[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 231 (Monday, December 6, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68957-68960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26142]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R04-OAR-2021-0473; FRL- 8981-01-R4]


Air Plan Approval; North Carolina; Mecklenburg Monitoring, 
Recordkeeping, and Reporting Rule Revisions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision to the Mecklenburg 
County portion of the North Carolina SIP, hereinafter referred to as 
the Mecklenburg Local Implementation Plan (LIP). The revision was 
submitted by the State of North Carolina, through the North Carolina 
Division of Air Quality (NCDAQ), on behalf of Mecklenburg County Air 
Quality (MCAQ) via a letter dated April 24, 2020, and was received by 
EPA on June 19, 2020. The revision updates several Mecklenburg County 
Air Pollution Control Ordinance (MCAPCO) rules and adds three new rules 
for incorporation into the LIP. These rules cover general 
recordkeeping, monitoring, and reporting requirements. EPA is proposing 
to approve these changes pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 5, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R04-
OAR-2021-0473 at www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions 
for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or 
removed from Regulations.gov. EPA may publish any comment received to 
its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you 
consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia 
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written 
comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and 
should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will 
generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of 
the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing 
system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment 
policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general 
guidance on making effective comments, please visit www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Evan Adams, Air Regulatory Management 
Section, Air Planning and Implementation Branch, Air and Radiation 
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth 
Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. The telephone number is (404) 
562-9009. Mr. Adams can also be reached via electronic mail at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background and Overview

    The Mecklenburg County LIP was submitted to EPA on June 14, 1990, 
and EPA approved the plan on May 2, 1991. See 56 FR 20140. Mecklenburg 
County prepared three submittals in order to modify the LIP for, among 
other things, general consistency with the North Carolina SIP.\1\ The 
three submittals were submitted as follows: NCDAQ transmitted the 
October 25, 2017, submittal to EPA but later withdrew it from review 
through a letter dated February 15, 2019. On April 24, 2020, NCDAQ 
resubmitted the October 25, 2017, update to EPA and also submitted the 
January 21, 2016, and January 14, 2019, updates. Due to an 
inconsistency with public notice at the local level, these submittals 
were withdrawn from EPA through a letter dated February 15, 2019. 
Mecklenburg County corrected this error, and NCDAQ submitted the 
updates to EPA in a submittal dated April 24, 2020.\2\
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    \1\ The Mecklenburg County, North Carolina revision that is 
dated April 24, 2020, and received by EPA on June 19, 2020, is 
comprised of three previous submittals--one dated January 21, 2016; 
one dated October 25, 2017; and one dated January 14, 2019.
    \2\ EPA notes that the April 24, 2020, submittal was received by 
EPA on June 19, 2020.
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II. What action is EPA proposing to take?

    The April 24, 2020, submittal updates several MCAPCO rules 
incorporated into the LIP and adds several rules to more closely align 
the LIP with the SIP. The January 21, 2016, portion of this submission 
includes reorganization and updates to rules contained in MCAPCO 
Section 2.0600, including MCAPCO Rules 2.0601, Purpose and Scope; 
2.0602, Definitions; 2.0604, Exceptions to Monitoring and Reporting 
Requirements; 2.0607, Large Wood and Wood-Fossil Fuel Combination 
Units; and 2.0610, Delegation Federal Monitoring Requirements.\3\ 
Additionally, the submittal seeks to add MCAPCO Rules 2.0605, General 
Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements; 2.0611, Monitoring Emissions 
from Other Sources; and 2.0613, Quality Assurance Program to the LIP. 
EPA is proposing to approve the updates and new rules because they 
improve alignment of the LIP and the SIP and will not interfere with 
any applicable CAA requirements. The remainder of this section 
discusses the proposed changes to the LIP.
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    \3\ The April 24, 2020, submittal contains changes to other 
Mecklenburg LIP-approved rules that are not addressed in this 
notice. EPA will be acting on those rules in separate actions.
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A. Rule 2.0601, ``Purpose and Scope''

    The April 24, 2020, submittal includes updates to Rule 2.0601, 
Purpose and Scope. This rule outlines the purpose of this section and

[[Page 68958]]

references several other specific rules that may also include 
monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for specific 
facilities and operations. The proposed changes to the LIP-approved 
version of this rule include the addition of references to Rules 
2.1110, National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, and 
2.1111, Maximum Achievable Control Technology. The revisions also 
removed a reference to Rule 2.0525, National Emission Standards for 
Hazardous Air Pollutants, which was moved to Rule 2.1110 listed above. 
The changes more closely align the rule with the corresponding SIP-
approved state rule at 15A NCAC 02D .0601, Purpose and Scope. EPA most 
recently approved updates to 15A NCAC 02D .0601 into the SIP on August 
25, 2021. See 86 FR 47393. EPA is proposing to approve the updates to 
Rule 2.0601 because they better align the LIP with the SIP and will not 
interfere with any applicable CAA requirements.

B. Rule 2.0602, ``Definitions''

    The April 24, 2020, submittal includes updates to Rule 2.0602, 
Definitions. This rule provides definitions that apply to Section 
2.0600, Monitoring: Recordkeeping: Reporting. The proposed changes to 
the LIP-approved rule include the addition of the following 
definitions: Applicable requirement, Calendar quarters, Permit 
condition, and Petroleum refinery. Additionally, the rules are re-
organized alphabetically, and the definitions of Distillate Oils and 
Fuel Oils are updated. These revisions more closely align the rule with 
the corresponding SIP-approved state rule at 15A NCAC 02D .0602, 
Definitions. EPA most recently approved updates to 15A NCAC 02D .0602 
into the SIP on August 25, 2021. See 86 FR 47393. EPA is proposing to 
approve the updates to Rule 2.0602 because they better align the LIP 
with the SIP and will not interfere with any applicable CAA 
requirements.

C. Rule 2.0604, ``Exceptions to Monitoring and Reporting Requirements''

    The April 24, 2020, submittal renumbers LIP-approved Rule 2.0607, 
Exceptions to Monitoring and Reporting Requirements, as Rule 2.0604 and 
updates the text of the rule as described below.\4\ This rule outlines 
a limited exception to monitoring if monitoring equipment malfunctions, 
provides an exemption to monitoring during short-term operation, and 
provides a general exception if a source is exempted from needing a 
permit by MCAPCO Rule 1.5211--Applicability. The proposed amendments 
update the requirements moved from Rule 2.0607 to this rule, adds 
language to clarify that malfunctions resulting from inadequate or poor 
operation and maintenance are not exempted and that records be 
maintained to show the source operated less than 30 days in a 12-month 
period, and adds language to require monitoring for sources exempted 
from permitting by Rule 1.5211, Applicability, if monitoring is 
required by a specific rule in another section or enforcement 
settlement. These changes more closely align the rule with the 
corresponding SIP-approved state rule at 15A NCAC 02D .0604, Exceptions 
to Monitoring and Reporting Requirements. EPA most recently approved 
updates to 15A NCAC 02D .0604 in the SIP on August 25, 2021. See 86 FR 
47393. EPA is proposing to approve the updates to Rule 2.0604 because 
they better align the LIP with the SIP and will not interfere with any 
applicable CAA requirements.
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    \4\ Additionally, the SIP revision seeks to move LIP-Approved 
Rule 2.0604--Sources Covered by Implementation Requirements to Rule 
2.0606. EPA is not proposing to act on that move in this notice. 
Unless EPA acts on this move, LIP-Approved Rule 2.0604 (as approved 
on 5/2/1991 at 56 FR 20140 with a local effective date of 06/14/
1990) will remain in the LIP alongside Rule 2.0604, Exceptions to 
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements as proposed for approval in 
this notice.
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D. Rule 2.0605, ``General Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements''

    The April 24, 2020, submittal renumbers LIP-approved Rule 2.0605--
Wood and Wood-Fossil Combination Units as Rule 2.0607.\5\ In its place, 
a new Rule 2.0605 is added with the title ``General Recordkeeping and 
Reporting Requirements.'' The new version of Rule 2.0605 outlines 
general requirements for monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting that 
owners and operators at specific facilities must follow. It further 
describes specific criteria that would trigger the retrieval of records 
by MCAQ from the subject facility. The changes more closely align the 
rule with the corresponding SIP-approved state rule at 15A NCAC 02D 
.0605, General Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements. EPA most 
recently approved updates to 15A NCAC 02D .0605 in the SIP on October 
31, 2007. See 72 FR 61531. EPA is proposing to approve the updates to 
Rule 2.0605 because they better align the LIP with the SIP and will not 
interfere with any applicable CAA requirements.
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    \5\ The new version of Rule 2.0607--Large Wood and Wood-Fossil 
Fuel Combination Units, is discussed below.
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E. Rule 2.0607, ``Large Wood and Wood-Fossil Fuel Combination Units''

    The April 24, 2020, submittal renumbers LIP-approved Rule 2.0605 as 
Rule 2.0607, Large Wood and Wood-Fossil Fuel Combination Units and 
updates the text of the rule as described below. This rule outlines 
requirements for facilities that burn wood or wood-fossil fuel 
combinations that generate steam at a specific rate. These specified 
facilities may also fall under additional monitoring, recordkeeping, 
and reporting requirements outlined in additional LIP regulations noted 
within this rule. Mecklenburg made several revisions to the LIP-
approved rule to reorganize the rule and to update requirements for 
quality assurance of monitoring data. These changes more closely align 
the rule with the corresponding SIP-approved state rule at 15A NCAC 02D 
.0607, Large Wood and Wood-Fossil Fuel Combination Units. EPA most 
recently approved updates to 15A NCAC 02D .0607 in the SIP on August 8, 
2002. See 67 FR 51461. EPA is proposing to approve the updates to Rule 
2.0607 because they better align the LIP with the SIP and will not 
interfere with any applicable CAA requirements.

F. Rule 2.0610, ``Delegation Federal Monitoring Requirements''

    The April 24, 2020, revision modifies Rule 2.0610, Delegation 
Federal Monitoring Requirements, by making updates to references. Rule 
2.0610 was most recently approved by EPA on October 22, 2002 (67 FR 
64999) and establishes applicability of specific monitoring 
requirements for sources subject to New Source Performance Standards 
(NSPS) under 40 CFR part 60, National Emission Standards for Hazardous 
Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) under for 40 CFR part 61 and 63, and Acid Rain 
regulations under 40 CFR part 75. The rule further specifies that 
sources not subject to monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting under 
these programs shall comply with Rule 2.0611--Monitoring Emissions from 
Other Sources, which is discussed below. These revisions to Rule 2.0610 
more closely align the rule with the corresponding SIP-approved state 
rule, 15A NCAC 02D .0610, Federal Monitoring Requirements. EPA most 
recently incorporated updates to the state rule in North Carolina's SIP 
on August 8, 2002. See 67 FR 51461. EPA is proposing to approve the 
updates to Rule 2.0610 because they better align the LIP with the SIP 
and will not

[[Page 68959]]

interfere with any applicable CAA requirements.

G. Rule 2.0611, ``Monitoring Emissions from Other Sources''

    The April 24, 2020, submittal adds Rule 2.0611, Monitoring 
Emissions from Other Sources. This rule is proposed for adoption into 
the LIP to add certain monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting 
requirements for sources not covered by other rules. The rule includes 
certain recordkeeping requirements applicable to such sources and 
specifies that the Director of MCAQ may require additional monitoring 
and recordkeeping for such sources. Adding this rule would more closely 
align the LIP with the corresponding SIP-approved state rule at 15A 
NCAC 02D .0611, Monitoring Emissions from Other Sources. EPA most 
recently approved updates to 15A NCAC 02D .0611 in the SIP on August 8, 
2002. See 67 FR 51461. EPA is proposing to approve Rule 2.0611 into the 
LIP because the approval will strengthen the LIP's overall monitoring, 
recordkeeping, and reporting requirements by ensuring that sources not 
subject to monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements under 
other rules are nonetheless subject to the requirements of this rule, 
will better align the LIP with the SIP, and will not interfere with any 
applicable CAA requirements.

H. Rule 2.0613, ``Quality Assurance Program''

    The April 24, 2020, submittal adds Rule 2.0613, Quality Assurance 
Program. This rule is proposed for adoption into the LIP to require 
facilities that operate a monitoring device to develop a quality 
assurance program (QAP). The proposed rule additionally allows the 
Director to require the QAP to be submitted when certain conditions are 
met, lists the components of a QAP, lists QAP requirements for gaseous 
continuous emissions monitory system (CEMS), defines certification 
procedures, references 40 CFR part 58 for QAP for ambient monitors, 
requires QAP be available for inspection withing 30 days of monitor 
certification, and requires the Director to approve QAP within 30 days. 
Adding this rule would more closely align the LIP with the 
corresponding SIP-approved state rule at 15A NCAC 02D .0613, Quality 
Assurance Program. EPA most recently approved updates to 15A NCAC 02D 
.0613 in the SIP on August 8, 2002. See 67 FR 51461. EPA is proposing 
to approve Rule 2.0613 into the LIP because the approval will establish 
uniform standards for quality assurance at sources required to operate 
a monitoring device, will better align the LIP with the SIP, and will 
not interfere with any applicable CAA requirements.

III. Incorporation by Reference

    In this document, EPA is proposing to include in a final EPA rule 
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance 
with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, EPA is proposing to approve MCAPCO 
Rules 2.0601, Purpose and Scope; 2.0602, Definitions; 2.0604, 
Exceptions to Monitoring and Reporting Requirements; 2.0605, General 
Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements; 2.0607, Large Wood and Wood-
Fossil Fuel Combination Units; 2.0610, Delegation Federal Monitoring 
Requirements; 2.0611, Monitoring Emissions from Other Sources; and 
2.0613, Quality Assurance Program, all of which have an effective date 
of December 15, 2015, into the Mecklenburg County portion of the North 
Carolina SIP. EPA has made and will continue to make these materials 
generally available through www.regulations.gov and at the EPA Region 4 
Office (please contact the person identified in the For Further 
Information Contact section of this preamble for more information).

IV. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to approve the aforementioned revisions and 
additions to the Mecklenburg LIP. Specifically, EPA is proposing to 
approve revisions to MCAPCO Rules 2.0601, Purpose and Scope; 2.0602, 
Definitions; 2.0604, Exceptions to Monitoring and Reporting 
Requirements; 2.0607, Large Wood and Wood-Fossil Fuel Combination 
Units; and 2.0610, Delegation Federal Monitoring Requirements. EPA is 
also proposing to approve the addition of Rules 2.0605, General 
Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements; 2.0611, Monitoring Emissions 
from Other Sources; and 2.0613, Quality Assurance Program into the 
Mecklenburg LIP. EPA is proposing to approve these revisions because 
they are consistent with the CAA.

V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable 
Federal regulations. See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided they meet the criteria of the CAA. This proposed action merely 
proposes to approve state law as meeting Federal requirements and does 
not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. 
For that reason, this proposed action:
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review 
by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58 
FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011);
     Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-4);
     Does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; and
     Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    The SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or 
in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a 
tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian country, the rule does 
not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 
FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor will it impose substantial direct 
costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen 
dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.


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    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

    Dated: November 26, 2021.
John Blevins,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
[FR Doc. 2021-26142 Filed 12-3-21; 8:45 am]
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