Approvals and Promulgations of State Implementation Plans:

Federal Register Volume 76, Number 108 (Monday, June 6, 2011)

Proposed Rules

Pages 32333-32340

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]

FR Doc No: 2011-13872

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52

EPA-R06-OAR-2010-0978; FRL-9315-3

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas;

Revisions to the New Source Review (NSR) State Implementation Plan

(SIP); Permit Renewals

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the applicable State

Implementation Plan (SIP) for the State of Texas that relate to the

Permit Renewals. These portions of the SIP revisions proposed for approval address the following requirements related to Permit Renewals:

Notification of permit holder, permit renewal application, and review schedule. EPA finds that these changes to the Texas SIP comply with the

Federal Clean Air Act (the Act or CAA) and EPA regulations and are consistent with EPA policies. EPA is proposing this action under section 110 of the Act.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 6, 2011.

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ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R06-

OAR-2010-0978 by one of the following methods:

(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.

(2) E-mail: Mr. Stanley M. Spruiell at spruiell.stanley@epa.gov.

(3) U.S. EPA Region 6 ``Contact Us'' Web site: http://epa.gov/region6/r6coment.htm. Please click on ``6PD'' (Multimedia) and select

``Air'' before submitting comments.

(4) Fax: Mr. Stanley M. Spruiell, Air Permits Section (6PD-R), at fax number 214-665-6762.

(5) Mail: Mr. Stanley M. Spruiell, Air Permits Section (6PD-R),

Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200, Dallas,

Texas 75202-2733.

(6) Hand or Courier Delivery: Mr. Stanley M. Spruiell, Air Permits

Section (6PD-R), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue,

Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. Such deliveries are accepted only between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays except for legal holidays. Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.

Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R06-OAR- 2010-0978. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at http//www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential

Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through http://www.regulations.gov or e- mail. The http://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means that EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment.

If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through http://www.regulations.gov your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or

CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses.

Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy.

Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in http://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air Permits

Section (6PD-R), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue,

Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. The file will be made available by appointment for public inspection in the Region 6 Freedom of

Information Act Review Room between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays except for legal holidays. Contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT paragraph below or Mr. Bill Deese at (214) 665-7253 to make an appointment. If possible, please make the appointment at least two working days in advance of your visit. There will be a 15 cent per page fee for making photocopies of documents. On the day of the visit, please check in at the EPA Region 6 reception area at 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas.

The State submittals, which are part of the EPA docket, are also available for public inspection at the State Air Agency during official business hours by appointment: Texas Commission on Environmental

Quality (TCEQ), Office of Air Quality, 12124 Park 35 Circle, Austin,

Texas 78753.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Stanley M. Spruiell, Air Permits

Section (6PD-R), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross

Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, telephone (214) 665-7212; fax number (214) 665-6762; e-mail address spruiell.stanley@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document wherever any reference to ``we,'' ``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA.

Table of Contents

  1. The State's Submittals

    1. What is the background of the Texas permit renewal program?

    2. What changes did the State submit?

  2. What action is EPA proposing to take?

  3. EPA's Evaluation

    1. Section 30 TAC 116.310--Notification of Permit Holder 1. What is the background of 30 TAC 116.310? 2. What did Texas submit for 30 TAC 116.310? 3. What is EPA's evaluation of the submitted revisions to 30 TAC 116.310?

    2. Section 30 TAC 116.311--Permit Renewal Application 1. What is the background of 30 TAC 116.311? 2. What did Texas submit for 30 TAC 116.311? 3. What is EPA's evaluation of the submitted revisions to 30 TAC 116.311?

    3. Section 30 TAC 116.314--Review Schedule 1. What is the background of 30 TAC 116.314? 2. What did Texas submit for 30 TAC 116.314? 3. What is EPA's evaluation of the submitted revisions to 30 TAC 116.314?

  4. Proposed Action

  5. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

  6. The State's Submittals

    1. What is the background of the Texas permit renewal program?

      In this action, EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Texas regulations relating to renewal of preconstruction permits. The rules for permit renewals are currently approved in the Texas SIP under 30

      TAC 116.310, 116.311, 116.312, 116.313, 116.314, and 116.315. EPA approved these rules on March 10, 2006 (71 FR 12285), and revisions on

      March 20, 2009 (74 FR 11851), and March 11, 2010 (75 FR 11464). The approved rules require each preconstruction permit to be renewed every ten years. Permit renewal is approved based upon a demonstration in the renewal application that the permitted facility will operate in accordance with all requirements and conditions of the existing permit, including representations in the application to construct, and subsequent amendments, any previously granted renewal, and the compliance history of the facility. Although preconstruction permits must remain in effect as long as the source operates and until voided under the approved implementation procedures, periodic renewal of preconstruction permits is neither required nor prohibited under the

      Act or Federal Regulations.

    2. What changes did the State submit?

      On December 15, 1995; July 22, 1998; and September 4, 2002; the

      State of Texas submitted revisions to the Texas State Implementation

      Plan (SIP) concerning the Permit Renewals under Title 30 of the Texas

      Administrative Code (30 TAC), Chapter 116--Control of Air Pollution by

      Permits for New Construction or Modification, Subchapter D--Permit

      Renewals. The

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      December 15, 1995, revisions to these provisions were superseded and rendered moot by revisions submitted to EPA on July 22, 1998, because the latter submittal repealed and replaced the earlier versions of the same provisions addressed in the December 15, 1995, submittal.

      Submitted revisions included changes to 30 TAC 116.310--Notification of

      Permit Holder, 30 TAC 116.311--Permit Renewal Application, 30 TAC 116.312--Public Notification and Comment Procedures, 30 TAC 116.313--

      Renewal Application Fees, 30 TAC 116.314--Review Schedule, and 30 TAC 116.315--Permit Renewal Submittal. In this proposed action, we are addressing submitted revisions to 30 TAC 116.310, 116.311, and 116.314.

      Section 30 TAC 116.310--Notification of Permit Holder--is currently approved as adopted by Texas on August 16, 1993, approved March 10, 2006 (71 FR 12285). Today, we propose to approve revisions adopted by

      Texas on November 16, 1995 (submitted December 15, 1995) and June 17, 1998 (submitted July 22, 1998).

      Section 30 TAC 116.311--Permit Renewal Application--is currently approved as adopted by Texas on April 6, 1994, approved March 10, 2006

      (71 FR 12285). The requirements of subsection (c) were later removed from 30 TAC 116.311 and added to Section 116.315 and approved by EPA on

      March 11, 2010, 75 FR 11464. Today, we propose to approve other revisions adopted by Texas on November 16, 1995 (submitted December 15, 1995); June 17, 1998 (submitted July 22, 1998); and August 21, 2002

      (submitted September 4, 2002). Today's proposed action does not address severable revisions to 30 TAC 116.311(a)(2) submitted December 15, 1995; July 22, 1998; and September 4, 2002. This provision was revised to exclude changes under the severable provisions relating to Qualified

      Facilities. EPA will review these revisions to 30 TAC 116.311(a)(2) in connection with separately submitted revisions to Texas Qualified

      Facilities Program, submitted October 5, 2010.

      Section 30 TAC 116.314--Review Schedule--is currently approved as adopted by Texas on August 16, 1993, approved March 10, 2006 (71 FR 12285). Today, we propose to approve revisions adopted by Texas on

      November 16, 1995 (submitted December 15, 1995) and June 17, 1998

      (submitted July 22, 1998).

      Additional information related to these SIP submittals is contained in the Technical Support Document (TSD), which is in the docket for this action.

      The table below summarizes the changes that were submitted and are affected by this action. A summary of EPA's evaluation of each section and the basis for this proposal is discussed in section III of this preamble. The TSD includes a detailed evaluation of the referenced SIP submittals.

      Date adopted by

      Section

      Title

      Date submitted

      the State

      Comments

      30 TAC 116.310................. Notification of

      *12/15/1995

      *11/16/1995 --Non-substantive

      Permit Holder.

      *7/22/1998

      *6/17/1998 changes to the section.

      30 TAC 116.311................. Permit Renewal

      *12/15/1995

      *11/16/1995 --Removed paragraphs

      Application.

      *7/22/1998

      *6/17/1998 (a)(1), (a)(3), and

      (a)(4) and redesignated existing paragraphs (a)(2),

      (a)(5), and (a)(6) to paragraphs (a)(1)-

      (a)(3), respectively.

      ................ ................ --Added new paragraphs

      (a)(4) and (a)(5).

      ................ ................ --Added new subsection

      (b).

      --Revised and redesignated existing subsection (b) to new subsection (c). 9/4/2002

      8/21/2002 --Added new paragraph

      (a)(1) and redesignated existing paragraphs (a)(1)-

      (a)(5) to paragraphs

      (a)(2)-(a)(6), respectively.

      30 TAC 116.314................. Review Schedule...

      *12/15/1995

      *11/16/1995 --Revised and

      *7/22/1998

      *6/17/1998 reorganized subsection

      (a) into subsections

      (a) and (b) and revisions to these subsections.

      ................ ................ --Revised and redesignated existing subsections (b) and

      (c) to subsections (c) and (d), respectively.

      * Because Texas repealed and resubmitted each section under Subchapter D in its 7/22/1998 submittal, our analysis includes 12/15/95 and 7/22/98 SIP submittal together.

  7. What action is EPA proposing to take?

    We have evaluated the SIP submissions for consistency with the CAA,

    NSR regulations for new and modified sources in 40 CFR Part 51, and the approved Texas SIP. We have also reviewed the rules for enforceability and legal sufficiency. On March 10, 2006, EPA approved revisions to 30

    TAC, Chapter 116--Control of Air Pollution by Permits for New

    Construction or Modification, Subchapter D--Permit Renewals, Sections 116.310, 116.311, 116.312, 116.313, and 116.314. On March 11, 2010 (75

    FR 11464), EPA approved the removal of subsection (c) from 30 TAC 116.311 and added those provisions to 30 TAC 116.315. Section 30 TAC 116.312 relates to public participation and is severable from the remaining rules (see 75 FR 68291, 68294). We will address the requirements for public participation in a separate action when we act on the Texas rules relating to public participation, submitted July 12, 2010. Under the CAA, EPA's statutory deadline to act on the revised public participation rules is January 12, 2012. The revisions to 30 TAC 116.313 were approved in a separate action on March 20, 2009 (74 FR 11851). The revisions to 116.315 were approved in a separate action on

    March 11, 2010 (75 FR 11464).

    This proposed action addresses revisions to 30 TAC 116.310, 116.311, and 116.314, submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998, and revisions to 30 TAC 116.311 submitted September 4, 2002. A technical analysis of the submittals for the Permit Renewal Application and Permit Renewal Submittal sections has found that these changes are consistent with the CAA, 40 CFR Part 51 and EPA policies. Therefore,

    EPA proposes to approve the

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    revisions to 30 TAC 116.310, 116 .311,\1\ and 116.314 submitted on

    December 15, 1995; July 22, 1998; and September 4, 2002.

    \1\ Except for 30 TAC 116.311(a)(2). See discussion in section

    III.B of this preamble for further information on these provisions.

  8. EPA's Evaluation

    1. Section 30 TAC 116.310--Notification of Permit Holder 1. What is the background of 30 TAC 116.310?

      The currently approved provisions for 30 TAC 116.310 were submitted to EPA on August 31, 1993. EPA approved the submitted revisions on

      March 10, 2006 (71 FR 12285). These revisions became effective on May 9, 2006. 2. What did Texas submit for 30 TAC 116.310?

      Since EPA's last approval for this section, TCEQ has submitted two

      SIP revisions to EPA for the Notification of Permit Holder in 30 TAC 116.310 on December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. In this proposed action, we are proposing to approve the revisions of the existing provisions of section 116.310. The revisions submitted to this section include updated references to the current agency name and update of a state statutory citation to the current citation. 3. What is EPA's evaluation of the submitted revisions to 30 TAC 116.310?

      These submitted revisions are non-substantive and do not change the underlying requirements of the section as currently approved. We propose to approve the revisions to 30 TAC 116.310 as submitted

      December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998.

    2. Section 30 TAC 116.311--Permit Renewal Application 1. What is the background of 30 TAC 116.311?

      The currently approved provisions for 30 TAC 116.311 were submitted to EPA on August 31, 1993, and April 29, 1994. EPA approved the submitted revisions on March 10, 2006 (71 FR 12285). These revisions became effective on May 9, 2006. 2. What did Texas submit for 30 TAC 116.311?

      Since EPA's last approval for this section, TCEQ has submitted three SIP revisions to EPA for the Permit Renewal Application section on December 15, 1995; July 22, 1998; and September 4, 2002. On March 11, 2010, we approved the recodification and revision of the existing provisions of section 116.311(c) to a new section 116.315--Permit

      Renewal Submittal. In this proposed action, we are addressing the remaining revisions as described below, except for the revisions to 30

      TAC 116.311(a)(2) and (a)(6). This includes the following revisions: a. Revisions submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998.

      These revisions include:

      Removal of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(3), and (a)(4), and the redesignation of existing paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(5), and (a)(6) to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3), respectively;

      Addition of new paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(5);

      Addition of new subsection (b); and

      Redesignation of existing subsection (b) to subsection (c) with non-substantive revisions. b. Revisions submitted September 4, 2002.

      These revisions include the addition of new paragraph (a)(1) and redesignation of existing paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) to paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(6), respectively. 3. What is EPA's evaluation of the submitted revisions to 30 TAC 116.311? a. The addition of new paragraph (a)(1).

      Texas submitted paragraph (a)(1) on September 4, 2002. This paragraph ensures that upon renewal, ``dockside vessel emissions associated with the permitted facility will comply with all rules and regulations of the commission and with the intent of the TCAA, including protection of the health and property of the public and minimization of emissions to the extent possible, consistent with good air pollution practices.'' This revision is consistent with the provision in the SIP-approved 30 TAC 116.111(a)(2) as it relates to associated dockside vessel emissions. See 72 FR 49198 (August 28, 2007). The TCEQ obtained the authority to regulate dockside emissions under House Bill (HB) 3040, 77th Legislature, 2001 which amended the

      Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA), Sec. 382.065 (Acts 2001, 77th Legislature, Chapter 1166, Sec. 1). See page 2 of the TCEQ's evaluation of the revisions submitted September 4, 2002. The TCEQ further states:

      The commission determined that dockside vessels are facilities as defined in TCAA, Sec. 382.003(6), and thus subject to the requirements of Chapter 116. These emissions will require best available control technology (BACT) review, maximum allowable emission limitations, monitoring, testing, recordkeeping, and ambient air impacts review. The emissions originating from a dockside vessel that are the result of functions performed by onshore facilities or using onshore equipment include: Loading and unloading of liquid bulk materials, liquified gaseous materials, and solid bulk materials; cleaning and degassing liquid vessel compartments; and abrasive blasting and painting.

      See page 4 of the TCEQ's evaluation of the revisions submitted

      September 4, 2002. Finally, concerning the revision to 30 TAC 116.311, the TCEQ states:

      The adopted amendment to Sec. 116.311, Permit Renewal

      Application, requires that owners or operators submit information that demonstrates that dockside emissions comply with all commission rules and regulations and the intent of the TCAA, including protection of the health and property of the public and the minimization of emissions to the extent practicable, consistent with good air pollution control practices. Existing dockside emissions will be reviewed for off-property effects considering magnitude, frequency, and duration.

      See page 4 of the TCEQ's evaluation of the revisions submitted

      September 4, 2002. The addition of new paragraph (a)(1) ensures that permits to construct and permit renewals that pre-date TCEQ's rule change to regulate dockside emissions at 30 TAC 116.111(a)(2) are required at renewal to ensure all dockside emissions comply with the statute and regulations. We propose to approve the addition of paragraph (a)(1), submitted September 4, 2002. b. The removal of existing paragraph (a)(1).

      This paragraph provides that upon renewal the emissions from the facility will comply with all applicable specifications and requirements in the Texas Air Control Board (TACB) \2\ rules and the

      Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA). Texas submitted the removal of existing paragraph (a)(1) on December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. EPA believes this provision is redundant because the SIP already contains the substantive requirement at 30 TAC 116.115(b)(2)(H)(ii) requiring that

      ``[i]f more than one state or Federal regulation or permit condition are applicable, the most stringent limit or condition shall govern and be the standard by which compliance shall be demonstrated.'' The SIP also provides TCEQ with the authority to re-evaluate a source's ability to comply with the statute and regulations at renewal, as provided in the existing SIP rule at 30 TAC 116.311(b), which is recodified to 30

      TAC 116.311(c) in this proposal. Because the proposed removal of this paragraph merely is the removal of a redundant requirement, it is not a relaxation of the SIP. Therefore,

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      approval of this revision will not interfere with attainment and reasonable further progress or any other applicable Federal requirement, as required by section 110(l) of the CAA. Accordingly, we propose to approve the removal of existing paragraph (a)(1), submitted

      December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998.

      \2\ The TACB is a predecessor agency to the TCEQ.

      c. Revisions to paragraph (a)(2).

      As currently approved, paragraph (a)(2) provides that upon renewal, facility is being operated in accordance with all requirements and conditions of the existing permit, including representations in the application for permit to construct and subsequent amendments, and any previously granted renewal. This paragraph was revised and redesignated to paragraph (a)(1) in the December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998, SIP submittals. This paragraph was again redesignated to paragraph (a)(2) in the September 4, 2002, SIP submittal. The revisions submitted

      December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998, as redesignated in the September 4, 2002, SIP submittal, were revised to add a provision that excludes changes otherwise authorized for a Qualified Facility. The submitted revisions to paragraph (a)(2) are related to severable provisions that relate to Qualified Facilities that we disapproved on April 14, 2010

      (75 FR 19467) and to the separately submitted revisions to the

      Qualified Facilities Program on October 5, 2010. We propose to take no action on the severable submitted revision to paragraph (a)(2) relating to Qualified Facilities, and we will address these revisions in a separate action on the submitted revisions to the Qualified Facilities

      Program. The approved SIP will retain currently approved paragraph

      (a)(2) as adopted by Texas on April 4, 1994 (submitted April 29, 1994), and approved March 10, 2006. d. The removal of existing paragraph (a)(3).

      This paragraph required that upon renewal the facility will continue to have appropriate means to measure the emission of significant air contaminants as determined necessary by the Executive

      Director. Texas submitted the removal of paragraph (a)(3) on December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. In its December 15, 1995 submittal, Texas stated:

      Existing Sec. 116.311(a)(3) also duplicates a requirement applicable to the original permit application. An applicant for a permit to construct must demonstrate that a facility will have provisions for measuring the emissions of significant air contaminants, including the installation of sampling ports and sampling platforms. When necessary, such requirements are written as conditions of the permit. The renewal review will determine whether a facility is in compliance with any sampling requirements in its permit. * * * [A]n owner/operator could not remove sampling ports or platforms in violation of permit conditions.

      Further, 30 TAC Sec. 101.9 provides independent authority for the TNRCC to require sampling ports and platforms when necessary.

      The existing Sec. 116.311(a)(3) was redundant and unnecessary.

      See the December 15, 1995 SIP submittal at page 5 of the Section entitled ``Evaluation of Testimony.'' EPA believes this provision is redundant because the SIP already contains the substantive requirement in the rules at 30 TAC 101.9 and 30 TAC 116.111(a)(2)(B). These two SIP rules require the following:

      Any person, at the request of the Texas Natural Resource

      Conservation Commission (TNRCC or Commission), shall provide in connection with each flue a power source near the point of testing in addition to such sampling and testing facilities and sampling ports, including safe and easy access thereto, exclusive of instruments and sensing devices, as may be necessary for the

      Commission to determine the nature and quality of emissions which are or may be discharged as a result of source operations. Evidence and data based on these samples and calculations may be used to substantiate violations of the Act, rules, and regulations. Agents of the Commission shall be permitted to sample the stacks during operating hours. 30 TAC 101.9

      (B) Measurement of emissions. The proposed facility will have provisions for measuring the emission of significant air contaminants as determined by the executive director. This may include the installation of sampling ports on exhaust stacks and construction of sampling platforms in accordance with guidelines in the ``Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC)

      Sampling Procedures Manual.'' 30 TAC 116.111(a)(2)(B). Because the proposed removal of this paragraph merely is the removal of a redundant requirement, it is not a relaxation of the SIP. Therefore, approval of this revision will not interfere with attainment and reasonable further progress or any other applicable Federal requirement, as required by section 110(l) of the

      CAA. Accordingly, we propose to approve the removal of existing paragraph (a)(3), submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. e. The removal of existing paragraph (a)(4).

      This paragraph required that upon renewal the facility will continue to use the control technology determined by the Executive

      Director to be economically reasonable and technically practicable considering the age of the facility and the impact of its emissions on the surrounding area. Texas submitted the removal of paragraph (a)(4) on December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. EPA believes that this provision is redundant because the SIP already provides for this substantive requirement at 30 TAC 116.311(a)(2) and 30 TAC 116.111(a)(2)(C). Section 30 TAC 116.311(a)(2) provides that upon renewal, the facility is being operated in accordance with all requirements and conditions of the existing permit, including representations in the application for permits to construct and subsequent amendments, and any previously granted renewal. Therefore, the SIP-approved requirements 30 TAC 116.311(a)(2) require that upon renewal, a facility will continue to meet the requirements of 30 TAC 116.111(a)(2)(C). This SIP rule requires that a proposed facility will utilize Best Available Control Technology (BACT), with consideration given to technical practicability and economic reasonableness of reducing or eliminating the emissions from the facility. Because the proposed removal of paragraph (a)(4) merely is the removal of a redundant requirement, it is not a relaxation of the SIP. Therefore, approval of the removal of 30 TAC 116.311(a)(4) will not interfere with attainment and reasonable further progress or any other applicable

      Federal requirement, as required by section 110(l) of the CAA.

      The removal of paragraph (a)(4) also removes a provision that allows director discretion relating to the control technology that could be utilized at a facility following renewal. Further, the TCEQ maintains the authority to impose, as a condition of renewal, additional requirements that it determines to be economically reasonable and technically practicable considering the age of the facility and the impact of its emissions on the surrounding area, as provided in the submitted revisions related to 30 TAC 116.311(b) (which is evaluated in section III.B.3.i of this preamble). Accordingly, we propose to approve the removal of existing paragraph (a)(4), submitted

      December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. f. Revisions to currently submitted paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4).

      These paragraphs are currently approved as paragraphs (a)(5) and

      (a)(6). These paragraphs require that upon renewal, the facility must continue to meet the applicable requirements of the New Source

      Performance Standards (required under section 111 of the Act and 40 CFR part 60) and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air

      Pollutants (required under section 112 of the Act and 40 CFR part 61).

      These

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      paragraphs were redesignated to paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) with non- substantive changes in revisions submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998, and were again redesignated to paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) in a revision submitted September 4, 2002, with no substantive changes.

      These changes are non-substantive revisions to the existing SIP.

      Accordingly, we propose to approve the redesignations and non- substantive changes to these paragraphs as submitted December 15, 1995;

      July 22, 1998; and September 4, 2002. g. Addition of new paragraph (a)(5).

      This paragraph was submitted as paragraph (a)(4) on July 22, 1998, and then recodified to paragraph (a)(5), as submitted September 4, 2002. This paragraph requires that upon renewal, the facility must continue to meet the applicable requirements of the maximum achievable control technology standard as listed under 40 CFR Part 63, promulgated by EPA under the authority of section 112 of the CAA, or as listed under 30 TAC Chapter 113, Subchapter C of this title (relating to

      National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source

      Categories) (FCAA Sec. 112, 40 CFR 63). This paragraph ensures that upon renewal the facility continues to meet the requirements of the current SIP at 30 TAC 116.111(a)(2)(F) which requires permitted facilities to comply with the requirements of 40 CFR part 63.

      Accordingly, we propose to approve the addition of paragraph (a)(5) as submitted December 15, 1995; July 22, 1998; and September 4, 2002. h. Addition of new subsection (b).

      Texas submitted subsection (b) on December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. This section provides that in addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, if the TCEQ determines it necessary to avoid a condition of air pollution or to ensure compliance with otherwise applicable Federal or state air quality control requirements, then: (1) The applicant may be required to submit additional information regarding the emissions from the facility and their impacts on the surrounding area; and (2) the TCEQ shall impose as a condition for renewal those requirements the Executive Director determines to be economically reasonable and technically practicable considering the age of the facility and the impact of its emissions on the surrounding area. This new subsection provides the Executive Director of the TCEQ with authority to require additional information and to require additional requirements above and beyond the requirements stipulated in subsection (a) whenever the Executive Director deems such additional measures are necessary. EPA has already approved subsection (a) (as adopted by the State on April 6, 1994) as meeting the requirements of the Act and 40 CFR part 51. Because the requirements in subsection (b) are in addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, and because EPA has approved subsection (a), subsection (b) can only be used to impose additional measures when the Executive Director deems them necessary. Subsection (b) does not authorize the Executive

      Director to use the permit renewal process to relax terms and conditions of the existing permit. Such relaxations of the existing permit must be authorized through the SIP-approved procedures for changing a permit under 30 TAC 116, Chapter 116, Subchapter B--New

      Source Review Permits.\3\ Further, the addition of subparagraph (b) provides a mechanism to ensure that upon renewal, the permit continues to meet the approved SIP requirements at 30 TAC 116.111(a)(2)(A)(1) which requires the initial permit must ``comply with all rules and regulations of the commission and with the intent of the TCAA, including protection of the health and property of the public.'' The addition of subsection (b) provides TCEQ with a mechanism to impose additional requirements at renewal when TCEQ deems it necessary to address changes in air quality or changes to applicable Federal and state requirements that may occur after issuance of the initial permit.

      We therefore find that the submitted revision to add subsection (b) to 30 TAC 116.311 meets section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Act and 40 CFR part 51; and does not interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment and reasonable further progress, or any other applicable requirement of the Act. Accordingly, we propose to approve the addition of the new subsection (b) to the SIP.

      \3\ Also see the SIP approved rule at 30 TAC 116.315(c) which provides that a renewal application may be submitted at the same time as an amendment application to modify an existing facility as long as it is submitted no more than three years before the permit's expiration date and the amendment is subject to public notice requirements.

      i. Revisions to subsection (c).

      This provision is currently approved as subsection (b). This subsection requires that upon renewal, the facility shall continue to meet the requirements under the undesignated heading in Subchapter B relating to compliance history. This provision was redesignated to subsection (c) with revisions, submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. The submitted revisions include changing the citations to refer to the Compliance History provisions to refer to the SIP-approved requirement under 30 TAC 116.120 through 116.126 under Subchapter B,

      Division 2--Compliance History. The changes also include clarifications that failure to demonstrate compliance with the Compliance History requirements shall result in the renewal not being granted. It further changes the rule to provide that if a contested case hearing has not been requested, the Executive Director, not the staff, must notify the applicant of intent to recommend denial of an application for permit renewal if the TCEQ finds that violations of the compliance history constitute a recurring pattern of egregious conduct which demonstrates a consistent disregard for the regulatory process, including failure to make a timely and substantial attempt to correct the violations.

      Accordingly, we propose to approve the redesignation of subsection (b) to subsection (c) and the revisions thereto as submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998.

    3. Section 30 TAC 116.314--Review Schedule 1. What is the background of 30 TAC 116.314?

      The currently approved provisions for 30 TAC 116.314 were submitted to EPA on August 31, 1993. EPA approved the submitted revisions on

      March 10, 2006 (71 FR 12285). These revisions became effective on May 9, 2006. 2. What did Texas submit for 30 TAC 116.314?

      Since EPA's last approval for this section, TCEQ has submitted two

      SIP revisions to EPA for this section on December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. In this action, we are proposing to approve the revisions of the existing provisions of section 116.314. The revisions submitted to this section include the following:

      Reorganization of subsection (a) into subsections (a) and

      (b) and redesignation of existing subsections (b) and (c) to subsections (c) and (d).

      Non-substantive revisions to the reorganized subsections

      (a) and (b).

      Revisions to subsection (c) as recodified.

      Non-substantive revisions to subsection (d) as recodified. 3. What is EPA's evaluation of the submitted revisions to 30 TAC 116.314?

      The revisions to 30 TAC 116.314 are evaluated and addressed in this proposed action as described below: a. Revisions to subsections (a) and (b).

      Page 32339

      The revisions submitted July 22, 1998, revised and reorganized subsection (a) into subsections (a) and (b). These revisions include clarifying amendments which streamline and reorganize the requirements of subsections (a) and (b). The submitted changes are non-substantive.

      Accordingly, we propose to approve subsections (a) and (b) as submitted

      December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. b. Revisions to subsection (c).

      These provisions are currently approved as subsection (b). As approved, this subsection provides that in the event that the permit holder fails to satisfy the requirements for corrective action by the deadline specified in the report filed by the TCEQ, the applicant shall be required to show cause in a contested case proceeding why the permit should not expire. The proceeding will be pursuant to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act, Article 6252- 13a, V.T.C.S. This subsection was recodified to subsection (c) in the revisions submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. The submitted revisions update the agency name and the statutory citation relating to contested case hearings and referred to the contested case hearing provisions in 30 TAC Chapters 1, 55, and 80. The submitted revision to 30 TAC 116.314(c) includes specific cross-references to 30 TAC Chapters 1, 55, and 80, which relate to Purpose of Rules, General Provisions;

      Request for Contested Case Hearings; Public Comment; and Contested Case

      Hearings. In contrast, the current SIP refers to the Contested Case

      Hearing Process without cross references to specific rules relating to

      Contested Case Hearings. Although the revision provides references to the specific rules relating to Contested Case Hearings, the revision does not make substantive changes to the requirements of the existing

      SIP. Texas's use of the Contest Hearing Process in this context in both the current SIP and the submitted revisions is to inform the permit applicant of the availability of the contested case hearing but does not incorporate the specific requirements of Chapters 1, 55, and 80 into the SIP. Further, the submitted revision to 30 TAC 116.314(c) meets the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Act and 40 CFR part 51, does not interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment and reasonable further progress, or any other applicable requirement of the Act. Accordingly, EPA proposes to approve the revisions to subsection (c) as submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. d. Revisions to subsection (d).

      These provisions are currently approved as subsection (c) and relate to the effective date of the existing permit. This subsection was revised and recodified to subsection (d) in revisions submitted

      December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998. These revisions include clarifying amendments which streamline the requirements relating to

      Permit Renewals. The submitted changes are non-substantive.

      Accordingly, we propose to approve the revision to subsection (d) as submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998.

  9. Proposed Action

    Today, EPA proposes to approve the following revisions to the Texas

    SIP:

    Revisions to 30 TAC 116.310--Notification of Permit

    Holder--submitted December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998.

    Revisions to 30 TAC 116.311--Permit Renewal Application-- submitted December 15, 1995; July 22, 1998; and September 4, 2002; as follows:

    cir

    Addition of new paragraph (a)(1);

    cir

    Removal of existing paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(3), and (a)(4);

    cir

    Revisions to and redesignation of existing paragraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6) to paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4), respectively;

    cir

    Addition of new paragraph (a)(5);

    cir

    Addition of new subsection (b); and

    cir

    Revisions to and redesignation of existing subsection (b) to subsection (c)

    Revisions to 30 TAC 116.314--Review Schedule--submitted

    December 15, 1995, and July 22, 1998, as follows:

    cir

    The revisions to and reorganization of existing subsection

    (a) to subsections (a) and (b); and

    cir

    The revisions to and redesignation of existing subsections

    (b) and (c) to subsections (c) and (d).

    Much of this SIP revision re-organizes and makes non-substantive changes to the Texas renewals program. This revision also revises the

    SIP by adding a requirement to ensure that permits that pre-date TCEQ's rule change to regulate dockside emissions are required at renewal to ensure all dockside emissions comply with the statute and regulations.

    The revision also removed the following three requirements from the renewals process: (1) Upon renewal the emissions from the facility will comply with all applicable specifications and requirements in the Texas

    Air Control Board (TACB) rules and the Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA); (2) upon renewal the facility will continue to have appropriate means to measure the emission of significant air contaminants as determined necessary by the Executive Director; and (3) upon renewal the facility will continue to use the control technology determined by the Executive

    Director to be economically reasonable and technically practicable considering the age of the facility and the impact of its emissions on the surrounding area. We believe that the removal of these provisions is approvable because these requirements are provided elsewhere in the

    Texas SIP; and therefore, their deletion will not interfere with attainment and reasonable further progress of the NAAQS or any other applicable requirement, as required by section 110(l) of the CAA.

    Final action on these revisions on or before October 31, 2011, will meet EPA's obligation on the Permit Renewals component of the May 21, 2009, Consent Decree between EPA and the Business Coalition for Clean

    Air Appeal Group, Texas Association of Business, and Texas Oil and Gas

    Association.

    EPA proposes to take no action on the following revisions to 30 TAC 116.311, December 15, 1995; July 22, 1998; and September 4, 2002:

    Severable revisions to paragraph (a)(2), which relate to the Qualified Facilities Program. Today, we propose to retain the currently approved provisions of paragraph (a)(2) in the SIP as adopted by Texas on April 6, 1994, approved March 10, 2006 (71 FR 12285). We will address the revisions to paragraph (a)(2) in connection with a separate SIP submittal that revises the Qualified Facilities Program, submitted October 5, 2010. EPA disapproved Texas Qualified Facilities

    Program on April 14, 2010 (75 FR 19467). Under the CAA, EPA's statutory deadline to take action on the revised Qualified Facilities Program is

    April 5, 2012.

  10. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a

    SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable Federal regulations. See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).

    Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act.

    Accordingly, this notice merely proposes to approve state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed action:

    Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under

    Page 32340

    Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);

    Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);

    Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory

    Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);

    Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded

    Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);

    Does not have Federalism implications as specified in

    Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);

    Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);

    Is not a significant regulatory action subject to

    Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);

    Is not subject to requirements of section 12(d) of the

    National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act; and

    Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under

    Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).

    In addition, this rule does not have Tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the

    SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on

    Tribal governments or preempt Tribal law.

    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide,

    Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

    Dated: May 20, 2011.

    Al Armendariz,

    Regional Administrator, Region 6.

    FR Doc. 2011-13872 Filed 6-3-11; 8:45 am

    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

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