Environmental Protection Agency 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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Final EPA-USGS Technical Report: Protecting Aquatic Life from Effects of Hydrologic Alteration
Document Number: 2016-30760
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Geological Survey are releasing a technical report: Final EPA- USGS Technical Report: Protecting Aquatic Life from Effects of Hydrologic Alteration. Healthy aquatic ecosystems provide an array of services to individuals and society, including clean drinking water, irrigation supplies, and recreational opportunities. Sound and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems is an integral part of managing water resources to meet the needs of society. Hydrologic alteration can be a contributor to the impairment of water bodies that are designated to support aquatic life. Stresses on aquatic life associated with hydrologic alteration may be further exacerbated by climate change. This report provides States, Tribes and territories with scientific and technical information on the natural flow regime and potential effects of flow alteration on aquatic life, and a flexible, nonprescriptive framework that state water managers might consider if they are interested in developing narrative or numeric targets for flow regime components that are protective of aquatic life. The report also provides information about States and Tribes that have adopted narrative water quality standards to protect their waterbodies' flow regimes and on the potential impact of climate change on flow regimes.
Recent Postings of Broadly Applicable Alternative Test Methods
Document Number: 2016-30714
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces the broadly applicable alternative test method approval decisions the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made under and in support of New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) between January 1, 2016, and December 12, 2016.
Determination of Attainment of the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards; Mariposa County, California
Document Number: 2016-30477
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to determine that the Mariposa County, California Moderate Nonattainment Area (NAA) has attained the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or ``standards''). This determination is based on complete, quality-assured and certified data for 2013-2015. Preliminary data for 2016 are consistent with continued attainment of the standards in the Mariposa County NAA. This determination suspends any unfulfilled obligations to submit revisions to the state implementation plan (SIP) related to attainment of the 2008 ozone standards for the Mariposa County NAA for as long as the area continues to meet those standards.
Determination of Attainment of the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards; Eastern San Luis Obispo, California
Document Number: 2016-30476
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing our determination that the San Luis Obispo (Eastern San Luis Obispo) ozone nonattainment area (NAA) in California has attained the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or ``standards'') by the applicable attainment date of July 20, 2016. This determination is based on complete, quality-assured and certified data for the 3-year period preceding that attainment date. Based on this determination, the Eastern San Luis Obispo NAA will not be reclassified to a higher ozone classification.
Determination of Attainment of the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards; Mariposa County, California
Document Number: 2016-30474
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to determine that the Mariposa County, California Moderate Nonattainment Area (NAA) has attained the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or ``standards''). This proposed determination is based on complete, quality-assured and certified data for 2013-2015. Preliminary data for 2016 are consistent with continued attainment of the standards in the Mariposa County NAA. If the determination is finalized as proposed, any unfulfilled obligations to submit revisions to the state implementation plan (SIP) related to attainment of the 2008 ozone standards for the Mariposa County NAA will be suspended for as long as the area continues to meet those standards.
Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Redesignation of the Columbus, Ohio Area to Attainment of the 2008 Ozone Standard
Document Number: 2016-30470
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finding that the Columbus, Ohio area is attaining the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard) and redesignating the area to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS because the area meets the statutory requirements for redesignation under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). The Columbus area includes Delaware, Fairfield, Knox, Licking, and Mason Counties. EPA is also approving, as a revision to the Ohio State Implementation Plan (SIP), the state's plan for maintaining the 2008 ozone standard through 2030 in the Columbus area. Finally, EPA finds adequate and is approving the state's 2020 and 2030 volatile organic compound (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets (MVEBs) for the Columbus area. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) submitted the SIP revision and redesignation request on June 16, 2016.
Air Plan Approval; MA; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements
Document Number: 2016-30466
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving most elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions from Massachusetts regarding the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 1997 ozone, 2008 lead (Pb), 2008 ozone, 2010 nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is also conditionally approving three aspects of the Commonwealth's submittals. In addition, we are also making findings of failure to submit pertaining to various aspects of the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) requirements of infrastructure SIPs. Lastly, we are removing 40 CFR 52.1160 as legally obsolete. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act.
Air Plan Approval; Tennessee; Regional Haze Progress Report
Document Number: 2016-30184
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Tennessee through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) on April 19, 2013. Tennessee's April 19, 2013, SIP revision (Progress Report) addresses requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and EPA's rules that require each state to submit periodic reports describing progress towards reasonable progress goals (RPGs) established for regional haze and a determination of the adequacy of the State's existing SIP addressing regional haze (regional haze plan). EPA is approving Tennessee's Progress Report on the basis that it addresses the progress report and adequacy determination requirements for the first implementation period for regional haze.
Procedures for Rulemaking Under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act; Amendment
Document Number: 2016-30055
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) provides EPA with several authorities for addressing risks from chemical substances and includes procedures that EPA must follow in doing so. EPA promulgated regulations shortly after TSCA was enacted to implement the procedural requirements for rulemaking under TSCA section 6 as they existed at that time. TSCA was recently amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This final rule removes the regulations specifying certain procedural requirements for rulemaking under TSCA section 6, including the requirement for a hearing, because TSCA, as amended, no longer mandates those procedures.
Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities
Document Number: 2016-30647
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This document announces EPA's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities.
Revisions to the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) for Public Water Systems and Announcement of Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-30469
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing a Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) rule that requires public water systems to collect occurrence data for contaminants that may be present in drinking water but are not yet subject to EPA's drinking water standards set under the SDWA. This rule identifies eleven analytical methods to support water system monitoring for a total of 30 chemical contaminants, consisting of nine cyanotoxins and one cyanotoxin group; two metals; eight pesticides plus one pesticide manufacturing byproduct (hereinafter collectively referred to as ``pesticides''); three brominated haloacetic acid disinfection byproduct groups; three alcohols; and three semivolatile organic chemicals. EPA is also announcing a public meeting and webinar to discuss the implementation of the fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule.
Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans; Interstate Transport for Utah
Document Number: 2016-30462
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing action on a portion of a January 31, 2013 submission and a December 22, 2015 supplemental submission from the State of Utah that are intended to demonstrate that the State Implementation Plan (SIP) meets certain interstate transport requirements of the Clean Air Act (Act or CAA) for the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Specifically, the EPA is proposing to approve interstate transport prong 1 for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
Approval and Limited Approval and Limited Disapproval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; California; Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District; Stationary Source Permits; Correcting Amendment
Document Number: 2016-30186
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
On October 6, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule in the Federal Register approving certain revisions to the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District (NSCAPCD, or the District) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP), and disapproving others. The EPA indicated in this final action that these revisions would supersede certain older rules in the California SIP but inadvertently included erroneous references in the regulatory text. This document corrects the regulatory text to clarify the replacement of these superseded regulations.
Designation of Ten Chemical Substances for Initial Risk Evaluations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act
Document Number: 2016-30468
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
As required by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act in June 2016, EPA is publishing an initial list of ten (10) chemical substances that will be the subject of the Agency's chemical risk evaluations to determine whether the chemical substances present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. The law requires that EPA initiate risk evaluations on 10 chemical substances drawn from the 2014 update of the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments and that EPA publish this list within 180 days of enactment (i.e., by December 19, 2016). EPA's designation of the first ten chemical substances constitutes the initiation of the risk evaluation process for each of these chemical substances, pursuant to the requirements of TSCA section 6(b)(4). For each chemical substance, within six months from the date of publication of this notice, EPA will issue a scoping document. EPA has also established dockets for each of these chemical substances to document each risk evaluation and to facilitate receipt of information that will be useful to the Agency's risk evaluation.
Flumioxazin; Pesticide Tolerances
Document Number: 2016-30467
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of flumioxazin in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. The Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Request for Scientific Views: Draft Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria and/or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin
Document Number: 2016-30464
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the release of the draft of Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria and/or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin2016 for a 60-day public comment. These are the draft recommended concentrations of the toxins microcystins and cylindrospermopsin in recreational water protective of human health while swimming or participating in other activities on the water. Recreational exposure to the microcystins and cylindrospermopsin produced by cyanobacteria has the potential to result in liver and kidney toxicity, respectively. The recommended values found in this draft document do not replace or supersede the 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC) recommendations for E. coli and Enterococcus. Rather, once final, they will supplement the 2012 RWQC to provide further public health protection for additional, potentially hazardous conditions found in ambient recreational waters. Following closure of this 60-day public comment period, EPA will consider the comments, revise the draft document, as appropriate, and then publish a final document that will provide recommendations for States and authorized Tribes to establish water quality standards under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Alternatively, States and authorized Tribes may use these same values as the basis of swimming advisories for public notification purposes.
Implementation of the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone: Nonattainment Area Classifications and State Implementation Plan Requirements
Document Number: 2016-30365
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that a public hearing will be held for the proposed rule titled, ``Implementation of the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone: Nonattainment Area Classifications and State Implementation Plan Requirements,'' which published in the Federal Register on November 17, 2016. The hearing will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017, in Washington, DC The EPA is also announcing extension of the comment period for the proposed rule to February 13, 2017, to allow sufficient time after the public hearing for commenters to submit comments.
Promulgation of Certain Federal Water Quality Standards Applicable to Maine
Document Number: 2016-30331
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing federal Clean Water Act (CWA) water quality standards (WQS) for certain waters under the state of Maine's jurisdiction, including human health criteria (HHC) to protect the sustenance fishing designated use in waters in Indian lands and in waters subject to sustenance fishing rights under the Maine Implementing Act (MIA). EPA is promulgating these WQS to address various disapprovals of Maine's standards that EPA issued in February, March, and June 2015, and to address the Administrator's determination that Maine's HHC are not adequate to protect the designated use of sustenance fishing for certain waters.
Reclassification of the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Area To Moderate Nonattainment for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Document Number: 2016-30330
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that the Sheboygan, Wisconsin area (Sheboygan County) has failed to attain the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) by the applicable attainment date of July 20, 2016, and that this area is not eligible for an extension of the attainment date. Thus, EPA is reclassifying this area as ``moderate'' nonattainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. The State of Wisconsin must submit State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions that meet the statutory and regulatory requirements that apply to areas classified as moderate nonattainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS by January 1, 2017.
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan; Imperial County Air Pollution Control District; Stationary Sources Permits
Document Number: 2016-30327
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing action on revisions to the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD or District) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). We are proposing full approval of two rules and a limited approval and limited disapproval of one rule. All three rules update and revise the District's New Source Review (NSR) permitting program for new and modified sources of air pollution. We are taking comments on this proposal and plan to follow with a final action.
Air Plan Approval; Michigan; Part 9 Miscellaneous Rules
Document Number: 2016-30199
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve administrative revisions for incorporation into the Michigan's State Implementation Plan (SIP). The submittal, by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) on December 21, 2015, makes minor corrections to Michigan's Air Pollution Control Rules entitled ``Emission Limitations and ProhibitionsMiscellaneous.''
Air Plan Approval; Michigan; Part 9 Miscellaneous Rules
Document Number: 2016-30195
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving administrative revisions for incorporation into the Michigan's State Implementation Plan (SIP). The submittal, by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) on December 21, 2015, makes minor corrections to Michigan's Air Pollution Control Rules entitled ``Emissions Limitations and ProhibitionsMiscellaneous.''
Credit Assistance for Water Infrastructure Projects
Document Number: 2016-30194
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an interim final rule to implement a new program authorized under Subtitle C of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA), which is referred to as the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA). WIFIA authorizes EPA to provide secured (direct) loans and loan guarantees to eligible water infrastructure projects. Projects will be evaluated and selected by the Administrator of the EPA based on criteria set out in this rule using weightings established in a separate Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Following project selection, individual credit agreements will be developed through negotiations between the project sponsors and EPA. EPA is soliciting comments on an interim final rule that establishes the guidelines for the new credit assistance program for water and infrastructure projects and the process by which EPA will administer such credit assistance. The interim final rule primarily restates and clarifies statutory language while establishing approaches to specific procedural issues left to EPA's discretion. This interim final rule pertains to a matter involving a federal loan and loan guarantee program and is therefore exempt from the rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act. As such, EPA is issuing this rule as interim final.
Fees for Water Infrastructure Project Applications Under WIFIA
Document Number: 2016-30192
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is proposing to establish fees related to the provision of federal credit assistance under Subtitle C of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA), which is referred to as the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA). WIFIA authorizes EPA to provide secured (direct) loans and loan guarantees to eligible water infrastructure projects and to charge fees to recover all or a portion of the Agency's cost of providing credit assistance and the costs of retaining expert firms, including financial, engineering, and legal advisory services, in the field of municipal and project finance to assist in the underwriting and servicing of Federal credit instruments. The agency seeks comment on all aspects of this proposal.
Proposed Settlement Agreement, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit
Document Number: 2016-30058
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
In accordance with section 113(g) of the Clean Air Act, as amended (``CAA''), notice is hereby given of a proposed settlement agreement to settle a lawsuit filed by American Chemistry Council (``Petitioner''), in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit: American Chemistry Council v. EPA (Case Number 15-1146). On May 18, 2015, Petitioner and Eastman Chemical Company (``Eastman'') filed petitions for review of an EPA rule titled ``National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Off-Site Waste Recovery Operations,'' published in the Federal Register on March 18, 2015 (the ``Final Rule''). The proposed settlement agreement would establish deadlines for EPA to take specified actions.
Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability
Document Number: 2016-30350
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit
Document Number: 2016-30329
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
In accordance with section 113(g) of the Clean Air Act, as amended (``CAA'' or the ``Act''), notice is hereby given of a proposed consent decree to address a lawsuit filed by the States of New York, State of Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (collectively ``Plaintiffs'') in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York: State of New York, et al. v. McCarthy, et al. No. 1:16-cv-07827 (S.D. N.Y.). On October 6, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a complaint alleging that Gina McCarthy, in her official capacity as Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') failed to perform duties mandated by CAA to take final action to approve or disapprove the December 9, 2013 Petition submitted by the Plaintiff states, all of which are currently part of the Ozone Transport Region (``OTR''), requesting EPA to expand the OTR to include numerous ``upwind'' states. The proposed consent decree would establish deadlines for EPA to take certain specified actions with respect to the December 9, 2013 Petition.
Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-30326
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces EPA's receipt of an application 56228- EUP-UG from the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for chlorophacinone. EPA has determined that the permit may be of regional or national significance. Therefore, because of the potential significance, EPA is seeking comments on this application.
Certain New Chemicals; Receipt and Status Information for November 2016
Document Number: 2016-30325
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is required under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to publish in the Federal Register a notice of receipt of a premanufacture notice (PMN); an application for a test marketing exemption (TME), both pending and/or expired; and a periodic status report on any new chemicals under EPA review and the receipt of notices of commencement (NOC) to manufacture those chemicals. This document covers the period from November 1, 2016 to November 30, 2016.
Determinations of Attainment by the Attainment Date, Determinations of Failure To Attain by the Attainment Date and Reclassification for Certain Nonattainment Areas for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Document Number: 2016-30174
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing determinations of attainment by the attainment date and determinations of failure to attain by the attainment date for eleven areas currently classified as ``Moderate'' for the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Specifically, the EPA is proposing to determine that seven areas attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS by December 31, 2015, based on complete, quality-assured and certified PM2.5 monitoring data for 2013-2015. The EPA is also proposing to determine that four areas failed to attain the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS by December 31, 2015. Upon finalization of such determinations of failure to timely attain the NAAQS, these four areas will be reclassified as ``Serious'' for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS by operation of law. Within 18 months from the effective date of reclassification, or 2 years before the applicable Serious area attainment date, whichever is earlier, states with jurisdiction over these areas must submit State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions that comply with the statutory and regulatory requirements for Serious PM2.5 nonattainment areas.
Trichloroethylene; Regulation of Certain Uses Under TSCA § 6(a)
Document Number: 2016-30063
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile organic compound widely used in industrial and commercial processes and has some limited uses in consumer and commercial products. EPA identified significant health risks associated with TCE use in aerosol degreasing and for spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities. EPA has preliminarily determined that these risks are unreasonable risks. To address these unreasonable risks, EPA is proposing under section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of TCE for use in aerosol degreasing and for use in spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities; to prohibit commercial use of TCE for aerosol degreasing and for spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities; to require manufacturers, processors, and distributors, except for retailers of TCE for any use, to provide downstream notification of these prohibitions throughout the supply chain; and to require limited recordkeeping.
Air Plan Approval; TN; Revisions to the Knox County Portion of the TN SIP
Document Number: 2016-30056
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Tennessee, through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), on January 11, 2016. The revision was submitted by TDEC on behalf of the Knox County Department of Air Quality Management, which has jurisdiction over Knox County, Tennessee. The revision that EPA is approving amends the Knox County Air Quality Management Department's regulations, which are part of the Tennessee SIP, to address EPA's startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) SIP call for Knox County. EPA is approving the January 11, 2016, SIP revision because the Agency has determined that it is in accordance with the requirements for SIP provisions under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Redesignation of the Ohio Portion of the Cincinnati, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Area to Attainment of the 2008 Ozone Standard
Document Number: 2016-30054
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finding that the Cincinnati, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana area is attaining the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard) and is redesignating the Ohio portion of the Cincinnati area to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS because the area meets the statutory requirements for redesignation under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). The Cincinnati area includes Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio; Lawrenceburg Township in Dearborn County, Indiana; and, Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties in Kentucky. EPA is also approving, as a revision to the Ohio State Implementation Plan (SIP), the state's plan for maintaining the 2008 ozone standard through 2030 in the Cincinnati area. Finally, EPA finds adequate and is approving the state's 2020 and 2030 volatile organic compound (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets (MVEBs) for the Ohio and Indiana portion of the Cincinnati area. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) submitted the SIP revision and redesignation request on April 21, 2016.
Partial Approval, Partial Disapproval of California Air Plan Revisions, Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District
Document Number: 2016-30179
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a partial approval and partial disapproval of revisions to the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD or District) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern the District's demonstration regarding Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements for the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). We are proposing action on local SIP revisions under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act). We are taking comments on this proposal and plan to follow with a final action.
Pesticide Product Registrations; Receipt of Applications for New Uses
Document Number: 2016-30178
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
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.
Chemical Data Reporting; Requirements for Inorganic Byproduct Chemical Substances; Notice of Intent To Negotiate
Document Number: 2016-30177
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is giving notice that it intends to establish a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Negotiated Rulemaking Act (NRA). The objective of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will be to negotiate a proposed rule that would limit chemical data reporting requirements under section 8(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as amended by the Frank. R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, for manufacturers of any inorganic byproduct chemical substances, when such byproduct chemical substances are subsequently recycled, reused, or reprocessed. The purpose of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will be to conduct discussions in a good faith attempt to reach consensus on proposed regulatory language. This negotiation process is required by section 8(a)(6) of TSCA. The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will consist of representatives of parties with a definable stake in the outcome of the proposed requirements.
TSCA Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Standards for Small Manufacturers and Processors
Document Number: 2016-30176
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
On June 22, 2016, President Obama signed into law the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act which amended the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). TSCA, as amended, requires EPA to review the size standards for small manufacturers and processors, which are currently used in connection with reporting regulations under TSCA Section 8(a). In particular, EPA must make a determination whether a revision of those standards is warranted. EPA's preliminary determination is that revisions to currently codified size standards for TSCA Section 8(a) are indeed warranted. As part of the ongoing review process, the EPA is requesting public comment on whether a revision of the current size standard definitions is warranted at this time.
Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
Document Number: 2016-30175
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA has granted emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions were granted during the period October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016 to control unforeseen pest outbreaks.
Cross-Media Electronic Reporting: Authorized Program Revision Approval, State of Oregon
Document Number: 2016-30172
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This notice announces EPA's approval of the State of Oregon's request to revise/modify its EPA Administered Permit Programs: The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System EPA-authorized program to allow electronic reporting.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont; Interstate Transport of Fine Particle and Ozone Air Pollution
Document Number: 2016-30052
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is proposing to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP), the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES), the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC). These SIP submissions address provisions of the Clean Air Act that require each state to submit a SIP to address emissions that may adversely affect another state's air quality through interstate transport. The EPA is proposing that all four States have adequate provisions to prohibit in-state emissions activities from significantly contributing to nonattainment, or interfering with the maintenance, of the 1997 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in other states, and that Rhode Island and Vermont have adequate provisions to prohibit in-state emissions activities from significantly contributing to nonattainment, or interfering with maintenance, of the 1997 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS in other states. The intended effect of this action is to propose approval of the SIP revisions submitted by Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act.
Notice of Proposed Administrative Settlement Pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
Document Number: 2016-29886
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency is giving notice of two proposed administrative settlements concerning the Scrub-A-Dubb Barrel Company Superfund Site, located in the City of Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under EPA's Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program
Document Number: 2016-30062
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-14
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under EPA's Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program'' (EPA ICR No. 2547.01, OMB Control No. 2060-NEW) 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 request for approval of a new collection. 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.
Removal of Certain Inert Ingredients From the Approved Chemical Substance List for Pesticide Products
Document Number: 2016-30043
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-14
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is removing certain chemical substances from the current listing of inert ingredients approved for use in pesticide products because these chemical substances are no longer used as an inert ingredient in any registered pesticide product.
Determination of Nonattainment and Reclassification of the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria 2008 8-hour Ozone Nonattainment Area; Texas
Document Number: 2016-29999
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-14
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Texas 2008 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (HGB area) failed to attain the 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) by the applicable attainment deadline of July 20, 2016, and thus is classified by operation of law as ``Moderate''. In this action, EPA is also determining January 1, 2017 as the deadline by which Texas must submit to the EPA the State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions that meet the Clean Air Act (CAA) statutory and regulatory requirements that apply to 2008 ozone NAAQS nonattainment areas reclassified as Moderate.
Notice of Data Availability Concerning the Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support Rule
Document Number: 2016-29896
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-14
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
This Notice provides an opportunity to comment on new information that pertains to the proposed provisions for ethanol flex fuel contained in the Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) rule which was published in the Federal Register on November 16, 2016. The new information is contained in the report titled ``Property Analysis of EthanolNatural GasolineBOB Blends to Make Flex Fuel'' that has been placed in the public docket for this action. In the proposed REGS rule, the EPA proposed volatility standards for ethanol flex fuel (EFF) to prevent excessive evaporative emissions that could adversely affect the emissions control systems of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and human health. The EPA proposed a fuel volatility compliance tool for use by regulated entities to demonstrate compliance with the proposed volatility standards for EFF. The new information being made available by this notice indicates that the proposed compliance tool may need to be modified to adequately estimate the volatility of EFF when natural gasoline is used as a blendstock.
Receipt of Information Under the Toxic Substances Control Act
Document Number: 2016-29889
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-13
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
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.
State Program Requirements; Approval of Program Revisions to Michigan's Clean Water Act Section 404 Program
Document Number: 2016-29888
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-13
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
In a July 5, 2013, letter, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requested that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approve revisions to the State's Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permitting program that resulted from the enactment of Michigan Public Act 98 (PA 98). CWA Section 404 requires permits for dredge and fill activities in wetlands subject to federal jurisdiction. A state CWA Section 404 program must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of CWA Section 404 and its implementing regulations. Any revisions to state CWA programs must be approved by EPA before the revision may be implemented. Substantial modifications to a state's CWA Section 404 program become effective upon EPA approval and publication of EPA's decision in the Federal Register. EPA has reviewed the proposed revisions to Michigan's Section 404 program within the sections of the Michigan statute modified by PA 98 and has found a majority of revisions within PA 98 sections to be consistent with the CWA and approvable. Other revisions are inconsistent with the CWA and thus not approvable.
Pesticide Product Registrations; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients
Document Number: 2016-29887
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-13
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
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.
Public Water Supply Supervision Program; Program Revision for the State of Oregon
Document Number: 2016-29885
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-13
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Notice is hereby given that the State of Oregon has revised its approved State Public Water Supply Supervision Primacy Program. Oregon has adopted regulations analogous to the Environmental Protection Agency's Revised Total Coliform Rule. EPA has determined that these revisions are no less stringent than the corresponding federal regulations. Therefore, EPA intends to approve these State program revisions. By approving these rules, EPA does not intend to affect the rights of federally recognized Indian tribes within ``Indian country'' as defined by 18 U.S.C. 1151, nor does it intend to limit existing rights of the State of Oregon.
Determination of Attainment of the 2012 Annual Fine Particulate Matter Standard; Pennsylvania; Delaware County Nonattainment Area
Document Number: 2016-29751
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-13
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making a final determination that the Delaware County, Pennsylvania moderate nonattainment area (the Delaware County Area) has attained the 2012 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). This determination of attainment, also known as a clean data determination, is based upon quality assured, certified, and complete ambient air quality monitoring data showing that this area has monitored attainment of the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2013-2015 data available in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database. As a result of this determination, the requirements for the Delaware County Area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, contingency measures, and other planning state implementation plan (SIP) revisions related to attainment of the standard shall be suspended for so long as the area continues to meet the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
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