81 FR 46670 - Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Request for Information, Emerging Technologies
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 137 (July 18, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 137 (July 18, 2016)
| Page Range | 46670-46672 | |
| FR Document | 2016-16927 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 137 (Monday, July 18, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 46670-46672] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-16927] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OAR-2016-0346; FRL-9949-14-OAR] RIN 2060-AS30 Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Request for Information, Emerging Technologies AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice; request for information. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this request for information to the public to obtain information about monitoring, detection of fugitive emissions, and alternative mitigation approaches in the oil and natural gas sector. DATES: Responses must be received on or before November 15, 2016. ADDRESSES: Submit your information, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OAR-2016-0346, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting responses. Once submitted, responses cannot be edited or withdrawn. The EPA may publish any response received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Additional information on submission of CBI can be found below in this document. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written response. The written response is considered the official response and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider information or content located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the Web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. Docket. All documents in the docket are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at http://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, EPA WJC West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air Docket is (202) 566-1742. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about this action, contact Mr. Matthew Witosky, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143- [[Page 46671]] 05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number: (919) 541-2865; facsimile number: (919) 541-3740; email address: [email protected]. For further information on the EPA's oil and natural gas sector regulatory program, contact Mr. Bruce Moore, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143-05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number: (919) 541-5460; facsimile number: (919) 541-3470; email address: [email protected]. For additional contact information, see the following SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Who may be interested in this request? This request may be of interest to the categories and entities listed in Table 1: Table 1--Industrial Source Categories Potentially Interested in This Action ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Examples of industrial Category NAICS code \1\ entities ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Industry....................... 211111 Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction. 211112 Natural Gas Liquid Extraction. 221210 Natural Gas Distribution. 486110 Pipeline Distribution of Crude Oil. 486210 Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas. Federal government............. .............. Not affected. State/local/tribal government.. .............. Potentially interested. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ North American Industry Classification System. This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather is meant to provide a guide for readers regarding entities that may desire to submit information responsive to this request. If you have any questions, consult either the air permitting authority for the entity, your EPA Regional representative as listed in 40 CFR 60.4 (General Provisions), or the individuals listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. B. What should I consider as I prepare my information and responses to the EPA? Do not submit information containing CBI to the EPA through http://www.regulations.gov or email. Send or deliver information identified as CBI only to the following address: OAQPS Document Control Officer (C404-02), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, Attention: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2016-0346. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI in a disk or CD-ROM that you mail to the EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the information that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the information that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. Send or deliver information identified as CBI only to the following address: OAQPS Document Control Officer (C404-02), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-2016-0346. II. Background On June 3, 2016, the EPA published a final rule titled ``Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources,'' 81 FR 35824 (June 3, 2016). These new source performance standards (NSPS), at 40 CFR part 60, subpart OOOOa, set standards for both greenhouse gases (GHGs) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). While a great deal of information is available on the oil and natural gas industry and has to date provided a strong technical foundation to support the Agency's recent actions, the EPA is seeking additional information now of a broader perspective. This additional information may be key in addressing emissions from existing oil and natural gas sources under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA has taken the first step toward obtaining such information, issuing the first draft of an Information Collection Request (ICR) requiring owners/operators to provide information that may enable the development of effective standards for this industry under CAA section 111(d). The EPA published the first draft of the ICR June 3, 2016, for public comment (81 FR 35763). Recognizing that technology used to detect, measure, and mitigate emissions is rapidly developing, the EPA is issuing this request for information, inviting all parties to provide information on innovative technologies to accurately detect, measure, and mitigate emissions from the oil and natural gas industry. For example, the EPA is aware of efforts to foster development and use of advanced monitoring and leak detection equipment, generally similar to optical gas imaging required in the 2016 NSPS. The Agency is requesting information related to these efforts. The EPA seeks to take advantage of the new knowledge being generated by research and focused activities such as the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and other similar programs that are developing innovative monitoring, detection, and mitigation technologies. While final results are not yet available from some projects, such as those funded under ARPA-E, the EPA is interested in learning about works-in-progress that may lead to advanced monitoring techniques, devices or systems appropriate for the dynamic and complex oil and natural gas sector. The EPA also is seeking information on how these advanced monitoring technologies would be broadly applicable to existing sources. For example, research may be developing monitoring systems that provide coverage across emission points or equipment in a way that was not previously possible, thus enabling a different approach to setting standards. The EPA is also seeking information to advance mitigation opportunities. The EPA is particularly interested in information on technologies that could allow for effective emissions controls at well sites or other co-located facilities. Parties may respond to this request for information with published or unpublished papers, technical information, data, or any other [[Page 46672]] information they consider responsive to this request. In addition to consideration of the information we hope to receive in response to this request, the EPA intends to provide an opportunity to further engage with stakeholders on these subjects. An event, such as the Natural Gas STAR Annual Implementation Workshop, tentatively scheduled for early 2017, may be a valuable forum for this exchange of information. Specific information regarding an event will be made available in the coming months. The EPA is providing a 120-day period for the public to submit the requested information. While the EPA will not respond to all submissions, we may contact respondents for further information or data. Dated: July 8, 2016. Janet G. McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. 2016-16927 Filed 7-15-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![46670 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 137 / Monday, July 18, 2016 / Notices
TABLE 1—CRITERIA FOR QUALIFYING CONDUIT HYDROPOWER FACILITY—Continued
Satisfies
Statutory provision Description (Y/N)
FPA 30(a)(3)(C)(iii), as amended by On or before August 9, 2013, the facility is not licensed, or exempted from the li- Y
HREA. censing requirements of Part I of the FPA.
Preliminary Determination: Based (TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please OAR–2016–0346, to the Federal
upon the above criteria, Commission send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
staff has preliminarily determined that Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
the proposal satisfies the requirements First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. instructions for submitting responses.
for a qualifying conduit hydropower A copy of all other filings in reference Once submitted, responses cannot be
facility under 16 U.S.C. 823a, and is to this application must be accompanied edited or withdrawn. The EPA may
exempted from the licensing by proof of service on all persons listed publish any response received to its
requirements of the FPA. in the service list prepared by the public docket. Do not submit
Comments and Motions to Intervene: Commission in this proceeding, in electronically any information you
The deadline for filing comments accordance with 18 CFR 4.34(b) and consider to be Confidential Business
contesting whether the facility meets the 385.2010. Information (CBI) or other information
qualifying criteria is 45 days from the Locations of Notice of Intent: Copies whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
issuance date of this notice. of the notice of intent can be obtained Additional information on submission
The deadline for filing motions to directly from the applicant or such of CBI can be found below in this
intervene is 30 days from the issuance copies can be viewed and reproduced at document. Multimedia submissions
date of this notice. the Commission in its Public Reference (audio, video, etc.) must be
Anyone may submit comments or a Room, Room 2A, 888 First Street NE., accompanied by a written response. The
motion to intervene in accordance with Washington, DC 20426. The filing may written response is considered the
the requirements of Rules of Practice also be viewed on the web at http:// official response and should include
and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210 and www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp discussion of all points you wish to
385.214. Any motions to intervene must using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the make. The EPA will generally not
be received on or before the specified docket number (e.g., CD16–15–000) in consider information or content located
deadline date for the particular the docket number field to access the outside of the primary submission (i.e.,
proceeding. document. For assistance, call toll-free on the Web, cloud, or other file sharing
Filing and Service of Responsive 1–866–208–3676 or email system). For additional submission
Documents: All filings must (1) bear in FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. For TTY, methods, the full EPA public comment
all capital letters the ‘‘COMMENTS call (202) 502–8659. policy, information about CBI or
CONTESTING QUALIFICATION FOR A Dated: July 12, 2016. multimedia submissions, and general
CONDUIT HYDROPOWER FACILITY’’ guidance on making effective
Kimberly Bose,
or ‘‘MOTION TO INTERVENE,’’ as comments, please visit http://
Secretary.
applicable; (2) state in the heading the www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-
name of the applicant and the project [FR Doc. 2016–16896 Filed 7–15–16; 8:45 am]
epa-dockets.
number of the application to which the BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Docket. All documents in the docket
filing responds; (3) state the name, are listed in the http://
address, and telephone number of the www.regulations.gov index. Although
person filing; and (4) otherwise comply ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION listed in the index, some information is
with the requirements of sections AGENCY not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other
385.2001 through 385.2005 of the [EPA–HQ–OAR–2016–0346; FRL–9949–14– information whose disclosure is
Commission’s regulations.1 All OAR] restricted by statute. Certain other
comments contesting Commission staff’s material, such as copyrighted material,
RIN 2060–AS30 will be publicly available only in hard
preliminary determination that the
facility meets the qualifying criteria copy. Publicly available docket
Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Request
must set forth their evidentiary basis. materials are available either
for Information, Emerging
The Commission strongly encourages electronically at http://
Technologies
electronic filing. Please file motions to www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
intervene and comments using the AGENCY: Environmental Protection the U.S. Environmental Protection
Commission’s eFiling system at http:// Agency (EPA). Agency, EPA Docket Center, EPA WJC
www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. ACTION: Notice; request for information. West Building, Room 3334, 1301
Commenters can submit brief comments Constitution Ave. NW., Washington,
up to 6,000 characters, without prior SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection DC. The Public Reading Room is open
registration, using the eComment system Agency (EPA) is issuing this request for from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ information to the public to obtain through Friday, excluding legal
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
ecomment.asp. You must include your information about monitoring, detection holidays. The telephone number for the
name and contact information at the end of fugitive emissions, and alternative Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
of your comments. For assistance, mitigation approaches in the oil and and the telephone number for the Air
please contact FERC Online Support at natural gas sector. Docket is (202) 566–1742.
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) DATES: Responses must be received on FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
208–3676 (toll free), or (202) 502–8659 or before November 15, 2016. further information about this action,
ADDRESSES: Submit your information, contact Mr. Matthew Witosky, Sector
1 18 CFR 385.2001–2005 (2015). identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– Policies and Programs Division (E143–
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![46672 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 137 / Monday, July 18, 2016 / Notices
information they consider responsive to Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460; by Federal advisory committees and
this request. telephone/voice mail at (202) 564–4885 panels, including scientific advisory
In addition to consideration of the or at carpenter.thomas@epa.gov. committees, provide independent
information we hope to receive in General information about the SAB as advice to EPA. Members of the public
response to this request, the EPA well as any updates concerning the can submit comments for a federal
intends to provide an opportunity to teleconference announced in this notice advisory committee to consider as it
further engage with stakeholders on may be found on the EPA Web site at develops advice for EPA. Input from the
these subjects. An event, such as the http://www.epa.gov/sab. public to the SAB will have the most
Natural Gas STAR Annual impact if it provides specific scientific
Implementation Workshop, tentatively SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The SAB
was established pursuant to the or technical information or analysis for
scheduled for early 2017, may be a SAB panels to consider or if it relates to
valuable forum for this exchange of Environmental Research, Development,
and Demonstration Authorization Act the clarity or accuracy of the technical
information. Specific information
(ERDDAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. 4365, information. Oral Statements: In
regarding an event will be made
available in the coming months. to provide independent scientific and general, individuals or groups
The EPA is providing a 120-day technical advice to the Administrator on requesting an oral presentation at a
period for the public to submit the the technical basis for Agency positions teleconference will be limited to three
requested information. While the EPA and regulations. The SAB is a federal minutes. Each person making an oral
will not respond to all submissions, we advisory committee chartered under the statement should consider providing
may contact respondents for further Federal Advisory Committee Act written comments as well as their oral
information or data. (FACA), 5 U.S.C., App. 2. At the request statement so that the points presented
of the SAB, a Work Group composed of orally can be expanded upon in writing.
Dated: July 8, 2016. a subset of SAB members will review Interested parties should contact Mr.
Janet G. McCabe, the underlying data on ballast water Thomas Carpenter, DFO, in writing
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air treatment efficacy to assist the SAB in
and Radiation. (preferably via email) at the contact
considering information regarding information noted above, by August 4,
[FR Doc. 2016–16927 Filed 7–15–16; 8:45 am] conclusions about shipboard treatment 2016 to be placed on the list of public
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P efficacy in the SAB report, Efficacy of
speakers. Written Statements: Written
Ballast Water Treatment Systems: A
statements should be supplied to the
Report by the Science Advisory Board
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (EPA–SAB–11–009). The Work Group DFO, preferably via email, at the contact
AGENCY will gather and review information, information noted above one week
analyze the report’s underlying data and before the teleconference so that the
[FRL–9949–20–OA]
related conclusions and develop information may be made available to
Notification of a Public Teleconference recommendations for deliberation by the Board members for their
of a Work Group Under the Auspices the Chartered Science Advisory Board at consideration. It is the SAB Staff Office
of the Chartered Science Advisory a future meeting. The SAB is not general policy to post written comments
Board seeking new data regarding ballast water on the Web page for the advisory
treatment system efficacy and will focus meeting or teleconference. Submitters
AGENCY: Environmental Protection its inquiry on analyzing the data are requested to provide an unsigned
Agency (EPA). underlying the report and the related version of each document because the
ACTION: Notice. conclusions. The SAB Staff Office notes SAB Staff Office does not publish
SUMMARY: The EPA Science Advisory that neither the Federal Advisory documents with signatures on its Web
Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a Committee Act (FACA) nor EPA policy sites. Members of the public should be
public teleconference of a Work Group requires meetings of Work Groups under aware that their personal contact
under the auspices of the Chartered the auspices of a chartered federal information, if included in any written
Science Advisory Board to gather and advisory committee to provide notice or comments, may be posted to the SAB
review information on shipboard ballast conduct public meetings. Public notice Web site. Copyrighted material will not
water treatment system efficacy and of this meeting of the Work Group is be posted without explicit permission of
related conclusions in the 2011 SAB being provided to assist the Work Group the copyright holder.
report, Efficacy of Ballast Water in obtaining public comment from
interested parties on the topic under Accessibility: For information on
Treatment Systems: A Report by the access or services for individuals with
EPA Science Advisory Board. consideration.
disabilities, please contact Mr. Thomas
DATES: The public teleconference for the Availability of Meeting Materials: The
Carpenter at (202) 564–4885 or
Work Group of the Chartered SAB will agenda and materials in support of this
carpenter.thomas@epa.gov. To request
be conducted on Friday, August 12, teleconference will be available on the
accommodation of a disability, please
2016, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EPA Web site at http://www.epa.gov/sab
in advance of the teleconference. contact Mr. Carpenter preferably at least
(Eastern Time). ten days prior to the teleconference to
Location: The public teleconference Procedures for Providing Public Input: give EPA as much time as possible to
will be conducted by telephone only. Public comment for consideration by
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
process your request.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any EPA’s federal advisory committees and
member of the public wishing to obtain panels has a different purpose from Dated: July 11, 2016.
information concerning the public public comment provided to EPA Thomas H. Brennan,
teleconference may contact Mr. Thomas program offices. Therefore, the process Deputy Director, EPA Science Advisory Staff
Carpenter, Designated Federal Officer for submitting comments to a federal Office.
(DFO), EPA Science Advisory Board advisory committee is different from the [FR Doc. 2016–16929 Filed 7–15–16; 8:45 am]
Staff Office (1400R), U.S. Environmental process used to submit comments to an BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania EPA program office.
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Document Created: 2016-07-16 02:28:12
Document Modified: 2016-07-16 02:28:12
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice; request for information. | |
| Dates | Responses must be received on or before November 15, 2016. | |
| Contact | For further information about this action, contact Mr. Matthew Witosky, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143- 05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number: (919) 541-2865; facsimile number: (919) 541-3740; | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 46670 | |
| RIN Number | 2060-AS30 |
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