Environmental Protection Agency December 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 50 of 159
Proposed Settlement Agreement, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit
In accordance with section 113(g) of the Clean Air Act, as amended (``CAA''), notice is hereby given of a proposed settlement agreement to address a consolidated set of petitions for review filed by several parties in the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Basin Electric Power Cooperative (``Basin Electric'') and the State of Wyoming (``Wyoming'') (collectively, ``Petitioners'') filed petitions for review of an EPA rule addressing the regional haze requirements in Wyoming. Specifically, Basin Electric challenged the rule as it pertained to the NOX BART emission limits for Laramie River Units 1-3. Wyoming also challenged the rule based on EPA's action on the Laramie River Units and on other grounds. The proposed settlement agreement would establish deadlines for EPA to take specified actions.
Revision to the Near-road NO2
This action finalizes revisions to the minimum monitoring requirements for near-road nitrogen dioxide (NO2) monitoring by removing the existing requirements for near-road NO2 monitoring stations in Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) having populations between 500,000 and 1,000,000 persons, that are due by January 1, 2017.
Reconsideration of Finding That Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Aircraft Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution That May Reasonably Be Anticipated To Endanger Public Health and Welfare
This action provides notice that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Gina McCarthy, denied a petition for reconsideration of the final Finding that Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aircraft Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution that May Reasonably Be Anticipated to Endanger Public Health and Welfare, published in the Federal Register on August 15, 2016.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Chemical Recovery Combustion Sources at Kraft, Soda, Sulfite, and Stand-Alone Semichemical Pulp Mills
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Chemical Recovery Combustion Sources at Kraft, Soda, Sulfite, and Stand-Alone Semichemical Pulp Mills to address the results of the residual risk and technology review (RTR) that the EPA is required to conduct under the Clean Air Act (CAA). These proposed amendments include revisions to the opacity monitoring provisions; addition of electrostatic precipitator (ESP) parameter monitoring provisions; a requirement for 5-year periodic emissions testing; revisions to provisions addressing periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM); and technical and editorial changes. The EPA is proposing these amendments to improve the effectiveness of the rule.
California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Greenhouse Gas Emissions From 2014 and Subsequent Model Year Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles; Notice of Decision
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is granting the California Air Resources Board's (``CARB's'') request for a waiver of Clean Air Act preemption for its greenhouse gas (``GHG'') emission regulation for the new 2014 and subsequent model year on-road medium- and heavy-duty engines and vehicles (``California Phase 1 GHG Regulation'') adopted in 2011. This regulation establishes requirements applicable to new motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 8,500 pounds and engines that power such motor vehicles, except for medium-duty passenger vehicles that are subject to California's Low Emission Vehicle Program. This regulation generally aligns California's GHG emission standards and test procedures with the federal GHG emission standards and test procedures that EPA adopted in 2011. A deemed-to-comply provision is included in CARB's regulation whereby manufacturers may demonstrate compliance with California's Phase 1 GHG Regulation by complying with EPA's Phase 1 regulation. This decision is issued under the authority of the Clean Air Act (``CAA'' or ``the Act'').
Human Studies Review Board; Notification of Public Meetings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of the Science Advisor announces two separate public meetings of the Human Studies Review Board (HSRB) to advise the Agency on the ethical and scientific review of research involving human subjects.
Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program; Petition for Objection to State Operating Permit for Piedmont Green Power (Lamar County, Georgia)
The EPA Administrator signed an Order, dated December 13, 2016, granting in part and denying in part the petition to object to Clean Air Act (CAA) title V operating permit issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (Georgia EPD) to the Piedmont Green Power (PGP) facility located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia. This Order constitutes a final action on the petition submitted by the Partnership for Policy Integrity (Petitioner) and received by EPA on May 26, 2015.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Renewal of an Existing Collection (EPA ICR No. 2472.02 and OMB Control No. 2070-0191); Comment Request
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: ``Pesticide Spray Drift Reduction Technologies'' and identified by EPA ICR No. 2472.02 and OMB Control No. 2070-0191, represents the renewal of an existing ICR that is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2017. 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.
Environmental Financial Advisory Committee; Request for Nominations of Candidates to the Environmental Financial Advisory Board
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointments to fill vacancies on the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (the Board or EFAB). The Board seeks to maintain diverse representation across all workforce sectors and geographic locations. Nominees should demonstrate experience in any of the following areas: Energy efficiency; regulators; commercial banking; local utility management and finance; resource conservation; brownfields; green infrastructure financing; sustainable community partnerships; water resiliency; water and wastewater utility financial management; public- public; public-private; and public-nonprofit partnerships. Nominees who live and work in the pacific-northwest, northeast, and mid-west parts of the United States are strongly encouraged to apply. EPA values and welcomes diversity. In an effort to obtain a diverse pool of candidates, EPA encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups. In addition to this notice, other sources may be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. The deadline for receiving nominations is Friday, February 10, 2017. Appointments will be made by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and will be announced in May 2017. Nominee qualifications will be assessed under the mandates of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which requires Committees to maintain diversity across a broad range of constituencies, sectors, and groups.
Notice of Open Meeting of the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB)
The EPA's Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB) will hold a public meeting on February 21-22, 2017. EFAB is an EPA advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to provide advice and recommendations to EPA on creative approaches to funding environmental programs, projects, and activities. The purpose of this meeting is to hear from informed speakers on environmental finance issues, proposed legislation, and EPA priorities. Additional discussion will focus on activities, progress, and preliminary recommendations with regard to current EFAB work projects and to consider request for assistance from EPA offices. Environmental finance discussions and presentations are expected on, but not limited to, the following topics: Public-private partnerships for water infrastructure projects, decentralized wastewater systems, materials conservation and recycling, and lead risk reduction. The meeting is open to the public; however, seating is limited. All members of the public who wish to attend the meeting must register in advance, no later than Monday, February 6, 2017. Registration is required for all members of the public to ensure an expeditious security process.
Final Test Guidelines; OCSPP Series 850 Group A-Ecological Effects Test Guidelines; Notice of Availability
EPA is announcing the availability of final test guidelines, OCSPP Series 850 Group AEcological Effects, OCSPP Test Guidelines 850.1000, 850.1010, 850.1020, 850.1025, 850.1035, 850.1045, 850.1055, 850.1075, 850.1300, 850.1400, 850.1710, 850.1730, 850.1735, and 850.1740. These test guidelines are part of a series of test guidelines established by the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) for use in testing pesticides and chemical substances. The test guidelines serve as a compendium of accepted scientific methodologies and protocols that are intended to provide data to inform regulatory decisions. The test guidelines provide guidance for conducting the test, and are also used by EPA, the public, and companies that submit data to EPA.
Receipt of Information Under the Toxic Substances Control Act
EPA is announcing its receipt of information submitted pursuant to a rule, order, or consent agreement issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). As required by TSCA, this document identifies each chemical substance and/or mixture for which information has been received; the uses or intended uses of such chemical substance and/or mixture; and describes the nature of the information received. Each chemical substance and/or mixture related to this announcement is identified in Unit I. under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Extension of Deadline for Action on the November 2016 Section 126 Petition From Delaware
In this action, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that 60 days is insufficient time to complete the technical and other analyses and public notice-and-comment process required for our review of a petition submitted by the state of Delaware pursuant to section 126 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The petition requests that the EPA make a finding that Homer City Generating Station, located in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, emits air pollution that significantly contributes to nonattainment and interferes with maintenance of the 2008 and 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) in the state of Delaware. Under section 307(d)(10) of CAA, the EPA is authorized to grant a time extension for responding to a petition if the EPA determines that the extension is necessary to afford the public, and the agency, adequate opportunity to carry out the purposes of the section 307(d) notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements. By this action, the EPA is making that determination. The EPA is therefore extending the deadline for acting on the petition to no later than July 9, 2017.
Isobutyl Acetate and Isobutyric Acid; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of isobutyl acetate (CAS Reg. No. 110-19-0) and isobutyric acid (CAS Reg. No. 79-31-2) when used as inert ingredients (solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Technology Sciences Group Inc. on behalf of Jeneil Biosurfactant Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of these exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish maximum permissible levels for residues of isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; State Boards
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA or Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Louisiana State Implementation Plan (SIP) that address requirements in CAA Section 128 regarding State Board composition and Conflict of Interest and Disclosure requirements.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; State Boards
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA or Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Louisiana State Implementation Plan (SIP) that address requirements in CAA Section 128 regarding State Board composition and Conflict of Interest and Disclosure requirements.
State of Kentucky Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class II Program; Primacy Approval
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking this action to approve the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class II Program for primacy. EPA determined that the state's program represents an effective program to prevent underground injection activities that endanger underground sources of drinking water (USDWs), as required under section 1425 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA's approval allows the state to implement and enforce state regulations for UIC Class II injection wells located within the state. The Commonwealth's authority excludes the regulation of injection well Classes I, III, IV, V and VI and all wells on Indian lands, as required by rule under the SDWA.
State of Kentucky Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class II Program; Withdrawal of Primacy Approval
Because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received adverse comment, we are withdrawing the direct final rule approving the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class II Program for primacy, published on October 28, 2016.
Change the RFS Point of Obligation; Extension of Comment Period
On November 22, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') published a Notice of its proposed denial of several petitions requesting that EPA initiate a rulemaking process to reconsider or change its regulations that identify refiners and importers of gasoline and diesel fuel as the entities responsible for complying with the annual percentage standards adopted under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. The Notice invited public comment on this proposal by January 23, 201760 days after publication of the Notice in the Federal Register. On December 13, 2016, the EPA received a request from the Small Retailers Coalition to extend the comment period by 30 days to allow its members to provide thorough comments and data. In light of the importance of this issue, the EPA is extending the deadline for written comments an additional 30 days to February 22, 2017.
Applicability Determination Index (ADI) Data System Recent Posting: Agency Applicability Determinations, Alternative Monitoring Decisions, and Regulatory Interpretations Pertaining to Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, and the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program
This notice announces applicability determinations, alternative monitoring decisions, and regulatory interpretations that EPA has made under the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS); the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP); and/ or the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program.
Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Volatile Organic Compounds Definition
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the Illinois State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revision amends the Illinois Administrative Code by updating the definition of volatile organic material or volatile organic compounds to exclude 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol. This revision is in response to an EPA rulemaking in 2014 which exempted this compound from the Federal definition of volatile organic compounds on the basis that the compound makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation.
Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Volatile Organic Compounds Definition
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a state submission as a revision to the Illinois State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revision amends the Illinois Administrative Code (IAC) by updating the definition of volatile organic material (VOM), otherwise known as volatile organic compounds (VOC), to exclude 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP). This revision is in response to an EPA rulemaking in 2014 which exempted this compound from the Federal definition of VOC on the basis that the compound makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation.
Approval of California Air Plan Revisions, South Coast Air Quality Management District
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve revisions to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) from ovens, dryers, dehydrators, heaters, kilns, calciners, furnaces, crematories, incinerators, heated pots, cookers, roasters, smokers, fryers, closed and open heated tanks and evaporators, distillation units, afterburners, degassing units, vapor incinerators, catalytic or thermal oxidizers, soil and water remediation units, and other combustion equipment. We are finalizing our approval of local rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Approval of California Air Plan Revisions, Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve a revision to the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). This revision concerns emissions of particulate matter at Owens Lake, CA. We are approving a local rule that regulates these emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Methyl Isobutyrate and Isobutyl Isobutyrate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of methyl isobutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 547-63-7) and for residues of isobutyl isobutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 97-85-8) when used as inert ingredients (solvents) applied to growing crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Jeneil Biosurfactant Company 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 isobutyrate and isobutyl isobutyrate when used in accordance with the conditions.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Nutritional Yeast Manufacturing Risk and Technology Review
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Manufacturing of Nutritional Yeast source category. The proposed amendments address the results of the residual risk and technology reviews (RTRs) conducted as required under the Clean Air Act (CAA) as well as other actions deemed appropriate during the review of these standards. The proposed amendments include revising the form of the fermenter volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission limits, changing the testing and monitoring requirements, and updating the reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support Rule; Extension of Comment Period
On November 16, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) rule. The proposal specified that the public comment period would end on January 17, 2017, 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. On December 9, 2016, the EPA received a joint request for an extension of the comment period from the following parties: American Soybean Association, Corn Refiners Association, Global Renewable Strategies and Consulting, LLC, Growth Energy, Iowa Biodiesel Board, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, National Biodiesel Board, National Renderers Association, Renewable Fuels Association, and U.S. Canola Association. The petitioners requested an extension in order to have more time to evaluate the implications of the REGS rule. In light of the large number of revisions proposed in this action, the EPA is extending the deadline for written comments on the proposal by 30 days to February 16, 2017.
Notification of a Public Teleconference of the Chartered Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the CASAC Oxides of Nitrogen Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Review Panel
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a public teleconference of the Chartered Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the CASAC Oxides of Nitrogen Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Review Panel to discuss the CASAC draft review of EPA's Policy Assessment for the Review of the Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide (External Review DraftSeptember 2016).
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Area Sources: Acrylic and Modacrylic Fibers Production, Carbon Black Production, Chemical Manufacturing: Chromium Compounds, Flexible Polyurethane Foam Production and Fabrication, Lead Acid Battery Manufacturing, and Wood Preserving (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``NESHAP for Area Sources: Acrylic and Modacrylic Fibers Production, Carbon Black Production, Chemical Manufacturing: Chromium Compounds, Flexible Polyurethane Foam Production and Fabrication, Lead Acid Battery Manufacturing, and Wood Preserving (40 CFR part 63, subparts LLLLLL, MMMMMM, NNNNNN, OOOOOO, PPPPPP, and QQQQQQ) (Renewal)'' EPA ICR Number 2256.05, OMB Control Number 2060-0598, 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 December 31, 2016. Public comments were requested previously via the Federal Register (81 FR 26546) on May 3, 2016 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 neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``NESHAP for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (40 CFR part 63, subpart ZZZZ) (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1975.10, OMB Control No. 2060-0548), 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 December 31, 2016. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (81 FR 26546) on May 3, 2016 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 neither conduct nor sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Aerospace Manufacturing and Rework Facilities (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``NESHAP for Aerospace Manufacturing and Rework Facilities (40 CFR part 63, subpart GG) (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1687.11, OMB Control No. 2060-0314), 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 December 31, 2016. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (81 FR 26546) on May 3, 2016 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 neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Air Emission Standards for Tanks, Surface Impoundment and Containers (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``Air Emission Standards for Tanks, Surface Impoundment and Containers (40 CFR part 264, subpart CC, and 40 CFR part 265, subpart CC) (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1593.10, OMB Control No. 2060-0318), 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 December 31, 2016. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (81 FR 26546) on May 3, 2016 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 neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Information Requirements for Boilers and Industrial Furnaces (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``Information Requirements for Boilers and Industrial Furnaces (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1361.17, OMB Control No. 2050-0073) 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 December 31, 2016. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (81 FR 58510) on August 25, 2016 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.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NSPS for Stationary Gas Turbines (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``NSPS for Stationary Gas Turbines (40 CFR part 60, subpart GG) (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1071.12, OMB Control No. 2060-0028), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2016. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (81 FR 26546) on May 3, 2016 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 neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices Under Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices under section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act'' (EPA ICR No. 0152.12, OMB Control No. 2070-0020) 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 December 31, 2016. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (81 FR 22261) on April 15, 2016 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.
Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Emissions Statements Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the emissions statements rule in the Indiana State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions, if approved, would extend Indiana's emissions statements regulations to Lawrenceburg Township, Dearborn County in order to be consistent with Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These revisions also include minor formatting changes. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) submitted these revisions to EPA on November 18, 2016.
Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Redesignation of the Indiana Portion of the Cincinnati, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Area to Attainment of the 2008 Ozone Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to find that the Cincinnati, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana area is attaining the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard) and to approve a request from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to redesignate the Indiana portion of the Cincinnati area to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS because the request meets the statutory requirements for redesignation under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). The Cincinnati area includes Lawrenceburg Township in Dearborn County, Indiana; Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio; and, Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties in Kentucky. IDEM submitted this request on February 23, 2016, and supplemented that submittal with a revised emissions inventory on May 4, 2016. EPA is also proposing to approve, as a revision to the Indiana State Implementation Plan (SIP), the state's plan for maintaining the 2008 ozone standard through 2030 in the Cincinnati area. Additionally, EPA finds adequate and is proposing to approve the state's 2020 and 2030 volatile organic compound (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets (MVEBs) for the Indiana and Ohio portion of the Cincinnati area. Finally, EPA is proposing to approve the 2011 base year emissions inventory submitted by IDEM as meeting the base year emissions inventory requirement of the CAA for the Indiana portion of the Cincinnati area.
Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts From the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States
EPA is announcing the availability of a final report titled, ``Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States'' (EPA/600/R/16/236F), which was prepared by EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD). This final report provides a review and synthesis of available scientific information concerning the relationship between hydraulic fracturing activities and drinking water resources in the United States.
Approval and Limited Approval and Limited Disapproval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; California; Mendocino County Air Quality Management District; Stationary Source Permits
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing action on four permitting rules submitted as a revision to the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District (``MCAQMD'' or ``the District'') portion of the applicable state implementation plan (SIP) for the State of California pursuant to requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). We are proposing a limited approval and limited disapproval of one rule and we are proposing to approve the remaining three permitting rules. The submitted revisions include amended rules governing the issuance of permits for stationary sources, including review and permitting of minor sources, and major sources and major modifications under part C of title I of the Act. The intended effect of these proposed actions is to update the applicable SIP with current MCAQMD permitting rules and to set the stage for remedying certain deficiencies in these rules. If finalized as proposed, the limited disapproval actions would trigger an obligation for EPA to promulgate a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for the specific New Source Review (NSR) program deficiencies unless California submits and we approve SIP revisions that correct the deficiencies within two years of the final action.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; 2016 Nitrogen Oxides Averaging Plan Consent Agreement With Raven Power
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the Maryland state implementation plan (SIP). Maryland has submitted for inclusion in the SIP a Consent Agreement between Maryland and Raven Power concerning an inter-facility averaging plan for emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) at facilities located in Maryland and owned by Raven Power. The Consent Agreement allows Raven Power to use system-wide emissions averaging to comply with the applicable NOX emission limits for six units located at two electric generating facilities, Brandon Shores and H.A. Wagner, owned by Raven Power. EPA is proposing to approve this revision in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Air Plan Approval; KY; RACM Determination for the KY Portion of the Louisville Area 1997 Annual PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (KDAQ) on August 9, 2016, that addresses reasonably available control measures (RACM) for the Kentucky portion of the Louisville, KY-IN, nonattainment area for the 1997 Annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) (hereinafter referred to as the ``bi-state Louisville Area'' or ``Area'').
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New York Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality and Nonattainment New Source Review; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve revisions to the New York State Implementation Plan (SIP) amending existing nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) and attainment New Source Review (Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality, PSD) program requirements that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) submitted to EPA on October 12, 2011. Specifically, the SIP revision includes new requirements pertaining to the regulation of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometer (PM2.5) and the regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) under New York's Part 231, ``New Source Review for New and Modified Facilities;'' Part 201, ``Permits and Registrations;'' and amendments to Part 200, ``General Provisions,'' of Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (6 NYCRR). The SIP revision will make the SIP consistent with existing federal requirements. The EPA is also taking final action to approve certain elements of New York SIP revisions submitted to demonstrate that the State meets the requirements of section 110(a)(1) and (2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2008 lead (Pb), 2008 ozone, and 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS).
Air Plan Approval; Wisconsin; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing approval of some elements of a July 13, 2015 state implementation plan (SIP) submittal from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) regarding the infrastructure requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2012 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) 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 proposed rulemaking associated with this final action was published on February 19, 2016, and EPA received adverse comments during the comment period, which ended on March 21, 2016. Responses to comments are included below. In this rulemaking, EPA is not taking action on Wisconsin's satisfaction of the infrastructure requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(F), also referred to as ``element F,'' which pertains to stationary source monitoring and reporting. EPA proposed approval of and received an adverse comment on our proposed approval of element F, which will be addressed in a separate rulemaking. In this rulemaking we respond to the remainder of the comments we received on our initial proposed rulemaking, which includes those comments not pertaining to element F, and finalize as initially proposed our approval of the other elements of Wisconsin's 2012 PM2.5 infrastructure SIP.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Louisiana; Redesignation of Baton Rouge 2008 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area to Attainment
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving the State of Louisiana's request to redesignate the five-parish Baton Rouge Nonattainment Area (BRNA or Area) for the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or standard) to attainment. EPA is also approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision containing a maintenance plan for the area, including motor vehicle emission budgets (MVEBs) for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for the years 2022 and 2027. EPA has determined that the BRNA is continuing to attain the 2008 ozone NAAQS and has met the CAA criteria for redesignation to attainment.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Publicly Owned Treatment Works
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) to address the results of the residual risk and technology review (RTR) conducted under the Clean Air Act (CAA). As a result of our review, we are proposing to include pretreatment requirements to limit emissions from collection systems and the POTW treatment plant; requirements for existing, new, or reconstructed industrial (Group 1) POTW to comply with both the requirements in this rule and those in the applicable NESHAP for which they act as control; and hazardous air pollutants (HAP) emission limits for existing, non-industrial (Group 2) POTW. In addition, the EPA is proposing to revise the applicability criteria, revise the names and definitions of the industrial (Group 1) and non- industrial (Group 2) subcategories, revise regulatory provisions pertaining to emissions during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction, add requirements for electronic reporting, and make other miscellaneous edits and technical corrections.
Limited Federal Implementation Plan; Prevention of Significant Deterioration Requirements for Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5
In this rulemaking, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a limited Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) to apply to the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (North Coast Unified AQMD or District) in California. This limited FIP would implement provisions to regulate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) under the CAA Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program within the District. The EPA previously issued two findings of failure to submit a State Implementation Plan (SIP) addressing these PSD requirements and also issued a partial disapproval action applicable to the North Coast Unified AQMD portion of the California SIP that triggered the duty under CAA section 110(c)(1) for the EPA to promulgate this limited FIP. If we finalize this action as proposed, the EPA will be the CAA PSD permitting authority for any new or modified major sources subject to PSD review for PM2.5 or its precursors within the District.
Approval and Limited Approval and Limited Disapproval of California State Implementation Plan Revisions; Butte County Air Quality Management District; Stationary Source Permits
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing action on three permitting rules submitted as a revision to the Butte County Air Quality Management District (BCAQMD) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). We are finalizing a limited approval and limited disapproval of one rule; we are finalizing approval of two permitting rules; and we are deleting ten rules from the SIP. These revisions concern the District's New Source Review (NSR) permitting program for new and modified sources of air pollution. This limited disapproval will trigger sanctions under CAA section 179 and 40 CFR 52.31 unless the EPA approves subsequent SIP revisions that correct the rule deficiencies within 18 months of the effective date of the final action.
Air Plan Approval; Mississippi; Interstate Transport (Prongs 1 and 2) for the 2010 1-Hour NO2
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a revision to the Mississippi State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, on May 23, 2016, addressing the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) interstate transport (prongs 1 and 2) infrastructure SIP requirements for the 2010 1-hour Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure SIP.'' Specifically, EPA is approving Mississippi's May 23, 2016, SIP submission addressing prongs 1 and 2, to ensure that air emissions in the State do not significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2010 1-hour NO2 NAAQS in any other state.
Bifenthrin; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions
This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for residues of bifenthrin in or on avocado and pomegranate. This action is in response to EPA's granting of an emergency exemption under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of the pesticide on avocado and pomegranate. This regulation establishes a maximum permissible level for residues of bifenthrin in or on these commodities. The time-limited tolerances expire on December 31, 2019.
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