[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 9, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52884-52886]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25791]



[[Page 52884]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 271

[FRL-5630-4]


Oklahoma: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management 
Program Revisions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Immediate final rule.

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SUMMARY: The State of Oklahoma has applied for Final authorization of 
revision to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation 
and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 
has reviewed Oklahoma's application and decided that its hazardous 
waste program revision satisfies all of the requirements necessary to 
qualify for final authorization. Unless adverse written comments are 
received during the review and comment period provided for public 
participation in this process, EPA intends to approve Oklahoma's 
hazardous waste program revision subject to the authority retained by 
EPA in accordance with Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 
(HSWA). The Oklahoma's application for the program revision is 
available for public review and comment.

DATES: This final authorization for Oklahoma is effective December 23, 
1996, unless EPA publishes a prior Federal Register (FR) action 
withdrawing this Immediate Final Rule. All comments on the Oklahoma's 
program revision application must be received by the close of business 
November 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Oklahoma program revision application and the 
materials which EPA used in evaluating the revision are available for 
inspection and copying from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday 
at the following addresses: State of Oklahoma Department of 
Environmental Quality, 1000 Northeast Tenth Street, Oklahoma City, 
Oklahoma 73117-1212, phone (405) 271-5338 and EPA, Region 6 Library, 
12th Floor, First Interstate Bank Tower at Fountain Place, 1445 Ross 
Avenue, Dallas, Texas 65202, phone (214) 665-6444. Written comments, 
referring to Docket Number OK-96-1, should be sent to Alima Patterson, 
Authorization Coordinator, Grants and Authorization Section (6PD-G), 
EPA Region 6, First Interstate Bank Tower at Fountain Place, 1445 Ross 
Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202, Phone number: (214) 665-8533.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alima Patterson, Authorization 
Coordinator, Grants and Authorization Section (6PG-G), EPA Region 6, 
First Interstate Bank Tower at Fountain Place, 1445 Ross Avenue, 
Dallas, Texas 75202, Phone number: (214) 665-8533.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    States with final authorization under section 3006(b) of the RCRA, 
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. 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.

B. Oklahoma

    Oklahoma initially received Final Authorization on January 10, 
1985, (49 FR 50362) to implement its base hazardous waste management 
program. Oklahoma received authorization for revisions to its program 
on June 18, 1990 (55 FR 14280), November 27, 1990 (55 FR 39274), June 
3, 1991 (56 FR 13411), November 19, 1991 (56 FR 47675), effective 
December 21, 1994 (59 FR 51116-51123) and (60 FR 2699-2701), effective 
April 27, 1995. The authorized Oklahoma RCRA program was incorporated 
by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations effective December 
13, 1993. On March 13, 1996, Oklahoma submitted a final complete 
program revision application for additional program approvals. Today, 
Oklahoma is seeking approval of its program revision in accordance with 
Sec. 271.21(b)(3).
    Specific statutory language which addressed adoption of Federal 
Regulations by reference was formerly found at 63 Oklahoma Statutes 
(O.S.), Supp. 1992 Sec. 1-2005. This section was repealed by House Bill 
1002, effective July 1, 1993. Adoption by reference was continued 
through the general rule making language of 27A O.S. Supp. 1993 Sec. 2-
7-106. 27A O.S. Supp. Sec. 2-2-104 was enacted to clarify the adoption 
by reference abilities of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental 
Quality (ODEQ). See Rules 252:200-3-2 through 252:200-3-6 adopt the 
Federal Requirements by reference.
    The EPA reviewed ODEQ's application, and made an immediate final 
decision that ODEQ's hazardous waste program revision satisfies all of 
the requirements necessary to qualify for Final Authorization. 
Consequently, EPA intends to grant Final Authorization for the 
additional program modifications to Oklahoma. The public may submit 
written comments on the EPA's final decision until November 25, 1996. 
Copies of Oklahoma's application for program revision are available for 
inspection and copying at the locations indicated in the ADDRESSES 
section of this notice.
    Approval of ODEQ's program revision shall become effective 75 days 
from the date this notice is published, unless an adverse written 
comment pertaining to the State's revision discussed in this document 
is received by the end of the comment period. If an adverse written 
comment is received, EPA will publish either (1) A withdrawal of the 
immediate final decision or (2) a notice containing a response to the 
comment that either affirms that the immediate final decision takes 
effect or reverses the decision.
    Oklahoma's program revision application includes State regulatory 
changes that are equivalent to the rules promulgated in the Federal 
RCRA implementing regulations in 40 CFR Parts 124, 260-262, 264, 265, 
266 and 270 that were published in the FR through June 30, 1994. This 
proposed approval includes the provisions that are listed in the chart 
below. This chart also lists the State analogs that are being 
recognized as equivalent to the appropriate Federal requirements.

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       Federal citation                       State analog              
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1. Requirements for            Oklahoma Hazardous Waste Management Act  
 Preparation, Adoption, and     (OHWMA), as amended, 27A Oklahoma       
 Submittal of Implementation    Statutes (O.S.), Supp. 1994, Secs.  2-7-
 Plans, [58 FR 38816] July      107(A), (4) and 5), and 2-2-104,        
 20, 1993. (Checklist 125).     effective July 1, 1994; and Oklahoma    
                                Administrative Code (OAC) Rules 252:200-
                                3-1 through 252:200-3-6, effective May  
                                26, 1994.                               
2. Testing and Monitoring      OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 Activities, [58 FR 46040]      Secs.  2-2-106, effective July 1, 1994, 
 August 31, 1993. (Checklist    OAC Rules 252:200-3-1 through 252:200-3-
 126).                          6, effective May 26, 1994.              

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3. Burning of Hazardous Waste  OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 in Boilers and Industrial      Secs.  2-2-104, and 2-7-107(A)(5),      
 Furnaces, [58 FR 59598]        effective July 1, 1994, and OAC Rules   
 November 9, 1993. (Checklist   252:200-3-1 through 252:200-3-6,        
 127).                          effective May 26, 1994.                 
4. Hazardous Waste Management  OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 Systems; Identification and    Secs.  2-2-104 and Sec.  2-7-106,       
 Listing of Hazardous Waste;    effective July 1, 1994, and OAC Rules   
 Waste from Wood Surface        252:200-3-1 through 252:200-3-6,        
 Protection, [59 FR 458]        effective May 26, 1994.                 
 January 4, 1994. (Checklist                                            
 128).                                                                  
5. Hazardous Waste Management  OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 System; Identification and     Secs.  2-2-104 and 2-7-106, effective   
 Listing of Hazardous Waste;    July 1, 1994, and OAC Rules 252:200-3-1 
 Treatability Studies Sample    through 252:200-3-6, effective May 26,  
 Exclusion, [59 FR 8362]        1994.                                   
 February 18, 1994.                                                     
 (Checklist 129).                                                       
6. Hazardous Waste Management  OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 System; Identification and     Secs.  2-2-104, and 2-7-107(A)(5)       
 Listing of Hazardous Waste;    effective July 1, 1994, and OAC Rules   
 Recycled Used Oil Management   252:200-3-1 through 252:200-3-6,        
 Standards, [59 FR 10550]       effective May 26, 1994.                 
 March 4, 1994. (Checklist                                              
 130).                                                                  
7. Recordkeeping               OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 Instructions, [59 FR 13891]    Secs.  2-2-104, and 2-7-105(5), and 2-7-
 March 24, 1994. (Checklist     106, effective July 1, 1994, and OAC    
 131).                          Rules 252:200-3-1 through 252:200-3-6,  
                                effective May 26, 1994.                 
8. Hazardous Waste Management  OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 System; Identification and     Sec.  2-7-106, and 2-2-104, effective   
 Listing of Hazardous Wastes;   July 1, 1994, and OAC Rules 252:200-3-1 
 Wastes from Wood Surface       through 252:200-3-6, effective May 26,  
 Protection; Correction, [59    1994.                                   
 FR 28484] June 2, 1994.                                                
 (Checklist 132).                                                       
9. Standards Applicable to     OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 Owners and Operators of        Secs.  2-2-104, effective July 1, 1994, 
 Hazardous Waste Treatment,     and OAC Rules 252:200-3-1 through       
 Storage, and Disposal          252:200-3-6, effective May 26, 1994.    
 Facilities, Underground                                                
 Storage, Tanks, and                                                    
 Underground Injection                                                  
 Control Systems; Financial                                             
 Assurance; Letter of Credit,                                           
 [59 FR 29958] June 10, 1994.                                           
 (Checklist 133).                                                       
10. Hazardous Waste            OHWMA, as amended, 27A O.S., Supp. 1994, 
 Management System;             Secs.  2-2-104, and 2-7-106, effective  
 Correction of Listing of       July 1, 1994, and OAC Rules 252:200-3-1 
 P015-Beryllium Powder, [59     through 252:200-3-6, effective May 26,  
 FR 31551-31552] June 20,       1994.                                   
 1994. (Checklist 134).                                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Oklahoma is not authorized to operate the Federal program on Indian 
lands. This authority remains with EPA.

C. Decision

    I conclude that ODEQ's application for a program revision meets the 
statutory and regulatory requirements established by RCRA. Accordingly, 
ODEQ is granted Final Authorization to operate its hazardous waste 
program as revised. Oklahoma now has responsibility for permitting 
treatment, storage, and disposal facilities within its borders and for 
carrying out the aspects of the RCRA program described in its revised 
program application, subject to the limitations of the HSWA. Oklahoma 
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.

D. Codification in Part 272

    The EPA uses 40 CFR part 272 for codification of the decision to 
authorize ODEQ's program and for incorporation by reference of those 
provisions of its Statutes and regulations that EPA will enforce under 
Sections 3008, 3013, and 7003 of RCRA. Therefore, EPA is reserving 
amendment of 40 CFR part 272, subpart LL until a later date.

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.

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 the 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 the EPA regulatory proposals with 
significant Federal intergovernmental mandates, and informing, 
educating, and advising small governments on compliance with the 
regulatory requirements.
    The 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. The

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EPA does not anticipate that the approval of Oklahoma's hazardous waste 
program referenced in today's notice will result in annual costs of 
$100 million or more.
    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. Oklahoma's request for approval of a hazardous waste program is 
voluntary; if a state chooses not to seek authorization for 
administration of a hazardous waste program under RCRA Subtitle C, RCRA 
regulation is left to EPA.
    The EPA has determined that this rule does not contain a Federal 
mandate that may result in expenditures $100 million or more for state, 
local, and tribal governments in the aggregate, or the private sector 
in any one year. The EPA does not anticipate that the approval of 
Oklahoma's hazardous waste program referenced in today's notice will 
result in annual costs of $100 million or more. The 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 the 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.

Certification Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The EPA has determined that this authorization will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The EPA recognizes that small entities may own and/or operate TSDFs 
that will become subject to the requirements of an approved state 
hazardous waste program. However, since such small entities which own 
and/or operate TSDFs are already subject to the requirements in 40 CFR 
Parts 264, 265 and 270, this authorization does not impose any 
additional burdens on these small entities. This is because EPA's 
authorization would result in an administrative change (i.e., whether 
the Environmental Protection Agency or the state administers the RCRA 
Subtitle C program in that state), rather than result in a change in 
the substantive requirements imposed on small entities. Once EPA 
authorizes a state to administer its own hazardous waste program and 
any revisions to that program, these same small entities will be able 
to own and operate their TSDFs under the approved state program, in 
lieu of the federal program. Moreover, this authorization, in approving 
a state program to operate in lieu of the federal program, eliminates 
duplicative requirements for owners and operators of TSDFs in that 
particular state.
    Therefore, EPA provides the following certification under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended by the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act. Pursuant to the provisions of 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 effectively suspends the applicability of certain 
Federal regulations in favor of Oklahoma's program, thereby eliminating 
duplicative requirements for handlers of hazardous waste in the State. 
It does not impose any new burdens on small entities. This rule, 
therefore, does not require a regulatory flexibility analysis.

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, the 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 materials 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).

    Dated: September 26, 1996.
Jerry Clifford,
Deputy Regional Administrator.
[FR Doc. 96-25791 Filed 10-8-96; 8:45 am]
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