Iowa Administrative Bulletin

VOLUME XXXVI NUMBER 23

May 14, 2014

Pages 2147 to 2151

ARC 1458C

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMISSION [567]

Notice of Intended Action

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 455B.133, the Environmental Protection 

Commission (Commission) hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 22, 

“Controlling Pollution,” and Chapter 23, “Emission Standards for Contaminants,” Iowa 

Administrative Code.

First, the Commission proposes in this rule making to establish in Chapter 22 best 

management practices (BMPs) for grain vacuuming operations at small grain elevators. The 

BMPs include practical activities that owners and operators may use at grain elevators to 

minimize dust and possible air quality impacts resulting from vacuuming grain out of storage 

structures. The BMPs were developed through a stakeholder workgroup that was jointly 

organized by the Department of Natural Resources (Department) and Agribusiness Association 

of Iowa (AAI) and that included grain elevator operators and grain vacuum (grain vac) vendors.

Second, the Commission proposes changes to Chapter 23 to adopt by reference federal air 

toxics standards for chemical manufacturing plants and for prepared feeds manufacturing (also 

known as National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, or NESHAP).

The Commission had originally adopted these standards by reference in 2010. However, 

Executive Order (EO) 72 rescinded the adoption of these standards concurrent with the 

rescission of the RICE NESHAP. EO 72 stated that the RICE NESHAP was too costly for small 

utilities that maintain and operate rarely used emergency engines, and the RICE NESHAP 

requirements could increase electricity rates for consumers. In response to the concerns from 

Governor Branstad as expressed in EO 72 and concerns from other stakeholders, the U.S. 

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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agreed to reconsider the RICE NESHAP. 

Consequently, EPA updated the RICE NESHAP to provide more circumstances for emergency 

engines and for engines that participate in electricity management programs to operate under 

nonemergency conditions. The Commission adopted the updated RICE NESHAP in a previous 

rule making (see ARC 1014C, IAB 9/16/13).

Subsequent to EO 72, EPA updated the NESHAPs proposed for adoption in this rule 

making. The revised NESHAPs generally provide regulatory relief and clarify the previous 

requirements. The Commission is proposing to adopt these NESHAPs. Upon adoption of the 

NESHAPs, the Department rather than EPA will implement and enforce these regulations in 

Iowa, allowing the Department to provide compliance assistance and outreach to affected 

facilities as soon as possible.

Item 1 amends subparagraph 22.10(3)“a”(2) to revise the BMPs for grain elevators 

currently adopted by reference. The BMPs for grain elevators are designed to reduce emissions 

of particulate matter that is less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), especially dust that crosses 

the property line and that may adversely affect air quality at nearby businesses or residences. The 

BMP document includes both facilitywide and equipment-specific practices that apply to both 

new and existing equipment. The proposed amendment will add to the current BMP document a 

list of management practices for grain vacuuming operations at grain storage bins. The proposed 

management practices were developed and recommended by a stakeholder workgroup jointly 

coordinated by the Department and AAI. The proposed changes to the BMP document are 

available from the Department, upon request, and at the Department’s Web site at 

http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RegulatoryAir/StakeholderInvolvement.aspx (under the 

Public Input section).

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Background

In 2007, the Department worked with AAI and other stakeholders to develop flexible 

groupings for grain elevators. This collaboration resulted in rules that allowed over 800 owners 

and operators of small grain elevators (classified as “Group 1” elevators) to complete a one-page 

registration form rather than apply for an air construction permit. Additionally, the adopted rules 

(published in the 2/13/08 IAB as ARC 6599B) established the BMPs for small grain elevators.

Prior to 2008, most grain facilities used sweep augers to extract the remaining grain from 

the bottom of storage bins. Beginning in late 2009, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA) sent letters to grain elevators stating that operators could not be inside a 

grain bin while an unguarded sweep auger operated inside the bin. As a result of the OSHA 

letters, more facilities use grain vacuuming to remove the remaining grain from storage bins.

With the wider use of grain vacuuming operations, the Department’s field offices started 

receiving dust complaints from residences and businesses located near grain elevators using 

grain vacs. The Department became concerned about PM10 emissions and dust from increased 

use of grain vac operations. The Department subsequently partnered with AAI to convene a 

stakeholder workgroup to develop solutions that address complaints and ensure compliance with 

air quality regulations. The proposed amendment is the result of this collaborative effort.

Stakeholder Involvement

The Grain Vac Workgroup convened in August 2011. The workgroup consisted of ten 

participants in addition to representatives from AAI, the Department and the Iowa Department of 

Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The facility and business participants included 

representatives from grain elevators and grain vac vendors. The workgroup met two times 

between August 2011 and June 2012. In addition, the Department conducted three onsite visits to 

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observe grain vac operations.

The proposed amendment revises the document, “Best Management Practices for Grain 

Elevators (December 2007),” adopted by reference in subparagraph 22.10(3)“a”(2). The 

revisions incorporate management practices for grain vac operations. The BMPs for grain vac 

operations will become applicable on the effective date of the adopted amendment.

Affected Facilities

The proposed amendment will revise the current BMPs for “Group 1” grain elevators and 

provide the option to include revised BMPs in the permits for new or modified “Group 2” grain 

elevators.

Group 1 grain elevators are specifically defined as facilities with PM10 emissions less 

than 15 tons per year (567—22.10(455B)). Group 1 elevators are typically smaller grain 

elevators and are often “country grain elevators” that receive 50 percent or more of their grain 

from nearby farmers during harvest season. The owner or operator of a Group 1 elevator may use 

the BMP document and the streamlined registration process provided in rule 567—22.10(455B) 

rather than applying for an air construction permit.

Group 2 grain elevators have potential PM10 emissions between 15 and 50 tons per year. 

In lieu of using the regular construction permit process, an owner or operator of a Group 2 

elevator may complete a shorter application form specific to Group 2 elevators. The facility will 

receive a Group 2 permit that allows the facility to make certain changes without having to 

modify the permit. The BMPs included in the Group 2 permit are identical to the BMP document 

for Group 1 facilities. The amendment will affect only new or modified Group 2 facilities that 

apply for a new or revised Group 2 permit.

The proposed amendment adds BMPs specific to grain vac operations to the current BMP 

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document. Grain elevators that are not classified as Group 1 or Group 2 elevators are not covered 

by the proposed amendments. Grain elevators classified as Group 3 or Group 4 in rule 

567—22.10(455B), as well as other grain elevators not covered by rule 567—22.10(455B), must 

obtain air construction permits. Construction permits include requirements specific to the 

facility, and may require BMPs similar to those in the BMPs for Group 1 or Group 2 facilities.

Item 2 amends the introductory paragraph of subrule 23.1(4) to reflect the most current 

amendment date to 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 63 adopted by reference in 

Chapter 23. The revised date reflects the amendments described below in Item 3 and Item 4.

Item 3 amends paragraph 23.1(4)“ev” to adopt the federal NESHAP for Chemical 

Manufacturing at Area Sources (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart VVVVVV). The Commission 

originally adopted this NESHAP by reference in 2010. However, EO 72 rescinded the adoption 

of this standard concurrent with the rescission of the RICE NESHAP. Subsequent to EO 72, the 

EPA revised this NESHAP to provide clarity and regulatory relief to stakeholders. The 

Commission is now proposing to adopt this standard for chemical manufacturing facilities.

Background

In October 2009, EPA finalized the NESHAP for Chemical Manufacturing at Area 

Sources (Subpart VVVVVV, hereafter referred to as the “6V NESHAP”). The final 6V 

NESHAP appeared to include ethanol production facilities, but the standards were unclear on 

several points. In January 2012, EPA agreed to reconsider portions of the 6V NESHAP. On 

December 21, 2012, EPA issued final amendments to the 6V NESHAP and extended the 

compliance date until March 2013. With the assistance of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association 

(IRFA), the Department determined that current dry-mill corn ethanol production facilities in 

Iowa are not subject to the 6V NESHAP. At this time, the Department has identified a small 

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number of other chemical manufacturing facilities subject to the 6V NESHAP.

Stakeholder Involvement

Since EPA issued the original 6V NESHAP in October 2009, the Department has worked 

with IRFA to discuss outstanding applicability issues concerning the federal regulations. The 

Department met with IRFA to discuss EPA’s revised standards (issued on December 21, 2012) 

and the potential implications for ethanol production facilities in Iowa. IRFA agreed to work 

with its members and its national association to gather data on emissions from ethanol 

production that could potentially trigger 6V NESHAP applicability. Based on the data and 

analysis that IRFA provided to the Department in May and June 2013, the Department concurred 

with IRFA that current dry-mill corn ethanol production facilities in Iowa are not subject to the 

6V NESHAP.

Affected Facilities

Based on information and analysis compiled by IRFA, the Department has determined 

that dry-mill corn ethanol production facilities in Iowa are not subject to the 6V NESHAP, and 

therefore would not have regulatory costs associated with the 6V NESHAP. Five other chemical 

manufacturing facilities have notified the Department and EPA that they are subject to the 6V 

NESHAP. Based on information available, it appears that two of these facilities are already 

complying with the 6V NESHAP. One of the facilities is currently under construction. The 

compliance status of the other two facilities is unknown.

Upon adoption of the 6V NESHAP, the Department rather than EPA will implement and 

enforce these regulations in Iowa, allowing the Department to provide compliance assistance and 

outreach to affected facilities as soon as possible.

Item 4 amends paragraph 23.1(4)“fd” to adopt the recently amended federal NESHAP 

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for Area Source Standards for Prepared Feeds Manufacturing (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart 

DDDDDDD, hereafter referred to as the “7D NESHAP”). The Commission originally adopted 

this NESHAP by reference in 2010. However, EO 72 rescinded the adoption of this standard 

concurrent with the rescission of the RICE NESHAP. Subsequent to EO 72, the EPA revised this 

NESHAP standard to provide clarity and regulatory relief to stakeholders. The Commission is 

now proposing to adopt the 7D NESHAP.

Background

In January 2010, EPA published the 7D NESHAP. The 7D NESHAP appeared to cover 

all feed mills that used chromium and manganese in production, but several provisions of the 

final standards were unclear. In 2011, EPA agreed to reconsider some provisions of the 7D 

NESHAP. EPA finalized its reconsideration on December 23, 2011, revising the 7D NESHAP so 

that feed mills with pellet cooler operations were not required to install new emissions control if 

the facility had existing control equipment. The 7D NESHAP compliance date for existing feed 

mills was January 5, 2012.

Stakeholder Involvement

The Department has worked with AAI since EPA issued the original 7D NESHAP in 

January 2010. EPA issued final amendments on December 23, 2011, that generally allowed 

affected feed mills to comply with the 7D NESHAP by following basic housekeeping 

requirements and using existing emissions control equipment.

Affected Facilities

Based on notifications submitted to EPA and the survey that the University of Northern 

Iowa (UNI) air emissions assistance program conducted, the Department estimates that up to 80 

facilities in Iowa are subject to the 7D NESHAP. The majority of these facilities are subject only 

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to basic housekeeping requirements. The Department estimates that 20 of these facilities are 

required to control particulate emissions (a surrogate for manganese and chromium emissions) 

from pellet cooling operations. Most of these facilities have submitted the required notifications 

to EPA and the Department indicating the facilities are in compliance with the 7D NESHAP. The 

7D NESHAP requires all subject facilities to undertake additional monitoring, record keeping, 

and reporting.

Upon adoption of the 7D NESHAP, the Department rather than EPA will implement and 

enforce these regulations in Iowa, allowing the Department to provide compliance assistance and 

outreach to affected facilities as soon as possible. The Department plans to continue the 

partnership with UNI and AAI to offer assistance to affected facilities.

Any person may make written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendments on 

or before June 16, 2014. Written comments should be directed to Christine Paulson, Department 

of Natural Resources, Air Quality Bureau, 7900 Hickman Road, Suite 1, Windsor Heights, Iowa 

50324; fax (515)725-9501; or by e-mail to christine.paulson@dnr.iowa.gov.

A public hearing will be held on Monday, June 16, 2014, at 1 p.m. in the Conference 

Rooms, Air Quality Bureau Office, 7900 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights, Iowa. All comments 

must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 16, 2014.

Any person who intends to attend the public hearing and has special requirements, such 

as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact Christine Paulson at 

(515)725-9510, or by e-mail to christine.paulson@dnr.iowa.gov to advise of any specific needs.

Jobs Impact Statement

The following is a summary of the jobs impact statement. The complete jobs impact 

statement is available from the Department upon request.

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After analysis and review, the Department has determined that the proposed amendments 

will have no impact on private sector jobs and employment opportunities in the state.

Grain Vac BMPs

Grain elevator owners and operators will likely entail costs to control particulate 

emissions during grain vac operations. However, these costs should be minimal and should not 

negatively impact jobs at grain elevators. First, the activities listed in the BMP document are 

simply examples. The grain elevator owner or operator may determine if management activities 

are necessary to reasonably prevent dust from grain vac operations from crossing the property 

line and whether any of the examples included in the BMP document are appropriate for the 

facility. The owner or operator may choose to employ different management practices. Second, 

the BMPs were developed by a stakeholder group consisting of representatives from both grain 

elevator and grain vac vendors. The workgroup developed practical, cost-effective practices that 

are already being successfully implemented at some grain elevators. Third, the Department 

expects that grain elevator owners and operators will choose to implement BMPs only as 

necessary and will not implement practices at such a frequency or cost to adversely impact jobs 

at their facilities.

6V NESHAP

Based on information and analysis compiled by IRFA, the Department has determined 

that dry-mill corn ethanol production facilities in Iowa are not subject to the 6V NESHAP and 

therefore would not have regulatory costs associated with the 6V NESHAP. The five other 

facilities potentially affected by the 6V NESHAP may have additional regulatory requirements, 

but these are not expected to be significant enough to impact jobs.

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7D NESHAP

The 7D NESHAP requires all subject facilities to undertake additional monitoring, record 

keeping, and reporting. However, these requirements are not expected to be sufficient to 

negatively impact jobs at these facilities.

These amendments are intended to implement Iowa Code section 455B.133.

The following amendments are proposed.

ITEM 1. Amend subparagraph 22.10(3)“a”(2) as follows:

(2) Best management practices (BMP). The owner or operator of a Group 1 facility shall

implement best management practices (BMP) for controlling air pollution at the facility and for 

limiting fugitive dust at the facility from crossing the property line. The owner or operator shall 

implement BMP according to the department manual, Best Management Practices (BMP) for 

Grain Elevators (December 2007; revised [insert date the revised manual is approved by the 

commission]), as adopted by the commission on January 15, 2008, and [insert date the revised 

manual is adopted by the commission] and adopted by reference herein (available from the 

department, upon request, and on the department’s Internet Web site). No later than March 31, 

2009, the owner or operator of an existing Group 1 facility shall fully implement applicable 

BMP, except that BMPs for grain vacuuming operations shall be fully implemented no later than 

[insert effective date of these amendments]. Upon startup of equipment at the facility, the owner 

or operator of a new Group 1 facility shall fully implement applicable BMP.

ITEM 2. Amend subrule 23.1(4), introductory paragraph, as follows:

23.1(4) Emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for source categories.The 

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federal standards for emissions of hazardous air pollutants for source categories, 40 Code of 

Federal Regulations Part 63 as amended or corrected through September 19, 2011, December 21, 

2012, are adopted by reference, except those provisions which cannot be delegated to the states. 

The corresponding 40 CFR Part 63 subpart designation is in parentheses. An earlier date for 

adoption by reference may be included with the subpart designation in parentheses (except for 

paragraph 23.1(4)“cz,” which specifies a later date for adoption by reference). 40 CFR Part 63, 

Subpart B, incorporates the requirements of Clean Air Act Sections 112(g) and 112(j) and does 

not adopt standards for a specific affected facility. Test methods (Appendix A), sources defined 

for early reduction provisions (Appendix B), and determination of the fraction biodegraded 

(Fbio) in the biological treatment unit (Appendix C) of Part 63 also apply to the affected 

activities or facilities. For the purposes of this subrule, “hazardous air pollutant” has the same 

meaning found in 567—22.100(455B). For the purposes of this subrule, a “major source” means 

any stationary source or group of stationary sources located within a contiguous area and under 

common control that emits or has the potential to emit, considering controls, in the aggregate, 10 

tons per year or more of any hazardous air pollutant or 25 tons per year or more of any 

combination of hazardous air pollutants, unless a lesser quantity is established, or in the case of 

radionuclides, where different criteria are employed. For the purposes of this subrule, an “area 

source” means any stationary source of hazardous air pollutants that is not a “major source” as 

defined in this subrule. Paragraph 23.1(4)“a,” general provisions (Subpart A) of Part 63, shall 

apply to owners or operators who are subject to subsequent subparts of 40 CFR Part 63 (except 

when otherwise specified in a particular subpart or in a relevant standard) as adopted by 

reference below.

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ITEM 3. Amend paragraph 23.1(4)“ev” as follows:

ev. Emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for area sources: chemical 

manufacturing. Rescinded IAB 9/19/12, effective 10/24/12. This standard applies to chemical 

manufacturing at new and existing facilities that are area sources for hazardous air pollutant 

emissions. (Part 63, Subpart VVVVVV)

ITEM 4. Amend paragraph 23.1(4)“fd” as follows:

fd. Emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for area sources: prepared feeds 

manufacturing. Rescinded IAB 9/19/12, effective 10/24/12. This standard applies to prepared 

feeds manufacturing that produces animal feed products (not including feed for cats or dogs) and 

uses chromium or manganese compounds at new and existing facilities that are area sources for 

hazardous air pollutant emissions. (Part 63, Subpart DDDDDDD)

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