Environmental Protection Agency February 2019 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 147
Air Plan Disapproval; Wisconsin; Redesignation Request for the Wisconsin Portion of the Chicago-Naperville, Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin Area to Attainment of the 2008 Ozone Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to disapprove an August 15, 2016, request from Wisconsin to redesignate the Wisconsin portion of the Chicago-Naperville, Illinois-Indiana- Wisconsin (IL-IN-WI) ozone nonattainment area (Chicago nonattainment area) to attainment of the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard) because the area is violating the standard with 2015-2017 monitoring data. EPA is also proposing to disapprove Wisconsin's maintenance plans and Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets (MVEBs), submitted with the State's redesignation request, since approval of these State Implementation Plan (SIP) components is contingent on attainment of the ozone standard. The Chicago area includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties, Aux Sable and Goose Lake Townships in Grundy County, and Oswego Township in Kendall County in Illinois; Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana; and the area east of and including the corridor of Interstate 94 in Kenosha County, Wisconsin.
Revision of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin Nonattainment Designation for the 1997 and 2008 Ozone Standards and Clean Data Determination for the 2008 Ozone Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a request from Wisconsin to revise the designation for the Sheboygan nonattainment area for the 1997 primary and secondary ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the 2008 primary and secondary ozone NAAQS, by splitting the existing area into two distinct nonattainment areas that together cover the identical geographic area of the existing nonattainment area. This revised designation is supported by air quality data, emissions and emissions-related data, meteorology, geography/topography, and jurisdictional boundaries. Both areas would retain their nonattainment designation and Moderate classification. In this action, EPA is also proposing to make a clean data determination for one of the two separate areas for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
Air Plan Approval; Connecticut; Prevention of Significant Deterioration; Revisions to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Greenhouse Gas Permitting Authority
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Connecticut. This revision affects provisions applicable to greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the EPA's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit program. Connecticut requested the revision in response to the June 23, 2014, U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Utility Air Regulatory Group (UARG) v. EPA and the April 10, 2015, Amended Judgment by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) in Coalition for Responsible Regulation v. EPA. The intended effect of this action is to clarify that the State's PSD rules do not require a source to obtain a permit solely because the source emits or has the potential to emit (PTE) GHGs: Above the PSD applicability thresholds for new major sources or for which there is a significant emissions increase from a modification. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act.
Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses
This notice announces EPA's order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an October 17, 2018 Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 3 of Unit II to voluntarily cancel and amend to terminate uses of these product registrations. In the October 17, 2018 notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations and amendments to terminate uses. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions.
Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
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 of April 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018 to control unforeseen pest outbreaks.
Finding of Failure To Attain and Reclassification of Pechanga Nonattainment Area for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to determine that the Pechanga Band of Luise[ntilde]o Mission Indians of the Pechanga Reservation nonattainment area (``Pechanga nonattainment area'' or ``Pechanga area'') failed to attain the 2008 national ambient air quality standards for ozone (``ozone NAAQS'' or ``ozone standards'') by the applicable attainment date. The effect of failing to attain by the attainment date is that the ``Moderate'' Pechanga nonattainment area will be reclassified by operation of law to ``Serious'' upon the effective date of the final reclassification action. This proposed action, if finalized, would fulfill the EPA's statutory obligation to determine whether ozone nonattainment areas attained the NAAQS by the attainment date.
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan; National Priorities List: Partial Deletion of the Beckman Instruments Superfund Site
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 is issuing a Notice of Intent to Delete the soil portion of the Beckman Instruments Superfund Site (Site) located in Porterville, California, from the National Priorities List (NPL) and requests public comments on this proposed action. The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). EPA and the State of California, through the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), have determined that all appropriate soil response actions under CERCLA have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund. This partial deletion pertains to the soil; a map indicating the area to be deleted is in the public docket. The groundwater will remain on the NPL and is not being considered for deletion as part of this action. Maintenance, monitoring, and five-year reviews of the groundwater remedy will continue until all drinking water standards have been met.
Air Plan Approval; NC; Permitting Revisions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a portion of a revision to the North Carolina State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of North Carolina through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (formerly the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR)), Division of Air Quality, through a letter dated March 24, 2006. The revision includes changes to permitting regulations. The revision is part of North Carolina's strategy to meet and maintain the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). This action is being taken pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and its implementing regulations.
Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) regarding the infrastructure requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2012 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard). 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. This action pertains specifically to infrastructure requirements in the Illinois SIP concerning interstate transport provisions.
Air Plan Approval; North Carolina; Ozone NAAQS Update
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of North Carolina through the North Carolina Division of Air Quality (NCDAQ) with a letter dated March 21, 2018. The SIP submittal includes changes to the State's air quality rules for ozone to be consistent with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is approving these provisions of the SIP revision because the State has demonstrated that these changes are consistent with the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and federal regulations.
Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Attainment Plan for the Lake County SO2
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving, under the Clean Air Act (CAA), Ohio's plan for attaining the 1-hour sulfur dioxide (SO2) primary national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) in the Lake County SO2 nonattainment area. EPA proposed to approve Ohio's Lake County plan as a revision to Ohio's SO2 State Implementation Plan (SIP) on August 21, 2018. EPA received public comments on the proposed rulemaking and is providing responses to the comments below.
Air Plan Approval; Massachusetts; Nonattainment New Source Review Program Revisions; Infrastructure Provisions for National Ambient Air Quality Standards; Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On February 9, 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) submitted revisions to the EPA satisfying the MassDEP's earlier commitment to adopt and submit provisions that meet certain requirements of the Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) air permit program regulations. The EPA is also proposing to approve the Commonwealth's NNSR certification, which was included in the February 9, 2018 SIP revision, as sufficient for the purposes of satisfying the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). In addition, this action will also convert the EPA's December 21, 2016 conditional approval for certain infrastructure provisions relating to Massachusetts's NNSR air permit program to full approval. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act.
Notice of Delegation of Authority; Connecticut; New Source Performance Standards for Stationary Combustion Turbines
On December 13, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent the State of Connecticut a letter approving Connecticut's request for delegation of the New Source Performance Standards for Stationary Combustion Turbines. To inform regulated facilities and the public of the EPA's approval of Connecticut's request for delegation of authority to implement and enforce these standards, the EPA is making available a copy of EPA's letter to Connecticut through this document.
Revised Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army (``the agencies'') are publishing for public comment a proposed rule defining the scope of waters federally regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This proposal is the second step in a comprehensive, two-step process intended to review and revise the definition of ``waters of the United States'' consistent with the Executive Order signed on February 28, 2017, ``Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the `Waters of the United States' Rule.'' This proposed rule is intended to increase CWA program predictability and consistency by increasing clarity as to the scope of ``waters of the United States'' federally regulated under the Act. This proposed definition revision is also intended to clearly implement the overall objective of the CWA to restore and maintain the quality of the nation's waters while respecting State and tribal authority over their own land and water resources.
Air Plan Approval; ID, Kraft Pulp Mill Rule Revisions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) on November 2, 2018. The submitted revisions update Idaho's rules by removing obsolete and duplicative requirements as well as requirements less stringent than applicable Federal regulations.
Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Proposed Approval of a Revision to the Sulfur Dioxide State Implementation Plan for United States Steel-Gary Works
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a March 6, 2018 request by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to revise its State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the United States Steel-Gary Works (US Steel-Gary Works). The proposed SIP revision pertains to the removal of all sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission limitations for the facility's coke plant, which permanently ceased operation on March 30, 2015, and other administrative changes. The SIP revision provides for an overall reduction in SO2 emissions at the facility.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Allegheny County Reasonable Available Control Technology for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) on behalf of the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) for the purpose of satisfying the volatile organic compound (VOC) reasonably available control technology (RACT) requirements for source categories covered by control technique guidelines (CTGs) under the 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Reasonable Further Progress Plan and Other Plan Elements for the Chicago Nonattainment Area for the 2008 Ozone Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a revision to the Indiana State Implementation Plan (SIP) to meet the base year emissions inventory, reasonable further progress (RFP), RFP contingency measure, nonattainment new source review (nonattainment NSR), volatile organic compound (VOC) reasonably available control technology (RACT), and motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the Indiana portion of the Chicago-Naperville, Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin area (Chicago area) for the 2008 ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or standard). EPA is also approving the 2017 transportation conformity motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) for the Indiana portion of the Chicago area for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. EPA is approving the state's submission as a SIP revision pursuant to section 110 and part D of the CAA and EPA's regulations because it satisfies the emission inventory, RFP, RFP contingency measure, nonattainment NSR, VOC RACT, I/M, and transportation conformity requirements for areas classified as moderate nonattainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. This final action permanently stops the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) clock triggered by EPA's February 3, 2017 finding that Indiana failed to submit a marginal ozone nonattainment NSR plan. EPA proposed to approve these provisions on August 28, 2018 and received public comments.
Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Negative Declarations for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration and Sewage Sludge Incineration Units for Designated Facilities and Pollutants
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is notifying the public that we have received from Indiana requests for withdrawals of the previously approved state plans and notification of negative declarations for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration (CISWI) units and Sewage Sludge Incineration (SSI) units. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) submitted its CISWI withdrawal and negative declaration by letter dated July 31, 2017 and its SSI withdrawal and negative declaration by letter dated July 31, 2017. IDEM notified EPA in its negative declaration letters that there are no CISWI or SSI units subject to the requirements of the Clean Air Act (Act) currently operating in Indiana. On October 3, 2018, EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for these negative declarations.
Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Emissions Inventory for the Missouri Jackson County and Jefferson County 2010 Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard Nonattainment Areas
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving two submissions from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) revising the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the State of Missouri. The SIP revision submissions address the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 172 requirement to submit a base year emissions inventory for Missouri's partial Jackson County and partial Jefferson County nonattainment areas of the 2010 1-hour Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
Air Plan Approval; South Carolina: Revisions to Prevention of Significant Deterioration Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving portions of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of South Carolina, through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), on September 5, 2017, that seek to revise certain New Source Review (NSR) regulations regarding the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting program. EPA is finalizing this action pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Air Plan Approval; Wisconsin; Reasonable Further Progress Plan and Other Plan Elements for the Moderate Nonattainment Chicago Area for the 2008 Ozone Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing approval of a revision to the Wisconsin State Implementation Plan (SIP) to meet the base year emissions inventory, reasonable further progress (RFP), RFP contingency measure, nitrogen oxides (NOX) reasonably available control technology (RACT), and motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the Wisconsin portion of the Chicago-Naperville, Illinois- Indiana-Wisconsin nonattainment area (Chicago area) for the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or standards). EPA is also finalizing approval of the 2017 and 2018 transportation conformity motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) for the Wisconsin portion of the Chicago area for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. EPA proposed approval of these attainment planning elements on August 16, 2018, and received no adverse comments germane to this action. Therefore, EPA is finalizing approval of this SIP revision pursuant to section 110 and part D of the CAA and EPA's regulations because it satisfies the emission inventory, RFP, RFP contingency measure, NOX RACT, I/M, and transportation conformity requirements for the Wisconsin portion of the Chicago area, which is classified as moderate nonattainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Reasonable Further Progress Plan for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Ozone Nonattainment Area
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a revision to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) to meet the Reasonable Further Progress (RFP) requirements for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) moderate 2008 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (HGB area). EPA is approving the RFP demonstration, contingency measures, motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) and an updated 2011 base year emissions inventory.
Extension of Public Comment Period for Water Quality Standards; Establishment of a Numeric Criterion for Selenium for the State of California
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the proposed rule ``Water Quality Standards; Establishment of a Numeric Criterion for Selenium for the State of California'' for an additional 45 days, from February 11, 2019, to March 28, 2019. The EPA will offer virtual public hearings on the proposed rule via the internet on March 19, 2019, and March 20, 2019. The EPA is taking this action in order to ensure the public comment period remains open to accommodate the public hearings, originally scheduled for January 29, 2019, and January 30, 2019, and rescheduled due to the recent federal government shutdown. This extension is necessary to comply with public notice requirements.
Allocations of Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Allowances From New Unit Set-Asides for 2018 Control Periods
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) trading programs. EPA has completed final calculations for the second round of allocations of allowances from the CSAPR new unit set-asides (NUSAs) for the 2018 control periods and has posted spreadsheets containing the calculations on EPA's website. EPA has also completed calculations for allocations of the remaining 2018 NUSA allowances to existing units and has posted spreadsheets containing those calculations on EPA's website as well.
Air Plan Approval; GA; Miscellaneous Revisions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve changes to the Georgia State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Georgia, through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) of the Department of Natural Resources, on April 11, 2003. EPA is proposing to approve portions of a SIP revision which include changes to Georgia's rules regarding emissions standards and open burning. This action is being proposed pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and its implementing regulations.
Air Plan Approval; Wisconsin; Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve, as a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision, Wisconsin's certification that its SIP satisfies the nonattainment new source review (NNSR) requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The State's submittal is in response to EPA's February 3 and December 11, 2017 Findings of Failure to Submit (FFS) final rule, which found that Wisconsin failed to timely submit certain SIP elements to satisfy CAA requirements for implementation of the 2008 ozone NAAQS in nonattainment areas. EPA is proposing to approve this revision in accordance with the requirements of the CAA. Approval of the NNSR requirements would address EPA's finding that Wisconsin failed to submit moderate ozone NNSR requirements and turn off the sanctions and Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) clock.
Notice of Final Decision to Issue Federal Minor New Source Review Permits to Six Sources on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation Owned and Operated by Anadarko Uintah Midstream, LLC
This notice announces that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final permit decisions for six Clean Air Act Minor New Source Review (MNSR) Permits in Indian country to Anadarko Uintah Midstream, LLC, (Anadarko) for the Archie Bench Compressor Station, the Bitter Creek Compressor Station, the East Bench Compressor Station, the North Compressor Station, the North East Compressor Station and the Sage Grouse Compressor Station. These permits incorporate emissions control requirements originally established in a 2008 federal consent decree into federally enforceable permits, which is a step toward allowing the consent decree to be terminated. Consistent with the federal consent decree, the permits include enforceable carbon monoxide emissions control efficiency requirements for the 4-stroke lean-burn compressor engines using catalytic emissions control systems and enforceable requirements to install and operate only instrument air- driven or low-bleed pneumatic controllers. The permit for the Bitter Creek Compressor Station also includes enforceable requirements for the installation and operation of low-emission tri-ethylene glycol (TEG) dehydration systems for control of volatile organic compound emissions.
Notice of Issuance of Grand Casino Mille Lacs PSD and Part 71 Permits
This notice announces that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Federal operating permits to the Mille Lacs Band Corporate Commission for Grand Casino Mille Lacs. The source is in Onamia, Minnesota on lands held in trust for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians. The permits authorize a change in the testing requirements for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions from three existing diesel-fired internal combustion engines. These engines are used for peak load management as well as for backup power. NOx performance test requirements are increased in frequency from once in five years to once in three years.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; California; South Coast Serious Area Plan for the 2006 PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving portions of a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by California to address Clean Air Act (CAA or ``Act'') requirements for the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS or ``standards'') in the Los Angeles-South Coast air basin (South Coast) Serious PM2.5 nonattainment area. The EPA is also approving 2017 and 2019 motor vehicle emissions budgets for transportation conformity purposes and inter-pollutant trading ratios for use in transportation conformity analyses.
Clean Data Determination; Provo, Utah 2006 Fine Particulate Matter Standards Nonattainment Area
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make a clean data determination (CDD) for the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) Provo, Utah (UT) nonattainment area (NAA). The proposed determination is based upon quality-assured, quality- controlled, and certified ambient air monitoring data for the period 2015-2017, available in the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database, showing the area has monitored attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Based on our proposed determination that the Provo, UT NAA is currently attaining the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the EPA is also proposing to determine that the obligation for Utah to make submissions to meet certain Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act) requirements related to attainment of the NAAQS for this area is not applicable for as long as the area continues to attain the NAAQS.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Wyoming; Interstate Transport for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing action on a submission from the State of Wyoming that is intended to demonstrate that the Wyoming 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). This submission addresses interstate transport ``prong 2,'' which requires each state's SIP to prohibit emissions which will interfere with maintenance of the NAAQS in other states. The EPA is proposing to approve this submittal as meeting the requirement that Wyoming's SIP contain adequate provisions to prohibit emissions in amounts which will interfere with maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS in any other state.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Commercial Fuel Oil Sulfur Limits for Combustion Units in Allegheny County
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The revision updates Allegheny County's portion of the Pennsylvania SIP, which includes regulations concerning sulfur content in fuel oil. This revision will implement low sulfur fuel oil provisions that will reduce the amount of sulfur in fuel oils used in combustion units which will aid in reducing sulfates that cause decreased visibility. This revision will strengthen the Pennsylvania SIP. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware; Revisions to the Regulatory Definition of Volatile Organic Compounds
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision formally submitted by the State of Delaware. This revision pertains to amendments made to the definition of ``volatile organic compound'' (VOC) in the Delaware Administrative Code to conform with EPA's regulatory definition of VOC. The EPA found that certain compounds have a negligible photochemical reactivity and therefore has exempted them from the regulatory definition of VOC in several rulemaking actions, as discussed below. This revision to the Delaware SIP requested the exemption of these compounds from the regulatory definition of VOC to match the actions EPA has taken. The revision also requested minor changes to the format of some of the chemical formulas for VOCs that are already excluded from the definition of VOC in the Delaware SIP. EPA is approving these revisions to update the definition of VOC in the Delaware SIP under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Removal of Stage II Gasoline Vapor Recovery Program Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland. This revision seeks to remove requirements for gasoline vapor recovery systems installed on gasoline dispensers, the purpose of which are to capture emissions from vehicle refueling operations (otherwise known as Stage II vapor recovery). Specifically, this action would remove from the approved SIP prior approved Stage II requirements applicable to new gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs) and existing GDF's undergoing major modification. GDF's will have the choice whether to install Stage II at new stations or whether to decommission Stage II at existing stations already equipped with Stage II. Owners that elect to retain existing Stage II equipment can do so, but in doing must continue to test and to maintain or replace existing equipment. Maryland's SIP revision includes a demonstration that removal of Stage II requirements is consistent with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and meets all relevant EPA guidance.
Air Plan Approval; North Carolina; Miscellaneous Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve changes to the North Carolina State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of North Carolina, through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), through letters dated April 4, 2017, August 22, 2017, and September 28, 2018. These SIP revisions make amendments, most of which are structural and minor, to North Carolina's source testing rules. This action is being taken pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Air Plan Approval; GA: Non-Interference Demonstration and Maintenance Plan Revision for Federal Low-Reid Vapor Pressure Requirement in the Atlanta Area
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision that would support a change to the Federal Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements in 13 counties in Atlanta, Georgia. They comprise the following counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale (the ``Atlanta fuel volatility Area''). The Atlanta fuel volatility Area is a subset of the Atlanta 15-county 2008 8-hour ozone maintenance area. The 15-county 2008 8-hour ozone maintenance area is comprised of the following counties: Bartow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, and Rockdale (the ``Atlanta maintenance Area''). This proposed approval is based in part on EPA's analysis of whether the SIP revision would interfere with the 15-county Atlanta maintenance Area's ability to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). On August 15, 2018, Georgia through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD), submitted a noninterference demonstration to support its SIP revision requesting that EPA relax the federal RVP requirements for the Atlanta fuel volatility Area. This SIP revision updates Georgia's 2008 8-hour ozone maintenance plan for the 15-county Atlanta maintenance Area and its emissions inventory, the associated motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) and includes measures to offset the emissions increases expected from the relaxation of the federal RVP requirements. Georgia's noninterference demonstration concludes that relaxing the federal RVP requirement from 7.8 pounds per square inch (psi) to 9.0 psi for gasoline sold between June 1 and September 15 of each year in the Atlanta fuel volatility Area would not interfere with attainment or maintenance of any national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS or standards) or with any other CAA requirement. EPA is proposing to approve this SIP revision because EPA has preliminarily determined that the revision is consistent with the applicable provisions of the CAA.
Clean Air Plans; 2008 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area Requirements; San Joaquin Valley, California
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve portions of three state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of California to meet Clean Air Act (CAA or ``the Act'') requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS or ``standards'') in the San Joaquin Valley, California ozone nonattainment area. First, the EPA is approving the portions of the ``2016 Ozone Plan for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard'' (``2016 Ozone Plan'') that address the requirements to demonstrate attainment by the applicable attainment date and implementation of reasonably available control measures, among other requirements. Second, the EPA is approving the portions of the ``Revised Proposed 2016 State Strategy for the State Implementation Plan'' (``2016 State Strategy'') related to the ozone control strategy for the San Joaquin Valley for the 2008 ozone standards, including a specific aggregate emissions reduction commitment. Lastly, the EPA is approving an air district rule addressing the emission statement requirement for ozone nonattainment areas.
Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2017
The Draft Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2017 is available for public review. EPA requests recommendations for improving the overall quality of the inventory report to be finalized in April 2019, as well as subsequent inventory reports.
Asbestos; TSCA Section 21 Petition; Reasons for Agency Response
This document provides the reasons for EPA's response to a September 27, 2018, petition it received under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) from the following organizations: Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, American Public Health Association, Center for Environmental Health, Environmental Working Group, Environmental Health Strategy Center, and Safer Chemicals Healthy Families (``petitioners''). Generally, the petitioners requested that EPA make multiple amendments to the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule under TSCA by January 1, 2019, in order to increase the reporting of asbestos. After careful consideration, EPA denied the petition for the reasons discussed in this document.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): Applications and Program Updates
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing certain revisions to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting regulations proposed on May 18, 2016. The final regulatory changes are minor and will improve and clarify the regulations in the following major categories: Regulatory definitions (``new discharger'' and two definitions related to the discharge of pesticides from pesticides application); permit applications; and public notice. This final rule also updates the EPA contact information and web addresses for electronic databases, updates outdated references to best management practices guidance documents, and deletes a provision relating to best practicable waste treatment technology for publicly owned treatment works that is no longer applicable. The final revisions modernize the NPDES regulations, promote submission of complete permit applications, and clarify regulatory requirements to allow more timely development of NPDES permits that protect human health and the environment.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Leather Finishing Operations Residual Risk and Technology Review
This action finalizes the residual risk and technology review (RTR) conducted for the Leather Finishing Operations source category regulated under national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP). In addition, we are taking final action addressing startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM), electronic reporting, and clarification of rule provisions. These final amendments address emissions during periods of SSM, add electronic reporting, and revise certain rule requirements and provisions. Although these amendments will not reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP), they are expected to improve compliance and implementation of the rule.
Clean Air Act Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit Issued to Tucson Electric Power for the Irvington Generating Station Project
This notice announces that the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) issued a final permit decision to Tucson Electric Power for a Clean Air Act Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit (Permit No. 1052) for the Irvington Generating Station Project (Project). The PDEQ is authorized to issue PSD permit decisions pursuant to a delegation agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region IX (EPA Region IX), in which the PDEQ ``stands in the shoes'' of the EPA when administering certain elements of the PSD permitting program. The PDEQ's final permit decision is a federally-issued PSD permit decision and serves as a final agency action by the EPA.
Notice of Proposed Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Share of Reimbursement for Removal Action for the CES Environmental Services, Inc. Site, Houston, Texas
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''), has entered into a proposed settlement, embodied in an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Removal Action (``Settlement Agreement''), with 144 separate parties (see list below). Under the Settlement Agreement, the settling parties will pay EPA $4,577,099.64. The settling parties are paying their share of the costs incurred for a removal action and cleanup involving the removal of waste tanks, containers, totes, etc. and associated chemicals and contaminated soil from an abandoned chemical facility located in Houston, Texas. Total costs of the removal action were approximately $4.6 million. For thirty (30) days beginning from the date of publication of this notice, the Agency will receive written comments relating to this notice and will receive written comments relating to the settlement. The Agency will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to the settlement if comments received disclose facts or considerations which indicate that the settlement is inappropriate, improper or inadequate. The Agency's response to any comments received will be available for public inspection at 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733.
Koppers Co., Inc. (Charleston Plant) Superfund Site Charleston, South Carolina; Notice of Settlement
Under 122(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation andLiability Act (CERCLA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into a settlement agreement with HR Charleston VII, LLC (Prospective Purchaser) to perform work at the Koppers Co., Inc. Superfund Site located in Charleston, South Carolina. The work being performed will Support future residential land use.
Proposed CERCLA Administrative Cost Recovery Settlement: Fletchers Paint Works Site, Milford, New Hampshire
Notice is hereby given of a proposed administrative cost settlement for recovery of response costs concerning the Fletchers Paint Works Site, located in Milford, New Hampshire, with the Settling Party, the General Electric Company. The proposed settlement requires the Settling Party pay the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) $3,214,000 to settle EPA's past response costs, which amount to approximately $4,047,398. In exchange, EPA will provide the Settling Party with a covenant not to sue for past costs. The settlement has been approved by the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the United States Department of Justice. For 30 days following the date of publication of this notice, the Agency will receive written comments relating to the settlement for recovery of response costs. The Agency will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to this cost recovery settlement if comments received disclose facts or considerations which indicate that the settlement is inappropriate, improper, or inadequate. The Agency's response to any comments received will be available for public inspection at the Environmental Protection AgencyRegion I, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109- 3912.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Chromium Emissions From Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and Chromium Anodizing Tanks (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NESHAP for Chromium Emissions from Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and Chromium Anodizing Tanks (EPA ICR No. 1611.12, OMB Control No. 2060-0327), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through March 31, 2019. Public comments were previously requested, via the Federal Register, 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 neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NSPS for New Residential Wood Heaters (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NSPS for New Residential Wood Heaters (EPA ICR No. 1176.13, OMB Control No. 2060-0161), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through March 31, 2019. Public comments were previously requested, via the Federal Register, 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 neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Benzene Waste Operations (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NESHAP for Benzene Waste Operations (EPA ICR No. 1541.12, OMB Control No. 2060-0183), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through March 31, 2019. Public comments were previously requested, via the Federal Register, 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 neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
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