99-8940. Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Iowa  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 69 (Monday, April 12, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 17548-17551]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-8940]
    
    
    
    [[Page 17548]]
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 52
    
    [IA 068-1068a; FRL-6322-1]
    
    
    Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Iowa
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Direct final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: EPA is taking final action to approve a State Implementation 
    Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the state of Iowa. This revision 
    approves numerous updates of the state's air program rules and ensures 
    that the state's SIP is current with Federal requirements. The effect 
    of this action is to ensure Federal enforceability of the state's air 
    program rule revisions.
    
    DATES: This direct final rule is effective on June 11, 1999 without 
    further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by May 12, 1999. If 
    adverse comment is received, EPA will publish a timely withdrawal of 
    the direct final rule in the Federal Register and inform the public 
    that the rule will not take effect.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments may be addressed to Wayne Kaiser, Environmental 
    Protection Agency, Air Planning and Development Branch, 726 Minnesota 
    Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101.
        Copies of the state submittal are available at the following 
    addresses for inspection during normal business hours: Environmental 
    Protection Agency, Air Planning and Development Branch, 726 Minnesota 
    Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101; and the Environmental Protection 
    Agency, Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, Air Docket 
    (6102), 401 M Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20460.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Kaiser at (913) 551-7603.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This section provides additional information 
    by addressing the following questions:
    
        What is a SIP?
        What is the Federal approval process for a SIP?
        What does Federal approval of a state regulation mean to me?
        What is being addressed in this notice?
        What action is the EPA taking?
    
    What Is a SIP?
    
        Section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires states to develop 
    air pollution regulations and control strategies to ensure that state 
    air quality meets the national ambient air quality standards 
    established by EPA. These ambient standards are established under 
    section 109 of the CAA, and they currently address six criteria 
    pollutants. These pollutants are: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, 
    ozone, lead, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide.
        Each state must submit these regulations and control strategies to 
    EPA for approval and incorporation into the Federally enforceable SIP.
        Each Federally approved SIP protects air quality primarily by 
    addressing air pollution at its point of origin. These SIPs can be 
    extensive, containing state regulations or other enforceable documents 
    and supporting information such as emission inventories, monitoring 
    networks, and modeling demonstrations.
    
    What Is the Federal Approval Process for a SIP?
    
        In order for state regulations to be incorporated into the 
    Federally enforceable SIP, states must formally adopt the regulations 
    and control strategies consistent with state and Federal requirements. 
    This process generally includes a public notice, public hearing, public 
    comment period, and a formal adoption by a state-authorized rulemaking 
    body.
        Once a state rule, regulation, or control strategy is adopted, the 
    state submits it to EPA for inclusion into the SIP. EPA must provide 
    public notice and seek additional public comment regarding the proposed 
    Federal action on the state submission. If adverse comments are 
    received, they must be addressed prior to any final Federal action by 
    EPA.
        All state regulations and supporting information approved by EPA 
    under section 110 of the CAA are incorporated into the Federally 
    approved SIP. Records of such SIP actions are maintained in the Code of 
    Federal Regulations (CFR) at Title 40, Part 52, entitled ``Approval and 
    Promulgations of Implementation Plans.'' The actual state regulations 
    which are approved are not reproduced in their entirety in the CFR 
    outright but are ``incorporated by reference,'' which means that EPA 
    has approved a given state regulation with a specific effective date.
    
    What Does Federal Approval of a State Regulation Mean to Me?
    
        Enforcement of the state regulation before and after it is 
    incorporated into the Federally approved SIP is primarily a state 
    responsibility. However, after the regulation is Federally approved, 
    EPA is authorized to take enforcement action against violators. 
    Citizens are also offered legal recourse to address violations as 
    described in the CAA.
    
    What Is Being Addressed in This Notice?
    
        The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) revised a number of 
    its rules in order to maintain equivalency with Federal requirements, 
    to update adoption by reference to Federal rules, to provide 
    clarifications, to remove obsolete rules, and to correct internal 
    citations. The revised rule chapters are: Chapter 20, ``Scope of 
    Title--Definitions--Forms--Rules of Practice''; Chapter 22, 
    ``Controlling Pollution''; Chapter 23, ``Emissions Standards for 
    Contaminants''; Chapter 24, ``Excess Emission''; Chapter 25, 
    ``Measurement of Emissions''; Chapter 29, ``Qualifications in Visual 
    Determinations of the Opacity of Emissions''; and Chapter 31, 
    ``Nonattainment Areas,'' 567 Iowa Administrative Code. Specific Chapter 
    paragraphs and subparagraphs which were revised are: 20.1, 20.2, 
    20.3(4), 20.3(6)--rescinded, 22.1(1), 22.1(2), 22.1(3), 22.1(4), 22.4, 
    22.4(1), 22.4(3), 22.5(2), 22.5(4), 22.5(6), 22.5(10), 22.8(1), 
    22.203(1), 22.300(2), 22.300(8), 23.1(6), 23.2(3), 23.3(2), 24.1(2), 
    25.1(7), 25.1(9), 25.1(10), 25.1(12), 29.1, and 31.2.
        The general subject matter of the revisions included, but was not 
    limited to, updating the definition of ``volatile organic compound,'' 
    updating the reference to EPA Guideline on Air Quality Models 
    (Revised), updating the reference to the Federal prevention of 
    significant deterioration program at 40 CFR 52.21, providing additional 
    restrictions in the open burning rule, and updating the reference to 
    EPA opacity method at 40 CFR part 60.
        These revisions to the Iowa SIP were submitted by Larry Wilson, 
    IDNR Director, on August 12, 1998. The state effective date for these 
    revisions is May 13, 1998.
    
    Have the Requirements for Approval of a SIP Revision Been Met?
    
        The state submittal has met the public notice requirements for SIP 
    submissions in accordance with 40 CFR section 51.102. The submittal 
    also satisfied the completeness criteria of 40 CFR part 51, appendix V. 
    In addition, as explained above and in more detail in the technical 
    support document which is part of this document, the revision meets the 
    substantive SIP requirements of the CAA, including section 110 and 
    implementing regulations.
    
    What Action Is EPA Taking?
    
        EPA is processing this action as a direct final action because the 
    revisions make routine revisions to the existing
    
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    rules which are noncontroversial. Therefore, we do not anticipate any 
    adverse comments.
    
    Conclusion
    
    Final Action
    
        EPA is taking final action to approve, as an amendment to the Iowa 
    SIP, rule revisions submitted by the state of Iowa on August 12, 1998.
        EPA is publishing this rule without prior proposal because the 
    Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no 
    adverse comments. However, in the proposed rules section of this 
    Federal Register publication, EPA is publishing a separate document 
    that will serve as the proposal to approve the SIP revision should 
    adverse comments be filed. This rule will be effective June 11, 1999 
    without further notice unless the Agency receives adverse comments by 
    May 12, 1999.
        If EPA receives such comments, then EPA will publish a document 
    withdrawing the final rule and informing the public that the rule will 
    not take effect. All public comments received will then be addressed in 
    a subsequent final rule based on the proposed rule. EPA will not 
    institute a second comment period. Parties interested in commenting 
    should do so at this time. If no such comments are received, the public 
    is advised that this rule will be effective on June 11, 1999, and no 
    further action will be taken on the proposed rule.
    
    Administrative Requirements
    
    A. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866
    
        The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this 
    regulatory action from E.O. 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and 
    Review.''
    
    B. E.O. 12875
    
        Under E.O. 12875, EPA may not issue a regulation that is not 
    required by statute and that creates a mandate upon a state, local or 
    tribal government, unless the Federal Government provides the funds 
    necessary to pay the direct compliance costs incurred by those 
    governments, or EPA consults with those governments. If EPA complies by 
    consulting, E.O. 12875 requires EPA to provide to OMB a description of 
    the extent of EPA's prior consultation with representatives of affected 
    state, local, and tribal governments, the nature of their concerns, 
    copies of any written communications from the governments, and a 
    statement supporting the need to issue the regulation. In addition, 
    E.O. 12875 requires EPA to develop an effective process permitting 
    elected officials and other representatives of state, local, and tribal 
    governments ``to provide meaningful and timely input in the development 
    of regulatory proposals containing significant unfunded mandates.''
        Today's rule does not create a mandate on state, local, or tribal 
    governments. The rule does not impose any enforceable duties on these 
    entities. Accordingly, the requirements of section 1(a) of E.O. 12875 
    do not apply to this rule.
    
    C. E.O. 13045
    
        Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
    Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) applies to any rule that: (1) is 
    determined to be ``economically significant'' as defined under E.O. 
    12866, and (2) concerns an environmental health or safety risk that EPA 
    has reason to believe may have a disproportionate effect on children. 
    If the regulatory action meets both criteria, the Agency must evaluate 
    the environmental health or safety effects of the planned rule on 
    children, and explain why the planned regulation is preferable to other 
    potentially effective and reasonably feasible alternatives considered 
    by the Agency.
        This rule is not subject to E.O. 13045 because it is not an 
    economically significant regulatory action as defined by E.O. 12866, 
    and it does not address an environmental health or safety risk that 
    would have a disproportionate effect on children.
    
    D. E.O. 13084
    
        Under E.O. 13084, EPA may not issue a regulation that is not 
    required by statute, that significantly or uniquely affects the 
    communities of Indian tribal governments, and that imposes substantial 
    direct compliance costs on those communities, unless the Federal 
    Government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
    costs incurred by the tribal governments, or EPA consults with those 
    governments. If EPA complies by consulting, E.O. 13084 requires EPA to 
    provide to OMB, in a separately identified section of the preamble to 
    the rule, a description of the extent of EPA's prior consultation with 
    representatives of affected tribal governments, a summary of the nature 
    of their concerns, and a statement supporting the need to issue the 
    regulation. In addition, E.O. 13084 requires EPA to develop an 
    effective process permitting elected officials and other 
    representatives of Indian tribal governments ``to provide meaningful 
    and timely input in the development of regulatory policies on matters 
    that significantly or uniquely affect their communities.''
        Today's rule does not significantly or uniquely affect the 
    communities of Indian tribal governments. This action does not involve 
    or impose any requirements that affect Indian tribes. Accordingly, the 
    requirements of section 3(b) of E.O. 13084 do not apply to this rule.
    
    E. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
    
        The RFA generally requires an agency to conduct a regulatory 
    flexibility analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment 
    rulemaking requirements unless the agency certifies that the rule will 
    not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    entities. Small entities include small businesses, small not-for-profit 
    enterprises, and small governmental jurisdictions. This final rule will 
    not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities 
    because 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 create any new requirements, I certify that this 
    action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
    number of small entities. Moreover, due to the nature of the Federal-
    state relationship under the CAA, preparation of flexibility analysis 
    would constitute Federal inquiry into the economic reasonableness of 
    state action. The CAA forbids EPA to base its actions concerning SIPs 
    on such grounds. Union Electric Co., v. U.S. EPA, 427 U.S. 246, 255-66 
    (1976); 42 U.S.C. 7410(a)(2).
    
    F. Unfunded Mandates
    
        Under section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
    (``Unfunded Mandates Act'') signed into law on March 22, 1995, EPA must 
    prepare a budgetary impact statement to accompany any proposed or final 
    rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in estimated 
    annual costs to state, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate; 
    or to private sector, of $100 million or more. Under section 205, 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 EPA to establish a plan 
    for informing and advising any small governments that may be 
    significantly or uniquely impacted by the rule.
        EPA has determined that the approval action promulgated does not 
    include a
    
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    Federal mandate that may result in estimated annual 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 
    requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs to state, local, or 
    tribal governments, or to the private sector, result from this action.
    
    G. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General
    
        The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
    Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
    provides that before a rule may take effect the agency promulgating the 
    rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to 
    each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United 
    States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
    required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
    Representatives, and the U.S. Comptroller General prior to publication 
    of the rule in the Federal Register. This rule is not a ``major rule'' 
    as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
    
    H. Petitions for Judicial Review
    
        Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review 
    of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for 
    the appropriate circuit by June 11, 1999. Filing a petition for 
    reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect 
    the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial review, nor does 
    it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be 
    filed and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. 
    This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its 
    requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).)
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
    
        Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
    Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate 
    matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, 
    Volatile organic compounds.
    
        Dated: March 29, 1999.
    Dennis Grams,
    Regional Administrator, Region VII.
    
        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 et seq.
    
    Subpart Q--Iowa
    
        2. In Sec. 52.820 the following entries for paragraph (c), EPA-
    approved regulations, are revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 52.820  Identification of plan.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) EPA-approved regulations.
    
                                              EPA-Approved Iowa Regulations
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 State
            Iowa citation                    Title             effective     EPA approval date         Comments
                                                                  date
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Commission [567]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Chapter 20--Scope of Title-Definitions-Forms-Rule of Practice
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    567-20.1.....................  Scope of Title...........       5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                                                            cite].
    567-20.2.....................  Definitions..............       5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                                                            cite].
    567-20.3.....................  Air Quality Forms               5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    Generally.                              cite].
     
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Chapter 22--Controlling Pollution
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    567-22.1.....................  Permits Required for New        5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    or Existing Stationary                  cite].
                                    Sources.
     
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    567-22.4.....................  Special Requirements for        5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    Major Stationary Sources                cite].
                                    Located in Areas
                                    Designated Attainment or
                                    Unclassified (PSD).
    567-22.5.....................  Special Requirements for        5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    Nonattainment Areas.                    cite].
    567-22.8.....................  Permit by Rule...........       5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                                                            cite].
     
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    567-22.203...................  Voluntary Operating             5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    Permit Applications.                    cite].
     
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    567-22.300...................  Operating Permit by Rule        5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    for Small Sources.                      cite].
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Chapter 23--Emission Standards for Contaminants
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    567-23.1.....................  Emission Standards.......       5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR    Sections 23.1(2)-
                                                                            cite].                (5) are not
                                                                                                  approved in the
                                                                                                  SIP
    567-23.2.....................  Open Burning.............       5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                                                            cite].
    567-23.3.....................  Specific Contaminants....       5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR    Section 23.3(3)(d)
                                                                            cite].                is not part of the
                                                                                                  approved SIP.
     
     
    
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    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Chapter 24--Excess Emissions
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    567-24.1.....................  Excess Emission Reporting       5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                                                            cite].
     
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Chapter 25--Measurement of Emissions
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    567-25.1.....................  Testing and Sampling of         5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    New and Existing                        cite].
                                    Equipment.
     
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Chapter 29--Qualification in Visual Determination of the Opacity of Emissions
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    567-29.1.....................  Methodology and Qualified       5/3/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    Observer.                               cite].
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Chapter 31--Nonattainment Areas
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    567-31.2.....................  Conformity of General           5/8/98  April 12, 1999 [FR
                                    Federal Actions to the                  cite].
                                    Iowa SIP or Federal
                                    Implementation Plan.
     
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    [FR Doc. 99-8940 Filed 4-9-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/11/1999
Published:
04/12/1999
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Direct final rule.
Document Number:
99-8940
Dates:
This direct final rule is effective on June 11, 1999 without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by May 12, 1999. If adverse comment is received, EPA will publish a timely withdrawal of the direct final rule in the Federal Register and inform the public that the rule will not take effect.
Pages:
17548-17551 (4 pages)
Docket Numbers:
IA 068-1068a, FRL-6322-1
PDF File:
99-8940.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 52.820