[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 98 (Monday, May 20, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25223-25224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12606]



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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[AD-FRL-5507-5]


Control Techniques Guidelines Document; Wood Furniture 
Manufacturing Operations

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of release of final control techniques guidelines (CTG) 
document.

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SUMMARY: A final CTG document for control of volatile organic compounds 
(VOC) emissions from wood furniture finishing and cleaning operations 
is available to assist States in analyzing and determining reasonably 
available control technology (RACT) for stationary sources of VOC 
emissions located within ozone nonattainment areas. The document 
recommends RACT for industries included in, but not limited to, nine 
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes: Wood Kitchen Cabinets 
(SIC 2434); Wood Household Furniture, except upholstered (SIC 2511); 
Wood Household Furniture, upholstered (SIC 2512); Wood Television, 
Radio, Phonograph, and Sewing Machine Cabinets (SIC 2517); Household 
Furniture Not Classified Elsewhere (SIC 2519); Wood Office Furniture 
(SIC 2521); Public Building and Related Furniture (SIC 2531); Wood 
Office and Store Fixtures (SIC 2541); and Furniture and Fixtures Not 
Elsewhere Classified (SIC 2599).

ADDRESSES: Control Techniques Guideline. Copies of the CTG may be 
obtained from the US EPA Library (MD-35), Research Triangle Park, North 
Carolina 27711, telephone number (919) 541-2777.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Paul Almodovar, (919) 541-0283, 
Coatings and Consumer Products Group, Emission Standards Division (MD-
13), US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North 
Carolina 27711.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The docket is available for public 
inspection at the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, 
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, which is listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice. The final CTG document is also 
available on the Technology Transfer Network (TTN), on the EPA's 
electronic bulletin boards. This bulletin board provides information 
and technology exchange in various areas of air pollution control. The 
service is free, except for the cost of a telephone call. Dial (919) 
541-5742 for up to a 14,400 bps modem. If more information on TTN is 
needed, call the HELP line at (919) 541-5384.

I. Background

    Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), as amended in 1990, State 
implementation plans (SIP) for ozone nonattainment areas must be 
revised to require RACT for control of VOC emissions from sources for 
which the EPA has already published a CTG or for which it will publish 
a CTG between the date the Amendments were enacted and the date an area 
achieves attainment status (CAA 182(b)(2)). The EPA has defined RACT as 
``the lowest emission limitation that a particular source is capable of 
meeting by the application of control technology that is reasonably 
available considering the technological and economic feasibility'' 
(September 17, 1979, 44 FR 53761).
    The CTG review current knowledge and data concerning the technology 
and costs of various emissions control techniques. The CTG are intended 
to provide State and local air pollution authorities with an 
information base for proceeding with their own analyses of RACT to meet 
statutory requirements.
    Each CTG contains a ``presumptive norm'' for RACT for a specific 
source category, based on the EPA's evaluation of the capabilities and 
problems general to the category. Where applicable, the EPA recommends 
that States adopt requirements consistent with the presumptive norm. 
However, the presumptive norm is only a recommendation. States may 
choose to develop their own RACT requirements on a case-by-case basis, 
considering the emission reductions needed to obtain achievement of the 
national ambient air quality standards and the economic and technical 
circumstances of the individual source.
    This CTG addresses RACT for control of VOC emissions from wood 
furniture manufacturing operations. The VOC emissions from wood 
furniture finishing, cleaning, and washoff operations are addressed. 
Many of the steps in these operations involve the use of organic 
solvents and are sources of VOC emissions. The sources, mechanisms, and 
control of these VOC emissions are described in the CTG.
    The determination of presumptive RACT for the wood furniture 
industry was negotiated under the Federal Advisory Committee Act with 
members of industry, environmental groups, States, and local agencies. 
The regulatory negotiation was conducted in conjunction with the 
negotiation for the proposed national emission standards for hazardous 
air pollutants (NESHAP) for wood furniture manufacturing operations 
developed under Section 112(d) of the CAA. This combined effort ensured 
that both sets of requirements are consistent and coordinated. The Wood 
Furniture Manufacturing Operations NESHAP was promulgated on December 
7, 1995 (60 FR 62930).

II. Summary of Impacts

    The EPA estimates that State and local regulations developed 
pursuant to this final CTG would affect about 970 facilities and reduce 
VOC emissions by an estimated 20,400 tons per year at a cost of an 
estimated $20.2 million. Further information on costs and controls is 
presented in the final CTG document.

III. Executive Order 12866

    Under Executive Order 12866 (October 4, 1993 58 FR 51735) the EPA 
must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' and 
therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the Executive 
Order. The Order defines ``significant regulatory action'' as one that 
is likely to result in a rule that may:
    (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, 
or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local or tribal governments or communities;
    (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs, or the rights and obligations of 
recipients thereof; or
    (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order.
    It has been determined that this final CTG document is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' under the terms of Executive Order 
12866 and is therefore not subject to OMB review. This CTG document is 
not a ``rulemaking,'' rather

[[Page 25224]]

it provides information to States to aid them in developing rules.

    Dated: May 9, 1996.
Mary D. Nichols,
Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 96-12606 Filed 5-17-96; 8:45 am]
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