95-13181. Approval and Promulgation of PMINF10 Implementation Plan for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 31, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 28333-28338]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-13181]
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 52
    
    [Region II Docket No. 136, PR3-2-6731, FRL-5209-5]
    
    
    Approval and Promulgation of PM10 Implementation Plan for 
    the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The EPA is approving the State Implementation Plan (SIP) 
    revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the purpose 
    of attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 
    particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a 
    nominal 10 micrometers (PM10). The SIP addresses sources impacting 
    the Municipality of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico which has been designated 
    nonattainment.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: This action will be effective June 30, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Copies of the state submittal are available at the following 
    addresses for inspection during normal business hours:
        Environmental Protection Agency, Region II Office, Library, 290 
    Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, New York, 10007-1866.
        Environmental Protection Agency, Region II, Caribbean Field Office, 
    Centro Europa Building, Suite 417, 1492 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Stop 22, 
    Santurce, Puerto Rico, 00909.
        Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Environmental Quality Board, Banco 
    National Plaza, 8th Floor, 431 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto 
    Rico, 00917.
        Environmental Protection Agency, Air and Radiation Docket and 
    Information [[Page 28334]] Center (MC 6102), 401 M. Street, S.W. 
    Washington, D.C. 20460.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    
    Kirk J. Wieber, Air Programs Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, 
    Region II Office, 290 Broadway, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10007-
    18666 (212) 637-4249.
        or
    Carl Soderberg, Director, Environmental Protection Agency, Region II, 
    Caribbean Field Office, Centro Europa Building, Suite 417, 1492 Ponce 
    De Leon Avenue, Stop 22, Santurce, Puerto Rico, 00909, (809) 729-6951.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background
    
        The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990 (the Act), requires all areas 
    that have measured a violation of the NAAQS for PM10 before 
    January 1, 1989 be designated nonattainment. On November 15, 1990 by 
    operation of law the Municipality of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico was 
    designated nonattainment for PM10 and classified as moderate based 
    on violations measured in 1987 in the Municipality. [see 56 FR 11101 
    (March 15, 1991)]. The Act requires state or territorial governments to 
    revise their SIP for all areas that are designated as nonattainment to 
    ensure that the NAAQS will be attained. Under the Act, the Commonwealth 
    of Puerto Rico is regarded as a state. The reader should refer to the 
    ``General Preamble'' [see generally 57 FR 13498 (April 16, 1992) and 57 
    FR 18070 (April 28, 1992)] for a more detailed discussion of the 
    designation of PM10 nonattainment areas.
    
    II. Today's Action
    
        Section 110(k) of the Act sets out provisions governing EPA's 
    review of SIP submittals. (See 57 FR 13565-13566.) In this action, EPA 
    is approving the Puerto Rico PM10 implementation plan revision 
    submitted to EPA on November 14, 1993. This submittal was intended to 
    satisfy those moderate PM10 nonattainment area SIP requirements 
    due November 15, 1991 and the moderate PM10 nonattainment area New 
    Source Review requirements due June 30, 1992. EPA proposed to approve 
    the submittal on August 11, 1994, 57 FR 41265. The reader is referred 
    to the proposal for a detailed explanation of Puerto Rico's PM10 
    SIP and EPA's evaluation. In response to the Federal Register notice 
    and a Public Meeting held by EPA Region II on September 11, 1994 in the 
    Municipality of Catano, comments were received from ten interested 
    parties. EPA's response to these comments are discussed in IV. Public 
    Comment.
    
    III. Analysis of Puerto Rico's SIP Submission
    
    A. Administrative Requirements
    
        The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico held a public hearing on October 
    15, 1993 to accept public comments on the implementation plan for the 
    Municipality of Guaynabo PM10 nonattainment area. Following the 
    public hearing the plan was adopted by Puerto Rico and was submitted to 
    EPA as a revision to the SIP on November 14, 1994. The submittal was 
    supplemented with administrative documents on March 18, 1994 and March 
    30, 1994. The SIP submittal included revisions to the Puerto Rico 
    Regulations for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution which include the 
    following: Part I; Rule 102, ``Definitions,'' Part II; Rule 201, 
    ``Location Approval,'' Rule 202, ``Air Quality Impact Analysis,'' Rule 
    203, ``Permit to Construct a Source,'' and Part IV; Rule 401, ``Generic 
    Prohibitions,'' Rule 402, ``Open Burning,'' Rule 403, ``Visible 
    Emissions,'' Rule 404, ``Fugitive Dust,'' and Rule 423, ``Limitations 
    for the Guaynabo PM10 Nonattainment Area,'' which became effective 
    on April 2, 1994. The entire SIP revision was reviewed by EPA to 
    determine completeness in accordance with the completeness criteria set 
    out at 40 CFR 51, and found to be administratively complete.
    
    B. Emissions Inventory
    
        Puerto Rico submitted an emissions inventory for base year 1990. 
    EPA is approving the emissions inventory because it is accurate and 
    comprehensive, and provides a sufficient basis for determining the 
    adequacy of the attainment demonstration for this area consistent with 
    the requirements of sections 172(c)(3) and 110(a)(2)(K) of the Act.
    
    C. New Source Review (NSR) PM10 Permit Program
    
        The statutory permit requirements for moderate PM10 
    nonattainment areas are contained in section 173 and section 189 of the 
    Act. For all moderate PM10 nonattainment areas, states must adopt 
    the appropriate major source threshold, offset ratio, significance 
    level for modifications, and provisions for PM10 precursors. 
    Puerto Rico's PM10 implementation plan submittal addressed all NSR 
    Act requirements, therefore, EPA is approving the PM10 NSR permit 
    program SIP revision.
    
    D. Reasonably Available Control Measures (RACM) including Reasonably 
    Available Control Technology (RACT)
    
        Moderate PM10 nonattainment areas were required to submit 
    provisions to assure that RACM (including RACT) would have been 
    implemented no later than December 10, 1993 or four years after 
    designation in the case of an area classified as moderate nonattainment 
    after November 15, 1990. [see sections 172(c)(1) and 189(a)(1)(C)]. The 
    Municipality of Guaynabo was designated and classified as moderate 
    nonattainment for PM10 on November 15, 1990 by operation of law, 
    therefore, the Puerto Rico PM10 implementation plan needed to 
    assure that RACT/RACM would have been implemented no later than 
    December 10, 1993. The SIP contains enforceable commitments by the 
    Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to achieve various RACM 
    requirements through regulations as well as through Memoranda of 
    Understanding (MOU). These were effective upon adoption. The EQB has 
    signed MOU's with various entities which include details of how the 
    various RACM requirements would be implemented.
        EPA has reviewed Puerto Rico's SIP documentation and concluded that 
    its choice of control measures has provided for attainment of the 
    PM10 NAAQS by December 31, 1994. By this notice, EPA is 
    determining that the control strategies are consistent with the RACM 
    and RACT requirements contained in the Act.
    
    E. Contingency Measures
    
        As provided in section 172(c)(9) of the Act, all PM10 
    nonattainment area SIP's must include contingency measures (see 
    generally 57 FR 13543-44). These measures were required to be submitted 
    by November 15, 1993 for the moderate PM10 nonattainment areas. 
    [see 57 FR 13543 (April 16, 1992)]. Contingency measures should consist 
    of other available measures, not already part of the area's control 
    strategy, that take effect without further action by the Commonwealth 
    or EPA upon a determination by EPA that the area has failed to make 
    Reasonable Further Progress (RFP) or attain the PM10 NAAQS by the 
    applicable statutory deadline. The Municipality of Guaynabo PM10 
    nonattainment area SIP contains contingency measures which are included 
    in Rule 423(D).
        After review of the contingency measures contained in the SIP, EPA 
    has determined they meet the requirements of the Act. [[Page 28335]] 
    
    F. Demonstration of Attainment
    
        Moderate PM10 nonattainment areas were required to submit a 
    demonstration (including air quality modeling) showing that the plan 
    will provide for attainment as expeditiously as practicable but no 
    later than December 31, 1994 [see sections 188(c)(1) and 189(a)(1)(B) 
    of the Act).
        EQB performed an attainment demonstration using the Industrial 
    Source Complex (ISC2) dispersion model and five years of National 
    Weather Service meteorological data. EPA recommends that implementation 
    plans show maintenance of the PM10 NAAQS for at least three years 
    beyond the attainment date. Puerto Rico's demonstration, included in 
    their PM10 implementation plan, indicates the NAAQS for PM10 
    were attained by December 31, 1994 in the Municipality of Guaynabo. In 
    addition, Puerto Rico went beyond EPA's recommendation of demonstrating 
    maintenance of the PM10 NAAQS for three years and demonstrated 
    they would be maintained at least until 1999. EPA is approving the 
    attainment demonstration.
    
    G. Quantitative Milestones and RFP
    
        The moderate PM10 nonattainment area plan revisions 
    demonstrating attainment must contain quantitative milestones which are 
    to be achieved every three years until the area is redesignated 
    attainment and which demonstrate reasonable further progress (RFP) 
    toward attainment by December 31, 1994 (see section 189(c)(1) of the 
    Act). RFP is defined in section 171(1) as such annual incremental 
    reductions in emissions of the relevant air pollutant as are required 
    by Part D or may reasonably be required by the Administrator for the 
    purpose of ensuring attainment of the applicable NAAQS by the 
    applicable date.
        The assurance that milestones and RFP will be achieved is based 
    upon the Commonwealth adopting and implementing the particular control 
    measures contained in the PM10 SIP, RACM (including RACT).
    
    H. Enforceability
    
        The SIP must include enforceable emission limitations and other 
    control measures, means or techniques necessary or appropriate to meet 
    the requirements of the Act. [see section 110(a)(2)(A) of the Act]. 
    Nonattainment plan provisions must also include enforceable emission 
    limitations and other control measures, means or techniques necessary 
    or appropriate to provide for attainment of the NAAQS by the applicable 
    attainment date. [see section 172(b)(6)]. The SIP must also contain a 
    program which provides for enforcement of the control measures and 
    other elements in the SIP and the regulation of the modification and 
    construction of any stationary source within the areas covered by the 
    plan as necessary to assure that the NAAQS are achieved, including a 
    permit program required under Part C or D of Title I of the Act. [see, 
    section 110(a)(2)(C)]. All measures and other elements in the SIP must 
    be enforceable by the Commonwealth and EPA [see sections 172(c)(6), 
    110(a)(2)(A) and 57 FR 13556]. Moderate PM10 nonattainment area 
    plan provisions must also contain a program which provides for 
    enforcement of the control measures and other elements in the SIP [see 
    section 110(a)(2)(C)].
        The SIP requires that all affected stationary sources must be in 
    full compliance with the applicable RACT requirements by December 10, 
    1993. However, if a physical alteration of the stationary source is 
    necessary to achieve compliance, the SIP requires that construction of 
    the alteration must have been commenced by February 15, 1994, and must 
    have been completed by November 30, 1994. EQB has prepared a compliance 
    schedule for those sources that still need to make alterations. 
    Compliance with these RACT requirements must be demonstrated using the 
    applicable EPA Reference Test Methods. Puerto Rico has an enforcement 
    program that will ensure that these RACT requirements are adequately 
    enforced. There are civil penalties for noncompliance with the 
    Regulation containing these RACT requirements.
        In addition to the RACT requirements for stationary sources, the 
    SIP contains enforceable commitments by EQB to achieve various RACM 
    requirements. To implement these measures, EQB has signed an MOU with 
    the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation, the Puerto Rico Electric 
    Power Authority, the Municipality of Guaynabo, and the Port Authority 
    that contain details on how each of these entities will meet these RACM 
    commitments. The commitments to implement the RACM requirements are in 
    the SIP itself, and thus are enforceable as requirements of the SIP. In 
    addition, the MOU's, having gone through public review and comment, 
    will be incorporated into the SIP by reference, and are effective as of 
    the date each was signed. The attainment demonstration, which shows 
    attainment of the PM10 NAAQS by December 31, 1994, uses emissions 
    reductions from the identified RACM measures, and thus EPA expects them 
    to be implemented pursuant to the MOU's. Once incorporated into the 
    approved SIP, the requirements of the MOU may not be changed except by 
    a revision to the SIP that has been submitted to and approved by EPA.
        Puerto Rico's revisions to the regulations include a new definition 
    for ``PM10'' in Rule 102. Although test methods are not contained 
    in Puerto Rico's definition of ``PM10'' as they are in 40 CFR 
    51.100 (qq), EPA is approving Puerto Rico's definition of 
    ``PM10,'' since the relevant test methods are found in other 
    provisions of the regulations.
    
    I. PM10 Precursors
    
        The Act states that ``control requirements applicable to major 
    stationary sources of PM10 must also apply to major stationary 
    sources of PM10 precursors except where the Administrator 
    determines that such sources do not contribute significantly to 
    PM10 levels which exceed the NAAQS in the area.'' Based on filter 
    analyses of the Guaynabo nonattainment area, the relatively minor 
    contribution of precursors to overall nonattainment, and the 
    effectiveness of the Commonwealth's RACT/RACM strategies, EPA agrees 
    with EQB's determination that no controls of PM10 precursors 
    beyond what are already controlled in the Puerto Rico SIP are needed 
    for attainment. Nonetheless, Puerto Rico has chosen to include within 
    the NSR provisions a requirement for control of PM10 precursors 
    unless EPA and EQB determine otherwise.
    
    IV. Public Comment
    
        EPA proposed to approve the Puerto Rico PM10 implementation 
    plan on August 11, 1994, 57 FR 41265. Comments were received from ten 
    interested parties. Comments were also received during the Public 
    Meeting held by EPA Region II on September 11, 1994 in the Municipality 
    of Catano. EPA evaluated all the comments with respect to EPA's 
    proposed approval. Due to the large number of comments, EPA prepared a 
    separate ``Responsiveness Document'' which summarizes each comment and 
    includes EPA's evaluation and detailed response. This document is 
    available from EPA upon request. In this Federal Register notice EPA 
    has summarized major comments and responses.
        The following summaries of comments and responses is divided into 
    several major areas; the designation of the nonattainment area, the SIP 
    attainment demonstration, and RACT determinations. [[Page 28336]] 
    
    Designation of Nonattainment
    
        Comment: Puerto Rico's plan is based on air quality data which is 
    incomplete and insufficient for determining that the Municipality of 
    Guaynabo was not in attainment of the air quality standards. Air 
    quality now meets the NAAQS.
        Response: The Commonwealth presented no information which 
    invalidates the air quality data previously collected which indicated 
    nonattainment. Section 107(d)(4)(B) of the Act mandated the designation 
    of areas as nonattainment for PM10 by operation of law:
    
    ``(B) PM10 Designations.--By operation of law, * * * (ii) any 
    area containing a site for which air quality monitoring data show a 
    violation of the national ambient air quality standard for PM10 
    before January 1, 1989 (as determined under part 50, appendix K of 
    title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations) is hereby designated 
    nonattainment for PM10;''
    
    This section of the Act confines the EPA to review air quality data 
    prior to January 1, 1989, not after January 1, 1989, in designating an 
    area for PM10. The designation of the Municipality of Guaynabo as 
    nonattainment for PM10 was based on the PM10 concentration of 
    285 g/m3, recorded at the Electrical Substation #24 on 
    August 1, 1987. There was no evidence presented by the Commonwealth 
    that showed this reading to be invalid. Further, air quality data 
    available to the Administrator indicated that there were violations of 
    the annual standard in 1987 and 1988. EPA does not find any evidence to 
    conclude that the nonattainment designation was made in error.
        If indeed the area is attaining the PM10 NAAQS in the 
    Municipality of Guaynabo as a result of permanent reductions in 
    emission, the Commonwealth can request a redesignation to attainment. 
    Section 107 (d)(3) of the Act specifies the procedures and requirements 
    for changing an area's designation. The redesignation of an area from 
    nonattainment to attainment is an entirely separate procedure from 
    today's SIP approval action. However, one requirement of a 
    redesignation is that the Commonwealth has an approved PM10 
    attainment SIP. A redesignation request, which may be submitted at any 
    time, would be processed expeditiously by EPA as a separate rulemaking.
        Comment: The location of EQB's PM10 air quality monitors are 
    not representative of the air in the remainder of the nonattainment 
    area and in the surrounding areas of Guaynabo. Monitors should be 
    located in the center and southern end of the Municipality of Guaynabo 
    and in the Municipality of Catano.
        Response: EPA believes the current PM10 monitoring network in 
    Puerto Rico is representative of the highest PM10 concentrations 
    in the entire nonattainment area. This design is consistent with the 
    monitoring objectives and methodologies described in Part 58 of the 
    Code of Federal Regulations, Appendix D. They are sited immediately 
    downwind of major point and area sources in locations where a long 
    record of total suspended particulate monitors had measured the highest 
    levels in Puerto Rico. Thus they meet the monitor-siting objective of 
    measuring air quality in the area where the highest concentrations of a 
    pollutant can be expected to occur.
        Locations in southern Catano and Guaynabo do not have the same 
    potential to measure high concentrations due to the lack of major 
    sources of particulate matter, as demonstrated by the emission 
    inventory of the Municipality of Guaynabo. Consequently, their absence 
    should not make the Commonwealth's plan any less approvable.
    
    Attainment Demonstration
    
        Comments: The dispersion model used in the attainment demonstration 
    is not conservative. Wrong meteorological data being used. The Puerto 
    Rico Electrical Power Authority (PREPA) Palo Seco plant should have 
    been included in the Plan.
        Response: The dispersion model is conservative because it predicts 
    higher concentrations than observed for almost the entire set of 
    observed data. The graph in the Commonwealth's PM10 plan comparing 
    concentrations predicted by the model with the observed data may not 
    demonstrate this fact because the plotted predicted concentrations lack 
    the background contribution from outside the modeled area of 
    (approximately 31 ug/m3). When the concentrations predicted by the 
    model are correctly included, however, the predicted concentrations are 
    higher than the observed concentrations. Thus, EPA concludes that the 
    model generally over predicts PM10 concentrations and is 
    conservative. This is further supported by recent air quality 
    measurements which show annual concentrations significantly well below 
    concentrations predicted by the model, even after control measures have 
    been enacted.
        The San Juan Airport site is representative of the industrialized 
    area of Guaynabo since it is also located on the north coast of Puerto 
    Rico and subject to the same land-sea effects on the wind. The terrain 
    in the Puerto Nuevo area where the largest emitting sources are located 
    is mainly flat like the area near the Airport. Comparison between the 
    San Juan Airport data and data collected at a meteorological tower in 
    the Municipality of Guaynabo confirm that they are subject to the same 
    meteorological patterns.
        In reference to the PREPA Palo Seco issue, the attainment 
    demonstration did consider the impact of the Palo Seco Power Plant's 
    PM10 emissions on the Catano--Guaynabo area. The atmospheric 
    dispersion model used in the attainment demonstration showed that the 
    greatest impact of the power plant's emissions remained over water. The 
    plants contribution to the Guaynabo nonattainment area (only about 
    three and one half percent of the time) is less than the deminimis 
    impact levels contained in EPA regulations. Since the power plant is 
    located outside of the Guaynabo nonattainment area, EPA's guidance to 
    the states is that RACT strategies need only be applied to those 
    sources which have a significant impact on the nonattainment area. Thus 
    RACT at the Palo Seco Power Plant would have no real benefit to 
    attainment of PM10 standards in the Guaynabo. However, all power 
    plants in Puerto Rico are subject to the same 20 percent opacity limit 
    that is required of the power plant in Puerto Nuevo.
    
    RACT Determinations for Electrical Utilities
    
        Comment: A mass emissions limit should be adopted by Puerto Rico. 
    The 1.5 percent sulfur-in-fuel limit is not cost effective nor 
    stringent enough to show attainment. EQB has no independent way of 
    verifying sulfur-in-fuel limits.
        Response: There is no requirement that a mass emission limit be 
    used exclusively in state clean air plans. EPA can approve a SIP 
    revision as long as it contains emission limits which are enforceable 
    and which provide for attainment of the standards. The Act states 
    ``each implementation plan submitted by a State * * * shall include 
    enforceable emission limitations and other control measures, means, or 
    techniques * * * as well as schedules and timetables for compliance, as 
    may be necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of 
    this Act, section 110(a)(2)(A).''
        The Puerto Rico SIP relies on a sulfur-in-fuel limit and a 20% 
    opacity limitation, both of which are enforceable. Further, the Agency 
    has collected emission data from a variety of fuel oil burning power 
    plants from which the particulates can be [[Page 28337]] calculated. 
    These factors are contained in the Compilation of Air Pollutant 
    Emission Factors (AP-42), Supplement F, emissions factor equation. 
    These emissions were factored into the Puerto Rico plan and attainment 
    with health related ambient air quality standards was demonstrated.
        EQB included in their SIP submittal an Economic Feasibility 
    Analysis of Alternative Emission Control Strategies in the Guaynabo 
    Municipality. This document presented an analysis of the cost of 
    reducing emissions in Guaynabo and the cost effectiveness of 
    alternative control strategies.
        EPA reviewed the document and determined the costs of low sulfur 
    residual oil were accurate to determine the cost effectiveness of 
    controls applicable to PREPA. The analysis showed that 1.0, 1.5, and 
    2.0 percent sulfur oils cost about the same for each ton of sulfur 
    reduced, however, according to the Economic Feasibility Analysis 
    provided with the SIP, it will cost more than $6.6 million per year to 
    reduce the sulfur content from 1.5 to 1.0 percent at the PREPA San Juan 
    plant.
        EQB has informed EPA that it has the necessary equipment to analyze 
    fuel samples. Compliance of the sulfur-in-fuel limit will be verified 
    by a variety of methods. In accordance with the January 31, 1994 
    Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), PREPA and its fuel supplier will 
    send sampling data to EQB. When the fuel supplier delivers the fuel, it 
    will send its analysis of the fuel content to EQB. EQB can compare the 
    supplier's analysis against reports from the facility.
        In summary, the two procedures set forth in the PM10 SIP, the 
    sulfur-in-fuel limit that correlates to a 0.08 #/MMBtu mass emission 
    rate, and the 20% opacity restriction are easily measured, readily 
    enforceable, and when combined with the other control measures adopted 
    by the Commonwealth, can demonstrate attainment of the PM10 NAAQS. 
    The Agency therefore has determined that the limits provided can and 
    should be approved.
    
    RACT Determinations for Grain Handling Facilities
    
        Comment: Puerto Rico's ban on the use of clamshell unloading of 
    ships is not supportable as RACT. The 99.9% filtration efficiency 
    required of grain mills is not technically achievable.
        Response: The General Preamble for the Implementation of Title I of 
    the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 defines RACT as ``the lowest 
    emission limitation that a particular source is capable of meeting by 
    the application of control technology that is reasonably available 
    considering technological and economic feasibility.'' Congress 
    specified that nonattainment area plans were to ``require * * * 
    reasonable further progress * * * including such reduction in emissions 
    from existing sources in the area as may be obtained through the 
    adoption, at a minimum, of RACT.''
        Through modeling, EQB's contractor demonstrated that emissions from 
    the grain mills contributed in a large way to the violations of the 
    PM10 air quality standard predicted by the model. Taking this into 
    consideration, EQB determined that stringent RACT measures were needed 
    at these facilities to show attainment.
        EPA guidance identifies that Industrial process fugitive 
    particulate emissions are produced during all phases of grain handling 
    and processing including: unloading, receiving, handling, drying, 
    cleaning, milling, and land-out. EPA's Control Techniques for 
    Particulate Emissions from Stationary Sources recommends that for grain 
    handling and storage ``the most common control strategy is to enclose 
    and hood the processing equipment or area with ventilation to cyclones 
    and filters.'' Thus, the emission reductions that can be obtained from 
    this strategy depend upon both process modifications to optimize the 
    capture efficiency of the ventilation system and the installation of 
    control devices.
        EQB determined that for a very dusty process such as Clamshell 
    loading and unloading, RACT for this process would be the prohibition 
    of Clamshell loading and unloading and the utilization of telescopic 
    loading spouts in a fully enclosed area with a ventilation system. This 
    control strategy is considered both technologically and economically 
    feasible. EPA has verified this in discussions with grain facilities in 
    the United States who are currently using the telescopic loading 
    spouts.
        EPA has not been able to conclude that a ban on loading/unloading 
    using clamshells is not an acceptable RACT determination. Telescoping 
    loading spouts are used in the industry to load and unload grain or 
    grain products. However, EPA would object to a RACT determination that 
    is less stringent than could be technologically and economically 
    justified. Should the Commonwealth decide in the future to propose an 
    alternative to a ban on the use of clamshells, the SIP could be revised 
    accordingly.
        The SIP requires the installation of control equipment with a 99.5% 
    efficiency. Upon review EPA has concluded that this is achievable even 
    in warm climates. In other parts of the country, (PM10 attainment 
    and nonattainment areas), 99.9% is routinely required. One commenter 
    argued that conditions at grain handling facilities in Puerto Rico 
    would prevent 99.5% efficiency from being achieved. EPA has reviewed 
    permits issued to grain mills in warm climates and determined that the 
    99.5% limit proposed in the SIP is achievable on a continuous basis 
    providing there is proper operation and maintenance of the control 
    systems.
    
    Environmental Justice Concerns
    
        Comment: Several commenters raised environmental justice concerns 
    in their comments.
        Response: EPA recognizes that air pollution sources in the SIP area 
    raise environmental justice issues, and EPA has taken steps to address 
    these concerns in the SIP process. In particular, EPA has had meetings 
    and contacts with affected communities and organizations, and intends 
    to continue these contacts as air programs are implemented and 
    enforced. In addition, EPA and other agencies such as the Centers for 
    Disease Control have been assessing environmental health factors in 
    these communities. EPA will continue to review progress in implementing 
    the SIP and other environmental programs with respect to Executive 
    Order 12898 and the EPA Environmental Justice Strategy.
    
    V. Summary
    
        In this action, EPA is approving the SIP revision submitted to EPA 
    on November 14, 1993 and supplemented on March 18, 1994 and March 30, 
    1994 by Puerto Rico for the Municipality of Guaynabo PM10 
    nonattainment area. Specifically, EPA is approving the emissions 
    inventory, the control strategy including RACM and RACT, the 
    demonstration that the Municipality of Guaynabo PM10 nonattainment 
    area will attain the PM10 NAAQS by December 31, 1994 and maintain 
    the PM10 NAAQS through 1999, the NSR permit provisions and the 
    contingency measures. EPA determined that PM10 precursor controls 
    are not needed for attainment. EPA is approving the revisions to the 
    Puerto Rico Regulations for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution which 
    include the following: Part I; Rule 102, ``Definitions,'' Part II; Rule 
    201, ``Location Approval,'' Rule 202, ``Air Quality Impact Analysis,'' 
    Rule 203, ``Permit to Construct a Source,'' and Part IV; Rule 401, 
    ``Generic Prohibitions,'' Rule 402, ``Open Burning,'' Rule 403, 
    ``Visible Emissions,'' Rule 404, ``Fugitive Dust,'' [[Page 28338]] and 
    Rule 423, ``Limitations for the Guaynabo PM10 Nonattainment 
    Area.'' EPA is approving this PM10 SIP submittal in relation to 
    its satisfying all Act requirements.
        Previously, the Governor of Puerto Rico was notified on December 
    16, 1991 by the EPA Regional Administrator that Puerto Rico had not 
    submitted the PM10 SIP requirements due on November 15, 1991. This 
    action formally started both an 18-month Sanction clock and a 24-month 
    Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) clock. In a January 15, 1993 letter, 
    the Governor was notified that another 18-month Sanction clock and 24-
    month FIP clock, for the failure to submit a permit program for the NSR 
    requirements by June 30, 1992, had begun. Since the November 14, 1993 
    submittal was found to be complete, the findings made on December 16, 
    1991 and January 15, 1993 of non-submittal have been corrected and no 
    sanctions will be imposed. With the approval of this SIP revision, all 
    Clean Air Act requirements have been met and it is no longer necessary 
    for EPA to adopt a FIP to address the PM10 deficiencies.
        This notice is issued as required by Section 110 of the Clean Air 
    Act, as amended. The Administrator's decision regarding the approval of 
    this plan revision is based on its meeting the requirements of Section 
    110 of the Clean Air Act, and 40 CFR Part 51.
        The Agency has reviewed this request for revision of the federally-
    approved SIP for conformance with the provisions of the 1990 Amendments 
    enacted on November 15, 1990. The Agency has determined that this 
    action conforms with those requirements irrespective of the fact that 
    the submittal preceded the date of enactment.
        Nothing in this rule 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 any SIP shall be considered 
    separately in light of specific technical, economic, and environmental 
    factors and in relation to relevant statutory and regulatory 
    requirements.
        Under sections 202, 203, and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
    Act of 1995 (``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 
    1995, EPA must undertake various actions in association with proposed 
    or final rules that include a federal mandate that may result in 
    estimated annual 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 sections 110(a)(2), 
    172(c), 173 and 189(a) of the Clean Air Act. These rules may bind 
    state, local and tribal governments to perform certain actions and also 
    require the private sector to perform certain duties. To the extent 
    that the rules being approved by this action would impose any mandate 
    upon the state, local or tribal governments either as the owner or 
    operator of a source or as a regulator, or would impose any mandate 
    upon the private sector, EPA's action would impose no new requirements; 
    such sources are already subject to these regulations under state law. 
    Accordingly, no additional costs to state, local, or tribal 
    governments, or to the private sector, result from this action. EPA has 
    also determined that this final action does not include a mandate that 
    may result in estimated annual costs of $100 million or more to state, 
    local, or tribal governments in the aggregate or to the private sector.
        The Office of Management and Budget has exempted this action from 
    review under Executive Order 12866.
        Under section 307(b)(l) of the Act, petitions for judicial review 
    of this rule must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for 
    the appropriate circuit within 60 days from date of publication. 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 rule may not be challenged later in proceedings to 
    enforce its requirements. (See 307(b)(2)).
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
    
        Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
    reference, Intergovernmental relations, Particulate matter, Reporting 
    and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides.
    
        Dated: May 14, 1995.
    William J. Muszynski,
    Acting Regional Administrator.
    
        Part 52, 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 BBB--Puerto Rico
    
        2. Section 52.2720 is amended by adding new paragraph (c)(35) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 52.2720  Identification of plan.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (35) A revision submitted on November 14, 1993 by the Chairman of 
    the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB) for the Municipality 
    of Guaynabo. The submittal was made to satisfy those moderate PM10 
    nonattainment area SIP requirements due for the Municipality of 
    Guaynabo as outlined in the Clean Air Act of 1990.
        (i) Incorporation by reference:
        (A) Regulations:
        (1) Amendments to Part I, Rule 102, ``Definitions,'' of the Puerto 
    Rico Regulations for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution, effective 
    April 2, 1994.
        (2) Amendments to Part II, Rule 201, ``Location Approval,'' Rule 
    202, ``Air Quality Impact Analysis,'' and Rule 203, ``Permit to 
    Construct a Source,'' of the Puerto Rico Regulations for the Control of 
    Atmospheric Pollution, effective April 2, 1994.
        (3) Amendments to Part IV, Rule 401, ``Generic Prohibitions,'' Rule 
    402, ``Open Burning,'' Rule 403, ``Visible Emissions,'' Rule 404, 
    ``Fugitive Dust,'' and Rule 423, ``Limitations for the Guaynabo 
    PM10 Nonattainment Area,'' of the Puerto Rico Regulations for the 
    Control of Atmospheric Pollution, effective April 2, 1994.
        (B) Memoranda of Understanding (MOU):
        (1) MOU signed by the Chairman of EQB and the Executive Director of 
    Puerto Rico Electrical Power Authority, San Juan plant, limiting the 
    sulfur-in-fuel level, annual operation capacity, and requiring the 
    submittal of monthly sampling reports of its fuel's sulfur content, 
    effective January 31, 1994.
        (2) MOU signed by the Chairman of EQB and the Secretary of Puerto 
    Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Executive 
    Director of the Highway Authority to maintain and control the 
    reconstruction of existing roads and the construction of new roads, 
    effective July 2, 1993.
        (3) MOU signed by the Chairman of EQB and the Mayor of the 
    Municipality of Guaynabo to pave and maintain the streets, roads and 
    parking areas located in the Municipality of Guaynabo, effective 
    December 13, 1993.
        (4) MOU signed by the Chairman of EQB and the Executive Director of 
    the Puerto Rico Port Authority to pave and maintain the streets, roads, 
    and parking areas that lead into the port area in Puerto Nuevo, 
    Guaynabo and San Juan, effective October 14, 1993.
    
    [FR Doc. 95-13181 Filed 5-30-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/30/1995
Published:
05/31/1995
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
95-13181
Dates:
This action will be effective June 30, 1995.
Pages:
28333-28338 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Region II Docket No. 136, PR3-2-6731, FRL-5209-5
PDF File:
95-13181.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 52.2720