82_FR_27143 82 FR 27031 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Alaska: Adoption Updates and Rule Revisions

82 FR 27031 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Alaska: Adoption Updates and Rule Revisions

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 112 (June 13, 2017)

Page Range27031-27033
FR Document2017-12234

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) on September 15, 2016. These revisions primarily update adoptions of Federal regulations in the Alaska SIP. The revisions also strengthen the State of Alaska's (Alaska) minor source permitting requirements and remove obsolete source-specific regulations. EPA also proposes to approve SIP revisions to Alaska's general and transportation conformity regulations submitted by ADEC on March 10, 2016. The EPA is taking action only on the conformity related portions of the March 2016 submittal. The other portions of the submittal are or will be addressed in separate actions.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 112 (Tuesday, June 13, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 13, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27031-27033]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12234]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R10-OAR-2017-0184, FRL-9963-65-Region 10]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Alaska: 
Adoption Updates and Rule Revisions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve 
state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of 
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) on September 15, 
2016. These revisions primarily update adoptions of Federal regulations 
in the Alaska SIP. The revisions also strengthen the State of Alaska's 
(Alaska) minor source permitting requirements and remove obsolete 
source-specific regulations. EPA also proposes to approve SIP revisions 
to Alaska's general and transportation conformity regulations submitted 
by ADEC on March 10, 2016. The EPA is taking action only on the 
conformity related portions of the March 2016 submittal. The other 
portions of the submittal are or will be addressed in separate actions.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 13, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R10-
OAR-2017-0184, at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot 
be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. EPA may publish any comment 
received to its public docket. Do not electronically submit any 
information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) 
or other information the disclosure of which is restricted by statute. 
Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a 
written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment 
and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will 
generally not consider comments or comment contents 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randall Ruddick, Air Planning Unit, 
Office of Air and Waste (OAW-150), Environmental Protection Agency, 
Region 10, 1200 Sixth Ave., Suite 900, Seattle, WA 98101; telephone 
number: (206) 553-1999; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, wherever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, it is intended to refer to EPA.

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. EPA Evaluation of Alaska SIP Revisions
    A. Updates to Adoption by Reference
    B. Revisions to Permitting Requirements
    C. Removal of Certain Source-Specific Requirements
    D. Revisions to Ozone Standard
    E. Updates to State General and Transportation Conformity
III. Proposed Action
IV. Incorporation by Reference
V. Statutory and Executive Orders Review

I. Background

    Section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) governs the process by which 
a state submits air quality protection requirements to EPA for approval 
into the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP is the state's plan 
to implement, maintain, and enforce National Ambient Air Quality 
Standards (NAAQS) set by EPA. Because Alaska regularly revises its 
state rules, and to ensure they stay consistent with Federal CAA 
requirements, Alaska generally submits an annual update to EPA for 
approval into the SIP.
    On September 15, 2016, ADEC, submitted such an update. The 
submittal contains regulatory updates to the Alaska Administrative Code 
(AAC) with a state effective date of August 20, 2016. These updates to 
AAC Title 18, Environmental Conservation, Chapter 50, Air Quality 
Control (18 AAC 50) reflect updates to the adoption by reference date 
of certain Federal regulations, strengthen minor stationary source 
permitting rules, remove obsolete source-specific regulations, and 
adopt the Federal 2015 ozone NAAQS.
    Transportation conformity is required under section 176(c) of the 
CAA to ensure federally supported highway, transit projects, and other 
activities are consistent with (``conform to'') the purpose of the SIP. 
Transportation conformity currently applies to areas that are 
designated nonattainment, and to areas that have been redesignated to 
attainment after 1990 (maintenance areas) with plans developed under 
section 175A of the CAA for the following transportation-related 
criteria pollutants: Ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and 
PM10), carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The 
transportation conformity regulation is found in 40 CFR part 93, 
subpart A, and in 40 CFR 51.390.
    On September 27, 1995, the EPA approved the general conformity 
rules in Article 7 of AAC Title 18, Chapter 50 into the Alaska SIP (60 
FR 49765). On December 29, 1999, EPA approved ADEC's transportation 
conformity rules in Article 7 of 18 AAC 50 into the Alaska SIP (64 FR 
72940). On March 10, 2016, ADEC submitted a request to make two 
modifications to the transportation conformity regulations and one 
modification to the general conformity regulations, discussed below.

II. EPA Evaluation of Alaska SIP Revisions

A. Updates to Adoption by Reference

    ADEC revised 18 AAC 50 to update the adoption by reference date of 
certain federal regulations and documents and submitted those changes 
to EPA for approval into the Alaska SIP. ADEC also updated citation 
dates at 18 AAC 50.035(a)(3) to adopt AP-42, Compilation of Air 
Pollutant Emission Factors, as updated through April 2015. Likewise, 
ADEC updated the adoption by reference date in 18 AAC 50.035(a)(7) to 
incorporate a more current version of EPA's AERSCREEN User's Guide, 
EPA-454/B-15-005, dated July 2015. EPA is proposing to approve Alaska's 
updates.
    Alaska's major new source review (NSR) permitting rules for 
attainment and unclassifiable areas, 18 AAC 50, Article 3, largely 
adopt by reference the federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration 
of Air Quality (PSD) program regulations in 40 CFR 51.166 and 40 CFR 
52.21. The most recent EPA approval of revisions to Alaska's PSD 
permitting program was May 19, 2016 (81 FR 31511), in which ADEC 
adopted by reference portions of 40 CFR 51.166 and 52.21 as in effect 
on December 9, 2013. ADEC recently updated 18 AAC 50.040(f) and (h) to 
incorporate federal revisions to portions of 40 CFR 51.166 and 52.21 as 
in effect on December 28, 2015. These updates ensure Alaska's PSD 
program is consistent with Federal requirements and therefore EPA is 
proposing to approve them.

[[Page 27032]]

    Lastly, ADEC added language in 18 AAC 215(a)(3) to clarify that 
Alaska's adoption in 18 AAC 50.035(a) of both Quality Assurance 
Handbook for Air Pollutant Measurement Systems, Volume IV and 
Meteorological Measurements Version 2.0 are applicable for 
meteorological monitoring work in Alaska. EPA is proposing to approve 
the Alaska's clarification.

B. Revisions to Permitting Requirements

Source Test Reports
    ADEC's September 15, 2016 SIP submittal revises 18 AAC 50.345(o) to 
reduce the number of paper copies of source test reports required to be 
submitted from two copies to one copy for both minor and Title V 
permitted sources. This reduces paperwork, resource requirements, and 
associated costs without negatively affecting compliance with 
environmental regulations. EPA is proposing to approve Alaska's 
revision.
Minor Source Baseline Date
    A minor source baseline date is based on a trigger date set in 
federal major source permitting regulations. The baseline date is 
calculated as the date on which the first complete PSD permit 
application is received after the EPA trigger date, which for fine 
particulate matter (PM2.5) is October 20, 2011. ADEC, 
utilizing 40 CFR 52.21(b)(14)(ii), determined a minor source 
PM2.5 baseline date for the South Central Alaska Intrastate 
Air Quality Control Region of October 15, 2015, and incorporated this 
date into Table 2 of 18 AAC 50.020. Emissions changes at sources in the 
South Central Alaska Intrastate Air Quality Control Region after this 
baseline date, consume the region's PM2.5 PSD increment. We 
are proposing to approve Alaska's incorporation of this minor source 
baseline date into their SIP as consistent with CAA requirements.
Minor Source Permitting Applicability
    EPA originally approved Alaska's minor NSR program into the SIP on 
July 5, 1983 (48 FR 30623), and most recently approved an update to it 
on May 27, 2015 (80 FR 30161). ADEC has since revised its minor NSR 
permitting program so that it now requires all existing minor 
stationary sources to apply for a permit prior to undergoing a 
modification that will result in a potential to emit above significant 
emissions thresholds. See 18 AAC 50.502(c)(4). ADEC explains that this 
revision closes a permitting loophole that allowed significant 
emissions increases below PSD levels to occur without triggering minor 
source permitting requirements. Such increases will now be subject to 
minor new source permitting. ADEC made several changes to related 
regulations to appropriately cross-reference and implement this 
revision. EPA is proposing to approve ADEC's revision to the 
applicability of its minor new source review program because it 
strengthens the SIP and is consistent with CAA requirements.
Minor Source Permit Review and Issuance
    ADEC revised 18 AAC 50.542(b)(5) to clarify that the 30-day 
timeline for fast-tracked permit decisions is based on the receipt of a 
``complete'' permit application. The previous language did not include 
the adjective ``complete.'' This change makes it easier for regulated 
entities and citizens alike to understand what is expected of both the 
permitting authority and the applicant.
    In addition, ADEC added 18 AAC 50.542(d)(1)(F) to clarify the 
timing of the approval of alternative modeling in ``fast track'' minor 
source permitting. ADEC's rules now make clear that, where alternative 
modeling was approved outside of ``fast-track'' permitting procedures, 
a 30-day public notice and request for comment period on the decision 
to approve alternative modeling under 18 AAC 50.215(c)(2) is required, 
which will be timed, to the extent practicable, to coincide with the 
public comment period on the draft permit. EPA is proposing to approve 
these clarifications.

C. Removal of Certain Source Category-Specific Requirements

    Alaska repealed certain source category-specific requirements 
applicable to fuel burning equipment in operation before November 1, 
1982, that use more than 20 percent woodwaste as fuel; urea prilling 
towers in operation before July 1, 1972; portland cement plants; and 
pulp mills. Alaska determined there are no longer any sources in the 
state to which these repealed provisions apply. In the September 15, 
2016 submittal, ADEC requested EPA remove these state-repealed 
provisions from the Alaska SIP. EPA proposes to approve ADEC's request 
to remove 18 AAC 50.055(a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7), (a)(8), (b)(4), (b)(6), 
(f) and 18 AAC 50.060 from Alaska's SIP because no sources are subject 
to these standards. Any new sources in these source categories will be 
regulated under Alaska's NSR process and any applicable federal 
regulations that apply to new sources, such as new source performance 
standards.

D. Revisions to Ozone Standard

    ADEC revised the ozone standard in 18 AAC 50.010(4) from 0.075 ppm 
to 0.070 ppm to reflect the current (2015) Federal NAAQS for ozone. We 
are proposing to approve Alaska's revision to its ozone standard as 
consistent with Federal standards.

E. Updates to General and Transportation Conformity

    On August 10, 2005, the ``Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient 
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users'' (SAFETEA-LU) 
transportation act was signed into law, and among other things, it 
amended the CAA to eliminate the requirement for states to adopt and 
submit general conformity SIPs. On April 5, 2010 (75 FR 17254), EPA 
updated the general conformity SIP regulations to be consistent with 
the SAFETEA-LU transportation act by eliminating the Federal regulatory 
requirement for states to adopt and submit general conformity SIPs. See 
40 CFR 51.851. On May 7, 2015, with a supplementary letter received 
July 29, 2015, ADEC submitted a request to update the transportation 
conformity regulations and to remove portions of the general conformity 
regulations from the Alaska SIP. EPA finalized action on this submittal 
on September 8, 2015 (80 FR 53735). On March 10, 2016, ADEC submitted a 
request to make two modifications to Alaska's transportation conformity 
regulations and one modification to the general conformity regulations.
    Alaska's March 10, 2016, submittal revises two transportation 
conformity criteria and procedures. The first modification relates to 
interagency consultation. The modification adds a reference to a list 
of exempt projects to existing section 18 AAC 50.715(c)(8). The second 
modification relates to public involvement. New section 18 AAC 
50.720(e) adds a reference to existing Alaska rules regarding charges 
for photocopying of information.
    The modification to the general conformity regulations removes 18 
AAC 50.735 from the State's SIP because it is not needed under current 
Federal regulations. This section is not needed because SAFETEA-LU 
eliminated the requirement for states to adopt and submit general 
conformity SIPs.
    Alaska's SIP revision updates the State's general and 
transportation conformity provisions, 18 AAC 50, Article 7, to be 
consistent with the CAA as amended by SAFETEA-LU and EPA regulations 
(40 CFR part 93 and 40 CFR 51.390). EPA has reviewed ADEC's March 10, 
2016, SIP submittal to assure

[[Page 27033]]

consistency with the CAA as amended by SAFETEA-LU and EPA regulations 
(40 CFR part 93 and 40 CFR 51.390) governing state procedures for 
general and transportation conformity and interagency consultation, and 
has concluded that the submittal is consistent with CAA requirements. 
The EPA is taking action only on the conformity related portions of the 
March 10, 2016, submittal. The other portions of the submittal are 
addressed in separate actions.

III. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to approve, and incorporate by reference where 
appropriate, in Alaska's SIP, all revisions requested by Alaska on 
September 15, 2016 (state effective 8/20/2016) to the following 
provisions:

 18 AAC 50.010(4) (Ambient Air Quality Standards)
 18 AAC 50.020(a) (Baseline Dates and Maximum Allowable 
Increases)
 18 AAC 50.035(a)(3) and (a)(7) (Documents, Procedures, and 
Methods Adopted by Reference)
 18 AAC 50.040(f) and (h) (Federal Standards Adopted by 
Reference)
 18 AAC 50.215(a)(3) (Ambient Air Quality Analysis Methods)
 18 AAC 50.345(o) (Construction, Minor and Operating Permits: 
Standard Permit Conditions)
 18 AAC 50.502(c), (e), (f), (f)(1)(C), (f)(5), (g), (h)(3)(A), 
and (h)(3)(B) (Minor Permits for Air Quality Protection)
 18 AAC 50.540 (c)(2)(A) (Minor Permit: Application)
 18 AAC 50.542(b)(5) and (d)(1) (Minor Permit: Review and 
Issuance)

    EPA is also proposing to remove from the SIP the following 
provisions that ADEC has repealed as a matter of state law: 18 AAC 
50.055(a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7), (a)(8), (b)(4), (b)(6), (f) (Industrial 
process and Fuel-Burning Equipment) and 18 AAC 50.060 (Pulp Mills).
    Finally, EPA is proposing to approve revisions to 18 AAC 50, 
Article 7, Transportation Conformity, submitted by Alaska on March 10, 
2016; specifically, the revisions to transportation conformity 
provisions in 18 AAC 50.715, .720, and removal of the general 
conformity provisions in .735 as discussed in Section II.E above.
    We have made the preliminary determination that the submitted SIP 
revisions are consistent with section 110 and part C of Title I of the 
CAA.

IV. Incorporation by Reference

    In this rule, EPA is proposing to include in a final rule, 
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance 
with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is proposing to incorporate by 
reference the provisions described above in Section III. Also in this 
rule, EPA is proposing to remove, in a final EPA rule, regulatory text 
that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance with 
requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is proposing to remove the 
incorporation by reference of provisions of 18 AAC 50.055 and 50.060 as 
described above in Section II (C.) and 18 AAC 50.735 as described in 
Section III. EPA has made, and will continue to make, these documents 
generally available electronically through www.regulations.gov and/or 
in hard copy at the appropriate EPA office (see the ADDRESSES section 
of this preamble for more information).

V. Statutory and Executive Orders Review

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA and applicable 
federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed 
action merely approves state law as meeting federal requirements and 
does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state 
law. For that reason, this proposed action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 
2011);
     does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (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 it does not involve technical standards; 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, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian 
reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has 
demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian 
country, the rule does not have tribal implications as specified by 
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor will it 
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal 
law.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Ozone, Particulate matter, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

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

    Dated: June 1, 2017.
Michelle L. Pirzadeh,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 10.
[FR Doc. 2017-12234 Filed 6-12-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 112 / Tuesday, June 13, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                            27031

                                                   Dated: June 6, 2017.                                  on the web, cloud, or other file sharing               purpose of the SIP. Transportation
                                                 Bruce Summers,                                          system). For additional submission                     conformity currently applies to areas
                                                 Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing            methods, the full EPA public comment                   that are designated nonattainment, and
                                                 Service.                                                policy, information about CBI or                       to areas that have been redesignated to
                                                 [FR Doc. 2017–12031 Filed 6–12–17; 8:45 am]             multimedia submissions, and general                    attainment after 1990 (maintenance
                                                 BILLING CODE 3410–02–P                                  guidance on making effective                           areas) with plans developed under
                                                                                                         comments, please visit http://                         section 175A of the CAA for the
                                                                                                         www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-                       following transportation-related criteria
                                                 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                epa-dockets.                                           pollutants: Ozone, particulate matter
                                                 AGENCY                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                       (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, and
                                                                                                         Randall Ruddick, Air Planning Unit,                    nitrogen dioxide. The transportation
                                                 40 CFR Part 52                                          Office of Air and Waste (OAW–150),                     conformity regulation is found in 40
                                                                                                         Environmental Protection Agency,                       CFR part 93, subpart A, and in 40 CFR
                                                 [EPA–R10–OAR–2017–0184, FRL–9963–65–
                                                                                                         Region 10, 1200 Sixth Ave., Suite 900,                 51.390.
                                                 Region 10]
                                                                                                         Seattle, WA 98101; telephone number:                      On September 27, 1995, the EPA
                                                 Approval and Promulgation of                            (206) 553–1999; email address:                         approved the general conformity rules
                                                 Implementation Plans; Alaska:                           ruddick.randall@epa.gov.                               in Article 7 of AAC Title 18, Chapter 50
                                                 Adoption Updates and Rule Revisions                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             into the Alaska SIP (60 FR 49765). On
                                                                                                         Throughout this document, wherever                     December 29, 1999, EPA approved
                                                 AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                       ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, it is              ADEC’s transportation conformity rules
                                                 Agency (EPA).                                           intended to refer to EPA.                              in Article 7 of 18 AAC 50 into the
                                                 ACTION: Proposed rule.                                                                                         Alaska SIP (64 FR 72940). On March 10,
                                                                                                         Table of Contents                                      2016, ADEC submitted a request to
                                                 SUMMARY:   The Environmental Protection                 I. Background                                          make two modifications to the
                                                 Agency (EPA) proposes to approve state                  II. EPA Evaluation of Alaska SIP Revisions             transportation conformity regulations
                                                 implementation plan (SIP) revisions                        A. Updates to Adoption by Reference                 and one modification to the general
                                                 submitted by the State of Alaska                           B. Revisions to Permitting Requirements             conformity regulations, discussed
                                                 Department of Environmental                                C. Removal of Certain Source-Specific
                                                                                                               Requirements                                     below.
                                                 Conservation (ADEC) on September 15,                       D. Revisions to Ozone Standard
                                                 2016. These revisions primarily update                                                                         II. EPA Evaluation of Alaska SIP
                                                                                                            E. Updates to State General and                     Revisions
                                                 adoptions of Federal regulations in the                       Transportation Conformity
                                                 Alaska SIP. The revisions also                          III. Proposed Action                                   A. Updates to Adoption by Reference
                                                 strengthen the State of Alaska’s (Alaska)               IV. Incorporation by Reference
                                                                                                         V. Statutory and Executive Orders Review                 ADEC revised 18 AAC 50 to update
                                                 minor source permitting requirements
                                                                                                                                                                the adoption by reference date of certain
                                                 and remove obsolete source-specific                     I. Background                                          federal regulations and documents and
                                                 regulations. EPA also proposes to
                                                                                                            Section 110 of the Clean Air Act                    submitted those changes to EPA for
                                                 approve SIP revisions to Alaska’s
                                                                                                         (CAA) governs the process by which a                   approval into the Alaska SIP. ADEC also
                                                 general and transportation conformity
                                                                                                         state submits air quality protection                   updated citation dates at 18 AAC
                                                 regulations submitted by ADEC on
                                                                                                         requirements to EPA for approval into                  50.035(a)(3) to adopt AP–42,
                                                 March 10, 2016. The EPA is taking
                                                                                                         the State Implementation Plan (SIP).                   Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission
                                                 action only on the conformity related
                                                                                                         The SIP is the state’s plan to implement,              Factors, as updated through April 2015.
                                                 portions of the March 2016 submittal.
                                                                                                         maintain, and enforce National Ambient                 Likewise, ADEC updated the adoption
                                                 The other portions of the submittal are
                                                                                                         Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by                   by reference date in 18 AAC 50.035(a)(7)
                                                 or will be addressed in separate actions.
                                                                                                         EPA. Because Alaska regularly revises                  to incorporate a more current version of
                                                 DATES: Comments must be received on                     its state rules, and to ensure they stay               EPA’s AERSCREEN User’s Guide, EPA–
                                                 or before July 13, 2017.                                consistent with Federal CAA                            454/B–15–005, dated July 2015. EPA is
                                                 ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                        requirements, Alaska generally submits                 proposing to approve Alaska’s updates.
                                                 identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R10–                    an annual update to EPA for approval                     Alaska’s major new source review
                                                 OAR–2017–0184, at http://                               into the SIP.                                          (NSR) permitting rules for attainment
                                                 www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                     On September 15, 2016, ADEC,                        and unclassifiable areas, 18 AAC 50,
                                                 instructions for submitting comments.                   submitted such an update. The                          Article 3, largely adopt by reference the
                                                 Once submitted, comments cannot be                      submittal contains regulatory updates to               federal Prevention of Significant
                                                 edited or removed from Regulations.gov.                 the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC)                   Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD)
                                                 EPA may publish any comment received                    with a state effective date of August 20,              program regulations in 40 CFR 51.166
                                                 to its public docket. Do not                            2016. These updates to AAC Title 18,                   and 40 CFR 52.21. The most recent EPA
                                                 electronically submit any information                   Environmental Conservation, Chapter                    approval of revisions to Alaska’s PSD
                                                 you consider to be Confidential                         50, Air Quality Control (18 AAC 50)                    permitting program was May 19, 2016
                                                 Business Information (CBI) or other                     reflect updates to the adoption by                     (81 FR 31511), in which ADEC adopted
                                                 information the disclosure of which is                  reference date of certain Federal                      by reference portions of 40 CFR 51.166
                                                 restricted by statute. Multimedia                       regulations, strengthen minor stationary               and 52.21 as in effect on December 9,
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be                source permitting rules, remove obsolete               2013. ADEC recently updated 18 AAC
                                                 accompanied by a written comment.                       source-specific regulations, and adopt                 50.040(f) and (h) to incorporate federal
                                                 The written comment is considered the                   the Federal 2015 ozone NAAQS.                          revisions to portions of 40 CFR 51.166
                                                 official comment and should include                        Transportation conformity is required               and 52.21 as in effect on December 28,
                                                 discussion of all points you wish to                    under section 176(c) of the CAA to                     2015. These updates ensure Alaska’s
                                                 make. EPA will generally not consider                   ensure federally supported highway,                    PSD program is consistent with Federal
                                                 comments or comment contents located                    transit projects, and other activities are             requirements and therefore EPA is
                                                 outside of the primary submission (i.e.                 consistent with (‘‘conform to’’) the                   proposing to approve them.


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                                                 27032                    Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 112 / Tuesday, June 13, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                   Lastly, ADEC added language in 18                     increases below PSD levels to occur                    D. Revisions to Ozone Standard
                                                 AAC 215(a)(3) to clarify that Alaska’s                  without triggering minor source                          ADEC revised the ozone standard in
                                                 adoption in 18 AAC 50.035(a) of both                    permitting requirements. Such increases                18 AAC 50.010(4) from 0.075 ppm to
                                                 Quality Assurance Handbook for Air                      will now be subject to minor new source                0.070 ppm to reflect the current (2015)
                                                 Pollutant Measurement Systems,                          permitting. ADEC made several changes                  Federal NAAQS for ozone. We are
                                                 Volume IV and Meteorological                            to related regulations to appropriately                proposing to approve Alaska’s revision
                                                 Measurements Version 2.0 are                            cross-reference and implement this                     to its ozone standard as consistent with
                                                 applicable for meteorological                           revision. EPA is proposing to approve                  Federal standards.
                                                 monitoring work in Alaska. EPA is                       ADEC’s revision to the applicability of
                                                 proposing to approve the Alaska’s                       its minor new source review program                    E. Updates to General and
                                                 clarification.                                          because it strengthens the SIP and is                  Transportation Conformity
                                                                                                         consistent with CAA requirements.                         On August 10, 2005, the ‘‘Safe,
                                                 B. Revisions to Permitting Requirements
                                                                                                         Minor Source Permit Review and                         Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
                                                 Source Test Reports                                     Issuance                                               Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
                                                   ADEC’s September 15, 2016 SIP                            ADEC revised 18 AAC 50.542(b)(5) to                 Users’’ (SAFETEA–LU) transportation
                                                 submittal revises 18 AAC 50.345(o) to                   clarify that the 30-day timeline for fast-             act was signed into law, and among
                                                 reduce the number of paper copies of                    tracked permit decisions is based on the               other things, it amended the CAA to
                                                 source test reports required to be                      receipt of a ‘‘complete’’ permit                       eliminate the requirement for states to
                                                 submitted from two copies to one copy                   application. The previous language did                 adopt and submit general conformity
                                                 for both minor and Title V permitted                    not include the adjective ‘‘complete.’’                SIPs. On April 5, 2010 (75 FR 17254),
                                                 sources. This reduces paperwork,                        This change makes it easier for                        EPA updated the general conformity SIP
                                                 resource requirements, and associated                   regulated entities and citizens alike to               regulations to be consistent with the
                                                 costs without negatively affecting                      understand what is expected of both the                SAFETEA–LU transportation act by
                                                 compliance with environmental                           permitting authority and the applicant.                eliminating the Federal regulatory
                                                 regulations. EPA is proposing to                           In addition, ADEC added 18 AAC                      requirement for states to adopt and
                                                 approve Alaska’s revision.                              50.542(d)(1)(F) to clarify the timing of               submit general conformity SIPs. See 40
                                                                                                         the approval of alternative modeling in                CFR 51.851. On May 7, 2015, with a
                                                 Minor Source Baseline Date                                                                                     supplementary letter received July 29,
                                                                                                         ‘‘fast track’’ minor source permitting.
                                                    A minor source baseline date is based                ADEC’s rules now make clear that,                      2015, ADEC submitted a request to
                                                 on a trigger date set in federal major                  where alternative modeling was                         update the transportation conformity
                                                 source permitting regulations. The                      approved outside of ‘‘fast-track’’                     regulations and to remove portions of
                                                 baseline date is calculated as the date on              permitting procedures, a 30-day public                 the general conformity regulations from
                                                 which the first complete PSD permit                     notice and request for comment period                  the Alaska SIP. EPA finalized action on
                                                 application is received after the EPA                   on the decision to approve alternative                 this submittal on September 8, 2015 (80
                                                 trigger date, which for fine particulate                modeling under 18 AAC 50.215(c)(2) is                  FR 53735). On March 10, 2016, ADEC
                                                 matter (PM2.5) is October 20, 2011.                     required, which will be timed, to the                  submitted a request to make two
                                                 ADEC, utilizing 40 CFR 52.21(b)(14)(ii),                extent practicable, to coincide with the               modifications to Alaska’s transportation
                                                 determined a minor source PM2.5                         public comment period on the draft                     conformity regulations and one
                                                 baseline date for the South Central                     permit. EPA is proposing to approve                    modification to the general conformity
                                                 Alaska Intrastate Air Quality Control                   these clarifications.                                  regulations.
                                                 Region of October 15, 2015, and                                                                                   Alaska’s March 10, 2016, submittal
                                                 incorporated this date into Table 2 of 18               C. Removal of Certain Source Category-                 revises two transportation conformity
                                                 AAC 50.020. Emissions changes at                        Specific Requirements                                  criteria and procedures. The first
                                                 sources in the South Central Alaska                        Alaska repealed certain source                      modification relates to interagency
                                                 Intrastate Air Quality Control Region                   category-specific requirements                         consultation. The modification adds a
                                                 after this baseline date, consume the                   applicable to fuel burning equipment in                reference to a list of exempt projects to
                                                 region’s PM2.5 PSD increment. We are                    operation before November 1, 1982, that                existing section 18 AAC 50.715(c)(8).
                                                 proposing to approve Alaska’s                           use more than 20 percent woodwaste as                  The second modification relates to
                                                 incorporation of this minor source                      fuel; urea prilling towers in operation                public involvement. New section 18
                                                 baseline date into their SIP as consistent              before July 1, 1972; portland cement                   AAC 50.720(e) adds a reference to
                                                 with CAA requirements.                                  plants; and pulp mills. Alaska                         existing Alaska rules regarding charges
                                                                                                         determined there are no longer any                     for photocopying of information.
                                                 Minor Source Permitting Applicability                   sources in the state to which these                       The modification to the general
                                                    EPA originally approved Alaska’s                     repealed provisions apply. In the                      conformity regulations removes 18 AAC
                                                 minor NSR program into the SIP on July                  September 15, 2016 submittal, ADEC                     50.735 from the State’s SIP because it is
                                                 5, 1983 (48 FR 30623), and most                         requested EPA remove these state-                      not needed under current Federal
                                                 recently approved an update to it on                    repealed provisions from the Alaska                    regulations. This section is not needed
                                                 May 27, 2015 (80 FR 30161). ADEC has                    SIP. EPA proposes to approve ADEC’s                    because SAFETEA–LU eliminated the
                                                 since revised its minor NSR permitting                  request to remove 18 AAC 50.055(a)(2),                 requirement for states to adopt and
                                                 program so that it now requires all                     (a)(3), (a)(7), (a)(8), (b)(4), (b)(6), (f) and        submit general conformity SIPs.
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                                                 existing minor stationary sources to                    18 AAC 50.060 from Alaska’s SIP                           Alaska’s SIP revision updates the
                                                 apply for a permit prior to undergoing                  because no sources are subject to these                State’s general and transportation
                                                 a modification that will result in a                    standards. Any new sources in these                    conformity provisions, 18 AAC 50,
                                                 potential to emit above significant                     source categories will be regulated                    Article 7, to be consistent with the CAA
                                                 emissions thresholds. See 18 AAC                        under Alaska’s NSR process and any                     as amended by SAFETEA–LU and EPA
                                                 50.502(c)(4). ADEC explains that this                   applicable federal regulations that apply              regulations (40 CFR part 93 and 40 CFR
                                                 revision closes a permitting loophole                   to new sources, such as new source                     51.390). EPA has reviewed ADEC’s
                                                 that allowed significant emissions                      performance standards.                                 March 10, 2016, SIP submittal to assure


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 112 / Tuesday, June 13, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                                 27033

                                                 consistency with the CAA as amended                     reference. In accordance with                             • is not subject to requirements of
                                                 by SAFETEA–LU and EPA regulations                       requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is                     Section 12(d) of the National
                                                 (40 CFR part 93 and 40 CFR 51.390)                      proposing to incorporate by reference                  Technology Transfer and Advancement
                                                 governing state procedures for general                  the provisions described above in                      Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because
                                                 and transportation conformity and                       Section III. Also in this rule, EPA is                 it does not involve technical standards;
                                                 interagency consultation, and has                       proposing to remove, in a final EPA                    and
                                                 concluded that the submittal is                         rule, regulatory text that includes                       • does not provide EPA with the
                                                 consistent with CAA requirements. The                   incorporation by reference. In                         discretionary authority to address, as
                                                 EPA is taking action only on the                        accordance with requirements of 1 CFR                  appropriate, disproportionate human
                                                 conformity related portions of the                      51.5, EPA is proposing to remove the                   health or environmental effects, using
                                                 March 10, 2016, submittal. The other                    incorporation by reference of provisions               practicable and legally permissible
                                                 portions of the submittal are addressed                 of 18 AAC 50.055 and 50.060 as                         methods, under Executive Order 12898
                                                 in separate actions.                                    described above in Section II (C.) and 18              (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
                                                                                                         AAC 50.735 as described in Section III.                   In addition, the SIP is not approved
                                                 III. Proposed Action                                                                                           to apply on any Indian reservation land
                                                                                                         EPA has made, and will continue to
                                                    EPA is proposing to approve, and                     make, these documents generally                        or in any other area where EPA or an
                                                 incorporate by reference where                          available electronically through                       Indian tribe has demonstrated that a
                                                 appropriate, in Alaska’s SIP, all                       www.regulations.gov and/or in hard                     tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of
                                                 revisions requested by Alaska on                        copy at the appropriate EPA office (see                Indian country, the rule does not have
                                                 September 15, 2016 (state effective 8/20/               the ADDRESSES section of this preamble                 tribal implications as specified by
                                                 2016) to the following provisions:                      for more information).                                 Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.010(4) (Ambient Air                         V. Statutory and Executive Orders
                                                                                                                                                                November 9, 2000), nor will it impose
                                                    Quality Standards)                                                                                          substantial direct costs on tribal
                                                                                                         Review
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.020(a) (Baseline Dates and                                                                         governments or preempt tribal law.
                                                    Maximum Allowable Increases)                            Under the CAA, the Administrator is
                                                                                                         required to approve a SIP submission                   List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.035(a)(3) and (a)(7)
                                                    (Documents, Procedures, and                          that complies with the provisions of the                 Environmental protection, Air
                                                    Methods Adopted by Reference)                        CAA and applicable federal regulations.                pollution control, Incorporation by
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.040(f) and (h) (Federal                     42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).                    reference, Intergovernmental relations,
                                                    Standards Adopted by Reference)                      Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions,                    Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.215(a)(3) (Ambient Air                      EPA’s role is to approve state choices,                and recordkeeping requirements.
                                                    Quality Analysis Methods)                            provided they meet the criteria of the                   Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.345(o) (Construction,                       CAA. Accordingly, this proposed action
                                                                                                                                                                 Dated: June 1, 2017.
                                                    Minor and Operating Permits:                         merely approves state law as meeting
                                                                                                         federal requirements and does not                      Michelle L. Pirzadeh,
                                                    Standard Permit Conditions)
                                                                                                         impose additional requirements beyond                  Acting Regional Administrator, Region 10.
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.502(c), (e), (f), (f)(1)(C),
                                                    (f)(5), (g), (h)(3)(A), and (h)(3)(B)                those imposed by state law. For that                   [FR Doc. 2017–12234 Filed 6–12–17; 8:45 am]

                                                    (Minor Permits for Air Quality                       reason, this proposed action:                          BILLING CODE 6560–50–P

                                                    Protection)                                             • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.540 (c)(2)(A) (Minor                        action’’ subject to review by the Office
                                                    Permit: Application)                                 of Management and Budget under                         DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                                 • 18 AAC 50.542(b)(5) and (d)(1) (Minor                 Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735,
                                                                                                         October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821,                Fish and Wildlife Service
                                                    Permit: Review and Issuance)
                                                                                                         January 21, 2011);
                                                    EPA is also proposing to remove from                    • does not impose an information                    50 CFR Part 17
                                                 the SIP the following provisions that                   collection burden under the provisions
                                                 ADEC has repealed as a matter of state                                                                         [Docket Nos. FWS–R2–ES–2016–0099,
                                                                                                         of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44                     FWS–R2–ES–2016–0100, FWS–R2–ES–
                                                 law: 18 AAC 50.055(a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7),               U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);                                  2016–0130, FWS–R2–ES–2016–0137, FWS–
                                                 (a)(8), (b)(4), (b)(6), (f) (Industrial                    • is certified as not having a                      R2–ES–2016–0119; FXES11130900000C2–
                                                 process and Fuel-Burning Equipment)                     significant economic impact on a                       167–FF09E32000]
                                                 and 18 AAC 50.060 (Pulp Mills).                         substantial number of small entities
                                                    Finally, EPA is proposing to approve                 under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5                RINs 1018–BA74; 1018–BA75; 1018–BB90;
                                                 revisions to 18 AAC 50, Article 7,                                                                             1018–BB89; 1018–BB87
                                                                                                         U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
                                                 Transportation Conformity, submitted                       • does not contain any unfunded                     Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
                                                 by Alaska on March 10, 2016;                            mandate or significantly or uniquely                   and Plants; Reopening the Comment
                                                 specifically, the revisions to                          affect small governments, as described                 Periods for Five Proposed Rules
                                                 transportation conformity provisions in                 in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                 18 AAC 50.715, .720, and removal of the                 of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);                               AGENCY:   Fish and Wildlife Service,
                                                 general conformity provisions in .735 as                   • does not have Federalism                          Interior.
                                                 discussed in Section II.E above.                        implications as specified in Executive                 ACTION: Proposed rules; reopening
                                                    We have made the preliminary                         Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,                   comment period.
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                                                 determination that the submitted SIP                    1999);
                                                 revisions are consistent with section 110                  • is not an economically significant                SUMMARY:   We, the U.S. Fish and
                                                 and part C of Title I of the CAA.                       regulatory action based on health or                   Wildlife Service (Service), announce
                                                                                                         safety risks subject to Executive Order                that we are reopening the comment
                                                 IV. Incorporation by Reference                                                                                 periods for our proposed rules to list
                                                                                                         13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
                                                   In this rule, EPA is proposing to                        • is not a significant regulatory action            Festuca ligulata (Guadalupe fescue) as
                                                 include in a final rule, regulatory text                subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR                an endangered species; to designate
                                                 that includes incorporation by                          28355, May 22, 2001);                                  Festuca ligulata critical habitat; to


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Document Created: 2017-06-13 00:22:17
Document Modified: 2017-06-13 00:22:17
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesComments must be received on or before July 13, 2017.
ContactRandall Ruddick, Air Planning Unit, Office of Air and Waste (OAW-150), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, 1200 Sixth Ave., Suite 900, Seattle, WA 98101; telephone
FR Citation82 FR 27031 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Ozone; Particulate Matter and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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