Environmental Protection Agency September 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 152
Compliance Date Extension; Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products
EPA is extending the compliance dates for the formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products final rule issued pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI, and published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2016. EPA is extending the December 12, 2017, manufactured-by date for emission standards, recordkeeping, and labeling provisions until December 12, 2018; extending the December 12, 2018 compliance date for import certification provisions until March 22, 2019; and extending the December 12, 2023, compliance date for provisions applicable to producers of laminated products until March 22, 2024. Additionally, this final rule will extend the transitional period during which the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Third Party Certifiers (TPC) may certify composite wood products under TSCA Title VI without an accreditation issued by an EPA TSCA Title VI Accreditation Body, so long as the TPC remains approved by CARB, is recognized by EPA, and complies with all aspects of the December 12, 2016 final rule until March 22, 2019. EPA believes that extension of these compliance dates and the transitional period for CARB TPCs adds needed regulatory flexibility for regulated entities, reduces compliance burdens, and helps to prevent disruptions to supply chains while still ensuring that compliant composite wood products enter the supply chain in a timely manner.
Pesticides; Final Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on Two Pesticide Registration Notices Related to Resistance Management
The Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the availability of two final Pesticide Registration Notices (PRNs) entitled, ``Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on Pesticide Resistance Management Labeling'' and ``Guidance for Herbicide Resistance Management Labeling, Education, Training, and Stewardship.'' The Agency signed these final PRNs, identified as 2017-1 and 2017-2 respectively, on August 24, 2017. PRNs are issued by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) to inform pesticide registrants and other interested persons about important policies, procedures, and registration-related decisions, and to provide guidance to pesticide registrants and OPP personnel. PRN 2017-1, which updates PRN 2001-5, provides guidance for registrants to follow when developing resistance management information to include on their pesticide labels. PRN 2017-2 communicates the Agency's current thinking and approach to address herbicide-resistant weeds by providing guidance on labeling, education, training, and stewardship for herbicides undergoing registration review or registration (i.e., new herbicide active ingredients, new uses proposed for use on herbicide-resistant crops, or other case-specific registration actions). The Agency requested comment on both of PRNs on June 3, 2016 (81 FR 35766 and 81 FR 35767). Today's final PRNs reflect consideration of public comments.
Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
This notice announces the availability of EPA's proposed interim registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decisions for the following pesticides: Carfentrazone-ethyl, clodinafop-propargyl, copper compounds, cyclanilide, flumiclorac-pentyl, metaflumizone, nitrapyrin, noviflumuron, pendimethalin, spinetoram, spinosad, and sodium, calcium, and potassium hypochlorites. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, that the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment.
Ocean Disposal; Temporary Modification of an Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site in Massachusetts Bay
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a temporary modification of the currently-designated Massachusetts Bay Dredged Material Disposal Site (MBDS) pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, as amended (MPRSA). The purpose of this temporary site modification is to allow for the environmental restoration of a particular area adjacent to the currently-designated MBDS (Potential Restoration Area) by temporarily expanding the boundaries of the existing MBDS. The temporary expansion is a circular area that contains the Potential Restoration Area, which includes most of the historic Industrial Waste Site (IWS). Decades ago, the IWS was used for the disposal of barrels containing industrial, chemical and radioactive waste, as well as for the disposal of munitions, ordnance, construction equipment, and contaminated dredged material. The proposed modification of the disposal site boundary will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to place suitable dredged material from Boston Harbor generated during the Deep Draft Navigation Project at the Potential Restoration Area in order to cover the barrels and other wastes disposed there in the past. The Deep Draft Navigation Project includes maintenance dredging in the inner harbor, which includes the expansion of a confined aquatic disposal (CAD) cell and will generate approximately 1 million cubic yards (cy) of dredged material, as well as improvement dredging of the main ship channel, which will generate approximately 11 million cy of dredged material. The existing MBDS will continue to be used for disposal of other dredging projects as usual. The expansion area would be permanently closed upon completion of the Boston Harbor maintenance and improvement projects, while the existing MBDS will remain open for the disposal of suitable dredged material. Like the MBDS, however, the expansion would be subject to ongoing monitoring and management to ensure continued protection of the marine environment.
Delegation of Authority to the Commonwealth of Virginia To Implement and Enforce Additional or Revised National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants Standards
On May 11, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent the Commonwealth of Virginia (Virginia) a letter acknowledging that Virginia's delegation of authority to implement and enforce the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) had been updated, as provided for under previously approved delegation mechanisms. To inform regulated facilities and the public, EPA is making available a copy of EPA's letter to Virginia through this notice.
Information Collection Request (ICR) Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; ICR Supporting Statement Information Collection Request for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``ICR Supporting Statement Information Collection Request for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 0229.23, OMB Control No. 2040-0004) 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, 2017. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (82FR29549) on June 29, 2017 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.
Cross-Media Electronic Reporting: Authorized Program Revision Approval, State of Arizona
This notice announces EPA's approval of the State of Arizona's request to revise its National Primary Drinking Water Regulations Implementation EPA-authorized program to allow electronic reporting.
Air Plan Approval; Delaware; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving portions of a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submittal from the State of Delaware 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. Delaware made a SIP submittal to address the infrastructure requirements for the 2012 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) NAAQS. This action approves portions of this submittal pursuant to section 110 of the CAA. EPA is not taking any action on the portion of the submittal that addresses interstate transport of emissions and intends to take separate action later.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Reasonably Available Control Technology for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conditionally approving revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) addressing Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for the Martin Marietta (formerly, Texas Industries, Inc., or TXI) cement manufacturing plant in Ellis County. We are fully approving revisions to the Texas SIP addressing NOX RACT for all other affected sources in the ten county Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) 2008 8-Hour ozone nonattainment area. We are also approving NOX RACT negative declarations (a finding that there are no major sources of NOX emissions in certain categories) for the DFW 2008 8-Hour ozone nonattainment area. The DFW 2008 8-Hour ozone nonattainment area consists of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise counties. The RACT requirements apply to major sources of NOX in these ten counties.
Technical Amendments to Procedure 6
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing minor technical amendments to Procedure 6 that were proposed in the Federal Register on May 19, 2016. Procedure 6 includes quality assurance (QA) procedures for hydrogen chloride (HCl) continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) used for compliance determination at stationary sources. The QA procedures specify the minimum requirements necessary for the control and assessment of the quality of CEMS data submitted to the EPA. This action establishes consistent requirements for ensuring and assessing the quality of HCl data measured by CEMS that meet initial acceptance requirements in Performance Specification (PS) 18 of appendix B to part 60.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Survey on Clean Water Act Hazardous Substances and Spill Impacts
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Survey on Clean Water Act Hazardous Substances and Spill Impacts'' (EPA ICR No. 2566.01, OMB Control No. 2050-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.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Federal Implementation Plans Under the Clean Air Act for Indian Reservations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington; EPA ICR No. 2020.06, OMB Control No. 2060-0558
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Federal Implementation Plans under the Clean Air Act for Indian Reservations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington'' (EPA ICR No. 2020.06, OMB Control No. 2060-0558) 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 March 31, 2018. 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; Rhode Island; Reasonably Available Control Technology for US Watercraft, LLC
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Rhode Island. The revision consists of a reasonably available control technology (RACT) approval for a volatile organic compound (VOC) emission source in Rhode Island, specifically, US Watercraft, LLC. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Notice of Proposed Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Removal Action for the Cordero-McDermitt Calcine Pile Site, McDermitt, Nevada
In accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (``CERCLA''), notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA''), United States Department of the Interior (``DOI'') and Bureau of Land Management (``BLM''), an agency of DOI, have entered into a proposed settlement, embodied in an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Removal Action (``Settlement Agreement''), with Barrick Gold, U.S., Inc. (``Barrick''). Under the Settlement Agreement, Barrick agrees to carry out a removal action involving the grading, capping and fencing of a mercury calcine tailings pile located at the former Cordero and McDermitt mercury mine sites near McDermitt, Nevada. In addition, Barrick agrees to pay EPA compromised past costs incurred by EPA at the site and future response costs incurred by BLM and EPA during the cleanup.
Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances
EPA is promulgating significant new use rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 37 chemical substances which were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs). The applicable review periods for the PMNs submitted for these 37 chemical substances all ended prior to June 22, 2016 (i.e., the date on which President Obama signed into law the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act which amends TSCA). Six of these chemical substances are subject to TSCA section 5(e) consent orders issued by EPA. This action requires persons who intend to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or process any of these 37 chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by this rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification initiates EPA's evaluation of the intended use within the applicable review period. Manufacture and processing for the significant new use is unable to commence until EPA has conducted a review of the notice, made an appropriate determination on the notice, and take such actions as are required with that determination.
Air Plan Promulgation and Approval; Kansas; Revisions to the Construction Permits and Approvals Program
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the Kansas State Implementation Plan (SIP) and the 112(l) program submitted on December 5, 2016, by the State of Kansas. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, we are approving the State's SIP revisions as a direct final rule without a prior proposed rule. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule. The submission revises Kansas' construction permit rules. Specifically, these revisions implement the revised National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter; clarify and refine applicable criteria for sources subject to the construction permitting program; update the construction permitting program fee structure and schedule; and make minor revisions and corrections. Approval of these revisions will not impact air quality, ensures consistency between the State and Federally-approved rules, and ensures Federal enforceability of the State's rules.
Approval of Kansas Air Quality State Implementation Plans; Construction Permits and Approvals Program
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve revisions to the Kansas State Implementation Plan (SIP) and the 112(l) program. The submission revises Kansas' construction permit rules. Specifically, these revisions implement the revised National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter; clarify and refine applicable criteria for sources subject to the construction permitting program; update the construction permitting program fee structure and schedule; and make minor revisions and corrections. Approval of these revisions will not impact air quality, ensures consistency between the State and Federally-approved rules, and ensures Federal enforceability of the State's rules.
Approval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New Jersey, 2011 Periodic Emission Inventory SIP for the Ozone Nonattainment and PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The SIP revision consists of the following: 2011 calendar year ozone precursor emission inventories for volatile organic compounds (VOC), oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and carbon monoxide (CO) for the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island area classified as Moderate ozone nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard, and the Philadelphia- Wilmington-Atlantic City ozone nonattainment area classified as Marginal ozone nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard. In addition, the SIP revision also consists of the 2011 calendar year statewide periodic emissions inventory for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and the associated PM2.5 and/or Regional Haze precursors. The pollutants included in this inventory include VOC, NOX, PM2.5, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 microns (PM10), ammonia (NH3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Emission inventories are needed to develop and assess new control strategies that the states may use in attainment demonstration SIPs for the new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and PM2.5. The inventory may also serve as part of statewide inventories for purposes of regional modeling in ozone and Regional Haze transport areas. The inventory plays an important role in modeling demonstrations for areas classified as nonattainment for ozone, CO and PM2.5.
Public Hearings: Proposal To Withdraw Proposed Determination To Restrict the Use of an Area as a Disposal Site; Pebble Deposit Area, Southwest Alaska
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold two public hearings to obtain public testimony and comment on its proposal to withdraw the EPA Region 10 July 2014 Proposed Determination that was issued pursuant to the Clean Water Act. The public hearings will be held on October 11, 2017, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT) in Dillingham, Alaska, and October 12, 2017, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. AKDT in Iliamna, Alaska. The EPA will continue to accept written public comments through the close of the public comment period on October 17, 2017.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry Residual Risk and Technology Review
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) From the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry to address the results of the residual risk and technology review (RTR) the EPA is required to conduct in accordance with section 112 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). We found risks due to emissions of air toxics to be acceptable from this source category with an ample margin of safety, and we identified no new cost-effective controls under the technology review to achieve further emissions reductions. Therefore, we are proposing no revisions to the numerical emission limits based on these analyses. However, the EPA is proposing amendments to correct and clarify rule requirements and provisions. While the proposed amendments would not result in reductions in emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP), this action, if finalized, would result in improved monitoring, compliance, and implementation of the rule.
Compliance Date Extension; Statutory Requirements for Substantiation of Confidential Business Information (CBI) Claims Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
EPA is extending the compliance dates published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2017 and previously extended in the Federal Register on February 21, 2017. Specifically, the Agency set September 19, 2017 as the deadline by which submitters of TSCA submissions containing information claimed as CBI and filed between June 22, 2016 and March 21, 2017 had to submit to EPA the substantiation required by TSCA section 14(c)(3) for all information claimed as confidential, other than information exempt from substantiation pursuant to TSCA section 14(c)(2). The Agency is now giving submitters until October 19, 2017 to provide the substantiations to EPA.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for Financing Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects Pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
Consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality's NEPA regulations, and EPA's regulations for implementing NEPA, EPA will prepare a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) to analyze the potential environmental impacts related to providing individual long-term, low-cost supplemental loans or loan guarantees for regionally and nationally significant eligible water and wastewater infrastructure projects under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program. EPA will use the information in the PEA to determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Future proposed actions under WIFIA that have potential impacts not sufficiently addressed by this PEA may require consideration in a separate NEPA document. This notice initiates the scoping process by inviting comments from Federal, State, and local agencies, Indian tribes, and the public to help identify the environmental issues and reasonable alternatives to be examined in the PEA. The scoping process will inform the preparation and issuance of the PEA, which will be made available for public comment.
Approval of Implementation Plans; State of Iowa; Elements of the Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, and an amended SIP submission from the State of Iowa for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Infrastructure SIPs address the applicable requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) section 110, which requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each new or revised NAAQS promulgated by the EPA. These SIPs are commonly referred to as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. 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. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, we are approving the state's SIP revisions as a direct final rule without a prior proposed rule. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule.
Approval of Implementation Plans; State of Iowa; Elements of the Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve elements of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, and an amended SIP submission from the State of Iowa for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Infrastructure SIPs address the applicable requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) section 110, which requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each new or revised NAAQS promulgated by the EPA. These SIPs are commonly referred to as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. 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.
Approval of Nebraska Air Quality Implementation Plans; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from the State of Nebraska addressing the applicable requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) section 110 for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) NAAQS, which requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP to support implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each new or revised NAAQS promulgated by EPA. These SIPs are commonly referred to as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. 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. EPA is proposing approval of the infrastructure submissions as meeting the applicable requirements of CAA section 110, for all three submittals. EPA is proposing to approve elements of the 2010 NO2 and SO2 infrastructure SIP submissions from the State of Nebraska received on February 7, 2013, and August 22, 2013, respectively. EPA is also proposing to approve the 2012 PM2.5 infrastructure submittal received on February 22, 2016. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, we are approving the state's SIP revisions as a direct final rule without a prior proposed rule. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule.
Approval of Nebraska Air Quality Implementation Plans; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve elements of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from the State of Nebraska addressing the applicable requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) section 110 for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) NAAQS, which requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP to support implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each new or revised NAAQS promulgated by EPA. These SIPs are commonly referred to as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. 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.
Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to Confidential Business Information
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to transfer confidential business information (CBI) collected from the steam electric power generating industry to ICF International (ICF). Transfer of the information will allow the contractor to support EPA in its reconsideration of effluent limitations guidelines and standards promulgated for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category on November 3, 2015. The information being transferred was or will be collected under the authority of section 308 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Interested persons may submit comments on this intended transfer of information to the address noted below.
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 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 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley ozone nonattainment areas.
Interim Registration Review Decision for 22 Sulfonylurea Pesticides; Notice of Availability
This notice announces the availability of EPA's interim registration review decision for the 22 sulfonylurea herbicide chemicals listed in the Table in Unit II of this Notice. It also announces the case closure for desmedipham (Case 2150 and Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-1044), Busan 1024 (case 5026 and Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0243), Bis (trichloromethyl) sulfone (BTS) (Case 2055 and Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0614), Perboric Acid (Case 5007 and Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0006), and profenofos (Case 2540 and Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0345) because all of the U.S. registrations for these pesticides have been canceled. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration; that is, the pesticide can perform its intended function without causing unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment.
Release of Draft Documents Related to the Review of the Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Oxides
On or about August 25, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will make available for public comment two draft documents titled, Risk and Exposure Assessment for the Review of the Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Oxides, External Review Draft (Draft REA) and Policy Assessment for the Review of the Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Oxides, External Review Draft (Draft PA). These draft documents were prepared as part of the current review of the primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for Sulfur Oxides (SOX). The Draft REA describes draft quantitative exposure and risk analyses for this NAAQS review. The PA, when final, serves to ``bridge the gap'' between the currently available scientific information and the judgments required of the Administrator in determining whether to retain or revise the existing primary NAAQS for SOX.
Air Plan Approval; Maine; Regional Haze 5-Year Progress Report
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maine on February 23, 2016. Maine's SIP revision addresses requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and EPA's rules that require States to submit periodic reports describing progress toward reasonable progress goals (RPGs) established for regional haze and a determination of the adequacy of the State's existing regional haze SIP. Maine's progress report notes that Maine has implemented the measures in the regional haze SIP due to be in place by the date of the progress report and that visibility in federal Class I areas affected by emissions from Maine is improving and has already met the applicable RPGs for 2018. Maine also determined that the State's regional haze SIP is adequate to meet these reasonable progress goals for the first implementation period covering through 2018 and requires no substantive revision at this time.
Allocations of Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Allowances From New Unit Set-Asides for the 2017 Compliance Year
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing notice of the availability of data on emission allowance allocations to certain units under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). EPA has completed final calculations for the first round of allocations of allowances from the CSAPR new unit set-asides (NUSAs) for the 2017 control periods and has posted spreadsheets containing the calculations on EPA's Web site. The only change from the preliminary calculations is the elimination of allocations of CSAPR SO2 Group 2 allowances to four units in Georgia that for purposes of the preliminary calculations were incorrectly identified as new units instead of existing units.
Postponement of Certain Compliance Dates for the Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category
Under the Clean Water Act (``CWA''), The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to conduct a rulemaking to potentially revise certain best available technology economically achievable (``BAT'') effluent limitations and pretreatment standards for existing sources (``PSES'') for the steam electric power generating point source category, which were published in the Federal Register on November 3, 2015. EPA is, accordingly, postponing the associated compliance dates in the 2015 Rule. In particular, EPA is postponing the earliest compliance dates for the new, more stringent, BAT effluent limitations and PSES for flue gas desulfurization (``FGD'') wastewater and bottom ash transport water in the 2015 Rule for a period of two years. At this time, EPA does not intend to conduct a rulemaking that would potentially revise the new, more stringent BAT effluent limitations and pretreatment standards in the 2015 Rule for fly ash transport water, flue gas mercury control wastewater, and gasification wastewater, or any of the other requirements in the 2015 Rule. As such, EPA is not changing the compliance dates for the BAT limitations and PSES established by the 2015 Rule for these wastestreams. EPA's action to postpone certain compliance dates in the 2015 Rule is intended to preserve the status quo for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water until EPA completes its next rulemaking concerning those wastestreams, and it thus does not otherwise amend the effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the steam electric power generating point source category.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Arkansas; Revisions to Minor New Source Review Program
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the Arkansas State Implementation Plan (SIP) minor New Source Review (NSR) program submitted on July 26, 2010, and March 24, 2017, including supplemental information provided on November 30, 2015, May 26, 2016, and July 27, 2017. Specifically, we are proposing to approve revisions that revise the minor NSR permitting thresholds and de minimis levels, as well as, additional non-substantive revisions. This proposed action is consistent with the requirements of section 110 of the CAA.
Availability of the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Assessment Plans for Nitrate/Nitrite, Chloroform, and Ethylbenzene
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a 30- day public comment period associated with the draft IRIS Assessment Plans for Nitrate/Nitrite, Chloroform, and Ethylbenzene. These documents communicate information on the scoping needs identified by EPA program and regional offices and the IRIS Program's initial problem formulation activities. Specifically, the assessment plans outline the objectives for each assessment and the type of evidence considered most pertinent to address the scoping needs. EPA is releasing these draft IRIS Assessment Plans for public comment. These assessment plans will also be discussed during the September 27-28 Science Advisory Board (SAB) Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC) peer consultation meeting. These documents were prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD).
Outer Continental Shelf Air Regulations; Consistency Update for California
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing the updates of the Outer Continental Shelf (``OCS'') Air Regulations proposed in the Federal Register on June 17, 2016 and December 12, 2016. Requirements applying to OCS sources located within 25 miles of States' seaward boundaries must be updated periodically to remain consistent with the requirements of the corresponding onshore area (``COA''), as mandated by section 328(a)(1) of the Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990 (``the Act''). The portions of the OCS air regulations that are being updated pertain to the requirements for OCS sources for which the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (``Santa Barbara County APCD'') and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (``Ventura County APCD'') are the designated COA. The intended effect of approving the OCS requirements for the Santa Barbara County APCD and Ventura County APCD is to regulate emissions from OCS sources in accordance with the requirements onshore. The changes to the existing requirements discussed in this document will be incorporated by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations and listed in the appendix to the OCS air regulations.
Air Plan Approval; Alabama: Infrastructure Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve portions of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, submitted by the State of Alabama, through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), for inclusion into the Alabama SIP, on December 9, 2015, to demonstrate that the State meets the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2012 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) 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, which is commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure SIP submission.'' ADEM certified that the Alabama SIP contains provisions that ensure the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS is implemented, enforced, and maintained in Alabama. EPA has determined that portions of Alabama's SIP satisfy certain required infrastructure elements for the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.
Air Plan Approval; KY; Removal of Stage II Gasoline Vapor Recovery Program
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving changes to the Kentucky State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet, on November 10, 2016, for the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (District). This SIP revision removes Stage II vapor control requirements for new and upgraded gasoline dispensing facilities, and allows for the decommissioning of existing Stage II equipment in Jefferson County, Kentucky. EPA determined that Kentucky's November 10, 2016, SIP revision is approvable because it is consistent with the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; United States Virgin Islands; Other Solid Waste Incineration Units
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 111(d)/129 negative declaration for the United States Virgin Islands, for other solid waste incineration units. Other solid waste incineration (OSWI) unit. which is either a very small municipal waste combustion unit or an institutional waste incineration unit. This negative declaration certifies that OSWI units subject to sections 111(d) and 129 of the CAA do not exist within the jurisdiction of the United States Virgin Islands. The EPA is accepting the negative declaration in accordance with the requirements of the CAA.
Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; United States Virgin Islands; Other Solid Waste Incineration Units
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 111(d)/129 negative declaration for the United States Virgin Islands for other solid waste incineration units. Other solid waste incineration (OSWI) unit means either a very small municipal waste combustion unit or an institutional waste incineration unit. This negative declaration certifies that existing OSWI units subject to sections 111(d) and 129 of the CAA do not exist within the jurisdiction of the United States Virgin Islands. The EPA is accepting the negative declaration in accordance with the requirements of the CAA.
Request for Public Comments To Be Sent to EPA on Peer Review Materials To Inform the Safe Drinking Water Act Decision Making on Perchlorate
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the release of materials for public comment. These materials will undergo expert peer review in support of EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act decision making for perchlorate. This request is one of two Federal Register notices being published concurrently, seeking public comment on two separate sets of peer review materials. This notice requests comments (to be sent to EPA) on a draft report entitled ``Draft Report: Proposed Approaches to Inform the Derivation of a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal for Perchlorate in Drinking Water'' (draft MCLG Approaches Report). The companion notice requests comments (to be sent to EPA's contractor, Versar, Inc.) on an interim list of peer reviewers and draft charge questions.
Request for Public Comments To Be Sent to Versar, Inc., on an Interim List of Perchlorate in Drinking Water Expert Peer Reviewers and Draft Peer Review Charge Questions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a request for public comment on an interim list of peer review candidates and materials that relate to the expert peer review to support EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act decision making for perchlorate. This request is one of two Federal Register notices being published concurrently, seeking public comment on two separate sets of materials. This notice requests comments to be sent to EPA's contractor, Versar, Inc., on the interim list of peer review candidates and the draft charge questions. Versar, Inc., will consider the comments received on this notice in selecting the final peer review panel, which will collectively provide appropriate expertise spanning the subject matter areas covered by the draft report and, to the extent feasible, best provide a balance of perspectives. EPA will consider comments received on this notice to help inform the final peer review panel's charge. The companion notice requests comments (to be sent to EPA) on a draft report entitled ``Draft Report: Proposed Approaches to Inform the Derivation of a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal for Perchlorate in Drinking Water'' (draft MCLG Approaches Report).
Notice of Final Agency Action To Issue a Prevention of Significant Deterioration Non-Applicability Determination for Tesoro Refining and Marketing for Further Integration of Its Carson and Wilmington Facilities
This notice announces that the EPA issued a final agency action for a Clean Air Act Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Non-Applicability Determination to Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC (Tesoro) for further integration of its Carson and Wilmington facilities in California's South Coast Air Basin. Tesoro has termed its construction project the Los Angeles Refinery Integration and Compliance (LARIC) Project. Tesoro intends to shut down certain units, modify other units and construct new units to facilitate physically connecting the two refineries to improve efficiency and comply with EPA's Tier 3 Gasoline regulations. In its Non-Applicability Determination, the EPA determined that the LARIC Project is a not a major PSD modification.
Notice of Issuance of Part 71 Federal Operating Permits for Cloquet Compressor Station No. 5, Grand Casino Hinckley, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel; and Notice of Issuance of Part 52 Federal Construction Permit for Grand Casino Hinckley
This notice announces that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Federal operating permits to Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership (Great Lakes Gas), NRG Reliability Solutions, LLC, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures dba Grand Casino Hinckley (Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures), and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota (SMSC). EPA also issued a Federal construction permit to Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures.
Human Studies Review Board Advisory Committee; Request for Nominations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates with expertise in the area of bioethics and statistics to be considered for appointment to its Human Studies Review Board (HSRB) federal advisory committee. HSRB vacancies will be filled in the fall of 2017. In addition to this Federal Register notice, additional sources of nominations may be used to obtain a balanced committee.
Ohio: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revision
Ohio has applied to EPA for Final Authorization of the changes to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA has reviewed Ohio's application with regards to federal requirements, and is proposing to authorize the state's changes.
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.
Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities
This document announces the Agency'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.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
