[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 225 (Friday, November 21, 1997)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 62262-62266] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-30656] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 271 [FRL-5925-8] Alabama: Final Authorization of Revisions to State's Hazardous Waste Management Program AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Immediate final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Alabama has applied for final authorization of revisions to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Alabama's revisions consist of the ``Used Oil Management Standards'' provision in RCRA Cluster III, and provisions in RCRA Clusters IV and V. These requirements are listed in section B of this document. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed Alabama's applications and has made a decision, subject to public review and comments, that Alabama's hazardous waste management program revisions satisfy all of the requirements necessary to qualify for final authorization. Thus, EPA intends to approve Alabama's hazardous waste management program revisions. Alabama's applications for program revisions are available for public review and comment. DATES: Final authorization for Alabama shall be effective January 20, 1998 unless EPA publishes a prior Federal Register action withdrawing this immediate final rule. All comments on Alabama's program revision application must be received by the close of business December 22, 1997. ADDRESSES: Copies of Alabama's program revision applications are available during 8 am to 4:30 pm at the following addresses for inspection and copying: Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 1751 Congressman W. L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36109-2608, (334) 271-7700; U.S. EPA, Region IV, Library, Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3104. Written comments should be sent to Narindar Kumar at the address listed below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Narindar Kumar, Chief, RCRA Programs Branch, Waste Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Atlanta Federal Center, 10th Floor, 61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3104; (404) 562-8448. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background States with final authorization under section 3006(b) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (``RCRA'' or ``the Act''), 42 U.S.C. 6926(b), have a continuing obligation to maintain a hazardous waste program that is equivalent to, consistent with, and no less stringent than the Federal hazardous waste program. In addition, as an interim measure, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (Public Law 98-616, November 8, 1984, hereinafter ``HSWA'') allows States to [[Page 62263]] revise their program to become substantially equivalent instead of equivalent to RCRA requirements promulgated under HSWA authority. States exercising the latter option receive ``interim authorization'' for the HSWA requirements under section 3006(g) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6926(g), and later apply for final authorization for the HSWA requirements. Revisions to state hazardous waste programs are necessary when Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority is modified or when certain other changes occur. Most commonly, state program revisions are necessitated by changes to EPA's regulations in 40 CFR parts 124, 260-268, and 270. A. Alabama Alabama initially received final authorization for its base RCRA program effective on December 22, 1987. Alabama received authorization for revisions to its program on January 28, 1992, July 2, 1992, December 21, 1992, May 17, 1993, November 23, 1993, April 4, 1994, January 1, 1995, October 13, 1995, April 15, 1996, and June 24, 1996. Today, Alabama is seeking approval of its program revisions in accordance with 40 CFR 271.21(b)(3). EPA has reviewed Alabama's applications and has made an immediate final decision that Alabama's hazardous waste program revisions satisfy all of the requirements necessary to qualify for final authorization. Consequently, EPA intends to grant final authorization for the additional program modifications to Alabama. The public may submit written comments on EPA's immediate final decision until December 22, 1997. Copies of Alabama's applications for these program revisions are available for inspection and copying at the locations indicated in the ADDRESSES section of this document. Approval of Alabama's program revisions will become effective January 20, 1998, unless an adverse comment pertaining to the State's revisions discussed in this document is received by the end of the comment period. If an adverse comment is received EPA will publish either (1) a withdrawal of the immediate final decision or (2) a document containing a response to comments which affirms that either the immediate final decision takes effect or reverses the decision. EPA shall administer any RCRA hazardous waste permits, or portions of permits that contain conditions based upon the Federal program provisions for which the State is applying for authorization and which were issued by EPA prior to the effective date of this authorization. EPA will suspend issuance of any further permits under the provisions for which the State is being authorized on the effective date of this authorization. Alabama is today seeking authority to administer the following Federal requirements promulgated on September 10, 1992 for the ``Recycled Used Oil Management Standards'', on July 1, 1993-June 30, 1994 for RCRA Cluser IV and on July 1, 1994-June 30, 1995 for RCRA Cluster V. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal requirement FR reference FR promulgation date State authority ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Checklist 112, Recycled Used Oil 57 FR 41566........... 9/10/92............... 335-14-1-.02(1), 335-14-2- Management Standards. .01(3)(a), 335-14-2- .01(3)(a) 2(v)(1), 335-14- 2-.01(3)(a) 2.(v)(11), 335- 14-2-.01(5)(j), 335-14-2- .01(6)(a), 2.(iii).(viii), 335-14-2-.1(6)(a)4, 335-14- 7-.08(1), 335-14-17-.1(1), 335-14-17-.02(1), 335-14- 17-.02(1)(a), (b), (b)1.(i), (b)1.(ii), 335- 14-17-.02(1)(b), 1.(ii)(1)(b)1.(ii)(11), 335-14-17-.02(1)(b)2, 335- 14-17-.02(1)(b)2(ii), 335- 14-17-.02(1)(b)2(iii), 335- 14-17-.02(1)(b)3, 335-14- 17-.02(1)(c)(d), (d)1(d)2, 335-14-17-.02(1)(e), 335- 14-17-.02(1)(e)2-4, 335-14- 17-02(1)(f)-(i), 335-14-17- .02(2), 335-14- 17.02(2)Table 1, 335-14-17- .02(3)(a)-(c), 335-14-17- .03(1)(a), 335-14-17- .03(1)(b), 334-14-16- .03(3)(4)(5), 335-14-17- .4(1)(2)(3), 335-14-17- .05(1)-(8), 335-14-17- .06(1)-(10), 335-14-17- .07(1)-(8), 335-14-17- .08(1)-(6), 335-14-17- .09(1)(2)(3). Checklist 122, Recycled used Oil 58 FR 26420........... 5/3/93................ 335-14-2-.01(4)b13-15, 335- Management Standards; Technical 14-2-.01(5)(j), 335-14-5- Amendments and Corrections I. .01(1)g2, 335-14-6- .01(1)(c)6, 335-14-17-.01- (1), 335-14-17-.02(1)(b)2, 335-14-17-.02(c)-9e), 335- 14-17-.02(1)(i), 335-14-17- .02(2), Table 1, 335-14-- 17-.02(3)(c)3, 335-14-17- .03(2)a 335-14-17- .03(4)(a), (b)(c), 335-14- 17-.05(1)(a)4, 335-14-17- .05(1)(d)4, 335-14-17- .05(3)(a)(b), 335-14-17- .06(2)(a), 335-14-17- .06(3)(b)6, (3)(b)6.(viii)(lll), 335- 14-17-.06(5), 335-14-17- .07(a)(b)1, 335-14-17- .0793)(a), 335-14-18- .07(5), 335-14-17-.08(1)- (5)a. Checklist 125, Boilers and FR 38816.............. 7/20/93............... 335-14-1-.02(2), 335-14-7- Industrial Furnaces; Changes for .08(5), 335-14-7-.08(7), Consistency with New Air 335-14-7 Appendix. Regulations. Checklist 126, Testing and 58 FR 46040........... 8/31/93............... 335-14-1-.2(2), 335-14-1- Monitoring Activities. .0392)(d)1(i), 335-14-2- .03(3)(a)1, 335-14-2- .03(3)(a)2, 335-14-2- .03(5)(a), 335-14-2- Appendix, 335-14-5- .10(1)(a), 335-14-5- .14(a5)(c), 335-14-6- .10(1)(a), 335-14-6- .14)(15)(d), 335-14-9- .01(7), 335-14-9- .04(1)(2), 335-14-9- Appendix I&IX, 335-14-8- .02(1)(c)1.(iii), 335-14-- 8-.02(10)(c), 1.(iv), 335- 14-8-.06(2)(b)2, .(I)(lll)(IV), 335-14-8- .06(5)(c)2.(iii). [[Page 62264]] Checklist 127, Boilers & Industrial 58 FR 59598........... 11/9/93............... 335-14-7-.08(13), Furnaces; Administrative Stay & Incorporated by Ref., 335- Interim Standards for Bevill 14-7-Appendix VII, Residues. Incorporated by Ref. Checklist 128, Wastes From the Use 59 FR 458-469......... 1/4/94................ 335-14-1-.02(2), of Chlorophenolic Formulations in Incorporated by Ref. 335- Wood Surface Protection. 14-2-Appendix VIII. Checklist 129, Revision of 59 FR 8362............ 2/18/94............... 335-15-2-.01(4)(e)2.(i), Conditional Exemption for Small 335-14-2-.01(4)(e)2.(ii), Scale Treatability Studies. 335-14-2-.01(4)(e)3 (f)3- 5. Checklist 130, Recycled Used Oil 59 FR 10550........... 3/4/94................ 335-14-17-.01(1), 335-14-17- Management Standards; Technical .01 (1)'' used oil Amendments & Corrections II. transfer ``facility'', 335- 14-17-.02(1)(b)1.(ii)(b)2. (iii), 335-100000004-17- .02(1)(g), 335-14-17- .02(1)(g)1-6, 335-14-17- .03(1)(b)2(i), 335-14-17- .03(1)(b)2(ii), 335-14-17- .03(1)(b)2 (ii)(I-V), 335- 14-17-.05(2)(c), 335-14-17- .05(5)(c), 335-14-17- .05(7)(a), 5.(i)(ii)(b)5.(i)(ii), 335- 14-17-.06(4)(c), 335-14-17- .07(4)(c). Checklist 131, Recordkeeping 59 FR 13891........... 3/24/94............... 335-14-5-Appendix I, Table Instructions; Technical Amendment. 1 Table 2, 335-14-6- Appendix I, Table 1, Table 2. Checklist 132, Wood Surface 59 FR 28484........... 6/2/94................ 335-14-1-.02(2), Protection; Correction. Incorportarted by Ref. Checklist 133, Letter of Credit 59 FR 29958........... 6/10/94............... 335-14-5-.08(12)(d), 335-14- Revision. 5-.08(12)(k). Checklist 134, Correction of 59 FR 31551........... 6/20/94............... 335-14-1-.0494)(e), 335-14- Beryllium Powder (PO15) Listing. 2-Appendix VIII, 335-14-9- .05(3), Incorporated by Ref. Checklist 135, Identification and 59 FR 38536........... 7/28/94............... 335-14-2-.01(3)(c)2.(ii) Listing of Hazardous Waste; (II), 335-14-2-/ Amendments to Definition of Solid 01(4)(a)12, 335-14-2- Waste. .01(6)(a)3. (iv)-(vi), 335- 14-7-.08(1). Checklist 136, Standards for the 59 FR 43496........... 8/24/94............... 335-14-7-.03(1)(c), 335-14- Management of Specific Hazardous 9-.04(4). Wastes; Amendment to Subpart C- Recyclable Materials Used in a Manner Constituting Disposal; Final Rule. Checklist 137, Land Disposal 59 FR 47982, 60 FR 242 9/19/94, 1/3/95....... 335-14-1-.03(10)(10)(b), Restrictions Phase II--Universal 335-14-1-.03(11)(a), Treatment Standards, and Treatment (11)(a)(b), 335-14- Standards for Organic Toxicity 1.03(12)(13), 335-14-1- Characteristic Wastes and Newly .03(13)(a)(b), 335-14-1- Listed Wastes. .01(2)(e)1.iii, 335-14-5- .01(1)(g)6, 335-14-6- .01(1)(c)10, 335-14-7- .03(4)(a), 335-14-7- .08(1), 335-14-7-Appendix 335-14-9-.01(1)(2)(3), 335- 14-9-.01(7)(9), 335-14-9- .04(1-4)(6-8), 335-14-9- Appendix IV V & X. Checklist 139, Hazardous Waste 60 FR 3089............ 1/13/95............... 335-14-1-.02(2). Management SystemTesting & Monitoring Activities. Checklist 140, Hazardous Waste 60 FR 7824, 60 FR 2/9/95, 4/17/95, 5/12/ 335-14-2.01(3)(a), Management System; Carbarmate 19165, 60 FR 2619. 95, 8/9/95. 2.(iv)(V)(VI)(VII), 335-14- Production Identification & 2-.01(3)(c)2, 2.(ii)(IV), Listing of Hazardous Waste; and 335-14-2-.04(3), 335-14- CERCLA Hazardous Substance 2.04(4)(e), 335-14-2- Designation and Reportable .04(4)(f), 335-14-2- Quantities. Appendix VII, VIII. Checklist 141, Hazardous Waste 60 FR 17001........... 4/4/95................ 335-14-1-.02(2). Management System; Testing & Monitoring Activities. Checklist 142 A, Universal Waste 60 FR 25492........... 5/11/95............... 335-14-1-.02(1), 335-14-2- Rule; General Provisions. .01(5)(c), 335-14-2- .01(5)(c)1-6, 335-14-2- .01(5)(f)3, (I)-(v), 335- 14-2-.01(5), 335-14-2- .01(5)(g)3(i-v), 335-14-2- .01(9), 335-14-3-.01(1)9b)- (g), 335-14-3-.01(2)(d), 335-14-5-.01(1)(g)12, 335- 14-6-.01(1)(c)14, 335-14-9- .01(1), 335-14-8- .01(1)(c02.(ix), 335-14-11- .01(1)(a)(b), 335-14-11- .01(5)(a), (A)1(a)2(b), 335-14-11-.01(6), 335-14- 11-.02(1), 335-14-11- .02(2), (2)(a)(2)(b)(3)(5)(6), (6)(a-c), 335-14-11- .02(8)(a)(b), 335-14-11- .02(9)(a)-(h), 335-14-11- .02(10)(11), (11)(a)(b)(c), 335-14-11- .03(1)-(11), 335-14-11- .04(1)-(7), 335-14- .05(1)(a)(b), 335-14-11- .05(2)(a)-(d), 335-14-11- .05(3)(a)(b), 335-14-11- .06, (2)(a)(b), 335-14-11- .03(3)(a)1(a), 2(b), 335- 14-11-.03(5)-(11), 335-14- 11-.04(1)-(7), 335-14-11- .05(1)-(3), 335-14-11- .06(1). [[Page 62265]] Checklist 142 B, Universal Waste 60 FR 25492........... 5/11/95............... 335-14-2-.01(1), 335-14-2- Rule; Specific Provisions for .01(6)(a)3.(ii), 335-14-2- Batteries. .01(6)(a), 3.(iii)-(v), 335-14-2-.01(9)(a), 335-14- .01(1)9g)12.(i), 335-14-6- .01(1)(c)14.(i), 335-14-7- .07(1), 335-14-9-.01(1), 335-14-.01(1)(c)2.(ix)(I), 335-14-11-.01(2)(a)1,2, (b), 335-14-11- .01(3)(c)1,2, 335-14-11- .01(6), 335-14- 11.02(4)(a), (5)(a), 335- 14-11-.03(4)(a)1-3, 335-14- 11-.03(5)(a). Checklst 142 C, Universal Waste 60 FR 25492........... 5/11/95............... 335-14-.01(1), 335-14-2- Rule; Specific Provisions for .01(9)(b), 335-14-5- Pesticides. .01(1)(g), 12.(ii), 335-14- 6-.01(1)(c), 14.(ii), 3335- 14-9-.01(1), 335-14-8- .01(1)(c), 2.(ix)(II), 335- 14-11-.01(1)(a)2, 335-14- 11-.01(3)a-d, 335-14- 11.01(6), 335-14-11- .02(4)(b), (b) 1-4, 335-14- 11-.02(5)(b), (5)(b) 1,2, 335-14-11-.02(5)(c), (5)(c)1.(i),(ii),(iii) 2, 335-14-11-.03(3)(a)1,3, (4)(b), (4)(b)1-5, 335-14- 11-.03(5)(c), (5)(c)1.(i)(ii)(iii)(5)(c) 2. Checklist 142 D, Universal Waste 60 FR 25492........... May 11, 1995.......... 335-14-2-.01(1), 335-14-2- Rule: Specific Provisions for .01(9)(a), 335-14-5- Thermostats. .01(1)(g), 12.(iii), 335- 14-6-.01(1)(c), 14(iii), 335-14-9-.01(1), 335-14-8- .01(1)(c)2., (ix)(I), 335- 14-11-.01(1)(a)1), 335-14- 11-.01(4)(a), 335-11- .01(4)(b)(c), 335-14-11- .01(6), 335-14-11- .02(4)(c), 335-14-11- .02(4)(c)1-3, 335-14-11- .02(5)(d), 335-14-11- .03(4)(c), (4), (c)1-3, 335-14-11-.03(5)(d). Checklist 142 E, Universal Waste 60 FR 25492........... May 11, 1995.......... 335-14-1-.03(3)(a)-(d), 335- Rule: Petition Provisions to Add a 14-11-.07(1)(a)(b), New Universal Waste. (c)(2)(a)-(h). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama is not authorized to operate the Federal program on Indian lands. This authority remains with EPA unless provided otherwise in a future statute or regulation. B. Decision I conclude that Alabama's applications for these program revisions meet all of the statutory and regulatory requirements established by RCRA. Accordingly, Alabama is granted final authorization to operate its hazardous waste program as revised. Alabama now has responsibility for permitting treatment, storage, and disposal facilities within its borders and carrying out other aspects of the RCRA program, subject to the limitations of its program revision applications and previously approved authorities. Alabama also has primary enforcement responsibilities, although EPA retains the right to conduct inspections under section 3007 of RCRA and to take enforcement actions under sections 3008, 3013, and 7003 of RCRA. II. Compliance With Executive Order 12866 The Office of Management and Budget has exempted this rule from the requirements of section 6 of Executive Order 12866. III. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), P.L. 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the effects of their regulatory actions on State, local and tribal governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. Before promulgating an EPA rule for which a written statement is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires EPA to identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of section 205 do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, section 205 allows EPA to adopt an alternative other than the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative if the Administrator publishes with the final rule an explanation why that alternative was not adopted. Before EPA establishes any regulatory requirements that may significantly or uniquely affect small governments, including tribal governments, it must have developed under section 203 of the UMRA a small government agency plan. The plan must provide for notifying potentially affected small governments, enabling officials of affected small governments to have meaningful and timely input in the development of EPA regulatory proposals with significant Federal intergovernmental mandates, and informing, educating, and advising small governments on compliance with the regulatory requirements. Today's rule contains no Federal mandates for State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. The Act excludes from the definition of a ``Federal mandate'' duties that arise from participation in a voluntary Federal program, except in certain cases where a ``Federal intergovernmental mandate'' affects an annual Federal entitlement program of $500 million or more that are not applicable here. Alabama's request for approval of revisions to its authorized hazardous waste program is voluntary and imposes no Federal mandate within the meaning of the Act. Rather, by having its hazardous waste program approved, Alabama will gain the authority to implement the program within its jurisdiction, in lieu of EPA thereby eliminating duplicative State and Federal requirements. If a State chooses not to seek authorization for administration of a hazardous waste program under RCRA Subtitle C, RCRA regulations are left to EPA. In any event, EPA has determined that this rule does not contain a Federal mandate that may result in expenditures of $100 million or more for State, local, and tribal governments in the aggregate, or the private sector in any one year. EPA does not anticipate that the [[Page 62266]] approval of Alabama's hazardous waste program referenced in today's document will result in annual costs of $100 million or more. EPA's approval of state programs generally may reduce, not increase, compliance costs for the private sector since the State, by virtue of the approval, may now administer the program in lieu of EPA and exercise primary enforcement. Hence, owners and operators of treatment, storage, or disposal facilities (TSDFs) generally no longer face dual Federal and State compliance requirements, thereby reducing overall compliance costs. Thus, today's rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA. EPA has determined that this rule contains no regulatory requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The Agency recognizes that small governments may own and/ or operate TSDFs that will become subject to the requirements of an approved State Hazardous Waste Program. However, such small governments which own and/or operate TSDFs are already subject to the requirements in 40 CFR parts 264, 265, and 270 and are not subject to any additional significant or unique requirements by virtue of this program approval. Once EPA authorizes a State to administer its own hazardous waste program and any revisions to the program, these same small governments will be able to own and operate their TSDFs under the approved State program, in lieu of the Federal program. IV. Certification Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act EPA has determined that this authorization will not have significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Such small entities which are hazardous waste generators, transporters, or which own and/or operate TSDFs are already subject to the State requirements authorized by EPA under 40 CFR part 271. EPA's authorization does not impose any additional burdens on these small entities. This is because EPA's authorization would simply result in an administrative change, rather than a change in the substantive requirements imposed on small entities. Therefore, EPA provides the following certification under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended by the small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. Pursuant to the provision at 5 U.S.C. 605(b), I hereby certify that this authorization will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This authorization approves regulatory requirements under existing State law to which small entities are already subject. It does not impose any new burdens on small entities. This, rule, therefore, does not require a regulatory flexibility analysis. V. Submission to Congress and the General Accounting Office Under 5 U.S.C. 801 (a) (1) (A) as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, EPA submitted 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 General Accounting Office prior to publication of the rule in today's Federal Register. This rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 271 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business information, Hazardous waste transportation, Hazardous waste, Indian lands, Intergovernmental relations, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Water pollution control, Water supply. Authority: This document is issued under the authority of sections 2002(a), 3006, and 7004(b) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 6912(a), 6926, 6974(b)). Phyllis P. Hall, Acting Regional Administrator. [FR Doc. 97-30656 Filed 11-20-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P