96-23791. Clean Air Act Interim Approval of Operating Permits Program; Delegation of Sections 111 and 112 Standards; State of Maine  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 183 (Thursday, September 19, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 49289-49294]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-23791]
    
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 70
    
    [AD-FL-5611-5]
    
    
    Clean Air Act Interim Approval of Operating Permits Program; 
    Delegation of Sections 111 and 112 Standards; State of Maine
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The EPA proposes source category-limited interim approval of 
    the Operating Permits Program submitted by Maine for the purpose of 
    complying with Federal requirements for an approvable State program to 
    issue operating permits to all major stationary sources, and to certain 
    other sources. EPA is also proposing to approve Maine's authority to 
    implement hazardous air pollutant requirements.
    
    DATES: Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by 
    October 21, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Donald Dahl, Air Permits, 
    CAP, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region I, JFK Federal 
    Building, Boston, MA 02203-2211. Copies of the State's submittal and 
    other supporting information used in developing the proposed interim 
    approval are available for inspection during normal business hours at 
    the following location: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1, 
    One Congress Street, 11th floor, Boston, MA 02203-2211.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Dahl, CAP, U.S. Environmental 
    Protection Agency, Region 1, JFK Federal Building, Boston, MA 02203-
    2211, (617) 565-4298.
    
    I. Background and Purpose
    
    A. Introduction
    
        As required under title V of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments 
    (sections 501-507 of the Clean Air Act (``the Act'')), EPA has 
    promulgated rules which define the minimum elements of an approvable 
    State operating permits program and the corresponding standards and 
    procedures by which the EPA will approve, oversee, and withdraw 
    approval of State operating permits programs (see 57 FR 32250 (July 21, 
    1992)). These rules are codified at 40 Code of Federal Regulations 
    (CFR) Part 70. Title V requires States to develop, and submit to EPA, 
    programs for issuing these operating permits to all major stationary 
    sources and to certain other sources.
        The Act requires that States develop and submit these programs to 
    EPA by November 15, 1993, and that EPA act to
    
    [[Page 49290]]
    
    approve or disapprove each program within 1 year after receiving the 
    submittal. The EPA's program review occurs pursuant to section 502 of 
    the Act and the Part 70 regulations, which together outline criteria 
    for approval or disapproval. Where a program substantially, but not 
    fully, meets the requirements of Part 70, EPA may grant the program 
    interim approval. Additionally, where a state can demonstrate to the 
    satisfaction of EPA that reasons exist to justify granting a source 
    category-limited interim approval, EPA may so exercise its authority. A 
    program with a source category-limited interim approval is one that 
    substantially meets the requirements for Part 70 and that applies to at 
    least 60% of all affected sources which account for 80% of the total 
    emissions in the state. If EPA has not fully approved a program by 2 
    years after the November 15, 1993 date, or by the end of an interim 
    program, it must establish and implement a Federal program.
    
    B. Federal Oversight and Sanctions
    
        If EPA were to finalize this proposed interim approval, it would 
    extend for two years following the effective date of final interim 
    approval. During the interim approval period, the State of Maine would 
    be protected from sanctions, and EPA would not be obligated to 
    promulgate, administer and enforce a Federal permits program for the 
    State of Maine. Permits issued under a program with interim approval 
    have full standing with respect to Part 70, and the 1-year time period 
    for submittal of permit applications by subject sources begins upon the 
    effective date of interim approval, as does the 3-year time period for 
    processing the initial permit applications except for source category-
    limited interim approval.1
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        \1\ Note that states may require applications to be submitted 
    earlier than required under section 503(c). See Chapter 140, 
    Appendix C.3. of Maine's rules.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Following final interim approval, if the State of Maine failed to 
    submit a complete corrective program for full approval by the date 6 
    months before expiration of the interim approval, EPA would start an 
    18-month clock for mandatory sanctions. If the State of Maine then 
    failed to submit a corrective program that EPA found complete before 
    the expiration of that 18-month period, EPA would apply sanctions as 
    required by section 502(d)(2) of the Act, which would remain in effect 
    until EPA determined that the State of Maine had corrected the 
    deficiency by submitting a complete corrective program. If, six months 
    after application of the first sanction, the State of Maine still has 
    not submitted a corrective program that EPA finds complete, a second 
    sanction will be required.
        If, following final interim approval, EPA were to disapprove the 
    State of Maine's complete corrective program, EPA would be required 
    under section 502(d)(2) to apply sanctions on the date 18 months after 
    the effective date of the disapproval, unless prior to that date the 
    State of Maine had submitted a revised program and EPA had determined 
    that it corrected the deficiencies that prompted the disapproval. If, 
    six months after EPA applies the first sanction, the State of Maine has 
    not submitted a revised program that EPA has determined corrected the 
    deficiencies that prompted disapproval, a second sanction will be 
    required.
        Moreover, if EPA has not granted full approval to the State of 
    Maine's program by the expiration of an interim approval and that 
    expiration occurs after November 15, 1995, EPA must promulgate, 
    administer and enforce a Federal permits program for the State of Maine 
    upon interim approval expiration.
    
    II. Proposed Action and Implications
    
    A. Analysis of State Submission
    
        The analysis contained in this document focuses on specific 
    elements of Maine's title V operating permits program that must be 
    corrected to meet the minimum requirements of 40 CFR Part 70. The full 
    program submittal, technical support document (TSD), dated July 5, 1996 
    entitled ``Technical Support Document--Maine Operating Permits 
    Program,'' which contains a detailed analysis of the submittal, and 
    other relevant materials are available for inspection as part of the 
    public docket. The docket may be viewed during regular business hours 
    at the address listed above.
        1. Title V program support materials. Maine's title V program was 
    submitted by the State on October 23, 1995 (PROGRAM). The submittal was 
    found to be administratively complete on December 29, 1995. The PROGRAM 
    consisted of a Governor's letter, program description, Attorney 
    General's legal opinion, license regulations and enabling legislation, 
    program documentation, and a detailed license fee demonstration. On 
    June 24, 1996, Maine submitted a supplement to their PROGRAM, which 
    included a supplemental opinion from the Attorney General's Office and 
    a clarification from DEP on several aspects of the PROGRAM.
        2. Title V operating permit regulations and implementation. Maine's 
    regulations implementing Part 70 include Department of Environmental 
    Protection, Bureau of Air Quality Control Regulation, Chapters 100 and 
    140.2 The Maine PROGRAM, including the operating license 
    regulations, substantially meets the requirements of 40 CFR Part 70, 
    including Secs. 70.2 and 70.3 with respect to applicability, 
    Secs. 70.4, 70.5 and 70.6 with respect to permit content and 
    operational flexibility, Secs. 70.7 and 70.8 with respect to public 
    participation and review by affected states and EPA, and Sec. 70.11 
    with respect to requirements for enforcement authority. Although the 
    regulations substantially meet Part 70 requirements, there are program 
    deficiencies that are outlined in section II.B. below as Interim 
    Approval issues. Those Interim Approval issues are more fully discussed 
    in the TSD. The ``Issues'' section of the TSD also contains a detailed 
    discussion of elements of Part 70 that are not explicitly contained in 
    Maine's program regulations, but which are satisfied by other elements 
    of Maine's program submittal or other Maine State law. Also discussed 
    in the TSD are certain elements of Maine's title V regulation that are 
    in need of a legal interpretation and which EPA is interpreting to be 
    consistent with Part 70 with the understanding that Maine shares such 
    interpretation. Those elements include: (1) What constitutes an 
    increase of a regulated pollutant in the definition of ``modification 
    or modified source;'' (2) license modification procedures when 
    replacing pollution control equipment; (3) the process for adjusting 
    test methods; (4) the due date for license renewal applications; (5) 
    what types of changes are allowed to occur off permit; (6) State 
    limitations on emission trading under operational flexibility; (7) how 
    a source looses its application shield for failure to submit additional 
    information; (8) the enforcement consequences for a source operating 
    using a general permit for which it does not qualify; and (9) the 
    liability of the original licensees until DEP approves a license 
    transfer and the timing of applications for license transfers. EPA 
    understands that Maine will implement its program consistent with EPA's 
    interpretations, and will base this interim approval on these
    
    [[Page 49291]]
    
    interpretations unless Maine comments to the contrary.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        \2\ The DEP regulations use the term ``license'' where EPA's 
    regulations use the term ``permit.'' In an attempt to be consistent 
    with the underlying regulations, this document will generally use 
    the term ``license'' when describing the state regulation and the 
    term ``permit'' when describing the federal regulation.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Variances. Pursuant to 38 M.R.S.A. Sec. 587 the Maine DEP has the 
    authority to issue a variance under certain circumstances from air 
    pollution control requirements imposed by State law. Additionally 
    pursuant to 38 M.R.S.A. Secs. 590(3) and (6) the DEP has authority 
    under state law to include in an air license compliance schedules up to 
    24 months and to grant allowances for excess emissions during cold 
    start-ups and planned shutdowns. Each of these authorities could be 
    interpreted to provide for variances under state law from the 
    obligation to comply with air pollution control requirements that 
    correspond to federal applicable requirements in the Part 70 permit. 
    The EPA regards Maine's variance provisions as wholly external to the 
    program submitted for approval under Part 70 and consequently is 
    proposing to take no action on these provisions of State law. The EPA 
    has no authority to approve provisions of State law that are 
    inconsistent with the Act. 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 procedures allowed by Part 70. A Part 70 permit may be 
    issued or revised (consistent with Part 70 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 revision 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 DEP license. 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.'' Additionally, the Maine 
    Attorney General's Opinion specifically addresses these variance 
    provisions and clarifies that were DEP to grant a variance and seek to 
    modify the operating license to incorporate the variance as a Part 70 
    permit term, EPA would have the opportunity to object if the variance 
    were not in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Act. See 
    Legal Opinion of Andrew Ketterer, Maine Attorney General, November 13, 
    1995, at pages 3-4.
        3. Permit fee demonstration. Section 502(B)(3) of the Act requires 
    that each permitting authority collect fees sufficient to cover all 
    reasonable direct and indirect costs required to develop and administer 
    its title V operating permit program. Each title V program submittal 
    must contain either a detailed demonstration of fee adequacy or a 
    demonstration that the fees collected exceed $25 per ton of actual 
    emissions per year, adjusted from the August, 1989 consumer price index 
    (``CPI'').
        As part of its PROGRAM, Maine submitted a detailed fee 
    demonstration. Maine has demonstrated that PROGRAM costs will be $1.7 
    million dollars per year and that the State will collect 2.1 million 
    dollars from title V sources. EPA has reviewed Maine's fee 
    demonstration and believes that DEP has made reasonable assumptions 
    concerning permit processing costs, license oversight, and resource 
    demands to support the program. DEP has specifically enumerated its 
    expected fee revenues from Part 70 sources in the State to support its 
    income projections. Therefore, Maine has demonstrated that the State 
    will collect sufficient permit fees to meet EPA requirements. For more 
    information, see the detailed fee demonstration of Maine's title V 
    Program in the docket supporting this action.
        4. Provisions implementing the requirements of other titles of the 
    act. a. Authority and/or commitments for section 112 implementation. 
    Maine has demonstrated in its title V program submittal adequate legal 
    authority to implement and enforce all section 112 requirements through 
    the title V permit. This legal authority is contained in Maine's 
    enabling legislation, regulatory provisions defining ``applicable 
    requirements,'' and the requirement that a title V permit must 
    incorporate all applicable requirements. EPA has determined that this 
    legal authority is sufficient to allow Maine to issue permits that 
    assure compliance with all section 112 requirements and to carry out 
    all section 112 activities. In addition, given Maine's commitments 
    regarding implementation of the State's title V program, EPA has 
    determined that the State will issue permits that assure compliance 
    with all section 112 requirements, and will carry out all section 112 
    activities. For further discussion of this subject, please refer to the 
    April 13, 1993 guidance memorandum titled ``Title V Program Approval 
    Criteria for Section 112 Activities,'' signed by John Seitz, Director 
    of the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
        b. Implementation of 112(g) upon program approval. On February 14, 
    1995, EPA published an interpretive notice (see 60 FR 8333) that 
    postpones the effective date of section 112(g) until after EPA has 
    promulgated a rule addressing the requirements of that provision. The 
    section 112(g) interpretive notice explains that EPA is still 
    considering whether the effective date of section 112(g) should be 
    delayed beyond the date of promulgation of the Federal rule so as to 
    allow States time to adopt rules implementing the Federal rule, and 
    that EPA will provide for any such additional delay in the final 
    section 112(g) rulemaking. Unless and until EPA provides for such an 
    additional postponement of the effective date of section 112(g), Maine 
    must be able to implement section 112(g) during the period between 
    promulgation of the Federal section 112(g) rule and adoption of 
    implementing State regulations for section 112(g) requirements. EPA 
    believes that Maine can utilize the provisions found in Section 140.6 
    governing the licensing of new or reconstructed HAP sources to serve as 
    a procedural vehicle for implementing the section 112(g) rule and 
    making these requirements Federally enforceable between promulgation of 
    the Federal section 112(g) rule and adoption of implementing State 
    regulations for section 112(g). Maine has generally patterned these 
    provisions on EPA's most recent proposals for implementing section 
    112(g) of the Act. For this reason, EPA is proposing to approve Maine's 
    preconstruction permitting program found in Section 140.6 under the 
    authority of title V and Part 70 solely for the purpose of implementing 
    section 112(g) during the transition period between title V approval 
    and adoption of a State rule implementing EPA's section 112(g) 
    regulations.
        Since the approval would be for the single purpose of providing a 
    mechanism to implement section 112(g) during the transition period, the 
    approval would be without effect if EPA decides in the final section 
    112(g) rule that sources are not subject to the requirements of the 
    rule until State regulations are adopted and Maine's Section 140.6 
    needs to be revised to accord with EPA's final section 112(g) rule. 
    Also, since the approval would be for the limited purpose of allowing 
    the State sufficient time to adopt regulations, EPA proposes to limit 
    the duration of the approval to 18 months following promulgation by EPA 
    of its section 112(g) rule. Finally, since Maine has already adopted 
    program regulations imposing MACT on the types of changes addressed 
    under section 112(g), Maine may be in a position to fully implement 
    section 112(g) immediately upon final promulgation of section 112(g) 
    rule,
    
    [[Page 49292]]
    
    without further modification of Chapter 140, if Maine's current 
    regulation corresponds to EPA's final 112(g) rule.
        c. Program for straight delegation of sections 111 and 112 
    standards. The Part 70 requirements for approval of a State operating 
    permit program, specified in 40 CFR 70.4(b), encompass section 
    112(l)(5) requirements for approval of a program for delegation of the 
    hazardous air pollutant program General Provisions, Subpart A, of 40 
    CFR Parts 61 and 63, promulgated under section 112 of the Act, and MACT 
    standards as promulgated by EPA as they apply to Part 70 sources. 
    Section 112(l)(5) requires that a State's program contain adequate 
    legal authorities, adequate resources for implementation, and an 
    expeditious compliance schedule, which are also requirements under Part 
    70. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection provided a 
    supplemental request on June 24, 1996, for delegation of non-part 70 
    sources and along with the PROGRAM submitted information regarding 
    adequate legal authorities, adequate resources for implementation, and 
    an expeditious compliance schedule. Therefore, EPA is also proposing to 
    grant approval under section 112(l)(5) and 40 CFR Sec. 63.91 of Maine's 
    mechanism for receiving delegation for both major and area sources of 
    section 112 standards that are unchanged from the Federal standards as 
    promulgated (straight delegation) and section 112 infrastructure 
    programs such as those programs authorized under sections 112(i)(5), 
    112(g), 112(j), and 112(r). In addition, EPA is reconfirming the 
    delegation of 40 CFR Parts 60 and 61 standards currently delegated to 
    Maine as indicated in Table I.3 The original delegation agreement 
    between EPA and Maine was set forth in a letter to Henry E. Warren on 
    September 30, 1982. For future delegation of Part 60 standards Maine 
    will use the process as outlined in letter from James Brooks to Gerald 
    C. Potamis, dated June 24, 1996. Please note EPA has withdrawn 
    delegation of the following NESHAPs at Maine's request: Subpart L 
    ``Benzene-Coke By Product Recovery,'' Subpart Q ``Radon-DOE,'' Subpart 
    Y ``Benzene Storage Vessels,'' Subpart T ``Radon Disposal of Uranium,'' 
    Subpart BB ``Benzene Transfer Operations,'' and Subpart FF ``Benzene 
    Waste Operations.'' Maine requested the withdrawal because there 
    currently are no applicable sources in the State.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        \3\  Please note that federal rulemaking is not required for 
    delegation of section 111 standards.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        EPA is proposing to delegate all applicable future 40 CFR Part 61 
    and 63 standards pursuant to the following mechanism unless otherwise 
    requested by Maine.4 Maine will accept future delegation of 
    standards using incorporation by reference. The details of this 
    delegation mechanism will be set forth in a future Memorandum of 
    Agreement between EPA and Maine. This program will apply to both 
    existing and future standards for both major and area sources. In 
    addition, Maine has indicated that for some section 112 standards it 
    may choose to submit a more stringent State rule or program for EPA 
    approval under section 112(l). EPA will need to take public notice and 
    comment for any section 112 delegation other than straight delegation.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        \4\ The radionuclide National Emission Standards for Hazardous 
    Air Pollutants (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 source'' for radionuclide sources. Therefore, until a 
    major source definition for radionuclide is promulgated, no source 
    would be a major section 112 source solely due to its radionuclide 
    emissions. However, a radionuclide source may, in the interim, be a 
    major source under Part 70 for another reason, thus requiring a Part 
    70 permit. The EPA will work with the State in the development of 
    its radionuclide program to ensure that permits are issued in a 
    timely manner.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        d. Implementation of Title IV of the Act. Maine makes a commitment 
    in Attachment H of its Program submittal to revise its regulations as 
    necessary in order to implement the Acid Rain provisions.
        e. New source review requirements. Maine's program submittal 
    included definitions under Chapter 100 and licensing requirements under 
    Chapters 115 and 140 designed to implement preconstruction new source 
    review (NSR) permitting requirements for new and modified major and 
    minor sources of air pollutants. This action under Title V of the Act 
    and 40 CFR Part 70 is not an approval of these NSR provisions into the 
    Maine State implementation plan (SIP), nor does EPA take any position 
    under the Act in this action on the adequacy of Chapters 100, 115, and 
    140 to the extent they modify NSR requirements currently approved into 
    the SIP. EPA will act on these provisions under section 110 of the Act 
    after Maine requests EPA to approve them into the SIP.5
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        \5\ Note that the Attorney General's opinion at several points 
    appears to assume that EPA will be approving all of Maine's 
    licensing program into the SIP. See Attorney General's Opinion at 
    pages 3, 10, 11, and 19. As discussed further in the TSD, DEP has 
    not requested EPA to approve all of these license requirements in 
    the SIP, and some licensing provisions that relate primarily to 
    operating requirements as opposed to new or modified sources may not 
    be appropriate for approval into the SIP.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    B. Proposed Action
    
        The scope of Maine's Part 70 program covers all Part 70 sources 
    within the state of Maine, except any sources of air pollution over 
    which an Indian Tribe has jurisdiction. See, e.g., 59 FR 55813, 55815-
    18 (Nov. 9, 1994). The term ``Indian Tribe'' is defined under the Act 
    as ``any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or 
    community, including any Alaska Native village, which is Federally 
    recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided 
    by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.'' 
    See section 302(r) of the CAA; see also 59 FR 43956, 43962 (Aug. 25, 
    1994); 58 FR 54364 (Oct. 21, 1993). EPA is not taking any position in 
    this action on whether any Federally recognized tribe in Maine has 
    jurisdiction over sources of air pollution.
        Requirements for approval of an operating permit program, specified 
    in 40 CFR 70.4(b), encompass section 112(l)(5) requirements for 
    approval of a program for delegation of section 112 standards as 
    promulgated by EPA as they apply to Part 70 sources. Maine has also 
    demonstrated it has the authority and capacity to implement and enforce 
    section 112 standards for non-Part 70 sources. As discussed above, 
    Maine's submittal meets the requirements for EPA approval of delegation 
    of section 112 standards. Therefore, EPA is also proposing to grant 
    approval under section 112(l)(5) and 40 CFR Sec. 63.91 of the State's 
    mechanism for receiving delegation of section 112 standards that are 
    unchanged from Federal standards as promulgated. Maine will be 
    incorporating by reference section 112 standards for both major and 
    area sources.
        The EPA is proposing to grant source category-limited interim 
    approval to the operating permits program submitted by Maine on October 
    24, 1995. Maine has proposed to permit 74% of its Title V sources which 
    emit 89% of the total emissions of all Title V sources within the first 
    three years of program approval. If promulgated, the State must make 
    the following changes in its rule to receive full approval:
        1. Maine does not allow for ``section 502(b)(10)'' changes at a 
    title V source. See 40 CFR Sec. 70.4(b)(12)(i). In an August 29, 1994 
    (59 FR 44572) rulemaking proposal, EPA proposed to eliminate section 
    502(b)(10) changes as a mechanism for implementing operational 
    flexibility. However, the Agency solicited comment on the rationale for 
    this proposed elimination. If EPA should conclude, during a final 
    rulemaking, that section 502(b)(10)
    
    [[Page 49293]]
    
    changes are no longer required as a mechanism for operational 
    flexibility, then Maine will not be required to address 502(b)(10) 
    changes in its rule.
        2. Maine's rules do not require the DEP to process a ``Part 70 
    Minor Change'' within 90 days of receiving an application. See 40 CFR 
    Sec. 70.7(e)(2)(iv). A ``Part 70 Minor Change'' is similar to a minor 
    permit modification under Part 70, except for the exclusion of 
    construction projects which are excluded in the State's rule. A ``Part 
    70 Minor Change,'' as defined by the State, includes a provision 
    allowing facilities to implement a proposed permit modification upon 
    application and prior to DEP's review. Maine must revise its program 
    regulations to require that DEP process all Part 70 minor changes 
    within 90 days of receiving the application to avoid the possibility of 
    a source operating indefinitely based on an unreviewed proposed permit 
    modification.
        3. Section 140.7 contains provisions for a ``Part 70 Minor 
    Revisions.'' This permitting track allows Maine to process emission 
    increases under 4 tons per year of one regulated pollutant or under 8 
    tons per year total for all regulated pollutants without EPA, affected 
    state, or public review. This provision is inconsistent with the most 
    nearly analogous permit modification requirements in EPA's current 
    rule, which require minor permit modifications to receive at least 
    affected state and EPA review. On August 31, 1995, EPA proposed changes 
    in the Part 70 permit modification procedures that might accommodate 
    such changes. (See 60 FR 45530, 45538). If EPA amends Part 70 to allow 
    for such changes, then Maine may not need to revise this provision 
    depending on whether netting transactions can qualify under the 4 and 8 
    ton per year thresholds. Under EPA's current rule, however, Maine must 
    revise its program regulations to make Part 70 Minor Revisions 
    consistent with EPA's minor permit modification process at 40 CFR 
    Sec. 70.7(e)(2).
        4. In Section 140.5(B)(6)(j), Maine allows a source under certain 
    circumstances to continue to emit up to the previously licensed level 
    for up to 24 months after the license is amended, potentially not in 
    compliance with applicable requirements. Maine must revise its program 
    regulations to limit this section to requirements enforceable only by 
    the State, as provided in Section 140.5(A)(6)(m). As discussed above in 
    connection with Maine's statutory variance authorities, EPA is required 
    to object to any permit terms not in compliance with applicable 
    requirements, including any such terms incorporated into a license, 
    pursuant to Section 140.4(B)(6)(j), being issued as a title V permit.
        5. Appendix B of Chapter 140 contains a list of activities which 
    the State plans on treating as insignificant. Section B(1) of this 
    Appendix allows for any activity with emissions less than 1 ton per 
    year of any pollutant or 4 tons per year of all pollutants to be 
    treated as insignificant. In addition, Section B(2) incorporates 
    emission level thresholds for HAPs which are equal to or in many cases 
    far less than one ton per year. It is possible to interpret these two 
    sections to allow an activity emitting one ton per year of even a very 
    potent HAP to be treated as insignificant under Section B(1), even if 
    it emits in excess of any lower threshold set under Section B(2). EPA 
    understands this is a result DEP did not intend. Moreover, Sections 
    B(1) and B(2) could be read to allow a permittee to treat a combination 
    of up to four tons per year of HAPs to be treated as insignificant, as 
    long as no one HAP exceeded the thresholds in Section B(2). EPA has 
    required insignificant activities to emit no more than one ton per year 
    of HAPs. DEP must revise Appendix B to limit insignificant HAP 
    emissions to one ton per year for single HAPs and one ton per year for 
    a combination of HAPs.
    
    III. Administrative Requirements
    
    A. Request for Public Comments
    
        The EPA is requesting comments on all aspects of this proposed 
    interim approval. 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, EPA in the development of this proposed interim 
    approval. The principal purposes of the docket are:
        (1) to allow interested parties a means to identify and locate 
    documents so that they can effectively participate in the approval 
    process, and
        (2) to serve as the administrative record in the event of judicial 
    review. The EPA will consider any comments received by October 21, 
    1996.
    
    B. Executive Order 12866
    
        The Office of Management and Budget has exempted this action from 
    Executive Order 12866 review.
    
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        The EPA's actions under section 502 of the Act do not create any 
    new requirements, but simply address operating permits programs 
    submitted to satisfy the requirements of 40 CFR Part 70. Because this 
    action does not impose any new requirements, it does not have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    
    D. Unfunded Mandates
    
        Under Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
    (``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 1995, EPA 
    must prepare a budgetary impact statement to accompany any proposed or 
    final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in estimated 
    costs to State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate; or to 
    the private sector, of $100 million or more. Under Section 205, EPA 
    must select the most cost-effective and least burdensome alternative 
    that achieves the objectives of the rule and is consistent with 
    statutory requirements. Section 203 requires EPA to establish a plan 
    for informing and advising any small governments that may be 
    significantly or uniquely impacted by the rule.
        EPA has determined that the action promulgated today does not 
    include a Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 
    million or more to either State, local, or tribal governments in the 
    aggregate, or to the private sector. This Federal action approves 
    preexisting requirements under State or local law, and imposes no new 
    Federal requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs to State, local, 
    or tribal governments, or to the private sector, result from this 
    action.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 70
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, 
    Intergovernmental relations, Operating permits, and Reporting and 
    recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.
    
        Dated: September 8, 1996.
    John P. DeVillars,
    Regional Administrator, Region I.
    
      Table I to the preamble--Reconfirmation of Part 60 and 61 Delegations 
                                                                            
                           Part 60 Subpart Categories                       
    D                                  Fossil-Fuel Fired Steam Generators   
    Da                                 Electric Utility Steam Generators    
    Db                                 Industrial-Commercial-Institutional  
                                        Steam Generating Units              
    Dc                                 Small Industrial-Commercial-         
                                        Institutional Steam Generating Units
    E                                  Incinerators                         
    Ea                                 Municipal Waste Combustors           
    F                                  Portland Cement Plants               
    G                                  Nitric Acid Plants                   
    
    [[Page 49294]]
    
                                                                            
    H                                  Sulfuric Acid Plants                 
    I                                  Asphalt Concrete Plants              
    J                                  Petroleum Refineries                 
    K                                  Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels     
    Ka                                 Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels 5/18/
                                        78                                  
    Kb                                 Volatile Organic Liquid Storage      
                                        Vessels 7/23/84                     
    L                                  Secondary Lead Smelters              
    M                                  Secondary Brass and Bronze Production
                                        Plants                              
    N                                  Basic Oxygen Process Furnaces Primary
                                        Emissions                           
    O                                  Sewage Treatment Plants              
    P                                  Primary Copper Smelters              
    Q                                  Primary Zinc Smelters                
    R                                  Primary Lead Smelters                
    S                                  Primary Aluminum Reduction           
    T                                  Phosphate Fertilizer Wet Process     
    U                                  Phosphate Fertilizer-Superphosphoric 
                                        Acid                                
    V                                  Phosphate Fertilizer-Diammonium      
                                        Phosphate                           
    W                                  Phosphate Fertilizer-Granular Triple 
                                        Superphosphate                      
    X                                  Phosphate Fertilizer-Granular Triple 
                                        Superphosphate Storage              
    Y                                  Coal Preparation Plants              
    Z                                  Ferroalloy Production Facilities     
    AA                                 Steel Plants--Electric Arc Furnaces  
    BB                                 Kraft Pulp Mills                     
    CC                                 Glass Manufacturing                  
    DD                                 Grain Elevators                      
    EE                                 Surface Coating of Metal Furniture   
    GG                                 Stationary Gas Turbines              
    HH                                 Lime Manufacturing Plants            
    KK                                 Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing      
    LL                                 Metallic Mineral Processing Plants   
    NN                                 Phosphate Rock Plants                
    PP                                 Ammonium Sulfate Manufacturing       
    QQ                                 Graphic Arts-Rotogravure Printing    
    RR                                 Tape and Label Surface Coatings      
    SS                                 Surface Coating: Large Appliances    
    TT                                 Metal Coil Surface Coating           
    UU                                 Asphalt Processing--Roofing          
    VV                                 Equipment Leaks of VOC in SOCMI      
    WW                                 Beverage Can Surface Coating         
    XX                                 Bulk Gasoline Terminals              
    BBB                                Rubber Tire Manufacturing            
    DDD                                VOC Emissions From Polymer           
                                        Manufacturing Industry              
    FFF                                Flexible Vinyl and Urethan Coating   
                                        and Printing                        
    GGG                                Equipment Leaks of VOC in Petroleum  
                                        Refineries                          
    HHH                                Synthetic Fiber Production           
    III                                VOC From SOCMI Air Oxidation Unit    
    JJJ                                Petroleum Dry Cleaners               
    NNN                                VOC From SOCMI Distillation          
    OOO                                Nonmetallic Mineral Plants           
    QQQ                                VOC From Petroleum Refinery          
                                        Wastewater Systems                  
    SSS                                Magnetic Tape Coating                
    VVV                                Polymeric Coating of Supporting      
                                        Substrates                          
                                                                            
                           Part 61 Subpart Categories                       
    C                                  Beryllium                            
    E                                  Mercury                              
    F                                  Vinyl Chloride                       
    J                                  Equipment Leaks of Benzene           
    M                                  Asbestos                             
    V                                  Equipment Leaks (Fugitive Emission   
                                        Sources)                            
                                                                            
    
    [FR Doc. 96-23791 Filed 9-18-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
09/19/1996
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
96-23791
Dates:
Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by October 21, 1996.
Pages:
49289-49294 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
AD-FL-5611-5
PDF File:
96-23791.pdf
CFR: (2)
40 CFR 70.7(e)(2)
40 CFR 70.7(e)(2)(iv)