[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 193 (Monday, October 6, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60078-60081]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23623]
[[Page 60078]]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 52 and 81
[EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0735; FRL-9917-23-Region 9]
Approval of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air
Quality Planning Purposes; Las Vegas Valley, Nevada; Redesignation to
Attainment for PM10
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final
action to approve a revision to the Nevada state implementation plan
that provides for the maintenance of the national ambient air quality
standard for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than
or equal to a nominal ten micrometers (PM10) in Las Vegas
Valley for the next ten years and to approve the related motor vehicle
emissions budgets. Based in part on the approval of the PM10
maintenance plan, EPA is also taking final action to grant the State of
Nevada's request for redesignation of Las Vegas Valley to attainment
for the PM10 standard. Consistent with the assumptions of
the maintenance plan, EPA is approving revisions to certain local
fugitive dust rules to ensure their continued applicability after
redesignation of the area to attainment. Lastly, EPA is taking final
action to delete the area designation for Las Vegas Valley for the
revoked national standard for total suspended particulate because the
designation is no longer necessary.
DATES: This rule is effective on November 5, 2014.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID
Number EPA-R09-OAR-2013-0735. Generally, documents in the docket for
this action are available electronically at www.regulations.gov and in
hard copy at EPA Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco,
California. While all documents in the docket are listed at
www.regulations.gov, some information may be publicly available only at
the hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted material, large maps), and
some may not be publicly available in either location (e.g.,
confidential business information or ``CBI''). To inspect the hard copy
materials, please schedule an appointment during normal business hours
with the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karina O'Connor, Air Planning Office
(AIR-2), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, (775) 434-
8176, [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, ``we,'' ``us,'' or
``our'' refer to EPA. This SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section is
arranged as follows:
Table of Contents
I. Proposed Actions
II. Public Comments
III. Final Action
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. Proposed Actions
On July 21, 2014 (79 FR 42258), under Clean Air Act (CAA or
``Act'') section 110(k)(3), EPA proposed to approve a submittal from
the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) dated September
7, 2012 of the Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan for
Particulate Matter (PM10), Clark County, Nevada (August 2012) (``Las
Vegas Valley PM10 Maintenance Plan'') as a revision to the
Nevada state implementation plan (SIP). In so doing, we found that the
Las Vegas Valley PM10 Maintenance Plan adequately
demonstrates that the area will maintain the PM10 national
ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or ``standard'') for 10 years
beyond redesignation and includes sufficient contingency provisions to
promptly correct any violation of the PM10 standard which
occurs after redesignation and thereby meets the requirements for
maintenance plans under CAA section 175A. We also proposed to approve
the motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) in the Las Vegas Valley
PM10 Maintenance Plan because we found they meet the
applicable transportation conformity requirements under 40 CFR
93.118(e).
In our July 21, 2014 proposed rule, under CAA section 107(d)(3)(D),
we proposed to grant NDEP's request to redesignate the Las Vegas Valley
PM10 nonattainment area from ``nonattainment'' to
``attainment'' for the PM10 standard. We proposed to do so
based on our conclusion that the Las Vegas Valley has attained the
PM10 standard; \1\ that the relevant portions of the Nevada
SIP are fully approved; that the improvement in air quality is due to
permanent and enforceable emissions reductions; that the State of
Nevada has met all of the requirements applicable to the Las Vegas
Valley PM10 nonattainment area with respect to section 110
and part D of the CAA; and, based on our proposed approval as described
above, that the Las Vegas Valley PM10 Maintenance Plan meets
the requirements for maintenance plans under section 175A of the CAA;
and that, therefore, the State of Nevada has met the criteria for
redesignation under CAA section 107(d)(3)(E) for the Las Vegas Valley
PM10 nonattainment area.
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\1\ In our proposed approval, EPA stated that ``SLAMS data for
2014 are not yet available . . . but will be reviewed prior to final
action to ensure that they are consistent with continued
attainment.'' 79 FR at 42263. We have now reviewed 2014 data,
submitted to AQS as of September 12, 2014, and have found it to be
consistent with continued attainment.
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Next, we proposed to approve certain fugitive dust rules (i.e.,
Clark County Air Quality Regulations sections 41, and 90 through 93)
that Clark County has amended to ensure their continued applicability
after the area is redesignated to attainment and that NDEP submitted to
us (on May 27, 2014) as a revision to the Nevada SIP.
Lastly, we proposed to delete the area designation for Las Vegas
Valley for the revoked NAAQS for total suspended particulate.
Please see our July 21, 2014 proposed rule for a detailed
discussion of the background for these actions, and the rationale for
approval of the Las Vegas Valley PM10 Maintenance Plan, for
granting NDEP's request for redesignation of Las Vegas Valley to
attainment, for approving Clark County's amended fugitive dust rules,
and for deleting the TSP designation for Las Vegas Valley.
II. Public Comments
Our July 21, 2014 proposed rule provided a 30-day public comment
period, which closed on August 20, 2014. We received no comments on our
proposal during this period.
III. Final Action
Under CAA section 110(k)(3), and for the reasons set forth in our
July 21, 2014 proposed rule, EPA is taking final action to approve
NDEP's submittal dated September 7, 2012 of the Redesignation Request
and Maintenance Plan for Particulate Matter (PM10), Clark County,
Nevada (August 2012) (``Las Vegas Valley PM10 Maintenance
Plan'') as a revision to the Nevada SIP. EPA finds that the maintenance
demonstration showing how the area will continue to attain the 24-hour
PM10 NAAQS for 10 years beyond redesignation, and the
contingency provisions describing the actions that Clark County will
take in the event of a future monitored violation, meet all applicable
requirements for maintenance plans and related contingency provisions
in CAA section 175A. EPA is also finding adequate and approving the
motor vehicle emissions budgets in the Las Vegas Valley PM10
Maintenance Plan
[[Page 60079]]
(i.e., 141.14 tons per day in 2008, 2015, and 2023) because we find
they meet the applicable transportation conformity requirements under
40 CFR 93.118(e).
Second, under CAA section 107(d)(3)(D), we are taking final action
to grant NDEP's request, which accompanied the submittal of the
maintenance plan, to redesignate the Las Vegas Valley PM10
nonattainment area to attainment for the 24-hour PM10 NAAQS.
We are doing so based on our conclusion that the area has met the five
criteria for redesignation under CAA section 107(d)(3)(E). Our
conclusion in this regard is in turn based on our determination that
the area has attained the 24-hour PM10 NAAQS, that relevant
portions of the Nevada SIP are fully approved, that the improvement in
air quality is due to permanent and enforceable reductions in
emissions, that Nevada has met all requirements applicable to the Las
Vegas Valley PM10 nonattainment area with respect to section
110 and part D of the CAA, and based on our approval as part of this
action of the Las Vegas Valley PM10 Maintenance Plan. Our
determination that the area has attained the 24-hour PM10
NAAQS is based in part on our concurrence with Clark County DAQ that
the exceedances monitored in Las Vegas Valley on July 3, 2011 were
caused by a high wind exceptional event and our related exclusion of
the exceedances from the attainment determination.
Third, EPA is taking final action to approve revisions to Clark
County fugitive dust rules sections 41, and 90 through 93 that were
submitted on May 27, 2014 as a revision to the Nevada SIP because we
find that they ensure continued implementation of the rules after
redesignation of Las Vegas Valley to attainment and because they meet
all other applicable requirements.\2\
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\2\ Approval of Clark County amended sections 41, and 90 through
93 will supersede the following existing rules in the applicable
Nevada SIP: Section 41 as approved at 46 FR 43141 (August 27, 1981);
section 90 as approved at 71 FR 63250 (October 30, 2006); section 91
as approved at 69 FR 32272 (June 9, 2004); section 92 as approved at
71 FR 63250 (October 30, 2006); and section 93 as approved at 71 FR
63250 (October 30, 2006).
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Lastly, EPA is taking final action to delete the area designation
for Las Vegas Valley for the revoked national standard for total
suspended particulate because the designation is no longer necessary.
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Under the CAA, redesignation of an area to attainment and the
accompanying approval of a maintenance plan under section 107(d)(3)(E)
are actions that affect the status of a geographical area and do not
impose any additional regulatory requirements on sources beyond those
imposed by State law. Redesignation to attainment does not in and of
itself create any new requirements, but rather results in the
applicability of requirements contained in the CAA for areas that have
been redesignated to attainment. Moreover, 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, these actions merely approve a State plan
and redesignation request as meeting Federal requirements and do not
impose additional requirements beyond those by State law. For these
reasons, these actions:
Are not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and Executive Order 13563 (76 FR
3821, January 21, 2011);
Do not impose an information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
Are 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.);
Do 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);
Do not have Federalism implications as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
Are not an economically significant regulatory action
based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997);
Are not a significant regulatory action subject to
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
Are 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
Do not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to
address disproportionate human health or environmental effects with
practical, appropriate, and legally permissible methods under Executive
Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
In addition, this rule 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. Nonetheless, EPA has
discussed the action with the one Tribe, the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe,
located within the Las Vegas Valley PM10 nonattainment area.
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 action 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. A major rule cannot
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for
the appropriate circuit by December 5, 2014. Filing a petition for
reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect
the finality of this action 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 may not be challenged later in proceedings to
enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2)).
List of Subjects
40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Particulate
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur dioxide.
40 CFR Part 81
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, National parks,
Wilderness areas.
[[Page 60080]]
Dated: September 17, 2014.
Jared Blumenfeld,
Regional Administrator, Region IX.
Chapter I, title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended
as follows:
PART 52--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
0
1. The authority citation for Part 52 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart DD--Nevada
0
2. Section 52.1470 is amended:
0
a. In paragraph (c), Table 3, by revising the entries for ``Section 41:
Subsections 41.1-41.4,'' ``Section 90,'' ``Section 91,'' ``Section
92,'' and ``Section 93''; and
0
b. By adding in paragraph (e), under the table heading ``Air Quality
Implementation Plan for the State of Nevada'' an entry for
``Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan for Particulate Matter
(PM10), Clark County, Nevada (August 2012)'' after the entry
for ``Pages 4-125 and 4-126 and appendix R (of the PM-10 State
Implementation Plan for Clark County).''
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 52.1470 Identification of plan.
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(c) * * *
Table 3--EPA-Approved Clark County Regulations
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County Additional
County citation Title/Subject effective date EPA Approval date explanation
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* * * * * * *
Section 41.................... Fugitive Dust......... 4/29/14 [Insert Federal Adopted by Clark
Register County on April 15,
citation], 10/6/ 2014 and submitted
14. by NDEP on May 27,
2014.
* * * * * * *
Section 90.................... Fugitive Dust from 4/29/14 [Insert Federal Adopted by Clark
Open Areas and Vacant Register County on April 15,
Lots. citation], 10/6/ 2014 and submitted
14. by NDEP on May 27,
2014.
Section 91.................... Fugitive Dust from 4/29/14 [Insert Federal Adopted by Clark
Unpaved Roads, Register County on April 15,
Unpaved Alleys, and citation], 10/6/ 2014 and submitted
Unpaved Easement 14. by NDEP on May 27,
Roads. 2014.
Section 92.................... Fugitive Dust from 4/29/14 [Insert Federal Adopted by Clark
Unpaved Parking Lots, Register County on April 15,
Material Handling & citation], 10/6/ 2014 and submitted
Storage Yards, & 14. by NDEP on May 27,
Vehicle & Equipment 2014.
Storage Yards.
Section 93.................... Fugitive Dust from 4/29/14 [Insert Federal Adopted by Clark
Paved Roads & Street Register County on April 15,
Sweeping Equipment. citation], 10/6/ 2014 and submitted
14. by NDEP on May 27,
2014.
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(e) * * *
EPA-Approved Nevada Nonregulatory Provisions and Quasi-Regulatory Measures
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Applicable
Name of SIP provision geographic or State submittal EPA Approval date Explanation
nonattainment area date
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Air Quality Implementation Plan for the State of Nevada \1\
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Redesignation Request and Las Vegas Valley, 9/7/12 [Insert Federal Excludes appendix B
Maintenance Plan for Clark County. Register (``Documentation of
Particulate Matter (PM10), citation], 10/6/ the Public Review
Clark County, Nevada (August 14. Process'').
2012).
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\1\ The organization of this table generally follows from the organization of the State of Nevada's original
1972 SIP, which was divided into 12 sections. Nonattainment and maintenance plans, among other types of plans,
are listed under Section 5 (Control Strategy). Lead SIPs and Small Business Stationary Source Technical and
Environmental Compliance Assistance SIPs are listed after Section 12 followed by nonregulatory or quasi-
regulatory statutory provisions approved into the SIP. Regulatory statutory provisions are listed in 40 CFR
52.1470(c).
[[Page 60081]]
PART 81--DESIGNATION OF AREAS FOR AIR QUALITY PLANNING PURPOSES
0
3. The authority citation for part 81 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart C--Section 107 Attainment Status Designations
0
4. Section 81.329 is amended by:
0
a. Removing in the table under ``Nevada--TSP,'' the entry for ``Las
Vegas Valley (212) (15-24S, 56-64E)''; and
0
b. Revising in the table under ``Nevada--PM-10,'' the entry for ``Clark
County'' to read as follows:
Sec. 81.329 Nevada.
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Nevada--PM-10
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Designation Classification
Designated area ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Type Date Type
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Clark County:
Las Vegas planning area............ November 5, 2014................... Attainment.............. ....................... .......................
Hydrographic area 212.............. ................................... ........................ ....................... .......................
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[FR Doc. 2014-23623 Filed 10-3-14; 8:45 am]
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