Environmental Protection Agency December 13, 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The EPA is proposing to reissue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit (IDG370000) for small suction dredge operations in Idaho (intake nozzle size of 5 inches in diameter or a diametric equivalent or less and with equipment rated at 15 horsepower or less). The current permit established effluent limitations, standards, prohibitions and other conditions on discharges from covered facilities. These conditions are based on existing national effluent guidelines, the state of Idaho's Water Quality Standards and material contained in the administrative record. The EPA is proposing to retain most conditions of the current General Permit. A description of the basis for the conditions and requirements of the proposed general permit is given in the Fact Sheet. This is also notice of the draft Section 401 Certification provided by the state of Idaho.

EPA is announcing the availability of a final document titled, ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur OxidesHealth Criteria'' (EPA/600/R-17/451). The document was prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) as part of the review of the primary (health-based) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for sulfur oxides (SOX). This Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) provides a comprehensive review, synthesis, and evaluation of the most policy- relevant science to serve as the scientific foundation for EPA's review of the current primary NAAQS for SOX.\1\ EPA is developing a separate ISA as part of an independent review for the secondary (welfare-based) NAAQS for oxides of nitrogen and sulfur.

EPA has submitted the following information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA): ``TSCA Section 4 Test Rules, Consent Orders, Enforceable Consent Agreements, Voluntary Testing Agreements, Voluntary Data Submissions, and Exemptions from Testing Requirements'' and identified by EPA ICR No. 1139.11, OMB Control No. 2070-0033. The ICR, which is available in the docket along with other related materials, provides a detailed explanation of the collection activities and the burden estimate that is only briefly summarized in this document. EPA has addressed the comments received in response to the previously provided public review opportunity issued in the Federal Register on March 15, 2016 (81 FR 13790). With this submission, EPA is providing an additional 30 days for public review.

Due to receipt of an adverse comment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is withdrawing the October 16, 2017 direct final rule (DFR) that approved a revision to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's state implementation plan (SIP). The revision included amendments to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (PADEP) regulations and addressed the requirement to adopt reasonably available control technology (RACT) for sources covered by EPA's control techniques guidelines (CTG) standards for the following categories: Miscellaneous metal parts surface coating, miscellaneous plastic parts surface coating, and pleasure craft surface coatings, as well as related cleaning activities. The SIP revision also amended regulations for graphic arts systems and mobile equipment repair and refinishing as well as made general administrative changes. EPA stated in the direct final rule that if EPA received adverse comments by November 15, 2017, the rule would be withdrawn and not take effect. EPA subsequently received adverse comments. EPA will address the comments received in a subsequent final action based upon the proposed action also published on October 16, 2017. EPA will not institute a second comment period on this action.