80_FR_31045 80 FR 30941 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Determination of Attainment of the 2008 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard for the Baltimore, Maryland Moderate Nonattainment Area

80 FR 30941 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Determination of Attainment of the 2008 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard for the Baltimore, Maryland Moderate Nonattainment Area

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 104 (June 1, 2015)

Page Range30941-30946
FR Document2015-13030

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making the determination that the Baltimore, Maryland Moderate Nonattainment Area (Baltimore Area) has attained the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, and certified ambient air quality monitoring data that shows the Baltimore Area has monitored attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2012-2014 monitoring period. As a result of this determination, the requirement for the Baltimore Area to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), reasonable further progress plans (RFP), contingency measures, and other State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions related to attainment of the standard are suspended for as long as the area continues to attain the 2008 8-hour ozone standard.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 104 (Monday, June 1, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 104 (Monday, June 1, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30941-30946]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13030]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R03-OAR-2014-0884; FRL-9928-42-Region 3]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Maryland; Determination of Attainment of the 2008 8-Hour Ozone National 
Ambient Air Quality Standard for the Baltimore, Maryland Moderate 
Nonattainment Area

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making the 
determination that the Baltimore, Maryland Moderate Nonattainment Area 
(Baltimore Area) has attained the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient 
Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This determination is based upon 
complete, quality-assured, and certified ambient air quality monitoring 
data that shows the Baltimore Area has monitored attainment of the 2008 
8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2012-2014 monitoring period. As a result of 
this determination, the requirement for the Baltimore Area to submit an 
attainment demonstration and associated reasonably available control 
measures (RACM), reasonable further progress plans (RFP), contingency 
measures, and other State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions related 
to attainment of the standard are suspended for as long as the area 
continues to attain the 2008 8-hour ozone standard.

DATES: This final rule is effective on July 1, 2015.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID 
Number EPA-R03-OAR-2014-0884. All documents in the docket are listed in 
the www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the electronic 
docket, some information is not publicly available, i.e., confidential 
business information (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 through www.regulations.gov or in hard 
copy for public inspection during normal business hours at the Air 
Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 
1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Irene Shandruk, (215) 814-2166, or by 
email at shandruk.irene@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    On March 12, 2008, EPA revised both the primary and secondary NAAQS 
for ozone to a level of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) (annual fourth-
highest daily maximum 8-hour average concentration, averaged over three 
years) to provide increased protection of public health and the 
environment. 73 FR 16436 (March 27, 2008).\1\ The 2008 ozone NAAQS 
retains the same general form and averaging time as the 0.08 ppm NAAQS 
set in 1997, but is set at a more protective level. On May 21, 2012 (77 
FR 30088), effective July 20, 2012, EPA designated as nonattainment any 
area that was violating the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS based on the three 
most recent years (2008-2010) of air monitoring data. The Baltimore 
Area (specifically, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore 
County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County) was 
designated as a moderate ozone nonattainment area. See 40 CFR 81.321. 
Moderate areas are required to attain the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS by no 
later than six years after the effective date of designations, or July 
20, 2018. See 40 CFR 51.903. Air quality monitoring data from the 2012-
2014 monitoring period indicate that the Baltimore Area is now 
attaining the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. On March 18, 2015 (80 FR 14041), 
EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR), which proposed to 
determine that the Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS. Public comments were received on the NPR. Summaries of the 
comments as well as EPA's responses are in section III of this 
rulemaking notice.
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    \1\ For a detailed explanation of the calculation of the 3-year 
8-hour average, see 40 CFR part 50, Appendix I.
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    Under the provisions of 40 CFR 51.1118,\2\ also known as EPA's 
Clean Data Policy, a determination by EPA that an area is attaining the 
relevant standard (through a rulemaking that includes public notice and 
comment) suspends the area's obligations to submit an attainment 
demonstration, RACM, RFP, contingency measures and other planning 
requirements related to attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for 
as long as the area continues to attain the standard. This suspension 
remains in effect until such time, if ever, that EPA (i) redesignates 
the area to attainment at which time those requirements no longer 
apply, or (ii) subsequently determines that the area has violated the 
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Although these requirements are suspended, EPA 
remains obligated under section 110(k)(2) to act upon these elements at 
any time if submitted to EPA for review and approval. On April 22, 
2015, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) sent 
correspondence to EPA indicating its intent to submit an attainment SIP 
for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.\3\ This determination of attainment is 
not equivalent to a redesignation under section 107(d)(3) of the CAA. 
The designation status of the Baltimore Area will remain nonattainment 
for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS until such time as EPA determines that 
the Area meets the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for redesignation 
to attainment, including an approved maintenance plan. Additionally, 
the determination of attainment is separate from, and does not 
influence or otherwise affect, any future designation determination or 
requirements for the Baltimore Area based on any new or revised ozone 
NAAQS, and it remains in effect regardless of whether EPA designates 
this Area as a nonattainment area for purposes of any new or revised 
ozone NAAQS. Finally, this determination does not relieve other CAA 
requirements that are not related to attainment planning and 
achievement of the NAAQS, such as an emissions inventory as required by 
CAA section 172(c)(3) or a nonattainment area permitting program 
pursuant to CAA sections 172(c)(5) and 173.
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    \2\ EPA issued its proposal to determine that the Baltimore Area 
was attaining the 2008 ozone NAAQS pursuant to 40 CFR 51.918, EPA's 
Clean Data Policy under the 1997 8-hour ozone implementation rule. 
On April 6, 2015, EPA's plan implementing the 2008 ozone NAAQS 
became effective, thereby replacing 40 CFR 51.918 with 40 CFR 
51.1118, a functionally identical provision for purposes of this 
action. See 40 CFR 51.919.
    \3\ The April 22, 2015 letter from MDE is available in the 
docket for this rulemaking under docket number EPA-R03-OAR-2014-
0884.
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II. EPA's Evaluation

    EPA has reviewed the complete, quality-assured and certified ozone 
ambient air monitoring data for the monitoring period for 2012-2014 for 
the Baltimore Area. The design values for each monitor for the years 
2012-2014 are less than or equal to 0.075 ppm which is the 2008 ozone 
NAAQS level, and all monitors meet the data completeness requirements 
(see Table

[[Page 30942]]

1).\4\ Based on this 2012-2014 data from EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) 
database and consistent with the requirements contained in 40 CFR part 
50, EPA has concluded that this Area attained the 2008 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS.
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    \4\ Under EPA regulations at 40 CFR part 50, the 2008 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS is attained when the 3-year average of the annual 
fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentrations at 
an ozone monitor is less than or equal to 0.075 ppm. See 40 CFR part 
50, Appendix P. This 3-year average is referred to as the design 
value. When the design value is less than or equal to 0.075 ppm at 
each monitor within the area, then the area is attaining the NAAQS. 
The data completeness requirement is met when the average percent of 
days with valid ambient monitoring data is greater than or equal to 
90 percent (%), and no single year has less than 75% data 
completeness as determined in Appendix P of 40 CFR part 50. The data 
must be collected and quality-assured in accordance with 40 CFR part 
58, and recorded in EPA's Air Quality System.

    Table 1--2012-2014 Baltimore Area 2008 8-Hour Ozone Design Values
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Average        2012-2014
               Monitor ID                  percent data    Design value
                                           completeness        (ppm)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
24-003-0014.............................              97           0.074
24-005-1007.............................              95           0.072
24-005-3001.............................              99           0.072
24-013-0001.............................              99           0.069
24-025-1001.............................              98           0.075
24-025-9001.............................              96           0.073
24-510-0054.............................              90           0.064
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The data in Table 1 are available in EPA's AQS database. The AQS 
report with this data is available in the docket for this rulemaking 
under docket number EPA-R03-OAR-2014-0884 and available online at 
www.regulations.gov, docket number EPA-R03-OAR-2014-0884. Other 
specific requirements of the determination and the rationale for EPA's 
proposed action were explained in the NPR and will not be restated 
here.

III. Summary of Public Comments and EPA Responses

    EPA received the following adverse comments on the proposed 
determination of attainment for the Baltimore Area for the 2008 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS. A summary of the adverse comments and our responses 
follow.
    Comment 1: A commenter stated that EPA's proposed determination of 
attainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard for the Baltimore Area 
thwarts the CAA's mandate of expeditious attainment of the NAAQS 
because the monitored data are the result of unusual weather patterns 
resulting in low ozone concentrations in Baltimore's air quality, which 
the commenter asserts is likely to revert back to monitored 
nonattainment in the near future. The commenter further states that 
this is of particular concern in the Baltimore Area given that asthma 
is an endemic problem and an environmental justice issue in Maryland. 
According to the commenter, issuance of a determination of attainment 
for the Baltimore Area for the 8-hour ozone NAAQS would defer 
additional needed air quality planning requirements, delay permanent 
attainment, and jeopardize public health. The commenter also asserts 
Maryland cannot rely on voluntary control measures which are not 
permanent and enforceable. Therefore, the commenter stated EPA's 
issuance of the determination of attainment would be arbitrary, 
capricious and counterproductive to the mandate of the CAA.
    Response 1: EPA disagrees with the commenter that EPA should not 
finalize the determination of attainment because, in accordance with 
EPA regulations and longstanding policy for such determinations, and in 
accordance with the intent of the CAA, the area is factually attaining 
the NAAQS. As the commenter acknowledges, unlike the CAA's 
redesignation requirement that an area's attainment air quality is due 
to permanent and enforceable measures in CAA section 
7407(d)(3)(E)(iii), EPA's Clean Data Policy does not require an 
analogous demonstration. See 40 CFR 51.1118. It is for this reason that 
EPA's determination of attainment merely suspends the requirement to 
submit attainment planning SIPs for only so long as the area continues 
to attain the standard. If the area falls back into nonattainment, 
those attainment planning SIPs become immediately due upon a 
determination by EPA that the area is no longer attaining the NAAQS. 
Moreover, Maryland may still submit SIPs in anticipation of this event, 
and EPA will be required to act on those SIPs in accordance with CAA 
section 7410(k)(2) and (3). The Clean Data Policy embodies EPA's 
longstanding interpretation that certain planning requirements in the 
CAA no longer have meaning for areas that are attaining the standard 
because the purpose of these provisions is to help a nonattainment area 
reach attainment, a goal which will already have been achieved.
    Following enactment of the CAA Amendments of 1990, EPA promulgated 
its interpretation of the requirements for implementing the NAAQS in 
the general preamble for the implementation of Title I of the CAA 
Amendments of 1990 (General Preamble). See 57 FR 13498, 13564 (April 
16, 1992). In 1995, based on the interpretation of CAA sections 171, 
172, and 182 in the General Preamble, EPA set forth what has become 
known as its ``Clean Data Policy'' for the 1-hour ozone NAAQS. See 
Reasonable Further Progress, Attainment Demonstration, and Related 
Requirements for Ozone Nonattainment Areas Meeting the Ozone National 
Ambient Air Quality Standard, EPA memorandum from John S. Seitz, 
Director, Office of Air Quality Planning Standards, May 10, 1995 (Seitz 
Memorandum). The Seitz Memorandum provided that requirements to submit 
SIP revisions addressing RFP, an attainment demonstration, and other 
related requirements such as contingency measures and other specific 
ozone-related requirements in section 182 would be suspended for as 
long as the nonattainment area continued to monitor attainment of the 
NAAQS. EPA incorporated its ``Clean Data Policy'' interpretation in 
both its 8-Hour Ozone Implementation Rule in 40 CFR 51.918, its Final 
Clean Air Fine Particle Implementation Rule (1997 PM2.5 
Implementation Rule) in 40 CFR 51.1004(c), the SIP requirements rule 
for the 2008 ozone NAAQS published on March 6, 2015 (80 FR 12264), and 
the proposed PM implementation rule published on March 23, 2015 (80 FR 
15340). See 72 FR 20585, 20665 (April

[[Page 30943]]

25, 2007).\5\ Over the past two decades, in regulations, guidance 
memoranda, and numerous individual rulemakings, EPA has consistently 
articulated its Clean Data Policy interpretation as applying to the 
attainment-related SIP planning provisions of subparts 1, 2 and 4 of 
Part D of Title I of the CAA, and the spectrum of ambient air quality 
standards, including the 1-hour and 1997 ozone, coarse particulate 
matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), 
and lead (Pb) NAAQS. See e.g. 79 FR 77911 (December 29, 2014) 
(determination of attainment of 2008 Pb NAAQS); 79 FR 25014 (May 2, 
2014) (determination of attainment of 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS); 79 
FR 21139 (April 15, 2014) (determination of attainment of 2008 ozone 
NAAQS); 78 FR 20244 (April 4, 2013) (determination of attainment of 
1997 ozone NAAQS); and 77 FR 36163 (June 18, 2012) (determination of 
attainment of 1-hour ozone NAAQS). The D.C. Circuit explicitly upheld 
EPA's Clean Data Policy interpretation as embodied in the1997 8-Hour 
Ozone Implementation Rule, 40 CFR 51.918.\6\ NRDC v. EPA, 571 F. 3d 
1245, 1258-61 (D.C. Cir. 2009). Other U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals 
that have considered and reviewed EPA's Clean Data Policy 
interpretation have similarly upheld it and the rulemakings applying 
EPA's interpretation. Sierra Club v. EPA, 99 F.3d 1551 (10th Cir. 
1996); Our Children's Earth Foundation v. EPA, N. 04-73032 (9th Cir. 
June 28, 2005) (memorandum opinion); and Latino Issues Forum v. EPA, 
Nos. 06-75831 and 08-71238 (9th Cir. March 2, 2009) (memorandum 
opinion).
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    \5\ While the United States Court of Appeals for the District of 
Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) in a January 4, 2013 decision 
remanded the 1997 PM2.5 Implementation Rule to EPA, the 
D.C. Circuit did not address the merits of that regulation regarding 
our Clean Data Policy in 40 CFR 51.1004(c), nor cast any doubt on 
EPA's existing interpretation of the statutory provisions for the 
Clean Data Policy. See Natural Resources Defense Council v. EPA, 706 
F.3d 428 (D.C. Cir. 2013).
    \6\ ``EPA's Final Rule to implement the 8-Hour Ozone National 
Ambient Air Quality Standard-Phase 2 (Phase 2 Final Rule).'' See 70 
FR 71612, 71645-46 (November 29, 2005).
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    Because EPA finds the Baltimore Area's monitoring data supports a 
determination that the Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 ozone NAAQS 
as explained above and in the NPR, EPA disagrees with the commenter 
that EPA should not issue at this time a determination of attainment 
which suspends SIP planning requirements for the Baltimore Area 
pursuant to our Clean Data Policy. EPA acts to protect the public 
health in accordance with the CAA and its mandates and the Agency is 
concerned with increased asthma incidences as well as with ensuring 
environmental justice for communities. EPA's determination of 
attainment for the Baltimore Area is in accordance with our regulations 
and longstanding policy and is based on monitored ozone data 
demonstrating attainment with the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, which EPA 
set at a level to protect the public health. Thus, EPA's action is in 
accordance with the CAA, its implementing regulations, and policy.
    Second, to the extent that the commenter is suggesting that EPA may 
not issue a determination of attainment where the factors that 
contributed to attainment are not permanent, EPA notes that such a 
requirement is a prerequisite to a redesignation of a nonattainment 
area under CAA section 107(d)(3)(E)(iii), but not for a determination 
of attainment. A redesignation changes the legal status of an area from 
nonattainment of the NAAQS to attainment of the NAAQS, and is not 
pertinent to determinations of attainment that simply suspend 
attainment planning requirements in Part D of Title I of the CAA. Thus, 
EPA disagrees with the commenter that our determination of attainment, 
which is based on data from ozone monitors in the Baltimore Area 
showing attainment with the 2008 ozone NAAQS in accordance with 40 CFR 
part 50, Appendix P, is arbitrary or capricious, or contrary to the 
CAA.
    Finally, under the provisions of EPA's ozone implementation rules 
(40 CFR 51.918 and 51.919), if EPA issues a determination that an area 
is attaining the relevant standard (through a rulemaking that includes 
public notice and comment), it will suspend the area's obligations to 
submit an attainment demonstration, RACM, RFP, contingency measures and 
other planning requirements related to attainment of the 2008 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS for as long as the area continues to attain the standard. 
This suspension remains in effect until such time, if ever, that EPA 
(i) redesignates the area to attainment at which time those 
requirements no longer apply, or (ii) subsequently determines that the 
area has violated the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Although these 
requirements are suspended, EPA is required to act upon these elements 
if submitted to EPA for review and approval. In fact, Maryland has 
stated its intent to submit an attainment plan for the 2008 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS, which will address SIP attainment planning requirements in 
sections 172 and 182 of the CAA, including control measures, RACM, RFP 
and contingency measures which will assist the Baltimore Area with 
maintenance of the NAAQS. See April 22, 2015 letter from MDE to EPA 
regarding plans for 2008 ozone NAAQS attainment SIP which is included 
in the docket for this rulemaking action. Thus, EPA has considered the 
commenter's concern that this rulemaking will delay attainment planning 
which could assist with maintenance with the NAAQS, and has determined 
that MDE is addressing these concerns. Furthermore, EPA's NPR which 
proposed to determine the Baltimore Area had attained the 2008 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS has not delayed or interfered with MDE's plans for 
additional control measures to address ozone formation and attainment 
and maintenance of ozone NAAQS. For example, MDE recently proposed 
action on new nitrogen oxide (NOX) regulations for electric 
generating units (EGUs), which may assist the Area with maintenance of 
the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.\7\ See COMAR 26.11.38 (proposed April 17, 
2015).\8\ In addition, EPA expects further NOX reductions 
will occur in Maryland with the projected closure of coal-fired power 
generating units at NRG Energy's Dickerson and Chalk Point power plants 
which are projected to deactivate by 2018.\9\ In addition, many other 
coal-fired EGUs in Maryland and in states neighboring Maryland have 
already deactivated or will soon deactivate in 2015 and 2016, including 
R. Paul Smith, Potomac River, Chesapeake, Clinch River, Glen Lynn, 
Armstrong, Elrama, Hatfields Ferry, Mitchell, Willow Island, Albright, 
Kammer, Kanawha River, Phillip Sporn, Rivesville, Walter C. Beckjord, 
Muskingum River, Eastlake, Ashtabula, and Big Sandy, which will likely 
result in further NOX and ozone

[[Page 30944]]

reductions and thereby additionally address the commenter's concerns 
with continued attainment and maintenance of the ozone NAAQS in the 
Baltimore Area.\10\
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    \7\ NOX is a precursor pollutant which reacts in the 
atmosphere to form ozone.
    \8\ According to MDE's Web site, MDE has petitioned the 
Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR) Committee 
of the Maryland General Assembly requesting emergency status for 
COMAR 26.11.38. If the AELR Committee grants its approval, the 
emergency measure for NOX reductions at EGUs may go into 
effect immediately. To become a permanent regulation, the regulation 
must be promulgated following the State required administrative 
procedures, which includes a 30-day public comment period. See 
http://www.mde.state.md.us/programs/regulations/air/Pages/Emergency.aspx. For additional information including the proposed 
regulations, see http://www.mde.state.md.us/programs/regulations/air/Documents/COMAR_26.11.38.pdf and http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-air-pollution-rule-20150417-story.html.
    \9\ For a listing of EGUs which deactivated already or are 
planning to deactivate in the states which are part of PJM 
Interconnection, L.L.C., a regional transmission organization which 
coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity within states 
including Maryland, see http://www.pjm.com/planning/generation-deactivation/gd-summaries.aspx.
    \10\ See http://www.pjm.com/planning/generation-deactivation/gd-summaries.aspx.
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    Comment 2: The commenter asserts that EPA should not issue a 
determination of attainment for the Baltimore Area because the Area 
experienced atypical weather conditions in 2013 and 2014, leading to 
lower monitored ozone levels in the Area, and asserts the Area is 
likely to revert back to nonattainment in the near future. The 
commenter states that unusually cool summers, increased precipitation, 
and shifting ozone transport patterns which occurred in 2013 and 2014 
contributed to unusually low ozone levels in the Baltimore Area, but 
that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 
that such aberrant weather trends will not continue through summer 
2015. The commenter asserts the Baltimore Area could revert to 
nonattainment if summers are warmer with less precipitation than 2013 
and 2014. The commenter cites to statements from Maryland and the Ozone 
Transport Commission regarding the shifting weather and transport 
patterns in 2013 and 2014.\11\ Furthermore, the commenter asserts that 
2013 and 2014 atypical weather conditions led to lower energy demand 
due to less use of air conditioners by consumers in summer, and thereby 
led to lower coal plant operations, and presumably lower NOX 
emissions helping to keep ozone levels low. The commenter notes the 
coal-fired EGUs in Maryland have generally operated less in recent 
years but tend to continue to operate on warmer summer days, which the 
commenter says are the most ``sensitive'' from the ozone and public 
health perspective. Thus, the commenter states EPA should decline to 
issue the clean data determination for the Baltimore Area because of 
the aberrant weather in 2013 and 2014 and because the Area is likely to 
revert back to nonattainment in the near future.
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    \11\ By reference to ``transport,'' the commenter refers to the 
transport of air pollution and pollutants from upwind states to 
downwind states in the atmosphere.
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    Response 2: EPA disagrees with the commenter that transport of 
NOX or ozone or that weather patterns including unusual 
patterns of transport of pollution and cooler, wetter weather data than 
historical averages should impact EPA's determination of attainment for 
the Baltimore Area with respect to the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA's 
determinations of attainment with a NAAQS are based entirely on 
monitoring data and on our evaluation of that data's compliance with 40 
CFR part 50, Appendix P. Therefore, weather conditions, transport 
patterns, energy demand, and EGU megawatt generation that the commenter 
alleges may impact NOX and ozone pollution levels are 
irrelevant in determining whether an area is attaining a NAAQS. Under 
EPA regulations at 40 CFR part 50, the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS is 
attained when the 3-year average of the annual fourth-highest daily 
maximum 8-hour average ozone concentrations at an ozone monitor is less 
than or equal to 0.075 ppm. See 40 CFR part 50, Appendix P. This 3-year 
average is the design value. When the design value is less than or 
equal to 0.075 ppm at each monitor within the area, then the area is 
attaining the NAAQS. EPA's analysis of monitoring data in the Baltimore 
Area (included in Section II of this rulemaking action) supports the 
determination that the Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS. In addition, the data completeness requirement for 
evaluating monitoring data for NAAQS attainment is met when the average 
percent of days with valid ambient monitoring data is greater than or 
equal to 90 percent (%), and no single year has less than 75% data 
completeness as defined in Appendix P of 40 CFR part 50. Monitor data 
must also be collected and quality-assured in accordance with 40 CFR 
part 58 and recorded in the EPA's AQS. EPA's analysis in Section II of 
this rulemaking action of the monitor data in the Baltimore Area shows 
the Baltimore Area monitors meet the completeness criterion which also 
supports our determination that the Baltimore Area has attained the 
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    In sum, EPA reviewed the complete, quality-assured and certified 
ozone ambient air monitoring data for the 2012-2014 monitoring period 
for the Baltimore Area. The design values for each monitor for the 
years 2012-2014 are less than or equal to 0.075 ppm, and all monitors 
meet the data completeness requirements (see Table 1 in Section II of 
this rulemaking action). Thus, EPA disagrees with the commenter that 
EPA should not issue the determination of attainment based on factors 
such as atypical weather, transport, or reduced EGU generation. The 
Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS in accordance 
with 40 CFR part 50, Appendix P requirements and 40 CFR 51.918. Thus, 
EPA's determination is in accordance with CAA requirements and is not 
arbitrary or capricious.\12\ If the Baltimore Area's monitors show 
design values exceeding the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS in the future, EPA 
will take appropriate action to remove the suspension of attainment 
plan requirements as discussed in this rulemaking and in the NPR. 
Furthermore, as noted in response to Comment 1, notwithstanding the 
lawful suspension of these requirements in accordance with 40 CFR 
51.1118, the state has indicated that it plans to continue working on 
submissions to address the suspended attainment planning requirements, 
which EPA will be required to act upon in accordance with CAA section 
110(k).
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    \12\ EPA also discussed the irrelevance of atypical weather in 
EPA's approval of the attainment demonstration for the Washington 
DC-MD-VA, moderate ozone nonattainment area for the 1997 ozone 
NAAQS. 80 FR 19206 (April 10, 2015). In response to comments that 
the weather in 2012 was cooler and wetter than average which led to 
ozone levels lower than seen in prior years, EPA agreed that weather 
plays an important role in ozone formation but stated that these 
considerations do not require EPA to disapprove the attainment 
demonstration where modeling and actual design values from ambient 
air quality monitors demonstrated attainment of the NAAQS. Id. at 
19213-214 (stating EPA's approval of attainment demonstration was in 
accordance with CAA statutory requirements).
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    Comment 3: The commenter states that Baltimore's ozone monitors do 
not accurately capture all maximum ozone exposures. According to the 
commenter, several ozone monitors in the Baltimore Area (including 
specifically the Davidsonville, Padonia, and Aldino monitors) have shut 
off for several days during the ozone season in 2011, 2012 and 2013, 
and on several occasions, shut off on very hot days as ozone 
concentrations increased. The commenter asserts these monitors may have 
missed exceedances that would have kept the monitor in nonattainment 
for 2012-2014 with the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. The commenter states 
the untimely shut-offs of ozone monitors call into question the 
``cleanliness'' of the Area's data as monitors were ``down and failing 
to record ambient ozone levels at critical points during ozone season 
and summer heat waves.'' The commenter states EPA should decline to 
grant the clean data determination at this time due to ``illusory air 
quality improvements.'' Because the commenter questions the monitoring 
data due to certain shut off episodes, the commenter additionally 
claims EPA's determination of attainment for the Baltimore Area is 
arbitrary, capricious and contrary to law.
    Response 3: EPA disagrees with the commenter that EPA should not 
finalize

[[Page 30945]]

this determination of attainment for the Baltimore Area for the 2008 8-
hour ozone NAAQS due to concerns raised by the commenter with respect 
to certain ozone monitors in the Area, and disagrees that EPA's 
determination is arbitrary, capricious or contrary to law. As discussed 
previously, EPA issues determinations of attainment for the NAAQS based 
solely on monitoring data input into EPA's AQS demonstrating attainment 
with a NAAQS in accordance with requirements for attainment in 40 CFR 
part 50, Appendix P, regardless of weather or transport conditions or 
patterns. For EPA to issue a determination of attainment, one important 
criterion is that the monitoring data must meet the completeness 
requirements set forth in Appendix P of 40 CFR part 50 (amongst other 
requirements.) The data completeness requirement is met when the 
average percent of days with valid ambient monitoring data is greater 
than or equal to 90%, and no single year has less than 75% data 
completeness. EPA has determined that the 2012-2014 ozone monitoring 
data in the Baltimore Area meet these requirements because the average 
percent of days with valid ambient monitoring data is greater than or 
equal to 90% and because no single year has less than 75% data 
completeness. Therefore, EPA has sufficient data in accordance with 
Appendix P of 40 CFR part 50 for issuance of the determination of 
attainment for the Baltimore Area with the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA 
disagrees with the commenter that the monitors ``shutting off'' create 
illusory air quality improvements as the monitors satisfy EPA's data 
completeness requirements.
    In addition, EPA disagrees with the commenter's characterization 
that the monitors were ``shutting off,'' and EPA finds it unreasonable 
to infer ozone exceedances may have occurred during any periods when 
monitors may not have collected valid data. Ozone monitors are 
sophisticated analytical instruments. While they mostly operate quite 
reliably, there may be occasional incidences where monitors malfunction 
or produce erroneous or compromised data despite best efforts at 
maintenance and good operating practices. EPA believes it is 
unreasonable to expect any ozone monitor to operate continuously 
twenty-four hours a day for seven days a week over the seven month 
ozone season without experiencing any operational issues. EPA believes 
routine issues may be expected to occur affecting monitor operation and 
performance including issues such as ultraviolet lamps and vacuum pumps 
needing repair, particulate filters becoming clogged, and water vapor 
condensing in the sample manifold and being drawn into the monitor.
    In addition, monitors must be operated in environmentally 
controlled buildings or instrument shelters. If the air conditioning 
fails and the monitors overheat, unstable readings may occur. If the 
temperature gets too cold in a shelter on a hot and humid day, 
condensation can occur and affect the ozone readings. Condensation may 
also impact a monitor because ozone exceedance days are often observed 
on warm and humid days. Further, monitoring stations frequently house 
additional monitoring equipment creating a high electrical demand. 
Thus, monitors are susceptible to electrical power disturbances from 
power failures due to stress on the electrical grid or from power 
failures due to thunderstorms which also frequently occur during hot 
and humid ozone exceedance days.
    To combat such issues, a strict schedule of preventative 
maintenance, operational checks, daily zero and span challenges, 
periodic audits and a minimum of bi-weekly precision checks are in 
place by state agencies operating monitors such as MDE to insure that 
any monitor problems are addressed in a timely manner and that the 
highest possible quality data is being produced. Since MDE produces 
daily ozone forecasts, MDE's monitoring site operators are alerted 
ahead of time when they can expect ozone exceedance days and extra 
efforts are taken to insure that the monitors are operating properly as 
practically possible.
    Because of these concerns with monitor operations, Appendix P of 40 
CFR part 50 accounts for potential missing data with the completeness 
criterion discussed previously. All of the Baltimore Area ozone 
monitors meet these requirements for the period in question. EPA 
reviewed data from the Davidsonville, Padonia, and Aldino monitors 
noted by the commenter as having missing data from 2011-2013 including 
on hotter days in the ozone season. In general, EPA believes that the 
characterization of these monitors as being ``shut off'' is not 
accurate. Instead, EPA found the data from these monitors was 
invalidated for very brief periods or was briefly not collected due to 
operational concerns such as malfunctioning air conditioning units, 
power failures, and condensation concerns in sample lines. EPA's 
analysis of the Davidsonville, Padonia, and Aldino monitors for the 
time periods noted by the commenter is included in a Supplemental 
Technical Support Document (Supplemental TSD) which is available in the 
docket for this rulemaking action under Docket ID Number EPA-R03-OAR-
2014-0884. EPA also believes it is unlikely that the monitors missed 
high ozone exceedances as other monitors were operating in or near the 
Baltimore Area during some of these limited occasions and were not 
reporting exceedances. EPA finds it is unreasonable for the commenter 
to infer ozone exceedances would have occurred during the very limited 
periods of invalidated data or uncollected data due to power outages 
because ozone concentrations are not solely dependent on temperature, 
because ozone concentrations do not behave linearly from day to day at 
each monitor, and because such inference ignores the meteorology and 
the behavior of the other ozone monitors in Maryland, which did not 
report exceedances on the same days and times when these three monitors 
had limited periods of invalidated data.\13\ For a detailed discussion 
of monitor performance and an explanation for the brief periods of 
invalidated data at each of the noted monitors, see the Supplemental 
TSD.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ For example, one period of unavailable monitor data noted 
by the commenter around June 29, 2012 at the Davidsonville monitor 
occurred due to a power failure brought on by a historic storm 
(known as a derecho) which caused extensive power outages and 
property damage in Maryland. Despite the summer heat, none of the 
other Baltimore area monitors registered exceedances during that 
period of time as temperature is not always directly linked to ozone 
exceedances. EPA finds it reasonable during this derecho that strong 
winds likely swept ozone away from the Area based on monitoring data 
from nearby monitors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In conclusion, because EPA's determination of attainment for the 
Baltimore Area is in accordance with established CAA requirements and 
is supported by EPA analysis in the NPR and in Section II of this 
rulemaking action regarding complete, quality-assured, and certified 
ambient air monitoring data that shows the Baltimore Area has monitored 
attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2012-2014 monitoring 
period, EPA's determination is neither arbitrary, capricious, nor 
contrary to the CAA.

IV. Final Action

    EPA has determined that the Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-
hour ozone NAAQS. This determination is based upon complete, quality-
assured, and certified ambient air monitoring data that show the 
Baltimore Area has monitored attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS 
for the

[[Page 30946]]

2012-2014 monitoring period. This determination suspends the 
requirement for Maryland to submit an attainment demonstration for the 
Baltimore Area, RACM, a RFP plan, contingency measures, and other 
planning requirements related to attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS for so long as the Baltimore Area continues to attain the 2008 8-
hour ozone NAAQS. Although these requirements are suspended, EPA is 
still obligated to act upon revisions addressing these requirements if 
submitted to EPA for review and approval. Finalizing this determination 
does not constitute a redesignation of the Baltimore Area to attainment 
for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS under CAA section 107(d)(3). Therefore, 
the designation status of the Baltimore Area will remain nonattainment 
for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS until such time as EPA takes final 
rulemaking action to determine that the Baltimore Area meets the CAA 
requirements for redesignation to attainment. Finally, this 
determination does not relieve other CAA requirements that are not 
related to attainment planning and achievement of the NAAQS such as an 
emissions inventory as required by CAA section 172(c)(3) or a 
nonattainment area permitting program pursuant to CAA sections 
172(c)(5) and 173.

V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. General Requirements

    This action makes a determination of attainment based on air 
quality, and will result in the suspension of certain Federal 
requirements, and will not impose additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. For that reason, this 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 se.);
     is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et se.);
     does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; 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.

B. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et se., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and 
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot 
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal 
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2).

C. Petitions for Judicial Review

    Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review 
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for 
the appropriate circuit by July 31, 2015. Filing a petition for 
reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect 
the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor 
does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may 
be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or 
action.
    This action determining that the Baltimore Area has attained the 
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS may not be challenged later in proceedings to 
enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).)

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.

    Dated: May 19, 2015.
William C. Early,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region III.

    40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:

PART 52--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS

0
1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:

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

Subpart V--Maryland

0
2. In Sec.  52.1082, paragraph (i) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  52.1082  Determinations of attainment.

* * * * *
    (i) EPA has determined, as of June 1, 2015, that based on 2012 to 
2014 ambient air quality data, the Baltimore nonattainment area has 
attained the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This determination, in accordance 
with 40 CFR 51.1118, suspends the requirement for this area to submit 
an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably available control 
measures, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and 
other planning SIPs related to attainment of the standard for as long 
as this area continues to meet the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.

[FR Doc. 2015-13030 Filed 5-29-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 104 / Monday, June 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                  30941

                                           [FR Doc. 2015–13029 Filed 5–29–15; 8:45 am]             Division, U.S. Environmental Protection               submit an attainment demonstration,
                                           BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                  Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street,                 RACM, RFP, contingency measures and
                                                                                                   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.                     other planning requirements related to
                                                                                                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone
                                           ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                Irene Shandruk, (215) 814–2166, or by                 NAAQS for as long as the area continues
                                           AGENCY                                                  email at shandruk.irene@epa.gov.                      to attain the standard. This suspension
                                                                                                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            remains in effect until such time, if ever,
                                           40 CFR Part 52
                                                                                                                                                         that EPA (i) redesignates the area to
                                                                                       I. Background
                                           [EPA–R03–OAR–2014–0884; FRL–9928–42–                                                                          attainment at which time those
                                           Region 3]                                       On March 12, 2008, EPA revised both                           requirements no longer apply, or (ii)
                                                                                       the primary and secondary NAAQS for                               subsequently determines that the area
                                           Approval and Promulgation of Air            ozone to a level of 0.075 parts per                               has violated the 2008 8-hour ozone
                                           Quality Implementation Plans;               million (ppm) (annual fourth-highest                              NAAQS. Although these requirements
                                           Maryland; Determination of Attainment daily maximum 8-hour average
                                                                                                                                                         are suspended, EPA remains obligated
                                           of the 2008 8-Hour Ozone National           concentration, averaged over three
                                           Ambient Air Quality Standard for the                                                                          under section 110(k)(2) to act upon
                                                                                       years) to provide increased protection of                         these elements at any time if submitted
                                           Baltimore, Maryland Moderate                public health and the environment. 73
                                           Nonattainment Area                                                                                            to EPA for review and approval. On
                                                                                       FR 16436 (March 27, 2008).1 The 2008                              April 22, 2015, the Maryland
                                           AGENCY: Environmental Protection            ozone NAAQS retains the same general
                                                                                                                                                         Department of the Environment (MDE)
                                           Agency (EPA).                               form and averaging time as the 0.08
                                                                                                                                                         sent correspondence to EPA indicating
                                           ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                       ppm NAAQS set in 1997, but is set at
                                                                                                                                                         its intent to submit an attainment SIP
                                                                                       a more protective level. On May 21,
                                                                                                                                                         for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.3
                                           SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection 2012 (77 FR 30088), effective July 20,
                                                                                       2012, EPA designated as nonattainment                             This determination of attainment is not
                                           Agency (EPA) is making the
                                                                                       any area that was violating the 2008 8-                           equivalent to a redesignation under
                                           determination that the Baltimore,
                                                                                                                                                         section 107(d)(3) of the CAA. The
                                           Maryland Moderate Nonattainment Area hour ozone NAAQS based on the three
                                           (Baltimore Area) has attained the 2008      most recent years (2008–2010) of air                              designation status of the Baltimore Area
                                           8-hour ozone National Ambient Air           monitoring data. The Baltimore Area                               will remain nonattainment for the 2008
                                           Quality Standard (NAAQS). This              (specifically, Anne Arundel County,                               8-hour ozone NAAQS until such time as
                                           determination is based upon complete,       Baltimore City, Baltimore County,                                 EPA determines that the Area meets the
                                           quality-assured, and certified ambient      Carroll County, Harford County, and                               Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for
                                           air quality monitoring data that shows      Howard County) was designated as a                                redesignation to attainment, including
                                           the Baltimore Area has monitored            moderate ozone nonattainment area. See                            an approved maintenance plan.
                                           attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone         40 CFR 81.321. Moderate areas are                                 Additionally, the determination of
                                           NAAQS for the 2012–2014 monitoring          required to attain the 2008 8-hour ozone                          attainment is separate from, and does
                                           period. As a result of this determination, NAAQS by no later than six years after                             not influence or otherwise affect, any
                                           the requirement for the Baltimore Area      the effective date of designations, or July                       future designation determination or
                                           to submit an attainment demonstration       20, 2018. See 40 CFR 51.903. Air quality                          requirements for the Baltimore Area
                                           and associated reasonably available         monitoring data from the 2012–2014                                based on any new or revised ozone
                                           control measures (RACM), reasonable         monitoring period indicate that the                               NAAQS, and it remains in effect
                                           further progress plans (RFP),               Baltimore Area is now attaining the                               regardless of whether EPA designates
                                           contingency measures, and other State       2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. On March                                 this Area as a nonattainment area for
                                           Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions         18, 2015 (80 FR 14041), EPA published                             purposes of any new or revised ozone
                                           related to attainment of the standard are a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR),                              NAAQS. Finally, this determination
                                           suspended for as long as the area           which proposed to determine that the                              does not relieve other CAA
                                           continues to attain the 2008 8-hour         Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-                           requirements that are not related to
                                           ozone standard.                             hour ozone NAAQS. Public comments                                 attainment planning and achievement of
                                                                                       were received on the NPR. Summaries                               the NAAQS, such as an emissions
                                           DATES: This final rule is effective on July
                                                                                       of the comments as well as EPA’s                                  inventory as required by CAA section
                                           1, 2015.
                                                                                       responses are in section III of this                              172(c)(3) or a nonattainment area
                                           ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
                                                                                       rulemaking notice.                                                permitting program pursuant to CAA
                                           docket for this action under Docket ID          Under the provisions of 40 CFR
                                           Number EPA–R03–OAR–2014–0884. All 51.1118,2 also known as EPA’s Clean                                         sections 172(c)(5) and 173.
                                           documents in the docket are listed in       Data Policy, a determination by EPA                               II. EPA’s Evaluation
                                           the www.regulations.gov Web site.           that an area is attaining the relevant
                                           Although listed in the electronic docket, standard (through a rulemaking that                                   EPA has reviewed the complete,
                                           some information is not publicly            includes public notice and comment)                               quality-assured and certified ozone
                                           available, i.e., confidential business      suspends the area’s obligations to                                ambient air monitoring data for the
                                           information (CBI) or other information                                                                        monitoring period for 2012–2014 for the
                                           whose disclosure is restricted by statute.     1 For a detailed explanation of the calculation of             Baltimore Area. The design values for
                                           Certain other material, such as             the 3-year 8-hour average, see 40 CFR part 50,                    each monitor for the years 2012–2014
                                           copyrighted material, is not placed on      Appendix I.
                                                                                          2 EPA issued its proposal to determine that the
                                                                                                                                                         are less than or equal to 0.075 ppm
                                           the Internet and will be publicly
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                                                                                       Baltimore Area was attaining the 2008 ozone                       which is the 2008 ozone NAAQS level,
                                           available only in hard copy form.           NAAQS pursuant to 40 CFR 51.918, EPA’s Clean                      and all monitors meet the data
                                           Publicly available docket materials are     Data Policy under the 1997 8-hour ozone                           completeness requirements (see Table
                                           available either electronically through     implementation rule. On April 6, 2015, EPA’s plan
                                           www.regulations.gov or in hard copy for implementing         the 2008 ozone NAAQS became
                                                                                       effective, thereby replacing 40 CFR 51.918 with 40                  3 The April 22, 2015 letter from MDE is available
                                           public inspection during normal             CFR 51.1118, a functionally identical provision for               in the docket for this rulemaking under docket
                                           business hours at the Air Protection        purposes of this action. See 40 CFR 51.919.                       number EPA–R03–OAR–2014–0884.



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                                           30942                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 104 / Monday, June 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                           1).4 Based on this 2012–2014 data from                                  database and consistent with the                                                50, EPA has concluded that this Area
                                           EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS)                                          requirements contained in 40 CFR part                                           attained the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.

                                                                            TABLE 1—2012–2014 BALTIMORE AREA 2008 8-HOUR OZONE DESIGN VALUES
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Average       2012–2014
                                                                                                                     Monitor ID                                                                                            percent data   Design value
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          completeness       (ppm)

                                           24–003–0014      ...........................................................................................................................................................              97          0.074
                                           24–005–1007      ...........................................................................................................................................................              95          0.072
                                           24–005–3001      ...........................................................................................................................................................              99          0.072
                                           24–013–0001      ...........................................................................................................................................................              99          0.069
                                           24–025–1001      ...........................................................................................................................................................              98          0.075
                                           24–025–9001      ...........................................................................................................................................................              96          0.073
                                           24–510–0054      ...........................................................................................................................................................              90          0.064



                                             The data in Table 1 are available in                                  control measures which are not                                                     Following enactment of the CAA
                                           EPA’s AQS database. The AQS report                                      permanent and enforceable. Therefore,                                           Amendments of 1990, EPA promulgated
                                           with this data is available in the docket                               the commenter stated EPA’s issuance of                                          its interpretation of the requirements for
                                           for this rulemaking under docket                                        the determination of attainment would                                           implementing the NAAQS in the
                                           number EPA–R03–OAR–2014–0884 and                                        be arbitrary, capricious and                                                    general preamble for the
                                           available online at www.regulations.gov,                                counterproductive to the mandate of the                                         implementation of Title I of the CAA
                                           docket number EPA–R03–OAR–2014–                                         CAA.                                                                            Amendments of 1990 (General
                                           0884. Other specific requirements of the                                   Response 1: EPA disagrees with the                                           Preamble). See 57 FR 13498, 13564
                                           determination and the rationale for                                                                                                                     (April 16, 1992). In 1995, based on the
                                                                                                                   commenter that EPA should not finalize
                                           EPA’s proposed action were explained                                                                                                                    interpretation of CAA sections 171, 172,
                                                                                                                   the determination of attainment
                                           in the NPR and will not be restated here.
                                                                                                                   because, in accordance with EPA                                                 and 182 in the General Preamble, EPA
                                           III. Summary of Public Comments and                                     regulations and longstanding policy for                                         set forth what has become known as its
                                           EPA Responses                                                           such determinations, and in accordance                                          ‘‘Clean Data Policy’’ for the 1-hour
                                              EPA received the following adverse                                   with the intent of the CAA, the area is                                         ozone NAAQS. See Reasonable Further
                                           comments on the proposed                                                factually attaining the NAAQS. As the                                           Progress, Attainment Demonstration,
                                           determination of attainment for the                                     commenter acknowledges, unlike the                                              and Related Requirements for Ozone
                                           Baltimore Area for the 2008 8-hour                                      CAA’s redesignation requirement that                                            Nonattainment Areas Meeting the
                                           ozone NAAQS. A summary of the                                           an area’s attainment air quality is due to                                      Ozone National Ambient Air Quality
                                           adverse comments and our responses                                      permanent and enforceable measures in                                           Standard, EPA memorandum from John
                                           follow.                                                                 CAA section 7407(d)(3)(E)(iii), EPA’s                                           S. Seitz, Director, Office of Air Quality
                                              Comment 1: A commenter stated that                                   Clean Data Policy does not require an                                           Planning Standards, May 10, 1995 (Seitz
                                           EPA’s proposed determination of                                         analogous demonstration. See 40 CFR
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Memorandum). The Seitz Memorandum
                                           attainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone                                    51.1118. It is for this reason that EPA’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                   provided that requirements to submit
                                           standard for the Baltimore Area thwarts                                 determination of attainment merely
                                                                                                                                                                                                   SIP revisions addressing RFP, an
                                           the CAA’s mandate of expeditious                                        suspends the requirement to submit
                                                                                                                   attainment planning SIPs for only so                                            attainment demonstration, and other
                                           attainment of the NAAQS because the
                                                                                                                   long as the area continues to attain the                                        related requirements such as
                                           monitored data are the result of unusual
                                           weather patterns resulting in low ozone                                 standard. If the area falls back into                                           contingency measures and other specific
                                           concentrations in Baltimore’s air                                       nonattainment, those attainment                                                 ozone-related requirements in section
                                           quality, which the commenter asserts is                                 planning SIPs become immediately due                                            182 would be suspended for as long as
                                           likely to revert back to monitored                                      upon a determination by EPA that the                                            the nonattainment area continued to
                                           nonattainment in the near future. The                                   area is no longer attaining the NAAQS.                                          monitor attainment of the NAAQS. EPA
                                           commenter further states that this is of                                Moreover, Maryland may still submit                                             incorporated its ‘‘Clean Data Policy’’
                                           particular concern in the Baltimore Area                                SIPs in anticipation of this event, and                                         interpretation in both its 8-Hour Ozone
                                           given that asthma is an endemic                                         EPA will be required to act on those                                            Implementation Rule in 40 CFR 51.918,
                                           problem and an environmental justice                                    SIPs in accordance with CAA section                                             its Final Clean Air Fine Particle
                                           issue in Maryland. According to the                                     7410(k)(2) and (3). The Clean Data                                              Implementation Rule (1997 PM2.5
                                           commenter, issuance of a determination                                  Policy embodies EPA’s longstanding                                              Implementation Rule) in 40 CFR
                                           of attainment for the Baltimore Area for                                interpretation that certain planning                                            51.1004(c), the SIP requirements rule for
                                           the 8-hour ozone NAAQS would defer                                      requirements in the CAA no longer have                                          the 2008 ozone NAAQS published on
                                           additional needed air quality planning                                  meaning for areas that are attaining the                                        March 6, 2015 (80 FR 12264), and the
                                           requirements, delay permanent                                           standard because the purpose of these                                           proposed PM implementation rule
                                           attainment, and jeopardize public                                       provisions is to help a nonattainment                                           published on March 23, 2015 (80 FR
                                           health. The commenter also asserts                                      area reach attainment, a goal which will                                        15340). See 72 FR 20585, 20665 (April
                                           Maryland cannot rely on voluntary                                       already have been achieved.
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                                             4 Under EPA regulations at 40 CFR part 50, the                        average is referred to as the design value. When the                            than or equal to 90 percent (%), and no single year
                                           2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS is attained when the 3-                         design value is less than or equal to 0.075 ppm at                              has less than 75% data completeness as determined
                                           year average of the annual fourth-highest daily                         each monitor within the area, then the area is                                  in Appendix P of 40 CFR part 50. The data must
                                           maximum 8-hour average ozone concentrations at                          attaining the NAAQS. The data completeness                                      be collected and quality-assured in accordance with
                                           an ozone monitor is less than or equal to 0.075                         requirement is met when the average percent of                                  40 CFR part 58, and recorded in EPA’s Air Quality
                                           ppm. See 40 CFR part 50, Appendix P. This 3-year                        days with valid ambient monitoring data is greater                              System.



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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 104 / Monday, June 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                   30943

                                           25, 2007).5 Over the past two decades,                  is concerned with increased asthma                    assist the Baltimore Area with
                                           in regulations, guidance memoranda,                     incidences as well as with ensuring                   maintenance of the NAAQS. See April
                                           and numerous individual rulemakings,                    environmental justice for communities.                22, 2015 letter from MDE to EPA
                                           EPA has consistently articulated its                    EPA’s determination of attainment for                 regarding plans for 2008 ozone NAAQS
                                           Clean Data Policy interpretation as                     the Baltimore Area is in accordance                   attainment SIP which is included in the
                                           applying to the attainment-related SIP                  with our regulations and longstanding                 docket for this rulemaking action. Thus,
                                           planning provisions of subparts 1, 2 and                policy and is based on monitored ozone                EPA has considered the commenter’s
                                           4 of Part D of Title I of the CAA, and                  data demonstrating attainment with the                concern that this rulemaking will delay
                                           the spectrum of ambient air quality                     2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, which EPA                    attainment planning which could assist
                                           standards, including the 1-hour and                     set at a level to protect the public                  with maintenance with the NAAQS, and
                                           1997 ozone, coarse particulate matter                   health. Thus, EPA’s action is in                      has determined that MDE is addressing
                                           (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5),                accordance with the CAA, its                          these concerns. Furthermore, EPA’s
                                           and lead (Pb) NAAQS. See e.g. 79 FR                     implementing regulations, and policy.                 NPR which proposed to determine the
                                           77911 (December 29, 2014)                                  Second, to the extent that the                     Baltimore Area had attained the 2008 8-
                                           (determination of attainment of 2008 Pb                 commenter is suggesting that EPA may                  hour ozone NAAQS has not delayed or
                                           NAAQS); 79 FR 25014 (May 2, 2014)                       not issue a determination of attainment               interfered with MDE’s plans for
                                           (determination of attainment of 2006                    where the factors that contributed to                 additional control measures to address
                                           PM2.5 NAAQS); 79 FR 21139 (April 15,                    attainment are not permanent, EPA                     ozone formation and attainment and
                                           2014) (determination of attainment of                   notes that such a requirement is a                    maintenance of ozone NAAQS. For
                                           2008 ozone NAAQS); 78 FR 20244                          prerequisite to a redesignation of a                  example, MDE recently proposed action
                                           (April 4, 2013) (determination of                       nonattainment area under CAA section                  on new nitrogen oxide (NOX)
                                           attainment of 1997 ozone NAAQS); and                    107(d)(3)(E)(iii), but not for a                      regulations for electric generating units
                                           77 FR 36163 (June 18, 2012)                             determination of attainment. A                        (EGUs), which may assist the Area with
                                           (determination of attainment of 1-hour                  redesignation changes the legal status of             maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone
                                           ozone NAAQS). The D.C. Circuit                          an area from nonattainment of the                     NAAQS.7 See COMAR 26.11.38
                                           explicitly upheld EPA’s Clean Data                      NAAQS to attainment of the NAAQS,                     (proposed April 17, 2015).8 In addition,
                                           Policy interpretation as embodied in                    and is not pertinent to determinations of             EPA expects further NOX reductions
                                           the1997 8-Hour Ozone Implementation                     attainment that simply suspend                        will occur in Maryland with the
                                           Rule, 40 CFR 51.918.6 NRDC v. EPA, 571                  attainment planning requirements in                   projected closure of coal-fired power
                                           F. 3d 1245, 1258–61 (D.C. Cir. 2009).                   Part D of Title I of the CAA. Thus, EPA               generating units at NRG Energy’s
                                           Other U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals                    disagrees with the commenter that our                 Dickerson and Chalk Point power plants
                                           that have considered and reviewed                       determination of attainment, which is                 which are projected to deactivate by
                                           EPA’s Clean Data Policy interpretation                  based on data from ozone monitors in                  2018.9 In addition, many other coal-
                                           have similarly upheld it and the                        the Baltimore Area showing attainment                 fired EGUs in Maryland and in states
                                           rulemakings applying EPA’s                              with the 2008 ozone NAAQS in                          neighboring Maryland have already
                                           interpretation. Sierra Club v. EPA, 99                  accordance with 40 CFR part 50,                       deactivated or will soon deactivate in
                                           F.3d 1551 (10th Cir. 1996); Our                         Appendix P, is arbitrary or capricious,               2015 and 2016, including R. Paul Smith,
                                           Children’s Earth Foundation v. EPA, N.                  or contrary to the CAA.                               Potomac River, Chesapeake, Clinch
                                           04–73032 (9th Cir. June 28, 2005)                          Finally, under the provisions of EPA’s             River, Glen Lynn, Armstrong, Elrama,
                                           (memorandum opinion); and Latino                        ozone implementation rules (40 CFR                    Hatfields Ferry, Mitchell, Willow Island,
                                           Issues Forum v. EPA, Nos. 06–75831                      51.918 and 51.919), if EPA issues a                   Albright, Kammer, Kanawha River,
                                           and 08–71238 (9th Cir. March 2, 2009)                   determination that an area is attaining               Phillip Sporn, Rivesville, Walter C.
                                           (memorandum opinion).                                   the relevant standard (through a                      Beckjord, Muskingum River, Eastlake,
                                              Because EPA finds the Baltimore                      rulemaking that includes public notice                Ashtabula, and Big Sandy, which will
                                           Area’s monitoring data supports a                       and comment), it will suspend the area’s              likely result in further NOX and ozone
                                           determination that the Baltimore Area                   obligations to submit an attainment
                                           has attained the 2008 ozone NAAQS as                    demonstration, RACM, RFP,                                7 NO is a precursor pollutant which reacts in the
                                                                                                                                                                 X

                                           explained above and in the NPR, EPA                     contingency measures and other                        atmosphere to form ozone.
                                                                                                                                                            8 According to MDE’s Web site, MDE has
                                           disagrees with the commenter that EPA                   planning requirements related to
                                                                                                                                                         petitioned the Administrative, Executive, and
                                           should not issue at this time a                         attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone                   Legislative Review (AELR) Committee of the
                                           determination of attainment which                       NAAQS for as long as the area continues               Maryland General Assembly requesting emergency
                                           suspends SIP planning requirements for                  to attain the standard. This suspension               status for COMAR 26.11.38. If the AELR Committee
                                                                                                   remains in effect until such time, if ever,           grants its approval, the emergency measure for NOX
                                           the Baltimore Area pursuant to our                                                                            reductions at EGUs may go into effect immediately.
                                           Clean Data Policy. EPA acts to protect                  that EPA (i) redesignates the area to                 To become a permanent regulation, the regulation
                                           the public health in accordance with the                attainment at which time those                        must be promulgated following the State required
                                           CAA and its mandates and the Agency                     requirements no longer apply, or (ii)                 administrative procedures, which includes a 30-day
                                                                                                   subsequently determines that the area                 public comment period. See http://
                                                                                                                                                         www.mde.state.md.us/programs/regulations/air/
                                             5 While the United States Court of Appeals for the    has violated the 2008 8-hour ozone                    Pages/Emergency.aspx. For additional information
                                           District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) in a        NAAQS. Although these requirements                    including the proposed regulations, see http://
                                           January 4, 2013 decision remanded the 1997 PM2.5        are suspended, EPA is required to act                 www.mde.state.md.us/programs/regulations/air/
                                           Implementation Rule to EPA, the D.C. Circuit did        upon these elements if submitted to                   Documents/COMAR_26.11.38.pdf and http://
                                           not address the merits of that regulation regarding                                                           www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-air-
                                           our Clean Data Policy in 40 CFR 51.1004(c), nor cast
                                                                                                   EPA for review and approval. In fact,                 pollution-rule-20150417-story.html.
                                                                                                   Maryland has stated its intent to submit
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                                           any doubt on EPA’s existing interpretation of the                                                                9 For a listing of EGUs which deactivated already
                                           statutory provisions for the Clean Data Policy. See     an attainment plan for the 2008 8-hour                or are planning to deactivate in the states which are
                                           Natural Resources Defense Council v. EPA, 706           ozone NAAQS, which will address SIP                   part of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., a regional
                                           F.3d 428 (D.C. Cir. 2013).                              attainment planning requirements in                   transmission organization which coordinates the
                                             6 ‘‘EPA’s Final Rule to implement the 8-Hour                                                                movement of wholesale electricity within states
                                           Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard-
                                                                                                   sections 172 and 182 of the CAA,                      including Maryland, see http://www.pjm.com/
                                           Phase 2 (Phase 2 Final Rule).’’ See 70 FR 71612,        including control measures, RACM, RFP                 planning/generation-deactivation/gd-
                                           71645–46 (November 29, 2005).                           and contingency measures which will                   summaries.aspx.



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                                           30944               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 104 / Monday, June 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                           reductions and thereby additionally                     attainment with a NAAQS are based                     is not arbitrary or capricious.12 If the
                                           address the commenter’s concerns with                   entirely on monitoring data and on our                Baltimore Area’s monitors show design
                                           continued attainment and maintenance                    evaluation of that data’s compliance                  values exceeding the 2008 8-hour ozone
                                           of the ozone NAAQS in the Baltimore                     with 40 CFR part 50, Appendix P.                      NAAQS in the future, EPA will take
                                           Area.10                                                 Therefore, weather conditions, transport              appropriate action to remove the
                                              Comment 2: The commenter asserts                     patterns, energy demand, and EGU                      suspension of attainment plan
                                           that EPA should not issue a                             megawatt generation that the                          requirements as discussed in this
                                           determination of attainment for the                     commenter alleges may impact NOX and                  rulemaking and in the NPR.
                                           Baltimore Area because the Area                         ozone pollution levels are irrelevant in              Furthermore, as noted in response to
                                           experienced atypical weather conditions                 determining whether an area is attaining              Comment 1, notwithstanding the lawful
                                           in 2013 and 2014, leading to lower                      a NAAQS. Under EPA regulations at 40                  suspension of these requirements in
                                           monitored ozone levels in the Area, and                 CFR part 50, the 2008 8-hour ozone                    accordance with 40 CFR 51.1118, the
                                           asserts the Area is likely to revert back               NAAQS is attained when the 3-year                     state has indicated that it plans to
                                           to nonattainment in the near future. The                average of the annual fourth-highest                  continue working on submissions to
                                           commenter states that unusually cool                    daily maximum 8-hour average ozone                    address the suspended attainment
                                           summers, increased precipitation, and                   concentrations at an ozone monitor is                 planning requirements, which EPA will
                                           shifting ozone transport patterns which                 less than or equal to 0.075 ppm. See 40               be required to act upon in accordance
                                           occurred in 2013 and 2014 contributed                   CFR part 50, Appendix P. This 3-year                  with CAA section 110(k).
                                           to unusually low ozone levels in the                                                                             Comment 3: The commenter states
                                                                                                   average is the design value. When the
                                           Baltimore Area, but that the National                                                                         that Baltimore’s ozone monitors do not
                                                                                                   design value is less than or equal to
                                           Oceanic Atmospheric Administration                                                                            accurately capture all maximum ozone
                                                                                                   0.075 ppm at each monitor within the
                                           (NOAA) predicts that such aberrant                                                                            exposures. According to the commenter,
                                                                                                   area, then the area is attaining the
                                           weather trends will not continue                                                                              several ozone monitors in the Baltimore
                                                                                                   NAAQS. EPA’s analysis of monitoring
                                           through summer 2015. The commenter                                                                            Area (including specifically the
                                           asserts the Baltimore Area could revert                 data in the Baltimore Area (included in               Davidsonville, Padonia, and Aldino
                                           to nonattainment if summers are                         Section II of this rulemaking action)                 monitors) have shut off for several days
                                           warmer with less precipitation than                     supports the determination that the                   during the ozone season in 2011, 2012
                                           2013 and 2014. The commenter cites to                   Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-               and 2013, and on several occasions,
                                           statements from Maryland and the                        hour ozone NAAQS. In addition, the                    shut off on very hot days as ozone
                                           Ozone Transport Commission regarding                    data completeness requirement for                     concentrations increased. The
                                           the shifting weather and transport                      evaluating monitoring data for NAAQS                  commenter asserts these monitors may
                                           patterns in 2013 and 2014.11                            attainment is met when the average                    have missed exceedances that would
                                           Furthermore, the commenter asserts that                 percent of days with valid ambient                    have kept the monitor in nonattainment
                                           2013 and 2014 atypical weather                          monitoring data is greater than or equal              for 2012–2014 with the 2008 8-hour
                                           conditions led to lower energy demand                   to 90 percent (%), and no single year                 ozone NAAQS. The commenter states
                                           due to less use of air conditioners by                  has less than 75% data completeness as                the untimely shut-offs of ozone
                                           consumers in summer, and thereby led                    defined in Appendix P of 40 CFR part                  monitors call into question the
                                           to lower coal plant operations, and                     50. Monitor data must also be collected               ‘‘cleanliness’’ of the Area’s data as
                                           presumably lower NOX emissions                          and quality-assured in accordance with                monitors were ‘‘down and failing to
                                           helping to keep ozone levels low. The                   40 CFR part 58 and recorded in the                    record ambient ozone levels at critical
                                           commenter notes the coal-fired EGUs in                  EPA’s AQS. EPA’s analysis in Section II               points during ozone season and summer
                                           Maryland have generally operated less                   of this rulemaking action of the monitor              heat waves.’’ The commenter states EPA
                                           in recent years but tend to continue to                 data in the Baltimore Area shows the                  should decline to grant the clean data
                                           operate on warmer summer days, which                    Baltimore Area monitors meet the                      determination at this time due to
                                           the commenter says are the most                         completeness criterion which also                     ‘‘illusory air quality improvements.’’
                                           ‘‘sensitive’’ from the ozone and public                 supports our determination that the                   Because the commenter questions the
                                           health perspective. Thus, the                           Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-               monitoring data due to certain shut off
                                           commenter states EPA should decline to                  hour ozone NAAQS.                                     episodes, the commenter additionally
                                           issue the clean data determination for                     In sum, EPA reviewed the complete,                 claims EPA’s determination of
                                           the Baltimore Area because of the                       quality-assured and certified ozone                   attainment for the Baltimore Area is
                                           aberrant weather in 2013 and 2014 and                   ambient air monitoring data for the                   arbitrary, capricious and contrary to
                                           because the Area is likely to revert back               2012–2014 monitoring period for the                   law.
                                           to nonattainment in the near future.                    Baltimore Area. The design values for                    Response 3: EPA disagrees with the
                                              Response 2: EPA disagrees with the                                                                         commenter that EPA should not finalize
                                                                                                   each monitor for the years 2012–2014
                                           commenter that transport of NOX or
                                           ozone or that weather patterns including                are less than or equal to 0.075 ppm, and                12 EPA also discussed the irrelevance of atypical

                                           unusual patterns of transport of                        all monitors meet the data completeness               weather in EPA’s approval of the attainment
                                           pollution and cooler, wetter weather                    requirements (see Table 1 in Section II               demonstration for the Washington DC–MD–VA,
                                           data than historical averages should                    of this rulemaking action). Thus, EPA                 moderate ozone nonattainment area for the 1997
                                                                                                   disagrees with the commenter that EPA                 ozone NAAQS. 80 FR 19206 (April 10, 2015). In
                                           impact EPA’s determination of                                                                                 response to comments that the weather in 2012 was
                                           attainment for the Baltimore Area with                  should not issue the determination of                 cooler and wetter than average which led to ozone
                                           respect to the 2008 8-hour ozone                        attainment based on factors such as                   levels lower than seen in prior years, EPA agreed
                                           NAAQS. EPA’s determinations of                          atypical weather, transport, or reduced               that weather plays an important role in ozone
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                                                                                                   EGU generation. The Baltimore Area has                formation but stated that these considerations do
                                                                                                                                                         not require EPA to disapprove the attainment
                                             10 See http://www.pjm.com/planning/generation-        attained the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS                  demonstration where modeling and actual design
                                           deactivation/gd-summaries.aspx.                         in accordance with 40 CFR part 50,                    values from ambient air quality monitors
                                             11 By reference to ‘‘transport,’’ the commenter
                                                                                                   Appendix P requirements and 40 CFR                    demonstrated attainment of the NAAQS. Id. at
                                           refers to the transport of air pollution and                                                                  19213–214 (stating EPA’s approval of attainment
                                           pollutants from upwind states to downwind states
                                                                                                   51.918. Thus, EPA’s determination is in               demonstration was in accordance with CAA
                                           in the atmosphere.                                      accordance with CAA requirements and                  statutory requirements).



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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 104 / Monday, June 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                  30945

                                           this determination of attainment for the                ultraviolet lamps and vacuum pumps                    a Supplemental Technical Support
                                           Baltimore Area for the 2008 8-hour                      needing repair, particulate filters                   Document (Supplemental TSD) which is
                                           ozone NAAQS due to concerns raised                      becoming clogged, and water vapor                     available in the docket for this
                                           by the commenter with respect to                        condensing in the sample manifold and                 rulemaking action under Docket ID
                                           certain ozone monitors in the Area, and                 being drawn into the monitor.                         Number EPA–R03–OAR–2014–0884.
                                           disagrees that EPA’s determination is                      In addition, monitors must be                      EPA also believes it is unlikely that the
                                           arbitrary, capricious or contrary to law.               operated in environmentally controlled                monitors missed high ozone
                                           As discussed previously, EPA issues                     buildings or instrument shelters. If the              exceedances as other monitors were
                                           determinations of attainment for the                    air conditioning fails and the monitors               operating in or near the Baltimore Area
                                           NAAQS based solely on monitoring data                   overheat, unstable readings may occur.                during some of these limited occasions
                                           input into EPA’s AQS demonstrating                      If the temperature gets too cold in a                 and were not reporting exceedances.
                                           attainment with a NAAQS in                              shelter on a hot and humid day,                       EPA finds it is unreasonable for the
                                           accordance with requirements for                        condensation can occur and affect the                 commenter to infer ozone exceedances
                                           attainment in 40 CFR part 50, Appendix                  ozone readings. Condensation may also                 would have occurred during the very
                                           P, regardless of weather or transport                   impact a monitor because ozone                        limited periods of invalidated data or
                                           conditions or patterns. For EPA to issue                exceedance days are often observed on                 uncollected data due to power outages
                                           a determination of attainment, one                      warm and humid days. Further,                         because ozone concentrations are not
                                           important criterion is that the                         monitoring stations frequently house                  solely dependent on temperature,
                                           monitoring data must meet the                           additional monitoring equipment                       because ozone concentrations do not
                                           completeness requirements set forth in                  creating a high electrical demand. Thus,              behave linearly from day to day at each
                                           Appendix P of 40 CFR part 50 (amongst                   monitors are susceptible to electrical                monitor, and because such inference
                                           other requirements.) The data                           power disturbances from power failures                ignores the meteorology and the
                                           completeness requirement is met when                    due to stress on the electrical grid or               behavior of the other ozone monitors in
                                           the average percent of days with valid                  from power failures due to                            Maryland, which did not report
                                           ambient monitoring data is greater than                 thunderstorms which also frequently                   exceedances on the same days and times
                                           or equal to 90%, and no single year has                 occur during hot and humid ozone                      when these three monitors had limited
                                           less than 75% data completeness. EPA                    exceedance days.                                      periods of invalidated data.13 For a
                                           has determined that the 2012–2014                          To combat such issues, a strict                    detailed discussion of monitor
                                           ozone monitoring data in the Baltimore                  schedule of preventative maintenance,                 performance and an explanation for the
                                           Area meet these requirements because                    operational checks, daily zero and span               brief periods of invalidated data at each
                                           the average percent of days with valid                  challenges, periodic audits and a                     of the noted monitors, see the
                                                                                                   minimum of bi-weekly precision checks                 Supplemental TSD.
                                           ambient monitoring data is greater than
                                                                                                   are in place by state agencies operating                 In conclusion, because EPA’s
                                           or equal to 90% and because no single
                                                                                                   monitors such as MDE to insure that any               determination of attainment for the
                                           year has less than 75% data
                                                                                                   monitor problems are addressed in a                   Baltimore Area is in accordance with
                                           completeness. Therefore, EPA has
                                                                                                   timely manner and that the highest                    established CAA requirements and is
                                           sufficient data in accordance with
                                                                                                   possible quality data is being produced.              supported by EPA analysis in the NPR
                                           Appendix P of 40 CFR part 50 for
                                                                                                   Since MDE produces daily ozone                        and in Section II of this rulemaking
                                           issuance of the determination of
                                                                                                   forecasts, MDE’s monitoring site                      action regarding complete, quality-
                                           attainment for the Baltimore Area with
                                                                                                   operators are alerted ahead of time                   assured, and certified ambient air
                                           the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA
                                                                                                   when they can expect ozone exceedance                 monitoring data that shows the
                                           disagrees with the commenter that the                   days and extra efforts are taken to insure
                                           monitors ‘‘shutting off’’ create illusory                                                                     Baltimore Area has monitored
                                                                                                   that the monitors are operating properly              attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone
                                           air quality improvements as the                         as practically possible.
                                           monitors satisfy EPA’s data                                                                                   NAAQS for the 2012–2014 monitoring
                                                                                                      Because of these concerns with
                                           completeness requirements.                                                                                    period, EPA’s determination is neither
                                                                                                   monitor operations, Appendix P of 40
                                              In addition, EPA disagrees with the                                                                        arbitrary, capricious, nor contrary to the
                                                                                                   CFR part 50 accounts for potential
                                           commenter’s characterization that the                                                                         CAA.
                                                                                                   missing data with the completeness
                                           monitors were ‘‘shutting off,’’ and EPA                 criterion discussed previously. All of                IV. Final Action
                                           finds it unreasonable to infer ozone                    the Baltimore Area ozone monitors meet                   EPA has determined that the
                                           exceedances may have occurred during                    these requirements for the period in                  Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-
                                           any periods when monitors may not                       question. EPA reviewed data from the                  hour ozone NAAQS. This determination
                                           have collected valid data. Ozone                        Davidsonville, Padonia, and Aldino                    is based upon complete, quality-
                                           monitors are sophisticated analytical                   monitors noted by the commenter as                    assured, and certified ambient air
                                           instruments. While they mostly operate                  having missing data from 2011–2013                    monitoring data that show the Baltimore
                                           quite reliably, there may be occasional                 including on hotter days in the ozone                 Area has monitored attainment of the
                                           incidences where monitors malfunction                   season. In general, EPA believes that the             2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the
                                           or produce erroneous or compromised                     characterization of these monitors as
                                           data despite best efforts at maintenance                being ‘‘shut off’’ is not accurate. Instead,             13 For example, one period of unavailable monitor
                                           and good operating practices. EPA                       EPA found the data from these monitors                data noted by the commenter around June 29, 2012
                                           believes it is unreasonable to expect any               was invalidated for very brief periods or             at the Davidsonville monitor occurred due to a
                                           ozone monitor to operate continuously                   was briefly not collected due to                      power failure brought on by a historic storm
                                                                                                                                                         (known as a derecho) which caused extensive
                                           twenty-four hours a day for seven days                  operational concerns such as
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                                                                                                                                                         power outages and property damage in Maryland.
                                           a week over the seven month ozone                       malfunctioning air conditioning units,                Despite the summer heat, none of the other
                                           season without experiencing any                         power failures, and condensation                      Baltimore area monitors registered exceedances
                                           operational issues. EPA believes routine                concerns in sample lines. EPA’s analysis              during that period of time as temperature is not
                                                                                                                                                         always directly linked to ozone exceedances. EPA
                                           issues may be expected to occur                         of the Davidsonville, Padonia, and                    finds it reasonable during this derecho that strong
                                           affecting monitor operation and                         Aldino monitors for the time periods                  winds likely swept ozone away from the Area based
                                           performance including issues such as                    noted by the commenter is included in                 on monitoring data from nearby monitors.



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                                           30946               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 104 / Monday, June 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                           2012–2014 monitoring period. This                       Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,                    This action determining that the
                                           determination suspends the requirement                  1999);                                                Baltimore Area has attained the 2008 8-
                                           for Maryland to submit an attainment                       • is not an economically significant               hour ozone NAAQS may not be
                                           demonstration for the Baltimore Area,                   regulatory action based on health or                  challenged later in proceedings to
                                           RACM, a RFP plan, contingency                           safety risks subject to Executive Order               enforce its requirements. (See section
                                           measures, and other planning                            13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);                  307(b)(2).)
                                           requirements related to attainment of                      • is not a significant regulatory action
                                           the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for so                      subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR               List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
                                           long as the Baltimore Area continues to                 28355, May 22, 2001);
                                                                                                      • is not subject to requirements of                  Environmental protection, Air
                                           attain the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
                                                                                                   Section 12(d) of the National                         pollution control, Incorporation by
                                           Although these requirements are
                                           suspended, EPA is still obligated to act                Technology Transfer and Advancement                   reference, Intergovernmental relations,
                                           upon revisions addressing these                         Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because              Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Reporting and
                                           requirements if submitted to EPA for                    application of those requirements would               recordkeeping requirements, Volatile
                                           review and approval. Finalizing this                    be inconsistent with the CAA; and                     organic compounds.
                                           determination does not constitute a                        • does not provide EPA with the                     Dated: May 19, 2015.
                                           redesignation of the Baltimore Area to                  discretionary authority to address, as
                                                                                                                                                         William C. Early,
                                           attainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone                    appropriate, disproportionate human
                                                                                                   health or environmental effects, using                Acting Regional Administrator, Region III.
                                           NAAQS under CAA section 107(d)(3).
                                           Therefore, the designation status of the                practicable and legally permissible
                                                                                                   methods, under Executive Order 12898                      40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:
                                           Baltimore Area will remain
                                           nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour                       (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
                                                                                                                                                         PART 52—APPROVAL AND
                                           ozone NAAQS until such time as EPA                         In addition, this rule does not have
                                                                                                   tribal implications as specified by                   PROMULGATION OF
                                           takes final rulemaking action to                                                                              IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
                                           determine that the Baltimore Area meets                 Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,
                                           the CAA requirements for redesignation                  November 9, 2000), because the SIP is
                                                                                                   not approved to apply in Indian country               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 52
                                           to attainment. Finally, this                                                                                  continues to read as follows:
                                           determination does not relieve other                    located in the state, and EPA notes that
                                           CAA requirements that are not related to                it will not impose substantial direct                     Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
                                           attainment planning and achievement of                  costs on tribal governments or preempt
                                           the NAAQS such as an emissions                          tribal law.                                           Subpart V—Maryland
                                           inventory as required by CAA section                    B. Submission to Congress and the
                                           172(c)(3) or a nonattainment area                       Comptroller General                                   ■ 2. In § 52.1082, paragraph (i) is added
                                           permitting program pursuant to CAA                                                                            to read as follows:
                                                                                                      The Congressional Review Act, 5
                                           sections 172(c)(5) and 173.                             U.S.C. 801 et se., as added by the Small              § 52.1082    Determinations of attainment.
                                           V. Statutory and Executive Order                        Business Regulatory Enforcement                       *     *     *     *    *
                                           Reviews                                                 Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
                                                                                                   that before a rule may take effect, the                 (i) EPA has determined, as of June 1,
                                           A. General Requirements                                 agency promulgating the rule must                     2015, that based on 2012 to 2014
                                              This action makes a determination of                 submit a rule report, which includes a                ambient air quality data, the Baltimore
                                           attainment based on air quality, and will               copy of the rule, to each House of the                nonattainment area has attained the
                                           result in the suspension of certain                     Congress and to the Comptroller General               2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This
                                           Federal requirements, and will not                      of the United States. EPA will submit a               determination, in accordance with 40
                                           impose additional requirements beyond                   report containing this action and other               CFR 51.1118, suspends the requirement
                                           those imposed by state law. For that                    required information to the U.S. Senate,              for this area to submit an attainment
                                           reason, this action:                                    the U.S. House of Representatives, and                demonstration, associated reasonably
                                              • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                  the Comptroller General of the United                 available control measures, a reasonable
                                           action’’ subject to review by the Office                States prior to publication of the rule in            further progress plan, contingency
                                           of Management and Budget under                          the Federal Register. A major rule                    measures, and other planning SIPs
                                           Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,                     cannot take effect until 60 days after it             related to attainment of the standard for
                                           October 4, 1993);                                       is published in the Federal Register.                 as long as this area continues to meet
                                              • does not impose an information                     This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as                the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
                                           collection burden under the provisions                  defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                           [FR Doc. 2015–13030 Filed 5–29–15; 8:45 am]
                                           of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44                      C. Petitions for Judicial Review                      BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                           U.S.C. 3501 et se.);                                       Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,
                                              • is certified as not having a                       petitions for judicial review of this
                                           significant economic impact on a                        action must be filed in the United States
                                           substantial number of small entities                    Court of Appeals for the appropriate
                                           under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5                 circuit by July 31, 2015. Filing a petition
                                           U.S.C. 601 et se.);                                     for reconsideration by the Administrator
                                              • does not contain any unfunded                      of this final rule does not affect the
Lhorne on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           mandate or significantly or uniquely                    finality of this action for the purposes of
                                           affect small governments, as described                  judicial review nor does it extend the
                                           in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                     time within which a petition for judicial
                                           of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);                                review may be filed, and shall not
                                              • does not have Federalism                           postpone the effectiveness of such rule
                                           implications as specified in Executive                  or action.


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Document Created: 2015-12-15 15:18:44
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 15:18:44
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis final rule is effective on July 1, 2015.
ContactIrene Shandruk, (215) 814-2166, or by email at [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 30941 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Volatile Organic Compounds

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