82 FR 27641 - Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources: Three Month Stay of Certain Requirements
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 115 (June 16, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 115 (June 16, 2017)
| Page Range | 27641-27645 | |
| FR Document | 2017-12473 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 115 (Friday, June 16, 2017)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 27641-27645] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-12473] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 60 [EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0346; FRL-9963-82-OAR] RIN 2060-AT65 Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources: Three Month Stay of Certain Requirements AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to stay for three months certain requirements that are contained within the Final Rule titled ``Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources,'' published in the Federal Register on June 3, 2016 (2016 Rule). On June 5, 2017, the EPA published a notice that, in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA), the EPA stayed for three initial months the fugitive emissions requirements, well site pneumatic pump standards, and requirements for certification of closed vent systems by a professional engineer. The EPA granted reconsideration after considering specific objections to these requirements. In a separate notice published today, the EPA is proposing a stay for two years, providing the EPA sufficient time to propose, take public comment, and issue a final action on the issues concerning the specific requirements on which EPA has granted reconsideration. The two-year proposed stay published today, if finalized as proposed, would likely be determined to be a major rule under the Congressional Review Act and therefore will not take effect until sixty days after publication or after Congress receives the rule report, whichever is later. Therefore, while the EPA intends to complete that rulemaking and take final action before the initial three-month stay expires, there may potentially be a gap between the two stays due to the sixty-day delay in effectiveness of that action. To avoid such a potential gap, and the resulting confusion, in this action the EPA is proposing a three-month stay which would not qualify as a major rule and could become effective upon publication. The EPA prepared an Economic Impact Analysis for this proposal, which is available in Docket ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0346. The EPA is seeking comment pertaining to this stay and its duration. The EPA is also seeking comment on if a four-month stay may be more appropriate to ensure continuity of the stay. The EPA is not taking comment at this time on substantive issues concerning these requirements, or on any of the other provisions subject to the reconsideration. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 17, 2017. If a hearing is requested on this proposed rule, written comments must be received on or before August 9, 2017. Public Hearing. A public hearing will be held, if requested by June 21, 2017, to accept oral comments on this proposed action. If a hearing is requested, it will be held at the EPA's Washington, DC campus located at 1201 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC. The hearing, if requested, will begin at 9 a.m. (local time) and will conclude at 4 p.m. (local time) on July 10, 2017. To request a hearing, to register to speak at a hearing, or to inquire if a hearing will be held, please contact Aimee St. Clair at (919) 541-1063 or by email at stclair.aimee@epa.gov. Any updates made to any aspect of the hearing, including whether or not a hearing will be held, will be posted [[Page 27642]] online at https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/actions-and-notices-about-oil-and-natural-gas#regactions. In addition, you may contact Aimee St. Clair at (919) 541-1063 or email at stclair.aimee@epa.gov with public hearing inquiries. The EPA does not intend to publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing any such updates. Please go to https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/actions-and-notices-about-oil-and-natural-gas#regactions for more information on the public hearing. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OAR-2017-0346, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. The EPA may publish any comment 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. 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. The 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: Mr. Peter Tsirigotis, Sector Policies and Programs Division (D205-01), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; telephone number: (888) 627-7764; email address: airaction@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. 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; Final Rule,'' at 81 FR 35824 (``2016 Rule''). The 2016 Rule establishes new source performance standards (NSPS) for greenhouse gas emissions and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the oil and natural gas sector. This rule addresses, among other things, fugitive emissions at well sites and compressor stations (``fugitive emissions requirements'') and emissions from pneumatic pumps. In addition, for a number of affected facilities (i.e., centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors, pneumatic pumps, and storage vessels), the rule requires certification by a professional engineer of the closed vent system design and capacity, as well as any technical infeasibility determination relative to controlling pneumatic pumps at well sites. For further information on the 2016 Rule, see 81 FR 35824 (June 3, 2016) and associated Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2010- 0505. On August 2, 2016, a number of interested parties submitted administrative petitions to the EPA seeking reconsideration of various aspects of the 2016 Rule pursuant to section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA (42 U.S.C. 7607(d)(7)(B)).\1\ Those petitions include numerous objections relative to the fugitive emissions requirements, well site pneumatic pump standards, and the requirements for certification by professional engineer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Copies of these petitions are included in the docket for the 2016 Rule, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0505. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In accordance with section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA, the Administrator shall convene a reconsideration proceeding if, in the Administrator's judgment, the petitioner raises an objection to a rule that was impracticable to raise during the comment period or if the grounds for the objection arose after the comment period but within the period for judicial review, and the objection is of central relevance to the outcome of the rule. The Administrator may stay the effectiveness of the rule for up to three months during such reconsideration. In a letter dated April 18, 2017, based on the criteria in CAA section 307(d)(7)(B), the Administrator convened a proceeding for reconsideration of the following objections relative to the fugitive emissions requirements: (1) The process and criteria for requesting and receiving approval for the use of an alternative means of emission limitations (AMEL) for purposes of compliance with the fugitive emissions requirements in the 2016 Rule; and (2) the applicability of the fugitive emissions requirements to low production well sites.\2\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ See Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0505-7730. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- After issuing the April 18, 2017, letter, in a notice published June 5, 2017, the EPA identified objections to two other aspects of the 2016 Rule that meet the criteria for reconsideration under section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA. These objections relate to (1) the requirements for certification of closed vent system by professional engineer (``PE certification requirement''); and (2) the well site pneumatic pump standards. As part of the administrative reconsideration proceeding, the EPA will prepare a notice of proposed rulemaking that will provide the petitioners and the public an opportunity to comment on the fugitive emissions requirements, well site pneumatic pump standards, and the requirements for certification by professional engineer, and the issues associated with these requirements. In the notice published June 5, 2017, the EPA stayed the fugitive emissions requirements, the well site pneumatic pumps requirements, and the requirements for certification of closed vent system by professional engineer for three months pursuant to section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA. That initial stay is effective from June 2, 2017, to August 31, 2017. When we have issued similar stays in the past, it has often been our practice to also propose a longer stay through a rulemaking process. See, e.g., 74 FR 36427 (July 23, 2009). In a separate action published today, the EPA is proposing to stay these requirements for two years. This proposed two-year stay will provide the EPA with sufficient time to propose, take public comment, and issue a final action on the issues concerning the specific requirements on which EPA has granted reconsideration. During the two year proposed stay, the EPA also plans to complete its reconsideration process for all remaining issues raised in these reconsideration petitions regarding fugitive emissions, pneumatic pumps, and certification by professional engineer requirements. For the reasons stated below, in this document the EPA is issuing a proposal to stay these requirements for three months. This stay would take effect upon the date of publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. II. The Proposed Action The two-year proposed stay published today, if finalized as proposed, would likely be determined to be a major rule under the Congressional Review Act and therefore under section 801 of that Act may not take effect until sixty days after publication or after Congress receives the rule report, whichever is later. [[Page 27643]] Therefore, while the EPA intends take final action on that rulemaking before the initial three-month stay of these requirements expires, there could potentially be a gap in the stay due to the sixty- day delay in the effectiveness of that action. Such a gap would create unnecessary burden and confusion as to what regulatory requirements are in effect and what regulated entities must do during the reconsideration proceeding. Therefore, to avoid such a potential gap, in this document the EPA is proposing a three-month stay, which is not a major rule under the CRA and could become effective upon publication. The EPA intends to publish the final rule on or before the expiration of the initial three-month stay. Note that we are not taking comment at this time on substantive issues concerning these requirements, or on any of the other provisions subject to the reconsideration. This notice simply proposes to stay the specified requirements for three months. The EPA is seeking comment pertaining to this stay and its duration. Given the importance of not introducing a gap in the stay, the EPA is also requesting comment on whether a four-month stay may be appropriate. A separate Federal Register notice published in the near future will specifically solicit comment on substantive issues concerning these requirements. III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Additional information about these statutes and Executive Orders can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations/laws-and-executive-orders. A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review This action is a significant regulatory action that was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review because it raises novel legal or policy issues. Any changes made in response to OMB recommendations have been documented in the docket. B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) This action does not impose any new information collection burden under the PRA. OMB has previously approved the information collection activities contained in the existing 40 CFR part 60, subpart OOOO and has assigned OMB control number 2060-0673. The information collection requirements in the final 40 CFR 60, subpart OOOOa have been submitted for approval to the OMB under the PRA. The Information Collection Request (ICR) document prepared by EPA has been assigned EPA ICR 2523.01. This action does not result in changes to the approved ICR for subpart OOOO or the submitted ICR for subpart OOOOa, so the information collection estimates of project cost and hour burdens have not been revised. C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) I certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. In making this determination, the impact of concern is any significant adverse economic impact on small entities. An agency may certify that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule relieves regulatory burden, has no net burden or otherwise has a positive economic effect on the small entities subject to the rule. This action proposes a limited stay for certain requirements. This proposed stay will not increase the burden on small entities subject to this rule. The EPA prepared a final RFA analysis for the 2016 Rule, which is available as part of the Regulatory Impact Analysis in the docket at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR- 2010-0505-7630. We have therefore concluded that this action will have no net regulatory burden for all directly regulated small entities. D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) This action does not contain any unfunded mandate as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The action imposes no enforceable duty on any state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in Executive Order 13175. It will not have substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the federal government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action. G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks This action is subject to Executive Order 13045 because it is a significant regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866, and the EPA believes that the environmental health or safety risk addressed by this action may have a disproportionate effect on children. Because this action merely proposes to delay action and does not change the requirements of the final rule, this action will not change any impacts of the rule when it is fully implemented. Any impacts on children's health caused by the delay in the rule will be limited, because the length of the proposed stay is limited. The agency therefore believes it is more appropriate to consider the impact on children's health in the context of any substantive changes proposed as part of reconsideration. H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use This action is not a ``significant energy action'' because it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution or use of energy. The basis for this determination can be found in the 2016 Rule (81 FR 35894). I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) This rulemaking does not involve technical standards. J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations Because this action merely proposes to delay action and does not change the requirements of the final rule, this action will not change any impacts of the rule when it is fully implemented. Any impacts on minority populations and low-income populations caused by the delay in the rule will be limited, because the length of the proposed stay is limited. The agency therefore believes it is more appropriate to consider the impact on minority populations and low-income populations in the context of any substantive changes proposed as part of reconsideration. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 60 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping. [[Page 27644]] Dated: June 12, 2017. E. Scott Pruitt, Administrator. For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 40, chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 60--STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES 0 1. The authority citation for part 60 continues to read as follows: Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Subpart OOOOa--[AMENDED] 0 2. Section 60.5393a is amended by: 0 a. Staying paragraphs (b) and (c) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]; and b. Adding paragraph (f). The addition reads as follows: Sec. 60.5393a What GHG and VOC standards apply to pneumatic pump affected facilities? * * * * * (f) Pneumatic pumps at a well site are not subject to the requirements of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. Sec. 60.5397a [AMENDED] 3. Section 60.5397a is stayed from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. 4. Section 60.5410a is amended by: a. Staying paragraphs (e)(2) through (5) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]; b. Adding paragraph (e)(8); and c. Staying paragraph (j) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. The addition reads as follows: Sec. 60.5410a How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the standards for my well, centrifugal compressor, reciprocating compressor, pneumatic controller, pneumatic pump, storage vessel, collection of fugitive emissions components at a well site, collection of fugitive emissions components at a compressor station, and equipment leaks and sweetening unit affected facilities at onshore natural gas processing plants? * * * * * (e) * * * (8) Pneumatic pump affected facilities at a well are not subject to the requirements of paragraphs (e)(6) and (7) of this section from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. * * * * * 0 5. Section 60.5411a is amended by: 0 a. Revising the introductory text; 0 b. Staying paragraph (d) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]; and 0 c. Adding paragraph (e). The revision and addition read as follows: Sec. 60.5411a What additional requirements must I meet to determine initial compliance for my covers and closed vent systems routing emissions from centrifugal compressor wet seal fluid degassing systems, reciprocating compressors, pneumatic pumps and storage vessels? You must meet the applicable requirements of this section for each cover and closed vent system used to comply with the emission standards for your centrifugal compressor wet seal degassing systems, reciprocating compressors, pneumatic pumps and storage vessels except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. * * * * * (e) Pneumatic pump affected facilities at a well site are not subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. 6. Section 60.5415a is amended by: a. Revising paragraph (b) introductory text and adding paragraph (b)(4); and b. Staying paragraph (h) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. The revision and addition read as follows: Sec. 60.5415a How do I demonstrate continuous compliance with the standards for my well, centrifugal compressor, reciprocating compressor, pneumatic controller, pneumatic pump, storage vessel, collection of fugitive emissions components at a well site, and collection of fugitive emissions components at a compressor station affected facilities, and affected facilities at onshore natural gas processing plants? * * * * * (b) For each centrifugal compressor affected facility and each pneumatic pump affected facility, you must demonstrate continuous compliance according to paragraph (b)(3) of this section except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section. For each centrifugal compressor affected facility, you also must demonstrate continuous compliance according to paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section. * * * * * (4) Pneumatic pump affected facilities at a well site are not subject to the requirements of paragraph (b)(3) of this section from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. * * * * * 7. Section 60.5416a is amended by revising the introductory text and adding paragraph (d) to read as follows: Sec. 60.5416a What are the initial and continuous cover and closed vent system inspection and monitoring requirements for my centrifugal compressor, reciprocating compressor, pneumatic pump, and storage vessel affected facilities? For each closed vent system or cover at your storage vessel, centrifugal compressor, reciprocating compressor and pneumatic pump affected facilities, you must comply with the applicable requirements of paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section. * * * * * (d) Pneumatic pump affected facilities at a well site are not subject to the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. 8. Section 60.5420a is amended by: a. Revising paragraph (b) introductory text; b. Staying paragraphs (b)(7), (8), and (12) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]; [[Page 27645]] c. Adding paragraph (b)(13); and d. Staying paragraphs (c)(15) through (17) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. The revision and addition read as follows: Sec. 60.5420a What are my notification, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements? * * * * * (b) Reporting requirements. You must submit annual reports containing the information specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (8) and (12) of this section and performance test reports as specified in paragraph (b)(9) or (10) of this section, if applicable, except as provided in paragraph (b)(13) of this section. You must submit annual reports following the procedure specified in paragraph (b)(11) of this section. The initial annual report is due no later than 90 days after the end of the initial compliance period as determined according to Sec. 60.5410a. Subsequent annual reports are due no later than same date each year as the initial annual report. If you own or operate more than one affected facility, you may submit one report for multiple affected facilities provided the report contains all of the information required as specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (8) of this section, except as provided in paragraph (b)(13) of this section. Annual reports may coincide with title V reports as long as all the required elements of the annual report are included. You may arrange with the Administrator a common schedule on which reports required by this part may be submitted as long as the schedule does not extend the reporting period. * * * * * (13) The collection of fugitive emissions components at a well site (as defined in Sec. 60.5430a), the collection of fugitive emissions components at a compressor station (as defined in Sec. 60.5430a), and pneumatic pump affected facilities at a well site (as defined in Sec. 60.5365a(h)(2)) are not subject to the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2017-12473 Filed 6-15-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 115 / Friday, June 16, 2017 / Proposed Rules 27641
morning or afternoon, or before 11 a.m. contacting Wendy Macias, U.S. standards, and requirements for
or after 3 p.m.). We will attempt to Department of Education, 400 Maryland certification of closed vent systems by a
accommodate each speaker’s preference, Ave. SW., Room 6C111, Washington, DC professional engineer. The EPA granted
but, if we are unable to do so, we will 20202. Telephone: (202) 203–9155 or by reconsideration after considering
make the determination on a first-come email: Wendy.Macias@ed.gov. specific objections to these
first-served basis, based on the time and Electronic Access to This Document: requirements. In a separate notice
date the email was received. It is likely The official version of this document is published today, the EPA is proposing
that each participant will be limited to the document published in the Federal a stay for two years, providing the EPA
five minutes. The Department will Register. Free internet access to the sufficient time to propose, take public
notify registrants of the location and official edition of the Federal Register comment, and issue a final action on the
time slot reserved for them. An and the Code of Federal Regulations is issues concerning the specific
individual may make only one available via the Federal Digital System requirements on which EPA has granted
presentation at the public hearings. If at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you reconsideration. The two-year proposed
we receive more registrations than we can view this document, as well as all stay published today, if finalized as
are able to accommodate, the other documents of this Department proposed, would likely be determined
Department reserves the right to reject published in the Federal Register, in to be a major rule under the
the registration of an entity or text or Portable Document Format Congressional Review Act and therefore
individual that is affiliated with an (PDF). To use PDF you must have will not take effect until sixty days after
entity or individual that is already Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is publication or after Congress receives
scheduled to present comments, and to available free at the site. You may also the rule report, whichever is later.
select among registrants to ensure that a access documents of the Department Therefore, while the EPA intends to
broad range of entities and individuals published in the Federal Register by complete that rulemaking and take final
is allowed to present. We will accept using the article search feature at: action before the initial three-month
walk-in registrations for any remaining www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, stay expires, there may potentially be a
time slots on a first-come first-served through the advanced search feature at gap between the two stays due to the
basis, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day this site, you can limit your search to sixty-day delay in effectiveness of that
of the public hearing at the documents published by the action. To avoid such a potential gap,
Department’s on-site registration table. Department. and the resulting confusion, in this
Registration is not required to observe Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1098a. action the EPA is proposing a three-
the public hearings; however, space may Dated: June 13, 2017. month stay which would not qualify as
be limited. a major rule and could become effective
The Department will post transcripts Kathleen A. Smith,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary upon publication. The EPA prepared an
of the hearings to www2.ed.gov/policy/ Economic Impact Analysis for this
highered/reg/hearulemaking/2017/ Education.
[FR Doc. 2017–12555 Filed 6–14–17; 11:15 am] proposal, which is available in Docket
index.html. Although the Department ID EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0346. The EPA
will not be videoing the hearings, as this BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
is seeking comment pertaining to this
is a public meeting, speakers should be stay and its duration. The EPA is also
aware that they may be filmed or seeking comment on if a four-month
recorded by members of the public. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
stay may be more appropriate to ensure
Speakers may submit written AGENCY
continuity of the stay. The EPA is not
comments at the public hearings. In
40 CFR Part 60 taking comment at this time on
addition, the Department will accept
substantive issues concerning these
written comments via the Federal [EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0346; FRL–9963–82– requirements, or on any of the other
eRulemaking portal, and by postal mail, OAR] provisions subject to the
commercial delivery, or hand delivery,
RIN 2060–AT65 reconsideration.
through July 12, 2017. (See the
ADDRESSES section of this document for DATES: Comments must be received on
Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission or before July 17, 2017. If a hearing is
submission information.) Standards for New, Reconstructed, requested on this proposed rule, written
Schedule for Negotiations and Modified Sources: Three Month comments must be received on or before
We anticipate that any committees Stay of Certain Requirements August 9, 2017.
established after the public hearings AGENCY: Environmental Protection Public Hearing. A public hearing will
will begin negotiations in November or Agency (EPA). be held, if requested by June 21, 2017,
December of 2017, with the committees ACTION: Proposed rule. to accept oral comments on this
meeting for up to three sessions of three proposed action. If a hearing is
to four days each at roughly five- to SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection requested, it will be held at the EPA’s
eight-week intervals. The committees Agency (EPA) is proposing to stay for Washington, DC campus located at 1201
will meet in the Washington, DC area. three months certain requirements that Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,
The dates and locations of these are contained within the Final Rule DC. The hearing, if requested, will begin
meetings will be published in a titled ‘‘Oil and Natural Gas Sector: at 9 a.m. (local time) and will conclude
subsequent notice in the Federal Emission Standards for New, at 4 p.m. (local time) on July 10, 2017.
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS
Register, and will be posted on the Reconstructed, and Modified Sources,’’ To request a hearing, to register to speak
Department’s Web site at: www2.ed.gov/ published in the Federal Register on at a hearing, or to inquire if a hearing
policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/ June 3, 2016 (2016 Rule). On June 5, will be held, please contact Aimee St.
2017/index.html. 2017, the EPA published a notice that, Clair at (919) 541–1063 or by email at
Accessible Format: Individuals with in accordance with the Clean Air Act stclair.aimee@epa.gov.
disabilities can obtain this document in (CAA), the EPA stayed for three initial Any updates made to any aspect of
an accessible format (e.g., Braille, large months the fugitive emissions the hearing, including whether or not a
print, audiotape, or compact disc) by requirements, well site pneumatic pump hearing will be held, will be posted
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![27644 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 115 / Friday, June 16, 2017 / Proposed Rules
Dated: June 12, 2017. § 60.5410a How do I demonstrate initial § 60.5415a How do I demonstrate
E. Scott Pruitt, compliance with the standards for my well, continuous compliance with the standards
centrifugal compressor, reciprocating for my well, centrifugal compressor,
Administrator. compressor, pneumatic controller, reciprocating compressor, pneumatic
pneumatic pump, storage vessel, collection controller, pneumatic pump, storage vessel,
For the reasons set out in the of fugitive emissions components at a well collection of fugitive emissions
preamble, title 40, chapter I of the Code site, collection of fugitive emissions components at a well site, and collection of
of Federal Regulations is proposed to be components at a compressor station, and fugitive emissions components at a
amended as follows: equipment leaks and sweetening unit compressor station affected facilities, and
affected facilities at onshore natural gas affected facilities at onshore natural gas
PART 60—STANDARDS OF processing plants? processing plants?
PERFORMANCE FOR NEW * * * * * * * * * *
STATIONARY SOURCES (e) * * * (b) For each centrifugal compressor
(8) Pneumatic pump affected facilities affected facility and each pneumatic
■ 1. The authority citation for part 60 at a well are not subject to the pump affected facility, you must
continues to read as follows: requirements of paragraphs (e)(6) and demonstrate continuous compliance
(7) of this section from [DATE OF according to paragraph (b)(3) of this
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN section except as provided in paragraph
THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 (b)(4) of this section. For each
Subpart OOOOa—[AMENDED] DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION centrifugal compressor affected facility,
OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal you also must demonstrate continuous
■ 2. Section 60.5393a is amended by: Register]. compliance according to paragraphs
■ a. Staying paragraphs (b) and (c) from * * * * * (b)(1) and (2) of this section.
[DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL ■ 5. Section 60.5411a is amended by: * * * * *
RULE IN THE Federal Register] until ■ a. Revising the introductory text; (4) Pneumatic pump affected facilities
[DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF ■ b. Staying paragraph (d) from [DATE
at a well site are not subject to the
PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN requirements of paragraph (b)(3) of this
THE Federal Register]; and THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 section from [DATE OF PUBLICATION
DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal
b. Adding paragraph (f). OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER
The addition reads as follows: Register]; and DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL
■ c. Adding paragraph (e).
§ 60.5393a What GHG and VOC standards The revision and addition read as RULE IN THE Federal Register].
apply to pneumatic pump affected follows: * * * * *
facilities? 7. Section 60.5416a is amended by
* * * * * § 60.5411a What additional requirements revising the introductory text and
must I meet to determine initial compliance adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:
(f) Pneumatic pumps at a well site are for my covers and closed vent systems
not subject to the requirements of routing emissions from centrifugal § 60.5416a What are the initial and
paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section compressor wet seal fluid degassing continuous cover and closed vent system
from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF systems, reciprocating compressors, inspection and monitoring requirements for
pneumatic pumps and storage vessels? my centrifugal compressor, reciprocating
FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]
You must meet the applicable compressor, pneumatic pump, and storage
until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF vessel affected facilities?
PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN requirements of this section for each
cover and closed vent system used to For each closed vent system or cover
THE Federal Register]. at your storage vessel, centrifugal
comply with the emission standards for
§ 60.5397a [AMENDED] your centrifugal compressor wet seal compressor, reciprocating compressor
degassing systems, reciprocating and pneumatic pump affected facilities,
3. Section 60.5397a is stayed from compressors, pneumatic pumps and you must comply with the applicable
[DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL storage vessels except as provided in requirements of paragraphs (a) through
RULE IN THE Federal Register] until paragraph (e) of this section. (c) of this section, except as provided in
[DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF * * * * * paragraph (d) of this section.
PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN (e) Pneumatic pump affected facilities * * * * *
THE Federal Register]. at a well site are not subject to the (d) Pneumatic pump affected facilities
4. Section 60.5410a is amended by: requirements of paragraph (a) of this at a well site are not subject to the
section from [DATE OF PUBLICATION requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of
a. Staying paragraphs (e)(2) through
OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal this section from [DATE OF
(5) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF
Register] until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN
FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL
until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION
RULE IN THE Federal Register].
PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN 6. Section 60.5415a is amended by: OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal
THE Federal Register]; a. Revising paragraph (b) introductory Register].
b. Adding paragraph (e)(8); and text and adding paragraph (b)(4); and 8. Section 60.5420a is amended by:
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS
c. Staying paragraph (j) from [DATE b. Staying paragraph (h) from [DATE a. Revising paragraph (b) introductory
OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN text;
OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN b. Staying paragraphs (b)(7), (8), and
THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90
THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 (12) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF
DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION
DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]
OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal
OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF
Register]. The revision and addition read as PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN
The addition reads as follows: follows: THE Federal Register];
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 115 / Friday, June 16, 2017 / Proposed Rules 27645
c. Adding paragraph (b)(13); and ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION comment pertaining to this stay and its
d. Staying paragraphs (c)(15) through AGENCY duration and impact. The EPA is not
(17) from [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF taking comment at this time on
FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register] 40 CFR Part 60 substantive issues concerning these
until [DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF requirements, or on any of the other
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0505; FRL–9963–36–
PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN OAR] provisions subject to the
THE Federal Register]. reconsideration.
RIN 2060–AT59 DATES: Comments must be received on
The revision and addition read as
follows: Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission or before July 17, 2017. If a hearing is
Standards for New, Reconstructed, requested on this proposed rule, written
§ 60.5420a What are my notification, and Modified Sources: Stay of Certain comments must be received on or before
reporting, and recordkeeping Requirements August 9, 2017.
requirements? Public Hearing. A public hearing will
* * * * * AGENCY: Environmental Protection be held, if requested by June 21, 2017,
Agency (EPA). to accept oral comments on this
(b) Reporting requirements. You must proposed action. If a hearing is
submit annual reports containing the ACTION: Proposed rule.
requested, it will be held at the EPA’s
information specified in paragraphs SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Washington, DC campus located at 1201
(b)(1) through (8) and (12) of this section Agency (EPA) is proposing to stay for Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,
and performance test reports as two years certain requirements that are DC. The hearing, if requested, will begin
specified in paragraph (b)(9) or (10) of contained within the Final Rule titled at 9 a.m. (local time) and will conclude
this section, if applicable, except as ‘‘Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission at 4 p.m. (local time) on July 10, 2017.
provided in paragraph (b)(13) of this Standards for New, Reconstructed, and To request a hearing, to register to speak
section. You must submit annual reports Modified Sources,’’ published in the at a hearing, or to inquire if a hearing
following the procedure specified in Federal Register on June 3, 2016 (2016 will be held, please contact Aimee St.
paragraph (b)(11) of this section. The Rule). On June 5, 2017, the EPA Clair at (919) 541–1063 or by email at
initial annual report is due no later than published a notice that it stayed for stclair.aimee@epa.gov.
90 days after the end of the initial three months the; fugitive emissions Any updates made to any aspect of
compliance period as determined requirements, well site pneumatic pump the hearing, including whether or not a
according to § 60.5410a. Subsequent standards, and the requirements for hearing will be held, will be posted
annual reports are due no later than certification of closed vent systems by a online at https://www.epa.gov/
same date each year as the initial annual professional engineer in accordance controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-
report. If you own or operate more than with the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA natural-gas-industry/actions-and-
one affected facility, you may submit has granted reconsideration based on notices-about-oil-and-natural-
one report for multiple affected facilities specific objections to these gas#regactions. In addition, you may
provided the report contains all of the requirements. The proposed stay contact Aimee St. Clair at (919) 541–
information required as specified in discussed in this action, which follows 1063 or email at stclair.aimee@epa.gov
paragraphs (b)(1) through (8) of this the three-month stay, would provide the with public hearing inquiries. The EPA
section, except as provided in paragraph EPA sufficient time to propose, take does not intend to publish a notice in
(b)(13) of this section. Annual reports public comment, and issue a final action the Federal Register announcing any
may coincide with title V reports as long on the issues concerning the specific such updates. Please go to https://
as all the required elements of the requirements on which EPA has granted www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-
annual report are included. You may reconsideration. During this time, the oil-and-natural-gas-industry/actions-
arrange with the Administrator a EPA also plans to complete its and-notices-about-oil-and-natural-
common schedule on which reports reconsideration process for all gas#regactions for more information on
required by this part may be submitted remaining issues raised in these the public hearing.
as long as the schedule does not extend reconsideration petitions regarding ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
the reporting period. fugitive emissions, pneumatic pumps, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
* * * * * and certification by professional OAR–2010–0505, to the Federal
engineer requirements. The EPA eRulemaking Portal: http://
(13) The collection of fugitive
acknowledges that the administrative www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
emissions components at a well site (as
reconsideration petitions include instructions for submitting comments.
defined in § 60.5430a), the collection of
additional issues regarding these three Once submitted, comments cannot be
fugitive emissions components at a
requirements other than the issues for edited or removed from Regulations.gov.
compressor station (as defined in which we specifically have granted The EPA may publish any comment
§ 60.5430a), and pneumatic pump reconsideration. In addition, since the received to its public docket. Do not
affected facilities at a well site (as publication of the 2016 Rule, the EPA submit electronically any information
defined in § 60.5365a(h)(2)) are not has received numerous questions you consider to be Confidential
subject to the requirements of paragraph relative to the implementation of these Business Information (CBI) or other
(b)(1) of this section from [DATE OF three requirements. During the information whose disclosure is
PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS
reconsideration proceeding, the EPA restricted by statute. Multimedia
THE Federal Register] until [DATE 90 intends to look broadly at the entire submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be
DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION 2016 Rule. The EPA believes that accompanied by a written comment.
OF FINAL RULE IN THE Federal addressing all of these issues at the The written comment is considered the
Register]. same time would provide clarity and official comment and should include
* * * * * certainty for the public and the discussion of all points you wish to
[FR Doc. 2017–12473 Filed 6–15–17; 8:45 am] regulated community with regard to make. The EPA will generally not
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P these requirements. The EPA is seeking consider comments or comment
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Document Created: 2017-06-16 00:52:22
Document Modified: 2017-06-16 00:52:22
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received on or before July 17, 2017. If a hearing is requested on this proposed rule, written comments must be received on or before August 9, 2017. | |
| Contact | Mr. Peter Tsirigotis, Sector Policies and Programs Division (D205-01), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 27641 | |
| RIN Number | 2060-AT65 | |
| CFR Associated | Environmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Air Pollution Control and Reporting and Recordkeeping |
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