[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 122 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35554-35560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14460]



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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 261

[SW-FRL-7779-1]


Hazardous Waste Management System; Proposed Exclusion for 
Identifying and Listing Hazardous Waste

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The EPA (also, ``the Agency'' or ``we'' in this preamble) is 
proposing to grant a petition submitted by General Motors Corporation, 
Lordstown Assembly Plant (GM) in Lordstown, Ohio to exclude (or 
``delist'') up to 2,000 cubic yards of sludge per year generated by its 
wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) from the list of hazardous wastes.
    The Agency has tentatively decided to grant the petition based on 
an evaluation of waste-specific information provided by GM. This 
proposed decision, if finalized, conditionally excludes the petitioned 
waste from the requirements of hazardous waste regulations under the 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
    We conclude that GM's petitioned waste is nonhazardous with respect 
to the original listing criteria and that there are no other factors 
which would cause the waste to be hazardous.

DATES: We will accept public comments on this proposed decision until 
August 9, 2004. We will stamp comments postmarked after the close of 
the comment period as ``late.'' These ``late'' comments may not be 
considered in formulating a final decision.

ADDRESSES: Please send two copies of your comments to Judy Kleiman, 
Waste Management Branch (DW-8J), Environmental Protection Agency, 77 W. 
Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60604.
    Any person may request a hearing on this proposed decision by 
filing a request with Margaret Guerriero, Director, Waste, Pesticides 
and Toxics Division, Environmental Protection Agency, 77 W. Jackson 
Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60604.
    Your request for a hearing must reach EPA by July 12, 2004. The 
request must contain the information prescribed in Sec.  260.20(d).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information concerning 
this document, contact Judy Kleiman at the address above or at 312-886-
1482. The RCRA regulatory docket for this proposed rule is located at 
the U.S. EPA Region 5, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604, and is 
available for viewing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
excluding federal holidays. Call Judy Kleiman for appointments. The 
public may copy material from the regulatory docket at $0.15 per page.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information in this section is organized 
as follows:


I. Overview Information
II. Background
    A. What is a listed waste?
    B. What is a delisting petition?
    C. What factors must EPA consider in deciding whether to grant a 
delisting petition?
III. EPA's Evaluation of the Waste Information and Data
    A. What waste did GM petition EPA to delist?
    B. How does GM generate the petitioned waste?
    C. How did GM sample and analyze the petitioned waste?
    D. What were the results of GM's analysis of the waste?
    E. How did EPA evaluate the risk of delisting this waste?
    F. What did EPA conclude about GM's analysis?
IV. Conditions for Exclusion
    A. When would EPA finalize the proposed delisting exclusion?
    B. How will GM manage the waste if it is delisted?
    C. What are the maximum allowable concentrations of hazardous 
constituents in the waste?
    D. How frequently must GM test the waste?
    E. What data must GM submit?
    F. What happens if GM fails to meet the conditions of the 
exclusion?
    G. What must GM do if the process changes?
V. Regulatory Impact
    A. How would this action affect states?
    B. Is an assessment of costs and benefits required?
VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act
VII. Paperwork Reduction Act
VIII. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
IX. Executive Order 12875
X. Executive Order 13045
XI. Executive Order 13084
XII. National Technology Transfer And Advancement Act

I. Overview Information

    The EPA is proposing to grant a petition submitted by GM's 
Lordstown Assembly Plant located in Lordstown, Ohio to exclude or 
delist an annual volume of 2,000 cubic yards of F019 wastewater 
treatment sludge from the lists of hazardous waste set forth in 40 CFR 
261.32 and 261.33. GM claims that the petitioned waste does not meet 
the criteria for which EPA listed it, and that there are no additional 
constituents or factors which could cause the waste to be hazardous.
    Based on our review described in section III, we agree with the 
petitioner that the waste is nonhazardous. We reviewed the description 
of the process which generates the waste and the analytical data 
submitted by GM. We believe that the petitioned waste does not meet the 
criteria for which the waste was listed, and that there are no other 
factors which might cause the waste to be hazardous.

II. Background

A. What Is a Listed Waste?

    The EPA published an amended list of hazardous wastes from 
nonspecific and specific sources on January 16, 1981, as part of its 
final and interim final regulations implementing section 3001 of RCRA. 
The EPA has amended this list several times and published it in 40 CFR 
261.31 and 261.32.
    We list these wastes as hazardous because: (1) They typically and 
frequently exhibit one or more of the characteristics of hazardous 
wastes identified in subpart C of part 261 (that is, ignitability, 
corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity) or (2) they meet the criteria 
for listing contained in Sec. Sec.  261.11(a)(2) or (3).

B. What Is a Delisting Petition?

    Individual waste streams may vary depending on raw materials, 
industrial processes, and other factors. Thus, while a waste described 
in these regulations generally is hazardous, a specific waste from an 
individual facility meeting the listing description may not be.
    A procedure to exclude or delist a waste is provided in 40 CFR 
260.20 and 260.22 which allows a person, or a facility to submit a 
petition to the EPA or to an authorized state, demonstrating that a 
specific waste from a particular generating facility is not hazardous.
    In a delisting petition, the petitioner must show that a waste does 
not meet any of the criteria for listed wastes in 40 CFR 261.11 and 
that the waste does not exhibit any of the hazardous waste 
characteristics of ignitability, reactivity, corrosivity, or toxicity. 
The petitioner must present sufficient information for us to decide 
whether any factors in addition to those for which the waste was listed 
warrant retaining it as a hazardous waste. (See Sec.  260.22, 42 U.S.C. 
6921(f) and the background documents for the listed wastes.)
    If a delisting petition is granted, the generator remains obligated 
under RCRA to confirm that the waste remains nonhazardous.

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C. What Factors Must EPA Consider in Deciding Whether To Grant a 
Delisting Petition?

    In reviewing this petition, we considered the original listing 
criteria and the additional factors required by the Hazardous and Solid 
Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA). See section 222 of HSWA, 42 U.S.C. 
6921(f), and 40 CFR 260.22(d)(2)-(4). We evaluated the petitioned waste 
against the listing criteria and factors cited in Sec. Sec.  
261.11(a)(2) and (3).
    Besides considering the criteria in 40 CFR 260.22(a), Sec. Sec.  
261.11(a)(2) and (3), 42 U.S.C. 6921(f), and in the background 
documents for the listed wastes, EPA must consider any factors 
(including additional constituents) other than those for which we 
listed the waste if these additional factors could cause the waste to 
be hazardous.
    Our tentative decision to delist waste from GM's Lordstown facility 
is based on our evaluation of the waste for factors or criteria which 
could cause the waste to be hazardous. These factors included: (1) 
Whether the waste is considered acutely toxic; (2) the toxicity of the 
constituents; (3) the concentration of the constituents in the waste; 
(4) the tendency of the constituents to migrate and to bioaccumulate; 
(5) the persistence in the environment of any constituents once 
released from the waste; (6) plausible and specific types of management 
of the petitioned waste; (7) the quantity of waste produced; and (8) 
waste variability.
    EPA must also consider as hazardous wastes mixtures containing 
listed hazardous wastes and wastes derived from treating, storing, or 
disposing of listed hazardous waste. See 40 CFR 261.3(a)(2)(iv) and 
(c)(2)(i), called the ``mixture'' and ``derived-from'' rules, 
respectively. Mixture and derived-from wastes are also eligible for 
exclusion but remain hazardous until excluded.

III. EPA's Evaluation of the Waste Information and Data

A. What Wastes Did GM Petition EPA To Delist?

    In February 1999, GM petitioned EPA to exclude an annual volume of 
1,000 cubic yards (yd3) of F019 WWTP filter press sludge 
generated at its Lordstown Assembly Plant located in Lordstown, Ohio 
from the list of hazardous wastes contained in 40 CFR 261.31. On April 
22, 2004, GM requested that the annual volume of F019 waste under 
consideration for a delisting be increased to 2,000 yd3. 
F019 is defined in Sec.  261.32 ``Wastewater treatment sludges from the 
chemical conversion coating of aluminum except from zirconium 
phosphating in aluminum can washing when such phosphating is an 
exclusive conversion coating process.'' GM claims that the petitioned 
waste does not meet the criteria for which F019 was listed (i.e., 
hexavalent chromium and complexed cyanide) and that there are no other 
factors which would cause the waste to be hazardous.

B. How Does GM Generate the Petitioned Waste?

    Automobile bodies are cleaned with city water and a surfactant to 
loosen and remove soils and metal working fluids in preparation for a 
uniform dense phosphate coating. After rinsing, a phosphate conditioner 
is applied to the automobile bodies in a 27,000 gallon immersion tank. 
The bodies are then immersed in a 72,000 gallon tank where the zinc-
nickel phosphate coating is applied. The phosphating bath includes zinc 
phosphate, nickel phosphate, and phosphoric acid. Following the 
phosphating, the automobile bodies are rinsed, sprayed with a non-
chromium sealer and rinsed again. There are no active overflows from 
the phosphating tank. A paint film is then cathodically 
electrodeposited on the automobile bodies in a 93,000 gallon immersion 
tank followed by a multi-stage rinse before baking at 350 degrees for 
45 minutes.
    Color-specific primers, base coats and clear coats are applied in 
spray booths with manual and automated spray zones. Spray booth ambient 
air is forced through a downdraft wash water recirculation system to 
remove airborne paint mists. Within the recirculation system, water is 
chemically treated and filtered. When dissolved solids reach 40,000 
milligrams per liter (mg/l) in the wash water, a portion of the wash 
water is discharged to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The 
filtered solids from the recirculation system are disposed of as solid 
wastes.
    The WWTP receives (1) process waste water which includes car 
washing waste water, plant clean up and maintenance waste water, and 
spray booth wash water, (2) phosphate waste water from the phosphating 
line, (3) the waste stream from the electrodeposition of the primer 
paint operations (ELPO) and (4) the oily waste stream from the 
fabrication plant.
    The general process waste water enters a solids separator and is 
then discharged to one of five process waste holding tanks. The 
phosphating wastewater and the ELPO wastewater blend with the general 
process waste water within the process waste holding tanks. Prior to 
entering the process waste holding tanks, the ELPO waste water is 
segregated in one of two 150,000 gallon ELPO holding tanks to allow for 
controlled metering of the ELPO waste water into the process waste 
holding tanks. The phosphate waste water may also be segregated before 
being discharged into the process waste holding tanks. The process 
wastewater in the holding tanks is pumped to the blend tank where it is 
treated with sodium hydroxide and flocculants and then enters a 6,000 
gallon flash mix tank. From the flash mix tank, the wastewater enters a 
clarifier. The settled sludge from the clarifier is pumped to a sludge 
thickening tank and then to a conditioner tank where it is mixed and 
pumped into a plate and frame filter press. The dewatered sludge drops 
into a roll-off box and is disposed of as F019. The dewatered sludge 
from the filter press is the subject of this petition.
    The supernatant from the clarifier passes through a sand filter, is 
pH adjusted and is mixed with the oily waste water before it is 
discharged to the city sewer system. Infrequently, the sand filter is 
backwashed and the solids from the sand filter are routed to the waste 
water treatment plant to be incorporated into the final sludge. Before 
mixing with the process waste water, the oily waste water is mixed with 
emulsifiers and is pumped to a dissolved air floatation unit (DAF). The 
oily sludge from the DAF may be pumped to the sludge thickener tank 
where it commingles with the sludge from the process waste or the oily 
sludge may be hauled off site for disposal as a solid waste. The sludge 
filter cake sampled for this petition was generated when the oily 
sludge from the DAF was being pumped to the sludge thickener tank.

C. How Did GM Sample and Analyze the Petitioned Waste?

    On December 16, 1997 GM sampled the WWTP sludge from four separate 
roll-off boxes representing sludge collected over a period of 
approximately 4 weeks. On June 9, 1998 GM sampled the sludge in another 
roll-off box representing the sludge collected over a period of one 
week. GM collected one composite and one grab sample of sludge from 
each roll-off box during each sampling event. Composite samples 
consisted of four individual full-depth core grab samples mixed 
together to form one sample.
    GM analyzed composite samples for the following parameters using 
the methods specified: (1) Total constituent analysis and Oily Waste 
Extraction Procedure for metals in Appendix IX of 40 CFR part 264, 
including antimony,

[[Page 35556]]

arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, 
mercury,\1\ nickel, selenium, silver, thallium, tin, vanadium, and zinc 
(SW-846 Methods 6010B, 6020A and 1330A); \2\ (2) total constituent and 
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis for 120 
semi-volatile organic compounds (SW-846 Methods 8270B, and 1311); (3) 
total constituent and TCLP analysis for formaldehyde (Association of 
Official Analytical Chemists Method 931.08 and SW-846 Method 1311); (4) 
total constituent and TCLP analysis for sulfide (SW-846 Methods 9030A 
and 1311); (5)total constituent and TCLP analysis for cyanide (SW-846 
Methods 9012, 9013,and 1311); \3\ (6) total constituent and TCLP 
analysis for fluoride (EPA Method 340.2 and SW-846 Method 1311); (7) 
total constituent and TCLP analysis for organochlorine pesticides and 
chlorinated herbicides(SW-846 Methods 8081,8151 and 1311); and (8) 
total oil and grease (SW-846 Method 9071A). GM also tested the waste 
for the characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity(SW 846 Method 
1010), and pH (SW 846 Method 9045C).
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    \1\ Mercury was determined using SW-846 methods 7470A for 
aqueous samples and 7471A for nonaqueous samples.
    \2\ In step 7.10 of Method 1330, Method 1311 was substituted for 
Method 1310.
    \3\ Deionized water was used as the extraction fluid instead of 
the fluid specified in the method.
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    GM analyzed full-depth core grab samples for total constituent and 
TCLP analysis for 55 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (SW-846 Method 
8260A and SW-846 Method 1311)

D. What Were the Results of GM's Analysis of Its Waste?

    The table below presents the maximum observed total and leachate 
concentrations for all detected constituents and maximum allowable 
total and TCLP concentrations for those constituents.

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                                                                                         Allowable levels for 2,000 cubic yards
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Maximum concentration observed     Maximum allowable concentrations        Maximum
                         Constituents                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------     allowable
                                                                                                                                           groundwater
                                                                  Total (mg/kg)     TCLP (mg/kg)      Total (mg/kg)     TCLP (mg/kg)      concentration
                                                                                                                                            ([mu]g/l)
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acetone.......................................................         \J\ 0.488            < 0.05                NA             2,100            33,800
antimony......................................................              12.6           X 0.017           700,000              0.66                 6
arsenic.......................................................               4.5           X 0.125            10,000               0.3              4.88
barium........................................................             4,280             0.431                NA           \1\ 100             2,000
beryllium.....................................................              0.23         \J\ 0.008            20,000               1.3                 4
bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate..................................           \J\ 102            < 0.05                NA              0.20               3.2
cadmium.......................................................              0.93           < 0.031            27,000              0.48                 5
chloromethane.................................................         \J\ 0.087            < 0.01             3,700              0.32              5.63
chromium......................................................               759        \JX\ 0.127             4,100                 5               100
cobalt........................................................               5.4           X 0.049            18,000                24               750
copper........................................................         \J\ 1,490        \JX\ 0.039                NA            29,000             1,300
m-cresol......................................................             < 367            0.0343                NA               110             1,875
p-cresol......................................................             < 367            0.0343                NA                11               188
di-n-octyl phthalate..........................................          \J\ 91.5            < 0.05                NA              0.22               2.6
ethylbenzene..................................................         \J\ 0.185            < 0.01                NA                43               700
formaldehyde..................................................                 4           \J\ 0.2               700                84             1,390
lead..........................................................         \J\ 5,660            X 0.16           630,000             \1\ 5                15
mercury.......................................................          \J\ 0.11          < 0.0055                10           \1\ 0.2                 2
methyl ethyl ketone...........................................         \J\ 0.179               < 1                NA           \1\ 200            22,500
methyl isobutyl ketone........................................         \J\ 0.218            < 0.05                NA               180             3,000
methylene chloride............................................             < 0.4             0.053           150,000              0.29                 5
nickel........................................................             5,720            46.209                NA                91               750
phenol........................................................             < 367             0.057                NA               690            11,300
selenium......................................................               2.6           X 0.015                NA             \1\ 1                50
silver........................................................               1.1            X 0.09                NA             \1\ 5               188
styrene.......................................................         \J\ 0.017            < 0.01                NA               6.1               100
thallium......................................................               1.5           X 0.009           140,000              0.28                 2
tin...........................................................               609           X 3.042                NA               720            22,500
toluene.......................................................         \J\ 0.223        \J\ 0.0019                NA                61             1,000
vanadium......................................................              30.3              0.02                NA                87               338
xylenes.......................................................              1.23        \J\ 0.0058                NA               110             1,800
zinc..........................................................            16,300        \JX\ 4.865                NA               900            11,300
cyanide (total)...............................................                18       \J\ 0.00831                NA                12               200
sulfide.......................................................               991              1.58                NA                NA                NA
fluoride......................................................               498              1.75                NA               130             4,000
oil & grease..................................................           331,000                NA                NA                NA                NA
pH............................................................         8.09-11.3                NA                NA                NA               NA
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These levels represent the highest concentration of each constituent found in any sample and do not necessarily represent the levels found in a single
  sample.
\1\ The allowable level in a TCLP leachate defaults to the characteristic level set forth in 40 CFR part 261, subpart C.
<--Denotes that the constituent was not detected at the quantitation level.
J--Estimated value.
X--Constituent was not detected in one of the two OWEP extractions. In the final OWEP calculation, the sample quantitation limit was used as a worst
  case when a constituent was not detected in one of the extractions.
NA--The program did not calculate a delisting level for this constituent or the delisting level was significantly higher than the level expected to be
  found in the waste.


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    GM submitted a signed statement certifying accuracy and 
responsibility of the results. See 40 CFR 260.22(i)(12).

E. How Did EPA Evaluate the Risk of Delisting This Waste?

    For this delisting determination, we assumed that the waste would 
be disposed in a Subtitle D landfill and we considered transport of 
waste constituents through ground water, surface water and air. We 
evaluated GM's petitioned waste using the Agency's Delisting Risk 
Assessment Software (DRAS) to predict the concentration of hazardous 
constituents that might be released from the petitioned waste and to 
determine if the waste would pose a threat. To predict the potential 
for release to groundwater from landfilled wastes and subsequent routes 
of exposure to a receptor, the DRAS uses dilution attenuation factors 
derived from EPA's Composite Model for leachate migration with 
Transformation Products. From a release to ground water, the DRAS 
considers routes of exposure to a human receptor of ingestion of 
contaminated ground water, inhalation from groundwater while showering 
and dermal contact from groundwater while bathing. From a release to 
surface water by erosion of waste from an open landfill into storm 
water run-off, DRAS evaluates the exposure to a human receptor by fish 
ingestion and ingestion of drinking water. From a release of waste 
particles and volatile emissions to air from the surface of an open 
landfill, DRAS considers routes of exposure of inhalation of volatile 
constituents, inhalation of particles, and air deposition of particles 
on residential soil and subsequent ingestion of the contaminated soil 
by a child. For a detailed description of the DRAS program and 
revisions see 65 FR 58015, September 27, 2000; 65 FR 59000, November 7, 
2000; and 65 FR 75879, December 5, 2000.
    At a target cancer risk of 1 x 10-6 and a target hazard 
quotient of one, the DRAS program determined maximum allowable 
concentrations for each constituent in both the waste and the leachate 
at an annual waste volume of 2,000 cubic yards. However, since 
naturally occurring levels of arsenic are often higher than allowable 
levels set by the DRAS at a risk of 1 x 10-6, EPA set the 
allowable level of leachable arsenic at a target cancer risk of 1 x 
10-4, which corresponds to a concentration at the point of 
exposure of approximately one half of the existing MCL. Arsenic is not 
expected to be a major constituent of concern in this waste.
    We used the maximum estimated annual waste volume and the maximum 
reported total and leachate concentrations as inputs to estimate the 
constituent concentrations in the ground water, soil, surface water or 
air. If, using an appropriate analytical method, a constituent was not 
detected in any sample or in the leachate of any sample, it was 
considered not to be present in the waste.

F. What Did EPA Conclude About GM's Analysis?

    The maximum reported leachate concentrations and the maximum 
reported levels of the hazardous constituents found in this waste are 
presented in the table above. The table also presents the maximum 
allowable levels. The concentrations of all constituents in both the 
waste and the leachate are below the allowable levels of concern 
calculated by the DRAS program at the target risk levels. We therefore 
conclude that GM's wastewater treatment sludge is not a substantial or 
potential hazard to human health and the environment when disposed of 
in a Subtitle D landfill.
    We therefore propose to grant an exclusion for this waste. If this 
exclusion is finalized, GM must dispose of this waste in a Subtitle D 
landfill permitted or licensed by a state, and will remain obligated to 
verify that the waste meets the allowable levels set forth here. The 
Agency will no longer regulate the petitioned waste under 40 CFR parts 
262 through 268 and the permitting standards of part 270.

IV. Conditions for Exclusion

A. When Would EPA Finalize the Proposed Delisting Exclusion?

    HSWA specifically requires the EPA to provide notice and an 
opportunity for comment before granting or denying a final exclusion. 
Thus, EPA will not make a final decision or grant an exclusion until it 
has addressed all timely public comments on today's proposal, including 
any at public hearings.
    Since this rule would reduce the existing requirements for persons 
generating hazardous wastes, the regulated community does not need a 
six-month period to come into compliance in accordance with sec. 3010 
of RCRA as amended by HSWA.

B. How Will GM Manage the Waste If It Is Delisted?

    If the petitioned waste is delisted, GM must dispose of it in a 
Subtitle D landfill which is permitted, licensed, or registered by a 
state to manage industrial waste.

C. What Are the Maximum Allowable Concentrations of Hazardous 
Constituents in the Waste?

    Concentrations measured in the TCLP (or OWEP, where appropriate) 
extract of the waste of the following constituents must not exceed the 
following levels (mg/l): antimony--0.66; arsenic--0.30; chromium--5; 
lead--5; mercury--0.2; nickel--91; selenium--1; silver--5; thallium--
0.28; tin--720; zinc--900; fluoride--130; p-cresol--11; formaldehyde--
84; methylene chloride--0.29. The total concentrations in the waste of 
the following constituents must not exceed the following levels (mg/
kg): formaldehyde--700; chromium--4,100; mercury--10.

D. How Frequently Must GM Test the Waste?

    GM must analyze a representative sample of the WWTP filter press 
sludge on a quarterly basis to demonstrate that the constituents of 
concern in the petitioned waste do not exceed the levels of concern in 
section IV.C above. GM must use methods with appropriate detection 
levels with appropriate quality control procedures.

E. What Data Must GM Submit?

    GM must submit the data obtained through quarterly verification 
testing to U.S. EPA Region 5, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604, 
upon the anniversary of the effective date of this exclusion. GM must 
compile, summarize, and maintain on site records of operating 
conditions and analytical data. GM must make these records available 
for inspection. All data must be accompanied by a signed copy of the 
certification statement in 40 CFR 260.22(i)(12).

F. What Happens if GM Fails To Meet the Conditions of the Exclusion?

    If GM violates the terms and conditions established in the 
exclusion, the Agency may start procedures to withdraw the exclusion.
    If the verification testing of the waste does not meet the 
delisting levels described in section IV.C above or other data 
(including but not limited to leachate data or groundwater monitoring 
data) relevant to the delisted waste indicates that any constituent is 
at a level in the leachate higher than the specified delisting level, 
or is in the groundwater at a concentration higher than the maximum 
allowable groundwater concentration in the table in Section III.D. GM 
must notify the Agency within 10 days of first possessing or being made 
aware of the data. The exclusion will be suspended

[[Page 35558]]

and the waste managed as hazardous until GM has received written 
approval from the Agency to continue the exclusion. GM may provide 
sampling results which support the continuation of the delisting 
exclusion.
    The EPA has the authority under RCRA and the Administrative 
Procedures Act, 5 U.S.C. 551 (1978) et seq. to reopen a delisting 
decision if we receive new information indicating that the conditions 
of this exclusion have been violated, or are otherwise not being met.

G. What Must GM Do if the Process Changes?

    If GM significantly changes the manufacturing or treatment process 
or the chemicals used in the manufacturing or treatment process, GM may 
not handle the WWTP filter press sludge generated from the new process 
under this exclusion until it has demonstrated to the EPA that the 
waste meets the levels set in section IV.C and that no new hazardous 
constituents listed in Appendix VIII of 40 CFR part 261 have been 
introduced. GM must manage wastes generated after the process change as 
hazardous waste until GM has received written notice from EPA that the 
delisting is reinstated.

V. Regulatory Impact

A. How Would This Aaction Affect the States?

    Because EPA is issuing today's exclusion under the federal RCRA 
delisting program, only states subject to federal RCRA delisting 
provisions would be affected. This exclusion may not be effective in 
states which have received our authorization to make their own 
delisting decisions.
    EPA allows states to impose their own non-RCRA regulatory 
requirements that are more stringent than EPA's, under section 3009 of 
RCRA. These more stringent requirements may include a provision that 
prohibits a federally issued exclusion from taking effect in the state. 
We urge petitioners to contact the state regulatory authority to 
establish the status of their wastes under the state law.
    EPA has also authorized some states to administer a delisting 
program in place of the federal program, that is, to make state 
delisting decisions. Therefore, this exclusion does not apply in those 
authorized states. If GM manages the waste in any state with delisting 
authorization, GM must obtain delisting authorization from that state 
before it can manage the waste as nonhazardous in that state.

B. Is an Assessment of Costs and Benefits Required?

    Under Executive Order 12866, EPA must conduct an ``assessment of 
the potential costs and benefits'' for all ``significant'' regulatory 
actions. The proposal to grant an exclusion is not significant, since 
its effect, if promulgated, would be to reduce the overall costs and 
economic impact of EPA's hazardous waste management regulations. This 
reduction would be achieved by excluding waste generated at a specific 
facility from EPA's lists of hazardous wastes, thus enabling a facility 
to manage its waste as nonhazardous.
    Because there is no additional impact from today's proposed rule, 
this proposal would not be a significant regulation, and no cost/
benefit assessment is required. The Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) has also exempted this rule from the requirement for OMB review 
under section (6) of Executive Order 12866.

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, whenever an 
agency is required to publish a general notice of rulemaking for any 
proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for public 
comment a regulatory flexibility analysis which describes the impact of 
the rule on small entities (that is, small businesses, small 
organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). No regulatory 
flexibility analysis is required, however, if the Administrator or 
delegated representative certifies that the rule will not have any 
impact on small entities.
    This rule, if promulgated, will not have an adverse economic impact 
on small entities since its effect would be to reduce the overall costs 
of EPA's hazardous waste regulations and would be limited to one 
facility. Accordingly, the Agency certifies that this proposed 
regulation, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. This regulation, therefore, 
does not require a regulatory flexibility analysis.

VII. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Information collection and record-keeping requirements associated 
with this proposed rule have been approved by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1980 (Public Law 96-511, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned 
OMB Control Number 2050-0053.

VIII. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Under section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
(UMRA), Public Law 104-4, which was signed into law on March 22, 1995, 
EPA generally must prepare a written statement for rules with federal 
mandates that may result in estimated costs to state, local, and tribal 
governments in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million 
or more in any one year.
    When such a statement is required for EPA rules, under section 205 
of the UMRA EPA must identify and consider alternatives, including the 
least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative that 
achieves the objectives of the rule. EPA must select that alternative, 
unless the Administrator explains in the final rule why it was not 
selected or it is inconsistent with law.
    Before EPA establishes regulatory requirements that may 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments, including tribal 
governments, EPA must develop under section 203 of the UMRA a small 
government agency plan. The plan must provide for notifying potentially 
affected small governments, giving them meaningful and timely input in 
the development of EPA regulatory proposals with significant federal 
intergovernmental mandates, and informing, educating, and advising them 
on compliance with the regulatory requirements.
    The UMRA generally defines a federal mandate for regulatory 
purposes as one that imposes an enforceable duty upon state, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector.
    The EPA finds that today's delisting decision is deregulatory in 
nature and does not impose any enforceable duty on any state, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector. In addition, the proposed 
delisting decision does not establish any regulatory requirements for 
small governments and so does not require a small government agency 
plan under UMRA section 203.

IX. Executive Order 12875

    Under Executive Order 12875, EPA may not issue a regulation that is 
not required by statute and that creates a mandate upon a state, local, 
or tribal government, unless the federal government provides the funds 
necessary to pay the direct compliance costs incurred by those 
governments. If the mandate is unfunded, EPA must provide to the Office 
of Management and Budget a description of the extent of EPA's prior 
consultation with representatives of affected state, local, and tribal 
governments, the nature of

[[Page 35559]]

their concerns, copies of written communications from the governments, 
and a statement supporting the need to issue the regulation. In 
addition, Executive Order 12875 requires EPA to develop an effective 
process permitting elected officials and other representatives of 
state, local, and tribal governments ``to provide meaningful and timely 
input in the development of regulatory proposals containing significant 
unfunded mandates.'' Today's rule does not create a mandate on state, 
local or tribal governments. The rule does not impose any enforceable 
duties on these entities. Accordingly, the requirements of section 1(a) 
of Executive Order 12875 do not apply to this rule.

X. Executive Order 13045

    The Executive Order 13045 is entitled ``Protection of Children from 
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 
1997). This order applies to any rule that EPA determines (1) is 
economically significant as defined under Executive Order 12866, and 
(2) the environmental health or safety risk addressed by the rule has a 
disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets 
both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the environmental health or 
safety effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the 
planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and 
reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the Agency. This 
proposed rule is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because this is 
not an economically significant regulatory action as defined by 
Executive Order 12866.

XI. Executive Order 13084

    Under Executive Order 13084, EPA may not issue a regulation that is 
not required by statute, that significantly affects or uniquely affects 
communities of Indian tribal governments, and that imposes substantial 
direct compliance costs on those communities, unless the federal 
government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
costs incurred by the tribal governments.
    If the mandate is unfunded, EPA must provide to the Office 
Management and Budget, in a separately identified section of the 
preamble to the rule, a description of the extent of EPA's prior 
consultation with representatives of affected tribal governments, a 
summary of the nature of their concerns, and a statement supporting the 
need to issue the regulation.
    In addition, Executive Order 13084 requires EPA to develop an 
effective process permitting elected and other representatives of 
Indian tribal governments ``meaningful and timely input'' in the 
development of regulatory policies on matters that significantly or 
uniquely affect their communities. This action does not involve or 
impose any requirements that affect Indian Tribes. Accordingly, the 
requirements of section 3(b) of Executive Order 13084 do not apply to 
this rule.

XII. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Under section 12(d) if the National Technology Transfer and 
Advancement Act, the Agency is directed to use voluntary consensus 
standards in its regulatory activities unless doing so would be 
inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical.
    Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (for example, 
materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures, business 
practices, etc.) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus 
standard bodies. Where EPA does not use available and potentially 
applicable voluntary consensus standards, the Act requires that Agency 
to provide Congress, through the OMB, an explanation of the reasons for 
not using such standards.
    This rule does not establish any new technical standards, and thus 
the Agency has no need to consider the use of voluntary consensus 
standards in developing this final rule.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 261

    Hazardous waste, Recycling, and Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Authority: Sec. 3001(f) RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6921(f).

    Dated: June 16, 2004.
Margaret M. Guerriero,
Director, Waste, Pesticides and Toxics Division.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 40 CFR part 261 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 261--IDENTIFICATION AND LISTING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE

    1. The authority citation for part 261 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6905, 6912(a), 6921, 6922, and 6938.

    2. In Table 1 of Appendix IX to part 261 it is proposed to add the 
following waste stream in alphabetical order by facility to read as 
follows:

Appendix IX to Part 261--Wastes Excluded Under Sec. Sec.  260.20 and 
260.22

                               Table 1.--Wastes Excluded From Non-Specific Sources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Facility                                 Address                         Waste description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
General Motors Corporation............  Lordstown, Ohio.......................  Waste water treatment plant
                                                                                 sludge, F019, that is generated
                                                                                 at General Motors Corporation's
                                                                                 Lordstown facility at a maximum
                                                                                 annual rate of 2,000 cubic
                                                                                 yards per year. The sludge must
                                                                                 be disposed of in a Subtitle D
                                                                                 landfill which is licensed,
                                                                                 permitted, or otherwise
                                                                                 authorized by a state to accept
                                                                                 the delisted wastewater
                                                                                 treatment sludge. The exclusion
                                                                                 becomes effective as of (insert
                                                                                 final publication date).
                                                                                1. Delisting Levels:
                                                                                (A) The constituent
                                                                                 concentrations measured in the
                                                                                 TCLP extract may not exceed the
                                                                                 following levels (mg/L):
                                                                                 antimony--0.66; arsenic--0.30;
                                                                                 chromium--5; lead--5; mercury--
                                                                                 0.2; nickel--91; selenium--1;
                                                                                 silver--5; thallium--0.28; tin--
                                                                                 720; zinc--900; fluoride--130;
                                                                                 p-cresol--11; formaldehyde--84;
                                                                                 and methylene chloride--0.29 B)
                                                                                 The total constituent
                                                                                 concentration measured in any
                                                                                 sample of the waste may not
                                                                                 exceed the following levels (mg/
                                                                                 kg): chromium--4,100 ;
                                                                                 formaldehyde--700; and mercury--
                                                                                 10. (C) Maximum allowable
                                                                                 groundwater concentrations
                                                                                 ([mu]g/L) are as follows:
                                                                                 antimony--6; arsenic--4.88;
                                                                                 chromium--100; lead--15;
                                                                                 mercury--2; nickel--750;
                                                                                 selenium--50; silver--188;
                                                                                 thallium--2; tin--22,500; zinc--
                                                                                 11,300; fluoride--4,000; p-
                                                                                 cresol--188; formaldehyde--
                                                                                 1,390; and methylene chloride--
                                                                                 5.

[[Page 35560]]

 
                                                                                2. Quarterly Verification
                                                                                 Testing: To verify that the
                                                                                 waste does not exceed the
                                                                                 specified delisting levels, GM
                                                                                 must collect and analyze one
                                                                                 waste sample on a quarterly
                                                                                 basis using methods with
                                                                                 appropriate detection levels
                                                                                 and elements of quality
                                                                                 control.
                                                                                3. Changes in Operating
                                                                                 Conditions: The facility must
                                                                                 notify the EPA in writing if
                                                                                 the manufacturing process, the
                                                                                 chemicals used in the
                                                                                 manufacturing process, the
                                                                                 treatment process, or the
                                                                                 chemicals used in the treatment
                                                                                 process significantly change.
                                                                                 GM must handle wastes generated
                                                                                 after the process change as
                                                                                 hazardous until it has
                                                                                 demonstrated that the wastes
                                                                                 continue to meet the delisting
                                                                                 levels and that no new
                                                                                 hazardous constituents listed
                                                                                 in appendix VIII of part 261
                                                                                 have been introduced and it has
                                                                                 received written approval from
                                                                                 EPA.
                                                                                4. Data Submittals: The facility
                                                                                 must submit the data obtained
                                                                                 through verification testing or
                                                                                 as required by other conditions
                                                                                 of this rule to U.S. EPA Region
                                                                                 5, Waste Management Branch,
                                                                                 RCRA Delisting Program (DW-8J),
                                                                                 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago,
                                                                                 IL 60604. The quarterly
                                                                                 verification data and
                                                                                 certification of proper
                                                                                 disposal must be submitted
                                                                                 annually upon the anniversary
                                                                                 of the effective date of this
                                                                                 exclusion. The facility must
                                                                                 compile, summarize, and
                                                                                 maintain on site for a minimum
                                                                                 of five years records of
                                                                                 operating conditions and
                                                                                 analytical data. The facility
                                                                                 must make these records
                                                                                 available for inspection. All
                                                                                 data must be accompanied by a
                                                                                 signed copy of the
                                                                                 certification statement in 40
                                                                                 CFR 260.22(i)(12).
                                                                                5. Reopener Language--(A) If,
                                                                                 anytime after disposal of the
                                                                                 delisted waste, GM possesses or
                                                                                 is otherwise made aware of any
                                                                                 data (including but not limited
                                                                                 to leachate data or groundwater
                                                                                 monitoring data) relevant to
                                                                                 the delisted waste indicating
                                                                                 that any constituent is at a
                                                                                 level in the leachate higher
                                                                                 than the specified delisting
                                                                                 level, or is in the groundwater
                                                                                 at a concentration higher than
                                                                                 the maximum allowable
                                                                                 groundwater concentration in
                                                                                 paragraph (1), then GM must
                                                                                 report such data, in writing,
                                                                                 to the Regional Administrator
                                                                                 within 10 days of first
                                                                                 possessing or being made aware
                                                                                 of that data. (B) Based on the
                                                                                 information described in
                                                                                 paragraph (A) and any other
                                                                                 information received from any
                                                                                 source, the Regional
                                                                                 Administrator will make a
                                                                                 preliminary determination as to
                                                                                 whether the reported
                                                                                 information requires Agency
                                                                                 action to protect human health
                                                                                 or the environment. Further
                                                                                 action may include suspending,
                                                                                 or revoking the exclusion, or
                                                                                 other appropriate response
                                                                                 necessary to protect human
                                                                                 health and the environment. (C)
                                                                                 If the Regional Administrator
                                                                                 determines that the reported
                                                                                 information does require Agency
                                                                                 action, the Regional
                                                                                 Administrator will notify the
                                                                                 facility in writing of the
                                                                                 actions the Regional
                                                                                 Administrator believes are
                                                                                 necessary to protect human
                                                                                 health and the environment. The
                                                                                 notice shall include a
                                                                                 statement of the proposed
                                                                                 action and a statement
                                                                                 providing GM with an
                                                                                 opportunity to present
                                                                                 information as to why the
                                                                                 proposed Agency action is not
                                                                                 necessary or to suggest an
                                                                                 alternative action. GM shall
                                                                                 have 30 days from the date of
                                                                                 the Regional Administrator's
                                                                                 notice to present the
                                                                                 information. (D) If after 30
                                                                                 days GM presents no further
                                                                                 information, the Regional
                                                                                 Administrator will issue a
                                                                                 final written determination
                                                                                 describing the Agency actions
                                                                                 that are necessary to protect
                                                                                 human health or the
                                                                                 environment. Any required
                                                                                 action described in the
                                                                                 Regional Administrator's
                                                                                 determination shall become
                                                                                 effective immediately, unless
                                                                                 the Regional Administrator
                                                                                 provides otherwise.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 04-14460 Filed 6-24-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P