96-11081. Clean Air Act Interim Approval of Operating Permits Program; State of Rhode Island  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 88 (Monday, May 6, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 20150-20155]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-11081]
    
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 70
    
    [AD-FRL-5465-9]
    
    
    Clean Air Act Interim Approval of Operating Permits Program; 
    State of Rhode Island
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Direct final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The EPA is promulgating source category-limited interim 
    approval of the Operating Permits Program submitted by the State of 
    Rhode Island for the purpose of complying with Federal requirements for 
    an approvable State program to issue operating permits to all major 
    stationary sources, and to certain other sources.
    
    DATES: This action will become effective July 5, 1996 unless notice is 
    received by June 5, 1996 that adverse or critical comments will be 
    submitted. If the effective date is delayed, timely notice will be 
    published in the Federal Register.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Ida E. Gagnon, Air Permits, 
    CAP, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region I, JFK Federal 
    Building, Boston, MA 02203-2211.
        Copies of the State's submittal and other supporting information 
    relevant to this action are available for inspection during normal 
    business hours at the following location: U.S. Environmental Protection 
    Agency, Region 1, One Congress Street, 11th floor, Boston, MA 02203.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ida E. Gagnon, Air Permits, APO, U.S. 
    Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1, JFK Federal Building, 
    Boston, MA 02203-2211, (617) 565-3500.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background and Purpose
    
    A. Introduction
    
        As required under title V of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments 
    (sections 501-507 of the Clean Air Act (``the Act'')), EPA has 
    promulgated rules which define the minimum elements of an approvable 
    State operating permits program and the corresponding standards and 
    procedures by which the EPA will approve, oversee, and withdraw 
    approval of State operating permits programs (see 57 FR 32250 (July 21, 
    1992)). These rules are codified at 40 Code of Federal Regulations 
    (CFR) Part 70. Title V requires States to develop, and submit to EPA, 
    programs for issuing these operating permits to all major stationary 
    sources and to certain other sources.
        The Act requires that States develop and submit these programs to 
    EPA by November 15, 1993, and that EPA act to approve or disapprove 
    each program within 1 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, and where a state requests source category-
    limited interim approval, EPA may grant the program interim approval 
    for a period of up to 2 years. EPA is publishing this action without 
    prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial 
    program and anticipates no adverse comments. However, in a separate 
    document in this Federal Register publication, EPA is proposing source 
    category-limited interim approval of the Operating Permit Program 
    submitted by the State of Rhode Island should adverse or critical 
    comments be filed. This action will be effective July 5, 1996 unless 
    adverse or critical comments are received by June 5, 1996.
        If EPA receives such comments, this action will be withdrawn before 
    the effective date by simultaneously publishing a subsequent notice 
    that will withdraw the final action. All public comments received will 
    then be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this action 
    serving as a proposed rule. The EPA will not institute a second comment 
    period on this action.
        Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at 
    this time. If no such comments are received, the public is advised that 
    this action will be effective on July 5, 1996.
    
    B. Federal Oversight
    
        When EPA promulgates this source category-limited interim approval, 
    it will extend for two years following the effective date, and cannot 
    be renewed. During the interim approval period, the State of Rhode 
    Island is protected from sanctions, and EPA is not obligated to 
    promulgate, administer and enforce a Federal permits program for the 
    State of Rhode Island. Permits issued under a program with interim 
    approval have full standing with respect to part 70, and the state will 
    permit sources based on the transition schedule submitted with the 
    source category-limited interim approval request. This schedule may 
    extend for no more than five years beyond the interim approval date.
    
    II. Proposed Action and Implications
    
    A. Analysis of State Submission
    
    1. Support Materials
        The Governor of the State of Rhode Island submitted an 
    administratively complete title V Operating Permits Program (PROGRAM) 
    on June 20, 1995. EPA deemed the PROGRAM administratively complete in a 
    letter to the Governor dated on July 28, 1995. The PROGRAM submittal 
    includes a legal opinion from the Attorney General of Rhode Island 
    stating that the laws of the State provide adequate authority to carry 
    out the PROGRAM, and a description of how the State intends to 
    implement the PROGRAM. The submittal additionally contains evidence of 
    proper adoption of the PROGRAM regulations, permit application forms, a 
    data management system and a fee adequacy demonstration.
    2. Regulations and Program Implementation
        The State of Rhode Island has submitted Air Pollution Control 
    Regulation No. 29 entitled ``Operating Permits'' for implementing the 
    State part 70 program as required by 40 CFR 70.4(b)(2). Sufficient 
    evidence of procedurally correct adoption is included in Section IV of 
    the submittal.
        The Rhode Island operating permits regulations follow part 70 very 
    closely. The following requirements, set out in EPA's part 70 operating 
    permits program review are addressed in Section IV of the State's 
    submittal.
        The Rhode Island PROGRAM, including the operating permit 
    regulations, meet the requirements of 40 CFR part 70.2 and 70.3 with 
    respect to applicability; parts 70.4, 70.5 and 70.6 with respect to 
    permit content and operational flexibility; part 70.5 with respect to 
    complete application forms and criteria which define insignificant 
    activities; part 70.7 and 70.8 with respect to public participation, 
    minor permit modifications and permit review by affected states and 
    EPA; and 70.11 with respect to requirements for enforcement authority.
        Part 70 of the operating permits regulation requires prompt 
    reporting of deviations from the permit requirements. Section 
    70.6(a)(3)(iii)(B) requires the permitting authority to define prompt 
    in relation to the degree and type of deviation likely to occur and the 
    applicable requirements. The State of Rhode Island has not defined 
    ``prompt'' in its program with respect to reporting of deviations. 
    Although the permit program regulations should
    
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    define prompt for purposes of administrative efficiency and clarity, an 
    acceptable alternative is to define prompt in each individual permit. 
    The EPA believes that prompt should generally be defined as requiring 
    reporting within two to ten days of the deviation. Two to ten days is 
    sufficient time in most cases to protect public health and safety as 
    well as to provide a forewarning of potential problems. For sources 
    with a low level of excess emissions, a longer time period may be 
    acceptable. However, prompt reporting must be more frequent than the 
    semiannual reporting requirement, given this is a distinct reporting 
    obligation under Sec. 70.6(a)(3)(iii)(A). Rhode Island committed in 
    their rule to define ``prompt'' in the individual permit. See Section 
    29.6.4(b)(2). Where ``prompt'' is defined in the individual permit but 
    not in the program regulations, EPA may veto permits that do not 
    contain sufficiently prompt reporting of deviations.
        In connection with the direct final rulemaking notice promulgating 
    interim approval of the Operating Permits Program submitted by the 
    Commonwealth of Massachusetts, EPA listed the definition of ``prompt'' 
    as an issue. On March 4, 1996, EPA received a comment from the National 
    Environmental Development Association's Clean Air Regulatory Project 
    (NEDA/CARP) regarding this definition. NEDA/CARP has asked that we 
    address this comment on record for the Rhode Island program so that 
    they need not resubmit the comment to preserve their right to petition 
    for review on this issue.
        NEDA/CARP disagrees with EPA's statement that ``prompt reporting 
    [of deviations] must be more frequent than the semi-annual reporting 
    requirement, given this is a distinct reporting obligation under 
    Sec. 70.6(a)(3)(iii)(A).'' NEDA/CARP believes there is no legal basis 
    for such a statement. Therefore, NEDA/CARP asserts EPA has no basis for 
    expecting deviations to be reported more often than every 6 months.
        EPA disagrees that there is no legal basis for this statement. 
    Section 503(b)(2) of the Act requires a permittee ``to promptly report 
    any deviations from permit requirements to the permitting authority.'' 
    This requirement to report deviations promptly is distinct from section 
    504(a) of the Act which requires the results of all monitoring to be 
    submitted no less often than every six months. The Act clearly 
    distinguishes between the routine semi-annual reporting of all 
    monitoring, whether or not deviations have occurred, from the 
    requirement to report deviations that may be violations of the Act and 
    that at least provide an indication of potential compliance problems. 
    It makes sense that Congress would expect permittees to report 
    potential Act violations more quickly than routine monitoring that 
    confirms compliance. Additionally, the statute has a clear requirement 
    for prompt reporting of deviations, and EPA believes that six months is 
    not prompt when dealing with information that may document a violation 
    of the Clean Air Act.
        Rhode Island's definition of ``title I modification'' does not 
    include changes reviewed under a minor source preconstruction review 
    program (``minor NSR changes''). In an August 29, 1994 rulemaking 
    proposal, EPA explained its view that the better reading of ``title I 
    modifications'' includes minor NSR. However, the Agency solicited 
    public comment on whether the phrase should be interpreted to mean 
    literally any change at a source that would trigger permitting 
    authority review under regulations approved or promulgated under Title 
    I of the Act. (59 FR 44572, 44573). This would include State 
    preconstruction review programs approved by EPA as part of the State 
    Implementation Plan under section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Clean Air Act.
        The EPA has not yet taken final action on the August 29, 1994 
    proposal. However, in response to public comment on that proposal, the 
    Agency has decided that the definition of ``title I modifications'' is 
    best interpreted as not including changes reviewed under minor NSR 
    programs. EPA included this interpretation in a supplemental rulemaking 
    proposal published on August 31, 1995. 60 FR 45530, 545-546. Thus, EPA 
    expects to confirm that Rhode Island's definition of ``title I 
    modification'' is fully consistent with part 70.
        In the event EPA ultimately changes the position proposed on August 
    31, 1995, EPA expects to grant Rhode Island interim approval as to this 
    issue. In the August 29, 1994 proposal (59 FR 44572) the Agency stated 
    that if, after considering the public comments, it determined that the 
    phrase ``title I modifications'' should be interpreted as including 
    minor NSR changes, it would revise the interim approval criteria as 
    needed to allow states with a narrower definition to be eligible for 
    interim approval. If EPA should conclude, during this rulemaking, that 
    Title I modifications should be read to include minor NSR, it will 
    identify the narrow definition of Title I modification as an interim 
    approval condition on Rhode Island's program.
        RI DEM defines research and development (R&D) in a manner which 
    allows DEM to exclude research and development operations from a source 
    when determining if the source is major. See Sec. 29.2.4. EPA has 
    recently announced an interpretation of its Part 70 regulation which 
    would allow most R&D facilities to be considered separately from the 
    source, and has proposed rule changes to Part 70 to clarify the 
    Agency's intent. See 60 FR 45556-45558 (Aug. 31, 1995).
        This interpretation of EPA's rule is generally consistent with 
    Rhode Island's separation of R&D activities from the source in Section 
    29.2.4. In section 29.1.32, Rhode Island includes pilot plants in its 
    definition of R&D operations in a manner that might appear inconsistent 
    with the discussion of pilot plants in EPA's recent proposal. See 60 FR 
    45557. However, section 29.1.32 specifically states that ``Development 
    shall not include production for sale of established products through 
    established processes; nor shall it include production for distribution 
    through market testing channels.'' This is consistent with the 
    discussion of pilot plants in the August 31, 1995 proposal since 
    production for commerce is not permitted by the Rhode Island 
    regulation.
        RI DEM is requesting a source-category limited interim approval of 
    its operating permits program. The EPA can grant source category-
    limited interim approval to states whose programs do not provide for 
    permitting all required sources if the state makes a showing that two 
    criteria are met: (1) That there are ``compelling reasons'' for the 
    exclusions and (2) that all required sources will be permitted on a 
    schedule that ``substantially meets'' the requirements of part 70. 
    Rhode Island intends to permit all subject sources within five years of 
    initial program approval. Over 70% of the sources which account for 80% 
    of the emissions will be issued permits during the first three years. 
    This may extend beyond 1999, which is the final date announced for 
    phase-ins in the interim approval guidance dated August 2, 1993, 
    entitled ``Interim Title V Program Approvals.'' This cutoff date was 
    selected because it is five years after the date required for EPA final 
    action on a timely-submitted, approvable program. Although Rhode Island 
    will not have permitted all sources by this date, it will have done so 
    by 2001, five years from EPA program approval. Additionally, Rhode 
    Island will have permitted over 70% of its sources by November, 1999. 
    EPA believes this schedule substantially
    
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    meets the implementation schedule in section 503(c) of the Act.
        Rhode Island identified 211 sources whose emissions based on 1993 
    inventory total 13,171 tons. This is an average of 62 tons per source. 
    This is an extremely small inventory to provide the funding needed to 
    develop, administer and enforce an operating permit program. The DEM 
    initially estimates that the dollar per ton charge necessary to provide 
    funding for a fully staffed operating permit program would be $117.00, 
    substantially higher that the presumptive national average permitting 
    fee provided for in title V and Part 70. The regulated community in 
    Rhode Island has argued that these disproportionately higher fees put 
    them at an economic disadvantage with their competitors in other 
    states. A source category-limited interim approval would allow Rhode 
    Island a longer period of time to build up to full staffing levels. 
    This in turn translates to a more gradual increase in fees and allows 
    the source population additional time to budget for these higher fees. 
    EPA considers the above reasons to be compelling for granting this type 
    of interim approval.
        Additionally, Rhode Island demonstrates that all sources required 
    to be permitted under Part 70 will be permitted on a 5 year schedule 
    that substantially meets the requirements of part 70.
        Because of this 5 year schedule, EPA is granting interim approval 
    to the Rhode Island program rather than full approval. Pursuant to 
    section 502(g) of the Act, Rhode Island would be authorized to 
    implement the program for a period of two years following EPA's interim 
    approval of the program. Normally, with interim approval, a state must 
    submit a corrective program in order to receive full approval. Rhode 
    Island's program is fully approvable, however, with the exception that 
    they will be issuing permits within a five-year schedule, rather than 
    the 3 year schedule in 503(c) of the Act. Moreover, DEM has submitted 
    its complete 5 year transition plan with the program, so there is no 
    corrective action for DEM to take to make the program fully approvable. 
    Consequently, Rhode Island's program will automatically convert to full 
    approval without any further rulemaking from EPA as long as Rhode 
    Island issues permits in a timely fashion consistent with its 5 year 
    transition plan. Section 502(g) of the Act giving interim approvals 
    does not speak directly to this situation, and appears to assume that a 
    state would always have to cure a program granted interim approval. On 
    the other hand, the combination of sections 502(f) and 502(g) allow for 
    interim approval of partial programs that issue permits on a 5 year 
    schedule. Where a state submits a reasonable 5 year schedule with an 
    otherwise fully approvable program, EPA believes it would be a futile 
    exercise to require some further submission from the state or action 
    from EPA to fully approve the program. EPA is interpreting this gap in 
    the statutory structure of title V to allow for automatic conversion to 
    full approval, and asks for comments from any party that objects to 
    this rationale.
        The complete program submittal and the TSD dated January 11, 1996 
    entitled ``Technical Support Document--Rhode Island Operating Permits 
    Program'' are available in the docket for review. The TSD includes a 
    detailed analysis, including a program checklist, of how the State's 
    program and regulations compare with EPA's requirements and 
    regulations, and also includes an important analysis of how operational 
    flexibility and permit shield provisions in Section 29.11.1(c) of Rhode 
    Island's rule operate as a matter of federal law.
    3. Permit Fee Demonstration
        Section 502(b)(3) of the Act requires that each permitting 
    authority collect fees sufficient to cover all reasonable direct and 
    indirect costs required to develop and administer its title V operating 
    permit program. Each title V program submittal must contain either a 
    detailed demonstration of fee adequacy or a demonstration that the fees 
    collected exceed $25 per ton of actual emissions per year, adjusted 
    from the August, 1989 consumer price index. The $25 per ton was 
    presumed by Congress to cover all reasonable direct and indirect costs 
    to an operating permit program. This minimum amount is referred to as 
    the ``presumptive minimum.''
        Rhode Island has opted to make a presumptive minimum fee 
    demonstration. In the fee regulation, the State proposes an emission 
    based fee for calculating the operating permit program fees for the 
    first four years of the program. The fee structure consists of payment 
    of a fixed fee for the first eighteen months of the program. The fixed 
    fee shall be based on the sources actual emissions for the 1993 
    calendar year. Beginning in July 1996, annual emissions fees will be a 
    fixed fee for sources with actual emissions below 10 tons per year and 
    above that threshold fees will be assessed on a dollar per ton basis. 
    All regulated pollutants will be assessed at the same rate. This fee is 
    equivalent to at least the part 70 presumptive minimum fee of $25 per 
    ton of regulated air pollutants, adjusted per the consumer price index 
    (CPI). Using Rhode Island's emission based fee approach, the State will 
    collect $35.00 per ton for the period of January 1995 through December 
    1995 and for the State fiscal year 1996, the equivalent dollar per ton 
    charge is $48.09. The projected dollar per ton charge for the fiscal 
    years 1997 through 2001 are $101.00, $117.00, $121.00, $125.00, and 
    $132.00 respectively, consistent with the schedule for phasing in the 
    full program, as described above. Rhode Island's projected rate is 
    above the presumptive minimum adjusted by the CPI. The fee rate will be 
    reviewed every year and adjusted as necessary to reflect staffing and 
    resource needs, permit program efficiency and cost requirements.
        Therefore, Rhode Island has demonstrated that the state is 
    collecting sufficient permit fees to meet EPA's presumptive minimum 
    criteria. For more information, see Section VIII of Rhode Island's 
    title V program.
    4. Provisions Implementing the Requirements of Other Titles of the Act
    
    a. Authority and/or Commitments for Section 112 Implementation
    
        Rhode Island has demonstrated in its title V program submittal 
    adequate legal authority to implement and enforce all section 112 
    requirements through the title V permit. This legal authority is 
    contained in Rhode Island's enabling legislation and in regulatory 
    provisions defining ``applicable requirements'' and stating that the 
    permit must incorporate all applicable requirements. EPA has determined 
    that this legal authority is sufficient to allow Rhode Island to issue 
    permits that assure compliance with all section 112 requirements and 
    carry out all section 112 activities at permitted facilities.
        Therefore, EPA is interpreting the State of Rhode Island's legal 
    authority and commitments to be sufficient to allow the State to issue 
    permits that assure compliance with all section 112 requirements, and 
    to carry out all section 112 activities at permitted facilities. For 
    further rationale on this interpretation, please refer to the Technical 
    Support Document referenced above and the April 13, 1993 guidance 
    memorandum titled ``Title V Program Approval Criteria for Section 112 
    Activities,'' signed by John Seitz, Director of the Office of Air 
    Quality Planning and Standards.
    
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    b. Implementation of 112(g) Upon Program Approval
    
        On February 14, 1995 EPA published an interpretive notice (see 60 
    FR 8333) that postpones the effective date of section 112(g) until 
    after EPA has promulgated a rule addressing that provision. The section 
    112(g) interpretive notice explains that 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 EPA will provide 
    for any such additional delay in the final section 112(g) rulemaking. 
    Unless and until EPA provides for such an additional postponement of 
    section 112(g) Rhode Island must be able to implement section 112(g) 
    during the period between promulgation of the Federal section 112(g) 
    rule and adoption of implementing State regulations. EPA believes that 
    Rhode Island can utilize its preconstruction permitting program to 
    serve as a procedural vehicle for implementing the section 112(g) rule 
    and making these requirements Federally enforceable between 
    promulgation of the Federal section 112(g) rule and adoption of 
    implementing State regulations. For this reason, EPA is approving Rhode 
    Island's preconstruction permitting program found in Regulation No.9 
    under the authority of title V and part 70 solely for the purpose of 
    implementing section 112(g) during the transition period between title 
    V approval and adoption of a State rule implementing EPA's section 
    112(g) regulations.
        Since the approval would be for the single purpose of providing a 
    mechanism to implement section 112(g) during the transition period, the 
    approval would be without effect if 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. Also, since the approval 
    would be for the limited purpose of allowing the State sufficient time 
    to adopt regulations, EPA proposes to limit the duration of the 
    approval to 18 months following promulgation by EPA of its section 
    112(g) rule.
    
    c. Program for Straight Delegation of Sections 111 and 112 Standards
    
        Requirements for operating permit program approval, specified in 40 
    CFR 70.4(b), encompass section 112(l)(5) requirements for approval of a 
    program for delegation of section 112 General Provision Subpart A and 
    standards as promulgated by 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 granting approval of the State's program 
    under section 112(l)(5) and 40 CFR Parts 63.91 for receiving delegation 
    of section 112 standards that are unchanged from the Federal standards 
    as promulgated, and to delegate existing standards under 40 CFR parts 
    61 and 63 as indicated in Table 1 as they apply to title V 
    sources.1 In addition, in a letter dated April 4, 1996, EPA is 
    approving a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) granting to the DEM 
    delegation of authority to administer and enforce those NSPS listed in 
    Table 2 as they apply to title V sources.2
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        \1\  The radionuclide National Emission Standards for Hazardous 
    Air Pollutant (NESHAP) is a section 112 regulation and therefore, 
    also an applicable requirement under the State operating permits 
    program for part 70 sources. There is not yet a Federal definition 
    of ``major'' for radionuclide sources. Therefore, until a major 
    source definition for radionuclide is promulgated, no source would 
    be a major section 112 source solely due to its radionuclide 
    emissions. However, a radionuclide source may, in the interim, be a 
    major source under part 70 for another reason, thus requiring a part 
    70 permit. The EPA will work with the State in the development of 
    its radionuclide program to ensure that permits are issued in a 
    timely manner.
        \2\ Please note that federal rule making is not required for 
    delegation of section 111 standards. EPA is publishing this table 
    for informational purposes.
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        Rhode Island in Section X of its Title V submittal informed EPA 
    that it commits to adopt, as deemed necessary by EPA, and implement 
    through existing state law and regulations, future requirements of 
    section 112. Therefore, as required by EPA, Rhode Island Department of 
    Environmental Protection will implement Section 112 through their 
    existing rules and adopt new rules as necessary.
        Rhode Island has informed the EPA that it intends to accept future 
    delegations of section 111 and 112 standards by checking the 
    appropriate boxes on a standardized checklist. The checklist will list 
    applicable regulations and will be sent by the EPA Regional Office to 
    Rhode Island. Rhode Island will accept delegation by checking the 
    appropriate box and returning the checklist to EPA Region I. The 
    details of this delegation mechanism have been set forth in an 
    agreement between Rhode Island and EPA in a letter dated April 4, 1996. 
    This program will apply to both existing and future standards but is 
    limited to sources covered by the part 70 program.
    
    d. Commitment To Implement Title IV of the Act
    
        Rhode Island has committed to take action, following promulgation 
    by EPA of regulations implementing section 407 and 410 of the Act, or 
    revisions to either part 72, 74, or 76 or the regulations implementing 
    section 407 or 410, to either incorporate by reference or submit, for 
    EPA approval, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) 
    regulations implementing these provisions.
    
    B. Direct Final Actions
    
        The EPA is promulgating source category-limited interim approval of 
    the operating permits program submitted to EPA by the State of Rhode 
    Island on June 20, 1995. This interim approval, which may not be 
    renewed, extends for a period of up to 2 years. During the interim 
    approval period, the State is protected from sanctions for failure to 
    have a program, and EPA is not obligated to promulgate a Federal 
    permits program in the State. Permits issued under a program with 
    interim approval have full standing with respect to Part 70, and the 
    state will permit sources based on the transition schedule submitted 
    with the source category-limited interim approval. As discussed above, 
    this interim approval will convert to a full approval without further 
    action by EPA, provided Rhode Island issues permits consistent with 
    their transition schedule.
        The scope of the State of Rhode Island's part 70 program that EPA 
    is approving in this notice would apply to all part 70 sources (as 
    defined in the approved program) within the State of Rhode Island, 
    except any sources of air pollution over which an Indian Tribe has 
    jurisdiction. See, e.g., 59 FR 55813, 55815-18 (Nov. 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 (Aug. 25, 1994); 58 FR 54364 (Oct. 21, 
    1993).
        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 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
    
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    schedule, which are also requirements under Part 70. Therefore, the EPA 
    is also granting 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. Request for Public Comments
    
        The EPA is requesting comments on all aspects of this final rule. 
    Copies of the State's submittal and other information relied upon for 
    the interim approval are contained in a docket maintained at the EPA 
    Regional Office. The docket is an organized and complete file of all 
    the information submitted to, or otherwise considered by, EPA in the 
    development of this interim approval. The principal purposes of the 
    docket are:
        (1) To allow interested parties a means to identify and locate 
    documents so that they can effectively participate in the approval 
    process, and
        (2) To serve as the record in case of judicial review. The EPA will 
    consider any comments received by June 5, 1996.
    
    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, 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, 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 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 pre-
    existing 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.
    
    Table I to the Preamble--Delegation of Parts 61 and 63 Standards As 
    They Apply to Rhode Island's Title V Operating Permits Program
    
    Part 61  Subpart Categories
    
    C  BERYLLIUM
    D  BERYLLIUM-ROCKET MOTOR
    E  MERCURY
    F  VINYL CHLORIDE
    J  EQUIP LEAKS OF BENZENE
    L  BENZENE-COLE BY-PRODUCT RECOVERY PLANT
    N  ARSENIC-GLASS MANUFACTURING
    O  ARSENIC-PRIMARY COPPER-SMELTERS
    P  ARSENIC-TRIOXIDE AND METALLIC
    V  EQUIP LEAKS (FUGITIVE EMISSION SOURCES)
    Y  BENZENE STORAGE VESSELS
    BB  BENZENE TRANSFER OPERATIONS
    FF  BENZENE WASTE OPERATION
    
    40 CFR Part 63
    
    A  GENERAL PROVISIONS
    H  ORGANIC HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR EQUIPMENT LEAKS
    I  ORGANIC HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR CERTAIN PROCESS SUBJECT TO THE 
    NEGOTIATED REGULATION FOR HAZARDOUS LEAKS
    N  CHROMIUM EMISSIONS FROM HARD AND DECORATIVE CHROMIUM ELECTROPLATING
    O  ETHYLENE OXIDE EMISSION STANDARDS FOR STERILIZATION FACILITIES
    R  GASOLINE DISTRIBUTION (STAGE 1)
    GG  AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING AND REWORK
    II  SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP REPAIR (SURFACE COATING)
    
    Table II to the Preamble
    
    Part 60  Subpart Categories
    
    D  FOSSIL-FUEL FIRED STEAM GENERATORS
    Da  ELECTRIC UTILITY STEAM GENERATORS
    Db  INDUSTRIAL-COMMERCIAL-INSTITUTIONAL STEAM GENERATING UNITS
    Dc  SMALL INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONAL STEAM GENERATING UNITS
    E  INCINERATORS
    Ea  MUNICIPAL WASTE COMBUSTORS
    F  PORTLAND CEMENT PLANTS
    G  NITRIC ACID PLANTS
    H  SULFURIC ACID PLANTS
    I  ASPHALT CONCRETE PLANTS
    J  PETROLEUM REFINERIES
    K  PETROLEUM LIQUID STORAGE VESSELS
    Ka  PETROLEUM LIQUID STORAGE VESSELS
    L  SECONDARY LEAD SMELTERS
    M  SECONDARY BRASS AND BRONZE PRODUCTION PLANTS
    N  BASIC OXYGEN PROCESS FURNACES PRIMARY EMISSIONS
    Na  BASIC OXYGEN PROCESS STEELMAKING-SECONDARY EMISSIONS
    O  SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
    P  PRIMARY COPPER SMELTERS
    Q  PRIMARY ZINC SMELTERS
    R  PRIMARY LEAD SMELTERS
    S  PRIMARY ALUMINUM REDUCTION
    T  PHOSPHATE FERTILIZER WET PROCESS
    U  PHOSPHATE FERTILIZER-SUPERPHOSPHORIC ACID
    V  PHOSPHATE FERTILIZER-DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE
    X  PHOSPHATE FERTILIZER-GRANULAR TRIPLE SUPERPHOSPHATE STORAGE
    Y  COAL PREPARATION PLANTS
    Z  FERROALLOY PRODUCTION FACILITIES
    AA  STEEL PLANTS-ELECTRIC ARC FURNACES
    CC  GLASS MANUFACTURING PLANTS
    DD  GRAIN ELEVATORS
    EE  SURFACE COATING OF METAL FURNITURE
    GG  STATIONARY GAS TURBINES
    HH  LIME MANUFACTURING PLANTS
    KK  LEAD-ACID BATTERY MANUFACTURING
    LL  METALLIC MINERAL PROCESSING PLANTS
    MM  AUTOMOBILE AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SURFACE COATING OPERATIONS
    NN  PHOSPHATE ROCK PLANTS
    PP  AMMONIUM SULFATE MANUFACTURING
    QQ  GRAPHIC ARTS-ROTOGRAVURE PRINTING
    RR  TAPE AND LABEL SURFACE COATINGS
    
    [[Page 20155]]
    
    SS  SURFACE COATING: LARGE APPLIANCES
    TT  METAL COIL SURFACE COATING
    UU  ASPHALT PROCESSING ROOFING
    VV  EQUIPMENT LEAKS OF VOC IN SOCMI
    WW  BEVERAGE CAN SURFACE COATING
    XX  BULK GASOLINE TERMINALS
    BBB  RUBBER TIRE MANUFACTURING
    DDD  VOC EMISSIONS FROM POLYMER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
    FFF  FLEXIBLE VINYL AND URETHAN COATING AND PRINTING
    GGG  EQUIPMENT LEAKS OF VOC IN PETROLEUM REFINERIES
    HHH  SYNTHETIC FIBER PRODUCTION
    III  VOC FROM SOCMI AIR OXIDATION UNIT
    JJJ  PETROLEUM DRY CLEANERS
    NNN  VOC FROM SOCMI DISTILLATION
    OOO  NONMETALLIC MINERAL PLANTS
    PPP  WOOL FIBERGLASS INSULATION
    QQQ  VOC FROM PETROLEUM REFINERY WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
    SSS  MAGNETIC TAPE COATING
    TTT  SURFACE COATING OF PLASTIC PARTS FOR BUSINESS MACHINES
    UUU  CALCINERS & DRYERS IN THE MINERAL INDUSTRY
    VVV  POLYMERIC COATING OF SUPPORTING SUBSTRATES
    
    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: April 19, 1996.
    John P. DeVillars,
    Regional Administrator, Region I.
    
        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 Rhode 
    Island in alphabetical order to read as follows:
    
    Appendix A to Part 70--Approval Status of State and Local Operating 
    Permits Programs
    
    * * * * *
    
    Rhode Island
    
        (a) Department of Environmental Management: submitted on June 20, 
    1995; interim approval effective on July 5, 1996; interim approval 
    expires July 6, 1998.
        (b) (Reserved)
    * * * * *
    [FR Doc. 96-11081 Filed 5-03-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
7/5/1996
Published:
05/06/1996
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Direct final rule.
Document Number:
96-11081
Dates:
This action will become effective July 5, 1996 unless notice is received by June 5, 1996 that adverse or critical comments will be submitted. If the effective date is delayed, timely notice will be published in the Federal Register.
Pages:
20150-20155 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
AD-FRL-5465-9
PDF File:
96-11081.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 70.6(a)(3)(iii)(A).''