80 FR 26925 - New and Revised Emissions Factors for Flares and Other Refinery Process Units and Determination for No Changes to VOC Emissions Factors for Tanks and Wastewater Treatment Systems

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 90 (May 11, 2015)

Page Range		26925-26926
FR Document		2015-11344

On April 20, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new and revised emission factors for flares and other refinery process units and issued its final determination that revisions to existing emissions factors for tanks and wastewater treatment systems are not necessary. The EPA finalized these actions in compliance with a consent decree entered into with Air Alliance Houston, Community In- Power and Development Association, Inc., Louisiana Bucket Brigade and Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (``Plaintiffs'').

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 90 (Monday, May 11, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 90 (Monday, May 11, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26925-26926]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-11344]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9927-53-OAR]


New and Revised Emissions Factors for Flares and Other Refinery 
Process Units and Determination for No Changes to VOC Emissions Factors 
for Tanks and Wastewater Treatment Systems

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of final action.

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SUMMARY: On April 20, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 
issued new and revised emission factors for flares and other refinery 
process units and issued its final determination that revisions to 
existing emissions factors for tanks and wastewater treatment systems 
are not necessary. The EPA finalized these actions in compliance with a 
consent decree entered into with Air Alliance Houston, Community In-
Power and Development Association, Inc., Louisiana Bucket Brigade and 
Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (``Plaintiffs'').

ADDRESSES: You may review copies of the final actions taken and the 
supporting information electronically at: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/consentdecree/index_consent_decree.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy 
Group (MPG), Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243-05), Office of 
Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number: 
(919) 541-2406; fax number: (919) 541-1039; and email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described above, the EPA finalized these 
actions to fulfill its obligations under the consent decree, which 
resolves litigation in which Plaintiffs alleged that the EPA failed to 
perform nondiscretionary duties pursuant to Clean Air Act (CAA) section 
130 to review, and, if necessary, revise the emissions factors for 
volatile organic compounds (VOC) for flares, liquid storage tanks 
(``tanks''), and wastewater collection, treatment and storage systems 
(``wastewater treatment systems'') at least once every 3 years. See Air 
Alliance Houston, et al. v. McCarthy, No. 1:13-cv-00621-KBJ (D.D.C.).
    The EPA evaluated all of the data collected during the 2011 
Refinery Information Collection Request (2011 Refinery ICR), the data 
referenced in the Complaint, other test data available to the agency 
for flares, tanks and wastewater treatment systems, and data submitted 
during the public comment period. Based on this evaluation, we 
finalized a new VOC emissions factor for flares. We also issued final 
emissions factors (or emissions estimation methodologies) for certain 
refinery operations and pollutants that are not covered by the consent 
decree. The other emissions factors include carbon monoxide (CO) for 
flares; oxides of nitrogen (NOX), total hydrocarbons (THC), 
and CO for sulfur recovery units; THC for catalytic reforming units; 
NOX for hydrogen plants; and hydrogen cyanide for fluid 
catalytic cracking units. We updated Sections 5.1, 8.13, and 13.5 of 
AP-42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors, to incorporate 
the new and revised emissions factors. AP-42 is the primary compilation 
of EPA's emission factor information.
    We previously developed a refinery emissions estimation protocol in 
response to a Data Quality Act petition which was used in the 2011 
Refinery ICR. The refinery emissions estimation protocol lists and 
ranks available methods for calculating emissions from refineries. We 
finalized revisions to the Refinery Protocol, with some changes to 
address specific comments. Specifically, we updated Sections 1, 5, and 
6 of the refinery emissions estimation protocol with these new emission 
factors. However, we are not requiring the use of the Refinery 
Protocol, just as we do not require the use of AP-42. It is simply 
another tool for use in estimating emissions when site-specific test 
data do not exist or are not available. We consider the Refinery 
Protocol to provide site-specific emissions inventory guidance that 
will result in more accurate and complete emissions inventories.
    Based on our review of the available emissions data for tanks and 
wastewater treatment systems, we found that the data reviewed generally 
showed similar results between measured data and the existing emissions 
estimation methods. Therefore, we issued a final determination that 
revisions of the VOC emissions factors for tanks and wastewater 
treatment systems are not necessary.
    Additionally, while we proposed a revised NOX emissions 
factor for flares, based on our review of available data and additional 
information received after proposal, we determined that the data was 
not adequate to support revising the NOX emissions factor 
for flares. Based on comments received, the EPA determined that the 
NOX data used for the proposal contained certain flaws that 
rendered the data quality suspect.
    Per the requirements of the consent decree, these final actions 
were issued on April 20, 2015. To support these findings, we developed 
two reports: ``EPA Review of Available Documents and Rationale in 
Support of Final Emissions Factors and Negative Determinations for 
Flares, Tanks, and Wastewater Treatment Systems,'' and ``Review of 
Emissions Test Reports for Emissions Factors Development for Flares and 
Certain Refinery Operations.'' We also prepared the following report to 
respond to the comments received during the public comment period: 
``Background Information for Final Emissions Factors Development for 
Flares and Certain Refinery Operations and Final Determination for No 
Changes to VOC Emissions Factors for Tanks and Wastewater Treatment 
Systems, Summary of Public Comments and Responses.'' These reports, 
along with links to the updated chapters in AP-42 and the Refinery 
Protocol, were posted

[[Page 26926]]

on the Web site listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document on 
April 20, 2015.
    These actions constitute final agency action of national 
applicability for purposes of section 307(b)(1) of the CAA. Pursuant to 
CAA section 307(b)(1), judicial review of these final agency actions 
may be sought only in the United States Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia Circuit. Petitions for review must be filed by 
July 10, 2015. Judicial review of these final agency actions may not be 
obtained in subsequent proceedings, pursuant to CAA section 307(b)(2). 
These actions are not a rulemaking and are not subject to the various 
statutory and other provisions applicable to a rulemaking.

    Dated: May 1, 2015.
Stephen D. Page,
Director.
[FR Doc. 2015-11344 Filed 5-8-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 2015 / Notices 26925

Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 5/11/15. Brigade and Texas Environmental which was used in the 2011 Refinery
Docket Numbers: RP15–914–000. Justice Advocacy Services (‘‘Plaintiffs’’). ICR. The refinery emissions estimation
Applicants: Trailblazer Pipeline ADDRESSES: You may review copies of protocol lists and ranks available
Company LLC. the final actions taken and the methods for calculating emissions from
Description: § 4(d) rate filing per supporting information electronically at: refineries. We finalized revisions to the
154.204: Neg Rate 2015–04–28 Koch, http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ Refinery Protocol, with some changes to
Green Plains to be effective 5/1/2015. consentdecree/index_consent_ address specific comments. Specifically,
Filed Date: 4/28/15. decree.html. we updated Sections 1, 5, and 6 of the
Accession Number: 20150428–5360. refinery emissions estimation protocol
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 5/11/15. with these new emission factors.
Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy
However, we are not requiring the use
The filings are accessible in the Group (MPG), Sector Policies and
of the Refinery Protocol, just as we do
Commission’s eLibrary system by Programs Division (D243–05), Office of
not require the use of AP–42. It is
clicking on the links or querying the Air Quality Planning and Standards,
simply another tool for use in estimating
docket number. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
emissions when site-specific test data
Any person desiring to intervene or Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
do not exist or are not available. We
protest in any of the above proceedings 27711, telephone number: (919) 541–
consider the Refinery Protocol to
must file in accordance with Rules 211 2406; fax number: (919) 541–1039; and
provide site-specific emissions
and 214 of the Commission’s email address: garwood.gerri@epa.gov.
inventory guidance that will result in
Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As
more accurate and complete emissions
§ 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern described above, the EPA finalized these inventories.
time on the specified comment date. actions to fulfill its obligations under Based on our review of the available
Protests may be considered, but the consent decree, which resolves emissions data for tanks and wastewater
intervention is necessary to become a litigation in which Plaintiffs alleged that treatment systems, we found that the
party to the proceeding. the EPA failed to perform data reviewed generally showed similar
eFiling is encouraged. More detailed nondiscretionary duties pursuant to results between measured data and the
information relating to filing Clean Air Act (CAA) section 130 to existing emissions estimation methods.
requirements, interventions, protests, review, and, if necessary, revise the Therefore, we issued a final
service, and qualifying facilities filings emissions factors for volatile organic determination that revisions of the VOC
can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/ compounds (VOC) for flares, liquid emissions factors for tanks and
docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For storage tanks (‘‘tanks’’), and wastewater wastewater treatment systems are not
other information, call (866) 208–3676 collection, treatment and storage necessary.
(toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. systems (‘‘wastewater treatment Additionally, while we proposed a
Dated: April 29, 2015. systems’’) at least once every 3 years. revised NOX emissions factor for flares,
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
See Air Alliance Houston, et al. v. based on our review of available data
McCarthy, No. 1:13–cv–00621–KBJ and additional information received
Deputy Secretary.
(D.D.C.). after proposal, we determined that the
[FR Doc. 2015–11324 Filed 5–8–15; 8:45 am] The EPA evaluated all of the data data was not adequate to support
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P collected during the 2011 Refinery revising the NOX emissions factor for
Information Collection Request (2011 flares. Based on comments received, the
Refinery ICR), the data referenced in the EPA determined that the NOX data used
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Complaint, other test data available to for the proposal contained certain flaws
AGENCY the agency for flares, tanks and that rendered the data quality suspect.
wastewater treatment systems, and data Per the requirements of the consent
[FRL–9927–53–OAR]
submitted during the public comment decree, these final actions were issued
New and Revised Emissions Factors period. Based on this evaluation, we on April 20, 2015. To support these
for Flares and Other Refinery Process finalized a new VOC emissions factor findings, we developed two reports:
Units and Determination for No for flares. We also issued final emissions ‘‘EPA Review of Available Documents
Changes to VOC Emissions Factors for factors (or emissions estimation and Rationale in Support of Final
Tanks and Wastewater Treatment methodologies) for certain refinery Emissions Factors and Negative
Systems operations and pollutants that are not Determinations for Flares, Tanks, and
covered by the consent decree. The Wastewater Treatment Systems,’’ and
AGENCY: Environmental Protection other emissions factors include carbon ‘‘Review of Emissions Test Reports for
Agency (EPA). monoxide (CO) for flares; oxides of Emissions Factors Development for
ACTION: Notice of final action. nitrogen (NOX), total hydrocarbons Flares and Certain Refinery
(THC), and CO for sulfur recovery units; Operations.’’ We also prepared the
SUMMARY: On April 20, 2015, the THC for catalytic reforming units; NOX following report to respond to the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for hydrogen plants; and hydrogen comments received during the public
issued new and revised emission factors cyanide for fluid catalytic cracking comment period: ‘‘Background
for flares and other refinery process units. We updated Sections 5.1, 8.13, Information for Final Emissions Factors
units and issued its final determination and 13.5 of AP–42, Compilation of Air Development for Flares and Certain
that revisions to existing emissions Pollutant Emission Factors, to Refinery Operations and Final
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

factors for tanks and wastewater incorporate the new and revised Determination for No Changes to VOC
treatment systems are not necessary. emissions factors. AP–42 is the primary Emissions Factors for Tanks and
The EPA finalized these actions in compilation of EPA’s emission factor Wastewater Treatment Systems,
compliance with a consent decree information. Summary of Public Comments and
entered into with Air Alliance Houston, We previously developed a refinery Responses.’’ These reports, along with
Community In-Power and Development emissions estimation protocol in links to the updated chapters in AP–42
Association, Inc., Louisiana Bucket response to a Data Quality Act petition and the Refinery Protocol, were posted

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26926 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 2015 / Notices

on the Web site listed in the ADDRESSES The FCC may not conduct or sponsor national emergency number to enable
section of this document on April 20, a collection of information unless it all citizens to reach emergency services
2015. displays a currently valid control directly and efficiently, irrespective of
These actions constitute final agency number. No person shall be subject to whether a citizen uses wireline or
action of national applicability for any penalty for failing to comply with wireless technology when calling for
purposes of section 307(b)(1) of the a collection of information subject to the help by dialing 911. Efforts by federal,
CAA. Pursuant to CAA section PRA that does not display a valid Office state and local government, along with
307(b)(1), judicial review of these final of Management and Budget (OMB) the significant efforts of wireline and
agency actions may be sought only in control number. wireless service providers, have resulted
the United States Court of Appeals for DATES: Written PRA comments should in the nearly ubiquitous deployment of
the District of Columbia Circuit. be submitted on or before June 10, 2015. this life-saving service.
Petitions for review must be filed by If you anticipate that you will be The Order the Commission adopted
July 10, 2015. Judicial review of these submitting comments, but find it on May 19, 2005, sets forth rules
final agency actions may not be difficult to do so within the period of requiring providers of VoIP services that
obtained in subsequent proceedings, time allowed by this notice, you should interconnect with the nation’s existing
pursuant to CAA section 307(b)(2). advise the contact listed below as soon public switched telephone network
These actions are not a rulemaking and as possible. (interconnected VoIP services) to supply
are not subject to the various statutory E911 capabilities to their customers. To
ADDRESSES: Submit your PRA comments
and other provisions applicable to a ensure E911 functionality for customers
to Nicholas A. Fraser, Office of of VoIP service providers the
rulemaking. Management and Budget, via fax at 202– Commission requires the following
Dated: May 1, 2015. 395–5167 or via Internet at Nicholas_ information collections:
Stephen D. Page, A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov and to Benish A. Location Registration. Requires
Director. Shah, Federal Communications providers to interconnected VoIP
[FR Doc. 2015–11344 Filed 5–8–15; 8:45 am] Commission, via the Internet at services to obtain location information
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P Benish.Shah@fcc.gov. To submit your from their customers for use in the
PRA comments by email send them to: routing of 911 calls and the provision of
PRA@fcc.gov. location information to emergency
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: answering points.
COMMISSION Benish Shah, Office of Managing B. Provision of Automatic Location
Director, (202) 418–7866. Information (ALI). Interconnected VoIP
[3060–1085] service providers will place the location
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Information Collection Being OMB Control Number: 3060–1085. information for their customers into, or
Title: Section 9.5, Interconnected make that information available
Submitted for Review and Approval to
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) through, specialized databases
the Office of Management and Budget
E911 Compliance. maintained by local exchange carriers
AGENCY: Federal Communications Form Number: N/A. (and, in at least one case, a state
Commission. Type of Review: Extension of a government) across the country.
ACTION: Notice and request for currently approved collection. C. Customer Notification. Requires
comments. Respondents: Business or other for- that all providers of interconnected
profit entities. VoIP are aware of their interconnected
SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort Number of Respondents: 12 VoIP service’s actual E911 capabilities.
to reduce paperwork burdens, and as respondents; 14,971,342 responses. That all providers of interconnected
required by the Paperwork Reduction Estimated Time per Response: 50,062 VoIP service specifically advise every
Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501– hours. subscriber, both new and existing,
3520), the Federal Communications Frequency of Response: prominently and in plain language, the
Commission (FCC or the Commission) Recordkeeping requirement and third circumstances under which E911
invites the general public and other party disclosure requirements. service may not be available through the
Federal agencies to take this Obligation to Respond: Mandatory. interconnected VoIP service or may be
opportunity to comment on the Statutory authority for this information in some way limited by comparison to
following information collection. collection is contained in 47. U.S.C. traditional E911 service.
Comments are requested concerning: Sections 151, 154(i)–(j), 251(e), 303(r) of D. Record of Customer Notification.
Whether the proposed collection of the Communications Act of 1934, as Requires VoIP providers to obtain and
information is necessary for the proper amended. keep a record of affirmative
performance of the functions of the Total Annual Burden: 600,743 hours. acknowledgement by every subscriber,
Commission, including whether the Total Annual Cost: $80,235,305. both new and existing, of having
information shall have practical utility; Privacy Impact Assessment: No received and understood this advisory.
the accuracy of the Commission’s impact(s). E. User Notification. In addition, in
burden estimate; ways to enhance the Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: order to ensure to the extent possible
quality, utility, and clarity of the There is no need for confidentiality with that the advisory is available to all
information collected; ways to minimize this collection of information. potential users of an interconnected
the burden of the collection of Needs and Uses: The Commission is VoIP service, interconnected VoIP
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

information on the respondents, obligated by statute to promote ‘‘safety service providers must distribute to all
including the use of automated of life and property’’ and to ‘‘encourage subscribers, both new and existing,
collection techniques or other forms of and facilitate the prompt deployment warning stickers or other appropriate
information technology; and ways to throughout the United States of a labels warning subscribers if E911
further reduce the information seamless, ubiquitous, and reliable end- service may be limited or not available
collection burden on small business to-end infrastructure’’ for public safety. and instructing the subscriber to place
concerns with fewer than 25 employees. Congress has established 911 as the them on or near the customer premises

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Document Created: 2018-02-21 10:25:47
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 10:25:47

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice of final action.
Contact		Ms. Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy Group (MPG), Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243-05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number:
FR Citation		80 FR 26925