96-2358. Clean Air Act Final Interim Approval of Operating Permits Program; the State of Oklahoma  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 24 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 4220-4224]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-2358]
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 70
    
    [OK-FRL-5407-9]
    
    
    Clean Air Act Final Interim Approval of Operating Permits 
    Program; the State of Oklahoma
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Final source category-limited interim approval.
    
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    SUMMARY: The EPA is promulgating source category-limited interim 
    approval of the Operating Permits Program submitted by the Oklahoma 
    Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) for the State of Oklahoma 
    for the purpose of complying with Federal requirements for an 
    approvable State program to issue operating permits to all major 
    stationary sources, except any sources of air pollution over which an 
    Indian Tribe has jurisdiction, and to certain other sources.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: March 6, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Copies of the State's submittal and other supporting 
    information used in developing this source category-limited interim 
    approval are available for inspection during normal business hours at 
    the following location:
    
    U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Air Programs Branch 
    (6T-AN), 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733.
    Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Program, 4545 
    North Lincoln Blvd, Suite 250, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3483.
    Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, U.S. Environmental 
    Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW., Washington, DC 20460.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wm. Nicholas Stone, New Source Review 
    Section (6T-AN), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross 
    Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, telephone (214) 665-7226.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background and Purpose
    
    A. Introduction
    
        Title V of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (sections 501-507 of 
    the Clean Air Act (CAA or ``the Act'')), and implementing regulations 
    at 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 70 require that States 
    develop and submit operating permits programs to the EPA by November 
    15, 1993, and that the EPA act to approve or disapprove each program 
    within one year after receiving the submittal. The EPA's program review 
    occurs pursuant to section 502 of the Act and the part 70 regulations, 
    which together outline criteria for approval or disapproval. Where a 
    program substantially, but not fully, meets the requirements of part 
    70, the EPA may grant the program interim approval for a period of up 
    to two years. If the EPA has not fully approved a program by two years 
    after November 15, 1993, or by the end of an interim program, it must 
    establish and implement a Federal program.
        On March 10, 1995, the EPA proposed source category-limited interim 
    approval of the operating permits program for the State of Oklahoma. 
    See 60 Federal Register (FR) 13088 (March 10, 1995). The EPA received 
    comments on the proposal and compiled a Technical Support Document 
    which describes the operating permits program in greater detail. In 
    this document, the EPA is taking final action to promulgate source 
    category-limited interim approval of the operating permits program for 
    the State of Oklahoma.
    
    II. Final Action and Implications
    
    A. Analysis of State Submission
    
        The State of Oklahoma submitted to the EPA, under a cover letter 
    from the Governor dated January 7, 1994, the State's operating permits 
    program. The submittal has adequately addressed all sixteen elements 
    required for full approval as discussed in part 70, with the exception 
    of seven interim issues listed in the proposal: (1) Revision of 
    Subchapter 8 to incorporate the new transition schedule included in the 
    Governor's request for source category-limited interim approval, (2) 
    regulation revision to make the definition of ``major source'' 
    consistent with part 70, (3) revision of the regulation to make the 
    provisions for insignificant activities consistent with part 70, (4) 
    revision of the regulation to make the permit content provisions 
    consistent with part 70, (5) revision of the regulation to make the 
    provisions regarding standing for judicial review consistent with part 
    70, (6) revision of the regulation to make the administrative 
    amendments provisions consistent with part 70, and (7) submission of a 
    State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision for Subchapter 7 consistent 
    with Subchapter 8 and 40 CFR part 70.
        The proposal noted three conditions that had to be met before the 
    EPA could complete the approval process. The State of Oklahoma has 
    adequately addressed each of these issues as shown below:
    1. Acid Rain Incorporation by Reference
        The State had not completed the rulemaking process for the acid 
    rain rules when the proposal was sent to publication. The State of 
    Oklahoma incorporated the acid rain rules by reference as an emergency 
    rule signed January 5, 1995. This provision appears at Oklahoma 
    Administrative Code (OAC) 252:100-8-6(i)(8) and became a permanent 
    rule, due to inaction by the Legislature, on March 29, 1995.
    2. Request for Source Category-Limited Interim Approval
        The Governor of Oklahoma, in a letter dated May 26, 1995, requested 
    source category-limited approval for the operating permits program. The 
    Executive Director of the ODEQ submitted a detailed transition schedule 
    in a letter dated January 23, 1995, for the source category-limited 
    interim approval.
    3. Supplemental Attorney General's Opinion
        The State of Oklahoma provided the EPA with a supplemental Attorney 
    General Opinion, dated June 23, 1995, which clarified the State's 
    interpretation of the criminal liability statute. The EPA required this 
    clarification to ensure that the criminal liability provision in the 
    State statute would not preclude daily fines up to $10,000 for on-going 
    violations.
        The State of Oklahoma appropriately addressed all requirements 
    necessary to receive source category-limited interim approval of the 
    State operating permits 
    
    [[Page 4221]]
    program pursuant to title V of the Act and 40 CFR part 70.
    
    B. Response to Comments
    
        Comments were received from six parties during the comment period 
    that ran from March 10, 1995, until April 10, 1995. Several of the 
    comments requested additional time so that comments could be made after 
    the Air Quality Council meeting on April 18, 1995. The EPA extended the 
    comment period until May 10, 1995, in a Federal Register document 
    published April 26, 1995. Three additional parties submitted comments 
    during the extension. Below is the EPA's response to comments received 
    on the proposed source category-limited interim approval for the 
    Oklahoma Operating Permits Program.
    1. Section 112(g)  Implementation
        Comments were made that the EPA should reiterate its present 
    interpretation of section 112(g) as published in the Federal Register 
    on February 14, 1995.
        The EPA concurs with the comment. The EPA proposed to approve the 
    State's preconstruction review program for the purpose of implementing 
    section 112(g) during the transition period before promulgation of a 
    Federal rule implementing section 112(g). This proposal was based in 
    part on an interpretation of the Act that would require sources to 
    comply with section 112(g) beginning on the date of approval of the 
    title V program, regardless whether the EPA had completed its section 
    112(g) rulemaking. The EPA has since revised this interpretation of the 
    Act in a Federal Register document published on February 14, 1995, 60 
    FR 8333. The revised interpretation postpones the effective date of 
    section 112(g) until after the EPA has promulgated a rule addressing 
    that provision. The revised notice sets forth in detail the rationale 
    for the revised interpretation.
        The section 112(g) interpretive notice explains that the EPA is 
    still considering whether the effective date of section 112(g) should 
    be delayed beyond the date of promulgation of the Federal rule so as to 
    allow States time to adopt rules implementing the Federal rule, and 
    that the EPA will provide for any such additional delay in the final 
    section 112(g) rulemaking. Unless and until the EPA provides for such 
    an additional postponement of section 112(g), Oklahoma must be able to 
    implement section 112(g) during the transition period between 
    promulgation of the Federal section 112(g) rule and adoption of 
    implementing State regulations.
        For this reason, the EPA is finalizing its approval of Oklahoma's 
    preconstruction review program. This approval clarifies that the 
    preconstruction review program is available as a mechanism to implement 
    section 112(g) during the transition period between promulgation of the 
    section 112(g) rule and adoption by Oklahoma of rules established to 
    implement section 112(g). However, since the approval is for the single 
    purpose of providing a mechanism to implement section 112(g) during the 
    transition period, the approval itself will be without effect if the 
    EPA decides in the final section 112(g) rule that sources are not 
    subject to the requirements of the rule until State regulations are 
    adopted. Further, the EPA is limiting the duration of this approval to 
    18 months following promulgation by the EPA of the section 112(g) rule.
        The EPA believes that, although Oklahoma currently lacks a program 
    designed specifically to implement section 112(g), the State's 
    preconstruction review program will serve as an adequate implementation 
    vehicle during a transition period because it will allow Oklahoma to 
    select control measures that would meet the maximum achievable control 
    technology, as defined in section 112, and incorporate these measures 
    into a federally enforceable preconstruction permit.
    2. Major Source Definition
        Several comments questioned the EPA's position on the State's 
    definition of ``major source'' because it requires the State to revise 
    its definition to delete the non-aggregation provision for criteria 
    pollutants at oil & gas facilities. Some of the comments cited section 
    112(n)(4) of the Act and interpreted the Federal statute to mean that 
    emissions at oil and gas facilities cannot be aggregated.
        The EPA does not agree with these comments. The EPA has required 
    the State to revise the non-aggregation provision for criteria 
    pollutants because, as written, the regulation could be interpreted to 
    allow non-aggregation of criteria pollutants at oil and gas facilities. 
    Section 112 of the Act applies only to hazardous air pollutants and no 
    similar non-aggregation provision is found in title V of the Clean Air 
    Act Amendments of 1990 for criteria pollutants at oil and gas 
    facilities. Without this required change, the definition of ``major 
    source'' will also be inconsistent with the definition of ``major 
    source'' at 40 CFR 52.21 which contains the Prevention of Significant 
    Deterioration (PSD) requirements.
    3. Insignificant Activities
        Several comments complained that EPA's approval of an insignificant 
    activities list would limit State discretion. The comments also noted 
    that the State should maintain this list as a guidance document and not 
    as a part of the regulations. Further, comments were made that the 
    insignificant emissions level of 10% of the permit limit or major 
    source threshold was consistent with State law. Some of the comments 
    noted that measurement equipment often has a 10% margin of error and 
    that the current regulation is consistent with the limits of the 
    equipment used. One comment suggested that the EPA complete formal 
    rulemaking before imposing an insignificant emissions level.
        The EPA does not agree with these comments. Regarding the need for 
    prior approval by the EPA, the rule at 40 CFR 70.5(c) clearly requires 
    the Administrator's approval of the State's insignificant activities 
    list. Contrary to one individual's comment, even though insignificant 
    activities are not a required element of a part 70 program, a State 
    that opts to establish such activities must nevertheless meet certain 
    requirements, including prior approval by the EPA. Though this list 
    does not have to be a part of the regulations, the EPA must approve it 
    to assure that all applicable requirements are met and that consistency 
    among the various states is maintained. The insignificant activities 
    list may exist as a guidance document and not as part of the State 
    regulations, provided, of course, that this will allow for its 
    effective implementation as a matter of State law. However, the list 
    and any changes to the list must be submitted to the EPA for review and 
    approval before they can be federally recognized.
        The EPA plans to issue guidance addressing activities that it 
    considers ``trivial'' in the sense that they never implicate applicable 
    requirements. Such activities can be exempted from permit applications 
    without the need for prior EPA approval. The State may act consistent 
    with this guidance. However, activities that are ``insignificant'' (as 
    opposed to ``trivial'') because they are not clearly unrelated to 
    applicable requirements, must first be approved by the EPA.
        Another element of the EPA's proposed approval was that the State 
    eliminate the provision defining as insignificant increases in 
    emissions less than 10 percent of a permit limit or 10 
    
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    percent of the baseline potential to emit. The EPA continues to believe 
    that defining insignificance levels relative to percentages of 
    permitted limits or potential emissions is inappropriate, because it 
    can result in increases being deemed insignificant that are large 
    enough to trigger New Source Review (NSR) or other applicable 
    requirements. In addition, use of a percentage of permit limits could 
    be read to imply that sources may exceed those limits without incurring 
    liability. Title V provides no authorization for this.
        Several comments suggested that the State's insignificance levels 
    should be approved because the equipment used to monitor emissions has 
    a 10 percent margin of error. These comments misunderstand the role of 
    insignificant activities. Insignificant activities or levels are not 
    relevant to determining compliance with applicable requirements. The 
    limits of verifiability for any particular emissions limits are 
    therefore irrelevant to the EPA's approval of insignificant emissions 
    limits.
        Comments also asserted, with regard to the 10% levels discussed 
    above, that these limits are additive to the 1 pound per hour (lb/hr) 
    limits established for individual emissions units, and serve to limit 
    the accumulation of exempted emissions units across an entire facility. 
    While the establishment of ``tiered'' insignificance levels at the 
    emissions unit and facility-wide level could be approvable (provided 
    the levels were acceptable), the EPA does not read the State's rule to 
    effect this result. Section 252:100-8-3(e)(3) defines as insignificant, 
    ``in addition'' to units qualifying under 252:100-8-3(e) (1) or (2), 
    any ``individual or combination of air emissions sources'' that is 
    below the 10 percent levels. This provision might be redrafted to make 
    clear that the 10 percent level does not supersede the 1 lb/hr and de 
    minimis levels for individual emissions units. However, the EPA 
    maintains that use of percentage levels for determining insignificant 
    activities is inappropriate.
        The EPA proposed that the 1 lb/hr level on insignificant activities 
    for individual emissions units was excessive, and further proposed that 
    the State could obtain full approval by changing this to a limit on 
    potential, rather than actual emissions. One comment stated that the 
    EPA lacks authority to reject the State's limits, and moreover cannot 
    impose a specific emissions level except through rulemaking.
        The EPA has authority under part 70 to reject insignificance levels 
    that will interfere with the permitting authority's ability to 
    determine and impose applicable requirements. Oklahoma has not 
    attempted to show that the 1 lb/hr limit will not so interfere with 
    this obligation. In the absence of such a demonstration, the EPA must 
    exercise its judgement in light of applicable requirements. The EPA has 
    serious concerns in this regard with the 1 lb/hr limit. The EPA agrees 
    that it cannot impose a specific limit except through rulemaking. The 
    EPA is stating here that it will fully approve a 1 lb/hr limit based on 
    potential to emit. No comments objected to this. It will also approve a 
    higher threshold if the State demonstrates that the level is in fact 
    insignificant.
    4. Permit Content Language
        Some comments questioned the EPA's requirement that the State 
    delete the phrase ``to the extent practicable'' from the regulation's 
    requirement at OAC 252:100-8-6 that the permit include all applicable 
    requirements. It was noted that some industries are concerned about 
    applicable requirements which become effective after the application 
    but before permit issuance would be included in the permit.
        The EPA does not agree with these comments. The rule at 40 CFR 
    70.6(a)(1) requires the permit to contain emission limitations and 
    standards, including those operational requirements and limitations 
    that assure compliance with all applicable requirements at the time of 
    permit issuance. Therefore, if an applicable requirement becomes 
    effective after the application is determined complete, the draft 
    permit must reflect the new requirement.
        The EPA notes that it has proposed a revision to part 70 which 
    would allow States flexibility in dealing with requirements promulgated 
    near permit issuance. See 59 FR 44519 (August 29, 1994). Even under 
    this proposed approach, however, the State rule would not be fully 
    approvable, because the phrase ``to the extent practicable'' is 
    unbounded.
    5. Administrative Amendment Language
        Comments were made that it was inappropriate for the EPA to 
    disallow less frequent monitoring than was originally in the permit via 
    the State's administrative amendment procedure at OAC 252:100-8-
    7(d)(1)(C).
        The EPA does not agree with these comments. Although section 
    70.7(d)(1)(vi) allows the EPA to approve provisions for administrative 
    amendments similar to those specified in part 70, less frequent 
    monitoring is not sufficiently similar. Administrative amendments are 
    appropriate for incorporation of actions that do not require a case by 
    case judgement. Switching to more frequent monitoring or reporting will 
    always be more stringent, and therefore does not require case by case 
    approval. However, switching to less frequent monitoring has the 
    potential to adversely impact the enforceability of a requirement, and 
    would therefore need to be reviewed on a case by case basis through a 
    minor or significant permit modification.
        Another comment noted that the proposed revisions to part 70, see 
    FR 44519 (August 29, 1994), would allow changes using the Oklahoma NSR 
    procedures that would satisfy the requirements of part 70. If the 
    Oklahoma regulation meets the requirements of part 70 after the 
    revision is promulgated, then the State would not be required to change 
    the regulation.
    6. Judicial Review for Oral Comments
        One comment was made requesting clarification of the EPA's 
    requirement that the State regulations assure that review is available 
    for comments made at hearings. The comment asserted that the State's 
    rule is consistent with general administrative law, which the 
    individual commenting believes requires a written record of oral 
    comments.
        The EPA disagrees with this comment. Section 502(b)(6) of the Act 
    and section 70.4(b)(3)(x) do not distinguish participation in a public 
    comment period through oral as opposed to written comments. The 
    requirement that Oklahoma delete the word ``written'' from OAC 252:100-
    8-7(j)(2)(A) was made to ensure that all comments would be covered 
    under the judicial review provisions of subchapter 8 of the State's 
    regulations. Though written records of comments made at public hearings 
    are normally made in Oklahoma, removal of the word ``written'' will 
    make the regulation clear so that judicial review is available to all 
    those who comment.
        The EPA has elsewhere found a lack of standing to be grounds for 
    program disapproval. See 59 FR 62324, December 5, 1994, (Virginia). The 
    standing deficiency in the Virginia title V program is considerably 
    more far-reaching than that noted here. Regarding the need for written 
    comments, citizens wishing to comment on permits in Oklahoma, if they 
    are aware of the provision at issue, may reduce their comments to 
    writing so as to avoid the potential bar to judicial review. The bar to 
    standing in the Virginia program is not so easily avoided.
        Oklahoma's other judicial review deficiency is that the State's 
    regulations 
    
    [[Page 4223]]
    are unclear as to whether judicial review is available for minor 
    modifications and administrative amendments. The EPA is requiring the 
    State to clarify that such review is available.
        The seriousness of the deficiencies regarding judicial review in 
    Oklahoma is minor relative to those identified for Virginia, and so 
    does not merit full disapproval. In addition, Oklahoma has not 
    indicated any reluctance to change its rules as necessary to obtain 
    full approval on these issues. Therefore, the EPA is granting interim 
    approval for the Oklahoma program.
    7. Variance Provisions
        A comment was made objecting to the EPA's position that variance 
    provisions under State statute may not apply to title V permits unless 
    title V processes are followed.
        The EPA does not agree with this comment. As discussed in the 
    proposed notice, the EPA recognizes the State's statutory authority to 
    grant variances as a matter of State law. However, 40 CFR part 70 does 
    not allow States to grant variances from title V requirements. The EPA 
    recognizes that title V permits may include compliance schedules for 
    sources which are out of compliance with applicable requirements. 
    However, such measures to bring a source into compliance are not the 
    same as variances, which normally provide a complete exemption from a 
    requirement. The EPA also recognizes that Oklahoma may exercise 
    enforcement discretion when addressing permit violations, but this, 
    likewise, is not analogous to the issuance of variances.
    8. Fee Demonstration
        One comment was received in support of the proposed annual fee of 
    $15.19 per ton. No adverse comments were received on the proposed fee. 
    The EPA has concluded that the fee proposed in the workload analysis 
    and fee demonstration of $15.19 per ton per year will be adequate to 
    fund the title V program in the State of Oklahoma. The EPA will, as 
    part of its oversight role, review the program periodically to ensure 
    that adequate funding is maintained.
    9. Phased Application Schedule
        Several comments requested that the State of Oklahoma utilize a 
    phased application schedule during the transition period.
        The EPA concurs with these comments. The State has, under the 
    signature of the Governor, requested source category-limited interim 
    approval. This form of approval provides a one-year time period for the 
    submission of applications to be permitted during the two year interim 
    approval period. Then, the State has another one-year time period for 
    the submission of all other applications to be permitted during the 
    first three years of full approval. In this way, all sources will be 
    permitted within five years after approval with the sources submitting 
    applications in two phases.
    
    C. Final Action
    
        The EPA is promulgating source category-limited interim approval of 
    the operating permits program submitted by the State of Oklahoma on 
    January 12, 1994. The State must make the following changes to receive 
    full approval:
    1. Revise Subchapter 8 To Include Transition Schedule
        The State must revise subchapter 8 to reflect a transition schedule 
    providing for permitting certain sources during the two year interim 
    approval period and then permitting all other sources during the first 
    three years of full approval. This revision was signed by the Governor 
    as an emergency and permanent rule on November 4, 1995. During the 
    interim approval period the State will submit the revised regulation as 
    part of the corrected program.
    2. Revise Subchapter 8 Definition of ``Major Source''
        The language at OAC 252:100-8-2 must be revised to clarify that for 
    criteria pollutants, units cannot be considered separately at a 
    facility when determining a source is major.
    3. Revise Subchapter 8 Insignificant Activities Provisions
        The State must revise OAC 252:100-8-3(e) to reflect an 
    insignificant emissions level of 1 lb/hr of operation, based on 
    potential to emit, or such other level as the State may demonstrate is 
    insignificant with respect to applicable requirements.
    4. Revise Subchapter 8 Permit Content Language
        The language at OAC 252:100-8-6(a) must be revised to delete the 
    phrase, ``to the extent practicable.''
    5. Revise Subchapter 8 Judicial Review Provisions
        The language at OAC 252:100-8-7(j) must be revised to provide 
    judicial review for comments made during public review and provide 
    judicial review for all final permit actions.
    6. Revise Subchapter 8 Administrative Amendment Provisions
        The language at OAC 252:100-8-7(d) must be revised to delete the 
    phrase ``or less'' from subpart (1)(d) and be amended to define the 
    term ``Enhanced NSR procedures'' consistent with part 70.
    7. Submission of a SIP Revision for Subchapter 7
        The State must revise subchapter 7 consistent with subchapter 8 and 
    40 CFR part 70. This revised regulation must be submitted as a SIP 
    revision within 18 months after interim approval is granted to ensure 
    consistency between the SIP and title V for major sources.
        The scope of the Oklahoma part 70 program approved in this notice 
    applies to all part 70 sources (as defined in the approved program) 
    within the State of Oklahoma, except any sources of air pollution over 
    which an Indian Tribe has jurisdiction. See, e.g., 59 FR 55813, 55815-
    18 (November 9, 1994). The term ``Indian Tribe'' is defined under the 
    Act as ``any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or 
    community, including any Alaska Native village, which is Federally 
    recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided 
    by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.'' 
    See section 302(r) of the CAA; see also 59 FR 43956, 43962 (August 25, 
    1994); 58 FR 54364 (October 21, 1993).
        This interim approval, which may not be renewed, extends until 
    March 5, 1998. During this interim approval period, the State of 
    Oklahoma is protected from sanctions, and the EPA is not obligated to 
    promulgate, administer, and enforce a Federal operating permits program 
    in the State of Oklahoma. Permits issued under a program with source 
    category-limited interim approval have full standing with respect to 
    part 70, and the one year time period for submittal of permit 
    applications by subject sources begins upon the effective date of this 
    interim approval. The State will issue permits to these sources during 
    the interim approval period and then have an additional one year time 
    period for application submittal of all remaining sources. The State 
    will issue permits to all remaining sources during the first three 
    years after full approval.
        If Oklahoma fails to submit a complete corrective program for full 
    approval by September 5, 1997, the EPA will start an 18-month clock for 
    mandatory sanctions. If Oklahoma then fails to submit a corrective 
    program that the EPA finds complete before the 
    
    [[Page 4224]]
    expiration of that 18-month period, the EPA will apply sanctions as 
    required by section 502(d)(2) of the Act, which will remain in effect 
    until the EPA determines that the State of Oklahoma has corrected the 
    deficiency by submitting a complete corrective program.
        If the EPA disapproves Oklahoma's complete corrective program, the 
    EPA will apply sanctions as required by section 502(d)(2) on the date 
    18 months after the effective date of the disapproval, unless prior to 
    that date Oklahoma has submitted a revised program and the EPA has 
    determined that it corrected the deficiencies that prompted the 
    disapproval.
        In addition, discretionary sanctions may be applied where warranted 
    any time after the expiration of an interim approval period if the 
    State of Oklahoma has not timely submitted a complete corrective 
    program or the EPA has disapproved its submitted corrective program. 
    Moreover, if the EPA has not granted full approval to the Oklahoma 
    program by the expiration of this interim approval and that expiration 
    occurs after November 15, 1995, the EPA must promulgate, administer and 
    enforce a Federal permits program for the State of Oklahoma upon 
    interim approval expiration.
        Requirements for approval, specified in 40 CFR 70.4(b), encompass 
    section 112(l)(5) requirements for approval of a program for delegation 
    of section 112 standards as promulgated by the EPA as they apply to 
    part 70 sources. Section 112(l)(5) requires that the State's program 
    contain adequate authorities, adequate resources for implementation, 
    and an expeditious compliance schedule, which are also requirements 
    under part 70. Therefore, the EPA is also promulgating approval under 
    section 112(l)(5) and 40 CFR 63.91 of the State's program for receiving 
    delegation of section 112 standards that are unchanged from Federal 
    standards as promulgated. This program for delegations only applies to 
    sources covered by the part 70 program.
    
    III. Administrative Requirements
    
    A. Docket
    
        Copies of the State's submittal and other information relied upon 
    for the final source category-limited interim approval, including the 
    thirteen public comment letters received and reviewed by the EPA on the 
    proposal, are contained in docket number OPP-6-9-1 maintained at the 
    EPA Regional Office. The docket is an organized and complete file of 
    all the information submitted to, or otherwise considered by, the EPA 
    in the development of this final source category-limited interim 
    approval. The docket is available for public inspection at the location 
    listed under the ADDRESSES section of this document.
    
    B. Executive Order 12866
    
        The Office of Management and Budget has exempted this action from 
    Executive Order 12866 review.
    
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        The EPA's actions under section 502 of the Act do not create any 
    new requirements, but simply address operating permits programs 
    submitted to satisfy the requirements of 40 CFR part 70. Because this 
    action does not impose any new requirements, it does not have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    
    D. Unfunded Mandates
    
        Under Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
    (``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 1995, the EPA 
    must prepare a budgetary impact statement to accompany any proposed or 
    final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in estimated 
    costs to State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate; or to 
    the private sector, of $100 million or more. Under Section 205, the EPA 
    must select the most cost-effective and least burdensome alternative 
    that achieves the objectives of the rule and is consistent with 
    statutory requirements. Section 203 requires the EPA to establish a 
    plan for informing and advising any small governments that may be 
    significantly or uniquely impacted by the rule.
        The EPA has determined that the approval action promulgated today 
    does not include a Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs 
    of $100 million or more to either State, local, or tribal governments 
    in the aggregate, or to the private sector. This Federal action 
    approves preexisting requirements under State or local law, and imposes 
    no new Federal requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs to State, 
    local, or tribal governments, or to the private sector, result from 
    this action.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 70
    
        Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
    Air pollution control, Intergovernmental relations, Operating permits, 
    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Dated: January 11, 1996.
    Jane N. Saginaw,
    Regional Administrator (6A).
    
        Part 70, title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as 
    follows:
    
    PART 70--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 70 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.
    
        2. Appendix A to part 70 is amended by adding the entry for the 
    State of Oklahoma in alphabetical order to read as follows:
    
    Appendix A to Part 70--Approval Status of State and Local Operating 
    Permits Programs
    
    * * * * *
        Oklahoma
        (a) The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality submitted its 
    operating permits program on January 12, 1994, for approval. Source 
    category--limited interim approval is effective on March 6, 1996. 
    Interim approval will expire March 5, 1998. The scope of the approval 
    of the Oklahoma part 70 program excludes all sources of air pollution 
    over which an Indian Tribe has jurisdiction.
        (b) Reserved
    * * * * *
    [FR Doc. 96-2358 Filed 2-2-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/6/1996
Published:
02/05/1996
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final source category-limited interim approval.
Document Number:
96-2358
Dates:
March 6, 1996.
Pages:
4220-4224 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
OK-FRL-5407-9
PDF File:
96-2358.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 70