99-31354. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilization and Fumigation Operations  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 232 (Friday, December 3, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 67789-67793]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-31354]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 63
    
    [AD-FRL-6500-2]
    RIN 2060-A137
    
    
    National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for 
    Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilization and Fumigation Operations
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Interim final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: Today's action suspends the National Emission Standards for 
    Hazardous Air Pollutants for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilization 
    and Fumigation Operations (EO NESHAP) requirements for chamber exhaust 
    and aeration room vents. The suspension allows affected sources subject 
    to the EO NESHAP to defer compliance with the NESHAP requirements for 
    chamber exhaust until December 6, 2001 and aeration room vents until 
    December 6, 2000. This suspension does not affect the requirement for 
    sources subject to the EO NESHAP to comply with provisions for 
    sterilizer vents. This action does not change the level of the 
    standards or the intent of the NESHAP promulgated in 1994.
    
    DATES: This action is effective December 3, 1999. Comments may be 
    submitted until January 3, 2000.
    
    ADDRESSES: Docket No. A-88-03, category VIII Amendments, contains 
    supporting information used in developing the standards. The docket is 
    located at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW, 
    Washington, DC 20460 in room M-1500, Waterside Mall (ground floor), and 
    may be inspected from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
    excluding legal holidays. This docket also contains information 
    considered by the EPA in proposing and promulgating the original EO 
    NESHAP.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information concerning the 
    analysis performed in developing this interim rule, contact David W. 
    Markwordt at the Emission Standards Division (MD-13), U.S. 
    Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 
    27711; telephone number (919) 541-0837, facsimile (919) 541-0942, e-
    mail address markwordt.david@epa.gov.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Docket
    
        The docket is an organized file of information considered by the 
    EPA in the development of this rulemaking. The docket is a dynamic file 
    because material is added throughout the rulemaking process. The 
    docketing system is intended to allow members of the public and 
    industries involved to readily identify and locate documents so that 
    they can effectively participate in the rulemaking process. Along with 
    the proposed and promulgated standards and their preambles, the 
    contents of the docket will serve as the record in the case of judicial 
    review. (See section 307(d)(7)(A) of the Clean Air Act (Act).) The 
    regulatory text and other materials related to this rulemaking are 
    available for review in the docket or copies may be mailed on request 
    from the Air Docket by calling (202) 260-7548. A reasonable fee may be 
    charged for copying docket materials.
    
    Judicial Review
    
        Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act (Act), judicial review 
    of this final action is available only by filing a petition for review 
    in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit 
    within 60 days of today's publication of this interim final rule. Under 
    section 307(b)(2) of the Act, the actions taken in today's notice may 
    not be challenged later in civil or criminal proceedings brought by the 
    EPA to enforce these requirements.
    
    Technology Transfer Network
    
        In addition to being available in the docket, an electronic copy of 
    today's interim final rule is also available through the Technology 
    Transfer Network (TTN). Following signature, a copy of the rule will be 
    posted on the TTN's policy and guidance page for newly proposed or 
    promulgated rules http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg. The TTN provides 
    information and technology exchange in various areas of air pollution 
    control. If more information regarding the TTN is needed, call the TTN 
    HELP line at (919) 541-5384.
    
    Regulated Entities
    
        Regulated categories and entities include:
    
                   Table 1.--Regulated Categories and Entities
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                  Entity category                   Description/SIC code
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    Industrial................................  Medical suppliers/3841,
                                                 3842, Pharmaceuticals/2834,
                                                 5122, 2831, 2833.
                                                Spice manufactures/2099,
                                                 5149, 2034, 2035, 2046.
                                                Contract Sterilizers/7399,
                                                 7218, 8091.
    Federal Government........................  Not Affected.
    State/Local/Tribal Gov....................  Not Affected.
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        This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
    guide for readers regarding entities regulated by the NESHAP addressed 
    in this interim final rule. If you have questions regarding the 
    applicability of the NESHAP addressed in this interim final rule to a 
    particular entity, consult the person listed in the preceding FOR 
    FURTHER INFORMATION section.
    
    I. What Is the Background for This Suspension?
    
        On December 6, 1994, we promulgated the EO NESHAP which regulates 
    emissions of ethylene oxide from new and existing commercial 
    sterilization and fumigation operations using 1 ton or more of EO per 
    year (59 FR 62585). The regulated category and entities affected by 
    today's action are the sources described in 40 CFR 63.360. That 
    provision includes commercial operations using ethylene oxide as a
    
    [[Page 67790]]
    
    sterilant and fumigant in the production of medical equipment and 
    supplies, and in miscellaneous sterilization and fumigation operations 
    at both major and area sources. Note that this description is not 
    intended to be exhaustive but, rather, to provide a guide for readers 
    interested in this suspension. To determine whether your facility is 
    affected by today's action, you should carefully examine the 
    applicability criteria in 40 CFR 63.360 and the explanation provided in 
    this interim final rule. If you have questions about the applicability 
    of today's action to a particular entity, consult the appropriate 
    person listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
        In July 1997, we learned of reports of explosions at ethylene oxide 
    sterilization and fumigation facilities. We subsequently suspended the 
    EO NESHAP for 1 year until December 6, 1998 to provide time to 
    determine the appropriate action necessary to mitigate the cause of the 
    explosions (62 FR 64736).
        After becoming aware of the explosions, the industry worked through 
    the Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Association (EOSA) to begin 
    investigations. The EOSA established a Safety Committee in September 
    1997 which has been meeting on a bimonthly basis since then. 
    Sterilization industry leaders, abatement device vendors, and Federal, 
    State and local agencies have been participating in the Safety 
    Committee meetings.
        In a June 2, 1998 letter to EPA, the EOSA recommended, ``additional 
    time to consider safe and economical control, installation, operation 
    and maintenance alternatives applicable to aeration and chamber exhaust 
    (backvent) emissions * * *'' (see Docket No. A-88-03). The Health 
    Industries Manufacturers Association (HIMA) reviewed the 
    recommendation. The EOSA and HIMA membership represent most of the 
    ethylene oxide sterilization and fumigation industry. The EOSA 
    ``concluded that the oxidizer systems had not been properly integrated 
    with traditional ethylene oxide sterilization process operations, that 
    is, installation, operation and maintenance issues had not been 
    sufficiently addressed by sterilizer operators.'' The EOSA also 
    concluded that ``improperly overfeeding the oxidizer system from the 
    chamber backvent was the primary safety concern.''
        We also conducted an independent investigation of the accidents and 
    reviewed reports prepared by EPA Regional Offices and by EOSA member 
    sterilization companies and, based on that investigation and review, 
    concurred with the industry conclusion and recommendation (see Docket 
    No. A-88-03). We further suspended the EO NESHAP for both aeration room 
    vents and chamber backvents for 1 year until December 6, 1999 to 
    provide time to determine the appropriate action necessary to mitigate 
    the cause of the explosions (63 FR 66990). Aeration room vents were 
    included in the suspension because control systems typically integrate 
    both vents to the same control device.
    
    II. What Is the Rationale for Today's Suspension of Chamber Exhaust 
    and Aeration Room Vent Requirements?
    
        As noted above, in July 1997, the Agency learned of reports of 
    explosions at ethylene oxide facilities. Several of these explosions 
    occurred at facilities subject to the EO NESHAP. The Agency immediately 
    began conducting a preliminary investigation to determine if the 
    emission control equipment mandated by 40 CFR part 63, subpart O, was 
    in any way associated with the cause of the problems at these 
    facilities. The Agency, on December 9, 1997, wishing to adopt a 
    cautious approach in order to assure public and worker safety, 
    published in the Federal Register an interim final rule suspending 40 
    CFR part 63, subpart O (62 FR 64736). Since publication of the December 
    9, 1997 rule, both EPA and industry have continued to investigate the 
    cause of the accidents.
        In 1998, the Agency agreed with industry that, in the cases where 
    explosions occurred, the catalytic oxidizer units were overfed with 
    ethylene oxide in concentrations above the safe operations limit due to 
    abnormal activation of the chamber exhaust (backvent). The Agency 
    concluded that main vent emissions routed through the vacuum pump 
    played no role in the explosions. The Agency also concluded that any 
    emissions control technology necessary to comply with the EO NESHAP 
    needs to be properly integrated into the sterilization system and 
    operations and must reflect the full range of normal and abnormal 
    conditions that may occur.
        The suspension, in December 1998, for chamber exhaust vents was 
    based on the assumption that sterilization chamber operators would be 
    able to evaluate and integrate the emission control technology with 
    sterilizer operation to ensure prevention of future explosions by 
    December 6, 1999. To date, solutions to the safety problems have not 
    been developed. Consequently, the EOSA and individual plant operators 
    have requested EPA to eliminate the requirement for backdraft vents 
    (see Docket No. A-88-03).
        It is beyond the Agency's legal mandate and technical expertise to 
    certify equipment for safe use. The Clean Air Act generally requires 
    the Agency to assess existing emission control technology for 
    application to non-controlled emission sources. The use of existing 
    technology by some sources in the relevant category presumes the 
    ability to operate that technology in a proven safe manner. At the time 
    of promulgation (December 1994), state-of-the-art control technology 
    for chamber exhaust emissions apparently involved safety hazards not 
    known at that time. Therefore, the Agency will reconsider its original 
    MACT determination for chamber exhaust vents and propose a course of 
    action in the near future.
        Today's 2-year suspension of control requirements for chamber 
    exhaust emissions is based on the anticipated time required to propose 
    and promulgate changes in the Federal Register. It's our intent to 
    resolve this matter as quickly as possible, and we hope to finalize a 
    revised rule in less than 2 years.
        Today's 1-year suspension of control requirements for aeration room 
    vents is based on the fact that many facilities are routing chamber 
    exhaust emissions to the emission control device for aeration room 
    vents. Facilities that control both aeration and chamber exhaust 
    emissions via one abatement device will need to disconnect the chamber 
    exhaust vent from the aeration room control device. Therefore, the 
    Agency is providing time to separate chamber exhaust emissions from 
    integrated control systems, if needed.
        In this matter, we wish to err, if at all, on the side of safety. 
    Accordingly, we are, today, further suspending the EO NESHAP emission 
    limitation requirements in 40 CFR part 63, subpart O, for chamber 
    exhaust and aeration room vents, as those emission points are defined 
    at 40 CFR 63.361, until December 6, 2001 and December 6, 2000, 
    respectively, pursuant to our general rulemaking authority under 
    section 301(a) of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 7601(a). Sources must continue to 
    comply with the EO NESHAP emission limitation requirements in 40 CFR 
    part 63, subpart O, for sterilization chamber vents, as those emission 
    points are defined at 40 CFR 63.361, because we have determined that 
    their controls do not pose a safety concern.
        Section 301(a) of the Act grants the Administrator of the EPA the 
    authority ``to prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out 
    his functions
    
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    under this Act.'' Given the unique circumstances and uncertainty 
    surrounding the EO NESHAP, as described in this interim final rule, EPA 
    believes that it is necessary to further suspend this rule's 
    requirements for chamber exhaust and aeration room vents for the safety 
    of the public and workers in and around EO facilities. The control 
    requirements of the EO NESHAP for chamber exhaust and aeration room 
    vents continue to pose potential safety problems for which viable 
    solutions are not currently available. This action is consistent with 
    the objectives of the Act as stated in section 101(b), 42 U.S.C. 
    7401(b), ``(T)he purposes of this subchapter are * * * to promote the 
    public health and welfare and the productive capacity of its population 
    * * *.''
        The original EO NESHAP and today's interim final rule are 
    promulgated pursuant to section 307(d) of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 7607(d), 
    which requires that any rule subject to that section be issued only 
    after the public has received notice of, and an opportunity to comment 
    on, the rule. However, section 307(d)(1) exempts from those 
    requirements any rule for which the Agency finds under the 
    Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553(b), that providing prior 
    notice-and-comment would be impracticable, unnecessary or contrary to 
    the public interest.
        We believe the circumstances presented here provide good cause to 
    take this action without prior notice-and-comment. We find providing 
    prior notice-and-comment would be impracticable and contrary to the 
    public interest based on the potential ongoing danger to public and 
    worker safety posed by the recent incidents at ethylene oxide 
    facilities. There is simply not enough time to provide notice-and-
    comment procedures before the current compliance date of December 6, 
    1999 arrives, and until the compliance date is extended, sources are 
    faced with having to install control equipment in time to meet the 
    current compliance date. Only by omitting notice-and-comment from this 
    action can we provide sources affected by the EO NESHAP with timely 
    legal relief from the current compliance date while we further 
    investigate the situation. Consequently, this action is being 
    promulgated without prior notice-and-comment as provided for in section 
    307(b)(1) of the Act and is immediately effective as provided for in 
    section 112(d)(10) of the Act.
        Nonetheless, we are providing 30 days for submission of public 
    comments. We will consider all written comments submitted in the 
    allotted time period to determine if any change to this action is 
    necessary.
        In suspending the EO NESHAP requirements for chamber exhaust and 
    aeration room vents, the Administrator wishes to remind the public and 
    the regulated community that the role of the EPA has been and continues 
    to be protection of public health and the environment in a way that is 
    consistent with safety concerns.
    
    III. Administrative Requirements
    
    A. Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        The information collection requirements of the EO NESHAP were 
    submitted to and approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 
    A copy of this Information Collection Request (ICR) document (OMB 
    control number 2060-0283) may be obtained from Ms. Sandy Farmer, 
    Information Policy Branch (2136), U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, SW, 
    Washington, DC 20460, or by calling (202) 260-2740.
        Today's action has no impact on the information collection burden 
    estimates made previously. Today's action merely suspends the EO NESHAP 
    requirements for chamber exhaust and aeration room vents for 1 year. 
    This change does not impose new requirements. Consequently, the ICR has 
    not been revised.
    
    B. Executive Order 12866
    
        Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), EPA 
    must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' and 
    therefore subject to review by OMB on the basis of the requirements of 
    the Executive Order in addition to its normal review requirements. The 
    Executive Order defines ``significant regulatory action'' as one that 
    is likely to result in a rule that may:
        (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
    adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
    economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
    health or safety, or State, local, or Tribal governments or 
    communities;
        (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
    action taken or planned by another agency;
        (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
    user fees, or loan programs, or the rights and obligations of 
    recipients thereof; or
        (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
    mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
    the Executive Order.
        Today's action does not fall within any of the four categories 
    described above. Instead, it reduces the burden on certain sources by 
    temporarily suspending the EO NESHAP requirements for chamber exhaust 
    and aeration vents. Consequently, under Executive Order 12866, this 
    action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and is therefore not 
    subject to review by OMB.
    
    C. Executive Order 13132
    
        Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August 
    10, 1999), requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure 
    ``meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the 
    development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.'' 
    ``Policies that have federalism implications'' is defined in the 
    Executive Order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct 
    effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
    government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
    responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' Under 
    Executive Order 13132, EPA may not issue a regulation that has 
    federalism implications, that imposes substantial direct compliance 
    costs, and that is not required by statute, unless the federal 
    government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
    costs incurred by State and local governments, or EPA consults with 
    State and local officials early in the process of developing the 
    proposed regulation. The EPA also may not issue a regulation that has 
    federalism implications and that preempts State law unless the Agency 
    consults with State and local officials early in the process of 
    developing the proposed regulation.
        If EPA complies by consulting, Executive Order 13132 requires EPA 
    to provide to OMB, in a separately identified section of the preamble 
    to the rule, a federalism summary impact statement (FSIS). The FSIS 
    must include a description of the extent of EPA's prior consultation 
    with State and local officials, a summary of the nature of their 
    concerns and the Agency's position supporting the need to issue the 
    regulation, and a statement of the extent to which the concerns of 
    State and local officials have been met. Also, when EPA transmits a 
    draft final rule with federalism implications to OMB for review 
    pursuant to Executive Order 12866, EPA must include a certification 
    from the agency's Federalism Official stating that EPA has met the 
    requirements of Executive Order 13132 in a meaningful and timely 
    manner.
        This final rule will not have substantial direct effects on the 
    States,
    
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    on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
    on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
    levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132. Today's 
    action suspends existing requirements which were promulgated in 
    December 1994. There are minimal, if any, impacts associated with this 
    action, thus, the requirements of section 6 of the Executive Order do 
    not apply to this rule.
    
    D. Regulatory Flexibility/Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
    Fairness Act of 1996
    
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Pub. L. 96-354, whenever an 
    Agency publishes any proposed or final rule in the Federal Register, it 
    must, except under certain circumstances, prepare a Regulatory 
    Flexibility Analysis (RFA) that describes the impact of the rule on 
    small entities (i.e., small businesses, organizations, and governmental 
    jurisdictions). That analysis is not necessary if the Agency determines 
    that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
    substantial number of small entities.
        The EPA believes that there will be little or no adverse impact on 
    any small entities as a result of the promulgation of this rule 
    because, rather than imposing additional requirements, this rule 
    provides additional time to comply with parts of the EO NESHAP. Because 
    the impacts are anticipated to be insignificant or beneficial, EPA has 
    concluded that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
    a substantial number of small entities. Consequently, an RFA is not 
    required.
    
    E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    
        Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
    Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
    effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
    governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA 
    generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-benefit 
    analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal mandates'' that 
    may result in expenditures to State, local, and tribal governments, in 
    the aggregate, or to the private sector of $100 million or more in any 
    1 year. Before promulgating an EPA rule for which a written statement 
    is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires EPA to identify 
    and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt 
    the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative 
    that achieves the objects of the rule. The provisions of section 205 do 
    not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, 
    section 205 allows EPA to adopt an alternative other than the least 
    costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative if the 
    Administrator publishes with the final rule an explanation of why that 
    alternative was not adopted. Before EPA establishes any regulatory 
    requirements that may significantly or uniquely affect small 
    governments, including tribal governments, it must have developed under 
    section 203 of the UMRA a small government agency plan. The plan must 
    provide for notifying potentially affected small governments, enabling 
    officials of affected small governments to have meaningful and timely 
    input in the development of EPA regulatory proposals with significant 
    Federal intergovernmental mandates, and informing, educating, and 
    advising small governments on compliance with the regulatory 
    requirements.
        Today's rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
    provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local, or tribal 
    governments or the private sector. Instead, this rule provides 
    additional time to comply with some requirements of the EO NESHAP. 
    Because the rule is not expected to result in the expenditure by State, 
    local, and tribal governments or the private sector of $100 million or 
    more in any 1 year, the Agency has not prepared a budgetary impact 
    statement or specifically addressed the selection of the least costly, 
    most effective, or least burdensome alternative. Because small 
    governments will not be significantly or uniquely affected by this 
    rule, the Agency is not required to develop a plan with regard to small 
    governments. For the reasons stated above, the requirements of the UMRA 
    do not apply to this section.
    
    F. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    
        Section 12 of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act 
    of 1995 (NTTAA) requires Federal agencies to evaluate existing 
    technical standards when developing new regulations. To comply with the 
    NTTAA, EPA must consider and use ``voluntary consensus standards'' 
    (VCS) if available and applicable when developing programs and policies 
    unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise 
    impractical.
        The EPA believes that the use of VCS in this interim final rule is 
    impractical. The suspension of the EO NESHAP requirements for chamber 
    exhaust and aeration room vents is merely a procedural action that does 
    not require sources to take substantive steps that lend themselves to 
    VCS.
    
    G. Executive Order 13045
    
        Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children from 
    Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 
    1997), applies to any rule that (1) OMB determines is ``economically 
    significant'' as defined under Executive Order 12866, and (2) EPA 
    determines the environmental health or safety risk addressed by the 
    rule has a disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory 
    action meets both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the environmental 
    health or safety aspects of the planned rule on children, and explain 
    why the planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective 
    and reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the Agency.
        This interim final rule is not subject to the Executive Order 
    because it is not economically significant as defined in E.O. 12866, 
    and because the Agency does not have reason to believe the 
    environmental health or safety risks addressed by this action present a 
    disproportionate risk to children.
    
    H. Executive Order 13084
    
        Under Executive Order 13084, EPA may not issue a regulation that is 
    not required by statute, that significantly or uniquely affects the 
    communities of Indian tribal governments, and that imposes substantial 
    direct compliance costs on those communities, unless the Federal 
    government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
    costs incurred by the tribal governments, or EPA consults with those 
    governments. If EPA complies by consulting, Executive Order 13084 
    requires EPA to provide to the Office of Management and Budget, in a 
    separately identified section of the preamble to the rule, a 
    description of the extent of EPA's prior consultation with 
    representatives of affected tribal governments, a summary of the nature 
    of their concerns, and a statement supporting the need to issue the 
    regulation. In addition, Executive Order 13084 requires EPA to develop 
    an effective process permitting elected officials and other 
    representatives of Indian tribal governments ``to provide meaningful 
    and timely input in the development of regulatory policies on matters 
    that significantly or uniquely affect their communities.''
        Today's rule does not significantly or uniquely affect the 
    communities of Indian tribal governments. This interim final rule 
    imposes no enforceable duties on these entities. Rather, the interim
    
    [[Page 67793]]
    
    final rule temporarily suspends certain regulatory requirements. 
    Accordingly, the requirements of section 3(b) of Executive Order 13084 
    do not apply to this rule.
    
    I. Congressional Review Act
    
        Under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
    1996, we submitted a report containing these final amendments and other 
    required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
    Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the General Accounting 
    Office prior to publication of these final amendments in the Federal 
    Register. This is not a ``major rule'' as defined by the Small Business 
    Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 63
    
        Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Ethylene oxide 
    sterilization, Hazardous substances, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
        Dated: November 29, 1999.
    Carol M. Browner,
    Administrator.
    
        For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 40, chapter I, of 
    the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
    
    PART 63--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 63 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.
    
    Subpart O--[Amended]
    
        2. Section 63.360 is amended by revising paragraphs (g)(4), (g)(5), 
    and (g)(6) and adding paragraphs (g)(7), (g)(8), (g)(9), and (g)(10) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 63.360  Applicability.
    
    * * * * *
        (g) * * *
        (4) All aeration room vents subject to the emissions standards in 
    Sec. 63.362 with an initial startup date before December 6, 2000, no 
    later than December 6, 2000.
        (5) All aeration room vents subject to the emissions standards in 
    Sec. 63.362 with an initial startup date on or after December 6, 2000, 
    immediately upon initial startup of the source.
        (6) All aeration room vents at sources using less than 10 tons that 
    increase their ethylene oxide usage after December 6, 2000, such that 
    the aeration room vents become subject to the emissions standards in 
    Sec. 63.362, immediately upon becoming subject to the emission 
    standards.
        (7) All chamber exhaust vents subject to the emissions standards in 
    Sec. 63.362 with an initial startup date before December 6, 2001, no 
    later than December 6, 2001.
        (8) All chamber exhaust vents subject to the emissions standards in 
    Sec. 63.362 with an initial startup date on or after December 6, 2001, 
    immediately upon initial startup of the source.
        (9) All chamber exhaust vents at sources using less than 1 ton that 
    increase their ethylene oxide usage after December 6, 2001, such that 
    the chamber exhaust vents become subject to the emissions standards in 
    Sec. 63.362, immediately upon becoming subject to the emission 
    standards.
        (10) All chamber exhaust vents at sources using less than 10 tons 
    that increase their ethylene oxide usage after December 6, 2001, such 
    that the chamber exhaust vents become subject to the emissions 
    standards in Sec. 63.362(e)(1), immediately upon becoming subject to 
    the emission standards.
    * * * * *
    [FR Doc. 99-31354 Filed 12-2-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/3/1999
Published:
12/03/1999
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Interim final rule.
Document Number:
99-31354
Dates:
This action is effective December 3, 1999. Comments may be submitted until January 3, 2000.
Pages:
67789-67793 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
AD-FRL-6500-2
RINs:
2060-A137
PDF File:
99-31354.pdf
CFR: (2)
40 CFR 63.360
40 CFR 63.362