82 FR 41197 - Air Plan Approval; Rhode Island; Infrastructure Requirement for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide and 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 167 (August 30, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 167 (August 30, 2017)
| Page Range | 41197-41205 | |
| FR Document | 2017-18419 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 167 (Wednesday, August 30, 2017)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 41197-41205] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-18419] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA-R01-OAR-2017-0151; FRL-9967-06-Region 1] Air Plan Approval; Rhode Island; Infrastructure Requirement for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide and 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve an October 15, 2015 State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Rhode Island. This revision addresses the interstate transport requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA), referred to as the good neighbor provision, with respect to the 2010 primary sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) and 2010 primary nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). This action proposes to approve Rhode Island's demonstration that the state is meeting its obligations regarding the transport of SO2 and NO2 emissions into other states. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 29, 2017. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R01- OAR-2017-0151 at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. For either manner of submission, the EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. 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, please contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. For the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Dahl, (617) 918-1657; or by email at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' ``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA. Organization of this document. The following outline is provided to aid in locating information in this preamble. Table of Contents I. Background II. State Submittal III. Summary of the Proposed Action IV. Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)--Interstate Transport A. General Requirements and Historical Approaches for Criteria Pollutants B. Approach for Addressing the Interstate Transport Requirements of the 2010 Primary SO2 NAAQS in Rhode Island C. Approach for Addressing the Interstate Transport Requirements of the 2010 Primary NO2 NAAQS in Rhode Island V. Interstate Transport Demonstration for SO2 Emissions A. Prong 1 Analysis--Significant Contribution to SO2 Nonattainment 1. SO2 Emissions Trends 2. SO2 Ambient Air Quality 3. Federally Enforceable Regulations Specific to SO2 and Permitting Requirements 4. Conclusion B. Prong 2 Analysis--Interference with Maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS VI. Significant Contribution to Nonattainment and Interference with Maintenance of the NO2 NAAQS VII. Proposed Action VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. Background On February 9, 2010 (75 FR 6474), EPA promulgated a revised primary NAAQS for NO2 at a level of 100 ppb, based on a 3-year average of the annual 98th percentile of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations. On June 22, 2010 (75 FR 35520), EPA promulgated a revised primary NAAQS for SO2 at a level of 75 ppb, based on a 3-year average of the annual 99th percentile of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations. Pursuant to section 110(a)(1) of the CAA, states are required to submit SIPs meeting the applicable requirements of section 110(a)(2) within three years after promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS, or within such shorter period as EPA may prescribe.\1\ These SIPs, which EPA has historically referred to as ``infrastructure SIPs,'' are to provide for the ``implementation, maintenance, and enforcement'' of such NAAQS, and the requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA. A detailed history, interpretation, and rationale of these SIPs and their requirements can be found in, among other documents, EPA's May 13, 2014 proposed rule titled, ``Infrastructure SIP requirements for the 2008 Lead NAAQS,'' in the section ``What is the scope of this rulemaking?'' (see 79 FR 27241 at 27242-27245). As noted above, section 110(a) of the CAA imposes an [[Page 41198]] obligation upon states to submit to EPA a SIP submission for a new or revised NAAQS. The content of individual state submissions may vary depending upon the facts and circumstances, and may also vary depending upon what provisions the state's approved SIP already contains. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ This requirement applies to both primary and secondary NAAQS, but EPA's approval in this notice applies only to the 2010 primary NAAQS for SO2 and NO2 because EPA did not establish in 2010 a new secondary NAAQS for SO2 and NO2 . --------------------------------------------------------------------------- On January 2, 2013 and on June 27, 2014, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) submitted proposed revisions to its SIP, certifying that its SIP meets most of the requirements of section 110(a)(2) of the CAA with respect to the 2010 primary NO2 and 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS, respectively. However, these two submittals did not address the transport elements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). On April 20, 2016 (81 FR 23175), EPA approved RI DEM's certification that its SIP was adequate to meet most of the program elements required by section 110(a)(2) of the CAA. However, EPA conditionally approved the State's submission in relation to subsections (C), (D), and (J) of CAA section 110(a)(2) in relation to the prevention of significant deterioration permit program, and disapproved the State's submission in relation to subsection (H) of CAA section 110(a)(2) in relation to the requirement to revise its SIP when appropriate. On October 15, 2015, RI DEM submitted the transport elements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2010 primary NO2 and 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS. II. State Submittal Rhode Island presented several facts in its SIP submission on the effect of SO2 and NOX emissions from sources within Rhode Island on downwind and adjacent states' SO2 and NO2 nonattainment areas and those states' ability to maintain the 2010 SO2 and 2010 NO2 NAAQS. With regards to the 2010 NO2 NAAQS, Rhode Island noted that EPA had designated the entire country as unclassifiable/attainment for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS. Rhode Island also stated that recent data from all ambient monitors within New England continue to show levels less than 50% of the 2010 NO2 NAAQS. Similarly, the SIP submission notes SO2 ambient monitoring data in Rhode Island and in downwind and adjacent states were substantially below the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. For the only SO2 nonattainment area within New England, Rhode Island noted the monitor design value in the Central New Hampshire nonattainment area has declined over time, with the 2012-2014 design value being 31% of the NAAQS. Rhode Island concludes in its submittal that, ``since there are no large sources of SO2 emissions in Rhode Island and monitored SO2 levels in adjacent and downwind states are substantially below the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, Rhode Island clearly is not contributing to nonattainment or interfering with maintenance of attainment in downwind and adjacent states.'' III. Summary of the Proposed Action This proposed approval of Rhode Island's October 15, 2015 SIP submission addressing interstate transport of SO2 and NO2 is intended to show that the State is meeting its obligations regarding CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) relative to the 2010 primary SO2 and 2010 primary NO2 NAAQS.\2\ Interstate transport requirements for all NAAQS pollutants prohibit any source, or other type of emissions activity, in one state from emitting any air pollutant in amounts that will contribute significantly to nonattainment, or interfere with maintenance, of the NAAQS in another state. As part of this analysis, and as explained in detail below, EPA has taken several approaches to addressing interstate transport in other actions based on the characteristics of the pollutant, the interstate problem presented by emissions of that pollutant, the sources that emit the pollutant, and the information available to assess transport of that pollutant. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ This proposed approval of Rhode Island's SIP submission under CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) is based on the information contained in the administrative record for this action, and does not prejudge any other future EPA action that may make other determinations regarding Rhode Island's air quality status. Any such future actions, such as area designations under any NAAQS, will be based on their own administrative records and EPA's analyses of information that becomes available at those times. Future available information may include, and is not limited to, monitoring data and modeling analyses conducted pursuant to EPA's Data Requirements Rule (80 FR 51052, August 21, 2015) and information submitted to EPA by states, air agencies, and third party stakeholders such as citizen groups and industry representatives. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Despite being emitted from a similar universe of point and nonpoint sources, interstate transport of SO2 is unlike the transport of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ) or ozone that EPA has addressed in other actions, in that SO2 is not a regional mixing pollutant that commonly contributes to widespread nonattainment of the SO2 NAAQS over a large, multi-state area. While in certain respects transport of SO2 is more analogous to the transport of lead (Pb) because SO2 's and Pb's physical properties result in localized impacts very near the emissions source, in another respect the physical properties and release height of SO2 are such that impacts of SO2 do not experience the same sharp decrease in ambient concentrations as rapidly and as nearby as they do for Pb. While emissions of SO2 travel farther and have sufficiently wider ranging impacts than emissions of Pb such that it is reasonable to require a different approach for assessing SO2 transport than assessing Pb transport, the differences are not significant enough to treat SO2 in a manner similar to the way in which EPA treats and analyzes regional transport pollutants such as ozone or PM2.5 . Put simply, a different approach is needed for interstate transport of SO2 than the approach used for the other pollutants identified above: The approaches EPA has adopted for Pb transport are too tightly circumscribed to the source, and the approaches for ozone or PM2.5 transport are too regionally focused. SO2 transport is therefore a unique case, and EPA's evaluation of whether Rhode Island has met its transport obligations in relation to SO2 was accomplished in several discrete steps. First, EPA evaluated the universe of sources in Rhode Island likely to be responsible for SO2 emissions that could contribute to interstate transport. An assessment of the 2014 National Emissions Inventory (NEI) for Rhode Island made it clear that the vast majority of SO2 emissions in Rhode Island are from fuel combustion at point and nonpoint sources,\3\ and therefore it would be reasonable to evaluate the downwind impacts of emissions from these two fuel combustion source categories, combined, in order to help determine whether the State has met its transport obligations. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ See EPA's Web page https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/national-emissions-inventory-nei for a description of what types of sources of air emissions are considered point and nonpoint sources. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second, EPA selected a spatial scale--essentially, the geographic area and distance around the point sources in which we could reasonably expect SO2 impacts to occur--that would be appropriate for its analysis, ultimately settling on utilizing an ``urban scale'' with dimensions from 4 to 50 kilometers from point and nonpoint sources, given the usefulness of that range in assessing trends in both area- wide air quality and the effectiveness of large-scale pollution control strategies. As such, EPA utilized an assessment up to 50 kilometers from fuel-combustion sources in order to assess trends in area-wide air quality that might have an impact on the transport of SO2 from Rhode Island to downwind states. [[Page 41199]] Third, EPA assessed all available data at the time of this rulemaking regarding SO2 emissions in Rhode Island and their possible impacts in downwind states, including: (1) SO2 ambient air quality; (2) SO2 emissions and SO2 emissions trends; (3) SIP-approved SO2 regulations and permitting requirements; and (4) other SIP-approved or federally- promulgated regulations which may yield reductions of SO2 at Rhode Island's fuel-combustion point and nonpoint sources. Fourth, using the universe of information identified in steps 1-3 (i.e., emissions sources, spatial scale and available data, and enforceable regulations), EPA then conducted an analysis under CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) to evaluate whether or not fuel-combustion sources in Rhode Island would significantly contribute to SO2 nonattainment in other states, and then whether emissions from those sources would interfere with maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS in other states. EPA took a different approach that is more appropriate for NO2 . EPA analyzed the effects of transport by taking into account: (1) Rhode Island's and the surrounding states' designations for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS; (2) ambient monitoring of NO2 concentrations in Rhode Island and surrounding states; (3) the fact that total NOX \4\ emissions in Rhode Island and surrounding states are trending downward; and (4) the fact that there are SIP-approved state regulations in place to control NOX emissions in Rhode Island. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ The NO2 NAAQS is designed to protect against exposure to the entire group of nitrogen oxides (NOX ). NO2 is the component of greatest concern and is used as the indicator for the larger group of NOX . --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Based on the analysis provided by the State in its October 15, 2015 SIP submission and EPA's assessment of the information discussed at length below, EPA proposes to find that sources or other emissions activity within Rhode Island will not contribute significantly to nonattainment, nor will they interfere with maintenance of, the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS and the 2010 primary NO2 NAAQS in any other state. IV. Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)--Interstate Transport A. General Requirements and Historical Approaches for Criteria Pollutants Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) requires SIPs to include provisions prohibiting any source or other type of emissions activity in one state from emitting any air pollutant in amounts that will contribute significantly to nonattainment, or interfere with maintenance, of the NAAQS in another state. The two clauses of this section are referred to as prong 1 (significant contribution to nonattainment) and prong 2 (interference with maintenance of the NAAQS). EPA's most recent infrastructure SIP guidance, the September 13, 2013 ``Guidance on Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean Air Act Sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2),'' did not explicitly include criteria for how the Agency would evaluate infrastructure SIP submissions intended to address section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I).\5\ With respect to certain pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matter, EPA has addressed interstate transport in eastern states in the context of regional rulemaking actions that quantify state emission reduction obligations.\6\ In other actions, such as EPA action on western state SIPs addressing ozone and particulate matter, EPA has considered a variety of factors on a case- by-case basis to determine whether emissions from one state interfere with the attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS in another state. In such actions, EPA has considered available information such as current air quality, emissions data and trends, meteorology, and topography.\7\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ At the time the September 13, 2013 guidance was issued, EPA was litigating challenges raised with respect to its Cross State Air Pollution Rule (``CSAPR''), 76 FR 48208 (Aug. 8, 2011), designed to address the CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) interstate transport requirements with respect to the 1997 ozone and the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. CSAPR was vacated and remanded by the D.C. Circuit in 2012 pursuant to EME Homer City Generation, L.P. v. EPA, 696 F.3d 7. EPA subsequently sought review of the D.C. Circuit's decision by the Supreme Court, which was granted in June 2013. As EPA was in the process of litigating the interpretation of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) at the time the infrastructure SIP guidance was issued, EPA did not issue guidance specific to that provision. The Supreme Court subsequently vacated the D.C. Circuit's decision and remanded the case to that court for further review. 134 S.Ct. 1584 (2014). On July 28, 2015, the D.C. Circuit issued a decision upholding CSAPR, but remanding certain elements for reconsideration. 795 F.3d 118. \6\ NOX SIP Call, 63 FR 57371 (October 27, 1998); Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), 70 FR 25172 (May 12, 2005); CSAPR, 76 FR 48208 (August 8, 2011). \7\ See, e.g., Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of California; Interstate Transport of Pollution; Significant Contribution to Nonattainment and Interference With Maintenance Requirements, Proposed Rule, 76 FR 146516, 14616-14626 (March 17, 2011); Final Rule, 76 FR 34872 (June 15, 2011); Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans; State of Colorado; Interstate Transport of Pollution for the 2006 24-Hour PM2.5 NAAQS, Proposed Rule, 80 FR 27121, 27124-27125 (May 12, 2015); Final Rule, 80 FR 47862 (August 10, 2015). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For other pollutants such as Pb, EPA has suggested the applicable interstate transport requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) can be met through a state's assessment as to whether or not emissions from Pb sources located in close proximity to its borders have emissions that impact a neighboring state such that they contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance in that state. For example, EPA noted in an October 14, 2011 memorandum titled, ``Guidance on Infrastructure SIP Elements Required Under Sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) for the 2008 Pb NAAQS,'' \8\ that the physical properties of Pb prevent its emissions from experiencing the same travel or formation phenomena as PM2.5 or ozone, and there is a sharp decrease in Pb concentrations, at least in the coarse fraction, as the distance from a Pb source increases. Accordingly, while it may be possible for a source in a state to emit Pb in a location and in quantities that may contribute significantly to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance by, any other state, EPA anticipates that this would be a rare situation, e.g., where large sources are in close proximity to state boundaries.\9\ Our rationale and explanation for approving the applicable interstate transport requirements under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2008 Pb NAAQS, consistent with EPA's interpretation of the October 14, 2011 guidance document, can be found in, among other instances, the proposed approval and a subsequent final approval of interstate transport SIPs submitted by Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.\10\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \8\ https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/aqmguide/collection/cp2/20111014_page_lead_caa_110_infrastructure_guidance.pdf. \9\ Id. at pp 7-8. \10\ See 79 FR 27241 at 27249 (May 13, 2014) and 79 FR 41439 (July 16, 2014). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Approach for Addressing the Interstate Transport Requirements of the 2010 Primary SO2 NAAQS in Rhode Island This notice describes EPA's evaluation of Rhode Island's conclusion contained in the State's October 15, 2015 infrastructure SIP submission that the State satisfies the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.\11\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ EPA notes that the evaluation of other states' satisfaction of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS can be informed by similar factors found in this proposed rulemaking, but may not be identical to the approach taken in this or any future rulemaking for Rhode Island, depending on available information and state-specific circumstances. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 41200]] As previously noted, section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) requires an evaluation of any source or other type of emissions activity in one state and how emissions from these sources or activities may impact air quality in other states. As the analysis contained in Rhode Island's submittal demonstrates, a state's obligation to demonstrate that it is meeting section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) cannot be based solely on the fact that there are no DRR sources within the state. Therefore, EPA believes that a reasonable starting point for determining which sources and emissions activities in Rhode Island are likely to impact downwind air quality with respect to the SO2 NAAQS is by using information in the NEI.\12\ The NEI is a comprehensive and detailed estimate of air emissions of criteria pollutants, criteria precursors, and hazardous air pollutants from air emissions sources, and is updated every three years using information provided by the states. At the time of this rulemaking, the most recently available dataset is the 2014 NEI, and the state summary for Rhode Island is included in the table below. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/national-emissions-inventory. Table 1--Summary of 2014 NEI SO2 Data for Rhode Island ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Emissions Category (tons per year) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fuel Combustion: Electric Utilities..................... 33 Fuel Combustion: Industrial............................. 599 Fuel Combustion: Other.................................. 2,757 Petroleum and related Industries........................ 6 Waste Disposal and Recycling............................ 140 Highway Vehicles........................................ 75 Off-Highway............................................. 178 Miscellaneous........................................... 2 --------------- Total............................................... 3,790 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The EPA observes that according to the 2014 NEI, the vast majority of SO2 emissions in Rhode Island originate from fuel combustion at point and nonpoint sources. Therefore, an assessment of Rhode Island's satisfaction of all applicable requirements under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS may reasonably be based upon evaluating the downwind impacts of emissions from the combined fuel combustion categories (i.e., electric utilities, industrial processes, and other sources \13\). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ The ``other'' category of fuel combustion in Rhode Island is comprised almost entirely of residential heating through fuel oil combustion. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The definitions contained in Appendix D to 40 CFR part 58 are helpful indicators of the travel and formation phenomenon for SO2 originating from stationary sources in its stoichiometric gaseous form in the context of the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS. Notably, section 4.4 of this appendix titled, ``Sulfur Dioxide (SO2 ) Design Criteria'' provides definitions for SO2 Monitoring Spatial Scales for microscale, middle scale, neighborhood, and urban scale monitors. The microscale includes areas in close proximity to SO2 point and area sources, and those areas extend approximately 100 meters from a facility. The middle scale generally represents air quality levels in areas 100 meters to 500 meters from a facility, and may include locations of maximum expected short-term concentrations due to the proximity of major SO2 point, area, and non-road sources. The neighborhood scale characterizes air quality conditions between 0.5 kilometers and 4 kilometers from a facility, and emissions from stationary and point sources may under certain plume conditions, result in high SO2 concentrations at this scale. Lastly, the urban scale is used to estimate concentrations over large portions of an urban area with dimensions of 4 to 50 kilometers from a facility, and such measurements would be useful for assessing trends and concentrations in area-wide air quality, and hence, the effectiveness of large-scale pollution control strategies. Based on these definitions contained in EPA's own regulations, we believe that it is appropriate to examine the impacts of emissions from electric utilities and industrial processes in Rhode Island in distances ranging from 0 km to 50 km from the facility. In other words, SO2 emissions from stationary sources in the context of the 2010 primary NAAQS do not exhibit the same long-distance travel, regional transport or formation phenomena as either ozone or PM2.5, but rather, these emissions behave more like Pb with localized dispersion. Therefore, an assessment up to 50 kilometers from potential sources would be useful for assessing trends and SO2 concentrations in area-wide air quality.\14\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \14\ EPA recognizes in Appendix A.1 titled, ``AERMOD (AMS/EPA Regulatory Model) -'' of Appendix W to 40 CFR part 51 that the model is appropriate for predicting SO2 up to 50 kilometers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The largest category of SO2 emissions in Table 1 is for ``other'' fuel combustion sources. The majority of emissions in this category is from residential fuel combustion (2,561 tons per year), or 68% of the total statewide SO2 emissions for 2014. Residential homes combusting fuel are considered nonpoint sources. For any state where the SO2 contribution from nonpoint sources make up a majority of all statewide SO2 emissions, EPA believes it is reasonable to evaluate any regulations intended to address fuel oil, specifically with respect to the sulfur content in order to determine interstate transport impacts from the category of ``other'' sources of fuel combustion. Our current implementation strategy for the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS includes the flexibility to characterize air quality for stationary sources via either data collected at ambient air quality monitors sited to capture the points of maximum concentration, or air dispersion modeling.\15\ Our assessment of SO2 emissions from fuel combustion categories in the state and their potential on neighboring states are informed by all available data at the time of this rulemaking, and include: SO2 ambient air quality; SO2 emissions and SO2 emissions trends; SIP-approved SO2 regulations and permitting requirements; and, other SIP-approved or federally promulgated regulations which may yield reductions of SO2 . --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \15\ https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/2010-1-hour-sulfur-dioxide-so2-primary-national-ambient-air-quality-standards-naaqs --------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Approach for Addressing the Interstate Transport Requirements of the 2010 Primary NO2 NAAQS in Rhode Island This notice also describes EPA's evaluation of Rhode Island's conclusion contained in the State's October 15, 2015 infrastructure SIP submission that the State satisfies the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS.\16\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \16\ EPA notes that the evaluation of other states' satisfaction of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS can be informed by similar factors found in this proposed rulemaking, but may not be identical to the approach taken in this or any future rulemaking for Rhode Island, depending on available information and state-specific circumstances. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EPA and the State's approach to assessing impacts from the transportation of NO2 emissions is similar, but different, from the approach discussed above for SO2 emissions. As previously noted, the approach used to analyze the effects of transport for NO2 emissions in Rhode Island consists of four elements: (1) The area designation for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS, (2) ambient monitoring of NO2 concentrations; (3) the fact that total NOX emissions in the State and surrounding states are [[Page 41201]] trending downward; and (4) the fact that there are SIP-approved state regulations in place to control NOX emissions in the State. V. Interstate Transport Demonstration for SO2 Emissions A. Prong 1 Analysis--Significant Contribution to SO2 Nonattainment Prong 1 of the good neighbor provision requires state plans to prohibit emissions that will significantly contribute to nonattainment of a NAAQS in another state. In order to evaluate Rhode Island's satisfaction of prong 1, EPA evaluated the State's SIP submission in relation to the following four factors: (1) SO2 emission trends for Rhode Island and neighboring states; (2) SO2 ambient air quality; (3) SIP-approved regulations specific to SO2 emissions and permit requirements; and (4) other SIP- approved or federally-enforceable regulations that, while not directly intended to address or reduce SO2 emissions, may yield reductions of the pollutant. A detailed discussion of each of these factors is below. 1. SO2 Emissions Trends As noted above, EPA's approach for addressing the interstate transport of SO2 in Rhode Island is based upon emissions from fuel combustion at electric utilities, industrial sources, and residential heating. As part of the SIP submittal, Rhode Island observed that, in accordance with the most recently available designations guidance at the time,\17\ there were no facilities in Rhode Island with reported actual emissions greater than or equal to 100 tons per year (tpy) of SO2 in 2014. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \17\ March 24, 2011 guidance document titled, ``Area Designations for the 2010 Revised Primary Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards.'' See, e.g. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/AirQuality/documents/SO2DesignationsGuidance2011.pdf. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- According to the 2014 NEI data, the highest SO2 emissions from a single point source was 60 tons from Rhode Island Hospital. Also during 2014, the largest industrial or electric generating facility was Rhode Island LFG Genco, LLC which emitted 33 tons of SO2 . As demonstrated by the data in Table 2, statewide SO2 emissions in Rhode Island and in its three neighboring states, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, have significantly decreased over the last several years. This decreasing trend should continue into the near future as all four states have adopted strategies to lower fuel oil's sulfur content by weight.\18\ By July 1, 2018, the home heating oil in all four states will be limited to 15 parts per million (ppm) of sulfur by weight. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \18\ On October 7, 2015, EPA approved Rhode Island's low sulfur fuel regulation. See 80 FR 60541. On May 25, 2016 and June 3, 2016, EPA approved Connecticut's low sulfur fuel regulations. See 81 FR 33134 and 81 FR 35636, respectively. On September 19, 2013, EPA approved Massachusetts' low sulfur fuel regulation. See 78 FR 57487. On August 8, 2012, EPA approved New York's low sulfur fuel statute. See 77 FR 51915. Table 2--Statewide SO2 Data (tons per year) for Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts \19\ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- State 2000 2005 2010 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rhode Island.................................... 8,976 7,356 4,416 3,639 Connecticut..................................... 60,309 34,638 16,319 10,953 Massachusetts................................... 208,146 139,937 57,892 13,518 New York........................................ 543,868 386,568 170,247 59,520 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. SO2 Ambient Air Quality Data collected at ambient air quality monitors indicate the monitored values of SO2 in the State have remained below the NAAQS. Relevant data from Air Quality Standards (AQS) Design Value (DV) \20\ reports for recent and complete 3-year periods are summarized in the table below. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \19\ See Air Pollution Emissions Trend Data at https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/air-pollutant-emissions-trends-data. \20\ A ``Design Value'' is a statistic that describes the air quality status of a given location relative to the level of the NAAQS. The interpretation of the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS (set at 75 parts per billion [ppb]) including the data handling conventions and calculations necessary for determining compliance with the NAAQS can be found in Appendix T to 40 CFR part 50. Table 3--Trend in SO2 Design Values for AQS Monitors in Rhode Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2012-2014 DV 2013-2015 DV 2014-2016 DV AQS Monitor Site Monitor location (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44-007-0012........................... Brown University, 11 8 7 Providence. 44-007-1010........................... Francis School, East 14 10 7 Providence. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As shown in Table 3 above, the DVs for the two monitoring sites for all years between 2012 and 2016 have decreased between each of the 3- year blocks shown in the table. The highest valid DV in Rhode Island for 2014-2016 is 7 ppb, which is 83% below the NAAQS. While the monitor (AQS Site ID 44-007-0012) closest to Rhode Island Hospital (the largest SO2 emitter in 2014) may not be sited in the area to capture points of maximum concentration from the facility, the monitor is located in the neighborhood spatial scale in relation to the facility, i.e., emissions from stationary and point sources may under certain plume conditions, result in high SO2 concentrations at this scale. Forty CFR part 58, Appendix D, section 4.4.4(3) defines neighborhood scale as ``[t]he neighborhood scale would characterize air quality conditions throughout some relatively uniform land use areas with dimensions in the 0.5 to 4.0 kilometer range.'' However, the absence of a violating ambient air quality monitor within the State is insufficient to demonstrate that Rhode Island has met its interstate transport obligation. While the decreasing DVs and their associated spatial scales may help to assist in characterizing air quality within Rhode Island, prong 1 of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) specifically addresses the effects that sources within Rhode Island have on air quality in neighboring states. Therefore, an evaluation and analysis of SO2 emissions data from facilities within the State, together with the potential effects of such emissions on ambient data in neighboring states, is appropriate. [[Page 41202]] As previously discussed, EPA's definitions of spatial scales for SO2 monitoring networks indicate that the maximum impacts from stationary sources can be expected within 4 kilometers of such sources, and that distances up to 50 kilometers would be useful for assessing trends and concentrations in area-wide air quality. The only nearby states within 50 km of a source in Rhode Island are Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. As a result, no further analysis of other Northeast states was conducted for assessing the impacts of the interstate transport of SO2 pollution from facilities located in Rhode Island. There are no ambient SO2 monitors operating in Connecticut or New York within 50 km of Rhode Island's border \21\. There are four such monitors in Massachusetts, which are identified in Table 4, below, along with those monitors' DVs for SO2 for the last three year periods. As shown in Table 4, SO2 DVs for these monitors are decreasing, with the highest DV for 2014-2016 being 13% of the NAAQS. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \21\ The closest ambient SO2 monitors in Connecticut and New York with recent valid design values are in New Haven and Suffolk Counties, respectively. The 2014-2016 design value at each of these monitors (i.e., 09-009-0027 and 36-103-0009) is below 10 ppb. See https://www.epa.gov/air-trends/air-quality-design-values. Table 4--Trend in SO2 Design Values for AQS Monitors in Massachusetts Within 50 km of Rhode Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2012-2014 DV 2013-2015 DV 2014-2016 DV AQS Monitor Site Monitor Location (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25-025-0042........................... Dudley Square, Roxbury.. 12 11 9 25-025-0002........................... Kenmore Square, Boston.. 12 9 6 25-027-0023........................... Worcester............... 9 7 6 25-005-1004........................... Fall River.............. 47 28 10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Federally Enforceable Regulations Specific to SO2 and Permitting Requirements The State has various regulations to ensure that SO2 emissions are not expected to substantially increase in the future. One notable example consists of the federally-enforceable conditions contained in Rhode Island's Air Pollution Control Regulation (APCR) No. 8, ``Sulfur Content of Fuels.'' This regulation, last approved by EPA into the SIP on October 7, 2015 (80 FR 60541) limits the amount of sulfur by weight in fuel oil. As discussed earlier in this notice, the 2014 NEI indicates that the single largest, albeit diffuse, source category of SO2 emissions in Rhode Island is from fuel combustion for residential heating (2,561 tpy). Starting on July 1, 2014 the sulfur content for home heating oil in Rhode Island was lowered to 500 parts per million (ppm), or 0.05% by weight. An additional reduction in the amount of SO2 emissions from the use of home heating oil will occur after July 1, 2018 when the sulfur content will be reduced from 500 ppm to 15 ppm or 0.0015% by weight, representing a 97% decrease in SO2 emissions from this source category. In addition, for the purposes of ensuring that SO2 emissions at new or modified stationary sources in Rhode Island do not adversely impact air quality, the State's SIP-approved nonattainment new source review (NNSR) and prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) programs are contained in APCR, No. 9, ``Air Pollution Control Permits.'' This regulation ensures that SO2 emissions due to new facility construction or to modifications at existing facilities will not adversely impact air quality in Rhode Island and will likely not adversely impact air quality in neighboring states. Finally, in addition to the State's SIP-approved regulations, EPA observes that facilities in Rhode Island are also subject to the federal requirements contained in regulations such as the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters. This regulation reduces acid gases, which includes reductions in SO2 emissions. 4. Conclusion As discussed in more detail above, EPA has considered the following information in evaluating the State's satisfaction of the requirements of prong 1 of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I): (1) EPA has not identified any current air quality problems in neighboring states (i.e., Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York) relative to the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS; (2) Past and projected future SO2 emission trends demonstrate that SO2 air quality problems in other neighboring states are unlikely to occur due to sources in Rhode Island; and (3) Current SIP provisions and other federal programs will further reduce SO2 emissions from sources within Rhode Island. Based on the analysis provided by the State in its October 15, 2015 SIP submission and based on each of the factors listed above, EPA proposes to find that any sources or other emissions activity within the State will not contribute significantly to nonattainment of the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS in any other state. B. Prong 2 Analysis--Interference With Maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS Prong 2 of the good neighbor provision requires state plans to prohibit emissions that will interfere with maintenance of a NAAQS in another state. Given the continuing trend of decreased emissions from sources within Rhode Island, EPA believes that reasonable criteria to ensure that sources or other emissions activity originating within Rhode Island do not interfere with its neighboring states' ability to maintain the NAAQS consists of evaluating whether these decreases in emissions can be maintained over time. As shown in Table 2, above, state-wide SO2 emissions in Rhode Island, and the three neighboring states, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, have significantly decreased since 2000. All four of these states have adopted low sulfur fuel oil requirements, requiring the sulfur content in home heating oil and other sources using distillate oil to be lowered by 97% by July 1, 2018.\22\ According to the 2014 NEI data, home heating oil is the largest category of SO2 emissions in three of the states, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Home heating oil in 2014 was not the largest category of SO2 emissions in New York because the sulfur content in home [[Page 41203]] heating oil was reduced to 15 ppm as of July 1, 2012. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \22\ See 80 FR 60541 (October 15, 2015) for Rhode Island, 78 FR 57487 (September 19, 2013) for Massachusetts, and 81 FR 35636 (June 3, 2016) for Connecticut. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Utilizing United States census data and EPA emission factors, future SO2 emissions from home heating oil can be forecasted in each of the three states where the reduction in sulfur content to 15 ppm does not take effect until 2018. According to EPA's guidance titled ``Air Emission Factors and Quantification AP 42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors'' Chapter 1.3 titled, ``Fuel Oil Combustion,'' \23\ more than 95% of the sulfur in fuel is converted to SO2 . The Census Bureau provides state specific data for the year 2000 regarding the number of homes using oil for heating purposes.\24\ Finally, it is not uncommon for typical households in the southern New England states to use 800 gallons of fuel oil per season.\25\ Table 5 provides both the census data and current and future SO2 emission estimates for each of the three relevant states. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \23\ https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ap42/ch01/final/c01s03.pdf. \24\ https://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/census/historic/fuels.html. \25\ See 82 FR 21351 (May 8, 2017). Table 5--Estimated Future SO2 Emissions From Home Heating Oil ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimate of SO2 Estimate of SO2 Number of emissions (tons) emissions (tons) State households using from households from households oil for heat using oil (2016) using oil (2019) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rhode Island.................................. 168,400 478.2 14 Connecticut................................... 681,200 1,935 58 Massachusetts................................. 945,600 2,686 81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While EPA does not currently have a way to quantify the impacts of multiple small sources of SO2 (the current estimate is approximately 6 pounds of SO2 per year per household that uses 800 gallons of fuel oil) in neighboring states, the drastic decrease in the allowable sulfur content in fuel oil and the associated reductions in SO2 emissions, combined with the diffuse nature of these emissions, make it unlikely that the current and future emissions from residential combustion of fuel oil are likely to lead to an exceedance of the NAAQS in a neighboring state. Specifically, by 2018, the yearly SO2 emissions per household using fuel oil will drop to under 0.20 pounds per year. As shown in Table 2, above, statewide SO2 emissions in Rhode Island have decreased over time. A number of factors are involved that caused this decrease in emissions, including the effective date of APCR No. 8, ``Sulfur Content of Fuels,'' and the change in capacity factors at EGUs over time due to increased usage of natural gas to generate electricity. The EPA believes that since actual SO2 emissions from the facilities currently operating in Rhode Island have decreased between 2000 and 2015, this trend shows that emissions originating in Rhode Island are not expected to interfere with the neighboring states' ability to maintain the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. EPA expects SO2 from point sources combusting fuel oil in Rhode Island will be lower in the future. In 2014, the state adopted lower sulfur-in-fuel limits for all stationary sources (APCR No. 8). These new limits were approved by EPA into the SIP in 2015. The sulfur- in-fuel limits contained in APCR No. 8 will limit stationary sources combusting residual fuel oil with a sulfur content of 0.5% or less by weight and distillate fuel oil of 0.0015% or less by weight as of July 1, 2018. Lastly, any future large sources of SO2 emissions will be addressed by Rhode Island's SIP-approved Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. Future minor sources of SO2 emissions will be addressed by the State's minor new source review permit program. The permitting regulations contained within these programs, along with the other factors already discussed, are expected to help ensure that ambient concentrations of SO2 in Massachusetts or Connecticut are not exceeded as a result of new facility construction or modification occurring in Rhode Island. It is also worth noting air quality trends for concentrations of SO2 in the Northeastern United States.\26\ This region has experienced a 77% decrease in the annual 99th percentile of daily maximum 1-hour averages between 2000 and 2015 based on 46 monitoring sites, and the most recently available data for 2015 indicates that the mean value at these sites was 17.4 ppb, or less than 25% of the NAAQS. When this trend is evaluated alongside the monitored SO2 concentrations within the State of Rhode Island as well as the SO2 concentrations recorded at monitors in Massachusetts and Connecticut, EPA does not believe that sources or emissions activity from within Rhode Island are significantly different than the overall decreasing monitored SO2 concentration trend in the Northeast region. As a result, EPA finds it unlikely that sources or emissions activity from within Rhode Island will interfere with other states' ability to maintain the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \26\ See https://www.epa.gov/air-trends/sulfur-dioxide-trends. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Based on each of factors contained in the prong 2 maintenance analysis above, EPA proposes to find that sources or other emissions activity within the State will not interfere with maintenance of the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS in any other state. VI. Significant Contribution to Nonattainment and Interference With Maintenance of the NO2 NAAQS Rhode Island's October 15, 2015 infrastructure SIP submission addressing the good neighbor requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) notes that on January 20, 2012, EPA designated all areas of the country as ``unclassifiable/attainment'' for the 2010 primary NO2 NAAQS. EPA did this because DVs for the 2008- 2010 period at all monitored sites met the NAAQS. Measurements from 2013-2015 indicate continued attainment of the 2010 primary NO2 NAAQS throughout the country.\27\ Rhode Island currently operates four NO2 monitors, two in Providence, one in East Providence, and one in West Greenwich. The DV is based on the 3-year average of the 98th percentile of the yearly distribution of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations. Table 6 contains the design values for the two monitors with complete, valid data. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \27\ See https://www.epa.gov/air-trends/air-quality-design-values for NO2 design values. [[Page 41204]] Table 6--NO2 Design Values in Rhode Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2013-2015 DV 2014-2016 DV AQS Monitor site Monitor location (ppb) (ppb) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44-007-0012................................... Brown University, Providence.... 46 45 44-007-1010................................... Francis School, East Providence. 39 38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As shown in Table 6, the DVs are significantly less than the national ambient air quality standard for NO2 , which is 100 ppb. However, the absence of a violating ambient air quality monitor within the State is insufficient by itself to demonstrate that Rhode Island has met its interstate transport obligation. While the DV may help to assist in characterizing air quality within Rhode Island, section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) specifically addresses the effects that sources within Rhode Island have on air quality in neighboring states. Therefore, an evaluation and analysis of DV's in neighboring states is appropriate. Table 7 contains the highest NO2 DVs for the three states neighboring Rhode Island, i.e., Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Table 7--Highest NO2 Design Values in ppb for AQS Monitors in Massachusetts and Connecticut ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AQS monitor Design value State site Monitor location (2014-2016) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connecticut................................ 09-009-0027 Criscuolo Park-New Haven........... 53 Massachusetts.............................. 25-025-0002 Kenmore Square, Boston............. 51 25-025-0042 Dudley Square, Roxbury............. 51 25-027-0023 Worcester.......................... 51 New York................................... 36-005-0110 Bronx.............................. 64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As shown by the chart above, the highest NO2 DV in each neighboring state is significantly less than the NO2 NAAQS. Lastly, APCR No. 27 ``Control of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions,'' among other regulations, contains NOX emissions limits for existing sources. For ensuring that new or modified sources of NO2 emissions in Rhode Island do not adversely impact air quality, the State's SIP-approved nonattainment new source review (NNSR) and prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) programs are contained in APCR, No. 9, ``Air Pollution Control Permits.'' This regulation ensures that NO2 emissions due to new facility construction or modifications at existing facilities will not adversely impact air quality in Rhode Island or in neighboring states. EPA also notes that NOX emissions have been declining, with total statewide NOX emissions from Rhode Island sources dropping from 38,308 tons in 2000 to 19,680 tons in 2016. In light of the above analysis, EPA is approving Rhode Island's October 15, 2015 infrastructure submittal for the 2010 primary NO2 NAAQS as it pertains to section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA. Based on the analysis provided by the State in its October 15, 2015 SIP submission and based on each of the factors listed above, for the 2010 primary NO2 NAAQS EPA proposes to find that any sources or other emissions activity within the State will not contribute significantly to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance by, any other state. VII. Proposed Action In light of the above analysis, EPA is proposing to approve Rhode Island's October 15, 2015 infrastructure submittal for the 2010 primary SO2 and 2010 primary NO2 NAAQS as it pertains to Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA. EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this notice. These comments will be considered before taking final action. Interested parties may participate in the Federal rulemaking procedure by submitting written comments to the EPA New England Regional Office listed in the ADDRESSES section of this Federal Register or by submitting comments electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier following the directions in the ADDRESSES section of this Federal Register. VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. Accordingly, this proposed action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed action:Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011); Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4); Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); Is not subject to requirements of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act; and Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as [[Page 41205]] appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian country, the rule does not have tribal implications and will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Sulfur oxides, Nitrogen oxides. Dated: August 15, 2017. Deborah A. Szaro, Acting Regional Administrator, EPA New England. [FR Doc. 2017-18419 Filed 8-29-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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The February committee meetings SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection IV. Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)—Interstate
will be held at the U.S. Department of Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Transport
Education: Barnard Auditorium, 400 an October 15, 2015 State A. General Requirements and Historical
Approaches for Criteria Pollutants
Maryland Ave. SW., Washington, DC Implementation Plan (SIP) revision
B. Approach for Addressing the Interstate
20202. submitted by the State of Rhode Island. Transport Requirements of the 2010
The March committee meetings will This revision addresses the interstate Primary SO2 NAAQS in Rhode Island
be held at the U.S. Department of transport requirements of the Clean Air C. Approach for Addressing the Interstate
Education at: Potomac Center Plaza Act (CAA), referred to as the good Transport Requirements of the 2010
Auditorium, 550 12th Street SW., neighbor provision, with respect to the Primary NO2 NAAQS in Rhode Island
Washington, DC 20202. 2010 primary sulfur dioxide (SO2) and V. Interstate Transport Demonstration for SO2
The committee meetings are open to 2010 primary nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Emissions
the public. national ambient air quality standards A. Prong 1 Analysis—Significant
Accessible Format: Individuals with (NAAQS). This action proposes to Contribution to SO2 Nonattainment
disabilities can obtain this document in 1. SO2 Emissions Trends
approve Rhode Island’s demonstration 2. SO2 Ambient Air Quality
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large that the state is meeting its obligations 3. Federally Enforceable Regulations
print, audiotape, or compact disc) by regarding the transport of SO2 and NO2 Specific to SO2 and Permitting
contacting Wendy Macias, U.S. emissions into other states. This action Requirements
Department of Education, 400 Maryland is being taken under the Clean Air Act. 4. Conclusion
Ave. SW., Room 6C111, Washington, DC DATES: Written comments must be B. Prong 2 Analysis—Interference with
20202. Telephone: (202) 203–9155 or by received on or before September 29, Maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS
email: Wendy.Macias@ed.gov. 2017. VI. Significant Contribution to
Electronic Access to This Document: Nonattainment and Interference with
The official version of this document is ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, Maintenance of the NO2 NAAQS
the document published in the Federal identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R01– VII. Proposed Action
Register. Free internet access to the OAR–2017–0151 at http:// VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
official edition of the Federal Register www.regulations.gov. Follow the online I. Background
and the Code of Federal Regulations is instructions for submitting comments.
Once submitted, comments cannot be On February 9, 2010 (75 FR 6474),
available via the Federal Digital System
edited or removed from Regulations.gov. EPA promulgated a revised primary
at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you
For either manner of submission, the NAAQS for NO2 at a level of 100 ppb,
can view this document, as well as all
EPA may publish any comment received based on a 3-year average of the annual
other documents of this Department
to its public docket. Do not submit 98th percentile of 1-hour daily
published in the Federal Register, in
electronically any information you maximum concentrations. On June 22,
text or Portable Document Format
consider to be Confidential Business 2010 (75 FR 35520), EPA promulgated a
(PDF). To use PDF you must have
Information (CBI) or other information revised primary NAAQS for SO2 at a
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. level of 75 ppb, based on a 3-year
available free at the site. You may also
Multimedia submissions (audio, video, average of the annual 99th percentile of
access documents of the Department
etc.) must be accompanied by a written 1-hour daily maximum concentrations.
published in the Federal Register by
comment. The written comment is Pursuant to section 110(a)(1) of the
using the article search feature at:
considered the official comment and CAA, states are required to submit SIPs
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically,
should include discussion of all points meeting the applicable requirements of
through the advanced search feature at
you wish to make. EPA will generally section 110(a)(2) within three years after
this site, you can limit your search to
not consider comments or comment promulgation of a new or revised
documents published by the
contents located outside of the primary NAAQS, or within such shorter period
Department.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1098a. submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or as EPA may prescribe.1 These SIPs,
other file sharing system). For which EPA has historically referred to
Kathleen A. Smith, additional submission methods, please as ‘‘infrastructure SIPs,’’ are to provide
Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary contact the person identified in the FOR for the ‘‘implementation, maintenance,
Education. and enforcement’’ of such NAAQS, and
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
[FR Doc. 2017–18510 Filed 8–29–17; 8:45 am] For the full EPA public comment policy, the requirements are designed to ensure
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P information about CBI or multimedia that the structural components of each
submissions, and general guidance on state’s air quality management program
making effective comments, please visit are adequate to meet the state’s
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION http://www.epa.gov/dockets/ responsibilities under the CAA. A
AGENCY commenting-epa-dockets. detailed history, interpretation, and
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
rationale of these SIPs and their
40 CFR Part 52 requirements can be found in, among
Donald Dahl, (617) 918–1657; or by
[EPA–R01–OAR–2017–0151; FRL–9967–06– email at dahl.donald@epa.gov. other documents, EPA’s May 13, 2014
Region 1] proposed rule titled, ‘‘Infrastructure SIP
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
requirements for the 2008 Lead
Throughout this document whenever
Air Plan Approval; Rhode Island; NAAQS,’’ in the section ‘‘What is the
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean
Infrastructure Requirement for the scope of this rulemaking?’’ (see 79 FR
EPA. Organization of this document.
2010 Sulfur Dioxide and 2010 Nitrogen 27241 at 27242–27245). As noted above,
The following outline is provided to aid
Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality section 110(a) of the CAA imposes an
in locating information in this preamble.
Standards
Table of Contents 1 This requirement applies to both primary and
AGENCY: Environmental Protection secondary NAAQS, but EPA’s approval in this
Agency (EPA). I. Background notice applies only to the 2010 primary NAAQS for
ACTION: Proposed rule. II. State Submittal SO2 and NO2 because EPA did not establish in 2010
III. Summary of the Proposed Action a new secondary NAAQS for SO2 and NO2.
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trending downward; and (4) the fact that specific to SO2 emissions and permit greater than or equal to 100 tons per
there are SIP-approved state regulations requirements; and (4) other SIP- year (tpy) of SO2 in 2014.
in place to control NOX emissions in the approved or federally-enforceable According to the 2014 NEI data, the
State. regulations that, while not directly highest SO2 emissions from a single
intended to address or reduce SO2 point source was 60 tons from Rhode
V. Interstate Transport Demonstration Island Hospital. Also during 2014, the
for SO2 Emissions emissions, may yield reductions of the
pollutant. A detailed discussion of each largest industrial or electric generating
A. Prong 1 Analysis—Significant of these factors is below. facility was Rhode Island LFG Genco,
Contribution to SO2 Nonattainment LLC which emitted 33 tons of SO2.
1. SO2 Emissions Trends As demonstrated by the data in Table
Prong 1 of the good neighbor 2, statewide SO2 emissions in Rhode
provision requires state plans to As noted above, EPA’s approach for Island and in its three neighboring
prohibit emissions that will addressing the interstate transport of states, Connecticut, Massachusetts and
significantly contribute to SO2 in Rhode Island is based upon New York, have significantly decreased
nonattainment of a NAAQS in another emissions from fuel combustion at over the last several years. This
state. In order to evaluate Rhode Island’s electric utilities, industrial sources, and decreasing trend should continue into
satisfaction of prong 1, EPA evaluated residential heating. As part of the SIP the near future as all four states have
the State’s SIP submission in relation to submittal, Rhode Island observed that, adopted strategies to lower fuel oil’s
the following four factors: (1) SO2 in accordance with the most recently sulfur content by weight.18 By July 1,
emission trends for Rhode Island and available designations guidance at the 2018, the home heating oil in all four
neighboring states; (2) SO2 ambient air time,17 there were no facilities in Rhode states will be limited to 15 parts per
quality; (3) SIP-approved regulations Island with reported actual emissions million (ppm) of sulfur by weight.
TABLE 2—STATEWIDE SO2 DATA (TONS PER YEAR) FOR RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, AND MASSACHUSETTS 19
State 2000 2005 2010 2016
Rhode Island .................................................................................................... 8,976 7,356 4,416 3,639
Connecticut ...................................................................................................... 60,309 34,638 16,319 10,953
Massachusetts ................................................................................................. 208,146 139,937 57,892 13,518
New York ......................................................................................................... 543,868 386,568 170,247 59,520
2. SO2 Ambient Air Quality of SO2 in the State have remained below (DV) 20 reports for recent and complete
the NAAQS. Relevant data from Air 3-year periods are summarized in the
Data collected at ambient air quality
Quality Standards (AQS) Design Value table below.
monitors indicate the monitored values
TABLE 3—TREND IN SO2 DESIGN VALUES FOR AQS MONITORS IN RHODE ISLAND
2012–2014 DV 2013–2015 DV 2014–2016 DV
AQS Monitor Site Monitor location (ppb) (ppb) (ppb)
44–007–0012 .................................................. Brown University, Providence ........................ 11 8 7
44–007–1010 .................................................. Francis School, East Providence ................... 14 10 7
As shown in Table 3 above, the DVs i.e., emissions from stationary and point transport obligation. While the
for the two monitoring sites for all years sources may under certain plume decreasing DVs and their associated
between 2012 and 2016 have decreased conditions, result in high SO2 spatial scales may help to assist in
between each of the 3-year blocks concentrations at this scale. Forty CFR characterizing air quality within Rhode
shown in the table. The highest valid part 58, Appendix D, section 4.4.4(3) Island, prong 1 of section
DV in Rhode Island for 2014–2016 is 7 defines neighborhood scale as ‘‘[t]he 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) specifically addresses
ppb, which is 83% below the NAAQS. neighborhood scale would characterize the effects that sources within Rhode
While the monitor (AQS Site ID 44– air quality conditions throughout some Island have on air quality in
007–0012) closest to Rhode Island relatively uniform land use areas with neighboring states. Therefore, an
Hospital (the largest SO2 emitter in dimensions in the 0.5 to 4.0 kilometer evaluation and analysis of SO2
2014) may not be sited in the area to range.’’
emissions data from facilities within the
capture points of maximum However, the absence of a violating
concentration from the facility, the ambient air quality monitor within the State, together with the potential effects
monitor is located in the neighborhood State is insufficient to demonstrate that of such emissions on ambient data in
spatial scale in relation to the facility, Rhode Island has met its interstate neighboring states, is appropriate.
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
17 March 24, 2011 guidance document titled,
Connecticut’s low sulfur fuel regulations. See 81 FR 20 A ‘‘Design Value’’ is a statistic that describes
‘‘Area Designations for the 2010 Revised Primary 33134 and 81 FR 35636, respectively. On September the air quality status of a given location relative to
Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality 19, 2013, EPA approved Massachusetts’ low sulfur the level of the NAAQS. The interpretation of the
Standards.’’ See, e.g. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Air fuel regulation. See 78 FR 57487. On August 8, 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS (set at 75 parts per
Quality/documents/SO2DesignationsGuidance 2012, EPA approved New York’s low sulfur fuel
2011.pdf. billion [ppb]) including the data handling
statute. See 77 FR 51915.
18 On October 7, 2015, EPA approved Rhode 19 See Air Pollution Emissions Trend Data at
conventions and calculations necessary for
Island’s low sulfur fuel regulation. See 80 FR 60541. https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/air- determining compliance with the NAAQS can be
On May 25, 2016 and June 3, 2016, EPA approved pollutant-emissions-trends-data. found in Appendix T to 40 CFR part 50.
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appropriate, disproportionate human DATES: Written comments must be under the authority of the Magnuson-
health or environmental effects, using received on or before October 30, 2017. Stevens Act.
practicable and legally permissible ADDRESSES: You may submit comments Background
methods, under Executive Order 12898 on the amendment identified by
(59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2017–0080’’ by either The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires
In addition, the SIP is not approved of the following methods: NMFS and regional fishery management
to apply on any Indian reservation land • Electronic Submission: Submit all councils to prevent overfishing and
or in any other area where EPA or an electronic public comments via the achieve, on a continuing basis, the OY
Indian tribe has demonstrated that a Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to from Federally managed fish stocks.
tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= These mandates are intended to ensure
Indian country, the rule does not have NOAA-NMFS-2017-0080, click the that fishery resources are managed for
tribal implications and will not impose ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the the greatest overall benefit to the nation,
substantial direct costs on tribal required fields, and enter or attach your particularly with respect to providing
governments or preempt tribal law as comments. food production and recreational
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 • Mail: Submit written comments to opportunities, and protecting marine
FR 67249, November 9, 2000). Lauren Waters, Southeast Regional ecosystems. To further this goal, the
Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, Magnuson-Stevens Act requires fishery
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 managers to rebuild overfished stocks.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Environmental protection, Air Instructions: Comments sent by any The first Southeast Data, Assessment,
pollution control, Incorporation by other method, to any other address or and Review (SEDAR) benchmark stock
reference, Intergovernmental relations, individual, or received after the end of assessment for gray triggerfish was
Sulfur oxides, Nitrogen oxides. completed in 2006 (SEDAR 9). SEDAR
the comment period, may not be
Dated: August 15, 2017. 9 indicated that the gray triggerfish
considered by NMFS. All comments
Deborah A. Szaro, stock was both overfished and possibly
received are a part of the public record
undergoing overfishing. Subsequently,
Acting Regional Administrator, EPA New and will generally be posted for public
England. Amendment 30A to the FMP established
viewing on www.regulations.gov
a gray triggerfish rebuilding plan
[FR Doc. 2017–18419 Filed 8–29–17; 8:45 am] without change. All personal identifying
beginning in the 2008 fishing year (73
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P information (e.g., name, address, etc.),
FR 3813; July 3, 2008). In 2011, a
confidential business information, or
SEDAR 9 update stock assessment for
otherwise sensitive information
gray triggerfish determined that the gray
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE submitted voluntarily by the sender will triggerfish stock was still overfished and
be publicly accessible. NMFS will was undergoing overfishing, and had
National Oceanic and Atmospheric accept anonymous comments (enter not made adequate progress toward
Administration ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish rebuilding. As a result of the SEDAR 9
to remain anonymous). update and to end overfishing, the final
50 CFR Part 622 Electronic copies of Amendment 46, rule for Amendment 37 to the FMP
RIN 0648–BG87 which includes an environmental revised the gray triggerfish commercial
assessment, a fishery impact statement, and recreational sector annual catch
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of a Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) limits (ACLs) and annual catch targets
Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish analysis, and a regulatory impact (ACTs), revised the gray triggerfish
Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Gray review, may be obtained from the recreational sector accountability
Triggerfish Management Measures; Southeast Regional Office Web site at: measures (AMs), revised the gray
Amendment 46 http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_ triggerfish recreational bag limit,
fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2017/ established a commercial trip limit for
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries am46_gray_trigger/documents/pdfs/
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and gray triggerfish, and established a fixed
gulf_reef_am46_gray_trigg_final.pdf. closed season for the gray triggerfish
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: commercial and recreational sectors (78
Commerce.
Lauren Waters, Southeast Regional FR 27084; May 5, 2013). Additionally,
ACTION: Notification of availability;
Office, NMFS, telephone: 727–824– Amendment 37 revised the rebuilding
request for comments. 5305; email: Lauren.Waters@noaa.gov. plan and projected that the stock would
SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The be rebuilt in 5 years, or by the end of
Fishery Management Council (Council) Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 2017 fishing year.
has submitted Amendment 46 to the Conservation and Management Act Since implementation of Amendment
Fishery Management Plan for the Reef (Magnuson-Stevens Act) requires each 37 in 2013, commercial harvest has not
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico regional fishery management council to exceeded the commercial ACL, while
(FMP), for review, approval, and submit any FMP or amendment to the recreational sector has exceeded the
implementation by NMFS. Amendment NMFS for review and approval, partial recreational ACL or adjusted
46 would establish the rebuilding time approval, or disapproval. The recreational ACL (that resulted from a
period for the Gulf gray triggerfish stock. Magnuson-Stevens Act also requires ACL overage adjustment) in the 2013,
Amendment 46 would also revise the that NMFS, upon receiving an FMP or 2014, 2015, and 2016 fishing years. The
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
recreational fixed closed season, amendment, publish an announcement most recent stock assessment for gray
recreational bag limit, recreational in the Federal Register notifying the triggerfish was completed and reviewed
minimum size limit, and commercial public that the FMP or amendment is by the Council’s Scientific and
trip limit. The purpose of Amendment available for review and comment. Statistical Committee (SSC) in October
46 is to implement management The FMP being revised by 2015 (SEDAR 43). SEDAR 43 indicated
measures to assist in rebuilding the Gulf Amendment 46 was prepared by the that the gray triggerfish stock was not
gray triggerfish stock and to achieve Council and implemented by NMFS experiencing overfishing but remained
optimum yield (OY). through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 overfished and would not be rebuilt by
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 Aug 29, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_41364/page/9.svg)
Document Created: 2017-08-30 04:08:48
Document Modified: 2017-08-30 04:08:48
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule. | |
| Dates | Written comments must be received on or before September 29, 2017. | |
| Contact | Donald Dahl, (617) 918-1657; or by email at [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 41197 | |
| CFR Associated | Environmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Sulfur Oxides and Nitrogen Oxides |
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