth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 4) published by the agency since the SDWA amendments of 1996. This Draft CCL 4 includes 100 chemicals or chemical groups and 12 microbial contaminants. The EPA seeks comment on the Draft CCL 4 and on improvements to the selection process for future CCLs for the agency to consider.
Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients
EPA has received 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.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Redesignation of the Allentown Nonattainment Area to Attainment for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's request to redesignate to attainment the Allentown nonattainment area (Allentown Area or Area) for the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). EPA is also proposing to determine that the Allentown Area continues to attain the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. In addition, EPA is proposing to approve as a revision to the Pennsylvania State Implementation Plan (SIP) the associated maintenance plan to show maintenance of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS through 2025 for the Area. The maintenance plan includes the 2017 and 2025 PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) mobile vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) for the Area for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, which EPA is proposing to approve for transportation conformity purposes. Finally, EPA is proposing to approve as a revision to the Pennsylvania SIP the 2007 base year emissions inventory for the Area for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. This rulemaking action to propose approval of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS redesignation request and associated maintenance plan for the Allentown Area is based on EPA's determination that Pennsylvania has met the criteria for redesignation to attainment specified in the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Focus Groups as used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Focus Groups as used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2205.15, OMB Control No. 2090-0028) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed renewal of the ICR, which is currently approved through June 30, 2015. 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.
Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses
EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications.
Flutriafol; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes, amends, and removes tolerances for residues of flutriafol in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Cheminova A/S c/o Cheminova, Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Difenoconazole; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of difenoconazole in or on rapeseed subgroup 20A, and dragon fruit. Syngenta Crop Protection requested the rapeseed subgroup 20A tolerance, and Dragonberry/YW International Produce requested the dragonfruit tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
TSCA Sections 402(a), 402(c), and 406(b) Program Authorization
On May 19, 2014, the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (Bois Forte) submitted a complete application under section 404 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requesting authorization to administer and enforce the requirements for TSCA sections 402(a), 402(c), and 406(b) in accordance with the provisions of TSCA for trust lands located within the exterior boundaries of the reservation. Notice of the Bois Forte application, a solicitation for public comment regarding the application and background information supporting the application was published in the Federal Register of June 23, 2014. Today's notice announces the approval of Bois Forte's application, and the authorization of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa's TSCA sections 402(a), 402(c) and 406(b) programs, to apply on the Bois Forte reservation, effective November 13, 2014, in lieu of the corresponding federal programs.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(3-carboxy-1-oxosulfopropyl)-ω-hydroxy-, (C10
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), [alpha]-(3- carboxy-1-oxosulfopropyl)-[omega]-hydroxy-, (C10- C16) alkyl ethers, disodium salts when used as an inert ingredient (surfactant) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops (seed treatment use only) under 40 CFR 180.920 at a concentration not to exceed 0.125% by weight. BASF submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), [alpha]-(3-carboxy-1- oxosulfopropyl)-[omega]-hydroxy-, (C10-C16) alkyl ethers, disodium salts.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymers Production Area Sources Wastewater Limit Withdrawal
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymers Production Area Sources. In addition to this proposed rule, the EPA is publishing a direct final rule that withdraws the total non-vinyl chloride organic hazardous air pollutant (TOHAP) area source process wastewater emission standards for new and existing polyvinyl chloride and copolymers area sources. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymers Production Area Sources Wastewater Limit Withdrawal
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to amend the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymers Production Area Sources. This direct final rule withdraws the total non-vinyl chloride organic hazardous air pollutant (TOHAP) process wastewater emission standards for new and existing polyvinyl chloride and copolymers (PVC) area sources.
Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Idaho and Oregon: Negative Declarations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is notifying the public that it has received negative declarations from the States of Idaho and Oregon for existing sewage sludge incinerator (SSI) units and from the State of Idaho for existing commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators (CISWI) units. A negative declaration is a certification from a state under the Clean Air Act (CAA) that it has no subject incinerator units under its jurisdiction. The EPA is also amending the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to update the states and source categories for which the EPA has received negative declarations. This is a non-regulatory action.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New Mexico; Albuquerque/Bernalillo County; Revisions to Emissions Inventory Requirements, and General Provisions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County, New Mexico State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions add definitions and clarifying changes to the general provisions and add a new emissions inventory regulation that establishes reporting requirements for stationary sources in Albuquerque/Bernalillo County. The EPA is approving these revisions pursuant to section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
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