[Federal Register: October 22, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 205)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 62897-62902]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22oc08-16]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R03-OAR-2007-0521; FRL-8731-9]
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans;
Virginia; Virginia Major New Source Review, Prevention of Significant
Deterioration (PSD)
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: EPA is granting limited approval of a State Implementation
Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Virginia. This
revision action establishes the limited approval of a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of
Virginia on October 10, 2006. The intended effect of this action is to
grant limited approval of the September 1, 2006 regulatory amendments
to Virginia's existing new source review permit program for owners of
sources located or locating in prevention of significant deterioration
(PSD) areas. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA or
the Act).
DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is effective on November 21,
2008.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID
Number EPA-R03-OAR-2007-0521. All documents in the docket are listed in
the http://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the
electronic docket, some information is not publicly available, i.e.,
confidential business information (CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket
materials are available either electronically through http://
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy for public inspection during
[[Page 62898]]
normal business hours at the Air Protection Division, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. Copies of the State submittal are
available at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East
Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon McCauley, (215) 814-3376, or by
e-mail at mccauley.sharon@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
On June 27, 2008 (73 FR 36481), EPA published a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPR) proposing limited approval of amendments to Virginia's
existing new source review permit program for owners of sources located
or locating in prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) areas. The
formal SIP revision request was submitted by Virginia on October 10,
2006.
The request consisted of changes to Legislative Rules 9 VAC 5
Chapter 50, Article 4--Stationary Sources and 9 VAC 5 Chapter 80,
Article 8--Permits for Construction and Major Modification of Major
Stationary Sources of Air Pollution for the Prevention of Significant
Deterioration. These rules were adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia
State Air Pollution Control Board on June 21, 2006 and became effective
September 1, 2006. The Commonwealth adopted the regulations in order to
meet the relevant plan requirements of 40 CFR 51.166. Other specific
requirements of this SIP revision and the rationale for EPA's proposed
action are explained in the NPR and will not be restated here. No
public comments were received on the NPR.
In this action, EPA is granting limited approval of the changes
found in Chapter 50, Article 4 and Chapter 80, Article 8. Virginia also
submitted changes to 9 VAC Chapter 80 Article 6--Permits for New and
Modified Stationary Sources as part of the SIP revision. However, as
stated in the NPR, EPA is not taking any action on Article 6 at this
time.
II. Summary of SIP Revision
What is being addressed in this document?
Virginia currently has an EPA-approved NSR program for new and
modified sources. In this action, EPA is granting limited approval of
the Virginia pre-construction permitting program as submitted on
October 10, 2006 for sources located or locating in PSD areas.
Why is Virginia changing its New Source Review program?
In EPA's December 2002 regulatory new source review reform action,
EPA changed many aspects of the regulations governing the PSD and
nonattainment NSR programs collectively referred to as ``NSR''.
Virginia accepted the conceptual framework of EPA's NSR reform
revisions but tailored the program to their State-specific objectives.
Virginia's regulations differ in some respects from EPA's regulations.
However, these differences are not significant. EPA has concluded that
Virginia's regulations conform to the minimum program elements in 40
CFR 51.166 despite some variations in their rules from the federal
program. All notable variations were described in the proposal action
and will not be restated here.
III. Limited Approval
Why is EPA granting only ``limited approval'' of Virginia's NSR Reform
regulations for PSD areas?
Virginia Regulation 9 VAC 5-80-1615 added a new definition to
reflect changes to the NSR program in the 2002 Federal NSR Reform rule.
Virginia's definition for ``baseline actual emissions'' varies from the
Federal definition at 40 CFR 51.166(b)(47) in two ways. First, for both
electric generating units (EGUs) and non-EGUs, Virginia's rule allows
the use of different baselines for different pollutants if the owner
can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the State Air Pollution Control
Board (Board) that a different baseline period for a different
pollutant(s) is more appropriate due to extenuating circumstances. This
is acceptable to EPA.
However, for non-EGUs, the 24-month baseline period must occur
within the five-year period preceding the date the owner begins actual
construction or the permit application is deemed complete, whichever is
earlier, unless the Board allows a different time period that it deems
is more representative of normal source operations. Allowing a more
representative time period is acceptable, however, the Commonwealth's
regulations could be interpreted to allow this period to be established
beyond the 10-year period allowed in the federal NSR Reform rule. As
described in our June 27 proposed rule, Virginia regulations meet the
general federal criteria for expanding the lookback period beyond the
old requirement of the most recent 24-month period, and in this respect
are consistent with federal requirements.
EPA is granting limited approval because the language of the
regulation does not limit the lookback period to the federally mandated
10 years. Virginia has represented to EPA that the regulation was not
intended to allow sources to extend the lookback period beyond 10
years. EPA would look unfavorably upon any use of discretion by
Virginia that would allow for baselines that exceed a 10-year lookback
period. EPA expects Virginia to correct the definition at 9 VAC 5-80-
1615 by limiting the discretionary lookback period to 10 years. When
Virginia makes this amendment, they may submit the revised regulations
for consideration for full approval of the PSD program.
Despite the fact that the Virginia PSD regulations may literally be
construed to allow for a source to look beyond the 10 years prescribed
by the Federal regulations, the Virginia regulations nevertheless will
strengthen the Virginia SIP.
IV. General Information Pertaining to SIP Submittals From the
Commonwealth of Virginia
In 1995, Virginia adopted legislation that provides, subject to
certain conditions, for an environmental assessment (audit)
``privilege'' for voluntary compliance evaluations performed by a
regulated entity. The legislation further addresses the relative burden
of proof for parties either asserting the privilege or seeking
disclosure of documents for which the privilege is claimed. Virginia's
legislation also provides, subject to certain conditions, for a penalty
waiver for violations of environmental laws when a regulated entity
discovers such violations pursuant to a voluntary compliance evaluation
and voluntarily discloses such violations to the Commonwealth and takes
prompt and appropriate measures to remedy the violations. Virginia's
Voluntary Environmental Assessment Privilege Law, Va. Code Sec. 10.1-
1198, provides a privilege that protects from disclosure documents and
information about the content of those documents that are the product
of a voluntary environmental assessment. The Privilege Law does not
extend to documents or information (1) that are generated or developed
before the commencement of a voluntary environmental assessment; (2)
that are prepared independently of the assessment process; (3) that
demonstrate a clear, imminent and substantial danger to the public
health or environment; or (4) that are required by law.
On January 12, 1998, the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the
[[Page 62899]]
Attorney General provided a legal opinion that states that the
Privilege law, Va. Code Sec. 10.1-1198, precludes granting a privilege
to documents and information ``required by law,'' including documents
and information ``required by Federal law to maintain program
delegation, authorization or approval,'' since Virginia must ``enforce
Federally authorized environmental programs in a manner that is no less
stringent than their Federal counterparts * * *.'' The opinion
concludes that ``[r]egarding Sec. 10.1-1198, therefore, documents or
other information needed for civil or criminal enforcement under one of
these programs could not be privileged because such documents and
information are essential to pursuing enforcement in a manner required
by Federal law to maintain program delegation, authorization or
approval.''
Virginia's Immunity law, Va. Code Sec. 10.1-1199, provides that
``[t]o the extent consistent with requirements imposed by Federal
law,'' any person making a voluntary disclosure of information to a
state agency regarding a violation of an environmental statute,
regulation, permit, or administrative order is granted immunity from
administrative or civil penalty. The Attorney General's January 12,
1998 opinion states that the quoted language renders this statute
inapplicable to enforcement of any Federally authorized programs, since
``no immunity could be afforded from administrative, civil, or criminal
penalties because granting such immunity would not be consistent with
Federal law, which is one of the criteria for immunity.''
Therefore, EPA has determined that Virginia's Privilege and
Immunity statutes will not preclude the Commonwealth from enforcing its
PSD program consistent with the Federal requirements. In any event,
because EPA has also determined that a state audit privilege and
immunity law can affect only state enforcement and cannot have any
impact on Federal enforcement authorities, EPA may at any time invoke
its authority under the CAA, including, for example, sections 113, 167,
205, 211 or 213, to enforce the requirements or prohibitions of the
state plan, independently of any state enforcement effort. In addition,
citizen enforcement under section 304 of the Clean Air Act is likewise
unaffected by this, or any, state audit privilege or immunity law.
V. Final Action
EPA is granting limited approval of the Virginia Major New Source
Review regulations for facilities located or locating in PSD areas as a
revision to the Virginia SIP. EPA has determined that the regulatory
amendments to Virginia's PSD permit program at Chapter 50, Article 4
and Chapter 80, Article 8, as submitted on October 10, 2006 meet the
minimum requirements of 40 CFR 51.166 and the Clean Air Act.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. General Requirements
Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this
action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and therefore is not
subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget. For this
reason, this action is also not subject to Executive Order 13211,
``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This action
merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and imposes
no additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law.
Accordingly, the Administrator certifies that this rule will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Because
this rule approves pre-existing requirements under state law and does
not impose any additional enforceable duty beyond that required by
state law, it 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). This rule also does not
have tribal implications because it will not have a substantial direct
effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the
Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes,
as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000).
This action also does not have Federalism implications because it does
not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government,
as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999).
This action merely approves a state rule implementing a Federal
requirement, and does not alter the relationship or the distribution of
power and responsibilities established in the Clean Air Act. This rule
also is not subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23,
1997), because it approves a state rule implementing a Federal
standard.
In reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve State
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. In
this context, in the absence of a prior existing requirement for the
State to use voluntary consensus standards (VCS), EPA has no authority
to disapprove a SIP submission for failure to use VCS. It would thus be
inconsistent with applicable law for EPA, when it reviews a SIP
submission, to use VCS in place of a SIP submission that otherwise
satisfies the provisions of the Clean Air Act. Thus, the requirements
of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not apply. This rule does not
impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
B. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule,
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. This rule is not a
``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
C. Petitions for Judicial Review
Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by December 22, 2008. Filing a
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule
does not affect the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial
review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial
review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such
rule or action. This action granting limited approval of the Virginia
NSR program for sources locating or located in PSD areas may not be
challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See
section 307(b)(2).)
[[Page 62900]]
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen
dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.
Dated: October 9, 2008.
William T. Wisniewski,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region III.
0
40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:
PART 52--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for 40 CFR part 52 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart VV--Virginia
0
2. In Sec. 52.2420, the table in paragraph (c) is amended by
0
a. Revising the entries for 5-50-250 and 5-50-280.
0
b. Removing the entries for 5-80-1700 through 5-80-1970 inclusive.
0
c. Adding entries for 5-80-1605 through 5-80-1995 inclusive.
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 52.2420 Identification of plan.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
EPA-Approved Regulations in the Virginia SIP
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State citation (9 VAC 5 State Explanation [former
Chapter 80) Title/subject effective date EPA approval date SIP citation]
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* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 50 Article 4 Standards of Performance for Stationary Sources (Rule 5-4)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
5-50-250................... Definitions.......... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page Revised definition of
number where the New Source Review
document begins]. Program. Limited
Approval.
* * * * * * *
5-50-280................... Standards for Major 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page Changes ``Pollutant
Stationary Sources number where the subject to
(Prevention of document begins]. regulation under the
Significant federal Clean Air
Deterioration Areas). Act'' to ``Regulated
NSR pollutant''.
Limited Approval.
* * * * * * *
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Chapter 80 Article 8, Permits for Major Stationary Sources and Major Modifications Locating in Prevention of
Significant Deterioration Areas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-80-1605.................. Applicability........ 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1700. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1615.................. Definitions.......... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1710. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1625.................. General............. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1720. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1635.................. Ambient Air 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1730. Limited
Increments. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1645.................. Ambient Air Ceilings. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1740. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1655.................. Applications......... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1750. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1665.................. Compliance with local 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1760. Limited
zoning requirements. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1675.................. Compliance 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1770. Limited
determination and number where the Approval.
verification by document begins].
performance testing.
5-80-1685.................. Stack Heights........ 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1780. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1695.................. Exemptions........... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
[[Page 62901]]
5-80-1705.................. Control technology 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1800. Limited
review. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1715.................. Source impact 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1810. Limited
analysis. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1725.................. Air quality models... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1820. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1735.................. Air quality analysis. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1830. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1745.................. Source Information... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1840. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1755.................. Additional impact 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1850. Limited
analysis. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1765.................. Sources affecting 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1860. Limited
federal class I number where the Approval.
areas--additional document begins].
requirements.
5-80-1775.................. Public participation. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1870. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1785.................. Source obligation.... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1880. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1795.................. Environmental impact 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1890. Limited
statements. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1805.................. Disputed permits..... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1900. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1815.................. Interstate pollution 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1910. Limited
abatement. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1825.................. Innovative control 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1920 Limited
technology. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1835.................. Reserved............. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1845.................. Reserved............. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1855.................. Reserved............. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1865.................. Actuals plantwide 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
applicability (PAL). number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1925.................. Changes to permits... 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1935.................. Administrative permit 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
amendments. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1945.................. Minor permit 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
amendments. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1955.................. Significant amendment 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
procedures. number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1965.................. Reopening for cause.. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
5-80-1975.................. Transfer of permits.. 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1940. Limited
number where the Approval.
document begins].
[[Page 62902]]
5-80-1985.................. Permit invalidation, 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page 5-80-1950. Limited
revocation, and number where the Approval.
enforcement. document begins].
5-80-1995.................. Existence of permit 9/1/06 10/22/08 [Insert page New. Limited
no defense. number where the Approval.
document begins].
* * * * * * *
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[FR Doc. E8-25014 Filed 10-21-08; 8:45 am]
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