83_FR_9356 83 FR 9313 - Review of Existing VOC Emissions Factor for Flares at Natural Gas Production Sites and New Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares

83 FR 9313 - Review of Existing VOC Emissions Factor for Flares at Natural Gas Production Sites and New Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 43 (March 5, 2018)

Page Range9313-9314
FR Document2018-04373

On February 5, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took final action on its review of the existing volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions factor for flares at natural gas production sites pursuant to section 130 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). While the review did not result in a revision to this existing VOC emissions factor, the EPA issued new total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions factors for enclosed ground flares based on the available flare data.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9313-9314]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04373]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL 9974-90-OAR]


Review of Existing VOC Emissions Factor for Flares at Natural Gas 
Production Sites and New Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of final action.

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SUMMARY: On February 5, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 
took final action on its review of the existing volatile organic 
compounds (VOC) emissions factor for flares at natural gas production 
sites pursuant to section 130 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). While the 
review did not result in a revision to this existing VOC emissions 
factor, the EPA issued new total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions factors 
for enclosed ground flares based on the available flare data.

DATES: Applicable on March 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may view this final action and the supporting 
information electronically at: https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-factors-and-quantification/new-emissions-factors-enclosed-ground-flares.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy 
Group (MPG), Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243-05), Office of 
Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number: 
(919) 541-2406; fax number: (919) 541-4991; and email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 5, 2018, the EPA finalized its 
review of the existing VOC emissions factor for flares at natural gas 
production sites pursuant to its obligation under CAA section 130 to 
review, and, if necessary, revise emissions factors for certain 
pollutants, including VOC, at least every 3 years.
    We evaluated test data available to the Agency for flares at 
natural gas production sites, data from testing conducted by 
manufacturers under 40 CFR part 60, subparts OOOO and OOOOa and 40 CFR 
part 63, subpart HH and HHH, and information submitted during the 
public comment period. The available flare data pertained to THC 
emissions and did not provide sufficient information for estimating VOC 
emissions from the tested flares. As such, the available data gave no 
indication that the existing VOC

[[Page 9314]]

emissions factor for flares at natural gas production sites is somehow 
flawed or outdated and, thus, warrants revision. Therefore, our review 
did not result in a revision to this VOC emissions factor.
    While we have not revised the existing VOC emissions factor, we did 
use the available THC emissions data for enclosed ground flares to 
develop six new THC emissions factors for enclosed ground flares. The 
six emissions factors are finalized as an update to Section 13.5 of AP-
42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors. AP-42 is the primary 
compilation of EPA's emissions factor information. We have also 
clarified the heating value basis for the emissions factors in AP-42 
Tables 13.5-1 through 13.5-3 in order to allow users to generate more 
accurate emissions estimates and clarified that the emissions factors 
in the tables represent the emissions at the exit of a flare, not the 
uncontrolled VOC or THC emissions routed to the flare.
    The final actions described above were issued on February 5, 2018. 
Our review and analysis of the data are documented in a report titled 
``Review and Analysis of Emissions Test Reports for Purposes of 
Reviewing the Natural Gas Production Flares Volatile Organic Compounds 
Emissions Factor Under Clean Air Act Section 130.'' Prior to taking 
final action, the EPA issued a proposal on its AP-42 website on June 5, 
2017, and solicited comment on the proposal. The EPA responded to the 
comments received during the public comment period in a memorandum 
titled ``Summary of EPA Responses to Public Comments Received on the 
Proposed Emissions Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares at Natural Gas 
Production Sites and Chemical Manufacturing Processes.'' These 
documents, along with a link to the updated section in AP-42, were 
posted on the website listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice on 
February 5, 2018.
    These actions constitute final agency action of national 
applicability for purposes of section 307(b)(1) of the CAA. Pursuant to 
CAA section 307(b)(1), judicial review of these final agency actions 
may be sought only in the United States Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia Circuit. Petitions for review must be filed by May 
4, 2018. Judicial review of these final agency actions may not be 
obtained in subsequent proceedings, pursuant to CAA section 307(b)(2). 
These actions are not a rulemaking and are not subject to the various 
statutory and other provisions applicable to a rulemaking.

    Dated: February 26, 2018.
Panagiotis E. Tsirigotis,
Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
[FR Doc. 2018-04373 Filed 3-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Notices 9313 TABLE 1—TIERING OF CONTACT-HANDLED TRANSURANIC WASTE CHARACTERIZATION PROCESSES IMPLEMENTED BY THE AMWTP 1—Continued [Based on August 8–10, 2017 baseline inspection] AMWTP waste characterization Process elements AMWTP waste characterization process—Tier 2 changes * process—Tier 1 changes Extension of or changes to ap- Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to: proved calibration ranges for ap- • Software for approved equipment. proved equipment. • Operating ranges upon DOE CBFO approval. • Site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval. Real-Time Radiography (RTR) ....... New equipment or substantive Submission of a list of AMWTP RTR operators and ITRs who per- physical modifications ** to ap- formed work during the previous quarter. proved equipment. Implementation of any new real- Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to site proce- time radiography process. dures requiring DOE CBFO approval. Visual Examination (VE) ................. Implementation of any new visual Submission of a list of AMWTP VE operators, VE Experts and ITRs examination process. that performed work during the previous quarter. Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to site proce- dures requiring DOE CBFO approval. 1 For various acronyms, see the referenced AMWTP baseline inspection report in the EPA’s Air Docket. * The AMWTP will report all T2 changes to the EPA every three months. ** ‘‘Substantive modification’’ refers to a change with the potential to affect the AMWTP’s CH waste characterization processes or documenta- tion of them, excluding changes that are solely related to the environment, safety and health; nuclear safety; or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; or that are editorial in nature or are required to address administrative concerns. The EPA may request copies of new references that the DOE adds during a document revision. The EPA’s final approval decision approval will authorize the DOE to use enclosed ground flares based on the regarding the contact-handled TRU the approved TRU waste available flare data. waste characterization program at the characterization processes to DATES: Applicable on March 5, 2018. AMWTP will be conveyed to the DOE characterize waste at the AMWTP. ADDRESSES: You may view this final separately by letter following review of Information on the approval decision action and the supporting information public comments. This decision and will be filed in the official public docket electronically at: https://www.epa.gov/ accompanying report will be posted on opened for this action on air-emissions-factors-and- the EPA’s WIPP website and electronic www.regulations.gov, Docket ID No. quantification/new-emissions-factors- docket. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0650 (as listed in enclosed-ground-flares. the ADDRESSES section of this FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. IV. Availability of the Baseline document). Inspection Report for Public Comment Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy Dated: February 12, 2018. Group (MPG), Sector Policies and The EPA has placed the draft report Jonathan D. Edwards, Programs Division (D243–05), Office of discussing the results of the inspection Director, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. Air Quality Planning and Standards, of the waste characterization program at [FR Doc. 2018–04423 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the AMWTP in the public docket as BILLING CODE 6560–50–P Research Triangle Park, North Carolina described in the ADDRESSES section of 27711, telephone number: (919) 541– this document. In accordance with 40 2406; fax number: (919) 541–4991; and CFR 194.8, the Agency is providing the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION email address: garwood.gerri@epa.gov. public 45 days to comment on these AGENCY SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On documents and the EPA’s proposed February 5, 2018, the EPA finalized its decision to accept the waste [FRL 9974–90–OAR] review of the existing VOC emissions characterization program. The Agency factor for flares at natural gas Review of Existing VOC Emissions requests comments particularly production sites pursuant to its Factor for Flares at Natural Gas concerning the Enhanced Acceptable obligation under CAA section 130 to Production Sites and New Emissions Knowledge process, a major significant review, and, if necessary, revise Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares change made by the AMWTP to their emissions factors for certain pollutants, existing waste characterization program. AGENCY: Environmental Protection including VOC, at least every 3 years. The EPA will accept public comment on Agency (EPA). We evaluated test data available to the this notice and supplemental ACTION: Notice of final action. Agency for flares at natural gas information as described in Section 1 of production sites, data from testing this document. At the end of the public SUMMARY: On February 5, 2018, the conducted by manufacturers under 40 comment period, the EPA will evaluate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CFR part 60, subparts OOOO and all relevant public comments and, as the took final action on its review of the OOOOa and 40 CFR part 63, subpart HH Agency may deem appropriate and existing volatile organic compounds and HHH, and information submitted sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES necessary, revise the inspection report (VOC) emissions factor for flares at during the public comment period. The and proposed decision or take other natural gas production sites pursuant to available flare data pertained to THC appropriate action. If the EPA concludes section 130 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). emissions and did not provide sufficient that there are no unresolved issues after While the review did not result in a information for estimating VOC the public comment period, the Agency revision to this existing VOC emissions emissions from the tested flares. As will issue an approval letter and the factor, the EPA issued new total such, the available data gave no final inspection report. The letter of hydrocarbon (THC) emissions factors for indication that the existing VOC VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:49 Mar 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1

9314 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Notices emissions factor for flares at natural gas Dated: February 26, 2018. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 production sites is somehow flawed or Panagiotis E. Tsirigotis, Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC outdated and, thus, warrants revision. Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and 20460; telephone number: 202–566– Therefore, our review did not result in Standards. 2142; fax number: 202–566–1684; email a revision to this VOC emissions factor. [FR Doc. 2018–04373 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am] address: mixon.edward@epa.gov. While we have not revised the BILLING CODE 6560–50–P SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: existing VOC emissions factor, we did Supporting documents which explain in use the available THC emissions data for detail the information that the EPA will enclosed ground flares to develop six ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION be collecting are available in the public new THC emissions factors for enclosed AGENCY docket for this ICR. The docket can be ground flares. The six emissions factors [EPA–HQ–OEI–2006–0037; FRL–9975–12– viewed online at www.regulations.gov are finalized as an update to Section OEI] or in person at the EPA Docket Center, 13.5 of AP–42, Compilation of Air WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Pollutant Emission Factors. AP–42 is Proposed Information Collection Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. the primary compilation of EPA’s Request; Comment Request; The telephone number for the Docket emissions factor information. We have Exchange Network Grants Progress Center is 202–566–1744. For additional also clarified the heating value basis for Reports (Renewal) information about EPA’s public docket, the emissions factors in AP–42 Tables visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets. 13.5–1 through 13.5–3 in order to allow AGENCY: Environmental Protection Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of users to generate more accurate Agency (EPA). the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments emissions estimates and clarified that ACTION: Notice. and information to enable it to: (i) the emissions factors in the tables Evaluate whether the proposed represent the emissions at the exit of a SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an collection of information is necessary flare, not the uncontrolled VOC or THC for the proper performance of the emissions routed to the flare. information collection request (ICR), Exchange Network Grants Progress functions of the Agency, including The final actions described above whether the information will have Reports Renewal (EPA ICR No. 2207.06, were issued on February 5, 2018. Our practical utility; (ii) evaluate the OMB Control No. 2025–0006) to the review and analysis of the data are accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the Office of Management and Budget documented in a report titled ‘‘Review burden of the proposed collection of (OMB) for review and approval in and Analysis of Emissions Test Reports information, including the validity of accordance with the Paperwork for Purposes of Reviewing the Natural the methodology and assumptions used; Reduction Act. Before doing so, EPA is Gas Production Flares Volatile Organic (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and soliciting public comments on specific Compounds Emissions Factor Under clarity of the information to be aspects of the proposed information Clean Air Act Section 130.’’ Prior to collected; and (iv) minimize the burden collection as described below. This is a taking final action, the EPA issued a of the collection of information on those proposed extension of the ICR, which is proposal on its AP–42 website on June who are to respond, including through currently approved through August 31, 5, 2017, and solicited comment on the the use of appropriate automated 2018. An Agency may not conduct or proposal. The EPA responded to the electronic, mechanical, or other sponsor and a person is not required to comments received during the public technological collection techniques or respond to a collection of information comment period in a memorandum other forms of information technology, unless it displays a currently valid OMB titled ‘‘Summary of EPA Responses to e.g., permitting electronic submission of control number. Public Comments Received on the responses. EPA will consider the Proposed Emissions Factors for DATES: Comments must be submitted on comments received and amend the ICR Enclosed Ground Flares at Natural Gas or before May 4, 2018. as appropriate. The final ICR package Production Sites and Chemical ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, will then be submitted to OMB for Manufacturing Processes.’’ These referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– review and approval. At that time, EPA documents, along with a link to the OEI–2006–0037 online using will issue another Federal Register updated section in AP–42, were posted www.regulations.gov (our preferred notice to announce the submission of on the website listed in the ADDRESSES method), by email to oira_submission@ the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to section of this notice on February 5, omb.eop.gov. Address comments to submit additional comments to OMB. 2018. OMB Desk Officer for EPA. or by mail Abstract: This notice announces the These actions constitute final agency to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental collection of information related to the action of national applicability for Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, U.S. EPA National Environmental purposes of section 307(b)(1) of the 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Information Exchange Network (NEIEN) CAA. Pursuant to CAA section Washington, DC 20460. Grant Program. EPA proposes to collect 307(b)(1), judicial review of these final EPA’s policy is that all comments information from the NEIEN grantees on agency actions may be sought only in received will be included in the public assistance agreements EPA has awarded. the United States Court of Appeals for docket without change including any Specifically, for each project, EPA the District of Columbia Circuit. personal information provided, unless proposes to have grantees submit semi- Petitions for review must be filed by the comment includes profanity, threats, annual reports on the progress and May 4, 2018. Judicial review of these information claimed to be Confidential current status of each goal and output, sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES final agency actions may not be Business Information (CBI) or other completion dates for outputs, and any obtained in subsequent proceedings, information whose disclosure is problems encountered. This information pursuant to CAA section 307(b)(2). restricted by statute. will help EPA ensure projects are on These actions are not a rulemaking and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: schedule to meet their goals and are not subject to the various statutory Edward Mixon, Information Exchange produce high quality environmental and other provisions applicable to a and Services Division, Office of outputs. New award recipients will rulemaking. Information Management, (2823T), complete one Quality Assurance VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:25 Mar 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1


Document Created: 2018-03-03 02:45:33
Document Modified: 2018-03-03 02:45:33
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of final action.
DatesApplicable on March 5, 2018.
ContactMs. Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy Group (MPG), Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243-05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone number:
FR Citation83 FR 9313 
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