Proposed Rule2021-17953
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Plans; Pennsylvania; Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) Determinations for Case-by-Case Sources Under the 1997 and 2008 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Primary source
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Published
August 24, 2021
Issuing agencies
Environmental Protection Agency
Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve multiple state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These revisions were submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to establish and require reasonably available control technology (RACT) for twenty-three major sources of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and/ or nitrogen oxides (NO<INF>X</INF>) pursuant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's conditionally approved RACT regulations. In this rulemaking action, EPA is proposing to approve source-specific RACT determinations (case-by-case or alternative NO<INF>X</INF> emission limits) for sources at twenty-three major NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC emitting facilities submitted by PADEP. These RACT evaluations were submitted to meet RACT requirements for the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 161 (Tuesday, August 24, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 24, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47270-47275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17953]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R03-OAR-2021-0531; FRL-8843-01-R3]
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Plans; Pennsylvania;
Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) Determinations for Case-
by-Case Sources Under the 1997 and 2008 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient
Air Quality Standards
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to
approve multiple state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These revisions were submitted by the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to
establish and require reasonably available control technology (RACT)
for twenty-three major sources of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and/
or nitrogen oxides (NO<INF>X</INF>) pursuant to the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania's conditionally approved RACT regulations. In this
rulemaking action, EPA is proposing to approve source-specific RACT
determinations (case-by-case or alternative NO<INF>X</INF> emission
limits) for sources at twenty-three major NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC
emitting facilities submitted by PADEP. These RACT evaluations were
submitted to meet RACT requirements for the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone
national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). This action is being
taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 23,
2021.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R03-
OAR-2021-0531 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, or via email to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0f607f66636e21626e7d766c6e7b6a4f6a7f6e21686079"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="503f20393c317e3d31222933312435103520317e373f26">[email protected]</span></a>. For comments submitted at <a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a>,
follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted,
comments cannot be edited or removed from <a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a>. For either
manner of submission, 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 <a href="https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets">https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Emily Bertram, Permits Branch
(3AD10), Air & Radiation Division, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
The telephone number is (215) 814-5273. Ms. Bertram can also be reached
via electronic mail at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97f5f2e5e3e5f6fab9f2fafefbeed7f2e7f6b9f0f8e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4d6d1c6c0c6d5d99ad1d9ddd8cdf4d1c4d59ad3dbc2">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 7, 2020, PADEP submitted a revision
to its SIP to address source-specific NO<INF>X</INF> and/or VOC RACT
for sources at numerous major NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC emitting
facilities located in the Commonwealth, including the twenty-three
facilities in this action. This SIP revision is intended to address the
NO<INF>X</INF> and/or VOC RACT requirements under sections 182 and 184
of the CAA for the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Table 1 of this
document lists the SIP submittal date and the facilities included in
PADEP's submittal. Although submitted in one SIP revision by PADEP, EPA
views each facility as a separable SIP revision and may take separate
final action on one or more facilities.
For additional background information on Pennsylvania's
``presumptive'' RACT II SIP see 84 FR 20274 (May 9, 2019) and on
Pennsylvania's source-specific (case-by-case or alternative
NO<INF>X</INF> emission limits) RACT determinations see the appropriate
technical support document (TSD) which is available online at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, Docket No. EPA-R03-OAR-2021-0531.
[[Page 47271]]
Table 1--PADEP SIP Submittals for Major NOX and/or VOC Sources in
Pennsylvania Subject to Source-Specific RACT Under the 1997 and 2008 8-
Hour Ozone Standard
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SIP Submittal date Major source (county)
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5/7/2020..................... AK Steel Corp (formerly Armco, Inc.
Butler Operations) (Butler).
Allegheny and Tsingshan Stainless LLC,
Midland Facility (formerly J & L
Specialty Steel Inc., Midland Facility)
(Beaver).
Alumax Mill Products (Lancaster).
American Craft Brewery LLC (Lehigh).
American Refining Group Inc (McKean).
American Zinc Recycling Corp (Horsehead
Resource Development Company, Inc.)
(Carbon).
Appvion Operations, Inc. (Blair).
ArcelorMittal Steelton LLC (formerly
Bethlehem Steel Corporation) (Dauphin).
Carpenter Technology Corporation, Reading
Plt (Berks).
Chestnut Ridge Foam Inc (formerly
Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc., Latrobe)
(Westmoreland).
East Penn Manufacturing Company, Inc.,
Battery Assembly (Berks).
General Carbide Corporation
(Westmoreland).
Lord Corp Saegertown (Crawford).
NLMK Pennsylvania LLC, Farrell Plt
(formerly Caparo Steel Co.--Farrell)
(Mercer).
Omnova Solutions Inc.--Auburn Plant
(formerly Gencorp, Inc.) (Schuylkill).
Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC--Spring
Grove Mill (York).
Sonneborn LLC (formerly Crompton
Corporation, Fairview Township; Witco
Corp, Petrolia Facility) (Butler).
Specialty Tires of America, Indiana Plant
(formerly Specialty Tires of America,
Inc.) (Indiana).
Standard Steel LLC (formerly Standard
Steel Division of Freedom Forge Corp.)
(Mifflin).
Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., Mercer
Station 219 (Mercer).
Truck Accessories Group Milton Plant
(formerly Truck Accessories Group East)
(Northumberland).
United Refining Co (Warren).
Wheatland Tube Company (Mercer).
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I. Background
A. 1997 and 2008 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS
Ground level ozone is not emitted directly into the air but is
created by chemical reactions between NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC in the
presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities, electric
utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical
solvents are some of the major sources of NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC.
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly
for children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung
diseases such as asthma. Ground level ozone can also have harmful
effects on sensitive vegetation and ecosystems.
On July 18, 1997, EPA promulgated a standard for ground level ozone
based on 8-hour average concentrations. 62 FR 38856. The 8-hour
averaging period replaced the previous 1-hour averaging period, and the
level of the NAAQS was changed from 0.12 parts per million (ppm) to
0.08 ppm. EPA has designated two moderate nonattainment areas in
Pennsylvania under the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, namely Philadelphia-
Wilmington-Atlantic City, PA-NJ-MD-DE (the Philadelphia Area) and
Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley (the Pittsburgh Area). See 40 CFR 81.339.
On March 12, 2008, EPA strengthened the 8-hour ozone standards, by
revising its level to 0.075 ppm averaged over an 8-hour period (2008 8-
hour ozone NAAQS). On May 21, 2012, EPA designated five marginal
nonattainment areas in Pennsylvania for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS:
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Lancaster, Reading, the Philadelphia Area,
and the Pittsburgh Area. 77 FR 30088; see also 40 CFR 81.339.
On March 6, 2015, EPA announced its revocation of the 1997 8-hour
ozone NAAQS for all purposes and for all areas in the country,
effective on April 6, 2015. 80 FR 12264. EPA has determined that
certain nonattainment planning requirements continue to be in effect
under the revoked standard for nonattainment areas under the 1997 8-
hour ozone NAAQS, including RACT.
B. RACT Requirements for Ozone
The CAA regulates emissions of NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC to prevent
photochemical reactions that result in ozone formation. RACT is an
important strategy for reducing NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC emissions from
major stationary sources within areas not meeting the ozone NAAQS.
Areas designated nonattainment for the ozone NAAQS are subject to
the general nonattainment planning requirements of CAA section 172.
Section 172(c)(1) of the CAA provides that SIPs for nonattainment areas
must include reasonably available control measures (RACM) for
demonstrating attainment of all NAAQS, including emissions reductions
from existing sources through the adoption of RACT. Further, section
182(b)(2) of the CAA sets forth additional RACT requirements for ozone
nonattainment areas classified as moderate or higher.
Section 182(b)(2) of the CAA sets forth requirements regarding RACT
for the ozone NAAQS for VOC sources. Section 182(f) subjects major
stationary sources of NO<INF>X</INF> to the same RACT requirements
applicable to major stationary sources of VOC.\1\
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\1\ A ``major source'' is defined based on the source's
potential to emit (PTE) of NO<INF>X</INF> or VOC, and the applicable
thresholds for RACT differs based on the classification of the
nonattainment area in which the source is located. See sections
182(c)-(f) and 302 of the CAA.
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Section 184(b)(1)(B) of the CAA applies the RACT requirements in
section 182(b)(2) to nonattainment areas classified as marginal and to
attainment areas located within ozone transport regions established
pursuant to section 184 of the CAA. Section 184(a) of the CAA
established by law the current Ozone Transport Region (OTR) comprised
of 12 eastern states, including Pennsylvania. This requirement is
referred to as OTR RACT. As noted previously, a ``major source'' is
defined based on the source's potential to emit (PTE) of
NO<INF>X</INF>, VOC, or both pollutants, and the applicable thresholds
differ based on the classification of the nonattainment area in which
the source is located. See sections 182(c)-(f) and 302 of the CAA.
Since the 1970's, EPA has consistently defined ``RACT'' as the
lowest emission limit that a particular source is capable of meeting by
the
[[Page 47272]]
application of the control technology that is reasonably available
considering technological and economic feasibility.\2\
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\2\ See December 9, 1976 memorandum from Roger Strelow,
Assistant Administrator for Air and Waste Management, to Regional
Administrators, ``Guidance for Determining Acceptability of SIP
Regulations in Non-Attainment Areas,'' and 44 FR 53762 (September
17, 1979).
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EPA has provided more substantive RACT requirements through
implementation rules for each ozone NAAQS as well as through guidance.
In 2004 and 2005, EPA promulgated an implementation rule for the 1997
8-hour ozone NAAQS in two phases (``Phase 1 of the 1997 Ozone
Implementation Rule'' and ``Phase 2 of the 1997 Ozone Implementation
Rule''). 69 FR 23951 (April 30, 2004) and 70 FR 71612 (November 29,
2005), respectively. Particularly, the Phase 2 Ozone Implementation
Rule addressed RACT statutory requirements under the 1997 8-hour ozone
NAAQS. See 70 FR 71652 (November 29, 2005).
On March 6, 2015, EPA issued its final rule for implementing the
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS (``the 2008 Ozone SIP Requirements Rule''). 80
FR 12264. At the same time, EPA revoked the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS,
effective on April 6, 2015.\3\ The 2008 Ozone SIP Requirements Rule
provided comprehensive requirements to transition from the revoked 1997
8-hour ozone NAAQS to the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, as codified in 40
CFR part 51, subpart AA, following revocation. Consistent with previous
policy, EPA determined that areas designated nonattainment for both the
1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS at the time of revocation, must retain
implementation of certain nonattainment area requirements (i.e., anti-
backsliding requirements) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS as specified
under section 182 of the CAA, including RACT. See 40 CFR 51.1100(o). An
area remains subject to the anti-backsliding requirements for a revoked
NAAQS until EPA approves a redesignation to attainment for the area for
the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. There are no effects on applicable
requirements for areas within the OTR, as a result of the revocation of
the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Thus, Pennsylvania, as a state within the
OTR, remains subject to RACT requirements for both the 1997 8-hour
ozone NAAQS and the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
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\3\ On February 16, 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Cir. Court) issued an opinion
on the 2008 Ozone SIP Requirements Rule. South Coast Air Quality
Mgmt. Dist. v. EPA, 882 F.3d 1138 (D.C. Cir. 2018). The D.C. Cir.
Court found certain parts reasonable and denied the petition for
appeal on those. In particular, the D.C. Cir. Court upheld the use
of NO<INF>X</INF> averaging to meet RACT requirements for 2008 8-
hour ozone NAAQS. However, the Court also found certain other
provisions unreasonable. The D.C. Cir. Court vacated the provisions
it found unreasonable.
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In addressing RACT, the 2008 Ozone SIP Requirements Rule is
consistent with existing policy and Phase 2 of the 1997 Ozone
Implementation Rule. In the 2008 Ozone SIP Requirements Rule, EPA
requires RACT measures to be implemented by January 1, 2017 for areas
classified as moderate nonattainment or above and all areas of the OTR.
EPA also provided in the 2008 Ozone SIP Requirements Rule that RACT
SIPs must contain adopted RACT regulations, certifications where
appropriate that existing provisions are RACT, and/or negative
declarations stating that there are no sources in the nonattainment
area covered by a specific control technique guidelines (CTG) source
category. In the preamble to the 2008 Ozone SIP Requirements Rule, EPA
clarified that states must provide notice and opportunity for public
comment on their RACT SIP submissions, even when submitting a
certification that the existing provisions remain RACT or a negative
declaration. States must submit appropriate supporting information for
their RACT submissions, in accordance with the Phase 2 of the 1997
Ozone Implementation Rule. Adequate documentation must support that
states have considered control technology that is economically and
technologically feasible in determining RACT, based on information that
is current as of the time of development of the RACT SIP.
In addition, in the 2008 Ozone SIP Requirements Rule, EPA clarified
that states can use weighted average NO<INF>X</INF> emissions rates
from sources in the nonattainment area for meeting the major
NO<INF>X</INF> RACT requirement under the CAA, as consistent with
existing policy.\4\ EPA also recognized that states may conclude in
some cases that sources already addressed by RACT determinations for
the 1979 1-hour and/or 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS may not need to
implement additional controls to meet the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS RACT
requirement. See 80 FR 12278 and 12279 (March 6, 2015).
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\4\ EPA's NO<INF>X</INF> RACT guidance ``Nitrogen Oxides
Supplement to the General Preamble'' (57 FR 55620; November 25,
1992) encouraged states to develop RACT programs that are based on
``area wide average emission rates.'' Additional guidance on area-
wide RACT provisions is provided by EPA's January 2001 economic
incentive program guidance titled ``Improving Air Quality with
Economic Incentive Programs,'' available at <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-07/documents/eipfin.pdf">https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-07/documents/eipfin.pdf</a>. In addition, as
mentioned previously, the D.C. Cir. Court upheld the use of
NO<INF>X</INF> averaging to meet RACT requirements for 2008 8-hour
ozone NAAQS. South Coast Air Quality Mgmt. Dist. v. EPA, 882 F.3d
1138 (D.C. Cir. February 16, 2018).
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C. Applicability of RACT Requirements in Pennsylvania
As indicated earlier, RACT requirements apply to any ozone
nonattainment areas classified as moderate or higher (serious, severe
or extreme) under CAA sections 182(b)(2) and 182(f). Pennsylvania has
outstanding ozone RACT requirements for both the 1997 and 2008 8-hour
ozone NAAQS. The entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is part of the OTR
established under section 184 of the CAA and thus is subject statewide
to the RACT requirements of CAA sections 182(b)(2) and 182(f), pursuant
to section 184(b).
At the time of revocation of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS (effective
April 6, 2015), only two moderate nonattainment areas remained in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for this standard, the Philadelphia and
the Pittsburgh Areas. As required under EPA's anti-backsliding
provisions, these two moderate nonattainment areas continue to be
subject to RACT under the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Given its location
in the OTR, the remainder of the Commonwealth is also treated as a
moderate nonattainment area under the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for any
planning requirements under the revoked standard, including RACT. The
OTR RACT requirement is also in effect under the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS throughout the Commonwealth, since EPA did not designate any
nonattainment areas above marginal for this standard in Pennsylvania.
Thus, in practice, the same RACT requirements continue to be applicable
in Pennsylvania for both the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. RACT
must be evaluated and satisfied as separate requirements under each
applicable standard.
RACT applies to major sources of NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC under each
ozone NAAQS or any VOC sources subject to CTG RACT. Which
NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC sources in Pennsylvania are considered ``major''
and are therefore subject to RACT is dependent on the location of each
source within the Commonwealth. Sources located in nonattainment areas
would be subject to the ``major source'' definitions established under
the CAA based on the area's current classification(s). In the case of
Pennsylvania, sources located outside of moderate or above ozone
nonattainment areas, as part of the OTR, shall be treated as if these
areas were moderate.
[[Page 47273]]
In Pennsylvania, the SIP program is implemented primarily by the
PADEP, but also by local air agencies in Philadelphia County (the City
of Philadelphia's Air Management Services [AMS]) and Allegheny County,
(the Allegheny County Health Department [ACHD]). These agencies have
implemented numerous RACT regulations and source-specific measures in
Pennsylvania to meet the applicable ozone RACT requirements.
Historically, statewide RACT controls have been promulgated by PADEP in
Pennsylvania Code Title 25--Environmental Resources, Part I--Department
of Environmental Protection, Subpart C--Protection of Natural
Resources, Article III--Air Resources, (25 Pa. Code) Chapter 129. AMS
and ACHD have incorporated by reference Pennsylvania regulations, but
have also promulgated regulations adopting RACT controls for their own
jurisdictions. In addition, AMS and ACHD have submitted, through PADEP,
separate source-specific RACT determinations as SIP revisions for
sources within their respective jurisdictions, which have been approved
by EPA. See 40 CFR 52.2020(d)(1).
States were required to make RACT SIP submissions for the 1997 8-
hour ozone NAAQS by September 15, 2006. PADEP submitted a SIP revision
on September 25, 2006, certifying that a number of previously approved
VOC RACT rules continued to satisfy RACT under the 1997 8-hour ozone
NAAQS for the remainder of Pennsylvania.\5\ PADEP has met its
obligations under the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for its CTG and non-CTG
VOC sources. See 82 FR 31464 (July 7, 2017). RACT control measures
addressing all applicable CAA RACT requirements under the 1997 8-hour
ozone NAAQS have been implemented and fully approved in the
jurisdictions of ACHD and AMS. See 78 FR 34584 (June 10, 2013) and 81
FR 69687 (October 7, 2016). For the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, states
were required to submit RACT SIP revisions by July 20, 2014. On May 16,
2016, PADEP submitted a SIP revision addressing RACT for both the 1997
and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS in Pennsylvania. Specifically, the May 16,
2016 SIP submittal intended to satisfy sections 182(b)(2)(C), 182(f),
and 184 of the CAA for both the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for
Pennsylvania's major NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC non-CTG sources, except
ethylene production plants, surface active agents manufacturing, and
mobile equipment repair and refinishing.\6\
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\5\ The September 15, 2006 SIP submittal initially included
Pennsylvania's certification of NO<INF>X</INF> RACT regulations;
however, NO<INF>X</INF> RACT portions were withdrawn by PADEP on
June 27, 2016.
\6\ EPA's conditional approval of PADEP's May 16, 2016 SIP
revision covered relevant sources located in both Philadelphia and
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
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D. EPA's Conditional Approval for Pennsylvania's RACT Requirements
Under the 1997 and 2008 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS
On May 16, 2016, PADEP submitted a SIP revision addressing RACT for
both the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS in Pennsylvania. PADEP's May
16, 2016 SIP revision intended to address certain outstanding VOC CTG
RACT and major NO<INF>X</INF> RACT requirements under the CAA for both
standards. The SIP revision requested approval of Pennsylvania's 25 Pa.
Code 129.96-100, Additional RACT Requirements for Major Sources of
NO<INF>X</INF> and VOCs (the ``presumptive'' RACT II rule). Prior to
the adoption of the RACT II rule, Pennsylvania relied on the
NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC control measures in 25 Pa. Code 129.92-95,
Stationary Sources of NO<INF>X</INF> and VOCs, (the RACT I rule) to
meet RACT for major sources of VOC and NO<INF>X</INF>. The requirements
of the RACT I rule remain in effect and continue to be implemented as
RACT.\7\ On September 26, 2017, PADEP submitted a supplemental SIP
revision which committed to address various deficiencies identified by
EPA in PADEP's May 16, 2016 ``presumptive'' RACT II rule SIP revision.
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\7\ These requirements were initially approved as RACT for
Pennsylvania under the 1979 1-hour ozone NAAQS. The RACT I Rule was
approved by EPA into the SIP on March 23, 1998. 63 FR 13789.
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On May 9, 2019, EPA conditionally approved the RACT II rule based
on PADEP's September 26, 2017 commitment letter.\8\ See 84 FR 20274. In
EPA's final conditional approval, EPA noted that PADEP would be
required to submit, for EPA's approval, SIP revisions to address any
facility-wide or system-wide NO<INF>X</INF> emissions averaging plan
approved under 25 Pa. Code 129.98 and any case-by-case RACT
determinations under 25 Pa. Code 129.99. PADEP committed to submitting
these additional SIP revisions within 12 months of EPA's final
conditional approval, specifically May 9, 2020.
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\8\ On August 27, 2020, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals
issued a decision vacating EPA's approval of three provisions of
Pennsylvania's presumptive RACT II rule applicable to certain coal-
fired power plants. Sierra Club v. EPA, 972 F.3d 290 (3d Cir. 2020).
None of the sources in this proposed rulemaking are subject to the
three presumptive RACT II provisions at issue in that Sierra Club
decision.
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Therefore, as authorized in CAA section 110(k)(3) and (k)(4),
Pennsylvania was required to submit the following as source-specific
SIP revisions, by May 9, 2020, for EPA's approval as a condition of
approval of 25 Pa. Code 128 and 129 in the May 16, 2016 SIP revision:
(1) All facility-wide or system-wide NO<INF>X</INF> emissions averaging
plans approved by PADEP under 25 Pa. Code 129.98 including, but not
limited to, any terms and conditions that ensure the enforceability of
the averaging plan as a practical matter (i.e., any monitoring,
reporting, recordkeeping, or testing requirements); and (2) all source-
specific RACT determinations approved by PADEP under 25 Pa. Code
129.99, including any alternative compliance schedules approved under
25 Pa. Code 129.97(k) and 129.99(i); the case-by-case RACT
determinations submitted to EPA for approval into the SIP should
include any terms and conditions that ensure the enforceability of the
case-by-case or source-specific RACT emission limitation as a practical
matter (i.e., any monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping, or testing
requirements). See May 9, 2019 (84 FR 20274). Through multiple
submissions between 2017 and 2020, PADEP has submitted to EPA for
approval various SIP submissions to implement its RACT II case-by-case
determinations and averaging plans. This proposed rulemaking is based
on EPA's review of one of these SIP revisions.
II. Summary of SIP Revisions
In order to satisfy a requirement from EPA's May 9, 2019
conditional approval, PADEP has submitted to EPA, SIP revisions
addressing source-specific RACT requirements for major sources in
Pennsylvania subject to 25 Pa. Code 129.98 or 129.99. As noted in Table
1 of this document, on May 7, 2020, PADEP submitted to EPA, a SIP
revision pertaining to Pennsylvania's source-specific NO<INF>X</INF>
and/or VOC RACT determinations for sources located at numerous major
NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC emitting facilities located in the Commonwealth.
PADEP provided documentation in its SIP revisions to support its
source-specific RACT determinations for affected emission units at each
major NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC emitting facilities subject to 25 Pa. Code
129.98 or 129.99.
In the Pennsylvania RACT SIP revision, PADEP included a case-by-
case RACT determination for the existing emissions units at each of
these major sources of NO<INF>X</INF> and/or VOC that required a
source-specific RACT determination pursuant to 25 Pa. Code 129.99. In
PADEP's RACT
[[Page 47274]]
determinations an evaluation was completed to determine if previously
SIP-approved, case-by-case RACT requirements (herein referred to as
RACT I) were more stringent and required to be retained in the sources
Title V air quality permit and subsequently, the Federally-approved
SIP, or if the new case-by-case RACT requirements are more stringent
and supersede the previous Federally-approved provisions.
EPA, in this action, is taking action on sources at twenty-three
major NO<INF>X</INF> and/or VOC emitting facilities in Pennsylvania,
subject to Pennsylvania's source-specific RACT requirements, as
summarized in Table 2.
Table 2--Twenty-Three Major NOX and/or VOC Sources in Pennsylvania Subject to Source-Specific RACT II Under the
1997 and 2008 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-Hour ozone RACT source? Major source pollutant RACT II permit
Major source (county) (RACT I) (NOX and/or VOC) (effective date)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Steel Corp (formerly Armco, Inc. Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 10-00001 (2/25/2020).
Butler Operations) (Butler).
Allegheny and Tsingshan Stainless Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 04-00013 (2/24/2020).
LLC, Midland Facility (formerly J
& L Specialty Steel Inc., Midland
Facility) (Beaver).
Alumax Mill Products (Lancaster)... Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 36-05014 (9/9/2019).
American Craft Brewery LLC (Lehigh) Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 39-00006F (10/23/
2019).
American Refining Group Inc Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 42-00004 (1/15/2020)
(McKean). and 42-004K (9/24/
2019).
American Zinc Recycling Corp Yes...................... NOX...................... 13-00001 (3/25/2019).
(Horsehead Resource Development
Company, Inc.) (Carbon).
Appvion Operations, Inc. (Blair)... Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 07-05001 (3/16/2020).
ArcelorMittal Steelton LLC Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 22-05012 (3/1/2020).
(formerly Bethlehem Steel
Corporation) (Dauphin).
Carpenter Technology Corporation, Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 06-05007 (3/10/2020).
Reading Plt (Berks).
Chestnut Ridge Foam Inc (formerly Yes...................... VOC...................... 65-00181 (1/22/2020).
Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc.,
Latrobe) (Westmoreland).
East Penn Manufacturing Company, Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 06-05069 (5/21/2019).
Inc., Battery Assembly (Berks).
General Carbide Corporation Yes...................... VOC...................... 65-00622 (3/3/2020).
(Westmoreland).
Lord Corp Saegertown (Crawford).... Yes...................... VOC...................... 20-00194 (4/12/2021).
NLMK Pennsylvania LLC, Farrell Plt Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 43-00310 (1/22/2020).
(formerly Caparo Steel Co.--
Farrell) (Mercer).
Omnova Solutions Inc.--Auburn Plant Yes...................... VOC...................... 54-00009 (6/26/2018).
(formerly Gencorp, Inc.)
(Schuylkill).
Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC-- Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 67-05004 (4/1/2020).
Spring Grove Mill (York).
Sonneborn LLC (formerly Crompton Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 10-037I (9/17/2019).
Corporation, Fairview Township;
Witco Corp, Petrolia Facility)
(Butler).
Specialty Tires of America, Indiana Yes...................... VOC...................... 32-00065 (1/16/2019).
Plant (formerly Specialty Tires of
America, Inc.) (Indiana).
Standard Steel LLC (formerly Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 44-05001 (8/16/2019).
Standard Steel Division of Freedom
Forge Corp.) (Mifflin).
Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., Mercer Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 43-00272 (1/2/2019).
Station 219 (Mercer).
Truck Accessories Group Milton Yes...................... VOC...................... 49-00020 (1/14/2020).
Plant (formerly Truck Accessories
Group East) (Northumberland).
United Refining Co (Warren)........ Yes...................... NOX and VOC.............. 62-00017 (2/6/2020).
Wheatland Tube Company (Mercer).... Yes...................... NOX...................... 43-00182 (3/26/2019).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The case-by-case RACT determinations submitted by PADEP consist of
an evaluation of all reasonably available controls at the time of
evaluation for each affected emissions unit, resulting in a PADEP
determination of what specific emission limit or control measures
satisfy RACT for that particular unit. The adoption of new or
additional controls or the revisions to existing controls as RACT were
specified as requirements in new or revised Federally enforceable
permits (hereafter RACT II permits) issued by PADEP to the source.
Similarly, the adoption of an alternative NOX emission limit through a
NOX emission averaging plan was specified in a RACT II permit. The RACT
II permits, which revise or adopt additional source-specific controls,
have been submitted as part of the Pennsylvania RACT SIP revisions for
EPA's approval in the Pennsylvania SIP under 40 CFR 52.2020(d)(1). The
RACT II permits submitted by PADEP are listed in the last column of
Table 2 of this document, along with the permit effective date, and are
part of the docket for this rulemaking, which is available online at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, Docket No. EPA-R03-OAR-2021-0531.\9\ EPA
is proposing to incorporate by reference in the Pennsylvania SIP, via
the RACT II permits, source-specific RACT determinations under the 1997
and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for certain sources at major NO<INF>X</INF>
and VOC emitting facilities.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ The RACT II permits included in the docket for this
rulemaking are redacted versions of the facility's Federally
enforceable permits. They reflect the specific RACT requirements
being approved into the Pennsylvania SIP via this rulemaking.
\10\ While the prior SIP-approved RACT I permit will remain part
of the SIP, this RACT II rule will incorporate by reference the RACT
II requirements through the RACT II permit and clarify the ongoing
applicability of specific conditions in the RACT I permit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
III. EPA's Evaluation of SIP Revisions
After thorough review and evaluation of the information provided by
PADEP for sources at twenty-three major NO<INF>X</INF> and/or VOC
emitting facilities in Pennsylvania included in its SIP revision
submittal, EPA finds that PADEP's case-by-case RACT determinations and
conclusions provided are reasonable and appropriately considered
technically and economically feasible controls,
[[Page 47275]]
while setting lowest achievable limits. EPA finds that the proposed
source-specific RACT controls for the sources subject to this
rulemaking action adequately meet the CAA RACT requirements for the
1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the subject sources of
NO<INF>X</INF> and/or VOC in Pennsylvania, as they are not covered by
or cannot meet Pennsylvania's presumptive RACT regulation.
EPA also finds that all the proposed revisions to previously SIP
approved RACT requirements, under the 1979 1-hour ozone standard (RACT
I), as discussed in PADEP's SIP revisions, will result in equivalent or
additional reductions of NO<INF>X</INF> and/or VOC emissions and should
not interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment of
the NAAQS, reasonable further progress or other applicable CAA
requirement under section 110(l) of the CAA.
EPA's complete analysis of PADEP's source-specific RACT SIP
revisions is included in the TSD available in the docket for this
rulemaking action and available online at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>,
Docket number EPA-R03-OAR-2021-0531.
IV. Proposed Action
Based on EPA's review, EPA is proposing to approve the Pennsylvania
SIP revisions for source-specific RACT determinations for individual
sources at twenty-three major NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC emitting
facilities listed in Table 2 of this document and incorporate by
reference in the Pennsylvania SIP, via the RACT II permits, source-
specific RACT determinations under the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS
for those sources. EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues
discussed in this document. These comments will be considered before
taking final action. As EPA views each facility as a separable SIP
revision, should EPA receive comment on one facility but not others,
EPA may take separate, final action on the remaining facilities.
V. Incorporation by Reference
In this document, EPA is proposing to include in a final EPA rule
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance
with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is proposing to incorporate by
reference source-specific RACT determinations via the RACT II permits
as described in Sections II and III--Summary of SIP Revisions and EPA's
Evaluation of SIP Revisions in this document. EPA has made, and will
continue to make, these materials generally available through <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and at the EPA Region III Office (please contact
the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of
this preamble for more information).
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP
submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA 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 CAA. Accordingly, this
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:
<bullet> 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);
<bullet> Does not impose an information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
<bullet> 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.);
<bullet> 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);
<bullet> Does not have Federalism implications as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
<bullet> Is not an economically significant regulatory action based
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997);
<bullet> Is not a significant regulatory action subject to
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
<bullet> Is not subject to requirements of section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent
with the CAA; and
<bullet> Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
In addition, this proposed rulemaking, addressing the
NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC RACT source-specific requirements for individual
sources at twenty-three facilities in Pennsylvania for the 1997 and
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, does not have tribal implications as specified
by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the
SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state,
and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on
tribal governments or preempt tribal law.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Volatile organic compounds.
Dated: August 11, 2021.
Diana Esher,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region III.
[FR Doc. 2021-17953 Filed 8-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.