80_FR_23035 80 FR 22956 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New Hampshire; Nonattainment New Source Review and Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program

80 FR 22956 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New Hampshire; Nonattainment New Source Review and Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 79 (April 24, 2015)

Page Range22956-22964
FR Document2015-09372

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to conditionally approve the New Hampshire November 15, 2012 State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions that are intended to ensure that the State's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) programs are consistent with the federal PSD and NNSR program requirements. In a letter dated March 20, 2015, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) committed to revising its regulations no later than one year from the date when EPA publishes a notice of final conditional approval, and to submitting the revised regulations to EPA for approval into the SIP. EPA is also proposing to fully approve a July 1, 2003 SIP revision that clarifies two definitions related to New Hampshire's permitting programs. These actions are being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 79 (Friday, April 24, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 79 (Friday, April 24, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22956-22964]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09372]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R01-OAR-2014-0796; EPA-R01-OAR-2014-0862; FRL-9926-73-Region 1]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
New Hampshire; Nonattainment New Source Review and Prevention of 
Significant Deterioration Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
conditionally approve the New Hampshire November 15, 2012 State 
Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions that are intended to ensure that 
the State's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and 
Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) programs are consistent with the 
federal PSD and NNSR program requirements. In a letter dated March 20, 
2015, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) 
committed to revising its regulations no later than one year from the 
date when EPA publishes a notice of final conditional approval, and to 
submitting the revised regulations to EPA for approval into the SIP. 
EPA is also proposing to fully approve a July 1, 2003 SIP revision that 
clarifies two definitions related to New Hampshire's permitting 
programs. These actions are being taken in accordance with the Clean 
Air Act (CAA).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before May 26, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number EPA-
R01-OAR-2014-0796 by one of the following methods:
    1. www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
    2. Email: mcdonnell.ida@epa.gov
    3. Fax: (617) 918-0653
    4. Mail: ``Docket Identification Number EPA-R01-OAR-2014-0796'', 
Ida McDonnell, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England 
Regional Office, Office of Ecosystem Protection, Air Permits, Toxics, 
and Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post Office Square--Suite 100, (Mail code 
OEP05-2), Boston, MA 02109-3912.
    5. Hand Delivery or Courier. Deliver your comments to: Ida 
McDonnell, Manager, Air Permits, Toxics, and Indoor Programs Unit, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 
Office of Ecosystem Protection, 5 Post Office Square--Suite 100, (mail 
code OEP05-2), Boston, MA 02109-3912. Such deliveries are only accepted 
during the Regional Office's normal hours of operation. The Regional 
Office's official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R01-OAR-
2014-0796. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
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 through www.regulations.gov, or 
email, information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected. 
The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, 
which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information 
unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email 
comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov your 
email 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 electronic docket are listed in the 
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such 
as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be 
publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket 
materials are available either electronically in www.regulations.gov or 
in hard copy at Office of Ecosystem Protection, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, Air Permits, Toxics 
and Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post Office Square--Suite 100, Boston, MA. 
EPA requests that if at all possible, you contact the contact listed in 
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to schedule your 
inspection. The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday 
through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
    In addition, copies of the state submittal and EPA's proposed 
approval and technical support document are also available for public 
inspection during normal business hours, by appointment at the Air 
Resources Division, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, 
6 Hazen Drive, P.O. Box 95, Concord, NH 03302-0095.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brendan McCahill, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, Office of Ecosystem 
Protection, Air Permits, Toxics, and Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post 
Office Square--Suite 100, (mail code OEP05-2), Boston, MA 02109-3912, 
telephone number (617) 918-1652, Fax number (617) 918-0652, email 
mccahill.brendan@EPA.GOV.

[[Page 22957]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' ``us,'' or ``our'' is 
used, we mean EPA.
    Organization of this document. The following outline is provided to 
aid in locating information in this preamble.

Table of Contents

I. What action is EPA proposing in this document?
II. Why is EPA reproposing its January 21, 2015 proposed approval of 
New Hampshire's November 15, 2012 PSD program SIP submittal?
III. What comments did EPA receive during the comment period for New 
Hampshire's PSD proposed program approval?
IV. What action is EPA proposing for New Hampshire's NNSR SIP 
submittal?
    A. What is the background for New Hampshire's November 15, 2012 
NNSR program SIP submittal?
    B. What revisions did EPA make in December 31, 2002?
    C. What revisions did EPA make in May 16, 2008?
V. What is EPA's analysis of New Hampshire's proposed NNSR program 
SIP revisions?
    A. What requirements did EPA apply in deciding to propose 
conditional approval of some of New Hampshire's SIP submittal?
    B. What provisions did New Hampshire include in its November 15, 
2012 NNSR SIP submittal?
    C. How did the New Hampshire November 15, 2012 NNSR SIP 
submittal meet new and existing NNSR program requirements?
    D. How did New Hampshire demonstrate that the definitions of 
``Baseline actual emissions'' and ``Reasonable period'' are as 
stringent as the corresponding federal definitions?
    E. What are the provisions that New Hampshire needs to submit in 
order for the conditional approval to become a full approval?
VI. What action is EPA proposing for New Hampshire's July 21, 2003 
SIP submittal to its PART Env-A 101: Permit definitions?
VII. Proposed Action
VIII. Incorporation by Reference
IX. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What action is EPA proposing in this document?

    EPA is proposing three actions in this document. First, EPA is 
proposing to conditionally approve revisions to the New Hampshire PSD 
program under PART Env-A 619, ``Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration.'' EPA originally proposed approval of the State's PSD 
program revisions on January 21, 2015. See 80 FR 2860. EPA is 
reproposing to approve the State's PSD program as a conditional 
approval because subsequent to EPA's January 21, 2015 Federal Register 
document, EPA concluded that New Hampshire's regulations did not 
contain a provision, consistent with 40 CFR 51.166(q)(2)(iv), requiring 
notice of a draft PSD permit to state air agencies whose lands may be 
affected by emissions from the permitted source. In a letter from New 
Hampshire dated March 20, 2015, the State committed to revise its 
regulations, no later than one year from EPA's notice of a final 
conditional approval, to include the additional public notice procedure 
in its regulations and to submit the revision to EPA for approval into 
the SIP.
    EPA is also proposing to conditionally approve revisions to New 
Hampshire's NNSR program SIP submitted on November 15, 2012. The 
approval is conditioned on New Hampshire submitting in a timely manner 
two requirements missing from its rules: (1) Provisions that meet the 
federal regulations for ``reasonable possibility,'' applicable to 
projects at major stationary sources that are not major modifications 
based on the actual-to-projected actual test but have a ``reasonable 
possibility'' of resulting in a significant emission increase; and (2) 
provisions stating that approval to construct shall not relieve any 
owner or operator of the responsibility to comply fully with applicable 
provisions of the plan and any other requirements under local, state or 
federal law. In a letter dated March 20, 2015, the NH DES committed to 
revising its NNSR regulations to include the requirements above and to 
submitting the revised regulations to EPA for approval into the SIP.
    Finally, EPA is proposing to approve New Hampshire's July 1, 2003 
SIP revision that modifies two definitions in PART Env-A 101, ``Permit 
definitions:'' (1) ``minor permit amendment,'' and (2) ``state permit 
to operate.'' These revisions are intended to clarify the State's 
definitions relevant to certain permitting transactions and to render 
them consistent with the requirements in the State's permitting rules.

II. Why is EPA reproposing its January 21, 2015 proposed approval of 
New Hampshire's November 15, 2012 PSD program SIP submittal?

    EPA's original proposal to approve the November 15, 2012 revisions 
to New Hampshire's PSD program is described in detail in the January 
21, 2015 Federal Register document. See 80 FR 2860. In the document, 
EPA noted that public participation requirements for New Hampshire's 
PSD program were first approved in October 28, 2002. In the November 
15, 2012 submittal, New Hampshire renumbered its State citation for the 
public notice procedures but did not include any substantive revisions 
to the language. However, after reviewing New Hampshire's rules to 
determine compliance with the federal infrastructure SIP requirements 
under CAA section 110, EPA concluded that New Hampshire's regulations 
did not contain a provision, consistent with 40 CFR 51.166(q)(2)(iv), 
requiring notice of a draft PSD permit to be sent to state air agencies 
whose lands may be affected by emissions from the permitted source. As 
noted above, EPA is now proposing to conditionally approve New 
Hampshire's PSD program based on the State's commitment to revise its 
regulation and to submit it to EPA for approval into the SIP.

III. What comments did EPA receive during the comment period for New 
Hampshire's PSD proposed program approval?

    EPA received one comment from Earthjustice during the comment 
period for the proposed approval of the PSD program. Earthjustice 
commented that EPA's January 21, 2015 document proposing approval for 
the State's PSD program was confusing and should have more clearly 
stated that New Hampshire did not incorporate by reference the 
significant impact levels (SILs) for Particulate Matter less than 2.5 
microns (PM2.5) into its PSD SIP. EPA agrees that its 
January 21, 2015 document should have been written more clearly on that 
point. On January 22, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia Circuit granted a request from EPA to vacate and 
remand the portions of the PM2.5 PSD Increment-SILs-SMC Rule 
(40 CFR 51.166(k)(2) and 40 CFR 52.21(k)(2)) addressing the SILs for 
PM2.5 so that EPA could voluntarily correct an error in 
these provisions. See Sierra Club v. EPA, 705 F.3d 458, 463-66 (D.C. 
Cir. 2013). (The court declined to vacate the SILs provision at 40 CFR 
51.165(b)(2) that did not contain that same error. Id.) EPA here 
confirms that New Hampshire's November 12, 2012 proposed PSD revisions 
did not incorporate by reference the PM2.5 SIL provision 
under 40 CFR 51.166(k)(2). EPA is also confirming that we are not 
approving 40 CFR 51.166(k)(2) into the SIP.

IV. What action is EPA proposing for New Hampshire's NNSR SIP 
submittal?

    New Hampshire's November 15, 2012 SIP submittal also included 
revisions to the State's NNSR program at PART Env-A 618, 
``Nonattainment New Source Review.'' The revisions incorporated by 
reference into the State's regulations, at PART Env-A 618 
``Nonattainment New Source Review,'' consist of many of the

[[Page 22958]]

provisions of the federal NNSR program codified in the July 1, 2011 
edition of 40 CFR 51.165. New Hampshire incorporated those provisions 
which are appropriate for state implementation (with the exception of 
certain permit application and public notice requirements for which New 
Hampshire submitted its own equivalent language and with the exception 
of two definitions for which New Hampshire established its own 
language, as described below). EPA's Technical Support Document (TSD) 
sets forth in detail which provisions of 40 CFR 51.165 were 
incorporated by the State and which were not. EPA's TSD is available as 
part of the docket and administrative record for this action. The 
State's NNSR submittal requested that EPA approve the revisions into 
the State's SIP-approved NNSR program. The State's submitted NNSR 
program includes provisions that comply with the requirements in EPA's 
December 31, 2002 Final NSR Improvement Rules and EPA's May 16, 2008 
Final Rules Governing the Implementation of NSR for Fine Particulate 
Matter (i.e., particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers 
(PM2.5)). EPA is proposing to conditionally approve PART 
Env-A 618 because the State's submittal did not include: (1) provisions 
for ``reasonable possibility'' established in 40 CFR 51.165(a)(6) and 
(a)(7); and (2) provisions required under 40 CFR 51.165(a)(5)(i) 
providing that approval to construct shall not relieve any owner or 
operator of the responsibility to comply fully with applicable 
provisions of the plan and any other requirements under local, State or 
Federal law. By letter dated March 20, 2015, the State committed to 
revise its regulations and to submit them to EPA for approval into the 
SIP no later than one year from the date of EPA's notice of a final 
conditional approval. We also note that PART Env-A 618, on which EPA is 
today taking action, will supersede all other versions of the NNSR 
rules earlier approved by EPA into New Hampshire's SIP.

A. What is the background for New Hampshire's November 15, 2012 NNSR 
program SIP submittal?

    New Hampshire's November 15, 2012 SIP submittal adopting provisions 
from the July 1, 2011 edition of 40 CFR 51.165 (with the exceptions 
mentioned above and described in more detail in EPA's TSD) into the 
SIP, involves the addition of several major changes to the State's NNSR 
rules since EPA last approved the State's NNSR program on July 27, 
2001. As mentioned earlier, the exact provisions of the federal 
regulations which are and are not being incorporated by reference into 
the New Hampshire SIP in this action are contained in EPA's TSD for 
this rulemaking. The new NNSR provisions, i.e., those that are 
different than the NNSR provisions earlier approved by EPA into New 
Hampshire's SIP, are summarized below in the next two sections (IV.B. 
and IV.C) of this document. The State's November 15, 2012 SIP submittal 
retains much of the substantive content of the major NNSR rule 
provisions last approved into the SIP on July 27, 2001 but also 
incorporates changes to the federal regulations that occurred since 
that time, i.e. in December 2002. The already existing provisions 
include, among other things, requirements for major stationary sources 
to obtain emission reductions (``offsets'') from existing stationary 
sources to ensure new stationary sources do not interfere with state 
plans to achieve the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and 
requirements that major stationary sources apply emissions controls 
that constitute the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) which is 
derived from the most stringent emission limitation contained in any 
state implementation plan or achieved in practice for that class or 
category of stationary source.

B. What revisions did EPA make in December 31, 2002?

    EPA issued a Final Rule entitled, ``Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR): 
Baseline Emissions Determination, Actual-to-Future-Actual Methodology, 
Plantwide Applicability Limitations, Clean Units, Pollution Control 
Projects'' (67 FR 80185, December 31, 2002). The rule made a number of 
changes to the applicability requirements of the federal NNSR rule 
including the following:
     A new definition of ``actual emission baseline'' that 
defines an emission unit's pre-modification actual emissions;
     New ``Applicability Procedures'' under 40 CFR 51.165(a)(2) 
that define the test method used to calculate the emission increase 
from the construction or modification of new or existing emission 
units;
     The expansion of the ``Actual-to-Projected Actual'' 
applicability test to determine if projects at non-Electric Utility 
Steam Generating Units (non-EUSGU) are major modifications. (The pre-
2002 federal NSR regulations restricted the Actual-to-Projected Actual 
applicability test to EUSGUs only);
     New procedures requiring stationary sources to monitor, 
keep records and report emissions from projects at existing emission 
units if there is a reasonable possibility (as defined in 40 CFR 
51.165(a)(6)(vi)) that a project that is determined pre-construction 
not to be a major modification may actually in the future result in a 
significant emission increase; and
     The addition of the optional ``Plantwide Applicability 
Test'' (PAL) for all source categories.
    The Federal Register document for the December 2002 NSR rule gave 
state permitting agencies until January 2, 2006 to submit SIP 
amendments that implemented the new federal revisions or, if a state 
permitting agency did not submit any SIP amendments or submitted 
amendments that differed from the federal rules, a demonstration 
showing that its existing permitting program or amended permitting 
program is at least as stringent as EPA's revised program. In addition, 
federal regulations governing SIP-approved NNSR rules at 40 CFR 51.165 
``Permit Requirements'' require that all state plans use the specific 
definitions as promulgated by EPA. Deviations from the federal 
definitions will be approvable by EPA only if the state specifically 
demonstrates that the submitted definition is more stringent than, or 
at least as stringent in all respects as, the corresponding federal 
definition.
    The final document for the December 2002 NSR rule at http://www.epa.gov/NSR/fr/20021231_80186.pdf provides a full description of 
the NSR improvements, the requirements for SIP submittals, and the 
final amended federal rule for SIP-approved NNSR programs at 40 CFR 
51.165 ``Permit Requirements.''

C. What revisions did EPA make in May 16, 2008?

    EPA issued a Final Rule governing the implementation of NSR for 
PM2.5. (73 FR 28321, May 16, 2008). The rule includes the 
new major stationary source applicability threshold level for major 
stationary sources of PM2.5. A stationary source is defined 
as a major stationary source and subject to the PM2.5 NNSR 
requirements if it emits 100 or more tons per year (tpy) of 
PM2.5.
    The rule also identified the following list of pollutants that 
contribute to PM2.5 formation and a description of whether 
the pollutant, as a precursor to PM2.5, is regulated under 
the NNSR rules.
     Direct emissions of PM2.5--regulated under the 
NNSR rule;

[[Page 22959]]

     Sulfur dioxide (SO2)--regulated under the NNSR 
rule;
     Nitrogen oxides (NOX)--regulated under the NNSR 
rule unless the state demonstrates that NOX emissions are 
not a significant contributor to the formation of PM2.5 for 
an area(s) in the state;
     Volatile organic compounds (VOC)--not regulated under the 
NNSR rule unless the state demonstrates that VOC emissions are a 
significant contributor to the formation of PM2.5 for an 
area(s) in the state; and
     Ammonia--not regulated under the NNSR rule unless the 
state demonstrates that ammonia emissions are a significant contributor 
to the formation of PM2.5 for an area(s) in the state.
    The rule also identifies the following significant emission rates 
used to determine if increases in direct emissions of PM2.5 
or increases in PM2.5 precursors from a construction project 
at an existing facility result in major modifications that are then 
subject to the NNSR rule:
     Direct PM2.5 emissions--10 tons per year (tpy)
     SO2 emissions--40 tpy
     NOX emissions--40 tpy
     VOC emissions (if regulated) 40 tpy unless the state 
demonstrates that a lower rate is appropriate.

V. What is EPA's analysis of New Hampshire's proposed NNSR program SIP 
revisions?

A. What requirements did EPA apply in deciding to propose conditional 
approval of New Hampshire's SIP submittal?

    Section 110(a)(1) of the CAA requires each state to submit to EPA a 
plan which provides for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement 
of each NAAQS. These plans, generally referred to as the SIP, include 
numerous air quality monitoring, emission inventory, and emission 
control requirements designed to obtain and maintain the NAAQS within 
the state. The CAA requires states to adopt SIP revisions into state 
regulations and to submit the revisions to EPA for approval into the 
state's SIP. Section 110(l) of the CAA states that EPA shall not 
approve a revision to the SIP if the revision would interfere with any 
applicable requirement concerning attainment (of the NAAQS) and 
reasonable further progress (as defined in CAA section 7501) or any 
other requirement of the CAA.

B. What provisions did New Hampshire include in its November 15, 2012 
NNSR SIP submittal?

    New Hampshire's November 15, 2012 SIP submittal added or revised 
the following provisions to its NNSR Program under PART Env-A 618 
Nonattainment New Source Review. The provisions include requirements 
from 40 CFR 51.165 previously incorporated by reference into New 
Hampshire's SIP on July 27, 2001, additional or amended requirements 
contained in the July 2011 version of 40 CFR 51.165, and certain new 
and previously approved state permit program requirements, including 
permit application and permit issuance procedures and other 
requirements necessary to implement the NNSR program.

 PART Env-A 618.01: Purpose
 PART Env-A 618.02: Applicability
 PART Env-A 618.03: Definitions
 PART Env-A 618.04: Owner or Operator Obligations
 PART Env-A 618.05 Implementation Plan Requirements
 PART Env-A 618.06: Permit Application Requirements
 PART Env-A 618.07: Emission Offset Requirements
 PART Env-A 618.08: Procedure for acquiring and Implementing 
Emission Offsets
 PART Env-A 618.09: Establishing a PAL
 PART Env-A 618.10 Department Review and Public Notice

    The following is a description of each section.
    PART Env-A 618.01 Purpose defines the purpose of the part to 
implement the NNSR program as set forth in sections 171 through 193 of 
the CAA and the July 1, 2011 edition of 40 CFR 51.165.
    PART Env-A 618.02 Applicability identifies the stationary sources 
subject to the state NNSR program: New major stationary source or major 
modifications of a regulated NSR pollutant located in an area 
designated as nonattainment under 40 CFR 81.330, or new major 
stationary sources or major modifications for NOX or VOC if 
the stationary source is located in the Northeast Ozone Transport 
region (OTR) as defined in PART Env-A 618.03(b)(3).
    The section also requires projects to use emission calculations 
described in 40 CFR 51.165(a)(2)(ii)(A) through (F) to determine if the 
project is a new major stationary source or new major modification.
    In addition, if a new stationary source or modification is 
determined to be a major stationary source or major modification solely 
by virtue of a relaxation in any enforceable limitation established 
after August 7, 1980 on the capacity of the stationary source or 
modification otherwise to emit a pollutant, such as a restriction on 
hours of operation, then the provisions of this part shall apply to the 
stationary source or modification as though construction had not yet 
commenced on the stationary source or modification.
    PART Env-A 618.03 Definitions adopts the specific definitions 
contained in the July 1, 2011 edition of 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1) and (f)(2) 
with the following clarifications: The NH DES revised the federal 
definitions of ``Baseline actual emissions'' and ``Reasonable period.'' 
An analysis of the State's revisions to the federal definitions of the 
terms ``Baseline actual emissions'' and ``Reasonable period'' is found 
in section V.D of this document. The section also included five 
additional definitions not specifically defined in the federal NNSR 
regulations, but relevant to the program: ``Emission offset,'' 
``Emission offset ratio,'' ``Northeast Ozone Transport Region,'' 
``Offset source,'' and ``Ozone season.''
    PART Env-A 618.04 Owner or Operator Obligations includes the 
following requirements:
     The owner or operator of any new major stationary source 
or major modification subject to this part shall comply with LAER;
     obtain offsets for the increase in emissions for the 
project in accordance with PART Env-A 618.07; and
     obtain a NNSR permit prior to commencement of 
construction.
    In addition, the owner or operator of an existing major stationary 
source with a Plantwide applicability limit (PAL) shall comply with the 
provisions of its PAL.
    PART Env-A 618.05 Implementation Plan Requirements ensures, in 
accordance with section 173(a)(4) of the CAA, that NH DES will not 
issue a permit or permits to a stationary source to which the 
requirements of PART Env-A 618 apply if the EPA Administrator has 
determined that the applicable implementation plan is not being 
adequately implemented for the nonattainment area in which the proposed 
stationary source is to be constructed or modified.
    PART Env-A 618.06 Permit Application Requirements identifies the 
procedures to file with NH DES, NNSR and PAL permit applications. The 
section also identifies the items that should be included in an 
application including: (1) A control technology evaluation to 
demonstrate that a new major stationary source or major modification 
will meet LAER; (2) a documented plan to obtain creditable

[[Page 22960]]

emission reduction offsets in accordance with PART Env-A 618.07; (3) a 
demonstration showing that all major stationary sources in New 
Hampshire under common ownership are in compliance; and (4) an analysis 
of alternative sites, sizes, production processes, and an environmental 
control techniques demonstration showing the benefits of the proposed 
stationary source significantly outweigh the environmental and social 
costs imposed as a result of its location, construction, or 
modification. In addition, a PAL application shall contain information 
required pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(f)(3).
    PART Env-A 618.07 Emission Offset Requirements identifies the 
requirements for offsets including, but not limited to, defining: (1) 
the use of actual emissions from the stationary source providing offset 
credits as the baseline for determining emission offsets; (2) the 
offset ratio requirements for different ozone nonattainment 
designations; and (3) the location requirements restricting where a 
stationary source may obtain offsets. The section includes requirements 
for a stationary source seeking offsets to demonstrate that the 
stationary source of the offsets causes or contributes to a violation 
of a NAAQS in the nonattainment area which the new or modified 
stationary source is proposed to be located. The section also requires 
that offsets obtained outside of New Hampshire be subject to a 
federally enforceable permit or other federally enforceable document 
approved by the state or governing jurisdiction in which the offset 
stationary source is located.
    The section also states that offsets shall not include: (1) Any 
reductions from compliance, or scheduled compliance, with applicable 
rules in effect prior to the permit application of the new or modified 
stationary source; (2) Reductions required to meet RACT or acid 
deposition provisions of the Act, as stipulated in the General Preamble 
for the Implementation of Title I of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 
1990, 57 FR 13553, III.G.2.e; or 3) Reductions required to meet any 
other provisions of Env-A 100 et seq. and the Act.
    PART Env-A 618.08 Procedures for Acquiring and Implementing 
Emission Offsets identifies requirements for owners and operators to 
document the offset pollutant, actual and potential estimates of each 
new pollutant, the offset stationary source and location, the actual 
and allowable annual estimate of each pollutant for the offset 
stationary source prior to the effective date of the offset, potential 
annual estimates of each pollutant of the new stationary source after 
the effective date of the offset, and for NOX and VOC 
emissions, the ozone season annual emissions estimate from the new 
stationary source.
    The section also requires stationary sources obtaining offsets from 
outside New Hampshire to file documentation with the NH DES verifying 
that the offset stationary source has obtained a federally enforceable 
permit or other federally enforceable documentation for the emission 
reduction control measures pertaining to the offsets for the new 
stationary source.
    The section also allows the use of emission reduction credits 
(ERCs) in accordance to PART Env-A 3006.04 to satisfy NNSR emissions 
offset requirements. Stationary sources may also use discrete emission 
reductions (DERs) to meet the offset requirements provided the DERs 
comply with the requirements of section 173 of the Act, 40 CFR 
51.165(a) and PART Env-A 3108.02.
    Env A 618.09 Establishing a PAL identifies the requirements to 
establish and implement a PAL in accordance with 40 CFR 51.165(f)(1), 
(4) and (6) through (14) except that public participation procedures 
identified in PART Env-A 618.10(b) and (c) shall be used.
    PART Env-A 618.10 Department Review and Public Notice requires 
stationary sources applying for a PAL permit to file an application. 
The regulation specifies that NH DES will address all material comments 
received during the comment period before taking a final action on a 
PAL permit application. Applications to comply with NNSR or to 
establish a PAL permit shall be subject to the public notice procedures 
specified in PART Env-A 621.04 including the requirement for a 30-day 
public notice and comment period and permit appeal procedures under the 
state judicial review regulations.

C. How did the New Hampshire November 15, 2012 NNSR SIP submittal meet 
new and existing NNSR program requirements?

    With the exception of the definitions of the terms ``Baseline 
actual emissions'' and ``Reasonable period,'' the NH DES's November 15, 
2012 SIP submittal incorporated by reference into the State regulation 
the definitions for a SIP-approved nonattainment NSR program under 40 
CFR 51.165(a)(1) and the definitions for PALs under 40 CFR 
51.165(f)(2). The submittal also included five additional definitions: 
``Emission offset,'' ``Emission offset ratio,'' ``Northeast Ozone 
Transport Region,'' ``Offset source,'' and ``Ozone season'' for the 
purpose of clarifying the State's NNSR requirements. The definitions 
for ``Emission offset,'' ``Emission offset ratio'' and ``Ozone season'' 
were previously approved by EPA into the SIP and clarify the offset 
requirements under New Hampshire's NNSR program. The definition for the 
``Northeast Ozone Transport Region'' was also previously approved by 
EPA into the SIP and means the same geographical area as defined under 
Section 184(a) of the CAA. The definition of ``Offset source'' replaces 
the previously approved SIP definition of ``Offset donor source'' and 
identifies potential sources of emissions from which a new or modified 
stationary source may obtain emission offsets. The additional 
definitions help clarify the offset requirements under New Hampshire's 
NNSR program and are consistent with all federal requirements under the 
CAA for approval into the SIP.
    By incorporating by reference the federal provisions under 40 CFR 
51.165 (with the exceptions noted earlier and in EPA's TSD) the vast 
majority of the State's proposed SIP revisions satisfy the existing 
SIP-approved NNSR program requirements approved on July 27, 2001, the 
December 31, 2002 NSR Improvement Rule, and the May 16, 2008 
PM2.5 NSR Rule.\1\ The two conditional approval issues that 
are missing from New Hampshire's submittal are described earlier and 
later in this document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ New Hampshire's few changes to definitions used in the 
federal regulations and use of several additional clarifying 
definitions, as explained in this document, are also approvable 
because they are consistent with all CAA requirements for approval 
into the SIP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The NH DES submittal also expanded upon the emissions offset 
provisions previously approved into the SIP. As noted, the submittal 
includes a new definition for ``Emission offset'' under PART Env-A 
618.03 requiring reductions in pollutants achieved at an existing 
stationary source to meet criteria specified in 40 CFR 51.165(a)(3). 
The NH DES also included two new sections in the NNSR program; Env 
618.07, ``Emission Offset Requirements'' and Section PART Env-A 618.08, 
``Procedure for Acquiring and Implementing Emissions Offsets.''
    As described above, PART Env-A 618.07 identifies the specific 
provisions applicable to all offset emissions. These provisions include 
requirements that offsets: (1) Be surplus; (2) obtained from an area 
designated with an equal or higher nonattainment classification; (3) 
obtained in an amount equal to or exceeding a one-to one ratio, or 
another

[[Page 22961]]

ratio as required by the nonattainment designation; and, 4) if obtained 
outside the designated area where the new stationary source or 
modification is to be constructed, a demonstration that the offsets 
cause or contribute to a violation of the NAAQS in which the stationary 
source or modification is to be constructed, as allowed under section 
173(c)(1) of the CAA.
    PART Env-A 618.08 identifies the procedures for documenting 
emission reductions used for offsets. Among other requirements, the 
section allows stationary sources subject to the offset provisions to 
use ERCs in accordance with PART Env-A 3006.04. The section also allows 
DERs to meet the offset requirements, provided the DERs comply with the 
requirements of section 173 of the CAA, 40 CFR 51.165(a) and PART Env-A 
3108.02. As explained below, EPA previously has allowed the use of DERs 
to meet a CAA emissions requirement. EPA has determined, given the 
procedures that will apply to the use of DERs and ERCs to meet the NNSR 
emissions offset requirements, that it is appropriate and consistent 
with CAA requirements to approve these provisions into New Hampshire's 
SIP.
    In EPA's approval of New Hampshire's Reasonably Available Control 
Technology (RACT) for Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) and Volatile 
Organic Compounds (79 FR 49458, August 21 2014), EPA allowed stationary 
sources subject to the State's RACT rule to comply by the purchase and 
generation of DER credits pursuant to PART Env-A 3100. The approval 
further states, since PART Env-A 3100 has not been approved into the 
SIP, any order issued by New Hampshire that allows the use of PART Env-
A 3100 to comply with NOX RACT will need to be approved into 
New Hampshire's SIP as a source specific SIP revision.
    Similar to the RACT rule, since PART Env-A 3000 and PART Env-A 3100 
have not been approved by EPA into the SIP, any NNSR permit issued by 
New Hampshire that allows for the use of ERCs and/or DERs to meet an 
offset requirement would first need the ERC or DER offset to be 
approved by EPA into the SIP before the NNSR permit could be issued. 
Each individual SIP approval of a stationary source's use of DERs and/
or ERCs for the purpose of meeting the NNSR emissions offset 
requirement, would be required to meet the requirements identified in 
PART Env-A 618.07 and PART Env-A 618.08 and to satisfy all offset and 
any other relevant requirements of the CAA before EPA would be able to 
approve the use of the DERs and/or ERCs into the SIP for a specific 
proposed new major stationary source or modification.

D. How did New Hampshire demonstrate that the definitions of ``Baseline 
actual emissions'' and ``Reasonable period'' are as stringent as the 
corresponding federal definitions?

1. ``Baseline Actual Emissions'' Analysis
    The ``Baseline actual emissions'' definition is used in all major 
stationary source applicability tests and defines the actual emissions 
from a stationary source before the project. The difference between the 
pre-project ``actual emission baseline'' and the post-project 
``projected actual emissions'' determines the emission increase from a 
project.
    The federal definition of ``Baseline actual emissions'' at 40 CFR 
51.165(a)(1)(xxxv) defines separate baseline emissions calculations for 
existing electric utility steam generating units (EUSGU) and all other 
existing emission units other than EUSGU. The key elements of the 
definition relevant to this document are as follows:
     Existing EUSGU: The owner/operator may select any 
consecutive 24-month period for each pollutant, without the need for a 
demonstration, within the 5-year period immediately preceding when the 
owner/operator begins actual construction of the project. The reviewing 
authority may allow the use of a different time period upon a 
determination showing the time period is more representative of normal 
stationary source operations. A different consecutive 24-month period 
can be used for each regulated pollutant.
     All other existing emission units: The owner/operator may 
select any consecutive 24-month period in the 10-year period 
immediately preceding either the date the owner/operator begins actual 
construction or the date a completed permit application is received by 
the reviewing authority for a permit, whichever is earlier. No other 
different time period is allowed. A different consecutive 24-month 
period can be used for each regulated pollutant.
    The NH DES definition tracks the requirements in 40 CFR 
51.165(a)(1)(xxxv) except for the following differences:
     Unlike the federal definitions, the State uses the same 
definition for EUSGUs and non-EUSGUs.
     Under the State's definition, in establishing baseline 
actual emissions for a project, the owner/operator presumptively shall 
select the same consecutive 24-month period for all pollutants; and the 
consecutive 24-month period shall be selected from within the 5-year 
period immediately preceding the date when the owner/operator begins 
actual construction of the project. However, the NH DES shall allow the 
use of a different consecutive 24-month time period for all pollutants, 
up to 10 years immediately preceding the date when the owner/operator 
begins actual construction of the project, or allow the use of a 
different consecutive 24-month period for different pollutants within 
that 10 year period, upon determining (after adequate demonstration by 
the applicant) that the alternative time period is more representative 
of normal stationary source operations.
    Forty CFR 51.165(a)(1) requires that all state plans use the 
specific definitions as promulgated by EPA. Deviations from the federal 
wording for each definition will be approved only if the state 
specifically demonstrates that the submitted definition is more 
stringent, or at least as stringent in all respects, as the 
corresponding federal definition.
    As part of the December 2002 NSR final rule, EPA prepared a 
November 21, 2002, ``Supplemental Analysis of the Environmental Impact 
of the 2002 Final NSR Improvement Rules (Supplemental Analysis).'' The 
Supplemental Analysis provided a description of the NSR reform rules 
and an analysis demonstrating that the reform rule's environmental 
benefits were equivalent to or more stringent than the existing pre-
reform rules. For the addition of the definition of ``Baseline actual 
emissions,'' EPA concluded that the use of a 10 year period to select a 
baseline is a reasonable period considering the variability of 
different business cycles. EPA believes the effect from the new 
definition is small and would not alter the baseline for 90% of the 
stationary sources. For the remaining 10%, EPA cannot draw general 
conclusions about how many stationary sources would or would not 
receive an alternative baseline nor estimate what emission consequences 
would result. EPA's complete analysis of the definition of ``Baseline 
Actual Emissions'' can be found at http://www.epa.gov/nsr/documents/nsr-analysis.pdf.
    The NH DES included as part of its SIP submittal a November 16, 
2012 memorandum entitled ``Supplemental Information for SIP Revision 
Request Parts of PART Env-A 600, Statewide Permit System.'' Similar to 
the EPA's study and analysis summarized above in the previous 
paragraph, the State's memorandum described the differences between the 
federal and state ``Baseline actual emissions'' definitions and 
described an emissions study that compares the effects of the state and

[[Page 22962]]

federal definition on emission changes to actual stationary sources 
located in New Hampshire. The NH DES's analysis looked at the federal 
definition of baseline actual emission, the State's presumptive or 
default baseline actual emission method (i.e., 24 consecutive months 
selected from the 5 years preceding actual construction for all 
regulated pollutants), and the State's allowed alternative emission 
baseline if the owner/operator could demonstrate normal stationary 
source operations are better represented by:
     Use of an alternative 24-consecutive month period selected 
from the period between 5 to 10 years immediately preceding beginning 
actual construction, and
     use of different 24-consecutive month periods for 
different regulated pollutants, within the period between 5 and 10 
years immediately preceding beginning actual construction.
    For the majority of changes occurring at any type of stationary 
source, the State's presumptive or default baseline actual emissions 
method (using a 24-consecutive month period during the 5 year period 
immediately preceding beginning actual construction) resulted in the 
same or lower baseline emissions as compared to the federal definition. 
For owner/operators that could demonstrate that normal stationary 
source operations were better represented by 24 consecutive months 
selected from the 5 to 10 year period preceding beginning actual 
construction or that different consecutive 24-month periods for 
different regulated pollutants better represent normal stationary 
source operations, the analysis showed that the State's definition 
resulted in baseline emissions that were at least as stringent in all 
cases to the federal definition.
    EPA therefore concludes that the NH DES's definition of ``Baseline 
actual emissions'' is as stringent in all respects as the federal 
definition. The State's definition results in the same emission 
baseline for new emission units, changes to existing EUSGUs, and 
changes at existing units that emit one pollutant and with high 
utilization rates within the last 5 years. For all other changes, the 
State's definition allows the use of baselines selected outside of 5 
years (but before 10 years) and baselines for each regulated pollutant 
where appropriately demonstrated to be as stringent. As a result, any 
difference in the application of the state and federal definitions on 
the selection of baseline actual emissions would be insignificant at 
worst and would therefore result in permit applicability decisions, 
emissions limitations or emissions control requirements that are 
equally stringent.
2. Reasonable Period Analysis
    The NH DES's submittal also revised the definition for ``Reasonable 
period.'' The term ``Reasonable period'' is used in the definition for 
``Net emissions increase'' and defines the contemporaneous period for 
the emission increases and decreases that are used in the calculation 
determining applicability of the NNSR regulations to a particular 
project. Under Sec.  51.165(a)(1)(vi)(C)(1), the reviewing authority is 
authorized to specify the applicable ``Reasonable period.'' Reviewing 
authorities typically use the period defined in the federal Prevention 
of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting program. That period 
begins five years before the date construction of the project commences 
and ends when the emissions increase from the project actually occurs.
    The NH DES's definition for ``reasonable period'' uses a period 
that begins five years from the date the NH DES receives a complete 
permit application for a project and ends upon the ``expiration date'' 
of the pre-construction permit issued for the project (at which time a 
NH DES-issued state operating permit for the project becomes 
effective). A ``Reasonable period'' based on a fixed date (i.e., the 
receipt of a complete permit application) ensures the stationary 
source, the permitting authority and the public that the NNSR 
applicability determination for a stationary source or modification 
will not change after the state has reviewed a permit application and 
made a permit decision. Since the 5 year period will not change after 
the complete permit application is received, all contemporaneous 
emission increases and decreases used by the stationary source and 
state to determine NSR applicability will remain in effect.
    Under the federal definition, the 5-year period is based on the 
date construction commences, a date that may change significantly based 
on the many factors that could delay construction. As a result, the 
five year contemporaneous period would also be delayed. Emission 
increases previously within the contemporaneous period could fall 
outside the contemporaneous period and change the applicability of the 
stationary source or modification. In addition, the NH DES version of 
``Reasonable period'' extends out to the expiration date of the 
``temporary'' or preconstruction air permit issued for the project, a 
date compatible with the NH DES's air permitting program. Under the NH 
DES's permit program, the initial preconstruction permit required 
before construction begins is referred to as a temporary permit. 
Temporary permits expire after 18 months. Before expiration, stationary 
sources must complete construction and begin operational testing or, if 
construction has not commenced with the 18 months, reapply for a new 
temporary permit. For those cases where a stationary source has 
completed construction and has begun to operate, the state and federal 
terms provide equivalent results. However, for stationary sources and 
permitting agencies that may have difficulty determining when a new 
stationary source has begun operating due to various stationary source 
startup issues, defining the end date of reasonable period in relation 
to a fixed permit expiration date (and corresponding permit to operate 
issuance date) ensures the state agency and the stationary source that 
NNSR program applicability will not change after initial permit 
decisions have been reviewed and approved. Considering the benefits of 
the NH DES's version of ``Reasonable period'' noted above, EPA 
concludes the State's term for ``reasonable period'' is approvable and 
is as stringent as the federal definition.

E. What are the provisions that New Hampshire needs to submit in order 
for the conditional approval to become a full approval?

    The State's proposed SIP revision did not include two provisions 
that preclude EPA from fully approving the State's proposed NNSR SIP 
revisions. The first missing provision applies to any regulated NSR 
pollutant emitted from projects at existing emission units at a major 
stationary source (other than projects at a source with a PAL) in 
circumstances where there is a reasonable possibility, within the 
meaning of 40 CFR 51.165(a)(6)(vi), that a project not a part of a 
major modification may result in a significant emissions increase of 
such pollutant, and the owner or operator elects to use the projected 
actual method specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(xxviii)(B)(1) through (3) 
for calculating projected actual emissions. These specific procedures 
include additional monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting for those 
projects that exceed 50% of the significant emission increase and 
significant net emission increase for the applicable pollutant. The NH 
DES has committed by letter dated March 20, 2015 to submit for EPA 
approval into the SIP in a timely manner provisions that meet the 
requirements at 40 CFR 51.165(a)(6) and (a)(7) so that EPA may

[[Page 22963]]

at that time fully approve the NH DES's NNSR program.
    The second missing provision from NH DES's submittal is the 
requirement at 40 CFR 51.165(a)(5)(i) that a State approval to 
construct shall not relieve any owner or operator of the responsibility 
to comply fully with applicable provisions of the plan and any other 
requirements under local, State or Federal law. This provision, 
originally part of the SIP and unintentionally left out of the November 
15, 2012 SIP submittal, affirms that sources subject to the NNSR 
program must continue to comply with all other applicable state and 
federal requirements. The NH DES has committed by letter dated March 
20, 2015 to submit for EPA approval into the SIP in a timely manner 
provisions that meet the requirements at 40 CFR 51.165(a)(5)(i) so that 
EPA may at that time fully approve the NH DES's NNSR program.

VI. What action is EPA proposing for New Hampshire's s July 21, 2003 
SIP submittal to its PART Env-A 101: Permit definitions?

    New Hampshire July 23, 2003 SIP submittal clarifies how the State 
addresses minor changes to the permit terms contained in ``Temporary 
Permits'' (i.e., preconstruction air quality permits) and ``State 
Permits to Operate'' issued under the State's PART Env-A 600, Statewide 
Permit System. The current SIP-approved rules do not have definitions 
sufficient to address minor changes to existing permit terms or 
conditions for stationary sources, where the changes would not: (a) 
result in an increase in the amount of a specific air pollutant emitted 
by the source or device; (b) result in the emission of any additional 
air pollutant; or (c) necessitate the use of permit notice and hearing 
procedures.
    To address such minor changes to existing permit terms, the SIP 
submittal included definitions for the terms for ``minor permit 
amendment'' and ``state permit to operate.'' The term ``minor permit 
amendment'' provides for minor changes to conditions in permits other 
than Title V permits (which are not issued pursuant to SIP 
regulations). The term ``state permit to operate'' means a non-Title V 
operating permit issued prior to operation or material modification of 
a stationary source, area stationary source or device. Both definitions 
are consistent with all federal requirements under the CAA for approval 
into the SIP.

VII. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to conditionally approve the NH DES's November 15, 
2012 PSD Program submittal originally proposed to be fully approved by 
EPA on January 21, 2015. The reproposed, conditional approval of the 
PSD program is conditioned on the State submitting in a timely manner a 
SIP revision that adds a provision, consistent with 40 CFR 
51.166(q)(2)(iv), requiring notice of a draft PSD permit to state air 
agencies whose lands may be affected by emissions from the permitted 
source.
    EPA is also proposing to conditionally approve PART Env-A 618 
``Nonattainment New Source Review,'' because the NH DES must submit to 
EPA in a timely manner additional provisions that comply with 40 CFR 
51.165(a)(6) and (a)(7) and 40 CFR 51.165(a)(5)(i), i.e., 1) provisions 
for ``reasonable possibility'' established in 40 CFR 51.165(a)(6) and 
(a)(7); and 2) provisions required under 40 CFR 51.165(a)(5)(i) 
providing that approval to construct shall not relieve any owner or 
operator of the responsibility to comply fully with applicable 
provisions of the plan and any other requirements under local, State or 
Federal law.
    Under section 110(k)(4) of the Act, EPA may conditionally approve a 
State's plan based on a commitment from the State to adopt specific 
enforceable measures by a date certain, but not later than 1 year from 
the date of final conditional approval. By letter dated March 20, 2015 
New Hampshire has committed to revising its regulations to be 
consistent with EPA's regulations not later than one year after EPA's 
publication of a notice of final conditional approval. If the State 
fails to do so in a timely manner, this conditional approval will, by 
operation of law, become a disapproval one year from publication of 
that notice of final conditional approval. At that time, the 
conditionally approved SIP revisions would not be part of New 
Hampshire's approved SIP. If that were to occur, EPA would then also 
notify the State by letter. EPA subsequently would publish a notice in 
the Federal Register notifying the public that the conditional approval 
automatically converted to a disapproval. If the State meets its 
commitment within the applicable time frame, however, EPA would 
subsequently publish a notice in the Federal Register notifying the 
public that EPA intends to take final action to approve or disapprove 
the State's revised regulations. If EPA were to approve the revised 
regulations, the regulations would be fully approved in their entirety 
and replace the conditionally approved provisions of the State's SIP 
regulations. Finally, EPA is proposing to fully approve the definitions 
at PART Env-A 101.174 ``Minor permit amendment'' and PART Env-A 101.262 
``State permit to operate'' submitted to EPA on July 21, 2003.

VIII. Incorporation by Reference

    In this rule, the EPA is proposing to include in a final EPA rule 
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance 
with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is proposing to incorporate by 
reference the following NH DES rules: the PSD rules at PART Env-A 619, 
``Prevention of Significant Deterioration'' (originally proposed on 
January 21, 2015) as discussed in Section IV of the preamble; the NNSR 
rules at PART Env-A 618, ``Nonattainment New Source Review'' discussed 
in Section V of the preamble; and the definitions for ``minor permit 
amendment'' and ``state permit to operate'' under PART Env-A 101, 
``Permit Definitions'' as discussed in section VI of the preamble. EPA 
has made, and will continue to make, these documents generally 
available electronically through www.regulations.gov and/or in hard 
copy at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England 
Regional Office, Office of Ecosystem Protection, Air Permits, Toxics 
and Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post Office Square--Suite 100, (mail code 
OEP05-2), Boston, MA 02109-3912

IX. 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. 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 proposed action merely approves 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 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

[[Page 22964]]

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 (Public Law 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.

    Dated: April 8, 2015.
H. Curtis Spalding,
Regional Administrator, EPA New England.
[FR Doc. 2015-09372 Filed 4-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                22956                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                include the officers and employees of                   Department of Environmental Services                   provide it in the body of your comment.
                                                related entities as provided in                         (NH DES) committed to revising its                     If you send an email comment directly
                                                § 1.367(a)–2T(b)(3).                                    regulations no later than one year from                to EPA without going through
                                                  (2) Insurance business. The term                      the date when EPA publishes a notice                   www.regulations.gov your email address
                                                insurance business means the business                   of final conditional approval, and to                  will be automatically captured and
                                                of issuing insurance and annuity                        submitting the revised regulations to                  included as part of the comment that is
                                                contracts and the reinsuring of risks                   EPA for approval into the SIP. EPA is                  placed in the public docket and made
                                                underwritten by insurance companies,                    also proposing to fully approve a July 1,              available on the Internet. If you submit
                                                together with those investment activities               2003 SIP revision that clarifies two                   an electronic comment, EPA
                                                and administrative services that are                    definitions related to New Hampshire’s                 recommends that you include your
                                                required to support or are substantially                permitting programs. These actions are                 name and other contact information in
                                                related to insurance and annuity                        being taken in accordance with the                     the body of your comment and with any
                                                contracts issued or reinsured by the                    Clean Air Act (CAA).                                   disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA
                                                foreign corporation. For purposes of the                DATES: Written comments must be                        cannot read your comment due to
                                                preceding sentence—                                     received on or before May 26, 2015.                    technical difficulties and cannot contact
                                                  (i) An investment activity is any                     ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                       you for clarification, EPA may not be
                                                activity engaged in by the foreign                      identified by Docket ID Number EPA–                    able to consider your comment.
                                                corporation to produce income of a kind                 R01–OAR–2014–0796 by one of the                        Electronic files should avoid the use of
                                                that would be foreign personal holding                  following methods:                                     special characters, any form of
                                                company income as defined in section                       1. www.regulations.gov: Follow the                  encryption, and be free of any defects or
                                                954(c); and                                             on-line instructions for submitting                    viruses.
                                                  (ii) Investment activities are required               comments.                                                 Docket: All documents in the
                                                to support or are substantially related to                 2. Email: mcdonnell.ida@epa.gov                     electronic docket are listed in the
                                                insurance and annuity contracts issued                     3. Fax: (617) 918–0653                              www.regulations.gov index. Although
                                                or reinsured by the foreign corporation                    4. Mail: ‘‘Docket Identification                    listed in the index, some information is
                                                to the extent that income from the                      Number EPA–R01–OAR–2014–0796’’,                        not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other
                                                activities is earned from assets held by                Ida McDonnell, U.S. Environmental                      information whose disclosure is
                                                the foreign corporation to meet                         Protection Agency, EPA New England                     restricted by statute. Certain other
                                                obligations under the contracts.                        Regional Office, Office of Ecosystem                   material, such as copyrighted material,
                                                  (c) Effective/applicability date. These               Protection, Air Permits, Toxics, and                   is not placed on the Internet and will be
                                                regulations apply beginning                             Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post Office                    publicly available only in hard copy
                                                [EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE].                         Square—Suite 100, (Mail code OEP05–                    form. Publicly available docket
                                                                                                        2), Boston, MA 02109–3912.                             materials are available either
                                                John M. Dalrymple,
                                                                                                           5. Hand Delivery or Courier. Deliver                electronically in www.regulations.gov or
                                                Deputy Commissioner for Services and
                                                                                                        your comments to: Ida McDonnell,                       in hard copy at Office of Ecosystem
                                                Enforcement.
                                                                                                        Manager, Air Permits, Toxics, and                      Protection, U.S. Environmental
                                                [FR Doc. 2015–09630 Filed 4–23–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                        Indoor Programs Unit, U.S.                             Protection Agency, EPA New England
                                                BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
                                                                                                        Environmental Protection Agency, EPA                   Regional Office, Air Permits, Toxics and
                                                                                                        New England Regional Office, Office of                 Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post Office
                                                                                                        Ecosystem Protection, 5 Post Office                    Square—Suite 100, Boston, MA. EPA
                                                ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                                                                       requests that if at all possible, you
                                                                                                        Square—Suite 100, (mail code OEP05–
                                                AGENCY                                                                                                         contact the contact listed in the FOR
                                                                                                        2), Boston, MA 02109–3912. Such
                                                                                                        deliveries are only accepted during the                FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to
                                                40 CFR Part 52
                                                                                                        Regional Office’s normal hours of                      schedule your inspection. The Regional
                                                [EPA–R01–OAR–2014–0796; EPA–R01–                        operation. The Regional Office’s official              Office’s official hours of business are
                                                OAR–2014–0862; FRL–9926–73–Region 1]                    hours of business are Monday through                   Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to
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                                                Approval and Promulgation of Air                                                                                  In addition, copies of the state
                                                                                                        legal holidays.
                                                Quality Implementation Plans; New                                                                              submittal and EPA’s proposed approval
                                                                                                           Instructions: Direct your comments to
                                                Hampshire; Nonattainment New                                                                                   and technical support document are
                                                                                                        Docket ID No. EPA–R01–OAR–2014–
                                                Source Review and Prevention of                                                                                also available for public inspection
                                                                                                        0796. EPA’s policy is that all comments
                                                Significant Deterioration Program                                                                              during normal business hours, by
                                                                                                        received will be included in the public
                                                AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                       docket without change and may be                       appointment at the Air Resources
                                                Agency (EPA).                                           made available online at                               Division, New Hampshire Department
                                                                                                        www.regulations.gov, including any                     of Environmental Services, 6 Hazen
                                                ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                                                                        personal information provided, unless                  Drive, P.O. Box 95, Concord, NH 03302–
                                                SUMMARY:   The Environmental Protection                 the comment includes information                       0095.
                                                Agency (EPA) is proposing to                            claimed to be Confidential Business                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                conditionally approve the New                           Information (CBI) or other information                 Brendan McCahill, U.S. Environmental
                                                Hampshire November 15, 2012 State                       whose disclosure is restricted by statute.             Protection Agency, EPA New England
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                                                Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions that                Do not submit through                                  Regional Office, Office of Ecosystem
                                                are intended to ensure that the State’s                 www.regulations.gov, or email,                         Protection, Air Permits, Toxics, and
                                                Prevention of Significant Deterioration                 information that you consider to be CBI                Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post Office
                                                (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source                      or otherwise protected. The                            Square—Suite 100, (mail code OEP05–
                                                Review (NNSR) programs are consistent                   www.regulations.gov Web site is an                     2), Boston, MA 02109–3912, telephone
                                                with the federal PSD and NNSR                           ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which                     number (617) 918–1652, Fax number
                                                program requirements. In a letter dated                 means EPA will not know your identity                  (617) 918–0652, email
                                                March 20, 2015, the New Hampshire                       or contact information unless you                      mccahill.brendan@EPA.GOV.


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           22957

                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                     concluded that New Hampshire’s                                  not include any substantive revisions to
                                                   Throughout this document whenever           regulations did not contain a provision,                        the language. However, after reviewing
                                                ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean    consistent with 40 CFR 51.166(q)(2)(iv),                        New Hampshire’s rules to determine
                                                EPA.                                           requiring notice of a draft PSD permit to                       compliance with the federal
                                                   Organization of this document. The          state air agencies whose lands may be                           infrastructure SIP requirements under
                                                following outline is provided to aid in        affected by emissions from the                                  CAA section 110, EPA concluded that
                                                locating information in this preamble.         permitted source. In a letter from New                          New Hampshire’s regulations did not
                                                Table of Contents                              Hampshire dated March 20, 2015, the                             contain a provision, consistent with 40
                                                                                               State committed to revise its                                   CFR 51.166(q)(2)(iv), requiring notice of
                                                I. What action is EPA proposing in this        regulations, no later than one year from                        a draft PSD permit to be sent to state air
                                                     document?                                 EPA’s notice of a final conditional                             agencies whose lands may be affected
                                                II. Why is EPA reproposing its January 21,
                                                                                               approval, to include the additional                             by emissions from the permitted source.
                                                     2015 proposed approval of New
                                                     Hampshire’s November 15, 2012 PSD         public notice procedure in its                                  As noted above, EPA is now proposing
                                                     program SIP submittal?                    regulations and to submit the revision to                       to conditionally approve New
                                                III. What comments did EPA receive during      EPA for approval into the SIP.                                  Hampshire’s PSD program based on the
                                                     the comment period for New                   EPA is also proposing to conditionally                       State’s commitment to revise its
                                                     Hampshire’s PSD proposed program          approve revisions to New Hampshire’s                            regulation and to submit it to EPA for
                                                     approval?                                 NNSR program SIP submitted on                                   approval into the SIP.
                                                IV. What action is EPA proposing for New       November 15, 2012. The approval is
                                                     Hampshire’s NNSR SIP submittal?           conditioned on New Hampshire                                    III. What comments did EPA receive
                                                   A. What is the background for New           submitting in a timely manner two                               during the comment period for New
                                                     Hampshire’s November 15, 2012 NNSR
                                                                                               requirements missing from its rules: (1)                        Hampshire’s PSD proposed program
                                                     program SIP submittal?                                                                                    approval?
                                                   B. What revisions did EPA make in           Provisions that meet the federal
                                                     December 31, 2002?                        regulations for ‘‘reasonable possibility,’’                        EPA received one comment from
                                                   C. What revisions did EPA make in May 16, applicable to projects at major stationary                        Earthjustice during the comment period
                                                     2008?                                     sources that are not major modifications                        for the proposed approval of the PSD
                                                V. What is EPA’s analysis of New               based on the actual-to-projected actual                         program. Earthjustice commented that
                                                     Hampshire’s proposed NNSR program         test but have a ‘‘reasonable possibility’’                      EPA’s January 21, 2015 document
                                                     SIP revisions?                            of resulting in a significant emission                          proposing approval for the State’s PSD
                                                   A. What requirements did EPA apply in       increase; and (2) provisions stating that                       program was confusing and should have
                                                     deciding to propose conditional                                                                           more clearly stated that New Hampshire
                                                     approval of some of New Hampshire’s       approval to construct shall not relieve
                                                     SIP submittal?                            any owner or operator of the                                    did not incorporate by reference the
                                                   B. What provisions did New Hampshire        responsibility to comply fully with                             significant impact levels (SILs) for
                                                     include in its November 15, 2012 NNSR     applicable provisions of the plan and                           Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns
                                                     SIP submittal?                            any other requirements under local,                             (PM2.5) into its PSD SIP. EPA agrees that
                                                   C. How did the New Hampshire November       state or federal law. In a letter dated                         its January 21, 2015 document should
                                                     15, 2012 NNSR SIP submittal meet new      March 20, 2015, the NH DES committed                            have been written more clearly on that
                                                     and existing NNSR program                 to revising its NNSR regulations to                             point. On January 22, 2013, the United
                                                     requirements?                                                                                             States Court of Appeals for the District
                                                                                               include the requirements above and to
                                                   D. How did New Hampshire demonstrate
                                                                                               submitting the revised regulations to                           of Columbia Circuit granted a request
                                                     that the definitions of ‘‘Baseline actual
                                                     emissions’’ and ‘‘Reasonable period’’ are EPA for approval into the SIP.                                  from EPA to vacate and remand the
                                                     as stringent as the corresponding federal    Finally, EPA is proposing to approve                         portions of the PM2.5 PSD Increment-
                                                     definitions?                              New Hampshire’s July 1, 2003 SIP                                SILs-SMC Rule (40 CFR 51.166(k)(2) and
                                                   E. What are the provisions that New         revision that modifies two definitions in                       40 CFR 52.21(k)(2)) addressing the SILs
                                                     Hampshire needs to submit in order for    PART Env-A 101, ‘‘Permit definitions:’’                         for PM2.5 so that EPA could voluntarily
                                                     the conditional approval to become a full (1) ‘‘minor permit amendment,’’ and (2)                         correct an error in these provisions. See
                                                     approval?                                 ‘‘state permit to operate.’’ These                              Sierra Club v. EPA, 705 F.3d 458, 463–
                                                VI. What action is EPA proposing for New       revisions are intended to clarify the                           66 (D.C. Cir. 2013). (The court declined
                                                     Hampshire’s July 21, 2003 SIP submittal
                                                     to its PART Env-A 101: Permit
                                                                                               State’s definitions relevant to certain                         to vacate the SILs provision at 40 CFR
                                                     definitions?                              permitting transactions and to render                           51.165(b)(2) that did not contain that
                                                VII. Proposed Action                           them consistent with the requirements                           same error. Id.) EPA here confirms that
                                                VIII. Incorporation by Reference               in the State’s permitting rules.                                New Hampshire’s November 12, 2012
                                                IX. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews                                                                      proposed PSD revisions did not
                                                                                                        II. Why is EPA reproposing its January
                                                                                                                                                               incorporate by reference the PM2.5 SIL
                                                I. What action is EPA proposing in this                 21, 2015 proposed approval of New
                                                                                                                                                               provision under 40 CFR 51.166(k)(2).
                                                document?                                               Hampshire’s November 15, 2012 PSD
                                                                                                                                                               EPA is also confirming that we are not
                                                   EPA is proposing three actions in this               program SIP submittal?
                                                                                                                                                               approving 40 CFR 51.166(k)(2) into the
                                                document. First, EPA is proposing to                       EPA’s original proposal to approve                  SIP.
                                                conditionally approve revisions to the                  the November 15, 2012 revisions to New
                                                New Hampshire PSD program under                         Hampshire’s PSD program is described                   IV. What action is EPA proposing for
                                                PART Env-A 619, ‘‘Prevention of                         in detail in the January 21, 2015 Federal              New Hampshire’s NNSR SIP submittal?
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                                                Significant Deterioration.’’ EPA                        Register document. See 80 FR 2860. In                    New Hampshire’s November 15, 2012
                                                originally proposed approval of the                     the document, EPA noted that public                    SIP submittal also included revisions to
                                                State’s PSD program revisions on                        participation requirements for New                     the State’s NNSR program at PART Env-
                                                January 21, 2015. See 80 FR 2860. EPA                   Hampshire’s PSD program were first                     A 618, ‘‘Nonattainment New Source
                                                is reproposing to approve the State’s                   approved in October 28, 2002. In the                   Review.’’ The revisions incorporated by
                                                PSD program as a conditional approval                   November 15, 2012 submittal, New                       reference into the State’s regulations, at
                                                because subsequent to EPA’s January 21,                 Hampshire renumbered its State citation                PART Env-A 618 ‘‘Nonattainment New
                                                2015 Federal Register document, EPA                     for the public notice procedures but did               Source Review,’’ consist of many of the


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                                                22958                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                provisions of the federal NNSR program                  regulations which are and are not being                   • New procedures requiring
                                                codified in the July 1, 2011 edition of 40              incorporated by reference into the New                 stationary sources to monitor, keep
                                                CFR 51.165. New Hampshire                               Hampshire SIP in this action are                       records and report emissions from
                                                incorporated those provisions which are                 contained in EPA’s TSD for this                        projects at existing emission units if
                                                appropriate for state implementation                    rulemaking. The new NNSR provisions,                   there is a reasonable possibility (as
                                                (with the exception of certain permit                   i.e., those that are different than the                defined in 40 CFR 51.165(a)(6)(vi)) that
                                                application and public notice                           NNSR provisions earlier approved by                    a project that is determined pre-
                                                requirements for which New Hampshire                    EPA into New Hampshire’s SIP, are                      construction not to be a major
                                                submitted its own equivalent language                   summarized below in the next two                       modification may actually in the future
                                                and with the exception of two                           sections (IV.B. and IV.C) of this                      result in a significant emission increase;
                                                definitions for which New Hampshire                     document. The State’s November 15,                     and
                                                established its own language, as                        2012 SIP submittal retains much of the                    • The addition of the optional
                                                described below). EPA’s Technical                       substantive content of the major NNSR                  ‘‘Plantwide Applicability Test’’ (PAL)
                                                Support Document (TSD) sets forth in                    rule provisions last approved into the                 for all source categories.
                                                detail which provisions of 40 CFR                       SIP on July 27, 2001 but also                             The Federal Register document for
                                                51.165 were incorporated by the State                   incorporates changes to the federal                    the December 2002 NSR rule gave state
                                                and which were not. EPA’s TSD is                        regulations that occurred since that                   permitting agencies until January 2,
                                                available as part of the docket and                     time, i.e. in December 2002. The already               2006 to submit SIP amendments that
                                                administrative record for this action.                  existing provisions include, among                     implemented the new federal revisions
                                                The State’s NNSR submittal requested                    other things, requirements for major                   or, if a state permitting agency did not
                                                that EPA approve the revisions into the                 stationary sources to obtain emission                  submit any SIP amendments or
                                                State’s SIP-approved NNSR program.                      reductions (‘‘offsets’’) from existing                 submitted amendments that differed
                                                The State’s submitted NNSR program                      stationary sources to ensure new                       from the federal rules, a demonstration
                                                includes provisions that comply with                    stationary sources do not interfere with               showing that its existing permitting
                                                the requirements in EPA’s December 31,                  state plans to achieve the National                    program or amended permitting
                                                2002 Final NSR Improvement Rules and                    Ambient Air Quality Standards                          program is at least as stringent as EPA’s
                                                EPA’s May 16, 2008 Final Rules                          (NAAQS) and requirements that major                    revised program. In addition, federal
                                                Governing the Implementation of NSR                     stationary sources apply emissions                     regulations governing SIP-approved
                                                for Fine Particulate Matter (i.e.,                      controls that constitute the lowest                    NNSR rules at 40 CFR 51.165 ‘‘Permit
                                                particulate matter less than 2.5                        achievable emission rate (LAER) which                  Requirements’’ require that all state
                                                micrometers (PM2.5)). EPA is proposing                  is derived from the most stringent                     plans use the specific definitions as
                                                to conditionally approve PART Env-A                     emission limitation contained in any                   promulgated by EPA. Deviations from
                                                618 because the State’s submittal did                   state implementation plan or achieved                  the federal definitions will be
                                                not include: (1) provisions for                         in practice for that class or category of              approvable by EPA only if the state
                                                ‘‘reasonable possibility’’ established in               stationary source.                                     specifically demonstrates that the
                                                40 CFR 51.165(a)(6) and (a)(7); and (2)                                                                        submitted definition is more stringent
                                                provisions required under 40 CFR                        B. What revisions did EPA make in
                                                                                                        December 31, 2002?                                     than, or at least as stringent in all
                                                51.165(a)(5)(i) providing that approval
                                                                                                                                                               respects as, the corresponding federal
                                                to construct shall not relieve any owner                   EPA issued a Final Rule entitled,                   definition.
                                                or operator of the responsibility to                    ‘‘Prevention of Significant Deterioration                 The final document for the December
                                                comply fully with applicable provisions                 (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source
                                                of the plan and any other requirements                                                                         2002 NSR rule at http://www.epa.gov/
                                                                                                        Review (NNSR): Baseline Emissions                      NSR/fr/20021231_80186.pdf provides a
                                                under local, State or Federal law. By                   Determination, Actual-to-Future-Actual
                                                letter dated March 20, 2015, the State                                                                         full description of the NSR
                                                                                                        Methodology, Plantwide Applicability                   improvements, the requirements for SIP
                                                committed to revise its regulations and                 Limitations, Clean Units, Pollution
                                                to submit them to EPA for approval into                                                                        submittals, and the final amended
                                                                                                        Control Projects’’ (67 FR 80185,                       federal rule for SIP-approved NNSR
                                                the SIP no later than one year from the                 December 31, 2002). The rule made a
                                                date of EPA’s notice of a final                                                                                programs at 40 CFR 51.165 ‘‘Permit
                                                                                                        number of changes to the applicability                 Requirements.’’
                                                conditional approval. We also note that
                                                                                                        requirements of the federal NNSR rule
                                                PART Env-A 618, on which EPA is                                                                                C. What revisions did EPA make in May
                                                                                                        including the following:
                                                today taking action, will supersede all                                                                        16, 2008?
                                                other versions of the NNSR rules earlier                   • A new definition of ‘‘actual
                                                approved by EPA into New Hampshire’s                    emission baseline’’ that defines an                       EPA issued a Final Rule governing the
                                                SIP.                                                    emission unit’s pre-modification actual                implementation of NSR for PM2.5. (73
                                                                                                        emissions;                                             FR 28321, May 16, 2008). The rule
                                                A. What is the background for New                          • New ‘‘Applicability Procedures’’                  includes the new major stationary
                                                Hampshire’s November 15, 2012 NNSR                      under 40 CFR 51.165(a)(2) that define                  source applicability threshold level for
                                                program SIP submittal?                                  the test method used to calculate the                  major stationary sources of PM2.5. A
                                                  New Hampshire’s November 15, 2012                     emission increase from the construction                stationary source is defined as a major
                                                SIP submittal adopting provisions from                  or modification of new or existing                     stationary source and subject to the
                                                the July 1, 2011 edition of 40 CFR                      emission units;                                        PM2.5 NNSR requirements if it emits 100
                                                                                                           • The expansion of the ‘‘Actual-to-                 or more tons per year (tpy) of PM2.5.
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                                                51.165 (with the exceptions mentioned
                                                above and described in more detail in                   Projected Actual’’ applicability test to                  The rule also identified the following
                                                EPA’s TSD) into the SIP, involves the                   determine if projects at non-Electric                  list of pollutants that contribute to PM2.5
                                                addition of several major changes to the                Utility Steam Generating Units (non-                   formation and a description of whether
                                                State’s NNSR rules since EPA last                       EUSGU) are major modifications. (The                   the pollutant, as a precursor to PM2.5, is
                                                approved the State’s NNSR program on                    pre-2002 federal NSR regulations                       regulated under the NNSR rules.
                                                July 27, 2001. As mentioned earlier, the                restricted the Actual-to-Projected Actual                 • Direct emissions of PM2.5—
                                                exact provisions of the federal                         applicability test to EUSGUs only);                    regulated under the NNSR rule;


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           22959

                                                  • Sulfur dioxide (SO2)—regulated                      B. What provisions did New Hampshire                   established after August 7, 1980 on the
                                                under the NNSR rule;                                    include in its November 15, 2012 NNSR                  capacity of the stationary source or
                                                  • Nitrogen oxides (NOX)—regulated                     SIP submittal?                                         modification otherwise to emit a
                                                under the NNSR rule unless the state                      New Hampshire’s November 15, 2012                    pollutant, such as a restriction on hours
                                                demonstrates that NOX emissions are                     SIP submittal added or revised the                     of operation, then the provisions of this
                                                                                                        following provisions to its NNSR                       part shall apply to the stationary source
                                                not a significant contributor to the
                                                                                                        Program under PART Env-A 618                           or modification as though construction
                                                formation of PM2.5 for an area(s) in the
                                                                                                        Nonattainment New Source Review. The                   had not yet commenced on the
                                                state;
                                                                                                        provisions include requirements from                   stationary source or modification.
                                                  • Volatile organic compounds                                                                                    PART Env-A 618.03 Definitions
                                                (VOC)—not regulated under the NNSR                      40 CFR 51.165 previously incorporated
                                                                                                                                                               adopts the specific definitions
                                                rule unless the state demonstrates that                 by reference into New Hampshire’s SIP
                                                                                                                                                               contained in the July 1, 2011 edition of
                                                                                                        on July 27, 2001, additional or amended
                                                VOC emissions are a significant                                                                                40 CFR 51.165(a)(1) and (f)(2) with the
                                                                                                        requirements contained in the July 2011                following clarifications: The NH DES
                                                contributor to the formation of PM2.5 for
                                                                                                        version of 40 CFR 51.165, and certain                  revised the federal definitions of
                                                an area(s) in the state; and
                                                                                                        new and previously approved state                      ‘‘Baseline actual emissions’’ and
                                                  • Ammonia—not regulated under the                     permit program requirements, including
                                                NNSR rule unless the state demonstrates                                                                        ‘‘Reasonable period.’’ An analysis of the
                                                                                                        permit application and permit issuance                 State’s revisions to the federal
                                                that ammonia emissions are a                            procedures and other requirements                      definitions of the terms ‘‘Baseline actual
                                                significant contributor to the formation                necessary to implement the NNSR                        emissions’’ and ‘‘Reasonable period’’ is
                                                of PM2.5 for an area(s) in the state.                   program.                                               found in section V.D of this document.
                                                  The rule also identifies the following                • PART Env-A 618.01: Purpose                           The section also included five
                                                significant emission rates used to                      • PART Env-A 618.02: Applicability                     additional definitions not specifically
                                                determine if increases in direct                        • PART Env-A 618.03: Definitions                       defined in the federal NNSR regulations,
                                                emissions of PM2.5 or increases in PM2.5                • PART Env-A 618.04: Owner or                          but relevant to the program: ‘‘Emission
                                                precursors from a construction project at                 Operator Obligations                                 offset,’’ ‘‘Emission offset ratio,’’
                                                an existing facility result in major                    • PART Env-A 618.05 Implementation                     ‘‘Northeast Ozone Transport Region,’’
                                                modifications that are then subject to                    Plan Requirements                                    ‘‘Offset source,’’ and ‘‘Ozone season.’’
                                                the NNSR rule:                                          • PART Env-A 618.06: Permit                               PART Env-A 618.04 Owner or
                                                                                                          Application Requirements                             Operator Obligations includes the
                                                  • Direct PM2.5 emissions—10 tons per                  • PART Env-A 618.07: Emission Offset
                                                year (tpy)                                                                                                     following requirements:
                                                                                                          Requirements                                            • The owner or operator of any new
                                                  • SO2 emissions—40 tpy                                • PART Env-A 618.08: Procedure for                     major stationary source or major
                                                                                                          acquiring and Implementing Emission
                                                  • NOX emissions—40 tpy                                                                                       modification subject to this part shall
                                                                                                          Offsets                                              comply with LAER;
                                                  • VOC emissions (if regulated) 40 tpy                 • PART Env-A 618.09: Establishing a                       • obtain offsets for the increase in
                                                unless the state demonstrates that a                      PAL                                                  emissions for the project in accordance
                                                lower rate is appropriate.                              • PART Env-A 618.10 Department                         with PART Env-A 618.07; and
                                                                                                          Review and Public Notice                                • obtain a NNSR permit prior to
                                                V. What is EPA’s analysis of New
                                                Hampshire’s proposed NNSR program                         The following is a description of each               commencement of construction.
                                                SIP revisions?                                          section.                                                  In addition, the owner or operator of
                                                                                                          PART Env-A 618.01 Purpose defines                    an existing major stationary source with
                                                A. What requirements did EPA apply in                   the purpose of the part to implement the               a Plantwide applicability limit (PAL)
                                                deciding to propose conditional                         NNSR program as set forth in sections                  shall comply with the provisions of its
                                                approval of New Hampshire’s SIP                         171 through 193 of the CAA and the                     PAL.
                                                submittal?                                              July 1, 2011 edition of 40 CFR 51.165.                    PART Env-A 618.05 Implementation
                                                                                                          PART Env-A 618.02 Applicability                      Plan Requirements ensures, in
                                                  Section 110(a)(1) of the CAA requires                 identifies the stationary sources subject              accordance with section 173(a)(4) of the
                                                each state to submit to EPA a plan                      to the state NNSR program: New major                   CAA, that NH DES will not issue a
                                                which provides for the implementation,                  stationary source or major modifications               permit or permits to a stationary source
                                                maintenance and enforcement of each                     of a regulated NSR pollutant located in                to which the requirements of PART Env-
                                                NAAQS. These plans, generally referred                  an area designated as nonattainment                    A 618 apply if the EPA Administrator
                                                to as the SIP, include numerous air                     under 40 CFR 81.330, or new major                      has determined that the applicable
                                                quality monitoring, emission inventory,                 stationary sources or major                            implementation plan is not being
                                                and emission control requirements                       modifications for NOX or VOC if the                    adequately implemented for the
                                                designed to obtain and maintain the                     stationary source is located in the                    nonattainment area in which the
                                                NAAQS within the state. The CAA                         Northeast Ozone Transport region (OTR)                 proposed stationary source is to be
                                                requires states to adopt SIP revisions                  as defined in PART Env-A 618.03(b)(3).                 constructed or modified.
                                                into state regulations and to submit the                  The section also requires projects to                   PART Env-A 618.06 Permit
                                                revisions to EPA for approval into the                  use emission calculations described in                 Application Requirements identifies the
                                                state’s SIP. Section 110(l) of the CAA                  40 CFR 51.165(a)(2)(ii)(A) through (F) to              procedures to file with NH DES, NNSR
                                                states that EPA shall not approve a
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                                                                                                        determine if the project is a new major                and PAL permit applications. The
                                                revision to the SIP if the revision would               stationary source or new major                         section also identifies the items that
                                                interfere with any applicable                           modification.                                          should be included in an application
                                                requirement concerning attainment (of                     In addition, if a new stationary source              including: (1) A control technology
                                                the NAAQS) and reasonable further                       or modification is determined to be a                  evaluation to demonstrate that a new
                                                progress (as defined in CAA section                     major stationary source or major                       major stationary source or major
                                                7501) or any other requirement of the                   modification solely by virtue of a                     modification will meet LAER; (2) a
                                                CAA.                                                    relaxation in any enforceable limitation               documented plan to obtain creditable


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                                                22960                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                emission reduction offsets in                           source after the effective date of the                 season’’ for the purpose of clarifying the
                                                accordance with PART Env-A 618.07;                      offset, and for NOX and VOC emissions,                 State’s NNSR requirements. The
                                                (3) a demonstration showing that all                    the ozone season annual emissions                      definitions for ‘‘Emission offset,’’
                                                major stationary sources in New                         estimate from the new stationary source.               ‘‘Emission offset ratio’’ and ‘‘Ozone
                                                Hampshire under common ownership                          The section also requires stationary                 season’’ were previously approved by
                                                are in compliance; and (4) an analysis                  sources obtaining offsets from outside                 EPA into the SIP and clarify the offset
                                                of alternative sites, sizes, production                 New Hampshire to file documentation                    requirements under New Hampshire’s
                                                processes, and an environmental control                 with the NH DES verifying that the                     NNSR program. The definition for the
                                                techniques demonstration showing the                    offset stationary source has obtained a                ‘‘Northeast Ozone Transport Region’’
                                                benefits of the proposed stationary                     federally enforceable permit or other                  was also previously approved by EPA
                                                source significantly outweigh the                       federally enforceable documentation for                into the SIP and means the same
                                                environmental and social costs imposed                  the emission reduction control measures                geographical area as defined under
                                                as a result of its location, construction,              pertaining to the offsets for the new                  Section 184(a) of the CAA. The
                                                or modification. In addition, a PAL                     stationary source.                                     definition of ‘‘Offset source’’ replaces
                                                application shall contain information                     The section also allows the use of                   the previously approved SIP definition
                                                required pursuant to 40 CFR                             emission reduction credits (ERCs) in                   of ‘‘Offset donor source’’ and identifies
                                                51.165(f)(3).                                           accordance to PART Env-A 3006.04 to                    potential sources of emissions from
                                                   PART Env-A 618.07 Emission Offset                    satisfy NNSR emissions offset                          which a new or modified stationary
                                                Requirements identifies the                             requirements. Stationary sources may                   source may obtain emission offsets. The
                                                requirements for offsets including, but                 also use discrete emission reductions                  additional definitions help clarify the
                                                not limited to, defining: (1) the use of                (DERs) to meet the offset requirements                 offset requirements under New
                                                actual emissions from the stationary                    provided the DERs comply with the                      Hampshire’s NNSR program and are
                                                source providing offset credits as the                  requirements of section 173 of the Act,                consistent with all federal requirements
                                                baseline for determining emission                       40 CFR 51.165(a) and PART Env-A                        under the CAA for approval into the
                                                offsets; (2) the offset ratio requirements              3108.02.                                               SIP.
                                                for different ozone nonattainment                         Env A 618.09 Establishing a PAL                         By incorporating by reference the
                                                designations; and (3) the location                      identifies the requirements to establish               federal provisions under 40 CFR 51.165
                                                requirements restricting where a                        and implement a PAL in accordance                      (with the exceptions noted earlier and
                                                stationary source may obtain offsets.                   with 40 CFR 51.165(f)(1), (4) and (6)                  in EPA’s TSD) the vast majority of the
                                                The section includes requirements for a                 through (14) except that public                        State’s proposed SIP revisions satisfy
                                                stationary source seeking offsets to                    participation procedures identified in                 the existing SIP-approved NNSR
                                                demonstrate that the stationary source                  PART Env-A 618.10(b) and (c) shall be                  program requirements approved on July
                                                of the offsets causes or contributes to a               used.                                                  27, 2001, the December 31, 2002 NSR
                                                violation of a NAAQS in the                               PART Env-A 618.10 Department                         Improvement Rule, and the May 16,
                                                nonattainment area which the new or                     Review and Public Notice requires                      2008 PM2.5 NSR Rule.1 The two
                                                modified stationary source is proposed                  stationary sources applying for a PAL                  conditional approval issues that are
                                                to be located. The section also requires                permit to file an application. The                     missing from New Hampshire’s
                                                that offsets obtained outside of New                    regulation specifies that NH DES will                  submittal are described earlier and later
                                                Hampshire be subject to a federally                     address all material comments received                 in this document.
                                                enforceable permit or other federally                   during the comment period before                          The NH DES submittal also expanded
                                                enforceable document approved by the                    taking a final action on a PAL permit                  upon the emissions offset provisions
                                                state or governing jurisdiction in which                application. Applications to comply                    previously approved into the SIP. As
                                                the offset stationary source is located.                with NNSR or to establish a PAL permit                 noted, the submittal includes a new
                                                   The section also states that offsets                 shall be subject to the public notice                  definition for ‘‘Emission offset’’ under
                                                shall not include: (1) Any reductions                   procedures specified in PART Env-A                     PART Env-A 618.03 requiring
                                                from compliance, or scheduled                           621.04 including the requirement for a                 reductions in pollutants achieved at an
                                                compliance, with applicable rules in                    30-day public notice and comment                       existing stationary source to meet
                                                effect prior to the permit application of               period and permit appeal procedures                    criteria specified in 40 CFR 51.165(a)(3).
                                                the new or modified stationary source;                  under the state judicial review                        The NH DES also included two new
                                                (2) Reductions required to meet RACT                    regulations.                                           sections in the NNSR program; Env
                                                or acid deposition provisions of the Act,                                                                      618.07, ‘‘Emission Offset Requirements’’
                                                                                                        C. How did the New Hampshire
                                                as stipulated in the General Preamble                                                                          and Section PART Env-A 618.08,
                                                                                                        November 15, 2012 NNSR SIP submittal
                                                for the Implementation of Title I of the                                                                       ‘‘Procedure for Acquiring and
                                                                                                        meet new and existing NNSR program
                                                Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, 57                                                                           Implementing Emissions Offsets.’’
                                                FR 13553, III.G.2.e; or 3) Reductions                   requirements?                                             As described above, PART Env-A
                                                required to meet any other provisions of                   With the exception of the definitions               618.07 identifies the specific provisions
                                                Env-A 100 et seq. and the Act.                          of the terms ‘‘Baseline actual emissions’’             applicable to all offset emissions. These
                                                   PART Env-A 618.08 Procedures for                     and ‘‘Reasonable period,’’ the NH DES’s                provisions include requirements that
                                                Acquiring and Implementing Emission                     November 15, 2012 SIP submittal                        offsets: (1) Be surplus; (2) obtained from
                                                Offsets identifies requirements for                     incorporated by reference into the State               an area designated with an equal or
                                                owners and operators to document the                    regulation the definitions for a SIP-                  higher nonattainment classification; (3)
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                                                offset pollutant, actual and potential                  approved nonattainment NSR program                     obtained in an amount equal to or
                                                estimates of each new pollutant, the                    under 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1) and the                      exceeding a one-to one ratio, or another
                                                offset stationary source and location, the              definitions for PALs under 40 CFR
                                                actual and allowable annual estimate of                 51.165(f)(2). The submittal also                         1 New Hampshire’s few changes to definitions

                                                each pollutant for the offset stationary                included five additional definitions:                  used in the federal regulations and use of several
                                                                                                                                                               additional clarifying definitions, as explained in
                                                source prior to the effective date of the               ‘‘Emission offset,’’ ‘‘Emission offset                 this document, are also approvable because they are
                                                offset, potential annual estimates of                   ratio,’’ ‘‘Northeast Ozone Transport                   consistent with all CAA requirements for approval
                                                each pollutant of the new stationary                    Region,’’ ‘‘Offset source,’’ and ‘‘Ozone               into the SIP.



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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           22961

                                                ratio as required by the nonattainment                  specific proposed new major stationary                 preceding the date when the owner/
                                                designation; and, 4) if obtained outside                source or modification.                                operator begins actual construction of
                                                the designated area where the new                                                                              the project. However, the NH DES shall
                                                                                                        D. How did New Hampshire
                                                stationary source or modification is to                                                                        allow the use of a different consecutive
                                                                                                        demonstrate that the definitions of
                                                be constructed, a demonstration that the                                                                       24-month time period for all pollutants,
                                                                                                        ‘‘Baseline actual emissions’’ and                      up to 10 years immediately preceding
                                                offsets cause or contribute to a violation
                                                                                                        ‘‘Reasonable period’’ are as stringent as              the date when the owner/operator
                                                of the NAAQS in which the stationary
                                                                                                        the corresponding federal definitions?                 begins actual construction of the project,
                                                source or modification is to be
                                                constructed, as allowed under section                   1. ‘‘Baseline Actual Emissions’’ Analysis              or allow the use of a different
                                                173(c)(1) of the CAA.                                                                                          consecutive 24-month period for
                                                                                                           The ‘‘Baseline actual emissions’’
                                                  PART Env-A 618.08 identifies the                                                                             different pollutants within that 10 year
                                                                                                        definition is used in all major stationary
                                                procedures for documenting emission                                                                            period, upon determining (after
                                                                                                        source applicability tests and defines
                                                reductions used for offsets. Among other                                                                       adequate demonstration by the
                                                                                                        the actual emissions from a stationary
                                                requirements, the section allows                                                                               applicant) that the alternative time
                                                                                                        source before the project. The difference
                                                stationary sources subject to the offset                                                                       period is more representative of normal
                                                                                                        between the pre-project ‘‘actual
                                                provisions to use ERCs in accordance                                                                           stationary source operations.
                                                                                                        emission baseline’’ and the post-project                  Forty CFR 51.165(a)(1) requires that
                                                with PART Env-A 3006.04. The section                    ‘‘projected actual emissions’’ determines
                                                also allows DERs to meet the offset                                                                            all state plans use the specific
                                                                                                        the emission increase from a project.                  definitions as promulgated by EPA.
                                                requirements, provided the DERs                            The federal definition of ‘‘Baseline
                                                comply with the requirements of section                                                                        Deviations from the federal wording for
                                                                                                        actual emissions’’ at 40 CFR                           each definition will be approved only if
                                                173 of the CAA, 40 CFR 51.165(a) and                    51.165(a)(1)(xxxv) defines separate
                                                PART Env-A 3108.02. As explained                                                                               the state specifically demonstrates that
                                                                                                        baseline emissions calculations for                    the submitted definition is more
                                                below, EPA previously has allowed the                   existing electric utility steam generating
                                                use of DERs to meet a CAA emissions                                                                            stringent, or at least as stringent in all
                                                                                                        units (EUSGU) and all other existing                   respects, as the corresponding federal
                                                requirement. EPA has determined, given                  emission units other than EUSGU. The
                                                the procedures that will apply to the use                                                                      definition.
                                                                                                        key elements of the definition relevant                   As part of the December 2002 NSR
                                                of DERs and ERCs to meet the NNSR                       to this document are as follows:                       final rule, EPA prepared a November 21,
                                                emissions offset requirements, that it is                  • Existing EUSGU: The owner/                        2002, ‘‘Supplemental Analysis of the
                                                appropriate and consistent with CAA                     operator may select any consecutive 24-                Environmental Impact of the 2002 Final
                                                requirements to approve these                           month period for each pollutant,                       NSR Improvement Rules (Supplemental
                                                provisions into New Hampshire’s SIP.                    without the need for a demonstration,                  Analysis).’’ The Supplemental Analysis
                                                  In EPA’s approval of New                              within the 5-year period immediately                   provided a description of the NSR
                                                Hampshire’s Reasonably Available                        preceding when the owner/operator                      reform rules and an analysis
                                                Control Technology (RACT) for Nitrogen                  begins actual construction of the project.             demonstrating that the reform rule’s
                                                Oxide (NOX) and Volatile Organic                        The reviewing authority may allow the                  environmental benefits were equivalent
                                                Compounds (79 FR 49458, August 21                       use of a different time period upon a                  to or more stringent than the existing
                                                2014), EPA allowed stationary sources                   determination showing the time period                  pre-reform rules. For the addition of the
                                                subject to the State’s RACT rule to                     is more representative of normal                       definition of ‘‘Baseline actual
                                                comply by the purchase and generation                   stationary source operations. A different              emissions,’’ EPA concluded that the use
                                                of DER credits pursuant to PART Env-                    consecutive 24-month period can be                     of a 10 year period to select a baseline
                                                A 3100. The approval further states,                    used for each regulated pollutant.                     is a reasonable period considering the
                                                since PART Env-A 3100 has not been                         • All other existing emission units:                variability of different business cycles.
                                                approved into the SIP, any order issued                 The owner/operator may select any                      EPA believes the effect from the new
                                                by New Hampshire that allows the use                    consecutive 24-month period in the 10-                 definition is small and would not alter
                                                of PART Env-A 3100 to comply with                       year period immediately preceding                      the baseline for 90% of the stationary
                                                NOX RACT will need to be approved                       either the date the owner/operator                     sources. For the remaining 10%, EPA
                                                into New Hampshire’s SIP as a source                    begins actual construction or the date a               cannot draw general conclusions about
                                                specific SIP revision.                                  completed permit application is                        how many stationary sources would or
                                                  Similar to the RACT rule, since PART                  received by the reviewing authority for                would not receive an alternative
                                                Env-A 3000 and PART Env-A 3100 have                     a permit, whichever is earlier. No other               baseline nor estimate what emission
                                                not been approved by EPA into the SIP,                  different time period is allowed. A                    consequences would result. EPA’s
                                                any NNSR permit issued by New                           different consecutive 24-month period                  complete analysis of the definition of
                                                Hampshire that allows for the use of                    can be used for each regulated pollutant.              ‘‘Baseline Actual Emissions’’ can be
                                                ERCs and/or DERs to meet an offset                         The NH DES definition tracks the                    found at http://www.epa.gov/nsr/
                                                requirement would first need the ERC or                 requirements in 40 CFR                                 documents/nsr-analysis.pdf.
                                                DER offset to be approved by EPA into                   51.165(a)(1)(xxxv) except for the                         The NH DES included as part of its
                                                the SIP before the NNSR permit could                    following differences:                                 SIP submittal a November 16, 2012
                                                be issued. Each individual SIP approval                    • Unlike the federal definitions, the               memorandum entitled ‘‘Supplemental
                                                of a stationary source’s use of DERs and/               State uses the same definition for                     Information for SIP Revision Request
                                                or ERCs for the purpose of meeting the                  EUSGUs and non-EUSGUs.                                 Parts of PART Env-A 600, Statewide
                                                                                                           • Under the State’s definition, in
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                                                NNSR emissions offset requirement,                                                                             Permit System.’’ Similar to the EPA’s
                                                would be required to meet the                           establishing baseline actual emissions                 study and analysis summarized above in
                                                requirements identified in PART Env-A                   for a project, the owner/operator                      the previous paragraph, the State’s
                                                618.07 and PART Env-A 618.08 and to                     presumptively shall select the same                    memorandum described the differences
                                                satisfy all offset and any other relevant               consecutive 24-month period for all                    between the federal and state ‘‘Baseline
                                                requirements of the CAA before EPA                      pollutants; and the consecutive 24-                    actual emissions’’ definitions and
                                                would be able to approve the use of the                 month period shall be selected from                    described an emissions study that
                                                DERs and/or ERCs into the SIP for a                     within the 5-year period immediately                   compares the effects of the state and


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                                                22962                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                federal definition on emission changes                  emissions control requirements that are                preconstruction permit required before
                                                to actual stationary sources located in                 equally stringent.                                     construction begins is referred to as a
                                                New Hampshire. The NH DES’s analysis                                                                           temporary permit. Temporary permits
                                                                                                        2. Reasonable Period Analysis
                                                looked at the federal definition of                                                                            expire after 18 months. Before
                                                baseline actual emission, the State’s                      The NH DES’s submittal also revised                 expiration, stationary sources must
                                                presumptive or default baseline actual                  the definition for ‘‘Reasonable period.’’              complete construction and begin
                                                emission method (i.e., 24 consecutive                   The term ‘‘Reasonable period’’ is used                 operational testing or, if construction
                                                months selected from the 5 years                        in the definition for ‘‘Net emissions                  has not commenced with the 18 months,
                                                preceding actual construction for all                   increase’’ and defines the                             reapply for a new temporary permit. For
                                                regulated pollutants), and the State’s                  contemporaneous period for the                         those cases where a stationary source
                                                allowed alternative emission baseline if                emission increases and decreases that                  has completed construction and has
                                                the owner/operator could demonstrate                    are used in the calculation determining                begun to operate, the state and federal
                                                normal stationary source operations are                 applicability of the NNSR regulations to               terms provide equivalent results.
                                                better represented by:                                  a particular project. Under                            However, for stationary sources and
                                                   • Use of an alternative 24-consecutive               § 51.165(a)(1)(vi)(C)(1), the reviewing                permitting agencies that may have
                                                month period selected from the period                   authority is authorized to specify the                 difficulty determining when a new
                                                between 5 to 10 years immediately                       applicable ‘‘Reasonable period.’’                      stationary source has begun operating
                                                preceding beginning actual                              Reviewing authorities typically use the                due to various stationary source startup
                                                construction, and                                       period defined in the federal Prevention               issues, defining the end date of
                                                   • use of different 24-consecutive                    of Significant Deterioration (PSD)                     reasonable period in relation to a fixed
                                                month periods for different regulated                   permitting program. That period begins                 permit expiration date (and
                                                pollutants, within the period between 5                 five years before the date construction of             corresponding permit to operate
                                                and 10 years immediately preceding                      the project commences and ends when                    issuance date) ensures the state agency
                                                beginning actual construction.                          the emissions increase from the project                and the stationary source that NNSR
                                                   For the majority of changes occurring                actually occurs.                                       program applicability will not change
                                                at any type of stationary source, the                      The NH DES’s definition for
                                                                                                                                                               after initial permit decisions have been
                                                State’s presumptive or default baseline                 ‘‘reasonable period’’ uses a period that
                                                                                                                                                               reviewed and approved. Considering the
                                                actual emissions method (using a 24-                    begins five years from the date the NH
                                                                                                                                                               benefits of the NH DES’s version of
                                                consecutive month period during the 5                   DES receives a complete permit
                                                                                                                                                               ‘‘Reasonable period’’ noted above, EPA
                                                year period immediately preceding                       application for a project and ends upon
                                                                                                                                                               concludes the State’s term for
                                                beginning actual construction) resulted                 the ‘‘expiration date’’ of the pre-
                                                                                                                                                               ‘‘reasonable period’’ is approvable and
                                                in the same or lower baseline emissions                 construction permit issued for the
                                                                                                        project (at which time a NH DES-issued                 is as stringent as the federal definition.
                                                as compared to the federal definition.
                                                For owner/operators that could                          state operating permit for the project                 E. What are the provisions that New
                                                demonstrate that normal stationary                      becomes effective). A ‘‘Reasonable                     Hampshire needs to submit in order for
                                                source operations were better                           period’’ based on a fixed date (i.e., the              the conditional approval to become a
                                                represented by 24 consecutive months                    receipt of a complete permit                           full approval?
                                                selected from the 5 to 10 year period                   application) ensures the stationary
                                                preceding beginning actual construction                 source, the permitting authority and the                  The State’s proposed SIP revision did
                                                or that different consecutive 24-month                  public that the NNSR applicability                     not include two provisions that
                                                periods for different regulated                         determination for a stationary source or               preclude EPA from fully approving the
                                                pollutants better represent normal                      modification will not change after the                 State’s proposed NNSR SIP revisions.
                                                stationary source operations, the                       state has reviewed a permit application                The first missing provision applies to
                                                analysis showed that the State’s                        and made a permit decision. Since the                  any regulated NSR pollutant emitted
                                                definition resulted in baseline emissions               5 year period will not change after the                from projects at existing emission units
                                                that were at least as stringent in all cases            complete permit application is received,               at a major stationary source (other than
                                                to the federal definition.                              all contemporaneous emission increases                 projects at a source with a PAL) in
                                                   EPA therefore concludes that the NH                  and decreases used by the stationary                   circumstances where there is a
                                                DES’s definition of ‘‘Baseline actual                   source and state to determine NSR                      reasonable possibility, within the
                                                emissions’’ is as stringent in all respects             applicability will remain in effect.                   meaning of 40 CFR 51.165(a)(6)(vi), that
                                                as the federal definition. The State’s                     Under the federal definition, the 5-                a project not a part of a major
                                                definition results in the same emission                 year period is based on the date                       modification may result in a significant
                                                baseline for new emission units,                        construction commences, a date that                    emissions increase of such pollutant,
                                                changes to existing EUSGUs, and                         may change significantly based on the                  and the owner or operator elects to use
                                                changes at existing units that emit one                 many factors that could delay                          the projected actual method specified in
                                                pollutant and with high utilization rates               construction. As a result, the five year               paragraphs (a)(1)(xxviii)(B)(1) through
                                                within the last 5 years. For all other                  contemporaneous period would also be                   (3) for calculating projected actual
                                                changes, the State’s definition allows                  delayed. Emission increases previously                 emissions. These specific procedures
                                                the use of baselines selected outside of                within the contemporaneous period                      include additional monitoring,
                                                5 years (but before 10 years) and                       could fall outside the contemporaneous                 recordkeeping and reporting for those
                                                baselines for each regulated pollutant                  period and change the applicability of                 projects that exceed 50% of the
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                                                where appropriately demonstrated to be                  the stationary source or modification. In              significant emission increase and
                                                as stringent. As a result, any difference               addition, the NH DES version of                        significant net emission increase for the
                                                in the application of the state and                     ‘‘Reasonable period’’ extends out to the               applicable pollutant. The NH DES has
                                                federal definitions on the selection of                 expiration date of the ‘‘temporary’’ or                committed by letter dated March 20,
                                                baseline actual emissions would be                      preconstruction air permit issued for the              2015 to submit for EPA approval into
                                                insignificant at worst and would                        project, a date compatible with the NH                 the SIP in a timely manner provisions
                                                therefore result in permit applicability                DES’s air permitting program. Under the                that meet the requirements at 40 CFR
                                                decisions, emissions limitations or                     NH DES’s permit program, the initial                   51.165(a)(6) and (a)(7) so that EPA may


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           22963

                                                at that time fully approve the NH DES’s                 VII. Proposed Action                                   their entirety and replace the
                                                NNSR program.                                              EPA is proposing to conditionally                   conditionally approved provisions of
                                                   The second missing provision from                    approve the NH DES’s November 15,                      the State’s SIP regulations. Finally, EPA
                                                NH DES’s submittal is the requirement                   2012 PSD Program submittal originally                  is proposing to fully approve the
                                                                                                        proposed to be fully approved by EPA                   definitions at PART Env-A 101.174
                                                at 40 CFR 51.165(a)(5)(i) that a State
                                                                                                        on January 21, 2015. The reproposed,                   ‘‘Minor permit amendment’’ and PART
                                                approval to construct shall not relieve
                                                                                                        conditional approval of the PSD                        Env-A 101.262 ‘‘State permit to operate’’
                                                any owner or operator of the                                                                                   submitted to EPA on July 21, 2003.
                                                responsibility to comply fully with                     program is conditioned on the State
                                                applicable provisions of the plan and                   submitting in a timely manner a SIP                    VIII. Incorporation by Reference
                                                any other requirements under local,                     revision that adds a provision,                           In this rule, the EPA is proposing to
                                                State or Federal law. This provision,                   consistent with 40 CFR 51.166(q)(2)(iv),               include in a final EPA rule regulatory
                                                originally part of the SIP and                          requiring notice of a draft PSD permit to              text that includes incorporation by
                                                unintentionally left out of the November                state air agencies whose lands may be                  reference. In accordance with
                                                15, 2012 SIP submittal, affirms that                    affected by emissions from the                         requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is
                                                sources subject to the NNSR program                     permitted source.                                      proposing to incorporate by reference
                                                must continue to comply with all other                     EPA is also proposing to conditionally              the following NH DES rules: the PSD
                                                applicable state and federal                            approve PART Env-A 618                                 rules at PART Env-A 619, ‘‘Prevention
                                                                                                        ‘‘Nonattainment New Source Review,’’                   of Significant Deterioration’’ (originally
                                                requirements. The NH DES has
                                                                                                        because the NH DES must submit to                      proposed on January 21, 2015) as
                                                committed by letter dated March 20,
                                                                                                        EPA in a timely manner additional                      discussed in Section IV of the preamble;
                                                2015 to submit for EPA approval into
                                                                                                        provisions that comply with 40 CFR                     the NNSR rules at PART Env-A 618,
                                                the SIP in a timely manner provisions
                                                                                                        51.165(a)(6) and (a)(7) and 40 CFR                     ‘‘Nonattainment New Source Review’’
                                                that meet the requirements at 40 CFR
                                                                                                        51.165(a)(5)(i), i.e., 1) provisions for               discussed in Section V of the preamble;
                                                51.165(a)(5)(i) so that EPA may at that                 ‘‘reasonable possibility’’ established in
                                                time fully approve the NH DES’s NNSR                                                                           and the definitions for ‘‘minor permit
                                                                                                        40 CFR 51.165(a)(6) and (a)(7); and 2)                 amendment’’ and ‘‘state permit to
                                                program.                                                provisions required under 40 CFR                       operate’’ under PART Env-A 101,
                                                VI. What action is EPA proposing for                    51.165(a)(5)(i) providing that approval                ‘‘Permit Definitions’’ as discussed in
                                                New Hampshire’s s July 21, 2003 SIP                     to construct shall not relieve any owner               section VI of the preamble. EPA has
                                                submittal to its PART Env-A 101:                        or operator of the responsibility to                   made, and will continue to make, these
                                                Permit definitions?                                     comply fully with applicable provisions                documents generally available
                                                                                                        of the plan and any other requirements                 electronically through
                                                   New Hampshire July 23, 2003 SIP                      under local, State or Federal law.                     www.regulations.gov and/or in hard
                                                submittal clarifies how the State                          Under section 110(k)(4) of the Act,                 copy at the U.S. Environmental
                                                addresses minor changes to the permit                   EPA may conditionally approve a                        Protection Agency, EPA New England
                                                terms contained in ‘‘Temporary                          State’s plan based on a commitment                     Regional Office, Office of Ecosystem
                                                Permits’’ (i.e., preconstruction air                    from the State to adopt specific                       Protection, Air Permits, Toxics and
                                                quality permits) and ‘‘State Permits to                 enforceable measures by a date certain,                Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post Office
                                                Operate’’ issued under the State’s PART                 but not later than 1 year from the date                Square—Suite 100, (mail code OEP05–
                                                Env-A 600, Statewide Permit System.                     of final conditional approval. By letter               2), Boston, MA 02109–3912
                                                The current SIP-approved rules do not                   dated March 20, 2015 New Hampshire
                                                have definitions sufficient to address                  has committed to revising its regulations              IX. Statutory and Executive Order
                                                minor changes to existing permit terms                  to be consistent with EPA’s regulations                Reviews
                                                or conditions for stationary sources,                   not later than one year after EPA’s                      Under the Clean Air Act, the
                                                where the changes would not: (a) result                 publication of a notice of final                       Administrator is required to approve a
                                                in an increase in the amount of a                       conditional approval. If the State fails to            SIP submission that complies with the
                                                specific air pollutant emitted by the                   do so in a timely manner, this                         provisions of the Act and applicable
                                                source or device; (b) result in the                     conditional approval will, by operation                Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k);
                                                emission of any additional air pollutant;               of law, become a disapproval one year                  40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP
                                                or (c) necessitate the use of permit                    from publication of that notice of final               submissions, EPA’s role is to approve
                                                notice and hearing procedures.                          conditional approval. At that time, the                state choices, provided that they meet
                                                                                                        conditionally approved SIP revisions                   the criteria of the Clean Air Act.
                                                   To address such minor changes to                     would not be part of New Hampshire’s                   Accordingly, this proposed action
                                                existing permit terms, the SIP submittal                approved SIP. If that were to occur, EPA               merely approves state law as meeting
                                                included definitions for the terms for                  would then also notify the State by                    Federal requirements and does not
                                                ‘‘minor permit amendment’’ and ‘‘state                  letter. EPA subsequently would publish                 impose additional requirements beyond
                                                permit to operate.’’ The term ‘‘minor                   a notice in the Federal Register                       those imposed by state law. For that
                                                permit amendment’’ provides for minor                   notifying the public that the conditional              reason, this proposed action:
                                                changes to conditions in permits other                  approval automatically converted to a                    • is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                than Title V permits (which are not                     disapproval. If the State meets its                    action’’ subject to review by the Office
                                                issued pursuant to SIP regulations). The                commitment within the applicable time                  of Management and Budget under
                                                term ‘‘state permit to operate’’ means a
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                                                                                                        frame, however, EPA would                              Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,
                                                non-Title V operating permit issued                     subsequently publish a notice in the                   October 4, 1993);
                                                prior to operation or material                          Federal Register notifying the public                    • does not impose an information
                                                modification of a stationary source, area               that EPA intends to take final action to               collection burden under the provisions
                                                stationary source or device. Both                       approve or disapprove the State’s                      of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
                                                definitions are consistent with all                     revised regulations. If EPA were to                    U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
                                                federal requirements under the CAA for                  approve the revised regulations, the                     • is certified as not having a
                                                approval into the SIP.                                  regulations would be fully approved in                 significant economic impact on a


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                                                22964                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 79 / Friday, April 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                substantial number of small entities                    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                               http://www.regulations.gov, including
                                                under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5                 AGENCY                                                 any personal information provided,
                                                U.S.C. 601 et seq.);                                                                                           unless the comment includes
                                                                                                        40 CFR Part 192                                        information claimed to be Confidential
                                                   • does not contain any unfunded
                                                mandate or significantly or uniquely                    [EPA–HQ–OAR–2012–0788; FRL–9926–76–                    Business Information (CBI) or other
                                                                                                        OAR]                                                   information whose disclosure is
                                                affect small governments, as described
                                                                                                                                                               restricted by statute. Do not submit
                                                in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                     RIN 2060–AP43                                          information that you consider to be CBI
                                                of 1995 (Public Law 104–4);                                                                                    or otherwise protected through http://
                                                   • does not have Federalism                           Health and Environmental Protection
                                                                                                                                                               www.regulations.gov or email. The
                                                implications as specified in Executive                  Standards for Uranium and Thorium
                                                                                                                                                               http://www.regulations.gov Web site is
                                                                                                        Mill Tailings; Extension of Comment
                                                Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,                                                                           an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which
                                                                                                        Period
                                                1999);                                                                                                         means EPA will not know your identity
                                                   • is not an economically significant                 AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                      or contact information unless you
                                                regulatory action based on health or                    Agency (EPA).                                          provide it in the body of your comment.
                                                safety risks subject to Executive Order                 ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of                    If you send an email comment directly
                                                13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);                    comment period.                                        to EPA without going through http://
                                                                                                                                                               www.regulations.gov, your email
                                                   • is not a significant regulatory action             SUMMARY:    The U.S. Environmental                     address will be automatically captured
                                                subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR                 Protection Agency is announcing an                     and included as part of the comment
                                                28355, May 22, 2001);                                   extension of the public comment period                 that is placed in the public docket and
                                                   • is not subject to requirements of                  for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking                  made available on the Internet. If you
                                                Section 12(d) of the National                           (NPRM) requesting public comment and                   submit an electronic comment, EPA
                                                Technology Transfer and Advancement                     information on revisions to the EPA’s                  recommends that you include your
                                                Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because                ‘‘Health and Environmental Protection                  name and other contact information in
                                                application of those requirements would                 Standards for Uranium and Thorium                      the body of your comment and with any
                                                be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act;                 Mill Tailings.’’ The EPA published the                 disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA
                                                                                                        NPRM on January 26, 2015 in the                        cannot read your comment due to
                                                and
                                                                                                        Federal Register (80 FR 4156), which                   technical difficulties and cannot contact
                                                   • does not provide EPA with the                      included a request for comments on or                  you for clarification, EPA may not be
                                                discretionary authority to address, as                  before April 27, 2015. The purpose of                  able to consider your comment.
                                                appropriate, disproportionate human                     this action is to extend this comment                  Electronic files should avoid the use of
                                                health or environmental effects, using                  period an additional 30 days.                          special characters, any form of
                                                practicable and legally permissible                     DATES: Written comments must be                        encryption, and be free of any defects or
                                                methods, under Executive Order 12898                    received on or before May 27, 2015.                    viruses. For additional information
                                                (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).                        ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                       about the EPA’s public docket, visit the
                                                   In addition, this rule does not have                 identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–                    EPA Docket Center homepage at
                                                tribal implications as specified by                     OAR–2012–0788, by one of the                           http://www.epa.gov/epahome/
                                                Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,                     following methods:                                     dockets.htm.
                                                                                                           • http://www.regulations.gov: Follow                   Docket: All documents in the docket
                                                November 9, 2000), because the SIP is
                                                                                                        the online instructions for submitting                 are listed in the http://
                                                not approved to apply in Indian country
                                                                                                        comments.                                              www.regulations.gov index. Although
                                                located in the state, and EPA notes that                                                                       listed in the index, some information is
                                                it will not impose substantial direct                      • Email: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov.
                                                                                                           • Fax: (202) 566–9744.                              not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other
                                                costs on tribal governments or preempt                                                                         information for which disclosure is
                                                tribal law.                                                • Mail: U.S. Postal Service, send
                                                                                                        comments to: Air and Radiation Docket,                 restricted by statute. Certain other
                                                List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                      EPA Docket Center, Docket ID No. EPA–                  material, such as copyrighted material,
                                                                                                        HQ–OAR–2012–0788, 1200                                 will be publicly available only in hard
                                                  Environmental protection, Air                         Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,                     copy. Publicly available docket
                                                pollution control, Carbon monoxide,                     DC 20460. Please include a total of two                materials are available either
                                                Incorporation by reference,                             copies.                                                electronically in http://
                                                Intergovernmental relations, Lead,                         Hand Delivery: In person or by                      www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
                                                Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate                    courier, deliver comments to: EPA                      the EPA Docket Center, EPA West,
                                                matter, Reporting and recordkeeping                     Docket Center, Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–                   Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave.
                                                requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile                   OAR–2012–0788, EPA West, Room                          NW., Washington, DC. The Public
                                                organic compounds.                                      3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW.,                    Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to
                                                                                                        Washington, DC 20004. Such deliveries                  4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                                  Dated: April 8, 2015.                                                                                        excluding legal holidays. The telephone
                                                                                                        are only accepted during the Docket’s
                                                H. Curtis Spalding,                                                                                            number for the Public Reading Room is
                                                                                                        normal hours of operation, and special
                                                Regional Administrator, EPA New England.                arrangements should be made for                        (202) 566–1744, and the telephone
                                                [FR Doc. 2015–09372 Filed 4–23–15; 8:45 am]                                                                    number for the Docket Center is (202)
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                        deliveries of boxed information. Please
                                                BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                  include a total of two copies.                         566–1742.
                                                                                                           Instructions: Direct your comments to               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                        Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2012–                         Ingrid Rosencrantz, EPA Office of
                                                                                                        0788. The Agency’s policy is that all                  Radiation and Indoor Air; telephone
                                                                                                        comments received will be included in                  number: (202) 343–9286; email address:
                                                                                                        the public docket without change and                   rosencrantz.ingrid@epa.gov.
                                                                                                        may be made available online at                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:



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Document Created: 2015-12-16 08:42:50
Document Modified: 2015-12-16 08:42:50
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesWritten comments must be received on or before May 26, 2015.
ContactBrendan McCahill, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, Office of Ecosystem Protection, Air Permits, Toxics, and Indoor Programs Unit, 5 Post Office Square--Suite 100, (mail code OEP05-2), Boston, MA 02109-3912, telephone number (617) 918-1652, Fax number (617) 918-0652, email [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 22956 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Carbon Monoxide; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Lead; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Sulfur Oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds

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