82_FR_39241 82 FR 39083 - Air Plan Approval; South Carolina: Minor Source Permit Program Revisions

82 FR 39083 - Air Plan Approval; South Carolina: Minor Source Permit Program Revisions

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 158 (August 17, 2017)

Page Range39083-39090
FR Document2017-17345

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve changes to South Carolina's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to revise minor new source review (NSR) regulations. EPA is proposing to approve portions of SIP revisions modifying these regulations as submitted by the State of South Carolina, through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), on the following dates: October 1, 2007, July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013, August 8, 2014, January 20, 2016, and July 27, 2016. This action is being proposed pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 158 (Thursday, August 17, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 158 (Thursday, August 17, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39083-39090]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17345]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R04-OAR-2017-0359; FRL-9966-48-Region 4]


Air Plan Approval; South Carolina: Minor Source Permit Program 
Revisions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve changes to South Carolina's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to 
revise minor new source review (NSR) regulations. EPA is proposing to 
approve portions of SIP revisions modifying these regulations as 
submitted by the State of South Carolina, through the South Carolina 
Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), on the 
following dates: October 1, 2007, July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013, August 
8, 2014, January 20, 2016, and July 27, 2016. This action is being 
proposed pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 18, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R04-
OAR-2017-0359 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 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. 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: D. Brad Akers, Air Regulatory 
Management Section, Air Planning and Implementation Branch, Air, 
Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 
30303-8960. Mr. Akers can be reached via telephone at (404) 562-9089 or 
via electronic mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. What action is EPA proposing?

    On October 1, 2007, July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013, August 8, 2014, 
January 20, 2016, and July 27, 2016, SC DHEC submitted SIP revisions to 
EPA for approval that involve changes to South Carolina's minor source 
permitting regulations to clarify and streamline the State's federally-
approved preconstruction and operating permitting program. This program 
requires minor stationary sources planning to construct or modify 
sources of air pollutants to first obtain a construction permit and to 
obtain and maintain operating permits in accordance with the South 
Carolina Code of Regulations Annotated (S.C. Code Ann. Regs.) at 
Regulation 61-62.1, Section II--``Permit Requirements.'' The portion of 
the SIP-approved permitting program covering construction permits is 
generally referred to as the minor source permitting program or the 
minor NSR program to distinguish it from additional permitting 
requirements for major sources of air pollutants.\1\ The portion of the 
SIP-approved permitting program covering minor source operating permits 
is referred to as the federally enforceable state operating permit 
(FESOP) program. The changes made in these submittals clarify the 
applicability, streamline the permitting process, provide more options 
for the minor source permitting program, and generally reduce the 
overall burden on the state permitting program and the regulated 
community. The changes addressed in this proposed rulemaking also 
correct typographical errors, make internal references consistent, and 
recodify sections of the existing rules. In this action, EPA is 
proposing to approve certain portions of these SIP submissions that 
make changes to South Carolina's minor NSR regulations and FESOP 
requirements.
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    \1\ EPA's regulations governing the implementation of NSR 
permitting programs are contained in 40 CFR 51.160-.166; 52.21, .24; 
and part 51, Appendix S. The CAA NSR program is composed of three 
separate programs: prevention of significant deterioration (PSD), 
nonattainment new source review (NNSR), and Minor NSR. PSD is 
established in part C of title I of the CAA and applies to major 
stationary sources in areas that meet the national ambient air 
quality standards (NAAQS)--``attainment areas''--as well as areas 
where there is insufficient information to determine if the area 
meets the NAAQS--``unclassifiable areas.'' The NNSR program is 
established in part D of title I of the CAA and applies to major 
stationary sources in areas that are not in attainment of the 
NAAQS--``nonattainment areas.'' The Minor NSR program applies to 
stationary sources that do not require PSD or NNSR permits. 
Together, these programs are referred to as the NSR programs.
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    EPA is not acting on a portion of the revisions to Regulation 61-
62.1, Section II--``Permit Requirements.'' Specifically, EPA is not 
acting on the renumbering and minor administrative language changes to 
paragraph G.6.--``Emergency Provisions,'' in the October 1, 2007, 
submittal, nor the minor additional language changes to this portion of 
the minor source permitting regulations included in the August 8, 2014, 
submittal.\2\
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    \2\ In this action, EPA is not proposing to approve or 
disapprove revisions to any existing emission limitations that apply 
during start up, shut down and malfunction events.
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    At this time, EPA is not acting on the following changes included 
in the October 1, 2007, submittal: Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 4--
``Emissions from Process Industries''; and Regulation 61-62.5, Standard 
No. 5.2--``Control of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX).''
    EPA is also not acting on changes in the July 18, 2011, submittal 
to the following regulations in South Carolina's SIP: Regulation 61-
62.1, Section I--``Definitions''; Regulation 61-62.3--``Air Pollution 
Episodes''; Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 1--``Emissions from Fuel 
Burning Operations''; Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 4--``Emissions 
from Process Industries''; Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 6--
``Alternative Emission Limitation Options (Bubble)''; Regulation 61-
62.5, Standard No. 7--``Prevention of Significant Deterioration''; and 
Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 7.1--``Nonattainment New Source 
Review.'' EPA approved the changes to Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 
2--``Ambient Air Quality Standards,'' included in the July 18, 2011, 
submittal, on April 3, 2013 (78 FR 19994).
    EPA is not acting on the changes included in the June 17, 2013, 
submittal to the following regulations: Regulation 61-62.1, Section I--
``Definitions''; Regulation 61-62.1, Section IV--``Source Tests''; 
Regulation 61-62.3--``Air Pollution Episodes''; Regulation 61-62.5, 
Standard No. 4--``Emissions from Process Industries''; and

[[Page 39084]]

Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 5--``Volatile Organic Compounds.''
    Additionally, EPA is not acting on the changes included in the 
August 8, 2014, submittal to the following regulations: Regulation 61-
62.1, Section I--``Definitions''; Regulation 61-62.1, Section IV--
``Source Tests''; Regulation 61-62.1, Section V--``Credible Evidence''; 
Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 1--``Emissions from Fuel Burning 
Equipment''; and Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 4--``Emissions from 
Process Industries.'' EPA approved the changes to Regulation 61-62.1, 
Section III--``Emissions Inventory and Emissions Statement,'' included 
in the August 8, 2014, submittal, on June 12, 2015 (80 FR 33413) and 
May 31, 2017 (82 FR 24851).
    EPA is also not acting on the changes included in the January 20, 
2016, submittal to the following regulations: Regulation 61-62.5, 
Standard No. 5--``Volatile Organic Compounds''; Regulation 61-62.5, 
Standard No. 7.1--``Nonattainment New Source Review''; and Regulation 
61-62.6--``Control of Fugitive Particulate Matter.''
    Finally, EPA is not acting on the changes included in the July 27, 
2016, submittal to the following regulations: Regulation 61-62.1, 
Section I--``Definitions''; Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 4--
``Emissions from Process Industries''; and Regulation 61-62.5, Standard 
No. 5.2--``Control of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX).'' EPA will 
address these remaining changes to the South Carolina SIP in separate 
actions.

II. Analysis of State's Submittal

A. Overview of Changes to Section II--``Permit Requirements''

    South Carolina has a SIP-approved minor source permitting program 
at Regulation 61-62.1, Section II--``Permit Requirements.'' These 
regulations include requirements for obtaining preconstruction and 
operating permits for different types of minor sources. The program 
covers ``true minor'' sources, which have the potential to emit (PTE) 
of certain pollutants below major sources thresholds for new sources 
and modifications. The SIP-approved minor source permitting program 
also includes provisions for issuing permits that establish federally 
enforceable emission limits to restrict the PTE of certain pollutants 
below major source and major modification applicability thresholds: 
``synthetic minor'' permits establish these limits for sources 
obtaining construction permits, and ``conditional major'' permits 
establish these emission limits in the corresponding operating permits. 
South Carolina initially revised its minor NSR and FESOP rules in the 
October 1, 2007, submittal to clarify and streamline requirements for 
obtaining minor source construction and operating permits. The July 18, 
2011, June 17, 2013, August 8, 2014, January 20, 2016, and July 27, 
2017, submittals make other clarifying and administrative changes, 
which are discussed for each subsection of the regulation below.
    EPA has reviewed the proposed changes to the minor source 
construction and operating permitting regulations and preliminarily 
finds them to be consistent with CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), 
EPA's minor NSR regulations found at 40 CFR 51.160--164, and the 
criteria applicable to an approvable State FESOP program.

B. Analysis of Changes to Each Section

1. Section II.A.--``Construction Permits''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.A--``Construction Permits'' 
specifies applicability and certain requirements for obtaining permits 
for sources seeking to construct or modify emissions units. The October 
1, 2007, submittal makes several changes to paragraph A. as follows: 
(1) Adds allowed preconstruction activities at subparagraph A.1.d. for 
true minor sources (i.e., minor sources that are not synthetic minor 
sources); (2) adds the requirement that written notification be 
provided to the Department marking the commencement of construction and 
initial startup; (3) adds language requiring compliance with all terms, 
limits, and conditions of Department-issued construction permits; (4) 
adds time constraints for the validity of issued construction permits; 
and (5) removes the descriptions of permit application requirements 
from former paragraph A.2. to create a standalone subsection C. for 
construction permits, and to detail more specific requirements for 
other types of permits in other paragraphs.
    The July 18, 2011, submittal makes subsequent clarifying and 
administrative changes to Section II.A., consolidating former 
subparagraph A.1.a. and paragraph A.5. into an introductory paragraph 
applicable to the entirety of Regulation 61-62.1, Section II. The 
submittal also makes other renumbering and administrative edits to the 
remaining subparagraphs.
    The language moved to an introductory paragraph for Section II 
states: (1) The regulation will not supersede any state or federal 
requirements nor special permit conditions unless it imposes a more 
restrictive limit; (2) sources must comply with all terms, conditions, 
and limitations of any permit issued by SC DHEC for sources or 
activities at its facility; and (3) a source's permit status may change 
if new regulatory requirements become applicable. The effect of moving 
this language from subsection A. is to clarify that it is applicable to 
all of Section II--meaning it applies to any types of permits issued by 
the SC DHEC rather than only construction permits.
    The August 8, 2014, submittal further modifies Section II.A. by 
making administrative edits and adding additional allowed 
preconstruction activities for true minor sources at subparagraph 
A.1.c, originally added in the October 1, 2007, submittal as 
subparagraph A.1.d.
    The revision to subparagraph A.1.c.--added to the Regulation as 
A.1.d. in the October 1, 2007, submittal, renumbered in the July 18, 
2011, submittal, and updated in the August 8, 2014, submittal--allows 
certain preconstruction activities prior to obtaining a final 
construction permit, provided that specific conditions are met. EPA has 
preliminarily determined that the preconstruction activities provision 
is consistent with the requirements of CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 
110(l), and federal regulations at 40 CFR 51.160--51.164.
    Section 110(a)(2)(C) of the CAA requires that state SIPs include a 
program for regulating the construction and modification of stationary 
sources as necessary to ensure that the NAAQS are maintained. Federal 
regulations at 40 CFR 51.160(b) require states to have legally 
enforceable procedures to prevent construction or modification of a 
source if it would violate any SIP control strategies or interfere with 
attainment or maintenance of the NAAQS. Federal regulations limit the 
types of allowed preconstruction activities for new and modified major 
sources at 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(xv), 51.166(b)(11), and 52.21(b)(11) 
and, as discussed below, South Carolina has adopted these provisions 
into its SIP. But federal regulations do not impose a corresponding 
limitation on preconstruction activities for minor sources. SC DHEC 
provided additional clarification of its allowed minor source 
preconstruction activities in a December 30, 2016, letter, which is 
included in the Docket for this proposed action. In this letter, SC 
DHEC first explains that ``[a]llowed preconstruction activities are 
extremely limited in nature and do not include construction of that 
actual process unit itself.'' The State also points to a requirement 
under Section II.C.3.n. that sources applying for

[[Page 39085]]

construction permits demonstrate emissions will not interfere with 
attainment or maintenance of the NAAQS. This requirement corresponds to 
Section II.A.2. of the Regulation, which states that permits will not 
be issued if emissions interfere with any state or federal standard.
    SC DHEC also points to its memorandum regarding allowed 
preconstruction activities for major sources prior to obtaining PSD 
permits.\3\ SC DHEC notes that its minor source preconstruction 
activities provisions mirror the federal limits on major source 
preconstruction activities, with the exception of one additional 
activity: Allowing a facility to pour concrete foundation prior to 
obtaining a construction permit. This activity is only prohibited for 
major sources or major modifications prior to obtaining a permit in 
accordance with the definition of ``begin actual construction'' in the 
federal PSD regulations at 40 CFR 51.166(b)(11) and 52.21(b)(11), and 
the NNSR regulations at 51.165(a)(1)(xv). As SC DHEC explains in its 
clarifying letter, Section II.A.1.c.--which specifies which sources may 
engage in preconstruction activities--explicitly excludes ``sources not 
requesting to use federally enforceable construction permit conditions 
to limit potential to emit, sources not subject to regulations with 
more stringent start of construction limitations, or sources not 
otherwise exempt from permit requirements.'' In other words, the 
regulation excludes, among other sources, major sources subject to PSD 
regulations or CAA section 112 requirements for hazardous air 
pollutants (i.e., major sources and modifications).
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    \3\ This memorandum is also included in the Docket for this 
proposed action.
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    In its December 30, 2016 letter, SC DHEC references Section 
II.A.1.d., which clearly states that the owners or operators of any 
sources that would not qualify for the issuance of a construction 
permit assume the financial risk of commencing the preconstruction 
activities listed in Section II.A.1.c. SC DHEC also notes that a source 
could be subject to an enforcement action under Section II.F.2. and 
Section II.J.1.e.--or subject to permit revocation under Section 
II.J.1.b--if the source either did not comply with the regulations 
during construction or would not have qualified for the preconstruction 
activities undertaken.
    Because SC DHEC does not allow for the construction of process 
units, there are no increased emissions associated with any of the 
preconstruction activities allowed at Section II.A.1.c.i.-xvii. The 
gatekeeping applicability language at Section II.A.1.c. and major NSR 
applicability provisions at Regulation 61-62.5, Standard No. 7(a)(2) 
and Standard No. 7.1(a)(1), provide that no major sources or 
modifications may engage in the preconstruction activities allowed 
under Section II.A.1.c.i.-xvii. Additionally, SC DHEC does not allow 
synthetic minor sources to conduct the preconstruction activities. 
Finally, SC DHEC has legally enforceable procedures to prevent 
construction or modification of a source if it would violate SIP 
control strategies or interfere with attainment or maintenance of the 
NAAQS, as required by 40 CFR 51.160(b).
    The changes to South Carolina's minor NSR program are not 
inconsistent with the requirements of the CAA and EPA's regulations, 
and are therefore approvable as part of the SIP. EPA is therefore 
proposing to approve the aforementioned changes to subsection A. and 
the introductory portion of Section II pursuant to the CAA and 40 CFR 
51.160-164.
2. Section II.B.--``Exemptions From the Requirement To Obtain a 
Construction Permit''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.B.--``Exemptions from the 
Requirement to Obtain a Construction Permit'' specifies which types of 
minor sources are exempt from obtaining minor source construction 
permits. The October 1, 2007, submittal makes several changes to 
subsection II.B. as follows: (1) Renumbers existing Section II.F. to 
Section II.B. and modifies the title to clarify that the paragraph 
applies only to construction permits; (2) adds language specifying that 
future source modifications or new regulatory requirements may trigger 
the need to obtain a permit for exempted facilities; (3) clarifies that 
the exemption for boilers and space heaters applies to those firing 
virgin solid and liquid fuels; (4) adds an exemption for boilers and 
space heaters firing only virgin gas fuels rated 10 million British 
thermal units per hour or less; (5) modifies the number of hours for 
testing and maintenance for exempted emergency generators; (6) modifies 
subparagraph B.2.h. to exempt additional sources with emissions less 
than the threshold of 1 pound per hour (lb/hr) PTE of sulfur dioxide, 
nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide; (7) adds the requirement for SC 
DHEC to periodically publish a list of sources exempted from the 
construction permit requirement under subparagraphs B.2.a.-g.--and any 
other sources determined to qualify for permit exemptions based on 
subparagraph B.2.h.--in the South Carolina State Register; (8) adds 
procedures for sources requesting exemption from obtaining a 
construction permit under paragraph B.2. or paragraph B.4.; (9) adds 
paragraph B.6. to provide that exemptions under Section II.B. do not 
relieve the owner or operator of any source from any obligation to 
comply with any other applicable requirements; and (10) makes other 
administrative changes and adds references throughout subsection B.
    The July 18, 2011, submittal makes subsequent revisions to clarify 
requirements and qualifications at Section II.B., as follows: (1) Adds 
language to subparagraph B.2.h. to require that emissions calculations 
or other information necessary to demonstrate a source qualifies for 
the exemption must be kept on site and provided to SC DHEC upon 
request; (2) revises language in paragraph B.3. to clarify that source 
types which are added to the list of exempted sources will be 
determined not to interfere with attainment or maintenance of any state 
or federal standard; (3) adds language stating that SC DHEC reserves 
the right to require a construction permit on a case-by-case basis, and 
that case-by-case determinations will consider, but not be limited to, 
``the nature and amount of the pollutants, location, proximity to 
residences and commercial establishments, etc.''; and (4) makes 
administrative edits to existing language.
    Finally, the August 8, 2014, submittal makes additional changes to 
paragraph II.B., including: (1) Administrative edits to the title of 
the paragraph and to references and subparagraphs throughout; (2) 
revises the PTE criteria in subparagraph B.2.h. to a 5 ton per year 
(tpy) threshold rather than 1 lb/hr, and adds language to state that 
sources with higher PTE may be exempted under this subparagraph if they 
demonstrate that they are not subject to any applicable state or 
federal limits or requirements; (3) amends paragraph B.3. to include 
language asserting that SC DHEC may develop emission thresholds for 
exemption that are determined will not interfere with attainment or 
maintenance of state or federal standards to include in the list 
maintained pursuant to this paragraph, and that SC DHEC could be 
petitioned to consider adding additional sources to this list; and (4) 
adds paragraph B.5. stating that sources of volatile organic compounds 
(VOCs) with a PTE greater than the emission threshold listed in 
subparagraph B.2.h. may be exempted from the requirement to obtain a

[[Page 39086]]

construction permit on a case-by-case basis, and that exempt sources 
may later be required to be included in construction or operating 
permits.
    Section 110(a)(2)(C) of the CAA requires that SIPs include a 
program for regulating the construction and modification of stationary 
sources as necessary to ensure that the NAAQS are maintained. Federal 
regulations at 40 CFR 51.160(e) require that states identify the types 
and sizes of sources subject to review and the basis for determining 
which sources are subject. Additionally, CAA section 110(l) provides 
that EPA shall not approve a revision to a plan if the revision would 
interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment and 
reasonable further progress (as defined in CAA section 171), or any 
other applicable requirement of the CAA. SC DHEC has determined that 
specific sources listed at paragraphs B.1. and B.2. do not require 
permits because their size is not such that they are expected to 
interfere with attainment or maintenance of state or federal standards, 
including reasonable further progress.
    SC DHEC's December 30, 2016, letter provides additional 
clarification for certain changes made to Section II.B. Subparagraph 
B.2.f. extends the testing and maintenance operation threshold for 
exempting emergency generators from 250 hours to 500 hours per year. SC 
DHEC considered CAA section 110(l), and asserts that the state expects 
no increase in actual emissions as a result of raising this exemption 
threshold. SC DHEC explains that the 500 hours per year threshold is 
commonly used to determine the PTE for title V and other major source 
applicability determinations, consistent with an EPA guidance 
memorandum.\4\ These sources are still restricted to emergency 
conditions, meaning that other types of non-emergency activities--such 
as peak shaving--would not qualify for the exemption under paragraph 
II.B. Additionally, SC DHEC points to applicable federal requirements 
for emergency generators at 40 CFR part 63 at subpart ZZZZ and 40 CFR 
part 60 at subparts IIII and JJJJ to restrict non-emergency use of 
these sources to 100 hours per year. Therefore, this change to 
subparagraph B.2.f. will not result in any real increase in emissions 
and therefore will not affect the state's ability to attain or maintain 
state or federal standards or reasonable further progress. The State 
also has the discretion to define the scope of its minor NSR program 
pursuant to 40 CFR 51.160(e).
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    \4\ Seitz, John S. ``Calculating Potential to Emit (PTE) for 
Emergency Generators.'' Memorandum to Program Directors in EPA 
Regional Offices, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, 
Research Triangle Park, NC (September 6, 1995).
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    SC DHEC in its letter also addresses changes made to subparagraph 
II.B.h. potentially allowing certain sources with PTE exceeding the 
thresholds of this subparagraph to be exempt from the requirement to 
obtain a construction permit. SC DHEC asserts that this provision is 
primarily intended to apply to sources with PTE only slightly above the 
thresholds in subparagraph II.B.h. SC DHEC notes the safeguards built 
into the language that sources subject to any applicable requirements 
are not exempt from obtaining construction permits. The letter then 
steps through an example of the process that small sources of VOC 
emissions would undergo, including an assessment of any potentially 
applicable requirements related to NAAQS, toxics, or hazardous air 
pollutants; consideration of the PTE relative to major source 
thresholds; and any other special considerations. SC DHEC determines 
the applicability of construction permits for these sources under close 
scrutiny on a case-by-case basis. This process in determining which 
types and sizes of sources need to undergo preconstruction review and 
permitting, afforded the State pursuant 40 CFR 51.160(e), is sufficient 
to protect the NAAQS and prevent interference with reasonable further 
progress, consistent with CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
    SC DHEC's change to paragraph II.B.3. notes that SC DHEC may 
develop emission thresholds for exemptions that are not determined not 
to interfere with attainment or maintenance or any state or federal 
standard. EPA understands this language to reflect SC DHEC's 
flexibility for determining which types and sizes of sources need to 
undergo preconstruction review and permitting pursuant 40 CFR 
51.160(e), and understands that these thresholds would need to be in 
the SIP, similar to Subparagraph II.B.h. The compiled list is available 
on SC DHEC's Web site.\5\ EPA preliminarily agrees that SC DHEC clearly 
lays out the types and sizes of sources of interest for preconstruction 
review, and also the reasonable process by which case-by-case 
determinations are made to exempt sources with emissions above the 
thresholds in subparagraph B.2.h., but less than any thresholds for 
other applicable requirements like major NSR. EPA also preliminarily 
agrees that this portion of South Carolina's minor NSR program does not 
interfere with attainment or maintenance of the NAAQS, reasonable 
further progress, or other applicable CAA requirements. Therefore, we 
are proposing to approve changes to the SIP made to Section II.B. 
pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), as well as 40 CFR 
51.160-164.
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    \5\ The latest compiled list of exempted sources was updated as 
of December 2016: http://www.scdhec.gov/Environment/docs/NewExemptions.pdf.
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3. Section II.C.--``Construction Permit Applications''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.C--``Construction Permit 
Applications,'' specifies the requirements for sources applying for and 
obtaining construction permits. The October 1, 2007, submittal makes 
several changes to subsection C. as follows: (1) Renumbers former 
paragraph A.2. to standalone subsection C and changes the title to 
specify that the requirements apply to construction permit 
applications; (2) makes administrative edits, including renumbering; 
(3) adds paragraph C.3. to reference SC DHEC forms which were created 
to ease the permit application process; and (4) renumbers former 
subparagraphs B.2.a.-g. to C.3.a.-p., reformatting and clarifying what 
information may be required in addition to the SC DHEC forms, including 
more specific process, chemical, and emissions information used to 
determine PTE, an air quality analysis demonstrating protection of the 
NAAQS, and a regulatory applicability determination.
    The July 18, 2011, submittal further modifies Section II.C. at 
subparagraphs C.3.c.-d. to make administrative edits. South Carolina's 
August 8, 2014, submittal makes additional administrative and 
clarifying edits. The January 20, 2016, submittal also makes minor 
administrative edits. Finally, the July 27, 2016, submittal makes one 
change to subparagraph C.2.m. to clarify that scale drawings of the 
facility must include buildings that might affect dispersion of 
emissions.
    EPA has reviewed the changes made to the construction permit 
application requirements and is proposing to approve them into the SIP, 
pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
4. Section II.D.--``General Construction Permits''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.D.--``General Construction Permits'' 
provides regulations by which SC DHEC can issue general construction 
permits for similar sources. South Carolina's October 1, 2007, 
submittal adds these provisions to the minor NSR program for 
construction permits to facilitate the permitting process for similar 
sources

[[Page 39087]]

qualifying for and applying for coverage under permits with general 
terms and conditions. The purpose of this general permitting minor NSR 
program is to protect the NAAQS while simplifying the permitting 
process for similar sources. The general construction permits paragraph 
provides for the following: (1) General permits will incorporate all 
applicable requirements for construction of similar sources and 
identify the criteria by which sources can qualify for the permit; (2) 
sources can submit construction permit applications to SC DHEC that 
include requests for coverage under the general permit, and sources 
later determined not to qualify for the general permit are subject to 
enforcement; (3) approval to operate under a permit is a final permit 
action for the purposes of judicial review; (4) the permit application 
can deviate from the provisions of Section II.C. if enough information 
is included to determine the source's qualification for the general 
permit; and (5) sources qualifying for general permits are able to 
apply for individual construction permits in lieu of coverage under the 
general permit.
    The August 8, 2014, submittal makes administrative and clarifying 
edits to subsection II.D. throughout. EPA has reviewed the changes made 
to the minor NSR permitting program and is proposing to approve them 
into the SIP, pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
6. Section II.E.--``Synthetic Minor Construction Permits''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.E.--``Synthetic Minor Construction 
Permits'' specifies requirements for obtaining construction permits 
with federally enforceable emissions limits to restrict PTE for 
sources. South Carolina's October 1, 2007, submittal revises the 
paragraph for synthetic minor sources as follows: (1) Renumbers 
subsection II.H. to subsection II.E.; (2) makes administrative and 
clarifying amendments to the title and throughout the paragraph to 
clearly indicate that this paragraph pertains to construction permits 
and to update references; (3) removes former subparagraphs II.2.c.-f. 
as these requirements are now redundant and covered by other portions 
of subsection E. or Section II; (4) adds paragraph E.3. to list 
required synthetic minor permit conditions; (5) adds administrative 
language to make applications for general synthetic minor construction 
permits consistent with other construction permit applications; and (6) 
adds paragraph E.5. to list additional requirements for synthetic minor 
construction permit applications relative to other minor construction 
permit applications.
    The August 8, 2014, submittal makes changes to subsection II.E. to 
update administrative language and references throughout the paragraph. 
The July 27, 2016, submittal also makes administrative edits to 
subparagraph E.2.b. EPA has reviewed the changes made to the 
requirements covering synthetic minor construction permits and is 
proposing to approve them into the SIP, pursuant to CAA sections 
110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), and 40 CFR 51.160-164.
7. Section II.F.--``Operating Permits''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.F.--``Operating Permits'' specifies 
requirements for obtaining minor source operating permits. South 
Carolina's October 1, 2007, submittal makes several changes to 
subsection II.F. to clarify and add requirements, including: (1) 
Renumbering subsection II.B. to II.F.; (2) adding paragraph F.1. to 
require sources to record the actual date of initial startup and submit 
it to SC DHEC; (3) adding paragraph F.2. to require certification that 
construction was completed in accordance with the specifications of the 
construction permit, to require any variances from the construction 
permit to be addressed, and to assert that construction variances which 
would trigger new requirements will be considered construction without 
a permit; (4) adding language to clarify that title V sources may 
comply with the Section II.F operating permit requirements by 
submitting a permit modification request under 61-62.70.7(e) ; (5) 
adding language to clarify that the existing requirement to provide a 
written request to SC DHEC for a new or revised operating permit 
applies to minor sources and those major sources not yet covered by a 
title V permit; (6) adding subparagraph F.3.c. to specify that the 
written request for a new or revised operating permit must include a 
list of sources put into operation and the actual initial startup dates 
for those sources; (7) making other administrative edits throughout the 
paragraph; and (8) moving paragraph B.2. regarding permit renewals to a 
standalone subsection II.H.
    The August 8, 2014 and July 27, 2016, submittals make 
administrative changes to Section II.F.--``Operating Permits.'' EPA has 
reviewed the changes made to the existing SIP requirements for applying 
for an operating permit and is proposing to approve them into the SIP, 
pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
38. Section II.G.--``Conditional Major Operating Permits''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.G.--``Conditional Major Operating 
Permits'' specifies requirements for obtaining operating permits with 
federally enforceable emissions limits to restrict PTE for sources. 
South Carolina's October 1, 2007, submittal makes several changes to 
subsection II.G. to clarify applicability and requirements as follows: 
(1) Adds language to specify that paragraph II.G. applies to sources 
requesting federally enforceable limits to restrict PTE below major 
source thresholds; (2) adds language to specify that sources which 
received synthetic minor construction permits and that are not subject 
to title V will receive conditional major operating permits; (3) adds 
permit shield language to note that if the renewal request is submitted 
pursuant to paragraph II.H., conditional major sources can operate 
under the most recent conditional major permit until SC DHEC processes 
the renewal request; (4) adds language to note that the written request 
provided by new sources needs to include any additional information 
specified in subparagraph G.5.; (5) adds language and clarifies 
existing language to note that the permit conditions, including special 
conditions to verify compliance with operational and emissions limits, 
are located at subsection II.J.; (6) modifies existing language to 
specify additional requirements for conditional major operating permit 
applications only; (7) removes requirements pertaining to construction 
permit application requirements because subsections II.C. and II.E. 
otherwise cover these requirements; (8) removes requirements pertaining 
to standard operating permit applications because those are otherwise 
covered by subsection II.F.; (9) adds language to specify that the 
general information requirements in construction permit applications at 
paragraph C.3. also apply to conditional major operating permits; and 
(10) makes other administrative language changes throughout the 
paragraph.
    The July 18, 2011, August 8, 2014, and July 27, 2016, submittals 
make additional administrative changes to subsection II.G. EPA has 
reviewed the changes made to SC DHEC's conditional major source 
program, which is a portion of the FESOP minor source program, and 
agrees that the revisions made to subsection II.G. clarify the 
requirements for obtaining conditional major operating permits. 
Further, EPA has determined that the conditional operating permit 
program remains consistent with the criteria for

[[Page 39088]]

approving FESOP programs.\6\ Therefore, EPA is proposing to approve 
these changes into the SIP pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 
110(l).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ EPA approved SC DHEC's FESOP program on December 11, 1995 
(60 FR 63434).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. Section II.H.--``Operating Permit Renewal Request''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.H.--``Operating Permit Renewal 
Request'' specifies requirements for renewing operating permits for 
minor sources. South Carolina's October 1, 2007, submittal makes 
several changes to subsection II.H. to clarify applicability and 
requirements as follows: (1) Renumbers former paragraph B.2. to make a 
standalone subsection at II.H.; (2) adds paragraph H.1. to clarify that 
operating permits must be renewed through a written request; (3) adds 
paragraph H.2. to clarify that subsection II.H does not apply to title 
V sources; (4) adds language to specify that sources must submit permit 
renewal requests no later than 90 days prior to expiration of the 
existing operating permit; (5) revises language to expand the type of 
information needed to verify special permit conditions; (6) adds 
language to require more specific information in the renewal request, 
including changes in the source information required for construction 
permits under paragraph C.3.; and (7) makes administrative language 
changes throughout the paragraph.
    The July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013, August 8, 2014, and July 27, 
2016, submittals make several administrative edits and correct 
typographical errors throughout subsection II.H. EPA has reviewed the 
changes made to the operating permit renewal requirements and believes 
these changes are more specific and help to ensure SC DHEC has the best 
information possible when evaluating renewal requests. EPA has also 
preliminarily determined that the changes will not interfere with 
attainment or maintenance of the NAAQS, reasonable further progress, or 
other applicable CAA requirements. EPA is therefore proposing to 
approve these changes into the SIP, pursuant to CAA sections 
110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
10. Section II.I.--``Registration Permits''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.I.--``Registration Permits'' 
provides regulations by which SC DHEC can issue registration permits, 
covering the construction and operation of similar sources. South 
Carolina's October 1, 2007, submittal adds these provisions to the 
minor source construction and operating permitting program to 
facilitate the permitting process for similar true minor sources 
qualifying for and applying for coverage permits for specific source 
categories. The purpose of this registration permitting minor source 
program is to protect the NAAQS while simplifying the permitting 
process for similar true minor sources. The difference between 
registration permits and general construction permits or general 
operating permits is that this program develops permits for specific 
source categories exclusively for true minor sources.
    The October 1, 2007, submittal provides the following requirements 
for registration permits under paragraph II.I: (1) Registration permits 
will be developed by SC DHEC and will specify all applicable 
requirements for construction and operation of similar true minor 
sources; (2) registration permits will be developed only for true minor 
sources; (3) sources can submit applications for coverage by certifying 
qualification for, and agreeing to the conditions of, registration 
permits, and sources later determined not to qualify for the 
registration permit are subject to enforcement; (4) approval to operate 
under a permit is a final permit action for the purposes of judicial 
review; and (5) sources will adhere to general requirements under 
paragraph II.J.1., and any other special permit conditions necessary to 
verify compliance with operational and emission limits.
    The July 18, 2011, submittal makes subsequent changes to subsection 
II.I. as follows: (1) Makes administrative edits; (2) adds language to 
assert that regardless of qualification for registration permits, SC 
DHEC reserves the right to require construction and operating permits, 
as determined on a case-by-case basis; and (3) changes language to 
clarify that registration permits shall contain any applicable permit 
conditions under subsection II.J., rather than all permit conditions 
listed in paragraph II.J., as SC DHEC finds appropriate.
    The August 8, 2014, submittal includes other changes to paragraph 
II.I., including administrative edits throughout and adding language to 
assert that SC DHEC can reopen registration permits for cause or to 
include new standards or regulations that become applicable during the 
lifetime of the permit. The August 8, 2014, submittal also removes 
language at subparagraph I.1.a. requiring SC DHEC to provide notice and 
opportunity for public participation prior to developing new 
registration permits. However, the State withdrew this change from 
EPA's consideration in a letter dated August 7, 2017.\7\ In the letter, 
SC DHEC explained that its intent in withdrawing the change was to 
require the Department to comply with the public participation 
procedures at subsection II.N. when developing registration permits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The August 7, 2017, letter has been included in the docket 
for this action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA has reviewed the changes made to the registration permit 
requirements, as clarified by the State's August 7, 2017, letter, and 
is proposing to approve them into the SIP, pursuant to CAA sections 
110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), and 40 CFR part 51, subpart I.
11. Section II.J.--``Permit Conditions''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.J.--``Permit Conditions'' specifies 
required standard and special permit conditions. The October 1, 2007, 
submittal combines the standard and special permit conditions into a 
standalone section for required permit conditions. This submittal makes 
the following changes at paragraph J.: (1) Renumbers former subsection 
II.C. to II.J. and modifies the title to reflect that the subsection 
applies to all permit types; (2) requires sources to submit reports as 
specified in applicable permits, laws, regulations, or standards; (3) 
adds language to assert that a source may be subject to enforcement if 
it fails to construct in accordance with the application and any issued 
construction permit, or constructs without applying for approval; (4) 
adds language to clarify the time period over which construction 
permits are valid; (5) renumbers paragraph G.4. to paragraph J.2. and 
modifies the title to clarify that what follows are special permit 
conditions; (6) adds language stating that SC DHEC will require special 
permit conditions as it finds appropriate, such as operational limits 
or reporting and recordkeeping requirements; (7) removes former 
subparagraph G.4.g., which states conditions to limit PTE must be 
federally enforceable, because the State otherwise imposes this 
requirement for synthetic minor construction permits at subparagraph 
E.3. and conditional major operating permits at subparagraph G.5.; and 
(8) makes administrative language changes throughout subsection II.J.
    One change made to subparagraph J.1.d., formerly C.4., in the 
October 1, 2007, submittal regards when emissions reports need to be 
made. In the place of a specific quarterly timeframe, the change 
directs sources to comply with reporting requirements derived from 
applicable permit requirements, laws and regulations, or standards. 
There are no specific reporting requirements for

[[Page 39089]]

minor sources specified in federal regulations at 40 CFR 51.160-164, so 
these reporting schedules can be developed as SC DHEC deems 
necessary.\8\ Moreover, subparagraph J.1.a. states that ``[n]o 
applicable law, regulation or standard will be contravened.'' Thus, if 
there is a prescriptive state or federal requirement for reporting of 
emissions that applies to any of these minor sources, the permits will 
set the necessary reporting schedule accordingly. Therefore, EPA has 
determined that this change does not interfere with attainment or 
maintenance of the NAAQS, reasonable further progress, or any other 
applicable CAA requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 40 CFR 70.6 generally requires semiannual emissions and 
compliance reporting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The July 18, 2011, submittal makes further revisions to subsection 
II.J., including: (1) Adding language stating that false information or 
misrepresentation in a permit application is grounds for permit 
revocation; (2) adding language stating that the issued construction or 
operating permit must be kept at the facility and that records must be 
kept as prescribed on site for at least five years; and (3) making 
administrative and clarifying edits. The August 8, 2014, submittal 
makes additional administrative changes.
    EPA has reviewed the changes to standard and special permit 
requirements for the minor source construction and operating permit 
program and is proposing to approve them into the SIP pursuant to CAA 
section 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
12. Section II.K.--``Exceptions''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.K.--``Exceptions'' sets forth 
factors that SC DHEC shall consider in determining whether to impose 
alternative emissions limits, compliance schedules, or other 
restrictions. The October 1, 2007, submittal makes non-substantive 
changes to this subsection, including renumbering this existing 
subsection from II.D. to II.K., and making administrative language 
changes. EPA is therefore proposing to approve the aforementioned 
changes into the SIP pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
13. Section II.M.--``Transfer of Ownership/Operation''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.M.--``Transfer of Ownership/
Operation'' specifies procedures for owners or operators of sources to 
undertake if the ownership or operation is transferred to another 
party. The October 1, 2007, submittal makes minor changes to this 
regulation to renumber existing subsection II.E. to subsection II.M. 
and to add more specific requirements for the written request to 
transfer ownership or operation of a source. The August 8, 2014, 
submittal makes only administrative changes to language in this 
subsection.
    EPA has reviewed the changes to this existing portion of the minor 
source permitting regulations and is proposing to approve the 
aforementioned changes into the SIP pursuant to CAA section 
110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
14. Section II.N.--``Public Participation Procedures''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.N.--``Public Participation 
Procedures,'' specifies the public participation requirements for 
sources applying for and obtaining federally enforceable minor source 
construction and operating permits. The October 1, 2007, submittal 
makes several changes to subsection N. as follows: (1) Renumbers 
existing paragraph G.5. to create a standalone paragraph for public 
participation and clarify that these procedures can apply to other 
types of permit requests rather than only conditional major source 
operating permits; (2) adds language providing SC DHEC with discretion 
to require notice of permitting activity, even when not otherwise 
required by the State's regulations; (3) adds language stating that SC 
DHEC can use means other than publishing in newspapers, the State 
Register, and mailing lists to notify the public of minor source 
permitting; and (5) makes administrative language edits for 
consistency.
    The July 18, 2011, submittal makes one clarifying edit to reflect 
that an approved construction permit is required prior to the 
commencement of construction. The August 8, 2014, submittal makes 
administrative and clarifying edits to subsection II.N., including: (1) 
Adding language to subparagraph N.1. to identify the SC DHEC Web site 
as another method of notifying the public of permitting activity; (2) 
reformatting and revising paragraph N.2. to list the required elements 
of the public notice; (3) revising language to identify how SC DHEC 
will address and record comments, and broadening the SC DHEC procedures 
to note that the State will respond to all comments rather than only 
those received in writing or at the public hearing; (4) removing 
language requiring SC DEHC to respond to all comments in writing; and 
(5) making administrative edits.
    The changes in the October 1, 2007, submittal to allow for other 
methods of public notice, and in the August 8, 2014, submittal to 
explicitly list the SC DHEC Web site as a possible method of public 
notice are consistent with the minor source permitting regulations at 
40 CFR 51.161. EPA has existing policy asserting that the public notice 
requirement for minor source permitting activities at 40 CFR 
51.161(b)(3) is media-neutral, meaning that the public notice 
requirement can be met as long as the State interprets the method to be 
``prominent advertising.'' \9\ SC DHEC can therefore make use of its 
Web site, mailing lists, and other methods in lieu of publication in a 
newspaper. The provisions at subsection II.N. pertain only to minor 
sources, and any major source public notice requirements are contained 
in the major source PSD, NNSR, and title V regulations.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ McCabe, Janet, ``Minor New Source Review Program Public 
Notice Requirements under 40 CFR 51.161(b)(3),'' Memorandum to 
Regional Administrators, Office of Air and Radiation, Washington, DC 
(April 17, 2012).
    \10\ EPA published a final rule on October 18, 2016 (81 FR 
71613) amending the public notice requirements for major source 
permitting programs to allow for other means of public notice, 
including Web sites. This proposed rulemaking only deals with 
changes to South Carolina's minor source permitting regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA has reviewed the public notice requirements and preliminarily 
finds that the changes currently before the Agency are not inconsistent 
with the CAA and EPA's implementing regulations, including the criteria 
for approving FESOP programs. See 54 FR 27274 (June 28, 1989). 
Therefore, EPA is proposing to approve the changes to the existing 
public notice requirements for the minor NSR and FESOP programs, 
pursuant to CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) and 40 CFR 51.160-164.
15. Section II.O.--``Inspection and Entry''
    Regulation 61-62.1, Section II.O.--``Inspection and Entry,'' 
specifies requirements to allow SC DHEC officials to enter and inspect 
facilities. South Carolina's July 18, 2011, submittal adds these 
provisions to the minor source construction and operating permitting 
program to allow for verification of adherence to permit conditions. 
The August 8, 2014, submittal makes one additional administrative 
change to the introductory language at subsection II.O. The ability for 
SC DHEC to enter and inspect facilities enables the State to oversee 
the minor source permitting program, including assisting in potential 
enforcement actions. EPA is therefore proposing to approve this 
subsection

[[Page 39090]]

and its updated provisions into the SIP, pursuant to CAA section 
110(a)(2)(C).

IV. Incorporation by Reference

    In this rule, EPA is proposing to include in a final EPA rule 
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance 
with the requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is proposing to incorporate by 
reference South Carolina Regulation 61-62.1, Section II--``Permit 
Requirements,'' effective June 24, 2016,\11\ which revises the 
federally enforceable minor source construction and operating permit 
program. EPA has made, and will continue to make, these materials 
generally available through www.regulations.gov and/or at the EPA 
Region 4 office (please contact the person identified in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this preamble for more 
information).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See Section I and Section II.C. of this proposed rule for 
additional detail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to approve portions of revisions to the South 
Carolina SIP submitted by SC DHEC to EPA on October 1, 2007, July 18, 
2011, June 17, 2013, August 8, 2014, January 20, 2016, and July 27, 
2016. Specifically, EPA is proposing to approve the changes to S.C. 
Code Ann. Regs. 61-62.1, Section II--``Permit Requirements,'' as 
discussed above, pursuant to CAA section 110(a)(2)(C), section 110(l), 
and 40 CFR 51.160--164.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable 
Federal regulations. See 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 that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this 
proposed action merely proposes to approve 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 (Public Law 104-4);
     does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; and
     does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).

In addition, this proposed rule for South Carolina does not have Tribal 
implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, 
November 9, 2000), because it does not have substantial direct effects 
on an Indian Tribe. The Catawba Indian Nation Reservation is located 
within the state of South Carolina. Pursuant to the Catawba Indian 
Claims Settlement Act, S.C. Code Ann. 27-16-120, ``all state and local 
environmental laws and regulations apply to the [Catawba Indian Nation] 
and Reservation and are fully enforceable by all relevant state and 
local agencies and authorities.'' EPA notes this action will not impose 
substantial direct costs on Tribal governments or preempt Tribal law.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
Incorporation by reference, Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate 
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, 
Volatile organic compounds.

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

    Dated: August 7, 2017.
V. Anne Heard,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
[FR Doc. 2017-17345 Filed 8-16-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 158 / Thursday, August 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                                    39083

                                                    Dated: August 4, 2017.                                making effective comments, please visit                minor source permitting program, and
                                                  V. Anne Heard,                                          http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/                           generally reduce the overall burden on
                                                  Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.                commenting-epa-dockets.                                the state permitting program and the
                                                  [FR Doc. 2017–17222 Filed 8–16–17; 8:45 am]             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: D.                    regulated community. The changes
                                                  BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                  Brad Akers, Air Regulatory Management                  addressed in this proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                          Section, Air Planning and                              also correct typographical errors, make
                                                                                                          Implementation Branch, Air, Pesticides                 internal references consistent, and
                                                  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                and Toxics Management Division, U.S.                   recodify sections of the existing rules. In
                                                  AGENCY                                                  Environmental Protection Agency,                       this action, EPA is proposing to approve
                                                                                                          Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW.,                       certain portions of these SIP
                                                  40 CFR Part 52                                          Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. Mr. Akers                 submissions that make changes to South
                                                  [EPA–R04–OAR–2017–0359; FRL–9966–48–                    can be reached via telephone at (404)                  Carolina’s minor NSR regulations and
                                                  Region 4]                                               562–9089 or via electronic mail at                     FESOP requirements.
                                                                                                          akers.brad@epa.gov.                                       EPA is not acting on a portion of the
                                                  Air Plan Approval; South Carolina:                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             revisions to Regulation 61–62.1, Section
                                                  Minor Source Permit Program                                                                                    II—‘‘Permit Requirements.’’
                                                  Revisions                                               I. What action is EPA proposing?                       Specifically, EPA is not acting on the
                                                                                                             On October 1, 2007, July 18, 2011,                  renumbering and minor administrative
                                                  AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                                                                          June 17, 2013, August 8, 2014, January                 language changes to paragraph G.6.—
                                                  Agency (EPA).
                                                                                                          20, 2016, and July 27, 2016, SC DHEC                   ‘‘Emergency Provisions,’’ in the October
                                                  ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                                                                          submitted SIP revisions to EPA for                     1, 2007, submittal, nor the minor
                                                  SUMMARY:    The Environmental Protection                approval that involve changes to South                 additional language changes to this
                                                  Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve                    Carolina’s minor source permitting                     portion of the minor source permitting
                                                  changes to South Carolina’s State                       regulations to clarify and streamline the              regulations included in the August 8,
                                                  Implementation Plan (SIP) to revise                     State’s federally-approved                             2014, submittal.2
                                                  minor new source review (NSR)                           preconstruction and operating                             At this time, EPA is not acting on the
                                                  regulations. EPA is proposing to                        permitting program. This program                       following changes included in the
                                                  approve portions of SIP revisions                       requires minor stationary sources                      October 1, 2007, submittal: Regulation
                                                  modifying these regulations as                          planning to construct or modify sources                61–62.5, Standard No. 4—‘‘Emissions
                                                  submitted by the State of South                         of air pollutants to first obtain a                    from Process Industries’’; and
                                                  Carolina, through the South Carolina                    construction permit and to obtain and                  Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 5.2—
                                                  Department of Health and                                maintain operating permits in                          ‘‘Control of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX).’’
                                                  Environmental Control (SC DHEC), on                     accordance with the South Carolina                        EPA is also not acting on changes in
                                                  the following dates: October 1, 2007,                   Code of Regulations Annotated (S.C.                    the July 18, 2011, submittal to the
                                                  July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013, August 8,                 Code Ann. Regs.) at Regulation 61–62.1,                following regulations in South
                                                  2014, January 20, 2016, and July 27,                    Section II—‘‘Permit Requirements.’’ The                Carolina’s SIP: Regulation 61–62.1,
                                                  2016. This action is being proposed                     portion of the SIP-approved permitting                 Section I—‘‘Definitions’’; Regulation
                                                  pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or                   program covering construction permits                  61–62.3—‘‘Air Pollution Episodes’’;
                                                  Act).                                                   is generally referred to as the minor                  Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 1—
                                                  DATES: Comments must be received on                     source permitting program or the minor                 ‘‘Emissions from Fuel Burning
                                                  or before September 18, 2017.                           NSR program to distinguish it from                     Operations’’; Regulation 61–62.5,
                                                  ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                        additional permitting requirements for                 Standard No. 4—‘‘Emissions from
                                                  identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R04–                    major sources of air pollutants.1 The                  Process Industries’’; Regulation 61–62.5,
                                                  OAR–2017–0359 at http://                                portion of the SIP-approved permitting                 Standard No. 6—‘‘Alternative Emission
                                                  www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                  program covering minor source                          Limitation Options (Bubble)’’;
                                                  instructions for submitting comments.                   operating permits is referred to as the                Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 7—
                                                  Once submitted, comments cannot be                      federally enforceable state operating                  ‘‘Prevention of Significant
                                                  edited or removed from Regulations.gov.                 permit (FESOP) program. The changes                    Deterioration’’; and Regulation 61–62.5,
                                                  EPA may publish any comment received                    made in these submittals clarify the                   Standard No. 7.1—‘‘Nonattainment New
                                                  to its public docket. Do not submit                     applicability, streamline the permitting               Source Review.’’ EPA approved the
                                                  electronically any information you                      process, provide more options for the                  changes to Regulation 61–62.5, Standard
                                                  consider to be Confidential Business                                                                           No. 2—‘‘Ambient Air Quality
                                                  Information (CBI) or other information                     1 EPA’s regulations governing the implementation    Standards,’’ included in the July 18,
                                                  whose disclosure is restricted by statute.              of NSR permitting programs are contained in 40         2011, submittal, on April 3, 2013 (78 FR
                                                                                                          CFR 51.160–.166; 52.21, .24; and part 51, Appendix     19994).
                                                  Multimedia submissions (audio, video,                   S. The CAA NSR program is composed of three
                                                  etc.) must be accompanied by a written                  separate programs: prevention of significant              EPA is not acting on the changes
                                                  comment. The written comment is                         deterioration (PSD), nonattainment new source          included in the June 17, 2013, submittal
                                                  considered the official comment and                     review (NNSR), and Minor NSR. PSD is established       to the following regulations: Regulation
                                                                                                          in part C of title I of the CAA and applies to major   61–62.1, Section I—‘‘Definitions’’;
                                                  should include discussion of all points                 stationary sources in areas that meet the national
                                                  you wish to make. EPA will generally                    ambient air quality standards (NAAQS)—                 Regulation 61–62.1, Section IV—
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                                                  not consider comments or comment                        ‘‘attainment areas’’—as well as areas where there is   ‘‘Source Tests’’; Regulation 61–62.3—
                                                  contents located outside of the primary                 insufficient information to determine if the area      ‘‘Air Pollution Episodes’’; Regulation
                                                                                                          meets the NAAQS—‘‘unclassifiable areas.’’ The          61–62.5, Standard No. 4—‘‘Emissions
                                                  submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or                  NNSR program is established in part D of title I of
                                                  other file sharing system). For                         the CAA and applies to major stationary sources in     from Process Industries’’; and
                                                  additional submission methods, the full                 areas that are not in attainment of the NAAQS—
                                                                                                          ‘‘nonattainment areas.’’ The Minor NSR program           2 In this action, EPA is not proposing to approve
                                                  EPA public comment policy,                              applies to stationary sources that do not require      or disapprove revisions to any existing emission
                                                  information about CBI or multimedia                     PSD or NNSR permits. Together, these programs are      limitations that apply during start up, shut down
                                                  submissions, and general guidance on                    referred to as the NSR programs.                       and malfunction events.



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                                                  39084                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 158 / Thursday, August 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                  Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 5—                     Carolina initially revised its minor NSR              comply with all terms, conditions, and
                                                  ‘‘Volatile Organic Compounds.’’                         and FESOP rules in the October 1, 2007,               limitations of any permit issued by SC
                                                     Additionally, EPA is not acting on the               submittal to clarify and streamline                   DHEC for sources or activities at its
                                                  changes included in the August 8, 2014,                 requirements for obtaining minor source               facility; and (3) a source’s permit status
                                                  submittal to the following regulations:                 construction and operating permits. The               may change if new regulatory
                                                  Regulation 61–62.1, Section I—                          July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013, August 8,               requirements become applicable. The
                                                  ‘‘Definitions’’; Regulation 61–62.1,                    2014, January 20, 2016, and July 27,                  effect of moving this language from
                                                  Section IV—‘‘Source Tests’’; Regulation                 2017, submittals make other clarifying                subsection A. is to clarify that it is
                                                  61–62.1, Section V—‘‘Credible                           and administrative changes, which are                 applicable to all of Section II—meaning
                                                  Evidence’’; Regulation 61–62.5,                         discussed for each subsection of the                  it applies to any types of permits issued
                                                  Standard No. 1—‘‘Emissions from Fuel                    regulation below.                                     by the SC DHEC rather than only
                                                  Burning Equipment’’; and Regulation                       EPA has reviewed the proposed                       construction permits.
                                                  61–62.5, Standard No. 4—‘‘Emissions                     changes to the minor source                              The August 8, 2014, submittal further
                                                  from Process Industries.’’ EPA approved                 construction and operating permitting                 modifies Section II.A. by making
                                                  the changes to Regulation 61–62.1,                      regulations and preliminarily finds                   administrative edits and adding
                                                  Section III—‘‘Emissions Inventory and                   them to be consistent with CAA sections               additional allowed preconstruction
                                                  Emissions Statement,’’ included in the                  110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), EPA’s minor                  activities for true minor sources at
                                                  August 8, 2014, submittal, on June 12,                  NSR regulations found at 40 CFR                       subparagraph A.1.c, originally added in
                                                  2015 (80 FR 33413) and May 31, 2017                     51.160—164, and the criteria applicable               the October 1, 2007, submittal as
                                                  (82 FR 24851).                                          to an approvable State FESOP program.                 subparagraph A.1.d.
                                                     EPA is also not acting on the changes                                                                         The revision to subparagraph A.1.c.—
                                                                                                          B. Analysis of Changes to Each Section                added to the Regulation as A.1.d. in the
                                                  included in the January 20, 2016,
                                                  submittal to the following regulations:                 1. Section II.A.—‘‘Construction Permits’’             October 1, 2007, submittal, renumbered
                                                  Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 5—                                                                           in the July 18, 2011, submittal, and
                                                                                                             Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.A—                  updated in the August 8, 2014,
                                                  ‘‘Volatile Organic Compounds’’;                         ‘‘Construction Permits’’ specifies
                                                  Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 7.1—                                                                         submittal—allows certain
                                                                                                          applicability and certain requirements                preconstruction activities prior to
                                                  ‘‘Nonattainment New Source Review’’;                    for obtaining permits for sources seeking
                                                  and Regulation 61–62.6—‘‘Control of                                                                           obtaining a final construction permit,
                                                                                                          to construct or modify emissions units.               provided that specific conditions are
                                                  Fugitive Particulate Matter.’’                          The October 1, 2007, submittal makes
                                                     Finally, EPA is not acting on the                                                                          met. EPA has preliminarily determined
                                                                                                          several changes to paragraph A. as                    that the preconstruction activities
                                                  changes included in the July 27, 2016,                  follows: (1) Adds allowed
                                                  submittal to the following regulations:                                                                       provision is consistent with the
                                                                                                          preconstruction activities at                         requirements of CAA sections
                                                  Regulation 61–62.1, Section I—                          subparagraph A.1.d. for true minor
                                                  ‘‘Definitions’’; Regulation 61–62.5,                                                                          110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), and federal
                                                                                                          sources (i.e., minor sources that are not             regulations at 40 CFR 51.160—51.164.
                                                  Standard No. 4—‘‘Emissions from                         synthetic minor sources); (2) adds the
                                                  Process Industries’’; and Regulation 61–                                                                         Section 110(a)(2)(C) of the CAA
                                                                                                          requirement that written notification be              requires that state SIPs include a
                                                  62.5, Standard No. 5.2—‘‘Control of                     provided to the Department marking the
                                                  Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX).’’ EPA will                                                                          program for regulating the construction
                                                                                                          commencement of construction and                      and modification of stationary sources
                                                  address these remaining changes to the                  initial startup; (3) adds language                    as necessary to ensure that the NAAQS
                                                  South Carolina SIP in separate actions.                 requiring compliance with all terms,                  are maintained. Federal regulations at
                                                  II. Analysis of State’s Submittal                       limits, and conditions of Department-                 40 CFR 51.160(b) require states to have
                                                                                                          issued construction permits; (4) adds                 legally enforceable procedures to
                                                  A. Overview of Changes to Section II—                   time constraints for the validity of                  prevent construction or modification of
                                                  ‘‘Permit Requirements’’                                 issued construction permits; and (5)                  a source if it would violate any SIP
                                                     South Carolina has a SIP-approved                    removes the descriptions of permit                    control strategies or interfere with
                                                  minor source permitting program at                      application requirements from former                  attainment or maintenance of the
                                                  Regulation 61–62.1, Section II—‘‘Permit                 paragraph A.2. to create a standalone                 NAAQS. Federal regulations limit the
                                                  Requirements.’’ These regulations                       subsection C. for construction permits,               types of allowed preconstruction
                                                  include requirements for obtaining                      and to detail more specific requirements              activities for new and modified major
                                                  preconstruction and operating permits                   for other types of permits in other                   sources at 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(xv),
                                                  for different types of minor sources. The               paragraphs.                                           51.166(b)(11), and 52.21(b)(11) and, as
                                                  program covers ‘‘true minor’’ sources,                     The July 18, 2011, submittal makes                 discussed below, South Carolina has
                                                  which have the potential to emit (PTE)                  subsequent clarifying and                             adopted these provisions into its SIP.
                                                  of certain pollutants below major                       administrative changes to Section II.A.,              But federal regulations do not impose a
                                                  sources thresholds for new sources and                  consolidating former subparagraph                     corresponding limitation on
                                                  modifications. The SIP-approved minor                   A.1.a. and paragraph A.5. into an                     preconstruction activities for minor
                                                  source permitting program also includes                 introductory paragraph applicable to the              sources. SC DHEC provided additional
                                                  provisions for issuing permits that                     entirety of Regulation 61–62.1, Section               clarification of its allowed minor source
                                                  establish federally enforceable emission                II. The submittal also makes other                    preconstruction activities in a December
                                                  limits to restrict the PTE of certain                   renumbering and administrative edits to               30, 2016, letter, which is included in the
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                                                  pollutants below major source and                       the remaining subparagraphs.                          Docket for this proposed action. In this
                                                  major modification applicability                           The language moved to an                           letter, SC DHEC first explains that
                                                  thresholds: ‘‘synthetic minor’’ permits                 introductory paragraph for Section II                 ‘‘[a]llowed preconstruction activities are
                                                  establish these limits for sources                      states: (1) The regulation will not                   extremely limited in nature and do not
                                                  obtaining construction permits, and                     supersede any state or federal                        include construction of that actual
                                                  ‘‘conditional major’’ permits establish                 requirements nor special permit                       process unit itself.’’ The State also
                                                  these emission limits in the                            conditions unless it imposes a more                   points to a requirement under Section
                                                  corresponding operating permits. South                  restrictive limit; (2) sources must                   II.C.3.n. that sources applying for


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 158 / Thursday, August 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                          39085

                                                  construction permits demonstrate                        activities allowed at Section II.A.1.c.i.–            exemptions based on subparagraph
                                                  emissions will not interfere with                       xvii. The gatekeeping applicability                   B.2.h.—in the South Carolina State
                                                  attainment or maintenance of the                        language at Section II.A.1.c. and major               Register; (8) adds procedures for sources
                                                  NAAQS. This requirement corresponds                     NSR applicability provisions at                       requesting exemption from obtaining a
                                                  to Section II.A.2. of the Regulation,                   Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 7(a)(2)              construction permit under paragraph
                                                  which states that permits will not be                   and Standard No. 7.1(a)(1), provide that              B.2. or paragraph B.4.; (9) adds
                                                  issued if emissions interfere with any                  no major sources or modifications may                 paragraph B.6. to provide that
                                                  state or federal standard.                              engage in the preconstruction activities              exemptions under Section II.B. do not
                                                     SC DHEC also points to its                           allowed under Section II.A.1.c.i.–xvii.               relieve the owner or operator of any
                                                  memorandum regarding allowed                            Additionally, SC DHEC does not allow                  source from any obligation to comply
                                                  preconstruction activities for major                    synthetic minor sources to conduct the                with any other applicable requirements;
                                                  sources prior to obtaining PSD permits.3                preconstruction activities. Finally, SC               and (10) makes other administrative
                                                  SC DHEC notes that its minor source                     DHEC has legally enforceable                          changes and adds references throughout
                                                  preconstruction activities provisions                   procedures to prevent construction or                 subsection B.
                                                  mirror the federal limits on major source               modification of a source if it would                     The July 18, 2011, submittal makes
                                                  preconstruction activities, with the                    violate SIP control strategies or interfere           subsequent revisions to clarify
                                                  exception of one additional activity:                   with attainment or maintenance of the                 requirements and qualifications at
                                                  Allowing a facility to pour concrete                    NAAQS, as required by 40 CFR                          Section II.B., as follows: (1) Adds
                                                  foundation prior to obtaining a                         51.160(b).                                            language to subparagraph B.2.h. to
                                                  construction permit. This activity is                      The changes to South Carolina’s                    require that emissions calculations or
                                                  only prohibited for major sources or                    minor NSR program are not inconsistent                other information necessary to
                                                  major modifications prior to obtaining a                with the requirements of the CAA and                  demonstrate a source qualifies for the
                                                  permit in accordance with the definition                EPA’s regulations, and are therefore                  exemption must be kept on site and
                                                  of ‘‘begin actual construction’’ in the                 approvable as part of the SIP. EPA is                 provided to SC DHEC upon request; (2)
                                                  federal PSD regulations at 40 CFR                       therefore proposing to approve the                    revises language in paragraph B.3. to
                                                  51.166(b)(11) and 52.21(b)(11), and the                 aforementioned changes to subsection                  clarify that source types which are
                                                  NNSR regulations at 51.165(a)(1)(xv). As                A. and the introductory portion of                    added to the list of exempted sources
                                                  SC DHEC explains in its clarifying                      Section II pursuant to the CAA and 40                 will be determined not to interfere with
                                                  letter, Section II.A.1.c.—which specifies               CFR 51.160–164.                                       attainment or maintenance of any state
                                                  which sources may engage in                                                                                   or federal standard; (3) adds language
                                                                                                          2. Section II.B.—‘‘Exemptions From the
                                                  preconstruction activities—explicitly                                                                         stating that SC DHEC reserves the right
                                                                                                          Requirement To Obtain a Construction
                                                  excludes ‘‘sources not requesting to use                                                                      to require a construction permit on a
                                                                                                          Permit’’
                                                  federally enforceable construction                                                                            case-by-case basis, and that case-by-case
                                                  permit conditions to limit potential to                    Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.B.—                 determinations will consider, but not be
                                                  emit, sources not subject to regulations                ‘‘Exemptions from the Requirement to                  limited to, ‘‘the nature and amount of
                                                  with more stringent start of construction               Obtain a Construction Permit’’ specifies              the pollutants, location, proximity to
                                                  limitations, or sources not otherwise                   which types of minor sources are                      residences and commercial
                                                  exempt from permit requirements.’’ In                   exempt from obtaining minor source                    establishments, etc.’’; and (4) makes
                                                  other words, the regulation excludes,                   construction permits. The October 1,                  administrative edits to existing
                                                  among other sources, major sources                      2007, submittal makes several changes                 language.
                                                  subject to PSD regulations or CAA                       to subsection II.B. as follows: (1)                      Finally, the August 8, 2014, submittal
                                                  section 112 requirements for hazardous                  Renumbers existing Section II.F. to                   makes additional changes to paragraph
                                                  air pollutants (i.e., major sources and                 Section II.B. and modifies the title to               II.B., including: (1) Administrative edits
                                                  modifications).                                         clarify that the paragraph applies only               to the title of the paragraph and to
                                                     In its December 30, 2016 letter, SC                  to construction permits; (2) adds                     references and subparagraphs
                                                  DHEC references Section II.A.1.d.,                      language specifying that future source                throughout; (2) revises the PTE criteria
                                                  which clearly states that the owners or                 modifications or new regulatory                       in subparagraph B.2.h. to a 5 ton per
                                                  operators of any sources that would not                 requirements may trigger the need to                  year (tpy) threshold rather than 1 lb/hr,
                                                  qualify for the issuance of a                           obtain a permit for exempted facilities;              and adds language to state that sources
                                                  construction permit assume the                          (3) clarifies that the exemption for                  with higher PTE may be exempted
                                                  financial risk of commencing the                        boilers and space heaters applies to                  under this subparagraph if they
                                                  preconstruction activities listed in                    those firing virgin solid and liquid fuels;           demonstrate that they are not subject to
                                                  Section II.A.1.c. SC DHEC also notes                    (4) adds an exemption for boilers and                 any applicable state or federal limits or
                                                  that a source could be subject to an                    space heaters firing only virgin gas fuels            requirements; (3) amends paragraph B.3.
                                                  enforcement action under Section II.F.2.                rated 10 million British thermal units                to include language asserting that SC
                                                  and Section II.J.1.e.—or subject to                     per hour or less; (5) modifies the                    DHEC may develop emission thresholds
                                                  permit revocation under Section                         number of hours for testing and                       for exemption that are determined will
                                                  II.J.1.b—if the source either did not                   maintenance for exempted emergency                    not interfere with attainment or
                                                  comply with the regulations during                      generators; (6) modifies subparagraph                 maintenance of state or federal
                                                  construction or would not have                          B.2.h. to exempt additional sources with              standards to include in the list
                                                                                                          emissions less than the threshold of 1                maintained pursuant to this paragraph,
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                                                  qualified for the preconstruction
                                                  activities undertaken.                                  pound per hour (lb/hr) PTE of sulfur                  and that SC DHEC could be petitioned
                                                     Because SC DHEC does not allow for                   dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon                  to consider adding additional sources to
                                                  the construction of process units, there                monoxide; (7) adds the requirement for                this list; and (4) adds paragraph B.5.
                                                  are no increased emissions associated                   SC DHEC to periodically publish a list                stating that sources of volatile organic
                                                  with any of the preconstruction                         of sources exempted from the                          compounds (VOCs) with a PTE greater
                                                                                                          construction permit requirement under                 than the emission threshold listed in
                                                   3 This memorandum is also included in the              subparagraphs B.2.a.–g.—and any other                 subparagraph B.2.h. may be exempted
                                                  Docket for this proposed action.                        sources determined to qualify for permit              from the requirement to obtain a


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                                                  39086                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 158 / Thursday, August 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                  construction permit on a case-by-case                   reasonable further progress. The State                preliminarily agrees that this portion of
                                                  basis, and that exempt sources may later                also has the discretion to define the                 South Carolina’s minor NSR program
                                                  be required to be included in                           scope of its minor NSR program                        does not interfere with attainment or
                                                  construction or operating permits.                      pursuant to 40 CFR 51.160(e).                         maintenance of the NAAQS, reasonable
                                                     Section 110(a)(2)(C) of the CAA                         SC DHEC in its letter also addresses               further progress, or other applicable
                                                  requires that SIPs include a program for                changes made to subparagraph II.B.h.                  CAA requirements. Therefore, we are
                                                  regulating the construction and                         potentially allowing certain sources                  proposing to approve changes to the SIP
                                                  modification of stationary sources as                   with PTE exceeding the thresholds of                  made to Section II.B. pursuant to CAA
                                                  necessary to ensure that the NAAQS are                  this subparagraph to be exempt from the               sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), as well
                                                  maintained. Federal regulations at 40                   requirement to obtain a construction                  as 40 CFR 51.160–164.
                                                  CFR 51.160(e) require that states                       permit. SC DHEC asserts that this
                                                  identify the types and sizes of sources                                                                       3. Section II.C.—‘‘Construction Permit
                                                                                                          provision is primarily intended to apply
                                                  subject to review and the basis for                                                                           Applications’’
                                                                                                          to sources with PTE only slightly above
                                                  determining which sources are subject.                  the thresholds in subparagraph II.B.h.                   Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.C—
                                                  Additionally, CAA section 110(l)                        SC DHEC notes the safeguards built into               ‘‘Construction Permit Applications,’’
                                                  provides that EPA shall not approve a                   the language that sources subject to any              specifies the requirements for sources
                                                  revision to a plan if the revision would                applicable requirements are not exempt                applying for and obtaining construction
                                                  interfere with any applicable                           from obtaining construction permits.                  permits. The October 1, 2007, submittal
                                                  requirement concerning attainment and                   The letter then steps through an                      makes several changes to subsection C.
                                                  reasonable further progress (as defined                 example of the process that small                     as follows: (1) Renumbers former
                                                  in CAA section 171), or any other                       sources of VOC emissions would                        paragraph A.2. to standalone subsection
                                                  applicable requirement of the CAA. SC                   undergo, including an assessment of any               C and changes the title to specify that
                                                  DHEC has determined that specific                       potentially applicable requirements                   the requirements apply to construction
                                                  sources listed at paragraphs B.1. and                   related to NAAQS, toxics, or hazardous                permit applications; (2) makes
                                                  B.2. do not require permits because their               air pollutants; consideration of the PTE              administrative edits, including
                                                  size is not such that they are expected                 relative to major source thresholds; and              renumbering; (3) adds paragraph C.3. to
                                                  to interfere with attainment or                         any other special considerations. SC                  reference SC DHEC forms which were
                                                  maintenance of state or federal                         DHEC determines the applicability of                  created to ease the permit application
                                                  standards, including reasonable further                 construction permits for these sources                process; and (4) renumbers former
                                                  progress.                                               under close scrutiny on a case-by-case                subparagraphs B.2.a.–g. to C.3.a.–p.,
                                                     SC DHEC’s December 30, 2016, letter                  basis. This process in determining                    reformatting and clarifying what
                                                  provides additional clarification for                   which types and sizes of sources need                 information may be required in addition
                                                  certain changes made to Section II.B.                   to undergo preconstruction review and                 to the SC DHEC forms, including more
                                                  Subparagraph B.2.f. extends the testing                 permitting, afforded the State pursuant               specific process, chemical, and
                                                  and maintenance operation threshold                     40 CFR 51.160(e), is sufficient to protect            emissions information used to
                                                  for exempting emergency generators                      the NAAQS and prevent interference                    determine PTE, an air quality analysis
                                                  from 250 hours to 500 hours per year.                   with reasonable further progress,                     demonstrating protection of the
                                                  SC DHEC considered CAA section                          consistent with CAA sections                          NAAQS, and a regulatory applicability
                                                  110(l), and asserts that the state expects              110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).                              determination.
                                                  no increase in actual emissions as a                       SC DHEC’s change to paragraph II.B.3.                 The July 18, 2011, submittal further
                                                  result of raising this exemption                        notes that SC DHEC may develop                        modifies Section II.C. at subparagraphs
                                                  threshold. SC DHEC explains that the                    emission thresholds for exemptions that               C.3.c.–d. to make administrative edits.
                                                  500 hours per year threshold is                         are not determined not to interfere with              South Carolina’s August 8, 2014,
                                                  commonly used to determine the PTE                      attainment or maintenance or any state                submittal makes additional
                                                  for title V and other major source                      or federal standard. EPA understands                  administrative and clarifying edits. The
                                                  applicability determinations, consistent                this language to reflect SC DHEC’s                    January 20, 2016, submittal also makes
                                                  with an EPA guidance memorandum.4                       flexibility for determining which types               minor administrative edits. Finally, the
                                                  These sources are still restricted to                                                                         July 27, 2016, submittal makes one
                                                                                                          and sizes of sources need to undergo
                                                  emergency conditions, meaning that                                                                            change to subparagraph C.2.m. to clarify
                                                                                                          preconstruction review and permitting
                                                  other types of non-emergency                                                                                  that scale drawings of the facility must
                                                                                                          pursuant 40 CFR 51.160(e), and
                                                  activities—such as peak shaving—                                                                              include buildings that might affect
                                                                                                          understands that these thresholds
                                                  would not qualify for the exemption                                                                           dispersion of emissions.
                                                                                                          would need to be in the SIP, similar to
                                                  under paragraph II.B. Additionally, SC                                                                           EPA has reviewed the changes made
                                                                                                          Subparagraph II.B.h. The compiled list
                                                  DHEC points to applicable federal                                                                             to the construction permit application
                                                                                                          is available on SC DHEC’s Web site.5
                                                  requirements for emergency generators                                                                         requirements and is proposing to
                                                                                                          EPA preliminarily agrees that SC DHEC
                                                  at 40 CFR part 63 at subpart ZZZZ and                                                                         approve them into the SIP, pursuant to
                                                                                                          clearly lays out the types and sizes of
                                                  40 CFR part 60 at subparts IIII and JJJJ                                                                      CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).
                                                  to restrict non-emergency use of these                  sources of interest for preconstruction
                                                  sources to 100 hours per year.                          review, and also the reasonable process               4. Section II.D.—‘‘General Construction
                                                  Therefore, this change to subparagraph                  by which case-by-case determinations                  Permits’’
                                                  B.2.f. will not result in any real increase             are made to exempt sources with                          Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.D.—
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                                                  in emissions and therefore will not                     emissions above the thresholds in                     ‘‘General Construction Permits’’
                                                  affect the state’s ability to attain or                 subparagraph B.2.h., but less than any                provides regulations by which SC DHEC
                                                  maintain state or federal standards or                  thresholds for other applicable                       can issue general construction permits
                                                                                                          requirements like major NSR. EPA also                 for similar sources. South Carolina’s
                                                    4 Seitz, John S. ‘‘Calculating Potential to Emit
                                                                                                            5 The latest compiled list of exempted sources
                                                                                                                                                                October 1, 2007, submittal adds these
                                                  (PTE) for Emergency Generators.’’ Memorandum to                                                               provisions to the minor NSR program
                                                  Program Directors in EPA Regional Offices, Office       was updated as of December 2016: http://
                                                  of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Research         www.scdhec.gov/Environment/docs/New                   for construction permits to facilitate the
                                                  Triangle Park, NC (September 6, 1995).                  Exemptions.pdf.                                       permitting process for similar sources


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 158 / Thursday, August 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                         39087

                                                  qualifying for and applying for coverage                relative to other minor construction                  38. Section II.G.—‘‘Conditional Major
                                                  under permits with general terms and                    permit applications.                                  Operating Permits’’
                                                  conditions. The purpose of this general                   The August 8, 2014, submittal makes                    Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.G.—
                                                  permitting minor NSR program is to                      changes to subsection II.E. to update                 ‘‘Conditional Major Operating Permits’’
                                                  protect the NAAQS while simplifying                     administrative language and references                specifies requirements for obtaining
                                                  the permitting process for similar                      throughout the paragraph. The July 27,                operating permits with federally
                                                  sources. The general construction                       2016, submittal also makes                            enforceable emissions limits to restrict
                                                  permits paragraph provides for the                      administrative edits to subparagraph                  PTE for sources. South Carolina’s
                                                  following: (1) General permits will                                                                           October 1, 2007, submittal makes
                                                                                                          E.2.b. EPA has reviewed the changes
                                                  incorporate all applicable requirements                                                                       several changes to subsection II.G. to
                                                                                                          made to the requirements covering
                                                  for construction of similar sources and                                                                       clarify applicability and requirements as
                                                                                                          synthetic minor construction permits
                                                  identify the criteria by which sources                                                                        follows: (1) Adds language to specify
                                                                                                          and is proposing to approve them into
                                                  can qualify for the permit; (2) sources                                                                       that paragraph II.G. applies to sources
                                                  can submit construction permit                          the SIP, pursuant to CAA sections
                                                                                                          110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), and 40 CFR                   requesting federally enforceable limits
                                                  applications to SC DHEC that include                                                                          to restrict PTE below major source
                                                  requests for coverage under the general                 51.160–164.
                                                                                                                                                                thresholds; (2) adds language to specify
                                                  permit, and sources later determined                    7. Section II.F.—‘‘Operating Permits’’                that sources which received synthetic
                                                  not to qualify for the general permit are                                                                     minor construction permits and that are
                                                  subject to enforcement; (3) approval to                    Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.F.—
                                                                                                                                                                not subject to title V will receive
                                                  operate under a permit is a final permit                ‘‘Operating Permits’’ specifies
                                                                                                                                                                conditional major operating permits; (3)
                                                  action for the purposes of judicial                     requirements for obtaining minor source
                                                                                                                                                                adds permit shield language to note that
                                                  review; (4) the permit application can                  operating permits. South Carolina’s
                                                                                                                                                                if the renewal request is submitted
                                                  deviate from the provisions of Section                  October 1, 2007, submittal makes
                                                                                                                                                                pursuant to paragraph II.H., conditional
                                                  II.C. if enough information is included                 several changes to subsection II.F. to
                                                                                                                                                                major sources can operate under the
                                                  to determine the source’s qualification                 clarify and add requirements, including:
                                                                                                                                                                most recent conditional major permit
                                                  for the general permit; and (5) sources                 (1) Renumbering subsection II.B. to II.F.;
                                                                                                                                                                until SC DHEC processes the renewal
                                                  qualifying for general permits are able to              (2) adding paragraph F.1. to require                  request; (4) adds language to note that
                                                  apply for individual construction                       sources to record the actual date of                  the written request provided by new
                                                  permits in lieu of coverage under the                   initial startup and submit it to SC
                                                  general permit.                                                                                               sources needs to include any additional
                                                                                                          DHEC; (3) adding paragraph F.2. to                    information specified in subparagraph
                                                     The August 8, 2014, submittal makes                  require certification that construction
                                                  administrative and clarifying edits to                                                                        G.5.; (5) adds language and clarifies
                                                                                                          was completed in accordance with the                  existing language to note that the permit
                                                  subsection II.D. throughout. EPA has                    specifications of the construction
                                                  reviewed the changes made to the minor                                                                        conditions, including special conditions
                                                                                                          permit, to require any variances from                 to verify compliance with operational
                                                  NSR permitting program and is                           the construction permit to be addressed,
                                                  proposing to approve them into the SIP,                                                                       and emissions limits, are located at
                                                                                                          and to assert that construction variances             subsection II.J.; (6) modifies existing
                                                  pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C)                   which would trigger new requirements
                                                  and 110(l).                                                                                                   language to specify additional
                                                                                                          will be considered construction without               requirements for conditional major
                                                  6. Section II.E.—‘‘Synthetic Minor                      a permit; (4) adding language to clarify              operating permit applications only; (7)
                                                  Construction Permits’’                                  that title V sources may comply with the              removes requirements pertaining to
                                                                                                          Section II.F operating permit                         construction permit application
                                                     Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.E.—
                                                                                                          requirements by submitting a permit                   requirements because subsections II.C.
                                                  ‘‘Synthetic Minor Construction Permits’’
                                                                                                          modification request under 61–                        and II.E. otherwise cover these
                                                  specifies requirements for obtaining
                                                  construction permits with federally                     62.70.7(e) ; (5) adding language to                   requirements; (8) removes requirements
                                                  enforceable emissions limits to restrict                clarify that the existing requirement to              pertaining to standard operating permit
                                                  PTE for sources. South Carolina’s                       provide a written request to SC DHEC                  applications because those are
                                                  October 1, 2007, submittal revises the                  for a new or revised operating permit                 otherwise covered by subsection II.F.;
                                                  paragraph for synthetic minor sources as                applies to minor sources and those                    (9) adds language to specify that the
                                                  follows: (1) Renumbers subsection II.H.                 major sources not yet covered by a title              general information requirements in
                                                  to subsection II.E.; (2) makes                          V permit; (6) adding subparagraph F.3.c.              construction permit applications at
                                                  administrative and clarifying                           to specify that the written request for a             paragraph C.3. also apply to conditional
                                                  amendments to the title and throughout                  new or revised operating permit must                  major operating permits; and (10) makes
                                                  the paragraph to clearly indicate that                  include a list of sources put into                    other administrative language changes
                                                  this paragraph pertains to construction                 operation and the actual initial startup              throughout the paragraph.
                                                  permits and to update references; (3)                   dates for those sources; (7) making other                The July 18, 2011, August 8, 2014,
                                                  removes former subparagraphs II.2.c.–f.                 administrative edits throughout the                   and July 27, 2016, submittals make
                                                  as these requirements are now                           paragraph; and (8) moving paragraph                   additional administrative changes to
                                                  redundant and covered by other                          B.2. regarding permit renewals to a                   subsection II.G. EPA has reviewed the
                                                  portions of subsection E. or Section II;                standalone subsection II.H.                           changes made to SC DHEC’s conditional
                                                  (4) adds paragraph E.3. to list required                   The August 8, 2014 and July 27, 2016,              major source program, which is a
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                                                  synthetic minor permit conditions; (5)                  submittals make administrative changes                portion of the FESOP minor source
                                                  adds administrative language to make                    to Section II.F.—‘‘Operating Permits.’’               program, and agrees that the revisions
                                                  applications for general synthetic minor                EPA has reviewed the changes made to                  made to subsection II.G. clarify the
                                                  construction permits consistent with                    the existing SIP requirements for                     requirements for obtaining conditional
                                                  other construction permit applications;                 applying for an operating permit and is               major operating permits. Further, EPA
                                                  and (6) adds paragraph E.5. to list                     proposing to approve them into the SIP,               has determined that the conditional
                                                  additional requirements for synthetic                   pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C)                 operating permit program remains
                                                  minor construction permit applications                  and 110(l).                                           consistent with the criteria for


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                                                  39088                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 158 / Thursday, August 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                  approving FESOP programs.6 Therefore,                   facilitate the permitting process for                 letter dated August 7, 2017.7 In the
                                                  EPA is proposing to approve these                       similar true minor sources qualifying for             letter, SC DHEC explained that its intent
                                                  changes into the SIP pursuant to CAA                    and applying for coverage permits for                 in withdrawing the change was to
                                                  sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).                       specific source categories. The purpose               require the Department to comply with
                                                                                                          of this registration permitting minor                 the public participation procedures at
                                                  9. Section II.H.—‘‘Operating Permit
                                                                                                          source program is to protect the NAAQS                subsection II.N. when developing
                                                  Renewal Request’’
                                                                                                          while simplifying the permitting                      registration permits.
                                                     Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.H.—                   process for similar true minor sources.                  EPA has reviewed the changes made
                                                  ‘‘Operating Permit Renewal Request’’                    The difference between registration                   to the registration permit requirements,
                                                  specifies requirements for renewing                     permits and general construction                      as clarified by the State’s August 7,
                                                  operating permits for minor sources.                    permits or general operating permits is               2017, letter, and is proposing to approve
                                                  South Carolina’s October 1, 2007,                       that this program develops permits for                them into the SIP, pursuant to CAA
                                                  submittal makes several changes to                      specific source categories exclusively                sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l), and 40
                                                  subsection II.H. to clarify applicability               for true minor sources.                               CFR part 51, subpart I.
                                                  and requirements as follows: (1)                           The October 1, 2007, submittal                     11. Section II.J.—‘‘Permit Conditions’’
                                                  Renumbers former paragraph B.2. to                      provides the following requirements for
                                                  make a standalone subsection at II.H.;                  registration permits under paragraph                     Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.J.—
                                                  (2) adds paragraph H.1. to clarify that                 II.I: (1) Registration permits will be                ‘‘Permit Conditions’’ specifies required
                                                  operating permits must be renewed                       developed by SC DHEC and will specify                 standard and special permit conditions.
                                                  through a written request; (3) adds                     all applicable requirements for                       The October 1, 2007, submittal
                                                  paragraph H.2. to clarify that subsection               construction and operation of similar                 combines the standard and special
                                                  II.H does not apply to title V sources; (4)             true minor sources; (2) registration                  permit conditions into a standalone
                                                  adds language to specify that sources                                                                         section for required permit conditions.
                                                                                                          permits will be developed only for true
                                                  must submit permit renewal requests no                                                                        This submittal makes the following
                                                                                                          minor sources; (3) sources can submit
                                                  later than 90 days prior to expiration of                                                                     changes at paragraph J.: (1) Renumbers
                                                                                                          applications for coverage by certifying
                                                  the existing operating permit; (5) revises                                                                    former subsection II.C. to II.J. and
                                                                                                          qualification for, and agreeing to the
                                                  language to expand the type of                                                                                modifies the title to reflect that the
                                                                                                          conditions of, registration permits, and
                                                  information needed to verify special                                                                          subsection applies to all permit types;
                                                                                                          sources later determined not to qualify
                                                  permit conditions; (6) adds language to                                                                       (2) requires sources to submit reports as
                                                                                                          for the registration permit are subject to
                                                  require more specific information in the                                                                      specified in applicable permits, laws,
                                                                                                          enforcement; (4) approval to operate
                                                  renewal request, including changes in                                                                         regulations, or standards; (3) adds
                                                                                                          under a permit is a final permit action
                                                  the source information required for                                                                           language to assert that a source may be
                                                                                                          for the purposes of judicial review; and
                                                  construction permits under paragraph                                                                          subject to enforcement if it fails to
                                                                                                          (5) sources will adhere to general
                                                  C.3.; and (7) makes administrative                                                                            construct in accordance with the
                                                                                                          requirements under paragraph II.J.1.,
                                                  language changes throughout the                                                                               application and any issued construction
                                                                                                          and any other special permit conditions
                                                  paragraph.                                                                                                    permit, or constructs without applying
                                                                                                          necessary to verify compliance with
                                                     The July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013,                                                                          for approval; (4) adds language to clarify
                                                                                                          operational and emission limits.
                                                  August 8, 2014, and July 27, 2016,                                                                            the time period over which construction
                                                                                                             The July 18, 2011, submittal makes
                                                  submittals make several administrative                                                                        permits are valid; (5) renumbers
                                                                                                          subsequent changes to subsection II.I. as
                                                  edits and correct typographical errors                                                                        paragraph G.4. to paragraph J.2. and
                                                                                                          follows: (1) Makes administrative edits;
                                                  throughout subsection II.H. EPA has                                                                           modifies the title to clarify that what
                                                                                                          (2) adds language to assert that
                                                  reviewed the changes made to the                                                                              follows are special permit conditions;
                                                                                                          regardless of qualification for
                                                  operating permit renewal requirements                                                                         (6) adds language stating that SC DHEC
                                                                                                          registration permits, SC DHEC reserves
                                                  and believes these changes are more                                                                           will require special permit conditions as
                                                                                                          the right to require construction and
                                                  specific and help to ensure SC DHEC                                                                           it finds appropriate, such as operational
                                                                                                          operating permits, as determined on a
                                                  has the best information possible when                                                                        limits or reporting and recordkeeping
                                                                                                          case-by-case basis; and (3) changes
                                                  evaluating renewal requests. EPA has                                                                          requirements; (7) removes former
                                                                                                          language to clarify that registration
                                                  also preliminarily determined that the                                                                        subparagraph G.4.g., which states
                                                                                                          permits shall contain any applicable
                                                  changes will not interfere with                                                                               conditions to limit PTE must be
                                                                                                          permit conditions under subsection II.J.,
                                                  attainment or maintenance of the                                                                              federally enforceable, because the State
                                                                                                          rather than all permit conditions listed
                                                  NAAQS, reasonable further progress, or                                                                        otherwise imposes this requirement for
                                                                                                          in paragraph II.J., as SC DHEC finds
                                                  other applicable CAA requirements.                                                                            synthetic minor construction permits at
                                                                                                          appropriate.
                                                  EPA is therefore proposing to approve                                                                         subparagraph E.3. and conditional major
                                                                                                             The August 8, 2014, submittal
                                                  these changes into the SIP, pursuant to                                                                       operating permits at subparagraph G.5.;
                                                                                                          includes other changes to paragraph
                                                  CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).                                                                         and (8) makes administrative language
                                                                                                          II.I., including administrative edits
                                                                                                                                                                changes throughout subsection II.J.
                                                  10. Section II.I.—‘‘Registration Permits’’              throughout and adding language to
                                                                                                                                                                   One change made to subparagraph
                                                                                                          assert that SC DHEC can reopen
                                                     Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.I.—                                                                         J.1.d., formerly C.4., in the October 1,
                                                                                                          registration permits for cause or to
                                                  ‘‘Registration Permits’’ provides                                                                             2007, submittal regards when emissions
                                                                                                          include new standards or regulations
                                                  regulations by which SC DHEC can                                                                              reports need to be made. In the place of
                                                                                                          that become applicable during the
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                                                  issue registration permits, covering the                                                                      a specific quarterly timeframe, the
                                                                                                          lifetime of the permit. The August 8,
                                                  construction and operation of similar                                                                         change directs sources to comply with
                                                                                                          2014, submittal also removes language
                                                  sources. South Carolina’s October 1,                                                                          reporting requirements derived from
                                                                                                          at subparagraph I.1.a. requiring SC
                                                  2007, submittal adds these provisions to                                                                      applicable permit requirements, laws
                                                                                                          DHEC to provide notice and opportunity
                                                  the minor source construction and                                                                             and regulations, or standards. There are
                                                                                                          for public participation prior to
                                                  operating permitting program to                                                                               no specific reporting requirements for
                                                                                                          developing new registration permits.
                                                    6 EPA approved SC DHEC’s FESOP program on             However, the State withdrew this                        7 The August 7, 2017, letter has been included in

                                                  December 11, 1995 (60 FR 63434).                        change from EPA’s consideration in a                  the docket for this action.



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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 158 / Thursday, August 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                                   39089

                                                  minor sources specified in federal                      submittal makes minor changes to this                    The changes in the October 1, 2007,
                                                  regulations at 40 CFR 51.160–164, so                    regulation to renumber existing                       submittal to allow for other methods of
                                                  these reporting schedules can be                        subsection II.E. to subsection II.M. and              public notice, and in the August 8,
                                                  developed as SC DHEC deems                              to add more specific requirements for                 2014, submittal to explicitly list the SC
                                                  necessary.8 Moreover, subparagraph                      the written request to transfer                       DHEC Web site as a possible method of
                                                  J.1.a. states that ‘‘[n]o applicable law,               ownership or operation of a source. The               public notice are consistent with the
                                                  regulation or standard will be                          August 8, 2014, submittal makes only                  minor source permitting regulations at
                                                  contravened.’’ Thus, if there is a                      administrative changes to language in                 40 CFR 51.161. EPA has existing policy
                                                  prescriptive state or federal requirement               this subsection.                                      asserting that the public notice
                                                  for reporting of emissions that applies to                EPA has reviewed the changes to this                requirement for minor source permitting
                                                  any of these minor sources, the permits                 existing portion of the minor source                  activities at 40 CFR 51.161(b)(3) is
                                                  will set the necessary reporting                        permitting regulations and is proposing               media-neutral, meaning that the public
                                                  schedule accordingly. Therefore, EPA                    to approve the aforementioned changes                 notice requirement can be met as long
                                                  has determined that this change does                    into the SIP pursuant to CAA section                  as the State interprets the method to be
                                                  not interfere with attainment or                        110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).                              ‘‘prominent advertising.’’ 9 SC DHEC
                                                  maintenance of the NAAQS, reasonable                                                                          can therefore make use of its Web site,
                                                  further progress, or any other applicable               14. Section II.N.—‘‘Public Participation              mailing lists, and other methods in lieu
                                                  CAA requirements.                                       Procedures’’                                          of publication in a newspaper. The
                                                     The July 18, 2011, submittal makes                      Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.N.—                 provisions at subsection II.N. pertain
                                                  further revisions to subsection II.J.,                  ‘‘Public Participation Procedures,’’                  only to minor sources, and any major
                                                  including: (1) Adding language stating                  specifies the public participation                    source public notice requirements are
                                                  that false information or                               requirements for sources applying for                 contained in the major source PSD,
                                                  misrepresentation in a permit                           and obtaining federally enforceable                   NNSR, and title V regulations.10
                                                  application is grounds for permit                       minor source construction and                            EPA has reviewed the public notice
                                                  revocation; (2) adding language stating                 operating permits. The October 1, 2007,               requirements and preliminarily finds
                                                  that the issued construction or operating               submittal makes several changes to                    that the changes currently before the
                                                  permit must be kept at the facility and                 subsection N. as follows: (1) Renumbers               Agency are not inconsistent with the
                                                  that records must be kept as prescribed                 existing paragraph G.5. to create a                   CAA and EPA’s implementing
                                                  on site for at least five years; and (3)                standalone paragraph for public                       regulations, including the criteria for
                                                  making administrative and clarifying                    participation and clarify that these                  approving FESOP programs. See 54 FR
                                                  edits. The August 8, 2014, submittal                    procedures can apply to other types of                27274 (June 28, 1989). Therefore, EPA is
                                                  makes additional administrative                         permit requests rather than only                      proposing to approve the changes to the
                                                  changes.                                                conditional major source operating                    existing public notice requirements for
                                                     EPA has reviewed the changes to                      permits; (2) adds language providing SC               the minor NSR and FESOP programs,
                                                  standard and special permit                             DHEC with discretion to require notice                pursuant to CAA section 110(a)(2)(C)
                                                  requirements for the minor source                       of permitting activity, even when not                 and 40 CFR 51.160–164.
                                                  construction and operating permit                       otherwise required by the State’s
                                                  program and is proposing to approve                     regulations; (3) adds language stating                15. Section II.O.—‘‘Inspection and
                                                  them into the SIP pursuant to CAA                       that SC DHEC can use means other than                 Entry’’
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(l).                        publishing in newspapers, the State                      Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.O.—
                                                  12. Section II.K.—‘‘Exceptions’’                        Register, and mailing lists to notify the             ‘‘Inspection and Entry,’’ specifies
                                                                                                          public of minor source permitting; and                requirements to allow SC DHEC officials
                                                     Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.K.—
                                                                                                          (5) makes administrative language edits               to enter and inspect facilities. South
                                                  ‘‘Exceptions’’ sets forth factors that SC
                                                                                                          for consistency.                                      Carolina’s July 18, 2011, submittal adds
                                                  DHEC shall consider in determining
                                                  whether to impose alternative emissions                    The July 18, 2011, submittal makes                 these provisions to the minor source
                                                  limits, compliance schedules, or other                  one clarifying edit to reflect that an                construction and operating permitting
                                                  restrictions. The October 1, 2007,                      approved construction permit is                       program to allow for verification of
                                                  submittal makes non-substantive                         required prior to the commencement of                 adherence to permit conditions. The
                                                  changes to this subsection, including                   construction. The August 8, 2014,                     August 8, 2014, submittal makes one
                                                  renumbering this existing subsection                    submittal makes administrative and                    additional administrative change to the
                                                  from II.D. to II.K., and making                         clarifying edits to subsection II.N.,                 introductory language at subsection II.O.
                                                  administrative language changes. EPA is                 including: (1) Adding language to                     The ability for SC DHEC to enter and
                                                  therefore proposing to approve the                      subparagraph N.1. to identify the SC                  inspect facilities enables the State to
                                                  aforementioned changes into the SIP                     DHEC Web site as another method of                    oversee the minor source permitting
                                                  pursuant to CAA sections 110(a)(2)(C)                   notifying the public of permitting                    program, including assisting in potential
                                                  and 110(l).                                             activity; (2) reformatting and revising               enforcement actions. EPA is therefore
                                                                                                          paragraph N.2. to list the required                   proposing to approve this subsection
                                                  13. Section II.M.—‘‘Transfer of                         elements of the public notice; (3)
                                                  Ownership/Operation’’                                   revising language to identify how SC                    9 McCabe, Janet, ‘‘Minor New Source Review

                                                                                                          DHEC will address and record                          Program Public Notice Requirements under 40 CFR
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                                                     Regulation 61–62.1, Section II.M.—                                                                         51.161(b)(3),’’ Memorandum to Regional
                                                  ‘‘Transfer of Ownership/Operation’’                     comments, and broadening the SC
                                                                                                                                                                Administrators, Office of Air and Radiation,
                                                  specifies procedures for owners or                      DHEC procedures to note that the State                Washington, DC (April 17, 2012).
                                                  operators of sources to undertake if the                will respond to all comments rather                     10 EPA published a final rule on October 18, 2016

                                                  ownership or operation is transferred to                than only those received in writing or at             (81 FR 71613) amending the public notice
                                                                                                          the public hearing; (4) removing                      requirements for major source permitting programs
                                                  another party. The October 1, 2007,                                                                           to allow for other means of public notice, including
                                                                                                          language requiring SC DEHC to respond                 Web sites. This proposed rulemaking only deals
                                                    8 40 CFR 70.6 generally requires semiannual           to all comments in writing; and (5)                   with changes to South Carolina’s minor source
                                                  emissions and compliance reporting.                     making administrative edits.                          permitting regulations.



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                                                  39090                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 158 / Thursday, August 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                  and its updated provisions into the SIP,                   • is certified as not having a                     ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                  pursuant to CAA section 110(a)(2)(C).                   significant economic impact on a                      AGENCY
                                                                                                          substantial number of small entities
                                                  IV. Incorporation by Reference                                                                                40 CFR Part 52
                                                                                                          under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
                                                     In this rule, EPA is proposing to                    U.S.C. 601 et seq.);                                  [EPA–R04–OAR–2017–0104; FRL–9966–18–
                                                  include in a final EPA rule regulatory                     • does not contain any unfunded                    Region 4]
                                                  text that includes incorporation by                     mandate or significantly or uniquely
                                                  reference. In accordance with the                       affect small governments, as described                Air Plan Approval; Alabama; Regional
                                                  requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is                      in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                   Haze Plan and Prong 4 (Visibility) for
                                                  proposing to incorporate by reference                   of 1995 (Public Law 104–4);                           the 2012 PM2.5, 2010 NO2, 2010 SO2,
                                                  South Carolina Regulation 61–62.1,                         • does not have Federalism                         and 2008 Ozone NAAQS
                                                  Section II—‘‘Permit Requirements,’’                     implications as specified in Executive
                                                                                                          Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,                  AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                  effective June 24, 2016,11 which revises                                                                      Agency (EPA).
                                                  the federally enforceable minor source                  1999);
                                                  construction and operating permit                          • is not an economically significant               ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                  program. EPA has made, and will                         regulatory action based on health or
                                                                                                          safety risks subject to Executive Order               SUMMARY:    The Environmental Protection
                                                  continue to make, these materials                                                                             Agency (EPA) is proposing to take the
                                                  generally available through                             13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
                                                                                                             • is not a significant regulatory action           following four actions regarding the
                                                  www.regulations.gov and/or at the EPA                                                                         Alabama State Implementation Plan
                                                                                                          subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR
                                                  Region 4 office (please contact the                                                                           (SIP), contingent upon a final
                                                                                                          28355, May 22, 2001);
                                                  person identified in the FOR FURTHER                       • is not subject to requirements of                determination from the Agency that a
                                                  INFORMATION CONTACT section of this                                                                           state’s participation in the Cross-State
                                                                                                          Section 12(d) of the National
                                                  preamble for more information).                         Technology Transfer and Advancement                   Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) continues to
                                                  V. Proposed Action                                      Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because              meet the Regional Haze Rule (RHR)’s
                                                                                                          application of those requirements would               criteria to qualify as an alternative to the
                                                    EPA is proposing to approve portions                  be inconsistent with the CAA; and                     application of Best Available Retrofit
                                                  of revisions to the South Carolina SIP                     • does not provide EPA with the                    Technology (BART): Approve the
                                                  submitted by SC DHEC to EPA on                          discretionary authority to address, as                portion of Alabama’s October 26, 2015,
                                                  October 1, 2007, July 18, 2011, June 17,                appropriate, disproportionate human                   SIP submittal seeking to change reliance
                                                  2013, August 8, 2014, January 20, 2016,                 health or environmental effects, using                from the Clean Air Interstate Rule
                                                  and July 27, 2016. Specifically, EPA is                 practicable and legally permissible                   (CAIR) to CSAPR for certain regional
                                                  proposing to approve the changes to                     methods, under Executive Order 12898                  haze requirements; convert EPA’s
                                                  S.C. Code Ann. Regs. 61–62.1, Section                   (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).                      limited approval/limited disapproval of
                                                  II—‘‘Permit Requirements,’’ as                                                                                Alabama’s July 15, 2008, regional haze
                                                                                                          In addition, this proposed rule for South
                                                  discussed above, pursuant to CAA                                                                              SIP to a full approval; approve the
                                                                                                          Carolina does not have Tribal
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(C), section 110(l), and                                                                     visibility prong of Alabama’s
                                                                                                          implications as specified by Executive
                                                  40 CFR 51.160—164.                                                                                            infrastructure SIP submittals for the
                                                                                                          Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9,
                                                                                                                                                                2012 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5),
                                                  VI. Statutory and Executive Order                       2000), because it does not have
                                                                                                                                                                2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and 2010
                                                  Reviews                                                 substantial direct effects on an Indian
                                                                                                                                                                Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient
                                                                                                          Tribe. The Catawba Indian Nation
                                                    Under the CAA, the Administrator is                                                                         Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); and
                                                                                                          Reservation is located within the state of
                                                  required to approve a SIP submission                                                                          convert EPA’s disapproval of the
                                                                                                          South Carolina. Pursuant to the Catawba
                                                  that complies with the provisions of the                                                                      visibility portion of Alabama’s
                                                                                                          Indian Claims Settlement Act, S.C. Code
                                                  Act and applicable Federal regulations.                                                                       infrastructure SIP submittal for the 2008
                                                                                                          Ann. 27–16–120, ‘‘all state and local
                                                  See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).                                                                       Ozone NAAQS to an approval.
                                                                                                          environmental laws and regulations
                                                  Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions,                     apply to the [Catawba Indian Nation]                  DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                  EPA’s role is to approve state choices,                 and Reservation and are fully                         or before September 18, 2017.
                                                  provided that they meet the criteria of                 enforceable by all relevant state and                 ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
                                                  the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed                     local agencies and authorities.’’ EPA                 identified by Docket ID No EPA–R04–
                                                  action merely proposes to approve state                 notes this action will not impose                     OAR–2017–0104 at http://
                                                  law as meeting Federal requirements                     substantial direct costs on Tribal                    www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
                                                  and does not impose additional                          governments or preempt Tribal law.                    instructions for submitting comments.
                                                  requirements beyond those imposed by                                                                          Once submitted, comments cannot be
                                                  state law. For that reason, this proposed               List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                    edited or removed from Regulations.gov.
                                                  action:                                                   Environmental protection, Air                       EPA may publish any comment received
                                                    • Is not a significant regulatory action              pollution control, Carbon monoxide,                   to its public docket. Do not submit
                                                  subject to review by the Office of                      Incorporation by reference, Lead,                     electronically any information you
                                                  Management and Budget under                             Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate                  consider to be Confidential Business
                                                  Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735,                    matter, Reporting and recordkeeping                   Information (CBI) or other information
                                                  October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821,                 requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile                 whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  January 21, 2011);                                      organic compounds.                                    Multimedia submissions (audio, video,
                                                    • does not impose an information                        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.                   etc.) must be accompanied by a written
                                                  collection burden under the provisions                                                                        comment. The written comment is
                                                                                                            Dated: August 7, 2017.                              considered the official comment and
                                                  of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
                                                  U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);                                   V. Anne Heard,                                        should include discussion of all points
                                                                                                          Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.              you wish to make. EPA will generally
                                                    11 See Section I and Section II.C. of this proposed   [FR Doc. 2017–17345 Filed 8–16–17; 8:45 am]           not consider comments or comment
                                                  rule for additional detail.                             BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                contents located outside of the primary


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Document Created: 2017-08-17 01:42:48
Document Modified: 2017-08-17 01:42:48
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.
DatesOctober 1, 2007, July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013, August 8, 2014, January 20, 2016, and July 27, 2016. This action is being proposed pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
ContactD. Brad Akers, Air Regulatory Management Section, Air Planning and Implementation Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Mr. Akers can be reached via telephone at (404) 562-9089 or via electronic mail at [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 39083 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Carbon Monoxide; Incorporation by Reference; Lead; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Sulfur Oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds

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