02-25159. Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Volatile Organic Compound Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) Plans and Regulation

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

EPA is proposing to approve several State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These revisions establish reasonably available control technology (RACT) requirements for major volatile organic compound (VOC) sources. The intended effect of this action is to approve these requirements into the Massachusetts SIP. EPA is taking this action in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA).

DATES:

Written comments must be received on or before November 4, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Comments may be mailed to David Conroy, Unit Manager, Air Quality Planning, Office of Ecosystem Protection (mail code CAQ), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, One Congress Street, Suite 1100, Boston, MA 02114-2023. Copies of Massachusetts' submittal and EPA's technical support document are available for public inspection during normal business hours, by appointment at the Office of Ecosystem Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, One Congress Street, 11th floor, Boston, MA and Division of Air Quality Control, Department of Environmental Protection, One Winter Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02108.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Anne Arnold, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In the Final Rules Section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving Massachusetts' SIP submittal as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If EPA receives no relevant adverse comments in response to this rule, we contemplate no further activity. If EPA receives relevant adverse comments, we will withdraw the direct final rule and will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. EPA will not institute a second comment period. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time. Please note that if EPA receives adverse comment on an amendment, paragraph, or section of this rule and if that provision may be severed from the remainder of the rule, EPA may adopt as final those provisions of the rule that are not the subject of an adverse comment.

For additional information, see the direct final rule which is located in the Rules Section of this Federal Register.

Dated: September 3, 2002.

Robert W. Varney,

Regional Administrator, EPA New England.