81 FR 74798 - Release of Final Control Techniques Guidelines for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 208 (October 27, 2016)

Page Range		74798-74799
FR Document		2016-25923

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of a final document titled, ``Control Techniques Guidelines for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry'' (EPA 453/B-16-001). This Control Techniques Guidelines (CTG) document provides state, local, and tribal air agencies (air agencies) information to assist them in determining reasonably available control technology (RACT) for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from select oil and natural gas industry emission sources.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 208 (Thursday, October 27, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 208 (Thursday, October 27, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74798-74799]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25923]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0216; FRL-9954-57-OAR]
RIN 2060-ZA22

Release of Final Control Techniques Guidelines for the Oil and
Natural Gas Industry

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the
availability of a final document titled, ``Control Techniques
Guidelines for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry'' (EPA 453/B-16-001).
This Control Techniques Guidelines (CTG) document provides state,
local, and tribal air agencies (air agencies) information to assist
them in determining reasonably available control technology (RACT) for
volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from select oil and natural
gas industry emission sources.

DATES: This CTG document is effective October 27, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The final ``Control Techniques Guidelines for the Oil and
Natural Gas Industry'' document is available primarily via the Internet
at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/index.html or https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/significant-guidance-documents-air or the
public docket at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2015-0216.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Charlene Spells, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143-05), Research
Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone number: (919) 541-5255; fax number:
(919) 541-3470; email: spells.charlene@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Information About the Document

Section 172(c)(1) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) provides that State
Implementation Plans (SIP) for nonattainment areas must include RACT,
including RACT for existing sources of emissions. Section 182(b)(2)(A)
of the CAA requires that for areas designated nonattainment for an
ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) and classified as
Moderate, states must revise their SIP to include provisions to
implement RACT for each category of VOC sources covered by a CTG
document issued between November 15, 1990, and the date of attainment.
CAA section 182(c) through (e) applies this requirement to states with
areas designated nonattainment for an ozone NAAQS classified as
Serious, Severe, and Extreme.
The CAA also imposes the same requirement on states in Ozone
Transport Regions (OTR). Specifically, CAA section 184(b) provides that
states in the OTR must revise their SIP to implement RACT with respect
to all sources of VOC in the state covered by a CTG document issued
before or after November 15, 1990. CAA section 184(a) establishes a
single OTR comprised of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, Vermont, and the Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area
(CMSA) that includes the District of Columbia.
The EPA defines RACT as ``the lowest emission limitation that a
particular source is capable of meeting by the application of control
technology that is reasonably available considering technological and
economic feasibility'' (44 FR 53761, September 17, 1979). In subsequent
notices, the EPA has addressed how states can meet the RACT
requirements of the CAA. The EPA developed this CTG document to provide
air agencies information to assist them in determining what types of

[[Page 74799]]

control could constitute RACT for VOC emissions from select oil and
natural gas sources. In developing the final CTG document, the EPA
evaluated the sources of VOC emissions from the oil and natural gas
industry and the available control approaches for addressing these
emissions, including the costs of such approaches. Based on available
information and data, the EPA is providing final recommendations for
RACT for select oil and natural gas industry emission sources. The VOC
RACT recommendations contained in this final CTG document were made
based on a review of the 1983 CTG document on equipment leaks from
natural gas processing plants, the Oil and Natural Gas New Source
Performance Standards, existing state and local VOC emission reduction
approaches, and information on costs, emissions, and available emission
control technologies and in response to comments received on the draft
CTG document released for review on September 18, 2015 (80 FR 56577).
Also, the EPA released for external peer review five technical white
papers on potentially significant sources of emissions in the oil and
natural gas industry. We considered information included in these white
papers, along with the input we received from the peer reviewers and
the public, when evaluating and recommending a RACT level of control
for emission sources. Air agencies can use the recommendations in the
CTG document to inform their determinations as to what constitutes RACT
for VOC for those oil and natural gas industry emission sources in
their particular areas. The information contained in the CTG document
is provided only as guidance. This guidance does not change, or
substitute for, requirements specified in applicable sections of the
CAA or the EPA's regulations; nor is it a regulation itself. The RACT
recommendations, and corresponding model rule language, contained in
the CTG document do not impose any legally binding requirements on any
entity. The CTG document provides only recommendations for air agencies
to consider in determining RACT. Air agencies are free to implement
other technically-sound approaches that are consistent with the CAA and
the EPA's regulations.
The recommendations contained in the CTG document are based on data
and information currently available to the EPA. These general
recommendations may not apply to a particular situation based on
circumstances not considered in the CTG document. Regardless of whether
an air agency chooses to implement the recommendations contained in
this CTG document, or to issue rules that adopt different approaches
for RACT for VOC from oil and natural gas industry emission sources,
air agencies must submit their RACT provisions to the EPA for review
and approval as part of the SIP submission process. The EPA will
evaluate the submissions and determine, through notice and comment
rulemaking in the SIP review process, whether the submissions meet the
RACT requirements of the CAA and the EPA's regulations. To the extent
an air agency adopts any of the recommendations in this CTG document
into its RACT provisions, interested parties can raise questions and
objections about the appropriateness of the application of this
guidance to a particular situation during the development of the rules
and the EPA's SIP review process. Such questions and objections can
relate to the substance of this guidance.
Section 182(b)(2) of the CAA provides that a CTG document issued
after November 15, 1990, include the period for submitting SIP
revisions incorporating provisions to require RACT for the category of
VOC sources covered by the CTG document. The EPA is providing a 2-year
period, from the effective date included in this Notice, for the
required SIP submittal.
The Tribal Authority Rule (63 FR 7254, February 12, 1998) (TAR)
identifies CAA provisions for which it is appropriate to treat Indian
tribes in the same manner as air agencies (TAS). Pursuant to the TAR,
tribes may apply for TAS for purposes of CAA section 110 and Part D
planning requirements in CAA section 182. As a result, tribes may, but
are not required to, apply for TAS for the purpose of developing a
tribal implementation plan (TIP) addressing RACT for sources located in
an area designated nonattainment for an ozone NAAQS with a
classification of Moderate, Serious, Severe or Extreme within the
tribe's jurisdiction. If the EPA grants that status and approves the
TIP, the tribe would implement RACT in the area within the geographic
scope of the TAS designation and the approved TIP. If a tribe does not
seek and obtain the authority from the EPA to establish a plan, the EPA
will be responsible for establishing CAA section 110 and 182 plans for
reservations and trust lands, and any other lands under tribal
jurisdiction, if the EPA determines that such a plan is necessary or
appropriate to protect air quality in such areas. See 40 CFR 49.4 and
49.11.
A summary of the comments received on the draft CTG document and
responses can be found in the docket at http://www.regulations.gov
(Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0216).

Dated: October 20, 2016.
Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-25923 Filed 10-26-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

74798 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Notices

TABLE—PMNS RECEIVED FROM JUNE 1, 2016 TO JUNE 30, 2016—Continued
Projected
Date Manufacturer
Case No. end date for Use(s) Chemical identity
received importer
EPA review

P–16–0447 .... 6/24/2016 9/22/2016 CBI ............................. (G) Additive for coatings ................................. (G) Alkyl alkenoate, dialkyl alkanediyl, poly-
mer with alkyl alkenoate, substituted
carbomonocycle, alkyl alkenoate and
heteromonocycle alkyl alkenoate, diazene
bis alkyl heteromonocycle initiated.
P–16–0448 .... 6/27/2016 9/25/2016 CBI ............................. (G) Oil additive ................................................ (G) Metal salts branched alkyl substituted
carbomonocycle with substituted alkyl
carbomonocycle complexes.
P–16–0449 .... 6/27/2016 9/25/2016 CBI ............................. (S) Use per FFDCA: Cosmetics; (S) Use per (S) 2,7-decadienal, (2e,7z)-
TSCA: Fragrance uses; scented papers,
detergents, candles etc.
P–16–0453 .... 6/29/2016 9/27/2016 Miwon North America, (S) Resin for Industrial Coating ...................... (G) Polyester acrylate.
Inc.
P–16–0454 .... 6/30/2016 9/28/2016 CBI ............................. (G) material for highly dispersive use in con- (G) Trisubstituted alkenol.
sumer products.
SN–03–0015 .. 6/22/2016 9/19/2016 Degussa Corporation (S) Anti-graffiti systems; surface treatment of (G) Fluoro/amino silane mixture.
fabrics and porous mineral surfaces.
SN–03–0016 .. 6/22/2016 9/19/2016 Degussa Corporation (S) Anti-soiling surface treatment of glass (S) Silane, triethoxy(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-
and ceramic surfaces. tridecafluorooctyl)-
SN–12–0005 .. 6/22/2016 9/19/2016 CBI ............................. (G) Additive, open, non-dispersive ................. (G) Multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
SN–15–0004 .. 6/22/2016 9/19/2016 CBI ............................. (S) Slurry dispersion to be blended with coat- (G) Brominated compounds.
ing compound and applied to fabric.
SN–15–0009 .. 6/22/2016 9/19/2016 CBI ............................. (G) Polymer additive ....................................... (G) Fatty acid amide.
SN–16–0005 .. 6/22/2016 9/19/2016 CBI ............................. (G) Abrasion resistant applications ................ (G) Potassium titanate.
SN–16–0009 .. 6/22/2016 9/19/2016 CBI ............................. (G) Additive for household products. .............. (G) Trialkylol homopolymer.
SN–16–0011 .. 6/22/2016 9/219/2016 CBI ............................. (S) Component of infrared absorption mate- (G) Cesium tungstate.
rial.
SN–16–0012 .. 6/22/2016 9/20/2016 CBI ............................. (S) Additive for flotation products; (S) Chem- (G) Fatty acid amidoamine.
ical intermediate.

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. DATES: This CTG document is effective covered by a CTG document issued
Dated: October 21, 2016. October 27, 2016. between November 15, 1990, and the
Pamela Myrick, ADDRESSES: The final ‘‘Control date of attainment. CAA section 182(c)
Director, Information Management Division, Techniques Guidelines for the Oil and through (e) applies this requirement to
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. Natural Gas Industry’’ document is states with areas designated
[FR Doc. 2016–26021 Filed 10–26–16; 8:45 am] available primarily via the Internet at nonattainment for an ozone NAAQS
http://www.epa.gov/airquality/ classified as Serious, Severe, and
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
oilandgas/index.html or https:// Extreme.
www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/ The CAA also imposes the same
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION significant-guidance-documents-air or requirement on states in Ozone
AGENCY the public docket at http:// Transport Regions (OTR). Specifically,
www.regulations.gov, Docket ID No. CAA section 184(b) provides that states
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2015–0216; FRL–9954–57– EPA–HQ–OAR–2015–0216. in the OTR must revise their SIP to
OAR] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. implement RACT with respect to all
Charlene Spells, U.S. Environmental sources of VOC in the state covered by
RIN 2060–ZA22 a CTG document issued before or after
Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality
Release of Final Control Techniques Planning and Standards, Sector Policies November 15, 1990. CAA section 184(a)
Guidelines for the Oil and Natural Gas and Programs Division (E143–05), establishes a single OTR comprised of
Industry Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; Connecticut, Delaware, Maine,
telephone number: (919) 541–5255; fax Maryland, Massachusetts, New
AGENCY: Environmental Protection number: (919) 541–3470; email: Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Agency (EPA). spells.charlene@epa.gov. Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont,
ACTION: Notice of availability. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and the Consolidated Metropolitan
Statistical Area (CMSA) that includes
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Information About the Document the District of Columbia.
Agency (EPA) is announcing the Section 172(c)(1) of the Clean Air Act The EPA defines RACT as ‘‘the lowest
availability of a final document titled, (CAA) provides that State emission limitation that a particular
‘‘Control Techniques Guidelines for the Implementation Plans (SIP) for source is capable of meeting by the
Oil and Natural Gas Industry’’ (EPA nonattainment areas must include application of control technology that is
453/B–16–001). This Control RACT, including RACT for existing reasonably available considering
Techniques Guidelines (CTG) document technological and economic feasibility’’
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

sources of emissions. Section
provides state, local, and tribal air 182(b)(2)(A) of the CAA requires that for (44 FR 53761, September 17, 1979). In
agencies (air agencies) information to areas designated nonattainment for an subsequent notices, the EPA has
assist them in determining reasonably ozone national ambient air quality addressed how states can meet the
available control technology (RACT) for standard (NAAQS) and classified as RACT requirements of the CAA. The
volatile organic compound (VOC) Moderate, states must revise their SIP to EPA developed this CTG document to
emissions from select oil and natural gas include provisions to implement RACT provide air agencies information to
industry emission sources. for each category of VOC sources assist them in determining what types of

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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Notices 74799

control could constitute RACT for VOC CTG document. Regardless of whether A summary of the comments received
emissions from select oil and natural gas an air agency chooses to implement the on the draft CTG document and
sources. In developing the final CTG recommendations contained in this CTG responses can be found in the docket at
document, the EPA evaluated the document, or to issue rules that adopt http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID
sources of VOC emissions from the oil different approaches for RACT for VOC No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2015–0216).
and natural gas industry and the from oil and natural gas industry Dated: October 20, 2016.
available control approaches for emission sources, air agencies must Gina McCarthy,
addressing these emissions, including submit their RACT provisions to the Administrator.
the costs of such approaches. Based on EPA for review and approval as part of
[FR Doc. 2016–25923 Filed 10–26–16; 8:45 am]
available information and data, the EPA the SIP submission process. The EPA
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
is providing final recommendations for will evaluate the submissions and
RACT for select oil and natural gas determine, through notice and comment
industry emission sources. The VOC rulemaking in the SIP review process, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
RACT recommendations contained in whether the submissions meet the AGENCY
this final CTG document were made RACT requirements of the CAA and the
based on a review of the 1983 CTG EPA’s regulations. To the extent an air [FRL–9954–55–Region 3]
document on equipment leaks from agency adopts any of the
natural gas processing plants, the Oil recommendations in this CTG document Notice of Tentative Approval and
and Natural Gas New Source into its RACT provisions, interested Opportunity for Public Comment and
Performance Standards, existing state parties can raise questions and Public Hearing for Public Water
and local VOC emission reduction objections about the appropriateness of System Supervision Program Revision
approaches, and information on costs, the application of this guidance to a for Maryland
emissions, and available emission particular situation during the AGENCY: Environmental Protection
control technologies and in response to development of the rules and the EPA’s Agency (EPA).
comments received on the draft CTG SIP review process. Such questions and ACTION: Notice of approval and
document released for review on objections can relate to the substance of solicitation of requests for public
September 18, 2015 (80 FR 56577). Also, this guidance. hearing.
the EPA released for external peer Section 182(b)(2) of the CAA provides
review five technical white papers on that a CTG document issued after SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that
potentially significant sources of November 15, 1990, include the period the State of Maryland is revising its
emissions in the oil and natural gas for submitting SIP revisions approved Public Water System
industry. We considered information incorporating provisions to require Supervision Program. Maryland has
included in these white papers, along RACT for the category of VOC sources adopted drinking water regulations for
with the input we received from the covered by the CTG document. The EPA the Stage 2 Disinfectants and
peer reviewers and the public, when is providing a 2-year period, from the Disinfection By-Products Rule (Stage2).
evaluating and recommending a RACT effective date included in this Notice, The U.S. Environmental Protection
level of control for emission sources. Air for the required SIP submittal. Agency (EPA) has determined that
agencies can use the recommendations The Tribal Authority Rule (63 FR Maryland’s Stage 2 Rule meets all
in the CTG document to inform their 7254, February 12, 1998) (TAR) minimum federal requirements, and that
determinations as to what constitutes identifies CAA provisions for which it it is no less stringent than the
RACT for VOC for those oil and natural is appropriate to treat Indian tribes in corresponding federal regulation.
gas industry emission sources in their the same manner as air agencies (TAS). Therefore, EPA has tentatively decided
particular areas. The information Pursuant to the TAR, tribes may apply to approve the State program revisions.
contained in the CTG document is for TAS for purposes of CAA section DATES: Comments or a public hearing
provided only as guidance. This 110 and Part D planning requirements must be submitted by November 28,
guidance does not change, or substitute in CAA section 182. As a result, tribes 2016. This determination shall become
for, requirements specified in applicable may, but are not required to, apply for final and effective on November 28,
sections of the CAA or the EPA’s TAS for the purpose of developing a 2016 if no timely and appropriate
regulations; nor is it a regulation itself. tribal implementation plan (TIP) request for a hearing is received, and the
The RACT recommendations, and addressing RACT for sources located in Regional Administrator does not elect to
corresponding model rule language, an area designated nonattainment for an hold a hearing on his own motion, and
contained in the CTG document do not ozone NAAQS with a classification of if no comments are received which
impose any legally binding Moderate, Serious, Severe or Extreme cause EPA to modify its tentative
requirements on any entity. The CTG within the tribe’s jurisdiction. If the approval.
document provides only EPA grants that status and approves the ADDRESSES: Comments or a request for
recommendations for air agencies to TIP, the tribe would implement RACT a public hearing must be submitted to
consider in determining RACT. Air in the area within the geographic scope the U.S. Environmental Protection
agencies are free to implement other of the TAS designation and the Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street,
technically-sound approaches that are approved TIP. If a tribe does not seek Philadelphia, PA 19103–2029. All
consistent with the CAA and the EPA’s and obtain the authority from the EPA documents relating to this
regulations. to establish a plan, the EPA will be
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

determination are available for
The recommendations contained in responsible for establishing CAA section inspection between the hours of 8:00
the CTG document are based on data 110 and 182 plans for reservations and a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through
and information currently available to trust lands, and any other lands under Friday, at the following offices:
the EPA. These general tribal jurisdiction, if the EPA determines • Drinking Water Branch, Water
recommendations may not apply to a that such a plan is necessary or Protection Division, U.S. Environmental
particular situation based on appropriate to protect air quality in such Protection Agency Region III, 1650 Arch
circumstances not considered in the areas. See 40 CFR 49.4 and 49.11. Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103–2029.

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Document Created: 2016-10-27 01:52:33
Document Modified: 2016-10-27 01:52:33

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice of availability.
Dates		This CTG document is effective October 27, 2016.
Contact		Ms. Charlene Spells, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143-05), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone number: (919) 541-5255; fax number: (919) 541-3470; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		81 FR 74798
RIN Number		2060-ZA22