96-522. Underground Storage Tank Program: Approved State Program for Oklahoma  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 12 (Thursday, January 18, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 1220-1223]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-522]
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 282
    
    [FRL-5304-3]
    
    
    Underground Storage Tank Program: Approved State Program for 
    Oklahoma
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Immediate final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended 
    (RCRA), authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to 
    grant approval to states to operate their underground storage tank 
    programs in lieu of the federal program. 40 CFR part 282 codifies EPA's 
    decision to approve state programs and incorporates by reference those 
    provisions of the state statutes and regulations that will be subject 
    to EPA's inspection and enforcement authorities under sections 9005 and 
    9006 of RCRA subtitle I and other applicable statutory and regulatory 
    provisions. This rule codifies in part 282 the prior approval of 
    Oklahoma's underground storage tank program and incorporates by 
    reference appropriate provisions of state statutes and regulations.
    
    DATES: This regulation is effective March 18, 1996, unless EPA 
    publishes a prior Federal Register notice withdrawing this immediate 
    final rule. All comments on the codification of Oklahoma's underground 
    storage tank program must be received by the close of business February 
    20, 1996. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
    in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register, 
    as of March 18, 1996, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a).
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to the Docket Clerk, Underground 
    Storage Tank Program, 6H-A, U.S. EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, 
    Dallas, TX 75202-2733. Comments received by EPA may be inspected in the 
    public docket, located in the EPA Region 6 Library (12th floor) from 8 
    a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Fisher, Underground Storage Tank 
    Program, 6H-A, U.S. EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202-
    2733. Phone: (214) 665-8048.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        Section 9004 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 
    as amended, (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6991c, allows the U.S. Environmental 
    Protection Agency to approve state underground storage tank programs to 
    operate in the state in lieu of the federal underground storage tank 
    program. EPA published a Federal Register document announcing its 
    decision to grant approval to Oklahoma on August 12, 1992 (57 FR 
    41874). Approval was effective on October 14, 1992.
        EPA codifies its approval of State programs in 40 CFR part 282 and 
    incorporates by reference therein the state statutes and regulations 
    that will be subject to EPA's inspection and enforcement authorities 
    under sections 9005 and 9006 of subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991d and 
    6991e, and other applicable statutory and regulatory provisions. 
    Today's rulemaking codifies EPA's approval of the Oklahoma underground 
    storage tank program. This codification reflects the state program in 
    effect at the time EPA granted Oklahoma approval under section 9004(a), 
    42 U.S.C. 6991c(a) for its underground storage tank program. Notice and 
    opportunity for comment were provided earlier on the Agency's decision 
    to approve the Oklahoma program, and EPA is not now reopening that 
    decision nor requesting comment on it.
        This effort provides clear notice to the public of the scope of the 
    approved program in each state. By codifying the approved Oklahoma 
    program and by amending the Code of Federal Regulations whenever a new 
    or different set of requirements is approved in Oklahoma, the status of 
    federally approved requirements of the Oklahoma program will be readily 
    discernible. Only those provisions of the Oklahoma underground storage 
    tank program for which approval has been granted by EPA will be 
    incorporated by reference for enforcement purposes.
        To codify EPA's approval of Oklahoma's underground storage tank 
    program, EPA has added Sec. 282.86 to title 40 of the CFR. Section 
    282.86 incorporates by reference for enforcement purposes the State's 
    statutes and regulations. Section 282.86 also references the Attorney 
    General's Statement, Demonstration of Adequate Enforcement Procedures, 
    the Program Description, and the Memorandum of Agreement, which are 
    approved as part of the underground storage tank program under subtitle 
    I of RCRA.
        The Agency retains the authority under sections 9005 and 9006 of 
    subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991d and 6991e, and other applicable 
    statutory and regulatory provisions to undertake inspections and 
    enforcement actions in approved states. With respect to such an 
    enforcement action, the Agency will rely on federal sanctions, federal 
    inspection authorities, and federal procedures rather than the state 
    authorized analogs to these provisions. Therefore, the approved 
    Oklahoma enforcement authorities will not be incorporated by reference. 
    Section 282.86 lists those approved Oklahoma authorities that would 
    fall into this category.
        The public also needs to be aware that some provisions of the 
    State's underground storage tank program are not part of the federally 
    approved state program. These non-approved provisions are not part of 
    the RCRA Subtitle I program because they are ``broader in scope'' than 
    Subtitle I of RCRA. See 40 CFR 281.12(a)(3)(ii). As a result, state 
    provisions which are ``broader in scope'' than the federal program are 
    not incorporated by reference for purposes of enforcement in part 282. 
    Section 282.86 of the codification simply lists for reference 
    
    [[Page 1221]]
    and clarity the Oklahoma statutory and regulatory provisions which are 
    ``broader in scope'' than the federal program and which are not, 
    therefore, part of the approved program being codified today. ``Broader 
    in scope'' provisions cannot be enforced by EPA; the State, however, 
    will continue to enforce such provisions.
    
    Certification Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        This rule codifies the decision already made (57 FR 41874, August 
    12, 1992) to approve the Oklahoma underground storage tank program and 
    thus has no separate effect. Therefore, this rule does not require a 
    regulatory flexibility analysis. Thus, pursuant to section 605(b) of 
    the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 605(b), I hereby certify that 
    this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
    number of small entities.
    
    Compliance With Executive Order 12866
    
        The Office of Management and Budget has exempted this rule from the 
    requirements of Section 6 of Executive Order 12866.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., Federal 
    agencies must consider the paperwork burden imposed by any information 
    request contained in a proposed or final rule. This rule will not 
    impose any information requirements upon the regulated community.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 282
    
        Environmental protection, Hazardous substances, Incorporation by 
    reference, Intergovernmental relations, State program approval, 
    Underground storage tanks, Water pollution control.
    
        Dated: October 20, 1995.
    A. Stanley Meiburg,
    Acting Regional Administrator.
    
        For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 40 CFR part 282 is 
    amended as follows:
    
    PART 282--APPROVED UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAMS
    
        1. The authority citation for part 282 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6912, 6991c, 6991d, and 6991e.
    
        2. Subpart B is amended by adding Sec. 282.86 to read as follows:
    
    Subpart B--Approved State Programs
    
    
    Sec. 282.86  Oklahoma State-Administered Program.
    
        (a) The State of Oklahoma is approved to administer and enforce an 
    underground storage tank program in lieu of the federal program under 
    Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 
    (RCRA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. The State's program, as 
    administered by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, was approved by 
    EPA pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6991c and part 281 of this chapter. EPA 
    approved the Oklahoma program on August 12, 1992 and it was effective 
    on October 14, 1992.
        (b) Oklahoma has primary responsibility for enforcing its 
    underground storage tank program. However, EPA retains the authority to 
    exercise its inspection and enforcement authorities under sections 9005 
    and 9006 of subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991d and 6991e, as well as 
    under other statutory and regulatory provisions.
        (c) To retain program approval, Oklahoma must revise its approved 
    program to adopt new changes to the federal subtitle I program which 
    make it more stringent, in accordance with section 9004 of RCRA, 42 
    U.S.C. 6991c, and 40 CFR part 281, subpart E. If Oklahoma obtains 
    approval for the revised requirements pursuant to section 9004 of RCRA, 
    42 U.S.C. 6991c, the newly approved statutory and regulatory provisions 
    will be added to this subpart and notice of any change will be 
    published in the Federal Register.
        (d) Oklahoma has final approval for the following elements 
    submitted to EPA in Oklahoma's program application for final approval 
    and approved by EPA on August 12, 1991. Copies may be obtained from the 
    Underground Storage Tank Program, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Jim 
    Thorpe Building, Room 238, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
        (1) State statutes and regulations. (i) The provisions cited in 
    this paragraph are incorporated by reference as part of the underground 
    storage tank program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
        (A) Oklahoma Statutory Requirements Applicable to the Underground 
    Storage Tank Program, 1995.
        (B) Oklahoma Regulatory Requirements Applicable to the Underground 
    Storage Tank Program, 1995.
        (ii) The following statutes and regulations are part of the 
    approved state program, although not incorporated by reference herein 
    for enforcement purposes.
        (A) The statutory provisions include:
    
    (1) Oklahoma Statutes, Chapter 14: Oklahoma Underground Storage Tank 
    Regulation Act
    
    Sec. 306  Corporation Commission--Powers and Duties
    Sec. 310  Inspections and Investigations--Violations--Notice--
    Failure To Take Corrective Action--Notice and Hearing--Orders--
    Service of Instruments--Notice to Real Property Owner and 
    Opportunity for Hearing
    Sec. 312  Enforcement of Actions and Remedies--Action for Equitable 
    Relief--Jurisdiction--Relief
    
        (B) The regulatory provisions include:
    
    (1) Oklahoma Annotated Code, Chapter 25: Underground Storage Tanks, 
    Subchapter 9: Inspections, Testing, and Monitoring
    
    Part 1: Inspections
    Part 5: Penalties
    Part 7: Field Citations
    Part 9: Shutdown of Operations
    
    (2) Oklahoma Annotated Code, Chapter 27: Petroleum Storage Tank Release 
    Indemnity Program, Subchapter 9: Administrative Provisions
    
    Sec. 165:27-9-1 Hearing, Orders, and Appeals
    Sec. 165:27-9-2 Changes to Rules
    Sec. 165:27-9-3 Notices
    Sec. 165:27-9-4 Severability
    
        (iii) The following statutory and regulatory provisions are broader 
    in scope than the federal program, are not part of the approved 
    program, and are not incorporated by reference herein for enforcement 
    purposes.
    
    (A) Oklahoma Statutes, Chapter 14: Oklahoma Underground Storage Tank 
    Regulation Act
    
    Sec. 308  Permits--Necessity--Application--Issuance--Fees--Denial, 
    Refusal to Issue, Suspension or Revocation--Financial Responsibility 
    Coverage (Insofar as (B) applies to individuals other than UST 
    system owners and operators.)
    Sec. 318  Program for Certification of Underground Storage Tank 
    Professionals--Meeting Training and Other Requirements for Federal 
    Law and Regulations and State Statutes (Insofar as it applies to 
    individuals other than UST owners and operators.)
    
    (B) Oklahoma Annotated Code, Chapter 25: Underground Storage Tanks
    
    (1) Subchapter 1: General Provisions
    
    Part 9: Notification and Reporting Requirements (Insofar as 165:25-
    1-45 requires owners of exempt USTs to notify the Commission of the 
    existence of such systems.)
    
    [[Page 1222]]
    
    
    (2) Subchapter 3: Release Prevention, Detection, and Correction
    
    Part 9: Installation of Underground Storage Tank Systems (Insofar as 
    165:25-3-48 applies to individuals other than UST owners and 
    operators.)
    Part 19: Certification for UST Consultants (Insofar as it applies to 
    individuals other than UST owners and operators.)
    
        (2) Statement of legal authority. (i) ``Attorney General's 
    Statement for Final Approval'', signed by the Attorney General of 
    Oklahoma on June 21, 1990, though not incorporated by reference, is 
    referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program 
    under Subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
        (ii) Letter from the Attorney General of Oklahoma to EPA, June 21, 
    1990, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of 
    the approved underground storage tank program under Subtitle I of RCRA, 
    42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
        (3) Demonstration of procedures for adequate enforcement. The 
    ``Demonstration of Procedures for Adequate Enforcement'' submitted as 
    part of the original application on June 25, 1989, though not 
    incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved 
    underground storage tank program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 
    6991 et seq.
        (4) Program Description. The program description and any other 
    material submitted as part of the original application on June 25, 
    1989, though not incorporated by reference, are referenced as part of 
    the approved underground storage tank program under Subtitle I of RCRA, 
    42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
        (5) Memorandum of Agreement. The Memorandum of Agreement between 
    EPA Region 6 and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, signed by the EPA 
    Regional Administrator on April 8, 1992, though not incorporated by 
    reference, is referenced as part of the approved underground storage 
    tank program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
        3. Appendix A to part 282 is amended by adding in alphabetical 
    order ``Oklahoma'' and its listing.
    
    Appendix A to Part 282--State Requirements Incorporated by 
    Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations
    
    * * * * *
    
    Oklahoma
    
        (a) The statutory provisions include
    
    1. Oklahoma Statutes, Chapter 14: Oklahoma Underground Storage Tank 
    Regulation Act
    
    Sec. 301  Short Title
    Sec. 303  Definitions
    Sec. 304  Exemptions
    Sec. 305  Corporation Commission Designated as State Agency to 
    Administer Certain Federal Programs
    Sec. 307  Corporation Commission--Promulgation of Rules Governing 
    Underground Storage Tank Systems
    Sec. 308  Permits--Necessity--Application--Issuance--Fees--Denial, 
    Refusal to Issue, Suspension or Revocation--Financial Responsibility 
    Coverage (Except (B), which applies to individuals other than UST 
    owners and operators.)
    Sec. 308.1  Underground Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum 
    Products--Permit Fee--Penalty--Suspension or Nonrenewal of Permit
    Sec. 309  Release from Underground Storage Tank System--Reports--
    Corrective Action--Powers, Duties and Procedures of Corporation 
    Commission
    Sec. 313  Records, Reports and Informations--Public Inspection--
    Confidentiality--Disclosure to Federal or State Representatives
    Sec. 315  Corporation Commission Underground Storage Tank Regulation 
    Revolving Fund
    Sec. 316  Ordinance or Regulations in Conflict with Act Prohibited
    Sec. 340  Storage Tank Advisory Council--Members--Quorum--
    Authority--Rules--Expenses
    
    2. Oklahoma Statutes, Chapter 15: Oklahoma Petroleum Storage Tank 
    Release Indemnity Program
    
    Sec. 350  Short Title--Maintenance, Operation and Administration
    Sec. 352  Definitions
    Sec. 353  Petroleum Storage Tank Release Environmental Cleanup 
    Indemnity Fund
    Sec. 354  Assessments on Motor Fuels, Diesel Fuel and Blending 
    Materials--Exemptions--Deposits in Funds
    Sec. 356  Collection, Remittance and Reporting of Assessments
    Sec. 356.1  Confidentiality of Records, Reports or Information--
    Schedule of Reimbursable Fees
    Sec. 357  Payment of Claim Subject to Indemnity Fund Acquiring 
    Subrogation Rights--Administrator to Protect Indemnity Fund in 
    Judicial and Administrative Proceedings--Notice of Lawsuit--
    Enforcement of Third Party Claim
    Sec. 358  Annual Reports
    Sec. 359  Audit Relating to Petroleum Storage Tank Release 
    Environmental Cleanup Indemnity Fund
    Sec. 360  Limitation on Expenditures for Administrative Costs--
    Reports
    Sec. 361  Appointment of Administrator--Hiring of Employees--
    Temporary Workers and Contract Labor
    Sec. 365  Oklahoma Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund--
    Oklahoma Leaking Underground Storage Tank Revolving Fund--
    Appropriation, Budgeting and Expenditure of Monies--Payments from 
    Funds--Costs of Actions--Emergencies--Reimbursement of Funds--
    Administrative Penalties
        (b) The regulatory provisions include
    
    1. Oklahoma Annotated Code, Chapter 25: Underground Storage Tanks
    
    a. Subchapter 1: General Provisions
    
    Part 1: Purpose and Statutory Authority
    Part 3: Definitions
    Part 5: Scope of Rules
    Part 7: National Industry Codes
    Part 9: Notification and Reporting Requirements (Except 165:25-1-45, 
    insofar as it requires owners of exempt USTs to notify the 
    Commission of the existence of such systems.)
    
    b. Subchapter 3: Release Prevention, Detection, and Correction
    
    Part 1: Release Prohibition, Reporting and Investigation
    Part 3: Recordkeeping
    Part 5: Spill and Overfill Prevention Requirements
    Part 7: Compatibility
    Part 9: Installation of Underground Storage Tank Systems (Except 
    165:25-3-48, which applies to individuals other than UST owners and 
    operators.)
    Part 11: Repairs to Underground Storage Tank Systems
    Part 13: Removal and Closure of Underground Storage Tank Systems
    Part 15: Corrective Action Requirements
    Part 17: Requirements for Corrosion Protection Systems
    
    c. Subchapter 5: Requirements for Existing Underground Storage Tank 
    Systems
    
    d. Subchapter 7: Requirements for New Underground Storage Tank Systems
    
    Part 1: Design, Construction, and Installation Requirements
    Part 3: General Release Detection Methods and Service
    Part 5: Release Detection Methods and Devices for Petroleum 
    Underground Storage Tank Systems
    
    e. Subchapter 9: Inspections, Testing, and Monitoring
    
    Part 3: Fees
    
    f. Subchapter 11: Administrative Provisions
    
    g. Subchapter 13: Financial Responsibility Requirements
    
    Part 1: Applicability
    Part 3: Definitions
    Part 5: Amount and Scope of Coverage
    Part 7: Financial Assurance
    Part 9: Financial Test of Self-Insurance
    Part 11: Guarantee
    Part 13: Insurance and Risk Retention Group Coverage
    Part 15: Surety Bond
    Part 17: Letter of Credit
    Part 19: State Fund or Other State Assurance 
    
    [[Page 1223]]
    
    Part 21: Trust Fund
    Part 23: Standby Trust Fund
    Part 25: Substitution of Financial Assurance Mechanisms
    Part 27: Cancellation or Nonrenewal
    Part 29: Reporting
    Part 31: Recordkeeping
    Part 33: Drawing on Financial Assurance Mechanisms
    Part 35: Release from Subchapter 11 Requirements
    Part 37: Bankruptcy or Other Incapacity of Owner/Operator or 
    Provider of Financial Assurance
    Part 39: Replenishment of Guarantees, Letters of Credit, or Surety 
    Bonds
    
    h. Subchapter 15: Circle K Settlement Fund
    
    Part 1: General Provisions
    Part 3: Definitions
    Part 5: Eligibility Requirements
    Part 7: Reimbursement
    
    i. Appendices
    
    Appendix A: Letter From Chief Financial Officer
    Appendix B: Guarantee
    Appendix C: Endorsement
    Appendix D: Certificate of Insurance
    Appendix E: Performance Bond
    Appendix F: Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit
    Appendix G: Trust Agreement
    Appendix H: Certification of Financial Responsibility
    Appendix I: Certification of Valid Claim
    Appendix J: Soil and Groundwater Remediation Index
    Appendix K: Soil Cleanup Levels
    Appendix L: Mean Annual Precipitation
    Appendix M: Hydrologically Sensitive Area
    Appendix N: Field Citation Fines
    
    2. Oklahoma Annotated Code, Chapter 27: Indemnity Fund
    
    a. Subchapter 1: General Provisions
    
    Sec. 165:27-1-1 Purpose
    Sec. 165:27-1-2 Definitions
    Sec. 165:27-1-3 Scope
    Sec. 165:27-1-4 Authority
    Sec. 165:27-1-5 Citation of Rules
    Sec. 165:27-1-6 Prescribed Forms
    
    b. Subchapter 3: Eligibility Requirements
    
    Sec. 165:27-3-1 General Requirements
    Sec. 165:27-3-2 Eligible Person
    Sec. 165:27-3-3 Eligible Release
    
    c. Subchapter 5: Qualifications for Reimbursement
    
    Sec. 165:27-5-1 Qualifications for Reimbursement
    Sec. 165:27-5-2 Application for Reimbursement
    Sec. 165:27-5-3 Application for Supplemental Reimbursement
    
    d. Subchapter 7: Reimbursement
    
    Sec. 165:27-7-1 Reimbursable Expenses
    Sec. 165:27-7-2 Total Reimbursement
    Sec. 165:27-7-5 Methods for Reimbursement
    Sec. 165:27-7-6 Conditions for Reimbursement
    Sec. 165:27-7-7 Exclusions from Reimbursement
    Sec. 165:27-7-8 Withholding Reimbursement
    
    [FR Doc. 96-522 Filed 1-17-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/18/1996
Published:
01/18/1996
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Immediate final rule.
Document Number:
96-522
Dates:
This regulation is effective March 18, 1996, unless EPA publishes a prior Federal Register notice withdrawing this immediate final rule. All comments on the codification of Oklahoma's underground storage tank program must be received by the close of business February 20, 1996. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register, as of March 18, 1996, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a).
Pages:
1220-1223 (4 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FRL-5304-3
PDF File:
96-522.pdf
CFR: (52)
40 CFR 165:27-9-1
40 CFR 165:27-1-1
40 CFR 165:27-3-1
40 CFR 165:27-7-1
40 CFR 165:27-5-1
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