96-14759. Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes: Wisconsin  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 11, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 29508-29515]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-14759]
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Parts 52 and 81
    
    [WI71-01-7297; FRL-5518-8]
    
    
    Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation 
    of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes: Wisconsin
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    
    [[Page 29509]]
    
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to approve the Wisconsin Department of 
    Natural Resources (WDNR) request to redesignate Kewaunee, Manitowoc, 
    and Sheboygan counties to attainment for ozone. In addition, EPA is 
    proposing to approve the section 175A maintenance plans as revisions to 
    the Wisconsin State Implementation Plan (SIP). This proposed rulemaking 
    is based upon a May 15, 1996, submittal to the EPA from the WDNR.
    
    DATES: Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by 
    July 11, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to: Carlton T. Nash, 
    Chief, Regulation Development Section, Air Programs Branch (AR-18J), 
    United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, 77 West 
    Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
        Copies of the State's submittal and EPA's analysis are available 
    for inspection at the following location: United States Environmental 
    Protection Agency, Region 5, Air and Radiation Division, 77 West 
    Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604. (It is recommended that you 
    telephone Randy Robinson at (312) 353-6713 before visiting the Region 5 
    Office.)
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Robinson at (312) 353-6713.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background
    
        In accordance with requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments 
    (Act) of 1990, Kewaunee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc Counties were 
    designated as ozone nonattainment areas on November 6, 1991, (56 FR 
    56850). Kewaunee and Manitowoc were designated as moderate ozone 
    nonattainment areas. Sheboygan was originally designated as a serious 
    ozone nonattainment area, but that classification was changed from 
    serious to moderate on November 30, 1992, (57 FR 56762). The 
    nonattainment designations were based on air quality monitored 
    violations of the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
        Recent air quality data shows that none of the three counties are 
    in violation of the ozone NAAQS. Therefore, the counties of Manitowoc, 
    Sheboygan, and Kewaunee, are eligible for redesignation to attainment 
    based on a minimum of 3 years of ``clean'' air quality data, as 
    required in the Act. On May 15, 1996, the WDNR submitted requests for 
    redesignation to attainment and maintenance plans for ozone for 
    Kewaunee County, Manitowoc County, and Sheboygan County. The remainder 
    of this document will discuss the regulatory requirements for 
    redesignation to attainment, the details of the Wisconsin draft 
    submittals, and EPA's recommended rulemaking action.
    
    II. Redesignation Review Criteria
    
        The Act provide the requirements for redesignating a nonattainment 
    area to attainment. Specifically, section 107(d)(3)(E) provides for 
    redesignation if: (i) The Administrator determines that the area has 
    attained the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS); (ii) the 
    Administrator has fully approved the applicable implementation plan for 
    the area under section 110(k); (iii) the Administrator determines that 
    the improvement in air quality is due to permanent and enforceable 
    reductions in emissions resulting from implementation of the applicable 
    implementation plan and applicable Federal air pollutant control 
    regulations and other permanent and enforceable reductions; (iv) the 
    Administrator has fully approved a maintenance plan for the area as 
    meeting the requirements of section 175(A); and (v) the State 
    containing such area has met all requirements applicable to the area 
    under section 110 and Part D.
        The EPA provided guidance on redesignation in the General Preamble 
    for the Implementation of Title I of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 
    1990, 57 FR 13498, (April 16, 1992), supplemented at 57 FR 18070, 
    (April 28, 1992) (General Preamble). Three key memoranda provide 
    further guidance with respect to section 107(d)(3)(E) of the Act. The 
    first, dated September 4, 1992, was issued by John Calcagni, Director, 
    Air Quality Management Division, Subject: Procedures for Processing 
    Requests to Redesignate Areas to Attainment (Calcagni Memorandum). The 
    second, dated September 17, 1993, was issued by Michael Shapiro, Acting 
    Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Subject: State 
    Implementation Plan (SIP) Requirements for Area Submitting Requests for 
    Redesignation to Attainment of the Ozone and Carbon Monoxide (CO) NAAQS 
    on or after November 15, 1992, (Shapiro Memorandum). The third, dated 
    October 14, 1994, was issued by Mary Nichols, Assistant Administrator 
    for Air and Radiation, Subject: Part D New Source Review Requirements 
    for Areas Requesting Redesignation to Attainment (Nichols Memorandum).
    
    Analysis of State Submittal
    
    A. The Area Must Have Attained the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality 
    Standard (NAAQS)
        An area may be considered attaining the ozone NAAQS if there are no 
    violations of the NAAQS, as determined in accordance with 40 CFR 50.9, 
    based on 3 complete, consecutive calendar years of quality assured 
    monitoring data. The data that are used should be the product of 
    ambient monitoring that is representative of the area believed to have 
    the highest concentration. A violation of the NAAQS occurs when the 
    annual average number of expected daily exceedances is equal to or 
    greater than one at any site under consideration. A daily exceedance 
    occurs when the maximum hourly ozone concentration during a given day 
    exceeds 0.124 parts per million (ppm). The data should be collected and 
    quality-assured in accordance with 40 CFR Part 58, and recorded in the 
    Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS). The monitors should 
    have remained at a location representative of the area's ozone air 
    quality for the duration of the monitoring period required for 
    demonstrating attainment.
        Kewaunee County contains one ozone monitor, located just south of 
    the town of Kewaunee, close to Lake Michigan. The monitor was moved to 
    this site in 1994 from a previous location about one mile to the 
    northwest. The monitor had been located in a room at Kewaunee High 
    School, which the school wanted to reclaim. Kewaunee High School is 
    located in the town of Kewaunee, about one-half mile from Lake 
    Michigan.
        The Sheboygan County monitor is located approximately 5 miles south 
    of the city of Sheboygan and about a mile from Lake Michigan. The 
    monitor has been in operation at this site since 1977.
        Manitowoc County has two ozone monitors which operate during the 
    April 15 to October 15 ozone season. The Collins Fire Tower site was 
    initiated in 1992 after high ozone levels were measured during the Lake 
    Michigan Ozone Study field study, conducted in the summer of 1991. The 
    second monitor is at the Woodland Dunes Nature Conservancy. The monitor 
    was moved to this location in 1994 from the Washington Jr. High School 
    site. The move was needed to ensure adequate access to the monitoring 
    equipment and also to provide sufficient space for the additional 
    monitoring equipment required for the Photochemical Air Monitoring 
    Stations (PAMS). The PAMS sites are required by the Act and
    
    [[Page 29510]]
    
    measure more pollutants than traditional ozone monitoring stations. The 
    EPA stated, in a letter dated March 21, 1995, to WDNR, that the ozone 
    monitoring data from the new site may be considered as a continuation 
    from the old site.
        To demonstrate monitored attainment with the standard, the WDNR 
    submitted ozone monitoring data for the April 15 to October 15 ozone 
    season for 1993, 1994, and 1995 for Kewaunee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc 
    Counties. The annual average expected exceedance for this 3-year time 
    period, for each county is 0.67, 0.67, and 1.0, respectively. No 
    violations were recorded during this 3-year time period. The three 
    counties have attained the NAAQS. This data has been quality assured 
    and is recorded in AIRS.
    B. The Area Must Have a Fully Approved State Implementation Plan (SIP) 
    Under Section 110(k); and the Area Must Have Met All Applicable 
    Requirements Under Section 110 and Part D
        In November 1991, Kewaunee and Manitowoc Counties were designated 
    moderate nonattainment for ozone based on monitored ozone exceedances 
    occurring during the years 1987-1989. Sheboygan County was classified 
    as moderate nonattainment in November 1992. As a result of this 
    designation, the WDNR was required to submit revised SIPs that meet the 
    requirements of the Act and demonstrate attainment and maintenance with 
    the ozone standards.
    
    Section 110: General Requirements for Implementation Plans
    
        Section 110(a)(2) of the Act lists the elements to be included in 
    each SIP after adoption by the State and reasonable notice and public 
    hearing. The elements include, but are not limited to, provisions for 
    establishment and operation of appropriate devices, methods, systems, 
    and procedures necessary to monitor ambient air quality; implementation 
    of a permit program, provisions for Part C (PSD) and D (NSR) permit 
    programs, criteria for stationary source emission control measures, 
    monitoring, and reporting, provisions for modeling, and provisions for 
    public and local agency participation. For purposes of redesignation, 
    the Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan County SIPs were reviewed to 
    ensure that all requirements under the Act were satisfied. EPA has 
    determined that the individual SIPs are consistent with the 
    requirements of section 110 of the Act.
    
    Part D: General Provisions for Nonattainment Areas
    
        Before any of the moderate nonattainment counties may be 
    redesignated as attainment, they must fulfill the applicable 
    requirements of Part D. Under Part D, an area's classification 
    determines the requirements to which it is subject. Subpart 1 of Part D 
    sets forth the basic nonattainment requirements applicable to all 
    nonattainment areas. Subpart 2 of Part D establishes additional 
    requirements for nonattainment areas classified under table 1 of 
    section 181(a). As described in the General Preamble, specific 
    requirements of Subpart 2 may override Subpart 1's general provisions, 
    (57 FR 13501 (April 16, 1992)). Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan 
    Counties are classified as moderate nonattainment areas. Therefore, in 
    order to be redesignated, the State must meet the applicable 
    requirements of Subpart 1 of Part D--specifically sections 172 and 176, 
    as well as the applicable requirements of Subpart 2 of Part D.
    
    Section 172 Requirements
    
        The State redesignation requests have satisfied all of the relevant 
    submittal requirements under section 172 necessary for the area to be 
    redesignated to attainment.
        The reasonable further progress (RFP) requirement under section 
    172(c)(2) is defined as progress that must be made toward attainment. 
    This requirement is not relevant because all three counties have 
    demonstrated monitored attainment of the ozone NAAQS, (General 
    Preamble, 57 FR 13564).
        Section 172(c)(3) requires submission and approval of a 
    comprehensive, accurate, and current inventory of actual emissions. The 
    requirement was superseded by the inventory requirement in section 
    182(a)(1). The WDNR submitted such an inventory on November 15, 1992. 
    It was approved on June 15, 1994 (59 FR 30702).
        Section 172(c)(5) requires permits for the construction and 
    operation of new and modified major stationary sources anywhere in the 
    nonattainment area. The WDNR submitted information on nonattainment 
    area new source review rules on November 15, 1992. The rules were 
    approved by EPA on January 18, 1995, (60 FR 3538). The State's 
    Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program will become 
    effective in Kewaunee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc County upon 
    redesignation to attainment. The State was delegated the PSD program on 
    November 4, 1987.
    
    Section 176 Conformity Requirements
    
        Section 176 of the Act requires States to revise their SIPs to 
    establish criteria and procedures to ensure that, before they are 
    taken, Federal actions conform to the air quality planning goals in the 
    applicable State SIP. The requirement to determine conformity applies 
    to transportation plans, programs and projects developed, funded or 
    approved under Title 23 U.S.C. or the Federal Transit Act, 49 U.S.C.A. 
    App. section 1601 et seq., (``transportation conformity''), as well as 
    to all other Federal actions (``general conformity''). Section 176 
    further provides that the conformity revision to be submitted by the 
    States must be consistent with Federal conformity regulations that the 
    Act required the EPA to promulgate. Congress provided for the State 
    revisions to be submitted 1 year after the date of promulgation of 
    final EPA conformity regulations.
        The EPA promulgated final transportation conformity regulations on 
    November 24, 1993, (58 FR 62188) and general conformity regulations on 
    November 30, 1993, (58 FR 63214). Pursuant to Section 51.396 of the 
    transportation conformity rule and Section 51.851 of the general 
    conformity rule, the State of Wisconsin submitted a SIP revision 
    containing transportation and general conformity criteria and 
    procedures on November 23, 1994, and November 30, 1994, respectively. 
    The EPA has not yet approved these rules as part of the SIP.
        The EPA believes it is reasonable to interpret the conformity 
    requirements as not being applicable requirements for purposes of 
    evaluating the redesignation request under section 107(d). The 
    rationale for this is based on a combination of two factors. First, the 
    requirement to submit SIP revisions to comply with the conformity 
    provisions of the Act continue to apply to areas after redesignation to 
    attainment, since such areas would be subject to a section 175A 
    maintenance plan. Second, EPA's Federal conformity rules require the 
    performance of conformity analyses in the absence of federally approved 
    State rules. Therefore, because areas are subject to the conformity 
    requirements regardless of whether they are redesignated to attainment 
    and must implement conformity under Federal rules if State rules are 
    not yet approved, the EPA believes it is reasonable to view these 
    requirements as not being applicable requirements for purposes of 
    evaluation of a redesignation request. Consequently, the ozone 
    redesignation requests for Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan County 
    may be approved
    
    [[Page 29511]]
    
    notwithstanding the lack of fully approved State transportation and 
    general conformity rules. This policy was also exercised in the Tampa, 
    Florida ozone redesignation finalized on December 7, 1995, (60 FR 
    62748).
    
    Subpart 2 Section 182 Requirements
    
        The Counties of Kewaunee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc are classified 
    as moderate nonattainment. Therefore, Part D, Subpart 2, section 182(b) 
    requirements apply. In accordance with guidance presented in the 
    Shapiro memorandum, the requirements that were due prior to the 
    submission of the requests to redesignate the three counties must be 
    fully approved into the SIP before the requests to redesignate the area 
    to attainment can be approved. Those requirements are discussed below:
    (a) 1990 Base Year Inventory
        The 1990 base year emission inventory was due on November 15, 1992. 
    It was submitted to EPA on November 15, 1992, and approved by EPA on 
    June 15, 1994, (59 FR 30702).
    (b) Emission Statements
        The emission statements SIP was due on November 15, 1992. It was 
    submitted to the EPA on November 15, 1992, and approved by EPA on 
    December 6, 1993, (58 FR 64155).
    (c) (15 Percent) Plan
        The 15 percent Rate of Progress plan for VOC reductions was 
    submitted to EPA on November 15, 1993. The plan was approved on March 
    22, 1996, (61 FR 11735).
    (d) Attainment Demonstration
        Section 182(b)(1) requires that the 15 percent plan provide for 
    ``such specific annual reductions in emissions . . . as necessary to 
    attain the national primary ambient air quality standard by the 
    attainment date applicable under this Act.'' However, as explained in a 
    memorandum from John S. Seitz, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning 
    and Standards, entitled ``Reasonable Further Progress, Attainment 
    Demonstration, and Related Requirements for Ozone Nonattainment Areas 
    Meeting the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard,'' dated May 
    10, 1995, EPA believes it is appropriate to interpret the provisions 
    regarding attainment demonstrations, along with certain other 
    provisions, so as not to require SIP submittals if an ozone 
    nonattainment area subject to those requirements is monitoring 
    attainment of the ozone standard.
        The EPA has determined that Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan 
    Counties have demonstrated monitored attainment with the ozone NAAQS. 
    As a consequence, the attainment demonstration requirement of section 
    182(b)(1) is not applicable to the Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan 
    Counties redesignation requests. The State must, however, continue to 
    operate an appropriate air quality monitoring network, in accordance 
    with 40 CFR Part 58, to verify the attainment status of the area.
    (e) RACT Requirements
        SIP revisions requiring RACT for three classes of VOC sources are 
    required under section 182(b)(2). The categories are:
        (i) All sources covered by a Control Technology Guideline (CTG) 
    document issued between November 15, 1990 and the date of attainment.
        (ii) All sources covered by a CTG issued prior to November 15, 
    1990.
        (iii) All other major non-CTG stationary sources.
        The State submitted VOC RACT rules, including existing CTG's and 
    non-CTG major sources, on September 22, 1993. EPA approved the rules on 
    August 15, 1994. Additional rules for yeast manufacturing and molded 
    wood parts or products coating and wood door finishing were approved on 
    June 30, 1995; screenprinting on July 28, 1995; iron and steel 
    foundaries on February 13, 1996; wood furniture coating on July 28, 
    1995; and lithographic printing on April 9, 1996.
    (f) Stage II Vapor Recovery
        Section 182(b)(3) requires States to submit gasoline vapor recovery 
    rules no later than November 15, 1992. This requirement pertains to the 
    recovery of emissions from the refueling of motor vehicles (i.e., Stage 
    II). The Wisconsin Stage II rules were submitted as a SIP revision on 
    November 15, 1992. On August 13, 1993, the EPA approved the State's SIP 
    revision for implementation of Stage II (58 FR 43080).
    (g) Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
        The EPA's final I/M regulations in 40 CFR Part 51 establish 
    specific requirements for certain ozone nonattainment areas to adopt 
    and submit plans for I/M. Under these regulations, Manitowoc and 
    Kewaunee counties are not required to implement an I/M program due to 
    lack of urbanized areas. Sheboygan county, however, is subject to the 
    I/M requirements and on November 15, 1993, the State of Wisconsin 
    submitted a SIP revision to meet the I/M requirements for Sheboygan 
    county. Under the I/M regulations, areas requesting redesignation must 
    meet certain requirements in order to receive full SIP approval for 
    their I/M program. For Sheboygan county, the I/M plans must contain the 
    following elements:
        1. Legal authority to implement an I/M program.
        2. A commitment by the Governor or the Governor's designee to adopt 
    or consider adopting an I/M program, in accordance with the maintenance 
    plan.
        3. An enforceable schedule for adoption and implementation of the 
    I/M program, and appropriate milestones for implementation.
        The legal authority for the I/M program in Sheboygan county was 
    approved by the EPA on January 12, 1995, (60 FR 2881). The program is 
    currently being implemented in accordance with the schedule submitted 
    by the State. As a result, the Sheboygan county I/M program meets the 
    criteria for a fully approved I/M SIP under EPA regulations.
    (h) 1.15 to 1.0 Offset
        Section 182(b)(5) requires all major new sources or modifications 
    in a moderate nonattainment area to achieve offsetting reductions of 
    VOCs at a ratio of at least 1.15 to 1.0. The State submitted New Source 
    Review rules on November 23, 1994. EPA approved the rules on January 
    18, 1995, (60 FR 3538).
    (i) NOX Requirement
        Section 182(f) establishes NOX requirements for ozone 
    nonattainment areas. However, it provides that these requirements do 
    not apply to an area if the Administrator determines that NOX 
    reductions would not contribute to attainment. On July 13, 1994, 
    Wisconsin submitted, along with Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, a 
    section 182(f) NOX petition to be relieved of the section 182(f) 
    NOX requirements based on urban airshed modeling (UAM). The 
    modeling demonstrates that NOX emission reductions would not 
    contribute to attainment of the NAAQS for ozone in the modeled area, 
    which includes Kewaunee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc Counties area. The 
    EPA approved the section 182(f) petition on January 26, 1996, (61 FR 
    2428). However, approval of the waiver does not exempt these counties 
    from requirements that may be imposed as a result of the Ozone 
    Transport Assessment Group process.
    
    [[Page 29512]]
    
    C. The Improvement in Air Quality Must be Due to Permanent and 
    Enforceable Reductions in Emissions Resulting From the SIP, Federal 
    Measures and Other Permanent and Enforceable Reductions
        The State must be able to reasonably attribute the improvement in 
    air quality to emission reductions which are permanent and enforceable. 
    To satisfy this requirement, the State should estimate the percent 
    reduction from the year that was used to determine the design value for 
    designation and classification achieved from Federal measures and 
    control measures that have been adopted and implemented by the State. 
    Emission rates, production capacities and other information should be 
    used in the estimation. Sources should be assumed to operate at 
    permitted or historic peak levels unless evidence is presented that 
    such an assumption is unrealistic.
        The WDNR submittal documents changes in VOC and NOX emissions 
    from 1988 (the design year) to 1993 (the attainment year) for each 
    county. Those changes are shown in the tables below.
    
                          Kewaunee County VOC Emissions                     
                                  [Tons per day]                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Sector                      1988     1990      1993  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Point......................................     0.84     0.86       0.92
    Area.......................................     1.77     1.76       1.74
    Mobile.....................................     2.48     2.16       1.74
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................     5.09     4.78       4.40
    Percent Change from 1988 (design year).....  .......    -6.09     -13.56
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                          Kewaunee County NOx Emissions                     
                                  [Tons per day]                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Sector                       1988     1990     1993 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Point........................................     0.03     0.03     0.04
    Area.........................................     0.14     0.14     0.14
    Mobile.......................................     2.87     2.78     2.67
                                                  --------------------------
          Totals.................................     3.04     2.95     2.85
    Percent Change from 1988 (design year).......  .......    -2.96    -6.25
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                         Sheboygan County VOC Emissions                     
                                  [Tons per day]                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Sector                       1988     1990     1993 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Point........................................     6.60     6.74     7.18
    Area.........................................     9.62     9.69     9.84
    Mobile.......................................    10.59     9.17     7.29
                                                  --------------------------
          Totals.................................    26.81    25.60    24.32
    Percent Change from 1988 (design year).......  .......    -4.51    -9.32
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                         Sheboygan County NOX Emissions                     
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Sector                       1988     1990     1993 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Point........................................    55.23    56.35    60.08
    Area.........................................     1.35     1.38     1.36
    Mobile.......................................    16.91    16.32    15.34
                                                  --------------------------
          Totals.................................    73.49    74.05    76.78
    Percent Change from 1988 (design year).......  .......    +0.76    +4.48
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                         Manitowoc County VOC Emissions                     
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Sector                      1988     1990      1993  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Point......................................     1.14     1.16       1.24
    Area.......................................     8.73     8.82       8.87
    Mobile.....................................     9.57     8.25       6.44
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................    19.44    18.23      16.55
    Percent Change from 1988 (design year).....  .......    -6.22     -14.86
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                         Manitowoc County NOX Emissions                     
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Sector                      1988     1990      1993  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Point......................................     3.14     3.20       3.41
    Area.......................................     0.97     0.98       0.97
    Mobile.....................................    15.91    15.32      13.94
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................    20.02    19.50      18.32
    Percent Change from 1988 (design year).....  .......    -2.55      -8.44
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The tables show that VOC and NOx emissions decreased for both 
    Manitowoc and Kewaunee Counties from 1988 to 1993. Sheboygan VOC also 
    decreased during that time period. However, NOx emission increased 
    from 73.49 tons per day to 76.77 tons per day. The increase in NOx 
    emissions happened concurrently with the county's decrease in ozone and 
    subsequent ability to show attainment of the standard. The WDNR has 
    demonstrated that the improvement in air quality is due to the decrease 
    in VOC emissions resulting primarily from the implementation of Federal 
    programs. This reasoning is consistent with the NOx waiver 
    analysis, which showed that NOx reductions would not contribute to 
    attainment of the NAAQS for ozone. Emission estimates in the above 
    tables were back casted to 1988 from 1990 base year emissions, 
    according to variables such as population growth, economic growth, and 
    vehicle miles traveled. Although Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan 
    Counties experienced moderate economic and population growth during the 
    years 1988 to 1993, VOC decreased in all three counties and NOx 
    emissions decreased in each county except Sheboygan. The majority of 
    the reductions are due to lower highway motor vehicle emissions. These 
    reductions are directly attributable to the implementation of the 
    Federal Motor Vehicle Control Program (FMVCP).
    D. The Area Must Have a Fully Approved Maintenance Plan Meeting the 
    Requirements of Section 175A
        Section 175A of the Act defines requirements for maintenance plans. 
    The maintenance plan is a SIP revision which provides for attainment of 
    the relevant NAAQS in the area for at least 10 years after 
    redesignation. There are five core provisions that the maintenance plan 
    must address (Calgagni Memorandum): the attainment inventory, 
    maintenance demonstration, monitoring network, verification of 
    continued attainment, and a contingency plan. The attainment inventory 
    must identify the level of emissions in the area that is sufficient to 
    attain the ozone NAAQS and must include the emissions during the time 
    period associated with the monitoring data showing attainment. 
    Maintenance is demonstrated by showing that future emissions will not 
    exceed the level of the attainment inventory. The maintenance plan must 
    also provide for continued operation of an appropriate air quality 
    monitoring network to verify attainment status of the area. The plan 
    must indicate how the State will track the progress of the maintenance 
    plan. Finally, the maintenance plan must include contingency measures 
    which would promptly correct any violation of the ozone NAAQS that 
    occurs after redesignation of the area to attainment.
    
    Attainment Inventory
    
        The Kewaunee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc Counties submittals 
    contained inventories of 1990 actual VOC and NOx emissions from 
    stationary, area, and mobile sources. This is the most accurate,
    
    [[Page 29513]]
    
    comprehensive emission inventory available for the area. The 1990 
    emission inventory was projected to 1993 to provide an emissions 
    inventory representative of attainment conditions based upon the lack 
    of a monitored ozone violation for the years 1992-1994.
    
    Maintenance Demonstration
    
        The three county submittals show projected VOC and NOX 
    emissions from the 1993 attainment inventory to 2007. The following 
    tables list the VOC and NOX emissions for the base year, interim 
    year and final year for each county.
    
                        Summary of Kewaunee VOC Emissions                   
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1993     1996      2007  
                       Sector                     Attain   Proj.     Proj.  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Area.......................................     1.74     1.57       1.57
    Point......................................     0.92     0.76       0.98
    Mobile.....................................     1.74     1.68       1.37
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................     4.40     4.01       3.92
    Percent Change from 1993...................  .......    -8.86     -10.91
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                        Summary of Kewaunee NOX Emissions                   
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1993     1996      2007  
                       Sector                     Attain   Proj.     Proj.  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Area                                            0.14     0.14       0.13
    Point......................................     0.04     0.04       0.05
    Mobile.....................................     2.67     2.56       2.36
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................     2.85     2.74       2.54
    Percent Change from 1993...................  .......    -3.86     -10.87
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                       Summary of Sheboygan VOC Emissions                   
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1993     1996      2007  
                       Sector                     Attain   Proj.     Proj.  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Area.......................................     9.84     8.52       9.03
    Point......................................     7.18     7.18       9.22
    Mobile.....................................     7.29     6.85       4.36
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................    24.31    22.55      22.61
    Percent Change from 1993...................  .......    -7.23      -7.00
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                       Summary of Sheboygan NOX Emissions                   
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1993     1996      2007  
                       Sector                     Attain   Proj.     Proj.  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Area.......................................     1.36     1.36       1.27
    Point......................................    60.08    70.13      55.89
    Mobile.....................................    15.34    14.33      11.63
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................    76.78    85.82      68.79
    Percent Change from 1993...................  .......   +11.77     -10.40
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                       Summary of Manitowoc VOC Emissions                   
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1993     1996      2007  
                       Sector                     Attain   Proj.     Proj.  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Area.......................................     8.87     7.77       8.22
    Point......................................     1.24     1.22       1.59
    Mobile.....................................     6.44     6.18       5.02
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................    16.55    15.17      14.83
    Percent Change from 1993...................  .......    -8.33     -10.39
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                       Summary of Manitowoc NOX Emissions                   
                                 [Tons per day]                             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1993     1996      2007  
                       Sector                     Attain   Proj.     Proj.  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Area.......................................     0.97     0.97       0.91
    Point......................................     3.41     3.64       4.71
    Mobile.....................................    13.94    12.97      10.35
                                                ----------------------------
          Totals...............................    18.32    17.58      15.97
    Percent Change from 1993...................  .......    -4.04     -12.83
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The above tables show that the level of total emissions in the 
    attainment year, 1993, are not exceeded in either the interim year, 
    1996, or the final year, 2007. An exception to this is the NOX 
    emission estimate for the interim year in Sheboygan County, which is 
    predicted to increase by about 12 percent in 1996 but drop below 
    attainment year levels by 2007. The drop in emissions from 1996 to 2007 
    is attributable to the Act Title IV NOX requirements. To date, 
    this level of increase in NOX has not caused a violation of the 
    NAAQS. The EPA believes that the emissions projections demonstrate that 
    the area will continue to maintain the ozone NAAQS because this area 
    has achieved attainment through VOC controls and reductions. 
    Additionally, modeling performed to support the NOX waiver 
    petition showed that additional NOX reductions would not 
    contribute to attainment of the NAAQS.
    
    Emission Projections
    
        All emission projections were made from emissions calculated for 
    WDNR's 1990 base year inventory. The 1990 base year inventory reflects 
    tons per typical summer day emissions as well as an 80 percent rule 
    effectiveness assumption. Projections were generally based on the 
    following equation:
    
    Proj.Emissions='90 Emissions*(Proj. Factor)*(1-(Cont.Effcy)*(RE)*(RP))
    
    Where RE=rule effectiveness (default=80%), and RP=rule penetration.
    
        Projections of stationary source emissions through the year 2007, 
    for all three counties, were developed based primarily on economic 
    growth projection factors using a growth of 1 percent per year prior to 
    1990 and approximately 2.3 percent per year after 1990. The area source 
    emissions were projected using a variety of growth factors, such as 
    population growth, gasoline market, vehicle miles traveled, farmland, 
    etc. To project future year mobile VOC emissions, a VMT growth rate of 
    2.0 percent was used for the period between 1988 and 2007. These 
    estimates were provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. 
    The MOBILE5a model was run to produce emission factors for the years 
    1988, 1990, 1993, 1996, and 2007. The submittal included the input and 
    output files from the model runs.
    
    Monitoring Network
    
        There is currently one monitor measuring ozone in Kewaunee County 
    and one monitor in Sheboygan County. Two monitors measure ozone in 
    Manitowoc County. The WDNR has committed to continue operating and 
    maintaining an approved ozone monitor network in each of the three 
    counties for the 10 year maintenance period to verify the attainment 
    status of the area.
    
    Contingency Plan
    
        The contingency plans for the counties of Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and 
    Sheboygan contain three major components: attainment tracking, 
    contingency measures, and a mechanism that triggers the implementation 
    of the contingency measures.
        The WDNR will track the progress of the maintenance plan for each 
    County by generating VOC and NOX emissions inventories for point, 
    area, and mobile sources for the years 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2007
        The contingency measures to be considered for implementation for 
    each
    
    [[Page 29514]]
    
    county are (1) a lower major source applicability threshold for 
    industrial sources and (2) the implementation of new gasoline standards 
    that will lower VOC emissions. Selection of the contingency measures 
    will take place in the event the ozone NAAQS is violated, and if an EPA 
    approved analysis shows that emission sources from the county with the 
    monitored violation caused the violation. This analysis is being 
    conducted because the State has maintained that the level of ozone in 
    these three counties is a function of ozone and ozone precursors being 
    transported to the region from upwind urbanized areas such as the 
    greater Chicago area. The analysis will follow a protocol which WDNR 
    will submit to EPA for approval, within 60 days after the violation. 
    This protocol plan may include available meteorological data, 
    monitoring data, and a dispersion modeling study. The completed 
    analysis will then be sent to EPA for approval within 14 months of the 
    violation. The completed analysis will be subject to public comment. If 
    the analysis shows that the specific county source(s) caused the 
    violation, contingency measures will be implemented. In summary, the 
    contingency measures will be implemented according to the following 
    schedule:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Activity                                             Completion time                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Violation of the ozone NAAQS:                                                                                   
        Verify violation and submit plan to analyze    60 days after violation measurement.                         
         violation to EPA for approval.                                                                             
        Submit completed analysis, public notice and   14 months after violation measurement.                       
         comment material to EPA for approval.                                                                      
        Lower ``major source'' threshold for           24 months after violation measurement.                       
         industrial sources within the county with                                                                  
         the violation.                                                                                             
        Gasoline standards in the county with the      24 months after violation measurement.                       
         violation to lower VOC emissions.                                                                          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan Counties submittals 
    adequately address the five basic components which comprise a 
    maintenance plan (attainment inventory, maintenance demonstration, 
    monitoring network, verification of continued attainment, and a 
    contingency plan) and, therefore, satisfy the maintenance plan 
    requirements of Section 107(d)(3)(E)(iv).
    E. The Area Must Have Met All Applicable Requirements Under Section 110 
    and Part D
        Section 110 and Part D requirements were discussed under section B 
    above.
    
    III. Final Rulemaking Action
    
        The EPA is proposing to approve WDNR's request for redesignation to 
    attainment and 175A maintenance plan for ozone for Kewaunee, Sheboygan, 
    and Manitowoc County.
        Nothing in this action should be construed as permitting, allowing 
    or establishing a precedent for any future request for revision to any 
    SIP. The EPA shall consider each request for revision to the SIP in 
    light of specific technical, economic, and environmental factors and in 
    relation to relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
        Ozone SIPs are designed to satisfy the requirements of Part D of 
    the Act and to provide for attainment and maintenance of the ozone 
    NAAQS. This proposed redesignation should not be interpreted as 
    authorizing the State to delete, alter, or rescind any of the VOC or 
    NOX emission limitations and restrictions contained in the 
    approved ozone SIP. Changes to ozone SIP VOC regulations rendering them 
    less stringent than those contained in the EPA approved plan cannot be 
    made unless a revised plan for attainment and maintenance is submitted 
    to and approved by EPA. Unauthorized relaxations, deletions, and 
    changes could result in both a finding on nonimplementation [section 
    173(b) of the Clean Air Act] and in a SIP deficiency call made pursuant 
    to section 110(a)(2)(H) of the Act.
        This action has been classified as a Table 3 action for signature 
    by the Regional Administrator under the procedures published in the 
    Federal Register on January 19, 1989, (54 FR 2214-2225), as revised by 
    a July 10, 1995, memorandum from Mary Nichols, Assistant Administrator 
    for Air and Radiation. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
    exempted this regulatory action from Executive Order 12866 review.
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., EPA 
    must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis assessing the impact of 
    any proposed or final rule on small entities. (5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.) 
    Alternatively, EPA may certify that the rule will not have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small 
    entities include small businesses, small not-for-profit enterprises, 
    and government entities with jurisdiction over populations of less than 
    50,000.
        Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (``Unfunded 
    Mandates Act''), 2 U.S.C. 1532, requires that the EPA prepare a 
    budgetary impact statement before promulgating a rule that includes a 
    Federal mandate that may result in expenditure by State, local, and 
    tribal governments, in aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
    million or more in any one year. Section 203, 2 U.S.C. 1533, requires 
    the EPA to establish a plan for obtaining input from and informing, 
    educating, and advising any small governments that may be significantly 
    or uniquely affected by the rule.
        Under section 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Act, 2 U.S.C. 1535, the 
    EPA must identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory 
    alternatives before promulgating a rule for which a budgetary impact 
    statement must be prepared. The EPA must select from those alternatives 
    the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative 
    that achieves the objectives of the rule, unless the EPA explains why 
    this alternative is not selected or the selection of this alternative 
    is inconsistent with law.
        Because this proposed rule is estimated to result in the 
    expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments or the private 
    sector of less then $100 million in any one year, the EPA has not 
    prepared a budgetary impact statement or specifically addressed the 
    selection of the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome 
    alternative. Because small governments will not be significantly or 
    uniquely affected by this rule, the EPA is not required to develop a 
    plan with regard to small governments.
        SIP approvals under section 110 and Subchapter I, Part D, of the 
    Clean Air Act do not create any new requirements, but simply approve 
    requirements that the State is already imposing. Therefore, because the 
    Federal SIP approval does not impose any new requirements, I certify 
    that it does not have a significant impact on any small entities 
    affected. Moreover, due to the nature of the Federal-State relationship 
    under the Clean Air Act, preparation of a regulatory flexibility 
    analysis would constitute Federal inquiry into the economic 
    reasonableness of the State action. The Clean Air Act forbids EPA to 
    base its actions concerning SIPs on
    
    [[Page 29515]]
    
    such grounds. Union Electric Co. v. EPA, 427 U.S. 246, 256-66 (1976).
    
    List of Subjects
    
    40 CFR Part 52
    
        Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Motor vehicle 
    pollution, Hydrocarbons, Nitrogen oxides, Ozone, Volatile organic 
    compounds.
    
    40 CFR Part 81
    
        Environmental protection, Air pollution control, National Parks, 
    Wilderness Areas.
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.
    
    Dated: May 30, 1996.
    Valdas V. Adamkus,
    Regional Administrator.
    
    [FR Doc. 96-14759 Filed 6-10-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
06/11/1996
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
96-14759
Dates:
Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by July 11, 1996.
Pages:
29508-29515 (8 pages)
Docket Numbers:
WI71-01-7297, FRL-5518-8
PDF File:
96-14759.pdf
CFR: (2)
40 CFR 52
40 CFR 81