96-1589. Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; State of Massachusetts; Change in National Policy Regarding Applicability of Conformity Requirements to Redesignation Requests  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 30, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 2918-2926]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-1589]
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Parts 52 and 81
    
    [FRL-5321-4]
    
    
    Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation 
    of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; State of Massachusetts; 
    Change in National Policy Regarding Applicability of Conformity 
    Requirements to Redesignation Requests
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Direct final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: On December 12, 1994, the Massachusetts Department of 
    Environmental Protection (MA DEP) submitted a request to redesignate 
    the Boston metropolitan area, including the communities of Boston, 
    Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Quincy, Revere, and 
    Somerville, from nonattainment to attainment for carbon monoxide (CO). 
    Under the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA), designations can be 
    revised if sufficient data is available to warrant such revisions. In 
    this action, EPA is approving the Massachusetts request because it 
    meets the redesignation requirements set forth in the CAA.
        In addition, EPA is approving two related State Implementation Plan 
    (SIP) submissions by Massachusetts DEP. On November 15, 1993, 
    Massachusetts DEP submitted a final 1990 base year emission inventory 
    for CO emissions, which includes emissions data for all sources of CO 
    in Massachusetts' CO nonattainment areas, as well as CO emissions for 
    the entire state. On October 29, 1993, Massachusetts DEP submitted an 
    oxygenated gasoline program for the Boston consolidated metropolitan 
    statistical area (CMSA). In this action, EPA is approving the CO 
    emissions inventory and oxygenated fuels SIP submissions.
    
    DATES: This final rule will be effective April 1, 1996 unless critical 
    or adverse comments are received by February 29, 1996. If the effective 
    date is delayed, timely notice will be published in the Federal 
    Register.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to Susan Studlien, Acting 
    Director of the Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, at the 
    EPA Regional Office listed below. Copies of the redesignation request 
    and the State of Massachusetts' submittal are available for public 
    review during normal business hours at the addresses listed below. 
    
    [[Page 2919]]
    
        Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, U.S. Environmental 
    Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460, and; 
    Environmental Protection Agency, One Congress Street, Boston, MA 02203.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wing Chau of the EPA Region I Air, 
    Pesticides and Toxics Management Division at (617) 565-3570.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background
    
        In a March 15, 1991 letter to the EPA Region I Administrator, the 
    Governor of Massachusetts recommended the Boston metropolitan area, 
    which covers the nine surrounding cities (the ``Boston area''), be 
    designated as nonattainment for CO as required by section 107(d)(1)(A) 
    of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAA) (Public Law 101-549, 104 
    Stat. 2399, codified at 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q). The area was designated 
    nonattainment and classified as ``moderate'' under the provisions 
    outlined in sections 186 and 187 of the CAA. (See 56 FR 56694 (Nov. 6, 
    1991) and 57 FR 56762 (Nov. 30, 1992), codified at 40 CFR part 81, 
    Sec. 81.322.) Because the area had a design value of 9.8 ppm (based on 
    1986 data), the area was considered moderate. The CAA established an 
    attainment date of December 31, 1995, for all moderate CO areas. The 
    Boston area has ambient monitoring data showing attainment of the CO 
    NAAQS, since 1988. Therefore, in an effort to comply with the CAA and 
    to ensure continued attainment of the NAAQS, on December 12, 1994 the 
    State of Massachusetts submitted a CO redesignation request and a 
    maintenance plan for the Boston area. Massachusetts submitted evidence 
    that public hearings were held on September 29, 1994 in Springfield and 
    on September 30, 1994 in Boston.
    
    II. Evaluation Criteria
    
        Section 107(d)(3)(E) of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments provides 
    five specific requirements that an area must meet in order to be 
    redesignated from nonattainment to attainment.
        1. The area must have attained the applicable NAAQS;
        2. The area must have a fully approved SIP under section 110(k) of 
    CAA;
        3. The air quality improvement must be permanent and enforceable;
        4. The area must have a fully approved maintenance plan pursuant to 
    section 175A of the CAA;
        5. The area must meet all applicable requirements under section 110 
    and Part D of the CAA.
    
    III. Review of State Submittal
    
        On January 17, 1995, EPA-New England determined that the 
    information received from the MA DEP constituted a complete 
    redesignation request under the general completeness criteria of 40 CFR 
    part 51, appendix V, Secs. 2.1 and 2.2.
        The Massachusetts redesignation request for the Boston area meets 
    the five requirements of section 107(d)(3)(E), noted above. The 
    following is a brief description of how the State has fulfilled each of 
    these requirements.
    
    1. Attainment of the CO NAAQS
    
        Massachusetts has quality-assured CO ambient air monitoring data 
    showing that the Boston area has met the CO NAAQS. The Massachusetts 
    request is based on an analysis of quality-assured CO air monitoring 
    data which is relevant to the maintenance plan and to the redesignation 
    request. To attain the CO NAAQS, an area must have complete quality-
    assured data showing no more than one exceedance of the standard per 
    year over at least two consecutive years. The ambient air CO monitoring 
    data for calendar year 1988 through calendar year 1993, relied upon by 
    Massachusetts in its redesignation request, shows no violations of the 
    CO NAAQS in the Boston area. The most recent ambient CO data shows no 
    exceedances in the calendar years 1994 and 1995. Because the area has 
    complete quality assured data showing no more than one exceedance of 
    the standard per year over at least two consecutive years (1991 and 
    1992), the area has met the first statutory criterion of attainment of 
    the CO NAAQS (40 CFR 50.9 and appendix C). Massachusetts has committed 
    to continue monitoring in this area in accordance with 40 CFR part 58.
    
    2. Fully Approved SIP Under Section 110(k) of the CAA
    
        Massachusetts's CO SIP is fully approved by EPA as meeting all the 
    requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(I) of the Act, including the 
    requirements of Part D (relating to nonattainment), which were due 
    prior to the date of Massachusetts' redesignation request. 
    Massachusetts' 1982 CO SIP was fully approved by EPA in 1983 as meeting 
    the CO SIP requirements in effect under the CAA at that time. The 1990 
    CAAA required that nonattainment areas achieve specific new 
    requirements depending on the severity of the nonattainment 
    classification. Requirements for the Boston area include the 
    preparation of a 1990 emission inventory with periodic updates, 
    adoption of an oxygenated fuels program, the development of contingency 
    measures, and development of conformity procedures. Each of these 
    requirements added by the 1990 Amendments to the CAA are discussed in 
    greater detail below.
        Consistent with the October 14, 1994 EPA guidance from Mary D. 
    Nichols entitled ``Part D New Source Review (Part D NSR) Requirements 
    for Areas Requesting Redesignation to Attainment,'' EPA is not 
    requiring full approval of a Part D NSR program by Massachusetts as a 
    prerequisite to redesignation to attainment. Under this guidance, 
    nonattainment areas may be redesignated to attainment notwithstanding 
    the lack of a fully-approved Part D NSR program, so long as the program 
    is not relied upon for maintenance. Massachusetts has not relied on a 
    NSR program for CO sources to maintain attainment. Although EPA is not 
    treating a Part D NSR program as a prerequisite for redesignation, it 
    should be noted that EPA is in the process of taking final action on 
    the State's revised NSR regulation, which includes requirements for CO 
    nonattainment areas. Because the Boston area is being redesignated to 
    attainment by this action, Massachusetts' Prevention of Significant 
    Deterioration (PSD) requirements will be applicable to new or modified 
    sources in the Boston area.
    A. Emission Inventory
        Massachusetts submitted its base year inventory to EPA on November 
    15, 1993, which included estimates for CO at the statewide, county and 
    CO nonattainment city/town levels, as required under Section 187(a)(1) 
    of the CAA. EPA is approving the CO portion of the Massachusetts Base 
    Year emission inventory with this redesignation request.
        Section 172(c)(3) of the CAA requires that nonattainment plan 
    provisions include a comprehensive, accurate, and current inventory of 
    actual emissions from all sources of relevant pollutants in the 
    nonattainment area. Massachusetts included the requisite inventory in 
    the CO SIP. The base year for the inventory was 1990, using a three 
    month CO season of November 1990 through January 1991. Stationary point 
    sources, stationary area sources, on-road mobile sources, and nonroad 
    mobile sources of CO were included in the inventory. Stationary sources 
    with emissions of greater than 100 tons per year were also included in 
    the inventory.
        The following list presents a summary of the CO peak season daily 
    emissions estimates in tons per winter day by 
    
    [[Page 2920]]
    source category: Point Sources, 32.77 tons per day; Area Sources, 
    711.95 tons per day; Mobile On-Road Sources, 3,387.69 tons per day; 
    Mobile Nonroad Sources, 109.36 tons per day; Total Sources, 4,241.77 
    tons per day. Available guidance for preparing emission inventories is 
    provided in the General Preamble (57 FR 13498, April 16, 1992).
        Section 110(k) of the CAA sets out provisions governing the EPA's 
    review of base year emission inventory submittals in order to determine 
    approval or disapproval under section 187(a)(1). The EPA is granting 
    approval of the Massachusetts 1990 base year CO emissions inventory 
    submitted on November 15, 1993, based on the EPA's technical review of 
    the CO inventory. For further details, the reader is referred to the 
    Technical Support Document, which is available for review at the 
    addresses provided above.
    B. Oxygenated Gasoline
        Motor vehicles are significant contributors of CO emissions. An 
    important measure toward reducing these emissions is the use of 
    cleaner-burning oxygenated gasoline. Extra oxygen, contained within the 
    oxygenate in the fuel, enhances fuel combustion and helps to offset 
    fuel-rich operating conditions, particularly during vehicle starting, 
    which are more prevalent in the winter.
        Section 211(m) of the CAA requires that CO nonattainment areas, 
    with a design value of 9.5 parts per million based on data for the 2-
    year period of 1988 and 1989, submit a SIP revision for an oxygenated 
    fuel program for such area. The oxygenated fuel requirement must apply 
    to all fuel refiners or marketers who sell or dispense gasoline in the 
    Metropolitan Statistical area (MSA) or Consolidated Statistical Area 
    (CMSA) in which the nonattainment area is located. The Boston area has 
    a design value above 9.5 parts per million based on 1986 and 1987 data 
    (1988 and 1989 data was not used due to insufficient data at one of the 
    CO monitors) and consequently were subject to the requirement to adopt 
    an oxygenated fuel program. Massachusetts submitted an oxygenated fuel 
    SIP revision for the Boston CO nonattainment area to EPA on October 29, 
    1993. As noted in Massachusetts' redesignation request, the State 
    intends to relegate the oxygenated fuel program to contingency status 
    upon EPA's approval of Massachusetts' redesignation request. As part of 
    this action, EPA is approving Massachusetts' oxygenated fuel program 
    for the Boston CO area.
        The oxygenated gasoline program is one in which all oxygenated 
    gasoline must contain a minimum oxygen content of 2.7 percent by weight 
    of oxygen. Under section 211(m)(4) of the CAA, EPA also issued 
    requirements for the labeling of gasoline pumps used to dispense 
    oxygenated gasoline, as well as guidelines on the establishment of an 
    appropriate control period. These labeling requirements and control 
    period guidelines may be found in 57 FR 47849, dated October 20, 1992. 
    Massachusetts' oxygenated gasoline regulation requires the minimum 2.7 
    percent oxygen content in the Boston CMSA. The regulation also contains 
    the necessary labeling regulations, enforcement procedures, and 
    oxygenate test methods. For a more detailed description of the manner 
    in which Massachusetts' oxygenated fuels program meets the requirements 
    of Section 211(m) of the CAA, the reader is referred to the Technical 
    Support Document, which is available for review at the addresses 
    provided above.
        As mentioned above, Massachusetts has chosen to convert its 
    oxygenated fuels requirement in the Boston CMSA to a contingency 
    measure in its maintenance plan upon redesignation. Because 
    Massachusetts attained the CO standard based on data before the 
    oxygenated fuel program was implemented in the Boston CMSA, oxygenated 
    gasoline was not necessary to reach attainment. In its demonstration of 
    maintenance, described below, the State has shown that oxygenated 
    gasoline in the Boston CMSA is not necessary for continued maintenance 
    of the CO NAAQS. Consequently, by this action, EPA is both approving 
    Massachusetts' oxygenated fuels regulation and simultaneously approving 
    its use as a contingency measure for the Boston area.
    C. Conformity
        Under section 176(c) of the CAA, states were required to submit 
    revisions to their SIPs that include criteria and procedures to ensure 
    that Federal actions conform to the air quality planning goals in the 
    applicable SIPs. The requirement to determine conformity applies to 
    transportation plans, programs and projects developed, funded or 
    approved under Title 23 U.S.C. or the Federal Transit Act 
    (``transportation conformity''), as well as all other Federal actions 
    (``general conformity''). Congress provided for the State revisions to 
    be submitted one year after the date of promulgation of final EPA 
    conformity regulations.
        EPA promulgated final transportation conformity regulations on 
    November 24, 1993 (58 FR 62188) and final general conformity 
    regulations on November 30, 1993 (58 FR 63214). These conformity rules 
    require that the States adopt both transportation and general 
    conformity provisions in the SIP for areas designated nonattainment or 
    subject to a maintenance plan approved under CAA section 175A. Pursuant 
    to Sec. 51.396 of the transportation conformity rule, the State of 
    Massachusetts was required to submit a SIP revision containing 
    transportation conformity criteria and procedures consistent with those 
    established in the Federal rule by November 25, 1994. Similarly, 
    pursuant to Sec. 51.851 of the general conformity rule, Massachusetts 
    was required to submit a SIP revision containing general conformity 
    criteria and procedures consistent with those established in the 
    Federal rule by December 1, 1994. Massachusetts submitted its 
    transportation conformity SIP revision to EPA on December 30, 1994. 
    This SIP was determined to be administratively and technically complete 
    on March 16, 1995; however, this SIP has not been fully approved by 
    EPA. Massachusetts has not submitted its general conformity SIP 
    revision.
        Although this redesignation request was submitted to EPA after the 
    due dates for the SIP revisions for transportation conformity [58 FR 
    62188] and general conformity [58 FR 63214] rules , EPA believes it is 
    reasonable to interpret the conformity requirements as not being 
    applicable requirements for purposes of evaluating the redesignation 
    request under section 107(d). The rationale for this is based on a 
    combination of two factors. First, the requirement to submit SIP 
    revisions to comply with the conformity provisions of the Act continues 
    to apply to areas after redesignation to attainment. Therefore, the 
    State remains obligated to adopt the transportation and general 
    conformity rules even after redesignation and would risk sanctions for 
    failure to do so. While redesignation of an area to attainment enables 
    the area to avoid further compliance with most requirements of section 
    110 and part D, since those requirements are linked to the 
    nonattainment status of an area, the conformity requirements apply to 
    both nonattainment and maintenance areas. Second, EPA's federal 
    conformity rules require the performance of conformity analyses in the 
    absence of state-adopted rules. Therefore, a delay in adopting State 
    rules does not relieve an area from the obligation to implement 
    conformity requirements.
    
    [[Page 2921]]
    
        Because areas are subject to the conformity requirements regardless 
    of whether they are redesignated to attainment and must implement 
    conformity under Federal rules if State rules are not yet adopted, EPA 
    believes it is reasonable to view these requirements as not being 
    applicable requirements for purposes of evaluating a redesignation 
    request.
        Therefore, with this notice, EPA is modifying its national policy 
    regarding the interpretation of the provisions of section 107(d)(3)(E) 
    concerning the applicable requirements for purposes of reviewing a 
    carbon monoxide redesignation request.
        Under this new policy, for the reasons just discussed, EPA believes 
    that the CO redesignation request for the Boston area may be approved 
    notwithstanding the lack of submitted and approved state transportation 
    and general conformity rules.
    
    3. Improvement in Air Quality Due to Permanent and Enforceable Measures
    
        EPA approved Massachusetts' CO SIP under the 1977 CAA. Emission 
    reductions achieved through the implementation of control measures 
    contained in that SIP are enforceable. These measures were: 
    transportation plan reviews, a basic Inspection and Maintenance 
    Program, right turn on red, and the Federal Motor Vehicle Control 
    Program. As discussed above, the State initially attained the NAAQS in 
    1988 with monitored attainment through the 1994-1995 CO season. This 
    indicates that the improvements are due to the permanent and 
    enforceable measures contained in the 1982 CO SIP.
        The State of Massachusetts has demonstrated that actual enforceable 
    emission reductions are responsible for the air quality improvement and 
    that the CO emissions in the base year are not artificially low due to 
    local economic downturn. EPA finds that the combination of certain 
    existing EPA-approved SIP and federal measures contribute to the 
    permanence and enforceability of reduction in ambient CO levels that 
    have allowed the area to attain the NAAQS.
    
    4. Fully Approved Maintenance Plan Under Section 175A
    
        Section 175A of the CAA sets forth the elements of a maintenance 
    plan for areas seeking redesignation from nonattainment to attainment.
        The plan must demonstrate continued attainment of the applicable 
    NAAQS for at least ten years after the Administrator approves a 
    redesignation to attainment. Eight years after the redesignation, the 
    state must submit a revised maintenance plan which demonstrates 
    attainment for the ten years following the initial ten-year period. To 
    provide for the possibility of future NAAQS violations, the maintenance 
    plan must contain contingency measures, with a schedule for 
    implementation adequate to assure prompt correction of any air quality 
    problems. In this notice, EPA is approving the State of Massachusetts' 
    maintenance plan for the Boston area because EPA finds that 
    Massachusetts' submittal meets the requirements of section 175A.
    A. Attainment Emission Inventory
        As previously noted, on November 15, 1993, the State of 
    Massachusetts submitted a comprehensive inventory of CO emissions for 
    the Boston area. The inventory includes emissions from area, 
    stationary, and mobile sources using 1990 as the base year for 
    calculations.
        The State submittal contains the detailed inventory data and 
    summaries by county and source category. The comprehensive base year 
    emissions inventory was submitted in the National Emission Data System 
    format. This inventory was prepared in accordance with EPA guidance.
        Although the 1990 inventory can be considered representative of 
    attainment conditions because the NAAQS was not violated during 1990, 
    Massachusetts established CO emissions for the attainment year, 1993, 
    as well as four forecast years out to the year 2010 (1995, 2000, 2005, 
    and 2010) in their redesignation request. These estimates were derived 
    from the State's 1990 emissions inventory. The future emission 
    estimates are based on assumptions about economic and vehicle miles 
    travelled growth. These assumptions are documented in the Massachusetts 
    Growth Factors report dated November 1993.
    
                     1990 CO Base Year Emissions Inventory Boston Nonattainment Area (Tons per Day)                 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Year                          Area        Nonroad       Mobile       Point         Total   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1990.........................................       126.76        59.04        343.41         7.62       536.83 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                         Boston Nonattainment Area CO Emissions Inventory Summary (Tons per Day)                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Year                          Area        Nonroad       Mobile       Point         Total   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1990.........................................       126.76        59.04        343.41         7.62       536.83 
    1993.........................................       128.32        59.823       305.43         7.96       501.53 
    1995.........................................       129.35        60.344       280.10         8.19       477.98 
    2000.........................................       131.20        62.995       147.56         8.87       350.625
    2005.........................................       134.39        64.961       125.93         9.69       334.97 
    2010.........................................       137.93        66.695       121.75        10.05       336.425
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    B. Demonstration of Maintenance-Projected Inventories
        Total CO emissions were projected from 1990 base year out to 2010. 
    These projected inventories were prepared in accordance with EPA 
    guidance. Massachusetts will not implement the Oxygenated Fuel program 
    in the Boston CMSA unless a violation is measured. The projections show 
    that calculated CO emissions, assuming no oxygenated fuels program, are 
    not expected to exceed the level of the base year inventory during this 
    time period. Therefore, it is anticipated that the Boston area will 
    maintain the CO standard without the program, and the oxygenated fuel 
    program would not need to be implemented following redesignation, 
    except as a contingency measure.
    C. Verification of Continued Attainment
        Continued attainment of the CO NAAQS in the Boston area depends, in 
    part, on the State's efforts toward tracking indicators of continued 
    attainment during the maintenance period. The State has also committed 
    to 
    
    [[Page 2922]]
    submit periodic inventories of CO emissions every three years.
    D. Contingency Plan
        The level of CO emissions in the Boston area will largely determine 
    its ability to stay in compliance with the CO NAAQS in the future. 
    Despite the State's best efforts to demonstrate continued compliance 
    with the NAAQS, the ambient air pollutant concentrations may exceed or 
    violate the NAAQS. Section 175A(d) of the CAA requires that the 
    contingency provisions include a requirement that the State implement 
    all measures contained in the SIP prior to redesignation. Therefore, 
    Massachusetts has provided contingency measures with a schedule for 
    implementation in the event of a future CO air quality problem. The 
    plan contains triggering mechanisms to determine when contingency 
    measures are needed.
        Massachusetts has developed a contingency plan which contains a mix 
    of contingency measures that will address site specific CO problems and 
    regional CO emissions. The first set of contingency measures deals with 
    localized CO problems, which is either an engineering fix or traffic 
    flow improvement at any site which triggers the need for the 
    contingency measure. The second set of contingency measures deals with 
    regional CO emissions, which include the implementation of an 
    oxygenated fuels program throughout the Boston CMSA, implementation of 
    an enhanced inspection and maintenance program and implementation of 
    travel demand measures.
        In order to be an adequate maintenance plan, the plan should 
    include at least one contingency measure that will go into effect with 
    a triggering event. Massachusetts is relying largely on a contingency 
    measure that is expected to be implemented regardless of any triggering 
    event, namely, enhanced Inspection and Maintenance (I/M). Massachusetts 
    is implementing I/M to meet other requirements of the CAA and it has 
    the additional benefit of reducing CO emissions. Massachusetts has two 
    measures that will not go into effect unless a triggering event occurs, 
    namely oxygenated fuels and traffic flow improvements.
    E. Subsequent Maintenance Plan Revisions
        In accordance with section 175A(b) of the CAA, the State has agreed 
    to submit a revised maintenance SIP eight years after the area is 
    redesignated to attainment. Such revised SIP will provide for 
    maintenance for an additional ten years.
    
    5. Meeting Applicable Requirements of Section 110 and Part D
    
        In Section III.2. above, EPA sets forth the basis for its 
    conclusion that Massachusetts has a fully approved SIP which meets the 
    applicable requirements of Section 110 and Part D of the CAA.
    
    Final Action
    
        EPA is approving the Boston CO maintenance plan because it meets 
    the requirements set forth in section 175A of the CAA. In addition, the 
    Agency is approving the request and redesignating the Boston CO area to 
    attainment, because the State has demonstrated compliance with the 
    requirements of section 107(d)(3)(E) for redesignation. EPA is also 
    approving Massachusetts' 1990 base year CO emissions inventory and the 
    State's oxygenated gasoline program for the Boston CMSA. The EPA is 
    publishing this action without prior proposal because the Agency views 
    this as a noncontroversial amendment and anticipates no adverse 
    comments. However, in a separate document in this Federal Register 
    publication, the EPA is proposing to approve the SIP revision should 
    adverse or critical comments be filed. This action will be effective 
    April 1, 1996 unless, by February 29, 1996 adverse or critical comments 
    are received. If the EPA receives such comments, this action will be 
    withdrawn before the effective date by publishing a subsequent document 
    that will withdraw the final action. All public comments received will 
    then be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this action 
    serving as a proposed rule. The EPA will not institute a second comment 
    period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting on this 
    action should do so at this time. If no such comments are received, the 
    public is advised that this action will be effective April 1, 1996.
        Nothing in this action should be construed as permitting or 
    allowing or establishing a precedent for any future request for 
    revision to any SIP. Each request for revision to the SIP shall be 
    considered separately in light of specific technical, economic, and 
    environmental factors and in relation to relevant statutory and 
    regulatory requirements.
        The CO SIP is designed to satisfy the requirements of part D of the 
    CAA and to provide for attainment and maintenance of the CO NAAQS. This 
    final redesignation should not be interpreted as authorizing the State 
    to delete, alter, or rescind any of the CO emission limitations and 
    restrictions contained in the approved CO SIP. Changes to CO SIP 
    regulations rendering them less stringent than those contained in the 
    EPA approved plan cannot be made unless a revised plan for attainment 
    and maintenance is submitted to and approved by EPA. Unauthorized 
    relaxations, deletions, and changes could result in both a finding of 
    non-implementation (section 179(a) of the CAA) and in a SIP deficiency 
    call made pursuant to sections 110(a)(2)(H) and 110(k)(2) of the CAA.
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., EPA 
    must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis assessing the impact of 
    any proposed or final rule on small entities. 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. 
    Alternatively, EPA may certify that the rule will not have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small 
    entities include small businesses, small not-for-profit enterprises, 
    and government entities with jurisdiction over populations of less than 
    50,000. SIP approvals under section 110 and subchapter I, part D of the 
    CAA do not create any new requirements, but simply approve requirements 
    that the State is already imposing. Therefore, because the federal SIP 
    approval does not impose any new requirements, it does not have any 
    economic impact on any small entities. Redesignation of an area to 
    attainment under section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA does not impose any 
    new requirements on small entities.
        Redesignation is an action that affects the status of a 
    geographical area and does not impose any regulatory requirements on 
    sources. Accordingly, I certify that the approval of the redesignation 
    request will not have an impact on any small entities.
    
    Unfunded Mandates
    
        Under Sections 202, 203, and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
    Act of 1995 (``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 25, 
    1995, EPA must undertake various actions in association with proposed 
    or final rules that include a Federal mandate that may result in 
    estimated costs of $100 million or more to the private sector, or to 
    State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate.
        Through submission of this state implementation plan or plan 
    revision, the State and any affected local or tribal governments have 
    elected to adopt the program provided for under section 175A and 
    section 187(a)(1) of the Clean Air Act. The rules and commitments 
    approved in this action may bind State, local and tribal governments to 
    perform certain actions and also may ultimately 
    
    [[Page 2923]]
    lead to the private sector being required to certain duties. To the 
    extent that the imposition of any mandate upon the State, local or 
    tribal governments either as the owner or operator of a source or as 
    mandate upon the private sector, EPA's action will impose no new 
    requirements under State law; such sources are already subject to these 
    requirements under State law. Accordingly, no additional costs to 
    State, local, or tribal governments, or to the private sector, results 
    from this action. EPA has also determined that this final action does 
    not include a mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 
    million or more to State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate 
    or to the private sector.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    40 CFR Part 52
    
        Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
    Hydrocarbons, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, 
    Ozone.
    
    40 CFR Part 81
    
        Air pollution control, National parks, and Wilderness areas.
    
        Dated: September 29, 1995.
    John P. DeVillars,
    Regional Administrator.
    
        Chapter I, title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended 
    as follows:
    
    PART 52--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42.U.S.C. 7401-7671q.
    
    Subpart W--Massachusetts
    
        2. Section 52.1120 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(107) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 52.1120  Identification of plan.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (107) Massachusetts submitted the Oxygenated Gasoline Program on 
    October 29, 1993. This submittal satisfies the requirements of section 
    211(m) of the Clean Air Act, as amended.
        (i) Incorporation by reference.
        (A) Letter dated October 29, 1993 which included the oxygenated 
    gasoline program, amendments to the Massachusetts Air Pollution Control 
    Regulations, 310 CMR 7.00, with an effective date of March 1, 1994, 
    requesting that the submittal be approved and adopted as part of 
    Massachusetts' SIP.
        (ii) Additional materials.
        (A) The Technical Support Document for the Redesignation of the 
    Boston Area as Attainment for Carbon Monoxide submitted on December 12, 
    1994.
        3. Section 52.1132 is added to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 52.1132  Control strategy: Carbon Monoxide.
    
        (a) Approval-On November 13, 1992, the Massachusetts Department of 
    Environmental Protection submitted a revision to the carbon monoxide 
    State Implementation Plan for the 1990 base year emission inventory. 
    The inventory was submitted by the State of Massachusetts to satisfy 
    Federal requirements under section 182(a)(1) of the Clean Air Act as 
    amended in 1990, as a revision to the carbon monoxide State 
    Implementation Plan.
        (i) Approval--On December 12, 1994, the Massachusetts Department of 
    Environmental Protection submitted a request to redesignate the Boston 
    Area carbon monoxide nonattainment area to attainment for carbon 
    monoxide. As part of the redesignation request, the State submitted a 
    maintenance plan as required by 175A of the Clean Air Act, as amended 
    in 1990. Elements of the section 175A maintenance plan include a base 
    year (1993 attainment year) emission inventory for carbon monoxide, a 
    demonstration of maintenance of the carbon monoxide NAAQS with 
    projected emission inventories to the year 2010 for carbon monoxide, a 
    plan to verify continued attainment, a contingency plan, and an 
    obligation to submit a subsequent maintenance plan revision in 8 years 
    as required by the Clean Air Act. If the area records a violation of 
    the carbon monoxide NAAQS (which must be confirmed by the State), 
    Massachusetts will implement one or more appropriate contingency 
    measure(s) which are contained in the contingency plan. The menu of 
    contingency measures includes an enhanced motor vehicle inspection and 
    maintenance program and implementation of the oxygenated fuels program. 
    The redesignation request and maintenance plan meet the redesignation 
    requirements in sections 107(d)(3)(E) and 175A of the Act as amended in 
    1990, respectively. The redesignation meets the Federal requirements of 
    section 182(a)(1) of the Clean Air Act as a revision to the 
    Massachusetts Carbon Monoxide State Implementation Plan for the above 
    mentioned area.
    
    PART 81--[AMENDED]
    
    Subpart C--Section 107 Attainment Status Designations
    
        1. The authority citation for part 81 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.
    
        2. In Sec. 81.322, the table for ``Massachusetts-Carbon Monoxide'' 
    is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 81.322  Massachusetts.
    
    * * * * *
    
                                                                  Massachusetts-Carbon Monoxide                                                             
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Designation                                               Classification                      
             Designated area         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Date\1\                        Type                         Date\1\                        Type            
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Boston area:                                                                                                                                            
        Middlesex County (part)       April 1, 1996...............  Attainment.                   ............................  ............................
         Cities of: Cambridge,                                                                                                                              
         Everett, Malden, Medford,                                                                                                                          
         and Somerville.                                                                                                                                    
        Norfolk County (part) Quincy  April 1, 1996...............  Attainment.                   ............................  ............................
         City.                                                                                                                                              
        Suffolk County (part) Cities  April 1, 1996...............  Attainment.                   ............................  ............................
         of: Boston, Chelsea, and                                                                                                                           
         Revere.                                                                                                                                            
    Lowell area:                                                                                                                                            
        Middlesex County (part)       ............................  Nonattainment...............  ............................  Not classified.             
         Lowell City.                                                                                                                                       
    Springfield area:                                                                                                                                       
        Hampden County (part)         ............................  Nonattainment...............  ............................  Not classified.             
         Springfield City.                                                                                                                                  
    Waltham area:                                                                                                                                           
        Middlesex County (part)       ............................  Nonattainment...............  ............................  Not classified.             
         Waltham City.                                                                                                                                      
    Worcester area:                                                                                                                                         
        Worcester County (part) City  ............................  Nonattainment...............  ............................  Not classified.             
         of Worcester.                                                                                                                                      
    
    [[Page 2924]]
                                                                                                                                                            
        AQCR 042 Hartford-New Haven-  ............................  Unclassifiable/Attainment...  ............................  ............................
         Springfield.                                                                                                                                       
    Franklin County:                                                                                                                                        
        Hampden County (part):                                                                                                                              
            Cities of: Chicopee,                                                                                                                            
             Holyoke, and Westfield.                                                                                                                        
             Townships of: Agawam,                                                                                                                          
             Blandford, Brimfield,                                                                                                                          
             Chester, East                                                                                                                                  
             Longmeadow, Granville,                                                                                                                         
             Hampden, Holland,                                                                                                                              
             Longmeadow, Ludlow,                                                                                                                            
             Monson, Montgomery,                                                                                                                            
             Palmer, Russell,                                                                                                                               
             Southwick, Tolland,                                                                                                                            
             Wales, West                                                                                                                                    
             Springfield, and                                                                                                                               
             Wilbraham.                                                                                                                                     
        Hampshire County (part):                                                                                                                            
            City of Northampton.                                                                                                                            
             Townships of: Amherst,                                                                                                                         
             Belchertown,                                                                                                                                   
             Chesterfield,                                                                                                                                  
             Cummington, Eastampton,                                                                                                                        
             Goshen, Granby, Hadley,                                                                                                                        
             Hatfield, Huntington,                                                                                                                          
             Middlefield, Pelham,                                                                                                                           
             Southampton, South                                                                                                                             
             Hadley, Ware,                                                                                                                                  
             Westhampton,                                                                                                                                   
             Williamsburg, and                                                                                                                              
             Worthington.                                                                                                                                   
    AQCR 117 Berkshire Intrastate     ............................  Unclassifiable/Attainment...  ............................  ............................
     Berkshire County.                                                                                                                                      
    AQCR 118 Central Massachusetts    ............................  Unclassifiable/Attainment...  ............................  ............................
     Intrastate.                                                                                                                                            
        Middlesex County (part):                                                                                                                            
            Townships of: Ashby,                                                                                                                            
             Shirley, and Townsend                                                                                                                          
        Worcester County (part):                                                                                                                            
            Cities of: Leominster,                                                                                                                          
             Fitchburg, and Gardner.                                                                                                                        
             Townships of:                                                                                                                                  
             Ashburnham, Athol,                                                                                                                             
             Auburn, Barre, Berlin,                                                                                                                         
             Blackstone, Boylston,                                                                                                                          
             Brookfield, Charlton,                                                                                                                          
             Clinton, Douglas,                                                                                                                              
             Dudley, East Holden,                                                                                                                           
             Hopedale, Hubbardstown,                                                                                                                        
             Lancaster, Leicester,                                                                                                                          
             Lunenburg, Mendon,                                                                                                                             
             Millbury, Millville,                                                                                                                           
             New Braintree,                                                                                                                                 
             Northborough,                                                                                                                                  
             Northbridge, North                                                                                                                             
             Brookfield, Oakham,                                                                                                                            
             Oxford, Paxton,                                                                                                                                
             Petersham, Phillipston,                                                                                                                        
             Princeton, Royalston,                                                                                                                          
             Rutland, Shewsbury,                                                                                                                            
             Southbridge, Spencer,                                                                                                                          
             Sterling, Sutton,                                                                                                                              
             Templeton, Upton,                                                                                                                              
             Uxbridge, Warren,                                                                                                                              
             Webster, Westborough,                                                                                                                          
             West Boylston, West                                                                                                                            
             Brookfield,                                                                                                                                    
             Westminster, and                                                                                                                               
             Winchendon                                                                                                                                     
    AQCR 119 Metropolitan Boston      ............................  Unclassifiable/Attainment...  ............................  ............................
     Intrastate.                                                                                                                                            
    
    [[Page 2925]]
                                                                                                                                                            
        Essex County (part):                                                                                                                                
            Cities of: Beverly,       ............................  ............................  ............................  ............................
             Gloucester, Lynn,                                                                                                                              
             Peabody, and Salem.                                                                                                                            
             Townships of: Danvers,                                                                                                                         
             Essex, Ipswitch,                                                                                                                               
             Lynnfield, Manchester,                                                                                                                         
             Marblehead, Middletown,                                                                                                                        
             Nahant, Rockport,                                                                                                                              
             Saugus, Swampscott,                                                                                                                            
             Topsfield, and Wenham.                                                                                                                         
        Middlesex County (part):                                                                                                                            
            Cities of: Marlborough,                                                                                                                         
             Melrose, Newton, and                                                                                                                           
             Woburn. Townships of:                                                                                                                          
             Acton, Arlington,                                                                                                                              
             Ashland, Bedford,                                                                                                                              
             Belmont, Boxborough,                                                                                                                           
             Burlington, Concord,                                                                                                                           
             Framingham, Holliston,                                                                                                                         
             Hopkinton, Hudson,                                                                                                                             
             Lexington, Lincoln,                                                                                                                            
             Maynard, Natick, North                                                                                                                         
             Reading, Reading,                                                                                                                              
             Sherborn, Stoneham,                                                                                                                            
             Stow, Sudbury,                                                                                                                                 
             Wakefield, Watertown,                                                                                                                          
             Wayland, Wilmington,                                                                                                                           
             and Winchester.                                                                                                                                
        Norfolk County (part):                                                                                                                              
            Townships of: Avon,       ............................  ............................  ............................  ............................
             Braintree, Brookline,                                                                                                                          
             Canton, Cohasset,                                                                                                                              
             Dedham, Dover,                                                                                                                                 
             Holbrook, Medfield,                                                                                                                            
             Millis, Milton,                                                                                                                                
             Needham, Norfolk,                                                                                                                              
             Norwood, Randolph,                                                                                                                             
             Sharon, Stoughton,                                                                                                                             
             Walpole, Wellesley,                                                                                                                            
             Westwood, and Weymouth.                                                                                                                        
    Plymouth County:                                                                                                                                        
        City of Brockton. Townships                                                                                                                         
         of: Abington, Bridgewater,                                                                                                                         
         Duxbury, East Bridgewater,                                                                                                                         
         Hanover, Hanson, Hingham,                                                                                                                          
         and Hull..                                                                                                                                         
    AQCR 120 Metropolitan Providence  ............................  Unclassifiable/Attainment...  ............................  ............................
     Interstate.                                                                                                                                            
        Barnstable County (part):                                                                                                                           
            Townships of:                                                                                                                                   
             Barnstable, Bourne,                                                                                                                            
             Brewster, Chatham,                                                                                                                             
             Dennis, Eastham,                                                                                                                               
             Falmouth, Harwich,                                                                                                                             
             Mashpee, Orleans,                                                                                                                              
             Provincetown, Sandwich,                                                                                                                        
             Truro, Wellfleet, and                                                                                                                          
             Yarmouth.                                                                                                                                      
        Bristol County (part)                                                                                                                               
            Cities of: Attleboro,     ............................  ............................  ............................  ............................
             Fall River, New                                                                                                                                
             Bedford, and Taunton.                                                                                                                          
             Townships of: Acushnet,                                                                                                                        
             Berkley, Dartmouth,                                                                                                                            
             Dighton, Fairhaven,                                                                                                                            
             Freetown, Mansfield,                                                                                                                           
             North Attleborough,                                                                                                                            
             Norton, Raynham,                                                                                                                               
             Rehoboth, Seekonk,                                                                                                                             
             Somerset, Swansea, and                                                                                                                         
             Westport.                                                                                                                                      
        Dukes County (part):                                                                                                                                
            Townships of: Chilmark,   ............................  ............................  ............................  ............................
             Edgartown, Gay Head,                                                                                                                           
             Gosnold, Oak Bluffs,                                                                                                                           
             Tisbury, and West                                                                                                                              
             Tisbury.                                                                                                                                       
        Norfolk County (part):                                                                                                                              
            Townships of:             ............................  ............................  ............................  ............................
             Bellingham, Foxborough,                                                                                                                        
             Franklin, and Wrenton.                                                                                                                         
        Plymouth County (part):                                                                                                                             
            Townships of: Carver,                                                                                                                           
             Halifax, Kingston,                                                                                                                             
             Lakeville, Marion,                                                                                                                             
             Mattapoisett,                                                                                                                                  
             Middleborough,                                                                                                                                 
             Plymouth, Plympton,                                                                                                                            
             Rochester, and Warham.                                                                                                                         
    Worcester County (part) Milford                                                                                                                         
     Township.                                                                                                                                              
    AQCR 121 Merrimack Valley-S New   ............................  Unclassifiable/Attainment...  ............................  ............................
     Hampshire.                                                                                                                                             
    
    [[Page 2926]]
                                                                                                                                                            
    Essex County (part):                                                                                                                                    
            Townships of: Andover,                                                                                                                          
             Amesbury, Boxford,                                                                                                                             
             Georgetown, Groveland,                                                                                                                         
             Haverhill, Lawerence,                                                                                                                          
             Merrimac, Methuen,                                                                                                                             
             Newbury, Newburyport,                                                                                                                          
             North Andover, Rowley,                                                                                                                         
             Salisbury, and West                                                                                                                            
             Newbury.                                                                                                                                       
    Middlesex County (part):                                                                                                                                
            Townships of: Ayer,                                                                                                                             
             Billerica, Carlisle,                                                                                                                           
             Chelmsford, Dracut,                                                                                                                            
             Dunstable, Groton,                                                                                                                             
             Littleton,                                                                                                                                     
             Pepperell,Tewksbury,                                                                                                                           
             Tyngsborough, and                                                                                                                              
             Westford.                                                                                                                                      
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\This date is November 15, 1990, unless otherwise noted.                                                                                              
    
    
    [FR Doc. 96-1589 Filed 1-29-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
4/1/1996
Published:
01/30/1996
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Direct final rule.
Document Number:
96-1589
Dates:
This final rule will be effective April 1, 1996 unless critical or adverse comments are received by February 29, 1996. If the effective date is delayed, timely notice will be published in the Federal Register.
Pages:
2918-2926 (9 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FRL-5321-4
PDF File:
96-1589.pdf
CFR: (3)
40 CFR 52.1120
40 CFR 52.1132
40 CFR 81.322