2010-6794. Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Texas; Revision to Control Volatile Organic Compound Emissions in the Houston/Galveston/Brazoria 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve a revision to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revision adds additional requirements to control volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from storage tanks, transport vessels and marine vessels in the Houston/Galveston/Brazoria (HGB) 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area, which consists of Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller counties. Specifically, this revision subjects owners or operators of VOC storage tanks, transport vessels, and marine vessels located in the HGB 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area to more stringent control, monitoring, and recordkeeping requirements. EPA proposes to approve the SIP revision because it will help lower ozone levels in the HGB area by reducing VOC emissions. EPA proposes to approve the revision pursuant to section 110 and part D of the Clean Air Act (CAA).

DATES:

Written comments must be received on or before April 28, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

Comments may be mailed to Mr. Guy Donaldson, Chief, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. Comments may also be submitted electronically or through hand delivery/courier by following the detailed instructions in the ADDRESSES section of the direct final rule located in the rules section of this Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Carl Young, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, telephone [phone]; fax number 214-665-7263; e-mail address [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In the final rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the State's SIP submittal as a direct rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no adverse comments are received in response to this action no further activity is contemplated. If EPA receives adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule.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.

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

Dated: March 12, 2010.

Al Armendariz,

Regional Administrator, Region 6.