[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 199 (Friday, October 16, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53198-53212]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24818]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 52 and 81

[EPA-R04-OAR-2009-0338; FRL-8968-9]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and 
Designations of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; North 
Carolina: Redesignation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park 1997 8-
Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area to Attainment

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The State of North Carolina through the North Carolina 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Air 
Quality (NC DAQ) submitted, on July 24, 2009, a request to redesignate 
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) 1997 8-hour ozone 
nonattainment area to attainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone national 
ambient air quality standards (NAAQS); and to approve a State 
Implementation Plan (SIP) revision containing a maintenance plan with a 
2020 end year for the GSMNP Area. The GSMNP Area is composed of 
portions of Haywood and Swain Counties in North Carolina. In this 
action, EPA is proposing to approve the 1997 8-hour ozone redesignation 
request for the GSMNP Area. Additionally, EPA is proposing to approve 
the emission inventory and the 1997 8-hour ozone maintenance plan for 
the GSMNP Area, including motor vehicle emission budgets (MVEBs) for 
nitrogen oxides (NO<INF>X</INF>) and an insignificance determination 
for conformity for volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from 
motor vehicles. Further, in this action, EPA is also describing the 
status of its transportation conformity adequacy determination for the 
new 2011 and 2020 MVEBs for NO<INF>X</INF>, and for the insignificance 
determination for VOC contribution from motor vehicle emissions to the 
8-hour ozone pollution for the 1997 NAAQS, that are contained in the 
1997 8-hour ozone maintenance plan for the GSMNP Area. On March 12,

[[Page 53199]]

2008, EPA issued a revised ozone standard. The current action, however, 
is being taken to address requirements under the 1997 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS. Requirements for the GSMNP Area under the 2008 standard will be 
addressed in the future.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 16, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R04-
OAR-2009-0338, by one of the following methods:
    1. http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
    2. E-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5d7d0dbdfd4d8dcdb9bd9ccdbdac7d4d0f5d0c5d49bd2dac3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a7c5c2c9cdc6cacec989cbdec9c8d5c6c2e7c2d7c689c0c8d1">[email protected]</span></a>.
    3. Fax: (404) 562-9019.
    4. Mail: EPA-R04-OAR-2009-0338 Regulatory Development Section, Air 
Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW., 
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960.
    5. Hand Delivery or Courier: Lynorae Benjamin, Chief, Regulatory 
Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics 
Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 
Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Such deliveries are 
only accepted during the Regional Office's normal hours of operation. 
The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday through 
Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding federal holidays.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R04-OAR-
2009-0338. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit through http://www.regulations.gov or e-mail, information that you consider to be CBI 
or otherwise protected. The http://www.regulations.gov Web site is an 
``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your 
identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of 
your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without 
going through http://www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be 
automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is 
placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you 
submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name 
and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any 
disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to 
technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA 
may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid 
the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of 
any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public 
docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the 
http://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such 
as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be 
publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket 
materials are available either electronically in http://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Regulatory Development 
Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management 
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth 
Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. EPA requests that if at all 
possible, you contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section to schedule your inspection. The Regional Office's 
official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, 
excluding federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Spann or Nacosta Ward, Regulatory 
Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics 
Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 
Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Jane Spann may be 
reached by phone at (404) 562-9029 or via electronic mail at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#681b18090606460209060d280d1809460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fa898a9b9494d4909b949fba9f8a9bd49d958c">[email protected]</span></a>. The telephone number for Ms. Ward is (404) 562-9140 
and the electronic mail at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e99e889b8dc787888a869a9d88a98c9988c78e869f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e493859680ca8a85878b979085a4819485ca838b92">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. What Proposed Actions Is EPA Taking?
II. What Is the Background for EPA's Proposed Actions?
III. What Are the Criteria for Redesignation?
IV. Why Is EPA Proposing These Actions?
V. What Is the Effect of EPA's Proposed Actions?
VI. What Is EPA's Analysis of the Request?
VII. What Is EPA's Analysis of North Carolina's Proposed VOC 
Insignificance Finding and the Proposed Regional NO<INF>X</INF> 
MVEBs for the GSMNP Area?
VIII. What Is an Adequacy Determination?
IX. What Is the Status of EPA's Adequacy Determination for the 
Proposed Regional NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs for the Years 2011 and 2020, 
and the VOC Insignificance Determination?
X. Proposed Action on the Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan 
SIP Revision Including Proposed Approval of the 2011 and 2020 
Regional NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, and the Proposed VOC Insignificance 
Determination for the GSMNP Area
XI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What Proposed Actions Is EPA Taking?

    EPA is proposing to take several related actions, which are 
summarized below and described in greater detail throughout this notice 
of proposed rulemaking: (1) To redesignate the GSMNP Area to attainment 
for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS; (2) to approve the emissions inventory 
submitted with the maintenance plan (under the Clean Air Act (CAA) 
section 172(c)(3)); and (3) to approve North Carolina's 1997 8-hour 
ozone maintenance plan into the North Carolina SIP, including the 
associated MVEBs for NO<INF>X</INF> and the VOC insignificance 
determination for VOC emission contribution from motor vehicles. In 
addition, and related to today's proposed actions, EPA is also 
notifying the public of the status of EPA's adequacy determination for 
the GSMNP Area NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs.
    First, EPA is proposing to determine that the GSMNP Area has 
attained the 1997 8-hour ozone standard, and that the GSMNP Area has 
met the other requirements for redesignation under section 107(d)(3)(E) 
of the CAA. EPA is now proposing to approve a request to change the 
legal designation of the GSMNP Area from nonattainment to attainment 
for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    Second, EPA is proposing to approve North Carolina's 1997 emissions 
inventory (under section 172(c)(3)). North Carolina selected 2005 as 
``the attainment year'' for the GSMNP Area for the purpose of 
demonstrating attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This 
attainment inventory identifies the level of emissions in the area, 
which is sufficient to attain the 1997 8-hour ozone standard.
    Third, EPA is proposing to approve North Carolina's 1997 8-hour 
ozone maintenance plan for the GSMNP Area (such approval being one of 
the CAA criteria for redesignation to attainment status). The 
maintenance plan is designed to help keep the GSMNP Area in attainment 
of the 1997 8-hour ozone

[[Page 53200]]

NAAQS through 2020. Consistent with the CAA, the maintenance plan that 
EPA is proposing to approve today also includes 2011 and 2020 MVEBs for 
NO<INF>X</INF>, and a VOC insignificance determination for 
transportation conformity. Today, EPA is proposing to approve (into the 
North Carolina SIP) the 2011 and 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, and the VOC 
insignificance determination for conformity, that are included as part 
of North Carolina's maintenance plan for the GSMNP Area for the 1997 8-
hour ozone NAAQS.
    EPA is also notifying the public of the status of EPA's adequacy 
process for the newly-established 2011 and 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, 
and of its insignificance determination for VOC for transportation 
conformity purposes for the GSMNP Area.
    Today's notice of proposed rulemaking is in response to North 
Carolina's May 15, 2009, proposed SIP submittal, which was submitted in 
draft form for parallel processing, and then again in final form on 
July 24, 2009. The July 24, 2009, submittal requests redesignation of 
the GSMNP Area, and includes a SIP revision addressing the specific 
issues summarized above and the necessary elements for redesignation 
described in section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA.

II. What Is the Background for EPA's Proposed Actions?

    Ground level ozone is not directly emitted by sources. Rather, 
emissions of NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC react in the presence of sunlight 
to form ground-level ozone. NO<INF>X</INF> and VOC are referred to as 
precursors of ozone. The CAA establishes a process for air quality 
management through the NAAQS. On July 18, 1997, EPA promulgated a 
revised 8-hour ozone standard of 0.08 parts per million (ppm). The 1997 
standard was more stringent than the previous 1-hour ozone standard. 
Under EPA's regulations at 40 CFR part 50, the 1997 8-hour ozone 
standard is attained when the 3-year average of the annual fourth 
highest daily maximum 8-hour average ambient air quality ozone 
concentrations is less than or equal to 0.08 ppm (i.e., 0.084 ppm when 
rounding is considered). (See 69 FR 23857, April 30, 2004, for further 
information.) Ambient air quality monitoring data for the 3-year period 
must meet a data completeness requirement. The ambient air quality 
monitoring data completeness requirement is met when the average 
percent of days with valid ambient monitoring data is greater than 90 
percent, and no single year has less than 75 percent data completeness 
as determined in Appendix I of part 50. Specifically, section 2.3 of 40 
CFR part 50, Appendix I, ``Comparisons with the Primary and Secondary 
Ozone Standards'' states:
    ``The primary and secondary ozone ambient air quality standards are 
met at an ambient air quality monitoring site when the 3-year average 
of the annual fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone 
concentrations is less than or equal to 0.08 ppm. The number of 
significant figures in the level of the standard dictates the rounding 
convention for comparing the computed 3-year average annual fourth-
highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentrations with the 
level of the standard. The third decimal place of the computed value is 
rounded, with values equal to or greater than 5 rounding up. Thus, a 
computed 3-year average ozone concentration of 0.085 ppm is the 
smallest value that is greater than 0.08 ppm.''
    The CAA required EPA to designate as nonattainment any area that 
was violating the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS based on the three most 
recent years of ambient air quality data. The GSMNP 1997 8-hour ozone 
nonattainment area was designated using 2001-2003 ambient air quality 
data. The Federal Register document making these designations was 
signed on April 15, 2004, and published on April 30, 2004 (69 FR 
23857).
    The CAA contains two sets of provisions, subpart 1 and subpart 2 
that address planning and control requirements for ozone nonattainment 
areas. (Both are found in title I, part D.) Subpart 1 (which EPA refers 
to as ``basic'' nonattainment) contains general, less prescriptive, 
requirements for nonattainment areas for any pollutant, including 
ozone, governed by a NAAQS. Subpart 2 (which EPA refers to as 
``classified'' nonattainment) provides more specific requirements for 
certain ozone nonattainment areas. Some 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment 
areas were subject only to the provisions of subpart 1. Other 1997 8-
hour ozone nonattainment areas were classified as subpart 2 areas and 
were subject to the provisions of subpart 2 in addition to subpart 1. 
Under EPA's phase 1 8-hour ozone implementation rule (69 FR 23857) 
(Phase 1 Rule), signed on April 15, 2004, and published April 30, 2004, 
an area was classified under subpart 2 based on its 8-hour ozone design 
value (i.e., the 3-year average of the annual fourth highest daily 
maximum 8-hour average ozone concentrations), if it had a 1-hour design 
value at or above 0.121 ppm (the lowest 1-hour design value in Table 1 
of subpart 2). All other areas were covered under subpart 1, based upon 
their 8-hour ambient air quality design values.
    The GSMNP Area was designated attainment for the 1-hour ozone 
standard. On April 30, 2004, EPA designated the GSMNP Area as a 
``basic'' 8-hour ozone nonattainment area or subpart 1 nonattainment 
area (see, 69 FR 23857, April 30, 2004). When North Carolina submitted 
its redesignation request, the GSMNP Area was attaining the 1997 8-hour 
ozone standard. The area has continued to attain since that time.
    Various aspects of EPA's Phase 1 Rule were challenged in court. On 
December 22, 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of 
Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit Court) vacated EPA's Phase 1 Rule (69 FR 
23951, April 30, 2004). South Coast Air Quality Management Dist. 
(SCAQMD) v. EPA, 472 F.3d 882 (D.C. Cir. 2006). On June 8, 2007, in 
response to several petitions for rehearing, the D.C. Circuit Court 
clarified that the Phase 1 Rule was vacated only with regard to those 
parts of the Rule that had been successfully challenged. Therefore, the 
Phase 1 Rule provisions related to classifications for areas currently 
classified under subpart 2 of title I, part D of the CAA as 1997 8-hour 
nonattainment areas, the 1997 8-hour attainment dates and the timing 
for emissions reductions needed for attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS remain effective. The June 8th decision left intact the Court's 
rejection of EPA's reason for implementing the 1997 8-hour ozone 
standard in certain nonattainment areas under subpart 1 in lieu of 
subpart 2. By limiting the vacatur, the Court let stand EPA's 
revocation of the 1-hour standard and those anti-backsliding provisions 
of the Phase 1 Rule that had not been successfully challenged. The June 
8th decision reaffirmed the December 22, 2006, decision that EPA had 
improperly failed to retain measures required for 1-hour nonattainment 
areas under the anti-backsliding provisions of the regulations: (1) 
Nonattainment area New Source Review (NSR) requirements based on an 
area's 1-hour nonattainment classification; (2) section 185 penalty 
fees for 1-hour severe or extreme nonattainment areas; and (3) measures 
to be implemented pursuant to section 172(c)(9) or 182 (c)(9) of the 
CAA, on the contingency of an area not making reasonable further 
progress toward attainment of the 1-hour NAAQS. The June 8th decision 
clarified that the Court's reference to conformity requirements for 
anti-backsliding purposes was limited to requiring the continued use of 
1-hour motor vehicle

[[Page 53201]]

emissions budgets until 8-hour budgets were available for 8-hour 
conformity determinations, which is already required under EPA's 
conformity regulations. The Court thus clarified that 1-hour conformity 
determinations are not required for anti-backsliding purposes.
    This section sets forth EPA's views on the potential effect of the 
Court's rulings on this proposed redesignation action. For the reasons 
set forth below, EPA does not believe that the Court's rulings alter 
any requirements relevant to this redesignation action so as to 
preclude redesignation, and do not prevent EPA from proposing or 
ultimately finalizing this redesignation. EPA believes that the Court's 
December 22, 2006, and June 8, 2007, decisions impose no impediment to 
moving forward with redesignation of the GSMNP Area to attainment, 
because even in light of the Court's decisions, redesignation is 
appropriate under the relevant redesignation provisions of the CAA and 
longstanding policies regarding redesignation requests.
    With respect to the 1997 8-hour standard, the Court's ruling 
rejected EPA's reasons for classifying areas under subpart 1 for the 
1997 8-hour standard, and remanded that matter to the Agency. In its 
January 16, 2009, proposed rulemaking in response to the SCAQMD 
decision, EPA has proposed to classify GSMNP under subpart 2 as a 
marginal area. See 74 FR 2936, 2944. If EPA finalizes this rulemaking, 
the requirements under subpart 2 will become applicable when they are 
due, a deadline that EPA has proposed to be one year after the 
effective date of a final rulemaking classifying areas as marginal or 
moderate. See 74 FR 2940-41. Although the final rulemaking to classify 
this area under subpart 2 has not yet been made, EPA believes that this 
does not mean that redesignation cannot now go forward. This belief is 
based upon (1) EPA's longstanding policy of evaluating requirements in 
accordance with the requirements due at the time the request is 
submitted and (2) consideration of the inequity of applying 
retroactively any requirements that might in the future be applied.
    First, at the time the redesignation request was submitted, the 
GSMNP Area was not classified under subpart 2, nor were there any 
subpart 2 requirements yet due for this Area. Under EPA's longstanding 
interpretation of section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA, to qualify for 
redesignation, states requesting redesignation to attainment must meet 
only the relevant SIP requirements that came due prior to submittal of 
a complete redesignation request. September 4, 1992, Calcagni 
Memorandum (``Procedures for Processing Requests to Redesignate Areas 
to Attainment,'' Memorandum from John Calcagni, Director, Air Quality 
Management Division). (See also Michael Shapiro Memorandum, September 
17, 1993, and 60 FR 12459, 12465-66 (March 7, 1995) (Redesignation of 
Detroit--Ann Arbor, Michigan). See Sierra Club v. EPA, 375 F.3d 537 
(7th Cir. 2004) (upholding this interpretation). See also 68 FR 25418, 
25424, 25427 (May 12, 2003) (redesignation of St. Louis, Missouri).
    Moreover, it would be inequitable to retroactively apply any new 
SIP requirements that were not applicable at the time the request was 
submitted. The D.C. Circuit Court has recognized the inequity in such 
retroactive rulemaking (See Sierra Club v. Whitman 285 F.3d 63 (D.C. 
Cir. 2002)), in which the Court upheld a district court's ruling 
refusing to make retroactive, an EPA determination of nonattainment 
that was past the statutory due date. Such a determination would have 
resulted in the imposition of additional requirements on the area. The 
Court stated: ``Although EPA failed to make the nonattainment 
determination within the statutory frame, Sierra Club's proposed 
solution only makes the situation worse. Retroactive relief would 
likely impose large costs on the states, which would face fines and 
suits for not implementing air pollution prevention plans in 1997, even 
though they were not on notice at the time.'' Id. at 68. Similarly 
here, it would be unfair to penalize the area by applying to it for 
purpose of redesignation, additional SIP requirements under subpart 2 
that were not in effect or yet due at the time it submitted its 
redesignation request, or the time that the Area attained the standard.
    With respect to the requirements under the 1-hour ozone standard, 
the GSMNP Area was designated attainment. The D.C. Circuit Court's 
decisions do not impact redesignation requests for these types of 
areas, except to the extent that the Court, in its June 8th decision, 
clarified that for those areas with 1-hour MVEBs in their maintenance 
plans, anti-backsliding requires that those 1-hour budgets must be used 
for 8-hour budgets. Since this Area was attainment for the 1-hour ozone 
standard, there were no preexisting 1-hour MVEBs to consider for 8-hour 
conformity requirements.
    First, there are no conformity requirements relevant for the GSMNP 
Area request, such as a transportation conformity SIP. It is EPA's 
longstanding policy that it is reasonable to interpret the conformity 
SIP requirements as not applying for purposes of evaluating a 
redesignation request under section 107(d) because state conformity 
rules are still required after redesignation, and Federal conformity 
rules apply where state rules have not been approved. See 40 CFR 
51.390; see also Wall v. EPA, 265 F.3d 426 (6th Cir. 2001) (upholding 
EPA's interpretation); 60 FR 62748 (Dec. 7, 1995) (Redesignation of 
Tampa, Florida).
    Second, with regard to the three other anti-backsliding provisions 
for the 1-hour ozone standard that the D.C. Circuit Court found were 
not properly retained, the GSMNP Area has always been an attainment 
area for the 1-hour ozone standard, and the NSR, contingency measures 
pursuant to section 172(c)(9) or 182(c)(9), and fee provision 
requirements do not apply to this area. As a result, the decisions in 
SCAQMD should not alter any requirements that would preclude EPA from 
finalizing the redesignation of the GSMNP Area to attainment for the 
1997 8-hour ozone standard.
    As noted earlier, in 2008, the ambient ozone data for the GSMNP 
Area indicated no further violations of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, 
using the data from the 3-year period of 2006-2008 to demonstrate 
attainment. As a result, on May 15, 2009, North Carolina requested 
parallel processing of its request for redesignation of the GSMNP Area 
to attainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. The redesignation 
request included three years of complete, quality-assured ambient air 
quality data for the ozone seasons (April 1st until October 31st) of 
2006-2008, indicating that the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS had been 
achieved for the entire GSMNP Area. Under the CAA, nonattainment areas 
may be redesignated to attainment if sufficient, complete, quality-
assured data is available for the Administrator to determine that the 
area has attained the standard and the area meets the other CAA 
redesignation requirements in section 107(d)(3)(E). While EPA did not 
have the opportunity to parallel process this draft submittal, EPA did 
begin the adequacy process for the newly-established MVEBs. Also, while 
EPA can initiate the adequacy process with a draft submittal, EPA 
cannot conclude this process until a final submittal is received. On 
July 24, 2009, North Carolina submitted to EPA a final SIP revision. 
This final submittal included MVEBs for 2011 and 2020.

III. What Are the Criteria for Redesignation?

    The CAA provides the requirements for redesignating a nonattainment 
area

[[Page 53202]]

to attainment. Specifically, section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA allows for 
redesignation providing that: (1) The Administrator determines that the 
area has attained the applicable NAAQS; (2) the Administrator has fully 
approved the applicable implementation plan for the area under section 
110(k); (3) the Administrator determines that the improvement in air 
quality is due to permanent and enforceable reductions in emissions 
resulting from implementation of the applicable SIP and applicable 
Federal air pollutant control regulations and other permanent and 
enforceable reductions; (4) the Administrator has fully approved a 
maintenance plan for the area as meeting the requirements of section 
175A; and, (5) the state containing such area has met all requirements 
applicable to the area under section 110 and part D of the CAA.
    EPA provided guidance on redesignation in the General Preamble for 
the Implementation of Title I of the CAA Amendments of 1990, on April 
16, 1992 (57 FR 13498), and supplemented this guidance on April 28, 
1992 (57 FR 18070). EPA has provided further guidance on processing 
redesignation requests in the following documents:

1. ``Ozone and Carbon Monoxide Design Value Calculations,'' 
Memorandum from Bill Laxton, Director, Technical Support Division, 
June 18, 1990;
2. ``Maintenance Plans for Redesignation of Ozone and Carbon 
Monoxide Nonattainment Areas,'' Memorandum from G.T. Helms, Chief, 
Ozone/Carbon Monoxide Programs Branch, April 30, 1992;
3. ``Contingency Measures for Ozone and Carbon Monoxide (CO) 
Redesignations,'' Memorandum from G. T. Helms, Chief, Ozone/Carbon 
Monoxide Programs Branch, June 1, 1992;
4. ``Procedures for Processing Requests to Redesignate Areas to 
Attainment,'' Memorandum from John Calcagni, Director, Air Quality 
Management Division, September 4, 1992 (hereafter referred to as the 
``Calcagni Memorandum'');
5. ``State Implementation Plan (SIP) Actions Submitted in Response 
to Clean Air Act (ACT) Deadlines,'' Memorandum from John Calcagni, 
Director, Air Quality Management Division, October 28, 1992;
6. ``Technical Support Documents (TSD's) for Redesignation of Ozone 
and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Nonattainment Areas,'' Memorandum from G. 
T. Helms, Chief, Ozone/Carbon Monoxide Programs Branch, August 17, 
1993;
7. ``State Implementation Plan (SIP) Requirements for Areas 
Submitting Requests for Redesignation to Attainment of the Ozone and 
Carbon Monoxide (CO) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 
On or After November 15, 1992,'' Memorandum from Michael H. Shapiro, 
Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, September 17, 
1993;
8. ``Use of Actual Emissions in Maintenance Demonstrations for Ozone 
and CO Nonattainment Areas,'' Memorandum from D. Kent Berry, Acting 
Director, Air Quality Management Division, November 30, 1993;
9. ``Part D New Source Review (Part D NSR) Requirements for Areas 
Requesting Redesignation to Attainment,'' Memorandum from Mary D. 
Nichols, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, October 14, 
1994; and
10. ``Reasonable Further Progress, Attainment Demonstration, and 
Related Requirements for Ozone Nonattainment Areas Meeting the Ozone 
National Ambient Air Quality Standard,'' Memorandum from John S. 
Seitz, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, May 
10, 1995.

IV. Why Is EPA Proposing These Actions?

    North Carolina submitted a final SIP revision on July 24, 2009, 
with a request for redesignation of the GSMNP Area to attainment for 
the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. EPA's preliminary evaluation indicates 
that North Carolina has demonstrated that the GSMNP Area has attained 
the standard and has met the requirements for redesignation set forth 
in section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA. EPA is also announcing the status 
of its adequacy determination for the 2011 and 2020 NOx MVEBs, and the 
VOC insignificance determination, which are relevant to the requested 
redesignation.

V. What Is the Effect of EPA's Proposed Actions?

    EPA's proposed actions establish the bases upon which EPA may take 
final action on the issues being proposed for approval today. Final 
approval of the emissions inventory would determine that it satisfies 
the requirements of section 172(c)(3) of the CAA. Approval of North 
Carolina's redesignation request would change the legal designation for 
the portions of Haywood and Swain Counties included in the GSMNP Area 
for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS found at 40 CFR part 81. Approval of 
North Carolina's request would also incorporate into the North Carolina 
SIP, a plan for the GSMNP Area for maintaining the 1997 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS in the Area through 2020. This maintenance plan includes 
contingency measures to remedy future violations of the 1997 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS. The maintenance plan also establishes regional 
NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs and provides a VOC insignificance determination 
for the GSMNP Area. The following Table identifies the NO<INF>X</INF> 
MVEBs for the years 2011 and 2020 for this Area.

                        Table 1--GSMNP Area MVEBs
                         [Kilograms per day \1\]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     2011        2020
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOX MVEB........................................      179.9       127.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ North Carolina has provided the conversion factor of 907.1847
  kilograms per ton, rounded to two decimal places for tons to allow for
  comparison of the MVEBs to the emissions inventory (expressed in tons
  per day) in this Area.

    Approval of North Carolina's maintenance plan would also result in 
approval of the regional NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, and the VOC 
insignificance determination for conformity purposes. Additionally, EPA 
is notifying the public of the status of its adequacy determination for 
the 2011 and 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, and its VOC insignificance 
determination for conformity, pursuant to 40 CFR 93.118(f)(1).

VI. What Is EPA's Analysis of the Request?

    EPA is proposing to make the determination that the GSMNP Area has 
attained the 1997 8-hour ozone standard, and that all other 
redesignation criteria have been met for the GSMNP Area. The basis for 
EPA's determination for this Area is discussed in greater detail below.

Criteria (1)--The GSMNP Area Has Attained the 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS

    EPA is proposing to determine that the GSMNP Area has attained the 
1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. For ozone, an area may be considered to be 
attaining the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS if there are no violations, as 
determined in accordance with 40 CFR 50.10 and Appendix I of part 50, 
based on three complete, consecutive calendar years of quality-assured 
air quality monitoring data. To attain this standard, the 3-year 
average of the fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone 
concentrations measured at each monitor within an area over each year 
must not exceed 0.08 ppm. Based on the rounding convention described in 
40 CFR part 50, Appendix I, the standard is attained if the design 
value is 0.084 ppm or below. The data must be collected and quality-
assured in accordance with 40 CFR part 58, and recorded in the EPA Air 
Quality System (AQS). The monitors generally should have remained at 
the same location for the duration of the monitoring period required 
for demonstrating attainment.
    EPA reviewed ozone monitoring data from the ambient ozone 
monitoring

[[Page 53203]]

station in the GSMNP Area for the ozone season from 2006-2008. These 
data have been quality assured and is recorded in AQS. The fourth 
highest 8-hour averages for 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the 3-year average 
of these values (i.e., design values), are summarized in the following 
table:

Table 2--Annual 4th Highest Maximum and Design Value Concentration for 8-
                      Hour Ozone for the GSMNP Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Fourth
                                                    highest 8-   Design
                                                       hour      value
                       Year                           ozone      (ppm)
                                                      value    2006-2008
                                                      (ppm)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006..............................................      0.073      0.077
2007..............................................      0.078  .........
2008..............................................      0.080  .........
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above, the design value for an area is the 3-year 
average of the annual 4th highest 8-hour ozone value recorded at the 
monitor in the area. Therefore, the design value for the GSMNP Area is 
0.077 ppm, which meets the standard as described above. Currently 
available data show that the Area continues to attain the standard. If 
the Area does not continue to attain until EPA finalizes the 
redesignation, EPA will not go forward with the redesignation. It is 
important to note that this area has been in attainment of the 1997 
standard since 2004. The design value for the Area with 2002-2004 data 
was 0.082 ppm. See below for a historical trend of design values for 
this Area.

                                   Table 3--GSMNP Area Historic Design Values
                                                   [1999-2007]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Design value (ppm)
              Monitor               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       99-01      00-02      01-03      02-04      03-05      04-06      05-07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase Knob, AIRS ID <greek-i>37-     0.087      0.087      0.085      0.082      0.078      0.076      0.078
 087-0036, Haywood County..........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Bolded values represent violations of the 8-hour ozone standard.

    As is discussed in more detail below, North Carolina has committed 
to continue monitoring in this Area in accordance with 40 CFR part 58. 
The data submitted by North Carolina provides an adequate demonstration 
that the GSMNP Area has attained the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.

Criteria (2)--North Carolina Has a Fully Approved SIP Under Section 
110(k) for the GSMNP Area and Criteria (5)--Has Met All Applicable 
Requirements Under Section 110 and Part D of the CAA

    Below is a summary of how these two criteria were met.
    EPA has determined that North Carolina has met all applicable SIP 
requirements for the GSMNP Area under section 110 of the CAA (general 
SIP requirements). EPA has also determined that the North Carolina SIP 
satisfies the criterion that it meet applicable SIP requirements under 
part D of title I of the CAA (requirements specific to subpart 1 basic 
8-hour ozone nonattainment areas) in accordance with section 
107(d)(3)(E)(v) and 110(l). In addition, EPA has determined that the 
SIP is fully approved with respect to all applicable requirements in 
accordance with section 107(d)(3)(E)(ii). In making these 
determinations, EPA ascertained which requirements are applicable to 
the area and that if applicable, they are fully approved under section 
110(k). SIPs must be fully approved only with respect to applicable 
requirements.
a. The GSMNP Area Has Met All Applicable Requirements Under Section 110 
and Part D of the CAA
    The September 4, 1992, Calcagni Memorandum describes EPA's 
interpretation of section 107(d)(3)(E). Under this interpretation, to 
qualify for redesignation, states requesting redesignation to 
attainment must meet only the relevant CAA requirements that come due 
prior to the submittal of a complete redesignation request. See also 
Michael Shapiro Memorandum, (``SIP Requirements for Areas Submitting 
Requests for Redesignation to Attainment of the Ozone and Carbon 
Monoxide NAAQS On or After November 15, 1992,'' September 17, 1993); 
and 60 FR 12459, 12465-66 (March 7, 1995) (redesignation of Detroit-Ann 
Arbor, Michigan). Applicable requirements of the CAA that come due 
subsequent to the area's submittal of a complete redesignation request 
remain applicable until a redesignation is approved, but are not 
required as a prerequisite to redesignation. See section 175A(c) of the 
CAA; Sierra Club, 375 F.3d 537; see also 68 FR 25424, 25427 (May 12, 
2003) (redesignation of St. Louis, Missouri).
    General SIP requirements. Section 110(a)(2) of title I of the CAA 
delineates the general requirements for a SIP, which include 
enforceable emissions limitations and other control measures, means, or 
techniques, provisions for the establishment and operation of 
appropriate devices necessary to collect data on ambient air quality, 
and programs to enforce the limitations. General SIP elements and 
requirements are delineated in section 110(a)(2) of title I, part A of 
the CAA. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the 
following: Submittal of a SIP that has been adopted by the state after 
reasonable public notice and hearing; provisions for establishment and 
operation of appropriate procedures needed to monitor ambient air 
quality; implementation of a source permit program; provisions for the 
implementation of part C requirements (Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration (PSD)) and provisions for the implementation of part D 
requirements (NSR permit programs); provisions for air pollution 
modeling; and provisions for public and local agency participation in 
planning and emission control rule development.
    Section 110(a)(2)(D) requires that SIPs contain certain measures to 
prevent sources in a state from significantly contributing to air 
quality problems in another state. To implement this provision, EPA has 
required certain states to establish programs to address the transport 
of air pollutants (the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call, the Clean Air 
Interstate Rule (CAIR)). EPA has also found, generally, that states 
have not submitted timely SIPs under section 110(a)(1) to meet the 
interstate transport requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i). However, 
the section 110(a)(2)(D) requirements for a state are not linked with a 
particular nonattainment area's designation and

[[Page 53204]]

classification in that state. EPA believes that the requirements linked 
with a particular nonattainment area's designation and classifications 
are the relevant measures to evaluate in reviewing a redesignation 
request. The transport SIP submittal requirements, where applicable, 
continue to apply to a state regardless of the designation of any one 
particular area in the state. Thus, we do not believe that the CAA's 
interstate transport requirements should be construed to be applicable 
requirements for the purpose of redesignation.
    In addition, EPA believes that other section 110 elements not 
connected with nonattainment plan submissions and not linked with an 
area's attainment status are not applicable requirements for purposes 
of redesignation. The area will still be subject to these requirements 
after the area is redesignated. The section 110 and part D 
requirements, which are linked with a particular area's designation and 
classification, are the relevant measures to evaluate in reviewing a 
redesignation request. This approach is consistent with EPA's existing 
policy on applicability (i.e., for redesignations) of conformity and 
oxygenated fuels requirements, as well as with section 184 ozone 
transport requirements. See Reading, Pennsylvania, proposed and final 
rulemakings (61 FR 53174-53176, October 10, 1996), (62 FR 24826, May 7, 
1997); Cleveland-Akron-Loraine, Ohio, final rulemaking (61 FR 20458, 
May 7, 1996); and Tampa, Florida, final rulemaking at (60 FR 62748, 
December 7, 1995). See also the discussion on this issue in the 
Cincinnati, Ohio redesignation (65 FR 37890, June 19, 2000), and in the 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania redesignation (66 FR 50399, October 19, 2001).
    EPA believes that section 110 elements not linked to the area's 
nonattainment status are not applicable for purposes of redesignation. 
EPA notes it has previously approved provisions in the North Carolina 
SIP addressing section 110 elements under the 1-hour ozone NAAQS (See 
51 FR 19834, June 3, 1986). The State has submitted a letter, dated 
December 12, 2007, setting forth its belief that the section 110 SIP 
approved for the 1-hour ozone NAAQS is also sufficient to meet the 
requirements under the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA has not yet 
approved these submissions, but such approval is not necessary for 
purposes of redesignation.
    Part D requirements. EPA proposes that if EPA approves the base 
year emissions inventory, which is part of the maintenance plan 
submittal, the North Carolina SIP will meet applicable SIP requirements 
under part D of the CAA. The 2005 VOC and NO<INF>X</INF> emissions, as 
well as the emissions for other years, for the GSMNP Area were 
developed consistent with EPA guidance for emission inventories and the 
choice of the 2005 base year is appropriate because it represents the 
2004-2006 period when the 1997 8 hour ozone NAAQS was not violated.
    Part D, subpart 1 applicable SIP requirements. For purposes of 
evaluating this redesignation request, the applicable part D, subpart 1 
SIP requirements for all nonattainment areas are contained in sections 
172-176. A thorough discussion of the requirements contained in section 
172 can be found in the General Preamble for Implementation of title I 
(57 FR 13498).
    EPA is proposing here to determine that the Area has attained the 
1997 8-hour ozone standard, under 40 CFR 51.918. If that determination 
is finalized, the requirements to submit certain planning SIPs related 
to attainment, including attainment demonstration requirements, the 
Reasonably Available Control Measure (RACM) requirement of section 
172(c)(1) of the CAA, the Reasonable Further Progress (RFP) and 
attainment demonstration requirements of sections 172(c)(2) and (6) of 
the CAA, and the requirement for contingency measures of section 
172(c)(9) of the CAA, would not be applicable to the Area as long as it 
continues to attain the NAAQS and would cease to apply upon 
redesignation. In addition, in the context of redesignations, EPA has 
interpreted requirements related to attainment as not applicable for 
purposes of redesignation. For example, in the General Preamble, EPA 
stated that: [t]he section 172(c)(9) requirements are directed at 
ensuring RFP and attainment by the applicable date. These requirements 
no longer apply to an area that has attained the standard and is 
eligible for redesignation. Furthermore, section 175A for maintenance 
plans provide specific requirements for contingency measures that 
effectively supersede the requirements of section 172 (c)(9) for these 
areas. ``General Preamble for the Interpretation of Title I of the 
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990'' (``General Preamble''), 57 FR 13498, 
13564 (April 16, 1992). See also Calcagni memorandum at page 6 (``The 
requirements for reasonable further progress and other measures for 
attainment will not apply for redesignations because they only have 
meaning for areas not attaining the standard.'') Since the GSMNP area 
was not classified under subpart 2 at the time the redesignation 
request was submitted, the subpart 2 requirements do not apply for 
purposes of redesignation. EPA believes it is reasonable to interpret 
the conformity and NSR requirements as not requiring approval prior to 
redesignation.
    Section 176 Conformity Requirements. Section 176(c) of the CAA 
requires states to establish criteria and procedures to ensure that 
Federally supported or funded projects conform to the air quality 
planning goals in the applicable SIP. The requirement to determine 
conformity applies to transportation plans, programs and projects 
developed, funded or approved under title 23 of the United States Code 
(U.S.C.) and the Federal Transit Act (transportation conformity) as 
well as to all other Federally supported or funded projects (general 
conformity). State conformity revisions must be consistent with Federal 
conformity regulations relating to consultation, enforcement and 
enforceability that the CAA required EPA to promulgate.
    EPA believes it is reasonable to interpret the conformity SIP 
requirements as not applying for purposes of evaluating the 
redesignation request under section 107(d) because state conformity 
rules are still required after redesignation and Federal conformity 
rules apply where state rules have not been approved. See Wall, 265 
F.3d 426 (upholding this interpretation). See also 60 FR 62748 
(December 7, 1995, Tampa, Florida).
    NSR Requirements. EPA has also determined that areas being 
redesignated need not comply with the requirement that an NSR program 
be approved prior to redesignation, provided that the area demonstrates 
maintenance of the standard without a part D NSR program in effect, 
since PSD requirements will apply after redesignation. The rationale 
for this view is described in a memorandum from Mary Nichols, Assistant 
Administrator for Air and Radiation, dated October 14, 1994, entitled 
``Part D New Source Review (Part D NSR) Requirements for Areas 
Requesting Redesignation to Attainment.'' North Carolina has 
demonstrated that the GSMNP Area will be able to maintain the standard 
without a part D NSR program in effect, and therefore, North Carolina 
need not have a fully approved part D NSR program prior to approval of 
the redesignation request. Since there are no major sources in GSMNP 
and none planned, the Area has demonstrated maintenance without the 
need for a part D NSR program in this Area. North Carolina's PSD 
program will become effective in the GSMNP

[[Page 53205]]

Area upon redesignation to attainment. See rulemakings for Detroit, 
Michigan (60 FR 12467-12468, March 7, 1995); Cleveland-Akron-Lorraine, 
Ohio (61 FR 20458, 20469-70, May 7, 1996); Louisville, Kentucky (66 FR 
53665, October 23, 2001); Grand Rapids, Michigan (61 FR 31834-31837, 
June 21, 1996). Thus, the GSMNP Area has satisfied all applicable 
requirements for purposes of redesignation under section 110 and part D 
of the CAA.
b. The GSMNP Area Has a Fully Approved Applicable SIP Under Section 
110(k) of the CAA
    If EPA issues a final approval of the base year emissions inventory 
under section 172(c)(3), EPA will have fully approved the applicable 
North Carolina SIP for the GSMNP Area, under section 110(k) of the CAA 
for all requirements applicable for purposes of redesignation. EPA may 
rely on prior SIP approvals in approving a redesignation request, see 
Calcagni Memorandum at p. 3; Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Alliance 
v. Browner, 144 F.3d 984, 989-90 (6th Cir. 1998); Wall, 265 F.3d 426, 
plus any additional measures it may approve in conjunction with a 
redesignation action. See 68 FR 25426 (May 12, 2003) and citations 
therein. Following passage of the CAA of 1970, North Carolina has 
adopted and submitted, and EPA has fully approved at various times, 
provisions addressing the various 1-hour ozone standard SIP elements 
applicable in the GSMNP Area (58 FR 47391, September 9, 1993; 59 FR 
18300, April 18, 1994; 60 FR 34859, July 5, 1995; 69 FR 56163, 
September 20, 2004).
    As indicated above, EPA believes that the section 110 elements not 
connected with nonattainment plan submissions and not linked to the 
area's nonattainment status are not applicable requirements for 
purposes of redesignation. EPA also believes that since the part D 
subpart 2 requirements did not become due prior to submission of the 
redesignation request, they also are therefore not applicable 
requirements for purposes of redesignation. Sierra Club v. EPA, 375 
F.3d 537 (7th Cir. 2004); 68 FR 25424, 25427 (May 12, 2003) 
(redesignation of the St. Louis-East St. Louis Area to attainment of 
the 1-hour ozone NAAQS). With the approval of the emissions inventory, 
EPA will have approved all Part D subpart 1 requirements applicable for 
purposes of redesignation.

Criteria (3)--The Air Quality Improvement in the GSMNP Area Is Due to 
Permanent and Enforceable Reductions in Emissions Resulting From 
Implementation of the SIP and Applicable Federal Air Pollution Control 
Regulations and Other Permanent and Enforceable Reductions

    EPA believes that North Carolina has demonstrated that the observed 
air quality improvement in the GSMNP Area is due to permanent and 
enforceable reductions in emissions in the region surrounding the GSMNP 
Area resulting from implementation of the SIP, Federal measures, and 
other state adopted measures. Additionally, new emissions control 
programs for fuels and motor vehicles will help ensure a continued 
decrease in emissions throughout the region and continued maintenance 
of the ozone standard.
    The overwhelming abundance of biogenic VOC emissions makes the 
majority of North Carolina a NO<INF>X</INF> limited environment for the 
formation of ozone. This holds especially true in the North Carolina 
GSMNP nonattainment area. The NO<INF>X</INF> emissions within the North 
Carolina GSMNP nonattainment area are extremely low; total manmade 
emissions are currently about a quarter ton per day (tpd) of 
NO<INF>X</INF>. NC DAQ has provided a demonstration that the GSMNP man-
made emissions are not the primary cause of the ozone exceedances 
within the GSMNP. North Carolina's demonstration indicates that 
emission reductions in the GSMNP itself have only a limited impact on 
the observed ozone values within the GSMNP; and thus concludes these 
reductions primarily must come from sources upwind of the nonattainment 
area.
    There are numerous State and Federal measures that have been 
enacted in recent years that are resulting in permanent and enforceable 
regional emissions reductions. A list of those measures that 
contributed to the permanent and enforceable regional emission 
reductions that resulted in attainment or will contribute to future 
maintenance of the ozone standard are listed in Table 4.

   Table 4--Region-Wide Emission Reductions Programs in the GSMNP Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Federal Control Measures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tier 2 Vehicle Standards.
Heavy-Duty Gasoline and Diesel Highway Vehicles Standards.
Large Nonroad Diesel Engines Rule.
Nonroad Spark-Ignition Engines and Recreational Engines Standard.
NOX SIP Call in Surrounding States.
Clean Air Interstate Rule in Surrounding States.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         State Control Measures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clean Air Bill.
NOX SIP Call/Clean Air Interstate Rule.
Clean Smokestacks Act.
Open Burning Bans.
Air Toxics Control Program.
Prevention of Significant Deterioration.
Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Gap Filling Requirements.
Air Awareness Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Two of the measures of consideration included by North Carolina in 
its maintenance plan submittal were CAIR in surrounding states and the 
NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call in surrounding states. Because of the 
uncertainty introduced by the recent court actions affecting CAIR and 
the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call, EPA undertook an analysis of the changes 
in NO<INF>X</INF> expected during the ten year maintenance period 
across a broader region. Of particular significance are reductions in 
NO<INF>X</INF> emissions from large power plants in the region since 
they were responsible for the preponderance of the NO<INF>X</INF> in 
the GSMNP Area. There are seven facilities located in North Carolina 
and four facilities located in Tennessee in the Region around the GSMNP 
Area. Table 5 displays the NO<INF>X</INF> emission reductions, as the 
result of the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call rule, from power plants that most 
likely impact the North Carolina GSMNP nonattainment area in 2002 
through 2007. This data is from the EPA's Clean Air Markets Division 
and represents the second and third quarters of the year (April through 
September), the period during which ozone levels are the highest. It is 
clearly demonstrated that the emissions from these facilities have 
significantly decreased during the ozone season since 2002, with 52,431 
tons of NO<INF>X</INF> reductions in the 2007 ozone season compared to 
2002. This is a 67 percent reduction in utility NO<INF>X</INF> 
emissions that are permanent and enforceable and implemented prior to 
CAIR coming into effect.

[[Page 53206]]



                  Table 5--April-September NOX Emissions for Utilities Impacting the GSMNP Area
                                                  [tons/period]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Facility                   2002         2003         2004         2005         2006         2007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             North Carolina Sources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asheville.........................        2,252        2,158        2,205        2,156        1,931          598
Belews Creek......................       21,269       13,871        7,102        3,803        3,769        1,559
Buck..............................        1,084        1,468        1,089        1,286        1,262          870
Cliffside.........................        1,944        2,149        1,738        1,782        1,540        1,311
G G Allen.........................        5,011        3,643        4,002        3,589        3,001        3,053
Marshall..........................        9,283        9,101        8,243        7,558        6,370        7,253
River Bend........................        2,556        2,703        1,844        1,379        1,417        1,296
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total NC......................       43,399       35,093       26,223       21,553       19,290       15,940
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Tennessee Sources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bull Run..........................       10,554        9,234        1,670        2,468          692        1,513
Gallatin..........................        5,894        6,043        4,556        3,933        3,647        3,124
John Sevier.......................        5,438        4,911        5,343        4,437        4,504        4,187
Kingston..........................       13,335       13,882        5,660        3,444        1,344        1,425
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total TN......................       35,221       34,070       17,229       14,282       10,187       10,249
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total Combined............       78,620       69,163       43,452       35,835       29,477       26,189
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These reductions are primarily the result of the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP 
Call (63 FR 57356) that set ozone season NO<INF>X</INF> budgets for the 
purpose of reducing regional transport of ozone. This rule called for 
ozone season controls to be put on utility and industrial boilers, as 
well as internal combustion engines in 22 states in the Eastern United 
States. A NO<INF>X</INF> emissions budget was set for each state and 
the states were required to develop rules that would allow the state to 
meet their budget. The emission budgets were to be met by the beginning 
of 2004, prior to the adoption of CAIR. The amount of ozone season 
NO<INF>X</INF> emissions from power plants has decreased significantly 
in and around North Carolina as a result and are expected to be 
maintained at these levels throughout the maintenance period.
    Georgia power plants were the only ones in a nearby state not 
affected by the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call. While no NO<INF>X</INF> 
reductions were achieved during the period GSMNP demonstrated 
attainment, Georgia enacted regulations pursuant to the Georgia multi-
pollutant bill in the summer 2007 to require coal fired power plants in 
Georgia to reduce NO<INF>X</INF>, approximately 50 percent, by 2015. 
Reductions will affect 21 units at seven facilities. The rule requires 
specific controls on specific units according to a specific schedule 
and will assure that NO<INF>X</INF> emissions will not increase during 
the maintenance period.
    Besides controls on electrical generating units (EGUs), substantial 
additional reductions in NO<INF>X</INF> are expected due to controls 
being imposed on fuels and off road and on road motor vehicles. To 
evaluate NO<INF>X</INF> changes expected to occur during the 
maintenance period to other NO<INF>X</INF> sources in the region, we 
reviewed projections made for Regional Haze for 2009 and 2018. This is 
the latest region-wide assessment available done for emissions for the 
regional area.
    As summarized in Tables 6 and 7, all point sources are expected to 
further decrease during this period by 337,742 tons per year (tpy) or 
24 percent. However mobile sources are projected to decrease by an even 
greater amount, decreasing by 751,038 tpy or 53 percent during this 
period and non-road emissions are expected to decrease 166,687 tpy or 
22 percent. The only category showing an increase is area source 
emissions which are projected to grow 6 percent, an increase of 21,146 
tpy. In total, non point source NO<INF>X</INF> emissions in the region 
are expected to decrease by 896,579 tpy from 2009 to 2018. Region-wide, 
annual emissions of NO<INF>X</INF> are expected to decrease 39 percent 
from 2009 to 2018. Every state in the 10 state Visibility Improvement 
State and Tribal Association of the Southeast (VISTAS) planning area 
projects reductions of NO<INF>X</INF> emissions from 2009 to 2018.
    Even if the projected point source reductions from CAIR are not 
considered and EGU emissions are held at 2009 levels, annual emissions 
of NO<INF>X</INF> are still projected to decrease 23 percent. Since 
both North Carolina and Georgia have rules requiring EGUs to reduce 
NO<INF>X</INF> independent of CAIR and a number of other facilities in 
the region are controlling NO<INF>X</INF> emissions due to consent 
decrees, this assumption of no regional reductions in EGU emissions 
during this period is very conservative.
    These regional projections of emissions data have only been 
prepared through 2018. However, since mobile and non-road emissions 
continue to decrease long after a rule is adopted as the engine 
population is gradually replaced by newer engines, it is reasonable to 
assume that this projected decrease in regional NO<INF>X</INF> 
emissions from mobile and non-road sources should continue through 2020 
and assure that ozone in the GSMNP will continue to decline throughout 
the 10-year maintenance period. Hence we believe the projected regional 
NO<INF>X</INF> reductions are adequate to assure that the GSMNP will 
continue demonstrating maintenance throughout the 10-year maintenance 
period.

                      Table 6--VISTAS 2009 Base Annual Emission Inventory Summary for NOX *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     States                         Point       Non-road       Area        Mobile       Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL.............................................      151,714       56,862       35,831      101,831      346,238

[[Page 53207]]

 
FL.............................................      132,185      163,794       47,979      315,840      659,798
GA.............................................      148,809       85,733       51,925      209,349      495,816
KY.............................................      129,779       94,752       43,548      101,182      369,261
MS.............................................       92,409       80,567        8,048       70,743      251,767
NC.............................................      101,236       70,997       45,382      201,609      419,224
SC.............................................       86,934       43,235       25,259       92,499      247,927
TN.............................................      124,274       86,641       20,717      151,912      383,544
VA.............................................      288,213       54,993       53,596      134,232      531,034
WV.............................................      124,359       30,133       14,384       35,635      204,511
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
    Total......................................    1,379,912      767,707      346,669    1,414,832    3,909,120
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      Table 7--VISTAS 2018 Base Annual Emission Inventory Summary for NOX *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     States                         Point       Non-road       Area        Mobile       Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL.............................................      141,178       43,779       36,945       47,298      269,200
FL.............................................      110,243      127,885       50,499      150,180      438,807
GA.............................................      125,083       64,579       55,518      102,179      347,359
KY.............................................      100,774       79,392       45,806       52,263      278,235
MS.............................................       71,988       68,252        8,322       30,619      179,181
NC.............................................       94,276       49,046       49,514       87,791      280,627
SC.............................................       94,089       31,758       26,491       43,490      195,828
TN.............................................       93,443       70,226       21,810       69,385      254,864
VA.............................................      116,560       40,393       57,137       63,342      277,432
WV.............................................       94,536       25,710       15,773       17,247      153,266
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
    Total......................................    1,042,170      601,020      367,815      663,794    2,674,799
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* From North Carolina Regional Haze Plan, December 17, 2007, pages Appendix D.3-10 & 11.

    EPA has considered the relationship of the GSMNP Area's maintenance 
plan to the reductions currently required pursuant to CAIR. CAIR was 
remanded to EPA, and the process of developing a replacement rule is 
ongoing. However, the remand of CAIR does not alter the requirements of 
the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call and the State has now demonstrated that the 
GSMNP Area can maintain without any additional requirements (beyond 
those required by the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call). Therefore, EPA believes 
that the State's demonstration of maintenance under sections 175A and 
107(d)(3)(E) remains valid.
    The NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call requires states to make significant, 
specific emissions reductions. It also provides a mechanism, the 
NO<INF>X</INF> Budget Trading Program, that states could use to achieve 
those reductions. When EPA promulgated CAIR, it discontinued (starting 
in 2009) the NO<INF>X</INF> Budget Trading Program, 40 CFR 51.121(r), 
but created another mechanism--the CAIR ozone season trading program--
which states could use to meet their SIP Call obligations, 70 FR 25289-
90. EPA notes that a number of states, when submitting SIP revisions to 
require sources to participate in the CAIR ozone season trading 
program, removed the SIP provisions that required sources to 
participate in the NO<INF>X</INF> Budget Trading Program. In addition, 
because the provisions of CAIR including the ozone season 
NO<INF>X</INF> trading program remain in place during the remand, EPA 
is not currently administering the NO<INF>X</INF> Budget Trading 
Program. Nonetheless, all states regardless of the current status of 
their regulations that previously required participation in the 
NO<INF>X</INF> Budget Trading Program, will remain subject to all of 
the requirements in the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call even if the existing 
CAIR ozone season trading program is withdrawn or altered. In addition, 
the anti-backsliding provisions of 40 CFR 51.905(f) specifically 
provide that the provisions of the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call, including 
the statewide NO<INF>X</INF> emission budgets, continue to apply after 
revocation of the 1-hour standard.
    All NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call states have SIPs that currently satisfy 
their obligations under the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call; the NO<INF>X</INF> 
SIP Call reduction requirements are being met; and EPA will continue to 
enforce the requirements of the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP Call even after any 
response to the CAIR remand. For these reasons, EPA believes that 
regardless of the status of the CAIR program, the NO<INF>X</INF> SIP 
Call requirements can be relied upon in demonstrating maintenance. 
Here, the State has demonstrated maintenance based in part on those 
requirements.

Criteria (4)--The Area Has a Fully Approved Maintenance Plan Pursuant 
to Section 175A of the CAA

    In conjunction with its request to redesignate the GSMNP 1997 8-
hour ozone nonattainment area to attainment status, NC DAQ submitted a 
SIP revision to provide for the maintenance of the 1997 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS in the GSMNP Area for at least 10 years after the effective date 
of redesignation to attainment.
a. What is required in a maintenance plan?
    Section 175A of the CAA sets forth the elements of a maintenance 
plan for areas seeking redesignation from nonattainment to attainment. 
Under section 175A, the plan must demonstrate continued attainment of 
the applicable NAAQS for at least 10 years after the Administrator 
approves a redesignation to attainment. Eight years after the 
redesignation, the State of North Carolina must submit a revised 
maintenance plan, which demonstrates that attainment will continue to 
be maintained for the 10 years following the initial 10-year period. To 
address the possibility of future NAAQS violations, the maintenance 
plan must contain such contingency measures, with a schedule for 
implementation as EPA deems necessary to assure prompt

[[Page 53208]]

correction of any future 8-hour ozone violations. Section 175A of the 
CAA sets forth the elements of a maintenance plan for areas seeking 
redesignation from nonattainment to attainment. The Calcagni Memorandum 
provides additional guidance on the content of a maintenance plan. The 
Calcagni Memorandum explains that an ozone maintenance plan should 
address five requirements: the attainment emissions inventory, 
maintenance demonstration, monitoring, verification of continued 
attainment, and a contingency plan. As is discussed more fully below, 
North Carolina's maintenance plan includes all the necessary components 
and is approvable as part of the redesignation request.
b. Attainment Emissions Inventory
    North Carolina selected 2005 as ``the attainment year'' for the 
GSMNP Area for the purpose of demonstrating attainment of the 1997 8-
hour ozone NAAQS. This attainment inventory identifies the level of 
emissions in the area, which is sufficient to attain the 1997 8-hour 
ozone standard. North Carolina began development of this attainment 
inventory by first developing a baseline emissions inventory for the 
GSMNP Area. The year 2005 was chosen as the base year for developing a 
comprehensive ozone precursor emissions inventory for which projected 
emissions could be developed for 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020. Non-
road mobile emissions estimates were based on the EPA's NONROAD2005c 
model. On-road mobile source emissions were calculated using EPA's 
MOBILE6.2 emission factors model. The 2005 VOC and NO<INF>X</INF> 
emissions, as well as the emissions for other years, for the GSMNP Area 
were developed consistent with EPA guidance, and are summarized in 
Tables 8 and 9.

                                     Table 8--GSMNP Area VOC Emissions (tpd)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Source category                    2005       2008       2011       2014       2017       2020
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area..........................................       0.17       0.17       0.17       0.17       0.17       0.17
Mobile........................................       0.41       0.36       0.32       0.27       0.24       0.22
Nonroad.......................................       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total.........................................       0.58       0.53       0.49       0.44       0.41       0.39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Table 9--GSMNP Area NOX Emissions (tpd)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Source category                    2005       2008       2011       2014       2017       2020
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area..........................................       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00
Mobile........................................       0.26       0.23       0.20       0.17       0.15       0.14
Nonroad.......................................       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total.........................................       0.26       0.23       0.20       0.17       0.15       0.14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Biogenic emissions are estimated using models developed by EPA. The 
biogenic emissions were obtained from modeling using available data a 
typical summer day's emissions and 2002 meteorology. Biogenic emissions 
are not expected to vary significantly year to year. Since these 
emissions are reported at the county level, the biogenic emissions for 
the GSMNP Area were estimated by taking the county area fraction of the 
GSMNP Area in Haywood and Swain Counties, respectively. Biogenic VOC 
emissions are estimated to be 48.50 tpd.
c. Maintenance Demonstration
    The July 24, 2009, submittal includes a maintenance plan for the 
GSMNP Area. This demonstration:
    (i) Shows compliance with and maintenance of the 1997 8-hour ozone 
standard by providing information to support the demonstration that 
current and future emissions of VOC and NO<INF>X</INF> remain at or 
below attainment year 2005 emissions levels. The year 2005 was chosen 
as the attainment year because it is one of the most recent three years 
(i.e. 2004, 2005, and 2006) for which the GSMNP Area has clean air 
quality data for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard.
    (ii) Uses 2005 as the attainment year and includes future emission 
inventory projections for 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020.
    (iii) Identifies an ``out year,'' at least 10 years after the time 
necessary for EPA to review and approve the maintenance plan. Per 40 
CFR part 93, regional NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs were established for the 
last year (2020) of the maintenance plan. Additionally, North Carolina 
chose, through interagency consultation, to establish MVEBs for the 
year 2011 for NO<INF>X</INF>, and to determine insignificance for VOC 
for the GSMNP Area. See, section VII below.
    (iv) Provides actual and projected emissions inventories, in tpd 
for the GSMNP Area. See Tables 8 and 9.
d. Monitoring Network
    There is currently one monitor measuring ozone in the GSMNP Area. 
North Carolina has committed in the maintenance plan to continue the 
operation of this monitor in compliance with 40 CFR part 58, and has 
addressed the requirement for monitoring.
e. Verification of Continued Attainment
    North Carolina has the legal authority to enforce and implement the 
requirements of the ozone maintenance plan for the GSMNP Area. This 
includes the authority to adopt, implement and enforce any subsequent 
emissions control contingency measures determined to be necessary to 
correct future ozone attainment problems. North Carolina will track the 
progress of the maintenance plan by performing future reviews of actual 
emissions for the Area using the latest emissions factors, models and 
methodologies. For these periodic inventories, North Carolina will 
review the assumptions made for the purpose of the maintenance 
demonstration concerning projected growth of activity levels. If any of 
these assumptions appear to have changed substantially, North Carolina 
will re-project emissions.
f. Contingency Plan
    The contingency plan provisions are designed to promptly correct a 
violation of the NAAQS that occurs after redesignation. Section 175A of 
the CAA requires that a maintenance plan include such contingency 
measures as

[[Page 53209]]

EPA deems necessary to assure that the state will promptly correct a 
violation of the NAAQS that occurs after redesignation. The maintenance 
plan should identify the contingency measures to be adopted, a schedule 
and procedure for adoption and implementation, and a time limit for 
action by the state. A state should also identify specific indicators 
to be used to determine when the contingency measures need to be 
implemented. The maintenance plan must include a requirement that a 
state will implement all measures with respect to control of the 
pollutant that were contained in the SIP before redesignation of the 
area to attainment in accordance with section 175A(d).
    In the July 24, 2009, submittal, North Carolina affirms that all 
programs instituted by the State and EPA will remain enforceable, and 
there are no permitted point sources within the GSMNP Area. The 
contingency plan included in the submittal provides tracking and 
triggering mechanisms to determine when contingency measures are needed 
and a process of developing and adopting appropriate control measures. 
The primary trigger of the contingency plan will be a violation of the 
1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS or when the three-year average of the fourth-
highest value is equal to or greater than 0.085 ppm at the monitor. The 
trigger date will be 60 days from the date that the State observes a 
fourth-highest value that, when averaged with the two previous ozone 
seasons' fourth highest values, would result in a three-year average 
equal to or greater than 0.085 ppm.
    The secondary trigger will apply where no actual violation of the 
1997 8-hour ozone standard has occurred, but where the State finds 
monitored ozone levels indicating that an ozone NAAQS violation may be 
imminent. An imminent violation exists where there is a pattern. A 
pattern will be deemed to exist when there are two consecutive ozone 
seasons in which the fourth-highest values are 0.085 ppm or greater at 
the monitor within the GSMNP Area.
    The trigger date will be 60 days from the date that the State 
observes a fourth-highest value of 0.085 ppm or greater at the monitor 
for which the previous season had a fourth-highest value of 0.085 ppm 
or greater. Once one of the triggers is activated, the Planning Section 
of the NC DAQ shall commence analyses including trajectory analyses of 
high ozone days, and emissions inventory assessment to determine the 
cause of the ozone transport into the GSMNP Area.
    The NC DAQ considered what additional measures could be 
implemented; however, as mentioned earlier, exceedances are at night 
and are the result of ozone transported into the nonattainment area 
from outside regions. Additionally, the GSMNP Area is already taking 
measures to reduce emissions within the Park to include Stage I vapor 
recovery on gasoline stations located in the Park, along with having an 
Air Quality Action Day Program in place that includes the following 
measures:
    a. Encouraging employees to decrease vehicle use by car pooling and 
reducing the number of non-essential trips;
    b. Fuel switching using biodiesel;
    c. Postponing or decreasing the use of mowers and other gasoline 
engine equipment until ozone levels drop;
    d. Encouraging refueling of vehicles in the early morning or late 
evening hours. Additionally, should one of the triggers occur, the NC 
DAQ will commence discussion amongst the stakeholders in the 
maintenance area regarding additional measures that could be 
implemented before the next ozone season. Such measures would likely 
relate to mobile sources within the maintenance area.
    Furthermore, the State will commence discussion with regulatory 
authorities responsible for upwind sources to determine additional 
actions to be implemented.
    These actions may include one or more of the following measures:
    * RACM for sources of NO<INF>X</INF>
    * Reasonably Available Control Technology for existing point 
sources of NO<INF>X</INF>
    * Mobile Source Measures
    * Additional NO<INF>X</INF> reduction measures yet to be 
identified.
    If the cause of the ozone transport is due to sources within North 
Carolina, by May 1st of the year following the ozone season in which 
the trigger has been activated, North Carolina will complete sufficient 
analyses to begin adoption of necessary rules for ensuring attainment 
and maintenance of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. The rules would become 
State effective by the following January 1st, unless legislative review 
is required. It is the States' aim to ensure that at least one of these 
measures be implemented within 18 to 24 months from the trigger being 
activated.
    If the cause of the ozone transport is from sources outside of 
North Carolina, then the NC DAQ will begin working with neighboring 
states to resolve the ozone transport issue. North Carolina has already 
filed a section 126 petition in order to ensure that adjacent states 
reduce their utility emissions in a timely manner.

VII. What Is EPA's Analysis of North Carolina's Proposed VOC 
Insignificance Determination for Conformity and the Proposed 
NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs for the GSMNP Area?

    Today's actions address two related elements regarding on-road 
motor vehicle emissions and the requirement to establish MVEBs. First, 
EPA is proposing to find that the VOC emission contribution from motor 
vehicles to 8-hour ozone pollution for the 1997 standard in the GSMNP 
Area is insignificant for transportation conformity. The result of this 
finding, if finalized, is that North Carolina need not develop an MVEB 
for VOC for the GSMNP Area. See below for further information on the 
insignificance determination. Second, EPA is proposing to approve the 
NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs for the GSMNP Area.

A. Proposed VOC Insignificance Determination for Transportation 
Conformity

    In certain instances, the Transportation Conformity Rule allows 
areas not to establish an MVEB where it is demonstrated that the 
regional motor vehicle emissions for a particular pollutant/precursor 
is an insignificant contributor to the air quality problem in an area. 
The general criteria for insignificance findings can be found in 40 CFR 
93.109(k). Insignificance determinations are based on a number of 
factors, including (1) the percentage of motor vehicle emissions in 
context of the total SIP inventory; (2) the current state of air 
quality as determined by monitoring data for that NAAQS; (3) the 
absence of SIP motor vehicle control measures; and (4) historical 
trends and future projections of the growth of motor vehicle emissions. 
EPA's rationale for the providing for insignificance determinations is 
described in the July 1, 2004, revision to the Transportation 
Conformity Rule at 69 FR 40004. Specifically, the rationale is 
explained on page 40061 under the subsection entitled ``XXIII. B. Areas 
With Insignificant Motor Vehicle Emissions.'' Any insignificance 
determination under review of EPA is subject to the adequacy and 
approval process for EPA's action on the SIP.
    Through the adequacy and SIP approval process, EPA may find that a 
SIP demonstrates that regional motor vehicle emissions are an 
insignificant contributor to the air quality problem for the pollutant/
precursor at issue. In the case of the GSMNP Area, EPA intends to make 
its finding as part of

[[Page 53210]]

EPA's final action on this redesignation request of North Carolina for 
the GSMNP Area. Upon the effective date of EPA's adequacy finding or 
the publication date of the final rule for this SIP revision (i.e., 
which includes the VOC insignificance determination), federal 
regulations waive the regional emissions analysis requirements (for the 
purpose of transportation conformity implementation) for the relevant 
pollutant or precursor. Areas with insignificant regional motor vehicle 
emissions for a pollutant or precursor are still required to make a 
conformity determination that satisfies other relevant requirements. 
Additionally, such areas are required to satisfy the regional emissions 
analysis requirements for pollutants or precursors for which EPA has 
not made a finding of insignificance.
    The maintenance plan for the GSMNP Area, included as part of the 
SIP revision, contains MVEBs for NO<INF>X</INF> and an insignificance 
determination for conformity for the VOC contribution from motor 
vehicles to the 8-hour ozone pollution for the 1997 standard in the 
GSMNP Area. As part of the preparation for its redesignation request, 
North Carolina consulted with the interagency consultation group for 
the GSMNP Area regarding the insignificance determination for 
transportation conformity for VOC. For the purposes of regional 
emissions analysis, the information provided by North Carolina supports 
EPA's proposal to determine VOC contribution to 8-hour ozone pollution 
from motor vehicles in the GSMNP Area as insignificant for conformity. 
The information provided by North Carolina to EPA as part of the SIP 
revision addresses each of the factors listed in 40 CFR 93.109(k), and 
is summarized below.
    According to information provided by North Carolina, biogenic 
emissions account for approximately 99 percent of the VOC emissions in 
future years in the GSMNP Area. On-road VOC emissions are projected to 
decline by about 54 percent by 2020 despite vehicle miles traveled 
going up by about 25 to 30 percent by 2020 and total non anthropogenic 
VOC are projected to decline from 0.58 to 0.39 tpd by 2020. Similarly, 
the current state of air quality in the GSMNP Area is steadily 
improving. The current ozone design value in the GSMNP Area is 0.077 
ppm based on data from 2006-2008. This is well below the NAAQS of 0.084 
ppm.
    In addition, North Carolina conducted a sensitivity analysis (a 
photochemical model) that indicated that 8-hour ozone levels in the 
GSMNP Area were not impacted by reductions in man-made VOC emissions 
(i.e., reductions from motor vehicles). Specifically, the photochemical 
model was run with a modeled 30 percent reduction in man-made VOC 
emissions, which is equivalent to a 33 percent highway mobile VOC 
reduction in 2009 for a 39-day period (June 1-July 9). In all 39 days 
of the modeling simulation, the 8-hour ozone maximum concentrations 
were not changed in Haywood and Swain Counties, which is a clear 
indication that highway mobile VOC is an insignificant contributor to 
ozone formation in that Area. In comparison, biogenic emissions are 
expected to account for at least 98 percent of the total inventory for 
VOC emissions. As discussed in North Carolina's submittal, the biogenic 
sector is the most abundant source of VOC in North Carolina and 
accounts for approximately 98 percent of the total VOC emissions 
statewide. As a result, the information provided by North Carolina 
indicates that VOC contribution to 8-hour ozone pollution from motor 
vehicle emissions is insignificant.
    With regard to the factor relating to the absence of motor vehicle 
control measures in the SIP, EPA considered the existence of an 
inspection and maintenance (I/M) program in the North Carolina SIP, and 
its implementation in the individual counties comprising the GSMNP 
Area. The I/M program was not added to the North Carolina SIP as a VOC 
control measure, but rather, a NO<INF>X</INF> control measure. The I/M 
program is currently being implemented in one of the counties (i.e. 
Haywood County) in the GSMNP Area. Implementation of the I/M program in 
the GSMNP Area began from July 2005, and continues to be ongoing in the 
Area. In North Carolina's SIP submittal, the State explains that the I/
M program was established to achieve additional reductions in 
NO<INF>X</INF> emissions. As a result, the existence of this program in 
the SIP for the purpose of NO<INF>X</INF> reductions does not prohibit 
EPA from finding the VOC contribution to 8-hour ozone pollution from 
motor vehicles insignificant.
    After evaluating the information provided by North Carolina and 
weighing the factors for the insignificance determination outlined in 
40 CFR 93.109(k), particularly the biogenic contribution to the overall 
VOC inventory, EPA is now proposing to approve North Carolina's 
determination that the VOC contribution from motor vehicle emissions to 
the 8-hour ozone pollution for the GSMNP Area is insignificant for 
purposes of conformity. If this finding is completed through the 
adequacy process (see Section VIII below) or approved through the final 
rulemaking on this SIP submission, the insignificance determination 
should be considered and specifically noted in the transportation 
conformity document that is prepared for this Area.

B. Proposed Regional NOX MVEBs

    Under the CAA, states are required to submit, at various times, 
control strategy SIPs and maintenance plans in ozone areas. These 
control strategy SIPs (reasonable further progress and attainment 
demonstration) and maintenance plans create MVEBs for criteria 
pollutants and/or their precursors to address pollution from cars and 
trucks. Per 40 CFR part 93, an MVEB is established for the last year of 
the maintenance plan. A state may adopt MVEBs for other years as well. 
The MVEB is the portion of the total allowable emissions in the 
maintenance demonstration that is allocated to highway and transit 
vehicle use and emissions. See, 40 CFR 93.101. The MVEB serves as a 
ceiling on emissions from an area's planned transportation system. The 
MVEB concept is further explained in the preamble to the November 24, 
1993, transportation conformity rule (58 FR 62188). The preamble also 
describes how to establish the MVEB in the SIP and how to revise the 
MVEB.
    North Carolina, after interagency consultation with the 
transportation partners for the GSMNP Area, has elected to develop 
regional MVEBs for NO<INF>X</INF>. North Carolina is developing these 
MVEBs, as required, for the last year of its maintenance plan, 2020, 
and for an additional year, 2011. The NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs for the 
GSMNP Area are defined in Table 10 below.

           Table 10--GSMNP Area NOX MVEBs (Kilograms per day)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        2011      2020
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOX MVEB............................................    179.9     127.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Through this rulemaking, EPA is proposing to approve the 2011 and 
2020 MVEBs for NO<INF>X</INF> for the GSMNP Area because EPA has 
determined that the Area maintains the 1997 8-hour ozone standard with 
the emissions at the levels of the budgets. As mentioned above, these 
MVEBs are for the entire GSMNP Area in North Carolina. Once the new 
MVEBs for the GSMNP Area (the subject of this rulemaking) are approved 
or found adequate (whichever is done first), they must be used for 
future conformity determinations.

[[Page 53211]]

VIII. What Is an Adequacy Determination?

    As discussed above, the MVEB is the portion of the total allowable 
emissions in the maintenance demonstration that is allocated to highway 
and transit vehicle use and emissions. The MVEB concept is further 
explained in the preamble to the November 24, 1993, transportation 
conformity rule (58 FR 62188). The preamble also describes how to 
establish the MVEB in the SIP and how to revise the MVEB. Additionally, 
the transportation conformity rule (see 93.109(k)) allows for areas not 
to establish a MVEB for a particular pollutant or precursor if it can 
be demonstrated that motor vehicle emissions contributions do not 
significantly contribute to an area's pollution. North Carolina's 
submittal for this area establishes MVEBs for NO<INF>X</INF> and 
provides an insignificance determination for VOC contribution.
    Under section 176(c) of the CAA, new transportation projects, such 
as the construction of new highways, must ``conform'' to (i.e., be 
consistent with) the part of the state's air quality plan that 
addresses pollution from cars and trucks. ``Conformity'' to the SIP 
means that transportation activities will not cause new air quality 
violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment of 
the NAAQS. If a transportation plan does not ``conform,'' most new 
projects that would expand the capacity of roadways cannot go forward. 
Regulations at 40 CFR part 93 set forth EPA policy, criteria, and 
procedures for demonstrating and assuring conformity of such 
transportation activities to a SIP. The regional emissions analysis is 
one, but not the only requirement for implementing transportation 
conformity. Transportation conformity is a requirement for 
nonattainment and maintenance areas. Maintenance areas are areas that 
were previously nonattainment for a particular NAAQS but have since 
been redesignated to attainment with a maintenance plan for that NAAQS.
    When reviewing submitted ``control strategy'' SIPs or maintenance 
plans containing MVEBs, EPA must affirmatively find the MVEB contained 
therein ``adequate'' for use in determining transportation conformity. 
Once EPA affirmatively finds the submitted MVEB is adequate for 
transportation conformity purposes, that MVEB can be used by State and 
Federal agencies in determining whether proposed transportation 
projects ``conform'' to the SIP as required by section 176(c) of the 
CAA.
    EPA's substantive criteria for determining ``adequacy'' of an MVEB, 
including EPA's determination that an MVEB need not be established 
because of an insignificance determination, are set out in 40 CFR 
93.118(e)(4). The process for determining ``adequacy'' consists of 
three basic steps: Public notification of a SIP submission, a public 
comment period, and EPA's adequacy finding. This process for 
determining the adequacy of submitted SIP MVEBs was initially outlined 
in EPA's May 14, 1999, guidance, ``Conformity Guidance on 
Implementation of March 2, 1999, Conformity Court Decision.'' This 
guidance was finalized in the Transportation Conformity Rule Amendments 
for the ``New 8-Hour Ozone and PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality 
Standards and Miscellaneous Revisions for Existing Areas; 
transportation conformity rule amendments--Response to Court Decision 
and Additional Rule Change,'' on July 1, 2004 (69 FR 40004). EPA 
follows this guidance and rulemaking in making its adequacy 
determinations. EPA must also use a similar process to determine the 
adequacy of an insignificance determination that is submitted by a 
state as a part of a control strategy SIP or maintenance plan. 
Additional information on the adequacy process for both MVEBs and 
insignificance determinations is available in the proposed rule 
entitled, ``Transportation Conformity Rule Amendments: Response to 
Court Decision and Additional Rule Changes,'' 68 FR 38974, 38984 (June 
30, 2003).

IX. What Is the Status of EPA's Adequacy Determination for the Regional 
NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs for the Years 2011 and 2020, and the VOC 
Insignificance Determination?

    As discussed earlier, North Carolina's maintenance plan submission 
includes new NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs for the GSMNP Area for the years 2011 
and 2020. Additionally, the maintenance plan included a VOC 
insignificance determination for the entire GSMNP Area, and therefore, 
no MVEB for VOC is included as part of the SIP revision. EPA is 
reviewing both the NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs and the VOC insignificance 
determination through the adequacy process. The North Carolina SIP 
submission, including the GSMNP Area NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs and the VOC 
insignificance determination, was open for public comment on EPA's 
adequacy Web site on May 18, 2009, found at: http://www.epa.gov/ataq/stateresoures/transconf/currsips.htm. The EPA public comment period on 
adequacy of the 2011 and 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, and VOC 
insignificance determination closed on June 17, 2009. There were no 
comments on the North Carolina submission.
    EPA intends to make its determination on the adequacy of the 2011 
and 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, and the VOC insignificance determination 
for the GSMNP Area for transportation conformity purposes in the final 
rulemaking on the redesignation of the GSMNP Area. If EPA finds the 
2011 and 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, and the VOC insignificance 
determination adequate or approves these MVEBs and the VOC 
insignificance determination in the final rulemaking action, the new 
MVEBs for NO<INF>X</INF> must be used, and the VOC insignificance 
determination should be noted, for future transportation conformity 
determinations. If the new 2011 and 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs are found 
adequate, and both the NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs and the related VOC 
insignificance determination are approved in the final rulemaking, the 
NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs and the VOC insignificance determination will be 
effective on the date of publication of EPA's final rulemaking in the 
Federal Register. For required regional emissions analysis years that 
involve the year 2019 or before, the applicable budget for the purposes 
of conducting transportation conformity will be the new 2011 
NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs for the GSMNP Area. For required regional 
emissions analysis years that involve 2020 or beyond, the applicable 
budgets will be the new 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs. Both the 2011 and 
2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs are defined in section VII of this proposed 
rulemaking. More detail on the VOC insignificance determination can be 
found in section VII of this proposed rulemaking as well.

X. Proposed Action on the Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan 
SIP Revision Including Proposed Approval of the 2011 and 2020 
NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, and the Proposed VOC Insignificance Determination 
for the GSMNP Area

    EPA is proposing to make the determination that the GSMNP Area has 
met the criteria for redesignation from nonattainment to attainment for 
the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This proposed approval of North Carolina's 
redesignation request is based on EPA's determination that North 
Carolina has demonstrated that the GSMNP Area has met the criteria for 
redesignation to attainment specified in the CAA, including the 
determination that the entire GSMNP 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment 
area has attained the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.

[[Page 53212]]

    Specifically, EPA is proposing to approve the maintenance plan for 
the GSMNP Area included as part of the July 24, 2009, SIP revision. The 
maintenance plan includes NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs for 2011 and 2020, and a 
VOC insignificance determination for motor vehicles' contribution to 
the ozone pollution in this Area, among other requirements. EPA is 
proposing to approve the 2011 and 2020 regional NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs 
for the GSMNP Area because the maintenance plan demonstrates that even 
with expected emissions for all other source categories, the GSMNP Area 
will continue to maintain the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. EPA is also 
proposing to approve the insignificance determination for the VOC 
contribution from motor vehicle emissions to the 8-hour ozone pollution 
for the 1997 standard for the GSMNP Area.
    Further as part of today's action, EPA is describing the status of 
its adequacy determination for the 2011 and 2020 NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs, 
and VOC insignificance determination, in accordance with 40 CFR 
93.118(f)(1). If transportation conformity is needed to be implemented 
in this Area, the transportation partners will need to demonstrate 
conformity to the new NO<INF>X</INF> MVEBs pursuant to 40 CFR 
93.104(e). Additionally, the transportation partners should note EPA's 
finding of adequacy and approval for the VOC insignificance 
determination for future conformity determinations.

XI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this 
proposed action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and 
therefore is not subject to review by the Office of Management and 
Budget. For this reason, this action is also not subject to Executive 
Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect 
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This 
proposed action merely proposes to approve state law as meeting Federal 
requirements and imposes no additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. Redesignation of an area to attainment under 
section 107(d)(3)(e) of the CAA does not impose any new requirements on 
small entities. Redesignation is an action that affects the status of a 
geographical area and does not impose any new regulatory requirements 
on sources. Accordingly, the Administrator certifies that this proposed 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.). Because this rule proposes to approve pre-existing 
requirements under state law and does not impose any additional 
enforceable duty beyond that required by state law, it 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).
    This proposed rule also does not have tribal implications because 
it will not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian 
tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian 
tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified by Executive 
Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This action also does not 
have Federalism implications because it does not have substantial 
direct effects on the states, on the relationship between the national 
government and the states, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government, as specified 
in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). This action 
merely affects the status of a geographical area, does not impose any 
new requirements on sources, or allow a state to avoid adopting or 
implementing other requirements and does not alter the relationship or 
the distribution of power and responsibilities established in the CAA. 
This proposed rule also is not subject to Executive Order 13045 
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); because it is not economically 
significant and because the Agency does not have reason to believe that 
the rule concerns an environmental health risk or safety risk that may 
disproportionately affect children.
    In reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. In this 
context, in the absence of a prior existing requirement for the State 
to use voluntary consensus standards (VCS), EPA has no authority to 
disapprove a SIP submission for failure to use VCS. It would thus be 
inconsistent with applicable law for EPA, when it reviews a SIP 
submission; to use VCS in place of a SIP submission that otherwise 
satisfies the provisions of the CAA. Redesignation is an action that 
affects the status of a geographical area but does not impose any new 
requirements on sources. Thus, the requirements of section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) do not apply. This proposed rule does not impose an information 
collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

List of Subjects

40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Intergovernmental 
relations, Incorporation by reference, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.

40 CFR Part 81

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, National parks, 
Wilderness areas.

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

    Dated: September 29, 2009
Beverly H. Banister,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
[FR Doc. E9-24818 Filed 10-15-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


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