94-13329. Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Ohio  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 105 (Thursday, June 2, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-13329]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: June 2, 1994]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 81
    
    [OH44-1-5936; FRL-4890-2]
    
     
    
    Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Ohio
    
    AGENCY: United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
    
    ACTION: Final rulemaking.
    
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    SUMMARY: USEPA is deleting all total suspended particulate (TSP) area 
    designations in the State of Ohio. This direct final action was 
    prompted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's request to 
    redesignate all areas in the State, except for Cuyahoga County and a 
    portion of Jefferson County, from TSP nonattainment to attainment. 
    Section 107(d)(4)(B) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) authorizes USEPA to 
    eliminate all area TSP designations once the increments for particulate 
    matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microns are 
    promulgated. On June 3, 1993 (58 FR 31622), USEPA published the final 
    rulemaking revising the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) 
    particulate matter increments so that the increments are measured in 
    terms of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or 
    equal to 10 microns (respirable particulate matter). The June 3, 1993 
    final rulemaking also establishes the method by which USEPA deletes 
    such TSP designations. Today's action becomes effective on June 3, 
    1994, the effective date of the respirable particulate matter 
    increments.
        Please note that for this action, the term ``respirable particulate 
    matter'' only applies to particulate matter with an aerodynamic 
    diameter less than or equal to 10 microns. ``Respirable particulate 
    matter'' is not to be confused with particulate matter with an 
    aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 microns.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: This rulemaking will become effective on June 3, 1994.
    
    ADDRESSES: Copies of the State submittal for this action are available 
    for public inspection during normal business hours at the following 
    address: (It is recommended that you telephone Gina Smith at (312) 886-
    7018 before visiting the Region 5 Office.): U.S. Environmental 
    Protection Agency, Region 5, Air and Radiation Division, 77 West 
    Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gina M. Smith, Air Enforcement Branch, 
    Regulation Development Section, (AE-17J), U.S. Environmental Protection 
    Agency, Region 5, Chicago, Illinois, 60604, (312) 886-7018.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        In 1971, USEPA promulgated primary and secondary national ambient 
    air quality standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter to be measured as 
    TSP. On July 1, 1987 (52 FR 24634), USEPA revised the NAAQS for 
    particulate matter, replacing the TSP indicator with the respirable 
    particulate matter indicator. The particulate matter standard was 
    revised under the authority of Section 109(d) of the CAA, which 
    requires periodic review and, if appropriate, revision of existing 
    criteria and standards.
        In a related rulemaking published in the July 1, 1987, Federal 
    Register (52 FR 24672), the Agency determined that the respirable 
    particulate matter standard would be implemented pursuant to section 
    110 of the CAA. As a result, the area designation process of section 
    107 and the nonattainment provisions of Part D did not apply to the 
    respirable particulate matter NAAQS. Consequently, TSP designations 
    were retained as a means of differentiating areas needing nonattainment 
    area new source review as opposed to attainment area prevention of 
    significant deterioration review and to provide for attainment area 
    increment tracking.
        In the 1990 amendments to the CAA, section 107 established 
    designations of attainment status for respirable particulate matter. In 
    addition, section 107(d)(4)(B) expressly states that any designation 
    for particulate matter (measured in terms of TSP) that the 
    Administrator promulgated prior to enactment of the 1990 Amendments 
    shall remain in effect for purposes of implementing the particulate 
    matter (measured in terms of TSP) increments until the Administrator 
    determines that such designation is no longer necessary for that 
    purpose. Section 166(f) authorizes USEPA to replace the TSP increment 
    with respirable particulate matter increments.
        Upon enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Cuyahoga 
    County and a portion of Jefferson County were designated as 
    nonattainment areas for respirable particulate matter. These two areas, 
    as well as seven other areas within the State, had previously been 
    designated TSP nonattainment areas. Cuyahoga County and a portion of 
    Jefferson County will remain designated as nonattainment areas for 
    respirable particulate matter.
        On June 3, 1993 (58 FR 31622), USEPA published the final rulemaking 
    revising the particulate matter increments so that they are measured in 
    terms of respirable particulate matter. As a result of the rulemaking, 
    the PSD increments and NAAQS for particulate matter will be measured by 
    the same indicator. The final rulemaking also establishes the method by 
    which USEPA will delete TSP area designations.
        As stated at 58 FR 31635, the deletion of TSP area designations for 
    each State will occur at the same time that USEPA (1) approves a 
    State's revised PSD program containing the respirable particulate 
    matter increments, (2) promulgates the PM-10 increments into a State's 
    SIP when the State chooses not to adopt the increments on their own, or 
    (3) approves a State's request for delegation of PSD responsibility 
    under Sec. 52.21(u). For States already having delegated authority to 
    implement the Federal PSD regulations, the rulemaking states that 
    ``USEPA will eliminate the TSP designations when the PM-10 increments 
    become effective under Sec. 52.21 on June 3, 1994.''
        USEPA has delegated to the State of Ohio the authority to implement 
    the PSD program. The delegation agreement provides for automatic 
    adoption of the revised respirable particulate matter increments once 
    the increment becomes effective. On August 3, 1993 (58 FR 41218), USEPA 
    proposed to approve the State of Ohio's regulations providing for 
    attainment of respirable particulate matter air quality standards in 
    areas that are currently designated nonattainment and unclassifiable 
    for respirable particulate matter.
        USEPA interprets section 107(d)(4)(B) of the CAA to allow 
    elimination of all TSP area designations once the respirable 
    particulate matter increments are promulgated. The respirable 
    particulate matter increments will become effective June 3, 1994 and 
    would automatically be delegated for implementation by the State of 
    Ohio. USEPA finds that the promulgation of the respirable particulate 
    matter increments and USEPA's proposed approval of Ohio's respirable 
    particulate matter SIP fulfills the criteria for eliminating TSP area 
    designations altogether.
        Although the OEPA requested redesignation of all areas in the 
    State, except Cuyahoga County and Jefferson County, from TSP 
    nonattainment to attainment, USEPA believes that it is administratively 
    more efficient to delete TSP area designations totally since the 
    deletion eliminates the need for two rulemaking proceedings. If USEPA 
    were to redesignate the TSP nonattainment areas at this time, the 
    Agency would then have to promulgate another rulemaking on or after 
    June 3, 1994, when the respirable particulate matter PSD increments 
    become effective.
        USEPA is publishing this action without prior proposal because, due 
    to the change from TSP to respirable particulate matter under the 
    particulate matter regulatory scheme, the Agency views this as a 
    noncontroversial amendment and anticipates no adverse comments. This 
    action will be effective June 3, 1994 unless, within 30 days of its 
    publication, notice is received that adverse critical comments will be 
    submitted.
        If such notice of comments is received, this action will be 
    withdrawn before the effective date by publishing two subsequent 
    notices. A notice would be published withdrawing the final action, and 
    another notice would begin a new rulemaking by announcing a proposal of 
    the action and establishing a comment period. If no such comments are 
    received, the public is advised that this action will be effective on 
    June 3, 1994.
    
    Final Action
    
        USEPA is taking action to delete all TSP area designations in the 
    State of Ohio since the Agency believes it is administratively more 
    efficient than redesignating the TSP nonattainment areas, except for 
    Cuyahoga County and a portion of Jefferson County, to attainment. 
    Deletion of the TSP area delegations at this time eliminates the need 
    for two rulemaking proceedings and has the same effect as redesignating 
    TSP nonattainment areas to attainment. Nothing in this action should be 
    construed as permitting, allowing or establishing a precedent for any 
    future request for revision to any SIP. Each request for revision to 
    the SIP shall be considered separately in light of specific technical, 
    economic, and environmental factors and in relation to relevant 
    statutory and regulatory requirements.
        The Agency has reviewed this action for conformance with the 
    provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 enacted on November 
    15, 1990 and determined that this action conforms with the statute as 
    amended. The Agency has examined the issue of whether this action 
    should be reviewed only under the provisions of the law as it existed 
    on the date of submittal to the Agency (i.e., prior to November 15, 
    1990) and has determined that the Agency must apply the new law.
        This action has been classified as a Table 3 action by the Regional 
    Administrator under the procedures published in the Federal Register on 
    January 19, 1989 (54 FR 2214-2225). Under Executive Order 12866, [58 FR 
    51735 (October 4, 1993)] the Agency must determine whether the 
    regulatory action is ``significant'' and therefore subject to Office of 
    Management and Budget (OMB) review and the requirements of the 
    Executive Order. The Order defines ``significant regulatory action'' as 
    one that is likely to result in a rule that may:
        (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
    adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
    economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
    health or safety, or State, local or tribal governments or communities;
        (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
    action taken or planned by another agency;
        (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
    user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
    thereof; or
        (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
    mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
    the Executive Order.
        OMB has exempted the regulatory action from Executive Order 12866 
    review.
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., USEPA 
    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, USEPA 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.
        USEPA's action under section 110 and subchapter I, part D of the 
    CAA does not affect any existing requirements applicable to small 
    entities. Any pre-existing Federal requirements remain in place after 
    this action. Moreover, USEPA's action does not impose any new Federal 
    requirements. Therefore, USEPA certifies that this action does not have 
    a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities because 
    it does not remove existing requirements nor does it impose any new 
    Federal requirements.
        Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review 
    of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for 
    the appropriate circuit by August 1, 1994. This action may not be 
    challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements (see 
    section 307(b)(2)).
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
    
        Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Intergovernmental 
    relations, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
        Dated: March 22, 1994.
    Valdas V. Adamkus,
    Regional Administrator.
        40 CFR part 81 is amended as follows:
    
    PART 81--DESIGNATION OF AREAS FOR AIR QUALITY PURPOSES
    
        1. The authority citation for part 81 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.
    
        2. Within Sec. 81.336--Ohio, the table entitled ``Ohio-TSP'' is 
    removed.
    
    [FR Doc. 94-13329 Filed 6-1-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/3/1994
Published:
06/02/1994
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Final rulemaking.
Document Number:
94-13329
Dates:
This rulemaking will become effective on June 3, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: June 2, 1994, OH44-1-5936, FRL-4890-2
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 81