[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55065-55074]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25045]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R06-OAR-2017-0435; FRL-9970-19-Region 6]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Arkansas; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements for the 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the 
State of Arkansas to address the requirements of section 110(a)(1) and 
(2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2006 and 2012 fine 
particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality 
Standards (NAAQS), 2008 lead (Pb) NAAQS, 2008 ozone (O3) 
NAAQS, 2010 nitrogen dioxide (NO2) NAAQS, and the 2010 
sulfur dioxide (SO2) NAAQS. Under CAA sections 110(a)(1) and 
110(a)(2), each state is required to submit a SIP that provides for the 
implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of a revised primary or 
secondary NAAQS. CAA section 110(a)(1) and (2) require each state to 
make a new SIP submission within three years after EPA promulgates a 
new or revised NAAQS for approval into the existing SIP to assure that 
the SIP meets the applicable requirements for such new and revised 
NAAQS. This type of SIP submission is commonly referred to as an 
``infrastructure SIP or ``i-SIP.'' We propose approval of this action 
under Section 110 of the Act.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before December 20, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket No. EPA-R06-OAR-
2017-0435, at http://www.regulations.gov or via email to 
[email protected]. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from 
Regulations.gov. The 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. The 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, please contact Ms. Nevine Salem, (214) 
665-7222, [email protected]. For the full EPA public comment policy, 
information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance 
on making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
    Docket: The index to the docket for this action is available 
electronically at www.regulations.gov and in hard copy at EPA Region 6, 
1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas. While all documents in the 
docket are listed in the index, some information may be publicly 
available only at the hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted material), 
and some may not be publicly available at either location (e.g., CBI).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nevine Salem, (214) 665-7222, 
[email protected]. To inspect the hard copy materials, please 
schedule an appointment with her or Bill Deese at (214) 665-7253.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document ``we,'' ``us,'' or 
``our'' mean EPA.

I. Background

    The EPA has revised certain NAAQS that are the subject of this SIP 
revision proposal action. In 2006, following a periodic review of the 
NAAQS for PM2.5, EPA revised the PM2.5 NAAQS to 
35 micrograms per cubic meter ([mu]g/m\3\), and the annual standard was 
retained at 15 [mu]g/m\3\. 71 FR 61144 (October 17, 2006). In 2012, we 
promulgated a final rule to address revised primary annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS. 78 FR 3086 (January 15, 2013). The primary 
annual standard was revised to 12.0 [mu]g/m\3\, and we retained the 24-
hour PM2.5 standards of 35 [mu]g/m\3\. In 2008, following a 
periodic review of the NAAQS for Pb, we revised the NAAQS to 0.15 
[mu]g/m\3\ for both the primary and secondary standards. 73 FR 66964 
(November 12, 2008). In March 2008, following a periodic review, EPA 
revised the primary and secondary O3 NAAQS. 73 FR 16436 
(March 27, 2008) to establish a new primary standard of 0.075 parts per 
million (ppm), expressed to three decimal places, based on a 3-year 
average of the fourth-highest maximum 8-hour average concentration, and 
revised the current 8-hour standard by making it identical to the 
revised primary standard.
    Likewise, in 2010, EPA revised the primary national ambient air 
quality standard for oxides of nitrogen as measured by nitrogen dioxide 
(NO2), for the 1-hour standard at a level of 100 ppb, based 
on the 3-year average of the 98th percentile of the yearly distribution 
of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations, to supplement the existing 
annual standard. 75 FR 6474 (February 9, 2010). In that same action, 
EPA also established requirements for a NO2 monitoring 
network that includes monitors at locations where maximum 
NO2 concentrations are expected to occur, including within 
50 meters of major roadways, as well as monitors sited to measure the 
area-wide NO2 concentrations that occur more broadly across 
communities. 75 FR 6474.
    Additionally, in June 2010, the EPA revised the primary 
SO2 NAAQS to establish a new 1-hour standard, with a level 
of 75 ppb, based on the 3-year average of the annual 99th percentile of 
1-hour daily maximum concentrations. 75 FR 35520 (June 22, 2010).
    Pursuant to section 110(a)(1) of the CAA, states are required to 
submit i-SIPs that provide for the implementation, maintenance and 
enforcement of a new or revised SAAQS within 3 years following the 
promulgation of such new or revised NAAQS. Section 110(a)(2) lists 
specific requirements that that i-SIPs must include to adequately 
address such new or revised NAAQS, as applicable.
    On March 24, 2017, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality 
(ADEQ) submitted SIP revisions to address all of the revised NAAQS as 
required by i-SIP requirements. Each state must submit an i-SIP within 
three years after the promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS. Section 
110(a)(2) of the CAA includes a list of specific elements the i-SIP 
must meet. In an effort to assist states in complying with this 
requirement, EPA issued guidance addressing the i-SIP elements for the 
NAAQS.\1\ Our technical evaluation of

[[Page 55066]]

the Arkansas March, 24, 2017 i-SIP submittal is provided in the 
Technical Support Document (TSD), which is in the docket for this 
rulemaking.\2\
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    \1\ ``Guidance on Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) 
Elements under Clean Air Act sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2),'' 
Memorandum from Stephen D. Page, September 13, 2013.
    \2\ Please see our Technical Support Document (TSD) included in 
the docket to this action for additional information on the 
following: The history of the NAAQS pollutants, their levels, forms 
and, determination of compliance; EPA's approach for reviewing i-
SIPs; the details of the SIP submittal and EPA's evaluation thereof; 
the effect of recent court decisions on i-SIPs; the statutory and 
regulatory citations in the Arkansas SIP specific to this i-SIP 
review; citation to the specific i-SIP provisions applicable under 
CAA and EPA regulations; our Federal Register actions on the 
Arkansas minor New Source Review program and EPA approval 
activities; as well as the Arkansas Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration (PSD) program.
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    EPA is proposing to approve the Arkansas i-SIP submittal except for 
certain portions \3\ of the SIP pertaining to CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for interstate transport \4\ for the 2008 ozone,\5\ 
2010 SO2, and the 2012 PM2.5 submittal(s) that 
pertain to significant contribution to nonattainment or interference 
with maintenance of the NAAQS in other states, and CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) for 2006 and 2012 PM2.5, 2008 
O3, 2010 NO2 and 2010 SO2 NAAQS 
pertaining to the visibility protection requirements. EPA will take 
action in separate, future rule making(s) for the portions of the 2008 
ozone, 2010 SO2, and the 2012 PM2.5 submittal(s) 
that pertain to significant contribution to nonattainment or 
interference with maintenance of the NAAQS in other states and the 
portions which will interfere with visibility protection measures in 
other states for the 2012 PM2.5, 2008 O3, and 
2010 SO2 NAAQS. EPA is proposing to approve the remainder of 
the Arkansas i-SIP submittal for the 2006 PM2.5; 2008 Pb; 
2008 O3, 2010 NO2, 2010 SO2, 2012 
PM2.5 for i-SIP purposes.\6\
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    \3\ The exceptions are: (1) The portions of the 2008 ozone NAAQS 
submittal that pertain to interstate transport of Arkansas emissions 
which will significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS in 
other states, (2) the portions of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS 
submittal that pertain to interstate transport of Arkansas emissions 
to other states, and (3) the portions of the submittal that pertain 
to interstate transport of Arkansas emissions which will interfere 
with visibility protection measures in other states for the 2012 
PM2.5, 2008 O3, 2010 NO2, and 2010 
SO2 NAAQS. We will take future, separate action(s) on the 
portions of the 2008 ozone, 2012 PM2.5, and 2010 
SO2 NAAQS submittal that pertain to significant 
contribution to nonattainment or interference with maintenance of 
the NAAQS in other states.
    \4\ An important aspect of the SIP is to ensure that emissions 
from within the state do not have certain prohibited impacts upon 
the ambient air in other states through the interstate transport of 
pollutants. This SIP requirement is specified in section 
110(a)(2)(D) of the CAA. Pursuant to 110(a)(2)(D), each state's SIP 
must contain provisions adequate to prevent, among other things, 
emissions that interfere with measures required to be included in 
the SIP of any other state to prevent significant deterioration of 
air quality in any other state. Each federally-approved SIP protects 
air quality primarily by addressing air pollution at its point of 
origin.
    \5\ CAA Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), which addresses the 
contribution to nonattainment and interference with maintenance of 
the 2008 Ozone NAAQS in other states was not included in this SIP 
submittal.
    \6\ See section III and Table I that follow (below) for more 
details on EPA's proposed actions in this rule making.
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II. EPA's Evaluation of Arkansas' NAAQS Infrastructure Submission

    The State's submittal on March 24, 2017 demonstrates how the 
existing Arkansas SIP meets the infrastructure requirements for 2006 
PM2.5, 2008 Pb; 2008 O3, 2010 NO2, 
2010 SO2 and, 2012 PM2.5. Below is a summary of 
EPA's evaluation of the Arkansas i-SIP for each applicable element of 
CAA 110(a)(2) A-M. More detailed information can be found in our TSD 
that is in the docket to this rulemaking action.
    (A) Emission limits and other control measures: The CAA Sec.  
110(a)(2)(A) requires the SIP to include enforceable emission limits 
and other control measures, means or techniques (including economic 
incentives such as fees, marketable permits, and auctions of emissions 
rights), as well as schedules and timetables for compliance, as may be 
necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of the Act 
and other related matters as needed to implement, maintain and enforce 
each of the NAAQS.\7\ The State of Arkansas provided information to 
show that Arkansas's SIP contains enforceable emission limitations and 
other control measures requirements. The relevant provisions to address 
such requirements are a part of the Arkansas Water and Air Pollution 
Control Act (AWAPCA), Arkansas Code Annotated (``Ark. Code Ann.'') 
Sec.  8-4-101 et seq., and those provisions of the Arkansas Pollution 
Control & Ecology Commission (APC&EC) Regulation 19, codified in 40 
CFR. 52.170. The regulations in APC& EC Regulation 19 have been duly 
adopted by the State and where these provisions relate to CAA section 
110 requirements, SIP revisions have been submitted to and approved by 
EPA. The EPA-approved SIP revisions are codified at 40 CFR part 52, 
subpart E. Arkansas has an EPA-approved air permitting program for both 
major and minor facilities, which ensures that all applicable 
requirements are included in any applicable facility permit. A detailed 
list of the applicable authorities and regulations is provided in the 
TSD in the docket to this action. Arkansas' SIP contains enforceable 
emission limits and other control measures, which are also in the 
federally enforceable SIP. EPA is therefore proposing to find that the 
Arkansas SIP meets the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(A) of the Act 
with respect to 2012 PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 O3, 
2010 NO2, and 2010 SO2 NAAQS.
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    \7\ We note that the specific nonattainment area plan 
requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(I) are subject to the timing 
requirements of CAA section 172, not the timing requirement of CAA 
section 110(a)(1). Thus, CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) does not require 
that states submit regulations or emissions limits specifically for 
attaining the 2006 PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 O3, 
2010 NO2, 2010 SO2 or 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS. Those SIP provisions are due as part of each state's 
attainment plan, and will be addressed separately from the 
requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(A). See 73 FR 16025, 16206 
(March 27, 2008). In the context of an infrastructure SIP, EPA is 
not evaluating the existing SIP provisions for this purpose. 
Instead, EPA is only evaluating whether the state's SIP has basic 
structural provisions for the implementation of the NAAQS to meet i-
SIP requirements.
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    (B) Ambient air quality monitoring/data system: Section 
110(a)(2)(B) of the CAA requires SIPs to include provisions for 
establishment and operation of ambient air quality monitors, collecting 
and analyzing ambient air quality data, and making these data available 
to EPA upon request. The SIP-approved APC&EC Regulation 19, Chapter 3 
provides ADEQ with the responsibility to conduct ambient air monitoring 
in any area of the State that can be expected to be in excess of the 
NAAQS. 65 FR 61103 (October 16, 2000). Arkansas' Statewide Air Quality 
Surveillance Network was approved by EPA on August 6, 1981 (46 FR 
40005), and consists of stations that measure ambient concentrations of 
the six criteria pollutants. The ADEQ operates and maintains a 
statewide network of air quality monitors--data are collected, results 
are quality assured, and the data are submitted to EPA's Air Quality 
System \8\ on a regular basis. Regulation 19, Chapters 3 and Chapter 7 
provide ADEQ with the authority to collect air quality monitoring data, 
quality-assure the results, and report the data. ADEQ maintains and 
operates a monitoring network to measure levels of the pollutants in 
accordance with EPA regulations specifying siting and monitoring 
requirements. All monitoring data is measured using EPA approved 
methods \9\ and subject to the EPA quality assurance requirements.\10\

[[Page 55067]]

ADEQ submits all required data to EPA, pursuant to EPA regulations as 
specified in 40 CFR part 58. The monitoring network was approved into 
the SIP and it undergoes annual review by EPA.\11\ The ADEQ Web site 
provides the monitor locations and posts past and current 
concentrations of criteria pollutants measured in the State's network 
of monitors.\12\ Additional details of the applicable authorities and 
regulations are provided in the TSD in the docket to this action.
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    \8\ A copy of the 2015-2016 Annual Air Monitoring Network Plan 
and EPA's approval letter are included in the docket for this 
proposed rulemaking.
    \9\ See Appendix C to 40 CFR Part 58--Ambient Air Quality 
Monitoring Methodology.
    \10\ See Appendix A to 40 CFR Part 58--Quality Assurance 
Requirements for Monitors used in Evaluations of National Ambient 
Air Quality Standards.
    \11\ A copy of the 2015-2016 Annual Air Monitoring Network Plan 
and EPA's approval letter are included in the docket for this 
proposed rulemaking.
    \12\ See https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/air/planning/monitoring.aspx.
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    In summary, Arkansas meets the requirement to establish, operate, 
and maintain an ambient air monitoring network; collect and analyze the 
monitoring data; and make the data available to EPA upon request. EPA 
is proposing to find that the current Arkansas SIP meets the 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(B) with respect to 2006 and 2012 
PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 O3, 2010 NO2, and 
2010 SO2 NAAQS.
    (C) Program for enforcement of control measures: The CAA Sec.  
110(a)(2)(C) requires SIPs to include the following three elements: (1) 
A program providing for enforcement of the measures in paragraph A 
above; (2) a program for the regulation of the modification and 
construction of stationary sources as necessary to protect the 
applicable NAAQS (i.e., state-wide permitting of minor sources); and 
(3) a permit program to meet the major source permitting requirements 
of the CAA (for areas designated as attainment or unclassifiable for 
the NAAQS in question).\13\
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    \13\ Please see the TSD for further detail.
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    (1) Enforcement of SIP Measures. As discussed previously, the 
Arkansas Water and Air Pollution Control Act (AWAPCA) provides the ADEQ 
with authority to enforce the State's environmental quality rules. The 
ADEQ established rules governing emissions of the NAAQS and their 
precursors throughout the state, and these rules are in the federally-
enforceable SIP. The rules in Regulation 19, Chapters 1, 3-5, 7-10, 13 
and 14; Regulation 26, Chapters 3 and Regulation 31, Chapters 1, 3, 4 
and 8 include allowable rates, compliance, control plan requirements, 
actual and allowable emissions, monitoring and testing requirements, 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and control schedules.
    These rules clarify the boundaries beyond which regulated entities 
in Arkansas can expect enforcement action. To meet the CAA requirement 
for having a program for the regulation of the modification and 
construction of any stationary source within the areas covered by the 
plan as necessary to assure that national ambient air quality standards 
are achieved--including a permit program as required by Parts C and D--
generally, the State is required to have SIP-approved PSD, 
Nonattainment, and Minor New Source Review permitting programs adequate 
to implement the 2006 and 2012 PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 
O3, 2010 NO2, and 2010 SO2 NAAQS. As 
explained in footnote 7 above, we are not evaluating nonattainment-
related provisions--such as the Nonattainment NSR program required by 
part D in 110(a)(2)(C) and measures for attainment required by section 
110(a)(2)(I), as part of the infrastructure SIPs for these NAAQS--
because these submittals are required beyond the date (3 years from 
NAAQS promulgation) that CAA section 110 infrastructure submittals are 
required.
    (2) Minor New Source Review. Section 110(a)(2)(C) also requires 
that the SIP include measures to regulate construction and modification 
of stationary sources to protect the NAAQS. The Arkansas minor NSR 
permitting requirements are approved as part of the SIP.\14\ Arkansas' 
minor source permitting requirements are contained at APC&EC Regulation 
19, Chapter 4 and revisions to the rule were previously approved by EPA 
at 72 FR 18394 (April 12, 2007).\15\ The SIP continues to require 
preconstruction permits for minor sources and minor modifications.
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    \14\ The EPA is not proposing to approve or disapprove the 
existing Arkansas minor NSR program to the extent that it may be 
inconsistent with the EPA's regulations governing this program. The 
EPA has maintained that the CAA does not require that new 
infrastructure SIP submissions correct any defects in existing EPA-
approved provisions of minor NSR programs in order for the EPA to 
approve the infrastructure SIP for element C (e.g., 76 FR 41076-
41079). The EPA believes that a number of states may have minor NSR 
provisions that are contrary to the existing EPA regulations for 
this program. The statutory requirements of section 110(a)(2)(C) 
provide for considerable flexibility in designing minor NSR 
programs.
    \15\ The EPA has since proposed approval of revisions to the 
State's minor NSR rules at 82 FR 43506 (September 18, 2017). 
Comments must have been received by October 18, 2017.
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    (3) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit program. 
The Arkansas' PSD program was initially approved into the SIP on 
January 14, 1982 (47 FR 02112). Subsequent revisions to Arkansas' PSD 
program were approved into the SIP on February 10, 1986 (51 FR 04910), 
May 2, 1991 (56 FR 20137), October 16, 2000 (65 FR 61103), and April 
12, 2007 (72 FR 18394). On December 4, 2014, Arkansas submitted final 
SIP revisions to address the 2006 PM2.5 PSD elements. EPA's 
final approval was published on March 4, 2015 (80 FR 11573). ADEQ has 
the authority to implement the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS and regulate 
and permit PM2.5 emissions, and its precursors through the 
Arkansas PSD program. Arkansas submitted SIP revisions relating to 
Greenhouse Gases (GHG's) on July 2010 and a revision to that SIP on 
November 6, 2010 addressing the PSD program for EPA approval, which we 
approved on April 2, 2013 (78 FR 19596), whereby we also rescinded the 
Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) that was in place which addressed 
permitting for the GHG purposes in Arkansas. With the approval of the 
SIP revisions to address GHG PSD permitting and 2006 PM2.5 
PSD elements, ADEQ has a complete SIP approved PSD permitting program 
in place covering the required elements for all regulated New Source 
Review (NSR) pollutants. Arkansas' PSD portion of the federally-
approved SIP covers all NSR regulated pollutants as well as the 
requirements to meet CAA 110(a)(2)(C) for the 2006 and 2012 
PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 O3, 2010 NO2, and 
2010 SO2 NAAQS. Additional details of the applicable 
authorities and regulations are provided in the TSD in the docket to 
this action.
    (D)(i) Interstate Pollution Transport: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) 
of the CAA requires that the State's SIP contain adequate provisions to 
address interstate transport of certain emissions. The State's SIP must 
address any emissions activity in one state that contributes 
significantly to nonattainment, or interferes with maintenance, of the 
NAAQS in another state. The EPA refers to this requirement as prong 1 
(significant contribution to nonattainment) and prong 2 (interference 
with maintenance).
    Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) of the CAA requires SIPs to include 
provisions prohibiting any sources or other types of emissions activity 
in one state from interfering with measures required of any other state 
to prevent significant deterioration of air quality or from interfering 
with measures required of any other state to protect visibility 
(referring to visibility of Class I areas). The EPA sometimes refers to 
this requirement under CAA subsection 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) as prong 3 
(interference with PSD) and prong 4 (interference with visibility 
protection). The EPA interprets CAA section

[[Page 55068]]

110(a)(2) to require air agencies to address prong 3 and prong 4 as 
part of each infrastructure SIP submission.
    We previously approved the portions of Arkansas' 2006 
PM2.5 NAAQS i-SIP which addressed the requirements that 
emissions within Arkansas be prohibited from contributing to the 
nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the NAAQS in other 
states (prong 1 and 2). 78 FR 53269 (August 29, 2013). In this proposed 
rulemaking, EPA is not acting on provisions pertaining to CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) prong 1 and prong 2 for the following pollutants: 
2012 PM2.5, 2008 Ozone, and 2010 SO2. We will 
address these requirements in a separate, future rulemaking(s). Also, 
EPA is proposing only to approve CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 
3- PSD portion) for 2012 PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 O3, 
2010 NO2, and 2010 SO2 NAAQS. EPA will address 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) prong 4 for all the above pollutants in a separate, 
future rule making. However, EPA is proposing to approve subsections of 
110(a)(D)(i) and 110(a)(D)(ii) for 2008 Lead (Pb) and 2010 
NO2 NAAQS.
    Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) of the CAA requires SIPs to include 
adequate provisions to ensure compliance with sections 115 and 126 of 
the Act, relating to interstate and international pollution abatement. 
Section 126(a) of the CAA requires new or modified sources to notify 
neighboring states of potential impacts from the source. Section 115 of 
the CAA relates to the international pollution abatement portion of 
110(a)((2)(D)(ii).
    The i-SIP must prohibit emissions within Arkansas from contributing 
significantly to the nonattainment of the NAAQS in other states, and 
from interfering with the maintenance of the NAAQS in other states (CAA 
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)). The SIP must also prohibit emissions 
within Arkansas both from interfering with measures required to prevent 
significant deterioration in other states and from interfering with 
measures required to protect visibility in other states (CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)).
    Lead: We propose to approve the portion of the State's submittal 
which addresses the requirement that emissions within Arkansas be 
prohibited from contributing to the nonattainment of the Pb NAAQS in 
other states, and from interfering with the maintenance of the Pb NAAQS 
in other states. The physical properties of Pb, which is a metal and 
very dense, prevent Pb emissions from experiencing a significant degree 
of travel in the ambient air. No complex chemistry is needed to form Pb 
or Pb compounds in the ambient air; therefore, ambient concentrations 
of Pb are typically highest near Pb sources. More specifically, there 
is a sharp decrease in ambient Pb concentrations as the distance from 
the source increases. According to EPA's report entitled Our Nation's 
Air: Status and Trends Through 2010, Pb concentrations that are not 
near a source of Pb are approximately 8 times less than the typical 
concentrations near the source.\16\ There are no areas within the State 
of Arkansas designated as nonattainment with respect to the 2008 lead 
NAAQS.
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    \16\ http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/2011/report/fullreport.pdf.
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    ADEQ has determined that there are few sources of lead emissions 
located in close proximity to Arkansas' borders (e.g., within 2 miles), 
considering the physical properties of Pb explained above which prevent 
Pb emissions from experiencing the same travel or formation phenomena 
as PM2.5 or ozone and there is a sharp decrease in Pb 
concentrations as the distance from a Pb source increases. Significant 
impacts from Pb emissions from stationary sources are limited to short 
distances from emitting sources, therefore, visibility is not affected 
by lead emissions.\17\ Given this information, we propose to approve 
the portion of the Pb i-SIP submittal related to the protection of 
visibility in other states.
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    \17\ Please see our TSD for more detailed information.
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    Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): We propose to approve the portion of the 
submittal which addresses the prevention of emissions which 
significantly contribute to the nonattainment of the NO2 
NAAQS in other states and interfere with the maintenance of the 
NO2 NAAQS in other states. On February 17, 2012, EPA 
designated the entire United States as ``unclassifiable/attainment'' 
for the 2010 NO2.\18\ The available air quality data show 
that all areas in the country meet the 2010 NO2 NAAQS for 
2008-2010. No state or tribal entity recommended an area be designated 
``nonattainment.'' As listed in our NO2 Design Values 
report,\19\ only one maintenance area exists for the prior annual 
NO2 NAAQS (Los Angeles, California). With no nonattainment 
or maintenance areas in surrounding states, Arkansas does not 
significantly contribute to nonattainment or maintenance of the 
NO2 NAAQS in any of the contiguous states. As further 
evidence that Arkansas NO2 emissions do not contribute to 
nonattainment or maintenance of NAAQS, we reviewed more recent 
monitoring data for NO2 throughout the United States. Using 
previous EPA methodology,\20\ we evaluated specific monitors identified 
as having nonattainment and/or maintenance problems, which we refer to 
as ``receptors.'' We identify nonattainment receptors as any monitor 
that violated the NO2 NAAQS in the most recent three-year 
period. Meanwhile, we identify NO2 maintenance receptors as 
any monitor that violated the NO2 NAAQS in either of the 
prior monitoring cycles (2010-2012 and 2011-2013), but attained in the 
most recent monitoring cycle (2012-2014). During the three most recent 
design value periods of 2010 through 2012, 2011 through 2013 and 2012 
through 2014, we found no monitors violating the 2010 NO2 
NAAQS in the United States.
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    \18\ See 77 FR 9532 (February 17, 2012).
    \19\ http://epa.gov/airtrends/values.html.
    \20\ See NOX SIP call, 63 FR 57371 (October 27, 
1998); CAIR, 7025172 (May 12, 2005; and Transport Rule or Cross-
State Air Pollution Rule 76 FR 48208 (August 8, 2001).
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    We are also proposing to approve the portion of the SIP pertaining 
to the prevention of significant deterioration in other states for Pb 
and NO2, as Arkansas has a fully approvable PSD program. The 
program regulates all NSR pollutants, including greenhouse gases (GHGs) 
which prevents significant deterioration in nearby states.
    2012 PM, O3, SO2: At this time, we are not proposing action on the 
i-SIP submittals which address the prevention of emissions which 
significantly contribute to the nonattainment of 2012 PM2.5, 
2008 Ozone, and 2010 SO2 NAAQS in other states, and the 
interference with the maintenance 2012 PM2.5, 2008 Ozone, 
2010 NO2, and 2010 SO2 NAAQS in other states. We 
plan to act on these portions of the i-SIP in future, separate 
rulemaking actions.
    Based on information presented in the State's SIP submission, we 
are proposing to approve the portion of the SIP submittal related to 
the prevention of significant deterioration in other states, as 
Arkansas has a fully approved PSD program that addresses all regulated 
new source review pollutants, including greenhouse gases (GHG) which 
prevent significant deterioration in nearby states.
    (D)(ii) Interstate Pollution Abatement and International Air 
Pollution: In addition, CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) requires that the 
SIP contain adequate provisions insuring compliance with the applicable 
requirements of section 126 of the Act (relating to interstate 
pollution abatement) and 115 of the Act

[[Page 55069]]

(relating to international pollution abatement). Section 126(a) of the 
CAA requires new or modified sources to notify neighboring states of 
potential impacts from the source. Arkansas meets the CAA section 126 
requirements as it has a fully approved PSD SIP and no source or 
sources have been identified by the EPA as having any interstate 
impacts under CAA section 126 in any pending action related to any air 
pollutant. Arkansas meets the section 115 requirements as there are no 
final findings by the EPA that Arkansas air emissions affect other 
countries. Therefore, we propose to approve the portion of the Arkansas 
SIP for these NAAQS: 2006 PM2.5, 2008 Ozone, 2008 Pb, 2010 
NO2, 2010 SO2, and 2012 PM2.5 i-SIP 
pertaining to CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii). For additional detail, 
please refer to the TSD.
    (E) Adequate authority, resources, implementation, and oversight: 
CAA 110(a)(2)(E) requires that the SIP must provide for the following: 
(1) Necessary assurances that the state (and other entities within the 
state responsible for implementing the SIP) will have adequate 
personnel, funding, and authority under state or local law to implement 
the SIP, and that there are no legal impediments to such 
implementation; (2) compliance with requirements relating to state 
boards as required under section 128 of the CAA; and (3) necessary 
assurances that the state has responsibility for ensuring adequate 
implementation of any plan provision for which it relies on local 
governments or other entities to carry out. Both elements (A) and (E) 
herein address the requirement that a state have adequate authority to 
implement and enforce the SIP without legal impediments.
    The i-SIP submission for the referenced NAAQS pollutants describes 
the SIP regulations governing the various functions of personnel within 
the ADEQ, including the administrative, technical support, planning, 
enforcement, and permitting functions of the program.
    With respect to necessary assurances, and the requirement to 
address funding, Arkansas has authority to collect fees for the NSR 
permit programs, and other inspections, maintenance and renewals 
required of other air pollution sources also provide necessary funds to 
help implement the State's air programs. Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  8-1-
103(1)(A) grants APC&EC the authority to establish, by regulation, 
reasonable fees for initial issuance, annual review, and modification 
of permits. Under Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  8-1-103(3), ADEQ is authorized 
to collect the fees established by APC&EC and shall deny the issuance 
of an initial permit, a renewal permit, or a modification permit if and 
when a facility fails or refuses to pay the fees after reasonable 
notice. APC&EC Regulation 9, Fee Regulation. Chapter 5, Air Permit 
Fees, contains the air permit fees applicable to non-part 70 permits, 
part 70 permits and general permits. More specific information on 
permitting fees is provided in the TSD.
    With respect to authority and personnel, Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  8-1-
202(b)(2)(D) states that the Director of ADEQ's duties include the day-
to-day administration of all activities that the Department is 
empowered by law to perform, including, but not limited to, the 
employment and supervision of such technical, legal, and administrative 
staff, within approved appropriations, as is necessary to carry out the 
responsibilities vested with ADEQ. The AWAPCA provides the ADEQ 
adequate authority, in part ``to administer and enforce all laws and 
regulations relating to pollution of the air.'' Ark. Code Ann. Sec. 8-
4-311(7). APC&EC Regulation 19.301 gives ADEQ the responsibility of 
meeting all applicable regulations and requirements contained in the 
CAA, as amended, if any area of the state is determined to be in 
violation of the NAAQS. APC&EC Reg. 19.410 gives ADEQ the authority to 
revoke, suspend, or modify any permit for cause. For further details, 
please refer to the TSD.
    Section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) requires that the State's SIP comply with 
CAA section 128 that requires: (1) That the majority of members of the 
state body that approves permits or enforcement orders do not derive 
any significant portions of their income from entities subject to 
permitting or enforcement orders under the CAA; and (2) any potential 
conflicts of interest by such body be adequately disclosed. In 1982, 
the EPA approved the State's SIP submittal to demonstrate compliance of 
the SIP with Section 128 of the CAA. 47 FR 19136 (May 04, 1982). The 
submittal cited AWAPCA section 82-1901 as demonstrating compliance with 
CAA section 128(a)(1) and cited Arkansas Code of Ethics Law Act 570 of 
1979, Section 3: Use of Public Office to Obtain Special Privilege 
Prohibited: Section 4: Use and Disclosure of Information--Acquired by 
Reason of Office Activities Requiring Disclosure; Section 5: 
Requirement to File Statement and Section 6: Statements Period Retained 
Public Access Signature Required. Under APC&EC Reg. 8.202, the Director 
or the Director's delegate shall issue all permits with nothing in 
APC&EC Regulation 8 being construed to authorize APC&EC to issue a 
permit, including the power to reverse or affirm a permitting decision 
by the Director.
    Under Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  21-8-1001, no member of a state board or 
commission or board member of an entity receiving state funds shall 
participate in, vote on, influence or attempt to influence an official 
decision if the member has pecuniary interest in the matter under 
consideration by the board, commission, or entity. In addition, no 
member of a state board or commission or board member of an entity 
receiving state funds shall participate in any discussion or vote on a 
rule or regulation that exclusively benefits the member. As required by 
the CAA, the SIP stipulates that any board or body, which approves 
permits or enforcement orders, must have at least a majority of members 
who represent the public interest and do not derive any ``significant 
portion'' of their income from persons subject to permits and 
enforcement orders or who appear before the board on issues related to 
the CAA. The members of the board or body, or the head of an agency 
with similar powers, are required to adequately disclose any potential 
conflicts of interest. While the ADEQ has no board or commission, the 
ADEQ submitted a letter dated January 19, 2012, that clarified that the 
Director of the ADEQ is considered the ``the head of an executive 
agency with similar powers,'' and must meet the requirement to 
adequately disclose any potential conflicts of interest.\21\ The 
requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) concerning local 
governments or other entities, are not applicable to Arkansas because 
it does not rely on local agencies for specific SIP implementation.
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    \21\ The ADEQ submitted a letter to EPA Region 6 to clarify that 
the requirements of Sec.  110(a)(2)(E)(ii) do apply to the Director 
of the ADEQ, and that EPA has already approved a state submittal to 
this effect. The letter is included in the docket to this action.
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    (F) Stationary source monitoring system: CAA 110(A)(2)(F) requires 
the SIP provide for the establishment of a system to monitor emissions 
from stationary sources and to submit periodic emission reports. It 
must require the installation, maintenance, and replacement of 
equipment, and the implementation of other necessary steps, by owners 
or operators of stationary sources, to monitor emissions from such 
sources. The SIP shall also require periodic reports on the nature and 
amounts of emissions and emissions-related data from such sources. It 
shall require that the state correlate the source reports with emission 
limitations or standards established under the CAA. These

[[Page 55070]]

reports must be made available for public inspection at reasonable 
times.
    The relevant regulatory requirements have been codified in APC&E 
Regulation 19, Regulations of the Arkansas Plan of Implementation for 
Air Pollution Control, Chapter 7 (pertaining to sampling and testing).
    Provisions in APC&EC Chapter 7, Regulation 19.705 provide for the 
reporting of emissions inventories in a format established by the ADEQ 
on a schedule set forth in that section. In addition, APC&EC Regulation 
19.705 requires the submission of emission statements as required by 
the CAA. Area, mobile, and non-road data are required to be reported on 
a three-year cycle.
    Enforceable emission limitations and other control measures are 
covered in the Arkansas Water and Air Pollution Control Act and those 
provisions of Ark. Code Ann. Sec. Sec.  8-4-310 and 8-4-311. Elements 
of the program for enforcement are found in the monitoring, 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements for sources in these control 
measures as well as individual SIP permits. Additional details and 
citations to the relevant regulatory authorities and provisions are 
discussed in the TSD. We are proposing that the Arkansas SIP meets the 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(F).
    (G) Emergency authority: CAA 110(A)(2)(G) requires a demonstration 
that the ADEQ has authority to restrain any source from causing 
imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or 
the environment. The SIP must include an adequate contingency plan to 
implement ADEQ's emergency authority.
    Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  8-1-202(b)(2)(C) empowers the ADEQ to issue 
orders under circumstances that reasonably require emergency measures 
to be taken to protect the environment or the public health and safety. 
APC&EC Reg. 8.502 requires ADEQ to publish a Notice of Emergency Order 
in a newspaper covering the affected area, or in a newspaper of 
statewide circulation. The notice must contain a description of the 
action, ADEQ's authority for taking the action and other information 
appropriate to ensure the public is informed about the action.
    Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  8-4-202(e)(1) empowers APC&EC to declare an 
emergency and implement emergency rules, regulations, suspensions, or 
moratoria on categories or types of permits if APC&EC determines that 
imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare requires 
immediate change in the rules or immediate suspension or moratorium on 
categories or types of permits. APC&EC Regulation 8, Administrative 
Procedures, Reg. 8.807 authorizes the Commission to waive or reduce the 
notice requirements in cases involving emergency rulemaking. No 
emergency rule shall be effective for more than 180 days.
    (H) Future SIP revisions: CAA 110(a)(2)(H) requires that States 
have the authority to revise their SIPs in response to changes in the 
NAAQS, availability of improved methods for attaining the NAAQS, or in 
response to an EPA finding that the SIP is substantially inadequate to 
attain the NAAQS.
    The AWAPCA, Section 82-1935(1), empowers the APC&EC to ``formulate 
and promulgate, amend, repeal, and enforce rules and regulations 
implementing or effectuating the powers and duties of the Commission [. 
. .] to control air pollution''. Therefore, Arkansas has the authority 
to revise its SIP as may be necessary to take into account revisions of 
primary or secondary NAAQS, or the availability of improved or more 
expeditious methods of attaining such standards. Furthermore, Arkansas 
also has the authority under the AWAPCA provisions to revise its SIP in 
the event the EPA (pursuant to the Act) finds the SIP to be 
substantially inadequate to attain the NAAQS. APC&EC Regulation 19, 
Regulations of the Arkansas Plan of Implementation for Air Pollution 
Control, Chapter 1, provides a clear delineation of those regulations 
that are promulgated by APC&EC in satisfaction of certain requirements 
of the CAA. Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  8-4-311(a)(7) empowers ADEQ to 
administer and enforce all laws and regulations relating to pollution 
of the air. Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  8-4-202(d)(4)(A)(ii) authorizes APC&EC 
to refer to the Code of Federal Regulations for any APC&EC standard or 
regulation that is identical to a regulation promulgated by the EPA.
    The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission's Regulation 
19, Regulations of the Arkansas Plan of Implementation for Air 
Pollution Control, Chapter 1, demonstrates that those regulations that 
are promulgated by the Commission satisfy the requirements of this 
provision of the CAA.
    (I) Nonattainment areas: The CAA section 110(a)(2)(I) requires that 
in the case of a plan or plan revision for areas designated as 
nonattainment areas, states must meet applicable requirements of Part D 
of the CAA, relating to SIP requirements for designated nonattainment 
area. SIP revisions that implement the control strategies necessary to 
bring a nonattainment area into attainment of the NAAQSs are not 
required by CAA to be submitted within three years of the promulgation 
of a new or revised NAAQS. Therefore, as stated earlier, CAA 110(a)(1) 
does not require this element to be demonstrated as part of an 
infrastructure SIP submittal. 73 FR 16025 16206 (March 27, 2008).
    (J) Consultation with government officials, public notification, 
PSD and visibility protection: The SIP must meet the following four CAA 
requirements: (1) Those listed in section 121 of the CAA, relating to 
interagency consultation; (2) those listed in CAA section 127, relating 
to public notification of NAAQS exceedances and related issues; (3) 
prevention of significant deterioration of air quality and (4) 
visibility protection.
    Under APC&EC Regulation 19, Chapter 9, Arkansas has incorporated by 
reference the requirements in 40 CFR part 52 for PSD in their entirety, 
with the exception of 40 CFR 52.21(b)(2)(iii)(a), 52.21(b)(49), 
52.21(b)(50), 52.21(b)(55-58), 52.21(i) and 52.21(cc). These provisions 
were approved by EPA as part of the federally-approved SIP. These 
incorporated provisions also provide for protection of visibility in 
Federal Class I areas. All new major sources and major modifications 
are subject to a comprehensive EPA-approved PSD permitting program, 
including GHG PSD permitting that was approved on April 2, 2013 (78 FR 
19596) and PM2.5 PSD permitting approved on March 4, 2015 
(80 FR 11573). Chapter 9 of APC&EC Regulation 19 authorizes enforcement 
of regulations governing the prevention of significant deterioration of 
air quality and regulations governing the protection of visibility in 
mandatory Federal Class I areas.
    The visibility sub-element of Element J is not being addressed 
because EPA stated in a September 13, 2013 ``Guidance on Infrastructure 
State Implementation Plan (SIP Elements under CAA sections 110(a)(1) 
and 110(a)(2)'' that we believe that there are no newly applicable 
visibility protection obligations pursuant to Element J after the 
promulgation of new or revised NAAQS.
    (1) Consultation With Identified Official on Certain Actions: The 
i-SIP needs to show that there is an established process for 
consultation with general purpose local governments, designated 
organization of elected officials of local governments and any federal 
land manager having authority over federal land to which the plan 
applies, consistent with CAA section 121, which lists the specific 
types of

[[Page 55071]]

actions for which consultation is required. If the relevant statute is 
self-executing such that there is no associated regulation or other 
documents, then the statute would need to be included in the SIP. If a 
regulation or other document meeting the CAA requirements exists, then 
the regulation or other document would need to be included in the SIP 
submission, and the authorizing statute should be referenced but the 
statute is not required to be part of the EPA approved SIP. Under the 
requirements of 40 CFR 51.240, the SIP would need to identify 
organizations ``that will participate in developing, implementing, and 
enforcing the plan and the responsibilities of such organizations.'' 
The plan should include any agreements or memoranda of understanding 
among the organizations.
    The AWAPCA, as codified under Ark Code Ann. A.C.A. Sec.  8-1-203 
provides that the APC&EC ``shall meet regularly in publicly noticed 
open meetings to discuss and rule upon matters of environmental 
concern'' prior to the adoption of any rule or regulation implementing 
the substantive statutes charged to the ADEQ for administration. In 
addition, Ark. Code Ann. section 8-4-311(a)(2) provides that the ADEQ 
or its successor shall have the power and duty ``to advise, consult, 
and cooperate with other agencies of the state, political subdivisions, 
industries, other states, the federal government, and with affected 
groups in the furtherance of the purposes of this chapter.'' Further, 
Regulation 19.904(D) provides that ADEQ shall make determinations that 
a source may affect air quality or visibility in a mandatory Class I 
federal area based on screening criteria agreed upon by the Department 
and the Federal Land Manager.\22\
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    \22\ See 72 FR 18394 (April 12, 2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Public Notification: The i-SIP submission needs to demonstrate 
that the air agency does regularly notify the public of instances or 
areas in which the new or revised primary NAAQS was exceeded; it needs 
to advise the public of health hazards associated with such exceedances 
and of ways in which the public can participate in regulatory and other 
efforts to improve air quality. Public notification begins with the air 
quality forecasts, which advise the public of conditions capable of 
exceeding the 8-hour ozone \23\ and PM2.5 NAAQS. The air 
quality forecasts can be found on the ADEQ Web site: For 8-hour ozone 
and PM2.5, the forecast includes two regions \24\ in the 
State. Ozone forecasts are made daily during the ozone season for each 
of the forecast areas.\25\ The ozone forecasts are made, in most cases, 
a day in advance by 2:00 p.m. local time and are valid for the next 
day. When the forecast indicates that ozone levels will be above the 8-
hour ozone standard, the ADEQ and the Arkansas Department of Health 
issue an Ozone Health Advisory.
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    \23\ The ADEQ forecasts for 8-hour ozone are based on the 2008 
ozone standard, which is 75 ppb.
    \24\ The 2 forecast areas for 8-hour ozone and PM2.5 
are Little Rock and Springdale. See www.adeq.state.ar.us/techsvs/default.htm.
    \25\ Ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Ground level 
ozone is generally not emitted directly from a vehicle's exhaust or 
an industrial smokestack, but is created by a chemical reaction 
between NOX and VOCs in the presence of sunlight and high 
ambient temperatures. Thus, ozone is known primarily as a summertime 
air pollutant. For Arkansas, the ozone season runs from March 1 
through November 31 (see 40 CFR 58, APPENDIX D, Table D-3). The 
Arkansas air quality control regions are defined at 45 FR 6571 
(January 29, 1980).
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    In addition, the State implements an Ozone Action Day (OAD) program 
\26\ and will issue an ozone alert in the afternoon on the day before 
an elevated level of ozone is expected to occur. Announcements for an 
OAD will be broadcast through television and other news media, and to 
employers participating in the OAD program. The OAD program includes 
examples of actions that can be implemented by individuals and 
organizations to reduce ozone levels and exposure to ozone. Also 
through the Metroplan Web site, the public can subscribe to an 
electronic information system that provides air quality forecast and 
ozone alert information via email. Ozone data are posted on the ADEQ 
Web site; current, regional hourly and regional 8-hour ozone data are 
posted hourly (See http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/techsvs/ozonemonitors.asp). Provisions regarding public availability of 
emission data were also approved into the Arkansas SIP on April 12, 
2007 (72 FR 18394).
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    \26\ For coordinating agencies, participating counties and other 
information, please see https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/air/planning/ozone/.
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    (3) PSD and Visibility Protection: Section 110(a)(2)(J) requires 
states to meet applicable requirements of Part C related to prevention 
of significant deterioration and visibility protection. EPA approved 
Arkansas's Visibility Protection Plan (Protection of Visibility in 
Mandatory Class I Federal Areas) into the Arkansas SIP on February 10, 
1986 (51 FR 4910). EPA approved revisions to the Arkansas Visibility 
Protection Plan and approved a Long-Term Strategy for Visibility 
Protection into the Arkansas SIP on July 21, 1988 (53 FR 27514). The 
State's SIP revision to its Regional Haze program was submitted to EPA 
on July 29, 2008. Arkansas is subject to federal regional haze 
requirements which address visibility-impairing pollutants. Arkansas's 
PSD program addresses visibility protection. In 2008, Arkansas 
submitted a Regional Haze SIP and EPA partially approved and partially 
disapproved it on March 12, 2012 (77 FR 14604). The State's submittal 
provides information to show that Arkansas has experienced considerable 
improvement in reductions of regional haze emissions in relation to the 
reasonable progress goals and uniform rate of progress established in 
the State's Regional Haze SIP. The most recent data from 2015 and 
current five-year rolling averages show that visibility impairment in 
Arkansas' Federal Class I areas is decreasing more rapidly than the 
uniform rate of progress and 2018 reasonable progress goals submitted 
as part of the State's 2008 Regional Haze SIP.
    ADEQ has a complete EPA-approved PSD permitting program in place 
covering the required elements for all regulated NSR pollutants, 
including greenhouse gases (GHG). EPA had previously published a 
finding of failure to submit a PSD SIP for PM2.5 (79 FR 
29354, May 22, 2014) and imposed a Federal Implementation Plan for PSD 
permitting of GHGs. 75 FR 82246 (December 30, 2010). However, ADEQ 
submitted SIP revisions addressing 2006 PM2.5 PSD elements, 
which was approved on March 4, 2015 (80 FR 11573), and GHG PSD 
permitting, which was approved on April 2, 2013 (78 FR 19596). The 
Arkansas SIP requirements relating to visibility and regional haze are 
not affected when EPA establishes or revises a NAAQS. Therefore, EPA 
believes that there are no new visibility protection requirements due 
to the revision of the NAAQS, and consequently there are no newly 
applicable visibility protection obligations pursuant to infrastructure 
element (J).
    (K) Air quality and modeling/data: The SIP must provide for 
performing air quality modeling, as prescribed by EPA, to predict the 
effects on ambient air quality of any emissions of any NAAQS pollutant, 
and for submission of such data to EPA upon request. APC&EC Regulation 
19, Chapter 3, requires that ADEQ conduct ambient air monitoring and 
computer modeling of regulated air pollutant emissions in any area that 
can reasonably be expected to be in excess of the NAAQS and to review 
the ambient air impacts of any new or modified source of federally 
regulated air emission that is the subject of the requirements of the 
SIP. See APC&EC

[[Page 55072]]

Reg.19.302(A) and (B). Under APC&EC Reg.19.302(B), all computer 
modeling shall be performed using EPA-approved models, and using 
averaging times commensurate with averaging times stated in the NAAQS. 
ADEQ has the ability to submit data related to air quality modeling to 
the EPA under Ark. Code Ann. Sec.  8-4-311(a)(2) which gives ADEQ the 
power to advise, consult, and cooperate with the federal government. 
Modeling and emissions reductions measures have been submitted by 
Arkansas and approved into the SIP. For example, we reference the air 
modeling and emissions reductions data submitted within the Crittenden 
County Economic Development Zone SIP revisions, as well as the 
demonstration of maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone standard in 
Crittenden County. 81 FR 24030 (April 25, 2016). The measures in these 
SIPs were approved by EPA and adopted into the SIP.
    (L) Permitting Fees: The SIP must require each major stationary 
source to pay permitting fees to the permitting authority, as a 
condition of any permit required under the CAA, to cover the cost of 
reviewing and acting upon any application for such a permit, and, if 
the permit is issued, the costs of implementing and enforcing the terms 
of the permit. The fee requirement applies until a fee program 
established by the State (pursuant to title V of the CAA, relating to 
operating permits), is approved by EPA.
    The fee requirements of the APC&EC's Regulation 26, Regulations of 
the Arkansas Operating Air Permit Program, Chapter 11, were approved by 
EPA as meeting the CAA requirements and were incorporated into 
Arkansas's SIP. Arkansas's title V operating permit program in Chapter 
11, was approved October 9, 2001. APC&EC's Chapter 11 titled ``Permit 
Fees,'' Reg. 26.1101, ``Fee Requirement,'' requires that in accordance 
with 40 CFR 70.9, as promulgated July 21, 1992, and last modified June 
3, 2010 (75 FR 31607), that the owners or operators of part 70 sources 
shall pay initial and annual fees that are sufficient to cover the 
permit program costs. The Department shall ensure that any fee required 
by these regulations will be used solely for permit program costs. In 
addition, APC&EC's Reg. 26.1102, titled ``Fee schedule,'' requires that 
the fee schedule for part 70 permits is contained in Regulation No. 9. 
The APC&EC Regulation 9, Fee Regulation, Chapter 5, Air Permit Fees, 
contains the air permit fees applicable to non-part 70 permits, part 70 
permits and general permits. Revisions to air permitting fees 
requirements in Chapter 5 were approved by EPA on April 30, 2015 (80 FR 
24216). Reg. 9.501, ``Applicability,'' requires that air permit fees 
contained in this section are applicable to (1) non-part 70 permits, 
(2) part 70 permits, and (3) general permits.
    (M) Consultation/participation by affected local entities: CAA 
110(A)(2)(M) requires the SIP to provide for consultation and 
participation by local political subdivisions affected by the SIP. See 
the discussion for element (J) above for a description of the SIP's 
public participation process, the authority to advise and consult, and 
the PSD SIP's public participation requirements. The Arkansas statute 
at Ark. Code. Ann. Sec. 8-1-203 provides that the APC&EC shall meet 
regularly in publicly noticed open meetings to discuss and rule upon 
matters of environmental concern prior to the adoption of any rule or 
regulation implementing the substantive statutes charged to the ADEQ 
for administration. Additionally, the state noted that pursuant to 
APC&EC Regulation 8, Arkansas will continue to provide for consultation 
and participation from those affected by the SIP. Under APC&EC 
Regulation 8, those organizations affected by the SIP will be able to 
participate in developing the SIP via comments and potential public 
hearings. ADEQ is the sole state-level enforcer and implementer of the 
SIP. See APC&EC Reg. 8.205 Public Notice of Permit Application; APC&EC 
Reg. 8.206 Request for Public Hearing on Application for Permit; APC&EC 
Reg. 8.207 Public Notice of Draft Permitting Decision; APC&EC Reg. 
8.208 Public Comment on Draft Permitting Decision; APC&EC Reg. 8.209 
Public Hearings; APC&EC Reg. 8.405 Public Notice of Notices of 
Violations and Consent Administrative Orders; APC&EC Reg. 8.801 Public 
Notice of Rulemaking.
    ADEQ participates in the Central State Air Resources Agencies, 
which is an organization of states, tribes, federal agencies and other 
interested parties concerned with air quality. The interactions and 
public participation on rule and plan development are consistent with 
the requirements of Sec.  110(a)(2)(M).

III. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to approve the majority of the March 24, 2017 
Arkansas i-SIP submittal, which address the requirements of the CAA 
sections 110(a) (1) and (2) as applicable to 2006 PM2.5, 
2008 Pb, 2008 O3, 2010 NO2, 2010 SO2 
and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. Specifically, EPA is proposing to 
approve the following infrastructure elements for Arkansas 
infrastructure SIP:
    For the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, we are proposing to approve 
CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) that pertains to interstate transport 
(``prong 3'') for Interstate transport and international pollution 
abatement for Arkansas infrastructure SIP.\27\
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    \27\ We are proposing to address 2006 PM2.5 NAAQs 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 4: Interstate Transport-protection of 
visibility) in a future rule making.
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    For the 2008 Lead NAAQS, we are proposing to approve all the 
infrastructure elements in CAA 110(a)(2)(A-M) for the Arkansas SIP.
    For the 2010 NO2 NAAQS, we are proposing to approve the 
infrastructure elements of CAA 110(a)(2)(A), (B), (C), (D)(i)(I) 
(prongs 1, 2); CAA 110(a)(2)(D(i)(II) (prong 3: Interstate transport--
prevention of significant deterioration); CAA 110(A)(2)(D)(ii), E, F, 
H, I, J, K, L, and M).\28\
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    \28\ We are proposing to address Arkansas 2010 NO2 
NAAQs 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 4: Interstate Transport--protection 
of visibility) in future rule making.
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    For the 2012 PM2.5 and 2010 SO2 NAAQS, we are 
proposing to approve infrastructure elements CAA 110(a)(2)(A), (B), 
(C), D(i)(II) (prong 3: Interstate transport--prevention of significant 
deterioration), CAA 110(a)(2)(D)(ii), E, F, H, I, J, K, L, and M).\29\
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    \29\ We are proposing to take a separate, future rulemaking 
action(s) on 2012 PM2.5 and 2010 SO2 Arkansas 
i-SIP elements 110(a)(2)(D(i)(I) (prong 1: Interstate Transport--
significant contribution to nonattainment areas, and prong 2: 
Interstate Transport--Interfere with maintenance in other states), 
and 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 4: Interstate Transport--protection 
of visibility).
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    For the 2008 Ozone, we are proposing to approve CAA 110(a)(2)(A), 
(B), (C), CAA 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 3: Interstate transport--
prevention of significant deterioration), CAA 110(a)(2)(D(ii), E, F, H, 
I, J, K, L, and M).\30\
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    \30\ We are not proposing to approve Interstate provisions in 
CAA section 110(a)(2)(D(i)(I) (prong 1: Interstate Transport--
significant contribution to nonattainment areas, and prong 2: 
Interstate Transport--Interfere with maintenance in other states) 
which were not included in this submission. We are proposing to 
address CAA Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 4: Interstate 
Transport--protection of visibility) for 2008 Ozone NAQQS in a 
separate, future rulemaking.
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    Table 1 (below) outlines the specific actions EPA is proposing to 
take in this action for the Arkansas March 24, 2017 i-SIP submittal.

[[Page 55073]]



                                Table 1--Proposed Actions on the Arkansas Infrastructure SIP Submittal for Various NAAQS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Element                   2006 PM2.5            2008 Pb           2008 Ozone           2010 NO2            2010 SO2           2012 PM2.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A): Emission limits and other   A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 control measures.
(B): Ambient air quality         A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 monitoring and data system.
(C)(i): Enforcement of SIP       A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 measures.
(C)(ii): PSD program for major   A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 sources and major
 modifications.
(C)(iii): Permitting program     A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 for minor sources and minor
 modifications.
(D)(i)(I): Contribute to         A *................  A.................  * No submittal....  A.................  No action.........  No action.
 nonattainment/interfere with
 maintenance of NAAQS (prongs 1
 and 2).
(D)(i)(II): PSD (requirement 3)  A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
(D)(i)(II): Visibility           No submittal.......  A.................  No action.........  No action.........  No action.........  No action.
 Protection (requirement 4).
(D)(ii): Interstate and          A..................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 International Pollution
 Abatement.
(E)(i): Adequate resources.....  A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
(E)(ii): State boards..........  A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
(E)(iii): Necessary assurances   A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 with respect to local agencies.
(F): Stationary source           A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 monitoring system.
(G): Emergency power...........  A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
(H): Future SIP revisions......  A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
(I): Nonattainment area plan or  +..................  +.................  +.................  +.................  +.................  +.
 plan revisions under part D.
(J)(i): Consultation with        A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 government officials.
(J)(ii): Public notification...  A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
(J)(iii): PSD..................  A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
(J)(iv): Visibility protection.  +..................  +.................  +.................  +.................  +.................  +.
(K): Air quality modeling and    A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 data.
(L): Permitting fees...........  A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
(M): Consultation and            A *................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.................  A.
 participation by affected
 local entities.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key to Table 1: Proposed action on AR infrastructure SIP submittals for various NAAQS.
A--Approve.
A * Previously approved for an earlier submittal.
+--Not germane to infrastructure SIPs.
No action--EPA is taking no action on these infrastructure requirements in this rulemaking. EPA may address in separate future rulemaking action(s).
No submittal--Proposed disapproval for an earlier submittal. EPA may take future action(s) in separate rule making(s).
* No submittal * FIP in place.

    Based upon review of the state's infrastructure SIP submission and 
relevant statutory and regulatory authorities and provisions referenced 
in the submission or referenced in the federally-approved Arkansas SIP, 
EPA believes that Arkansas has the infrastructure in place to address 
all applicable required elements of sections 110(a)(1) and (2) (except 
as noted in Table 1 above) to ensure that the 2006 PM2.5, 
2008 Pb, 2008 O3, 2010 NO2, 2010 SO2, 
and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS are implemented in the state.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a 
SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and 
applicable Federal regulations. 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 that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. 
Accordingly, this 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 
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 FR3821, January 21, 
2011);
     Is not an Executive Order 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 2, 
2017) regulatory action because SIP approvals are exempted under 
Executive Order 12866;
     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 (Pub. L. 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 proposed 
rule does not have tribal implications and will not impose substantial 
direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law as specified 
by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Interstate transport of 
pollution, Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides.

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


[[Page 55074]]


    Dated: November 9, 2017.
Samuel Coleman,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.
[FR Doc. 2017-25045 Filed 11-17-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


