94-23117. Clean Air Act Proposed Interim Approval Operating Permits Program; the State of Arkansas  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 180 (Monday, September 19, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-23117]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: September 19, 1994]
    
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 70
    
    [AR001; FRL-5073-8]
    
     
    
    Clean Air Act Proposed Interim Approval Operating Permits 
    Program; the State of Arkansas
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Proposed interim approval.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The EPA proposes interim approval of the operating permits 
    program submitted by the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and 
    Ecology (ADPCE) through the Governor of Arkansas for the purpose of 
    complying with Federal requirements which mandate that States develop, 
    and submit to EPA, programs for issuing operating permits to all major 
    stationary sources, with the exception of sources on Indian Lands.
    DATES: Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by 
    October 19, 1994.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments on this action should be addressed to Ms. 
    Jole C. Luehrs, Chief, New Source Review Section, at the EPA Region 6 
    Office listed. Copies of the State's submittal and other supporting 
    information used in developing the proposed rule are available for 
    inspection during normal business hours at the following locations. 
    Interested persons wanting to examine these documents should make an 
    appointment with the appropriate office at least 24 hours before 
    visiting day.
        Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Air Programs Branch (6T-
    AN), 1445 Ross Avenue, suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733.
        Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology, 8001 National 
    Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72219-8913.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wm. Nicholas Stone, New Source Review 
    Section (6T-AN), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross 
    Avenue, suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, telephone (214) 655-7226.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background and Purpose
    
    A. Introduction
    
        As required under title V of the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 
    (``the Act''), the 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 the EPA, programs for issuing these operating permits to 
    all major stationary sources and to certain other sources, with the 
    exception of sources on Indian Lands.
        The Act requires that States develop and submit these programs to 
    the EPA by November 15, 1993, and that the EPA act to approve or 
    disapprove each program within one 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 40 CFR part 70, the EPA may grant the program interim 
    approval for a period of up to two years. If the EPA has not fully 
    approved a program by two years after the November 15, 1993, date, or 
    by the end of an interim program, it must establish and implement a 
    Federal program.
    
    II. Proposed Action and Implications
    
    A. Analysis of State Submission
    
    1. Support Materials
        Pursuant to section 502(d) of the Act, the Governor of each State 
    is required to develop and submit to the Administrator an operating 
    permit program under State or local law or under an interstate compact 
    meeting the requirements of title V of the Act. The Arkansas submittal 
    was made under the signature of Governor Jim Guy Tucker in a letter to 
    Acting Regional Administrator, Joe Winkle, EPA, Region 6, dated October 
    29, 1993. The program will be implemented in all areas of the State of 
    Arkansas.
        The State provided a general overview under Tab 1 of the submittal. 
    This overview meets the requirements of 40 CFR 70.4(b)(1) by describing 
    the State program in general terms.
        Pursuant to 40 CFR 70.4(b)(3), the Governor is required to submit a 
    legal opinion from the attorney general (or the attorney for the State 
    air pollution control agency that has independent legal counsel) 
    demonstrating adequate authority to carry out all aspects of a title V 
    operating permit program. The Attorney General's (AG) Opinion appears 
    under Tab 3 of the submittal. The Opinion is signed by the Chief of the 
    Legal Division, ADPCE, certifying full authority to represent the State 
    in all matters relating to the Department's environmental programs. 
    This opinion adequately addresses the thirteen provisions listed at 40 
    CFR 70.4(b)(3)(i)-(xiii).
        40 CFR 70.4(b)(4) requires the submission of relevant permitting 
    program documentation not contained in the regulations, such as permit 
    forms and relevant guidance to assist in the State's implementation of 
    its permit program. The State provides relevant program documentation 
    under Tab 4 of the submittal. This documentation includes a complete 
    application form, permit form, and a guidance document. The submittal 
    did not contain a model reporting form for the permitted facilities to 
    report emissions to the regulatory authority. However, Arkansas 
    Regulation 26.7(a) references the Federal reporting requirements at 40 
    CFR 70.6(a)(3). These provisions must be included or formally 
    incorporated by reference. All sources subject to monitoring 
    requirements must submit monitoring reports every six months and must 
    promptly report any deviation from permit requirements.
        In the ADPCE operating permits program submittal, the ADPCE does 
    not assert jurisdiction over Indian Lands or reservations. To date, no 
    Indian Lands have been identified in the State of Arkansas. Title V 
    sources located on Indian Lands in Arkansas will be subject to the 
    Federal operating permits program, to be promulgated at 40 CFR part 71, 
    or subject to the operating permits program of any Tribe delegated 
    authority for treatment as a State under regulations being developed 
    pursuant to section 301(d) of the Act.
    2. Regulations and Program Implementation
        The State submitted under Tab 2, Regulation 26, ``Regulations of 
    the Arkansas Operating Permit Program,'' as required at 40 CFR 
    70.4(b)(2). Regulation 26 follows the rule at 40 CFR part 70 very 
    closely. Supporting documentation of procedurally correct adoption and 
    copies of all applicable State statutes and regulations which authorize 
    the part 70 program, including those governing State administrative 
    procedures, were submitted with the State's program. Regulation 26 
    received written comments from March 25 through April 24, 1993, and a 
    public hearing was held April 14, 1993. The response to comments was 
    made by ADPCE on July 28, 1993. Sufficient evidence of their 
    procedurally correct adoption was submitted and meets the requirements 
    of 40 CFR 70.4(b)(2).
        The following requirements, set out in the EPA's part 70 regulation 
    are addressed in the State's submittal: (a) Provisions to determine 
    applicability (40 CFR 70.3(a)), Regulation 26.3; (b) provisions to 
    determine complete applications (40 CFR 70.5(a)(2)), Regulation 26.4; 
    (c) public participation (40 CFR 70.7(h)), Regulation 26.6; (d) 
    provisions for minor permit modifications (40 CFR 70.7(e)(2)), 
    Regulation 26.10(b); (e) provisions for permit content (40 CFR 
    70.6(a)), Regulation 26.7; (f) provisions for operational flexibility 
    (40 CFR 70.4(b)(12)), Regulation 26.8; (g) enforcement provisions (40 
    CFR 70.4(b)(5) and 70.4(b)(4)(ii)), the AG Opinion and Tab 5 of the 
    submittal, Compliance Tracking and Enforcement.
        Following is a discussion of certain specific provisions in the 
    State's submission as they relate to requirements of 40 CFR part 70:
    
        (a) Applicability criteria, including any criteria used to 
    determine insignificant activities or emissions levels (40 CFR 
    70.4(b)(2) and 70.3(a)): Applicability criteria are defined at 
    Regulation 26.3. Regulation 26.3(a)(3) specifies that new construction 
    or modification at a part 70 source requires a new or modified part 70 
    permit before construction begins. However, the State regulation does 
    not require that a source must first undergo a preconstruction permit 
    review as outlined in Section 108, prevention of significant 
    deterioration (PSD) supplement to the Arkansas SIP. The SIP has been 
    submitted for recodification, with the PSD provisions at Regulation 
    19.9, and has not yet been acted on by the EPA. Regulation 26.3 must be 
    amended to incorporate by reference the applicable PSD requirements.
        Insignificant activities are addressed at Regulation 26.3(d) which 
    refers to the SIP at Regulation 19.4(c). The SIP lists the following 
    emissions for which a permit is not required: 1) comfort heating, 
    cooling, and ventilation equipment; 2) portable internal combustion 
    engines used in conjunction with temporary construction operations, or 
    emergency standby generators; or 3) natural gas and oil exploration and 
    production site equipment. An exemption may be obtained for these 
    activities provided that operation of the equipment does not affect any 
    provision of the Federal Clean Air Act and does not contribute to an 
    exceedance of a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). No other 
    federally regulated emissions are allowed an exemption under Regulation 
    26.
        (b) Provisions to determine complete applications are listed at 
    Regulation 26.4. The State references the required provisions for a 
    complete application listed at 40 CFR 70.5(c). In order to receive full 
    approval, the State must formally incorporate these provisions by 
    reference or list them specifically in the regulation. Recommended 
    language for formal incorporation by reference would read: ``The 
    Department hereby adopts and incorporates by reference those provisions 
    of 40 CFR 70.5(c), as in effect on July 21, 1992.''
        Complete application forms, model permit, and instructions are 
    located under Tab 4 of the submittal. These application forms may be 
    amended without rulemaking to facilitate changes required by new 
    applicable requirements. These provisions meet the requirements of 40 
    CFR 70.5(a)(2).
        (c) Provisions for adequate public participation are found at 
    Regulation 26.6. The State regulation provides for adequate public 
    participation and notice to affected States for permit issuance, 
    renewals, and reopenings. These provisions meet the requirements of 40 
    CFR 70.7(h).
        (d) The rule at 40 CFR 70.7(e)(2) specifies criteria for minor 
    permit modifications that are incorporated in the State regulations at 
    Regulation 26.10(b). The rule at 40 CFR 70.7(e)(2)(i)(A)(5) and 
    Regulation 26.10(b)(7) prohibits changes which constitute modifications 
    under any provision of title I of the Act from being processed as a 
    minor modification. ``Title I modifications'' in Arkansas, are 
    determined by the permitting procedures federally approved into the 
    Arkansas Plan of Implementation for Air Pollution Control (SIP). The 
    SIP, Regulation 19.2, defines any increase in emissions as a 
    modification. The State incorporates an additional criteria, Regulation 
    26.10(b)(1), that allows the minor permit modification process to be 
    used for permit modifications that involve emission increases.
        The additional criteria at Regulation 26.10(b)(1) allows the minor 
    permit modification process to be used for permit modifications that 
    involve emission increases not over 20% of the applicable definition of 
    major source, or 15 tons/year of PM-10, or 0.6 tons/year of lead, 
    whichever is less, based on potential to emit. 40 CFR 70.7(e)(3)(i) 
    allows group processing of minor modifications that collectively meet 
    this emission threshold, or a total of 5 tons per year (tpy) whichever 
    is less, provided the minor modification criteria at 40 CFR 
    70.7(e)(2)(i)(A) are also met. However, the criteria for minor 
    modifications at 40 CFR 70.7(e)(2)(i)(A), which applies to individual 
    as well as group processing of minor modifications does not contain 
    this allowance.
        Therefore, Regulation 26.10(b)(1) is inconsistent with the rule at 
    40 CFR 70.7(e)(2)(i)(A)(5), as well as Regulation 26.10(b)(7). In order 
    for Regulation 26 to provide minor modification procedures consistent 
    with 40 CFR part 70, and as a condition of full approval, the ADPCE 
    must revise Regulation 26.10(b)(1) or delete the allowance from the 
    minor modification procedure.
        (e) Provisions for permit content are found at Regulation 26.7. The 
    State regulations require inclusion of the enumerated elements at 40 
    CFR 70.6(a), (b), and (c). In order to receive full approval, the State 
    must formally incorporate these provisions by reference or list them 
    specifically in the regulation. Recommended language for formal 
    incorporation by reference would read: ``The Department hereby adopts 
    and incorporates by reference those provisions of 40 CFR 70.6(a), (b), 
    and (c) as in effect on July 21, 1992.''
        Additional provisions are found to provide for adequate permit 
    duration, allow a permit shield, provide for general permits, and 
    provide for temporary sources and emergency situations.
        Part 70 of the operating permits regulations requires prompt 
    reporting of deviations from the permit requirements. The rule at 40 
    CFR 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 Arkansas has not 
    defined ``prompt'' in Regulation 26, and must do so in order to achieve 
    full approval. With formal incorporation by reference and defining 
    ``prompt'' with regard to reporting deviations, the provisions at 
    Regulation 26.7 meet the requirements of 40 CFR 70.6.
        (f) Provisions for operational flexibility and alternative 
    scenarios are listed at Regulation 26.8. This section meets the 
    requirements of 40 CFR 70.4(b)(12) by closely tracking the language of 
    part 70.
        (g) Enforcement provisions are discussed under Tab 5 of the 
    submittal, Compliance Tracking and Enforcement Program. This section 
    contains copies of the Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding, signed 
    May 3, 1993. The AG Opinion discussed in section 1 above, outlines the 
    State's authority to enforce all aspects of the program. Under Tab 9 of 
    the submittal, the State provides a commitment to submit annual 
    information concerning the State's enforcement activities. These 
    submission elements meet the requirements of 40 CFR 70.4(b)(4)(ii) and 
    (5).
        The State of Arkansas has the authority to issue a variance from 
    requirements imposed by State law under Arkansas Code, Annotated 
    (A.C.A.) 8-4-313. The EPA regards this provision as wholly external to 
    the program submitted for approval under part 70, and consequently is 
    proposing to take no action on this provision of State law. The EPA has 
    no authority to approve provisions of State law, such as the variance 
    provision referred to, which are inconsistent with the CAA. The EPA 
    does not recognize the ability of a permitting authority to grant 
    relief from the duty to comply with a federally enforceable part 70 
    permit, except where such relief is granted through the procedures 
    allowed by part 70. A part 70 permit may be issued or revised 
    (consistent with part 70 permitting procedures) to incorporate those 
    terms of a variance that are consistent with applicable requirements. A 
    part 70 permit may also incorporate, via part 70 permit issuance or 
    modification procedures, the schedule of compliance set forth in a 
    variance. However, EPA reserves the right to pursue enforcement of 
    applicable requirements notwithstanding the existence of a compliance 
    schedule in a permit to operate. This is consistent with 40 CFR 
    70.5(c)(8)(iii)(C), which states that a schedule of compliance ``shall 
    be supplemental to, and shall not sanction noncompliance with, the 
    applicable requirements on which it is based.'' The State provides a 
    legal position on variances in the AG Opinion, Section XXIII, page 9. 
    Historically, Arkansas has not granted a variance without approval from 
    EPA. Counsel for the ADPCE commits to assure that variances are not 
    granted to part 70 sources.
        The Arkansas operating permits program is contained in Regulation 
    26, but several applicable requirements are found in Regulation 19 
    (e.g. PSD requirements at 19.9). The State of Arkansas has submitted a 
    revision to Regulation 19 and the EPA is currently undertaking a review 
    of the revision. The EPA will continue to work closely with the State 
    to ensure consistency between the SIP permits system and operating 
    permits systems in Arkansas. The EPA reserves comment on the SIP 
    revision until such time as review is completed. A subsequent notice 
    will be published in the Federal Register when the review is complete.
    3. Permit Fee Demonstration
        The State provided a detailed workload analysis and permit fee 
    demonstration to justify the fee of $16 per ton per year. Federal 
    guidance recommends a presumptive minimum fee of $25 per ton per year, 
    based on 1989 dollars and adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index 
    (CPI). The fee will be applied to the allowable emissions at each part 
    70 source. Approximately $4.16 million dollars per year is expected to 
    be generated by the Arkansas fee. This figure is based on the emissions 
    inventory and does not include hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emission 
    sources. Program costs are expected to run approximately $3.6 million 
    dollars per year. The State utilized historical information concerning 
    permitting costs and the emissions inventory to estimate the revenue 
    required to fund the program. The EPA noted that the fee demonstration 
    does not estimate resource needs for section 112 programs that will be 
    promulgated in the near future. Expansion of the State program is 
    anticipated to facilitate incorporation of these new requirements. The 
    ADPCE has the authority to adjust the fee as necessary using the State 
    administrative procedures as new applicable requirements are 
    promulgated. The fee demonstration submitted by Arkansas meets the 
    requirements at 40 CFR 70.4(b)(7) and (8).
    4. Provisions Implementing the Requirements of Other Titles of the Act
        The State of Arkansas acknowledges that its request for approval of 
    a part 70 program is also a request for approval of a program for 
    delegation of unchanged section 112 standards under the authority of 
    section 112(l) as they apply to part 70 sources. Upon receiving 
    approval under section 112(l), the State may receive delegation of any 
    new authority required by section 112 of the Act through the delegation 
    process.
        The State also has the option at any time to request, under section 
    112(l) of the Act, delegation of section 112 requirements in the form 
    of State regulations which the State demonstrates are equivalent to the 
    corresponding section 112 provisions promulgated by the EPA. At this 
    time, the State plans to use the mechanism of incorporation by 
    reference to adopt unchanged Federal section 112 requirements into its 
    regulations.
        The radionuclide 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 radionuclides 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.
        Section 112(g) of the Act requires that, after the effective date 
    of a permits program under title V, no person may construct, 
    reconstruct or modify any major source of HAPs unless the State 
    determines that the maximum achievable control technology emission 
    limitation under section 112(g) will be met. Such determination must be 
    made on a case-by-case basis where no applicable limitations have been 
    established by the Administrator. During the period from the title V 
    effective date to the date the State has taken appropriate action to 
    implement the final section 112(g) rule (either adoption of the 
    unchanged Federal rule or approval of an existing State rule under 
    112(l)), Arkansas intends to implement section 112(g) of the Act 
    through the State's preconstruction process.
        The State of Arkansas commits to appropriately implementing and 
    enforcing the existing and future requirements of sections 111, 112 and 
    129 of the Act, and all maximum achievable control technology (MACT) 
    standards promulgated in the future, in a timely manner.
        The submittal was amended with a letter from J.B. Jones, Chief of 
    the Air Division, ADPCE, to Gerald Fontenot, Chief of the Air Programs 
    Branch, EPA, dated January 13, 1994. This letter commits the ADPCE to 
    meet the January 1, 1995, deadline for incorporation and submittal of 
    the Federal acid rain program into the State regulations.
    5. Enforcement Provisions
        The Arkansas operating permits program submittal addressed the 
    enforcement requirements under Tab 5 of the submittal. This section 
    contains, as required at 40 CFR 70.4(b)(4)(ii) and 70.4 (b)(5), the 
    Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the State and the 
    EPA on May 3, 1993. This information serves to describe the current 
    processes in place to track air permits and conduct enforcement 
    actions. The State has committed to use the AIRS computer tracking 
    system in the operating permits program. Under Tab 9 of the submittal, 
    the State committed to annual submission of information concerning the 
    State's enforcement activities. This submission, as required at 40 CFR 
    70.4(b)(9), includes the number of enforcement actions either commenced 
    or concluded; the penalties, fines, and sentences obtained in those 
    actions; and the number of administrative orders issued. The AG's 
    Opinion under Tab 3 of the submittal clearly documents the State's 
    authority to issue, inspect, and enforce operating permits in both 
    civil and criminal actions. This statement of authority is required at 
    40 CFR 70.4(b)(3)(vii).
    6. Technical Support Document
        The results of this review will be shown in a document entitled 
    ``Technical Support Document,'' which will be available in the docket 
    at the locations noted above. The technical support documentation shows 
    that all operating permits program requirements of 40 CFR part 70 and 
    relevant guidance were met by the submittal with the exception of those 
    requirements described below.
    7. Summary
        The State of Arkansas submitted to the EPA, under a cover letter 
    from the Governor, the State's operating permits program on November 9, 
    1993. The submittal has adequately addressed all sixteen elements 
    required for full approval as discussed in part 70 with the exception 
    of the issues described in section B below. The State of Arkansas 
    addressed appropriately all requirements necessary to receive interim 
    approval of the State operating permits program pursuant to title V of 
    the Act, 1990 Amendments and 40 CFR part 70. The EPA is proposing 
    interim approval for the operating permits program submittal for the 
    State of Arkansas.
    
    B. Options for Approval/Disapproval and Implications
    
        The EPA is proposing to grant interim approval to the operating 
    permits program submitted by the State of Arkansas on November 9, 1993. 
    Interim approvals under section 502(g) of the Act do not create any new 
    requirements, but simply approve requirements that the State is already 
    imposing. If promulgated, the State must make the following changes to 
    receive full approval:
    
    (1) PSD Applicability. As discussed in section A.2.a above, the 
    provisions at Regulation 26.3(a)(3) should incorporate by reference 
    the PSD requirements in the State regulations applicable to new 
    construction and modification.
    (2) Incorporation by Reference. As discussed in section A.2.b and 
    A.2.e above, the State must formally incorporate the part 70 
    provisions referenced in Regulation 26 regarding complete 
    application requirements and permit content requirements.
    (3) Minor Modification Procedures. As discussed in section A.2.d 
    above, the State must remove or revise the language at Regulation 
    26.10(b)(1).
    (4) Definition of ``prompt''. As discussed in section A.2.e above, 
    the State must define ``prompt'' with regard to reporting deviations 
    in order to be consistent with the rule at 40 CFR 
    70.6(a)(3)(iii)(B).
    (5) Submission of Regulation 19. As discussed in section A.2 above, 
    The State of Arkansas must ensure consistency between the operating 
    permits program, Regulation 26, and the SIP, Regulation 19.
    
        Evidence of these regulatory revisions and their procedurally 
    correct adoption must be submitted to EPA within 18 months of EPA's 
    approval of the Arkansas operating permits program. This interim 
    approval, which may not be renewed, extends for a period of up to two 
    years. During the interim approval period, the State is protected from 
    sanctions for failure to have a program, and the 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 40 CFR part 70, and the one year time period for submittal of permit 
    applications by subject sources begins upon interim approval, as does 
    the three year time period for processing the initial permit 
    applications.
        If the interim approval is converted to a disapproval, it will not 
    affect any existing State requirements applicable to small entities. 
    Federal disapproval of the State submittal does not affect its State-
    enforceability. Moreover, the EPA's disapproval of the submittal does 
    not impose a new Federal requirement. Requirements for approval, 
    specified in 40 CFR 70.4(b), encompass section 112(l)(5) approval 
    requirements 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 schedule, which are 
    also requirements under 40 CFR part 70.
    
    III. Proposed Rulemaking Action
    
        In this action, EPA is proposing interim approval of the operating 
    permits program submitted by the State of Arkansas. The program was 
    submitted by the State to EPA for the purpose of complying with Federal 
    requirements found at the 1990 Amendments, title V and at part 70, 
    which mandates that States develop, and submit to EPA, programs for 
    issuing operating permits to all major stationary sources and certain 
    other sources, with the exception of Indian Lands. Therefore, the EPA 
    is also promulgating 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.
        EPA has reviewed this submittal of the Arkansas operating permits 
    program and is proposing interim approval. Certain defects in the 
    State's regulations preclude EPA from granting full approval of the 
    State's operating permits program at this time. EPA is proposing to 
    grant interim approval, subject to the State obtaining the needed 
    regulatory revisions within 18 months after the Administrator's 
    approval of the Arkansas title V program pursuant to 40 CFR 70.4.
    
    IV. Administrative Requirements
    
    A. Request for Public Comments
    
        The EPA is requesting comments on all aspects of this proposed 
    rule. Copies of the State's submittal and other information relied upon 
    for the proposed 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, 
    the EPA in the development of this proposed rulemaking. 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 rulemaking 
    process; and
    
        (2) To serve as the record in case of judicial review.
    
        The EPA will consider any comments received by October 19, 1994.
    
    B. Executive Order 12866
    
        The Office of Management and Budget has exempted this regulatory 
    action from Executive Order 12866 review.
    
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., the EPA 
    must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysisassessing the impact of 
    any proposed or final rule on small entities, (5 U.S.C. 603 and 604). 
    Alternatively, the 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.
    
        Operating permits program approvals under section 502 of the Act do 
    not create any new requirements, but simply approve requirements that 
    the State is already imposing. Therefore, because the Federal operating 
    permits program 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 Act, preparation of a regulatory flexibility 
    analysis would constitute Federal inquiry into the economic 
    reasonableness of State action. The Act forbids the EPA to base its 
    actions concerning operating permits programs on such grounds, (Union 
    Electric Co. v. U.S. E.P.A., 427 U.S. 246, 256-66 (S.Ct 1976); 42 
    U.S.C. 7410(a)(2)).
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 70
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, 
    Environmental protection, Intergovernmental relations, Operating 
    permits.
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.
    
        Date: September 7, 1994.
    Joe D. Winkle,
    Acting Regional Administrator (6A).
    [FR Doc. 94-23117 Filed 9-16-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
09/19/1994
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Proposed interim approval.
Document Number:
94-23117
Dates:
Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by October 19, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: September 19, 1994, AR001, FRL-5073-8
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 70