### 9407 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / Proposed Rules

affected by the provisions of this act, rules, or policies of the Department. Also, 15A NCAC 2D .2000 Transportation Conformity requires a consultation with all affected partners to be implemented for transportation conformity determinations. Furthermore, NC DAQ has demonstrated consultation with, and participation by, affected local entities through its work with local political subdivisions during the developing of its Transportation Conformity SIP, Regional Haze Implementation Plan, and the 8-Hour Ozone Attainment Demonstration for the North Carolina portion of the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC–SC nonattainment area. Additionally, the NC DAQ organizes stakeholder meetings to support SIP development and rulemakings. EPA has made the preliminary determination that North Carolina’s SIP and practices adequately demonstrate consultation with affected local entities related to the 2010 1-hour SO 2 NAAQS, when

necessary. V. Proposed Action

EPA is proposing to approve that portions of NC DAQ’s infrastructure SIP submission, submitted March 18, 2014, for the 2010 1-hour SO 2 NAAQS, has met the above described infrastructure SIP requirements. The PSD permitting requirements for major sources of section 110(a)(2)(C) and (J), the interstate transport requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II) (prongs 1 through 4), will not be addressed by EPA at this time. EPA has already taken action to approve North Carolina’s infrastructure SIP submission related to section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) for the 2010 SO 2 NAAQS. EPA is proposing to approve these portions of North Carolina’s infrastructure SIP submission for the 2010 1-hour SO 2 NAAQS because these aspects of the submission are consistent with section 110 of the CAA. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable Federal regulations. See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA’s role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed action:

• Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011);

• Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. );

• Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. );

• Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);

• Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);

• Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);

• Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);

• Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and

• Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).

The SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian country, the rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor will it impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

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

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Dated: February 11, 2016. Heather McTeer Toney, Regional Administrator, Region 4.

[FR Doc. 2016–03897 Filed 2–24–16; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION**  **AGENCY**

**40 CFR Part 63**

**[EPA–HQ–OAR–2014–0492; FRL–9940–75– OAR]** 

**RIN 2060–AR97**

**Clarification of Requirements for Method 303 Certification Training** 

**AGENCY :**  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

**ACTION :**  Proposed rule.

**SUMMARY :**  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing revisions to better define the requirements associated with conducting Method 303 training courses. In the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this issue of the Federal Register , we are approving the revisions to Method 303 as a direct final rule without a prior proposed rule. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule. Method 303 is an air pollution test method used to determine the presence of visible emissions (VE) from coke ovens. This action adds language that further clarifies the criteria used by the EPA to determine the competency of Method 303 training providers, but does not change the requirements for conducting the test method. These changes will help entities interested in conducting the required training courses by clearly defining the requirements necessary to do so.

**DATES :**  Written comments must be received by March 28, 2016.

**ADDRESSES :**  Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2014–0492, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or withdrawn. The EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission ( i.e., on the Web, Cloud, or other file sharing system).

For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia


### 9408 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / Proposed Rules

submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/ commenting-epa-dockets

. **FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Ms. Kim Garnett, U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality Assessment Division, Measurement Technology Group (Mail Code: E143–02), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone number: (919) 541–1158; fax number: (919) 541–0516; email address: garnett.kim@epa.gov

. **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  I. Why is the EPA issuing this proposed rule?

This document proposes to take action on the requirements associated with conducting Method 303 training courses. Method 303 is an air pollution test method used to determine the presence of visible emissions (VE) from coke ovens. We have published a direct final rule approving the revisions to Method 303 in the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this issue of the Federal Register because we view this as a non-controversial action and anticipate no adverse comment. We have explained our reasons for this action in the preamble of the direct final rule.

If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule. If we receive adverse comment, we will withdraw the direct final rule, and it will not take effect. We would address all public comments in any subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule.

We do not intend to institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time. For further information, please see the information provided in the **ADDRESSES** section of this document. II. Does this action apply to me?

This action applies to you if you are a potential provider of Method 303 training services, someone seeking training to conduct Method 303, or a facility subject to Method 303.

Method 303 is applicable for the determination of VE from the following by-product coke oven battery sources: Charging systems during charging; doors, topside port lids, and offtake systems on operating coke ovens; and collecting mains. This method is also applicable for qualifying observers for visually determining the presence of VE. This action adds language that further clarifies the criteria used by the EPA to determine the competency of Method 303 training providers, but does not change the requirements for conducting the test method.
III. Environmental Justice

The EPA has determined that this proposed rule will not have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not affect the level of protection provided to human health or the environment. This rulemaking does not relax the control measures on sources regulated by the proposed rule and, therefore, will not cause emissions increases from these sources. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

This action is not a significant regulatory action and was, therefore, not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

This action does not impose an information collection burden under the PRA. This action better defines the requirements associated with conducting Method 303 training courses and does not impose additional regulatory requirements on sources. C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

I certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. This action will not impose any requirements on small entities. This action better defines the requirements associated with conducting Method 303 training courses and does not impose additional regulatory requirements on sources. D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

This action does not contain an unfunded mandate of $100 million or more for as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531–1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. This action imposes no enforceable duty on any state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. This action adds additional language that clarifies the criteria used by the EPA to determine the competency of training providers, but does not change the requirements for conducting the test method.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

This action does not have federalism implications. It will 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. This action clarifies the criteria used by the EPA to determine the competency of training providers, but does not change the requirements for conducting the test method.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments

This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in Executive Order 13175. This action clarifies the criteria used by the EPA to determine the competency of training providers, but does not change the requirements for conducting the test method. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action. G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks

The EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those regulatory actions that concern environmental health or safety risks that the EPA has reason to believe may disproportionately affect children, per the definition of ‘‘covered regulatory action’’ in section 2–202 of the Executive Order. This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it does not concern an environmental health risk or safety risk.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 because it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)

This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

The EPA believes the human health or environmental risk addressed by this action will not have potential disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority, low-income or indigenous populations. The results of this evaluation are contained in the

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION** section of


### 9409 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / Proposed Rules

the preamble titled ‘‘III. Environmental Justice.’’ List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 63

Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Test methods.

Dated: February 12, 2016. Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.

For the reasons stated in the preamble, the EPA proposes to amend title 40, chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

**PART 63—[AMENDED]**

■ 1. The authority citation for part 63 continues to read as follows:

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

■ 2. In Appendix A, amend Method 303:

■ a. In section 5.0 by revising paragraph 5.2; and

■ b. In section 10.0 by:

■ i. Revising paragraphs 10.1, 10.1.1, 10.1.2, and 10.1.3;

■ ii. Adding paragraphs 10.1.4, 10.1.5, 10.1.6, and 10.1.7; and

■ iii. Revising paragraph 10.2.

The revisions and additions read as follows. Appendix A to Part 63—Test Methods

* * * * *

Method 303—Determination Of Visible Emissions From By-Product Coke Oven Batteries

* * * * * 5.0 Safety

* * * * *

5.2 Safety Training. Because coke oven batteries have hazardous environments, the training materials and the field training (section 10.0) shall cover the precautions required to address health and safety hazards.

* * * * *

10.0 Calibration and Standardization

* * * * *

10.1 Certification Procedures. This method requires only the determination of whether VE occur and does not require the determination of opacity levels; therefore, observer certification according to Method 9 in appendix A to part 60 of this chapter is not required to obtain certification under this method. However, in order to receive Method 303 observer certification, the first-time observer (trainee) shall have attended the lecture portion of the Method 9 certification course. In addition, the trainee shall successfully complete the Method 303 training course, satisfy the field observation requirement, and demonstrate adequate performance and sufficient knowledge of Method 303. The Method 303 training provider and course shall be approved by the Administrator and shall consist of classroom instruction, field training, and a proficiency test. In order to apply for approval as a Method 303 training provider, an applicant must submit their credentials and the details of their Method 303 training course to Group Leader, Measurement Technology Group (E143–02), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. Those details should include, at a minimum:

(a) A detailed list of the provider’s credentials.

(b) An outline of the classroom and the field portions of the class.

(c) Copies of the written training and lecture materials, to include:

(1) The classroom audio-visual presentation(s).

(2) A classroom course manual with instructional text and practice questions and problems for each of the elements of the Method 303 inspection ( i.e., charging, doors, lids and offtakes, and collecting mains). A copy of Method 303 and any related guidance documents should be included as appendices.

(3) A copy of the Method 303 demonstration video, if not using the one available on the EPA Web site: http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/emc/methods/ method303trainingvideo.mp4.

(4) Multiple-choice certification tests, with questions sufficient to demonstrate knowledge of the method, as follows: One (1) initial certification test and three (3) third-year recertification tests (the questions on any one recertification test must be at least 25 percent different from those on the other recertification tests).

(5) A field certification checklist and inspection forms for each of the elements of the Method 303 inspection ( i.e., charging, doors, lids and offtakes, and collecting mains).

(6) The criteria used to determine proficiency.

(7) The panel members to be utilized (see Section 10.1.3) along with their qualifications.

(8) An example certificate of successful course completion.

10.1.1 A trainee must verify completion of at least 12 hours of field observation prior to attending the Method 303 certification course. Trainees shall observe the operation of a coke oven battery as it pertains to Method 303, including topside operations, and shall also practice conducting Method 303 or similar methods. During the field observations, trainees unfamiliar with coke battery operations shall receive instruction from an experienced coke oven observer who is familiar with Method 303 or similar methods and with the operation of coke batteries.

10.1.2 The classroom instruction shall familiarize the trainees with Method 303 through lecture, written training materials, and a Method 303 demonstration video. Successful completion of the classroom portion of the Method 303 training course shall be demonstrated by a perfect score on the initial certification test. Those attending the course for third-year recertification must complete one of the recertification tests selected at random.

10.1.3 All trainees must demonstrate proficiency in the application of Method 303 to a panel of three certified Method 303 observers, including an ability to differentiate coke oven emissions from condensing water vapor and smoldering coal. The panel members will be EPA, state or local agency personnel, or industry contractors listed in 59 FR 11960 (March 15, 1994) or qualified as part of the training provider approval process of Section 10.1 of this method.

Each panel member shall have at least 120 days experience in reading visible emissions from coke ovens. The visible emissions inspections that will satisfy the experience requirement must be inspections of coke oven battery fugitive emissions from the emission points subject to emission standards under subpart L of this part ( i.e., coke oven doors, topside port lids, offtake system(s), and charging operations), using either Method 303 or predecessor state or local test methods. A ‘‘day’s experience’’ for a particular inspection is a day on which one complete inspection was performed for that emission point under Method 303 or a predecessor state or local method. A ‘‘day’s experience’’ does not mean 8 or 10 hours performing inspections, or any particular time expressed in minutes or hours that may have been spent performing them. Thus, it would be possible for an individual to qualify as a Method 303 panel member for some emission points, but not others ( e.g., an individual might satisfy the experience requirement for coke oven doors, but not topside port lids). Until November 15, 1994, the EPA may waive the certification requirement (but not the experience requirement) for panel members. The composition of the panel shall be approved by the EPA.

The panel shall observe the trainee in a series of training runs and a series of certification runs. There shall be a minimum of 1 training run for doors, topside port lids, and offtake systems,


### 9410 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / Proposed Rules

and a minimum of 5 training runs ( i.e., 5 charges) for charging. During training runs, the panel can advise the trainee on proper procedures. There shall be a minimum of 3 certification runs for doors, topside port lids, and offtake systems, and a minimum of 15 certification runs for charging ( i.e., 15 charges). The certification runs shall be unassisted. Following the certification test runs, the panel shall approve or disapprove certification based on the trainee’s performance during the certification runs. To obtain certification, the trainee shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the panel a high degree of proficiency in performing Method 303. To aid in evaluating the trainee’s performance, a checklist, approved by the EPA, will be used by the panel members.

10.1.4 Those successfully completing the initial certification or third-year recertification requirements shall receive a certificate showing certification as a Method 303 observer and the beginning and ending dates of the certification period.

10.1.5 The training provider will submit to the EPA or its designee the following information for each trainee successfully completing initial certification or third-year recertification training: Name, employer, address, telephone, cell and/or fax numbers, email address, beginning and ending dates of certification, and whether training was for 3-year certification or 1- year recertification. This information must be submitted within 30 days of the course completion.

10.1.6 The training provider will maintain the following records, to be made available to EPA or its designee on request (within 30 days of a request):

(a) A file for each Method 303 observer containing the signed certification checklists, certification forms and test results for their initialcertification, and any subsequent thirdyear recertifications. Initial certification records must also include documentation showing successful completion of the training prerequisites. Testing results from any interim recertifications must also be included, along with any relevant communications.

(b) A searchable master electronic database of all persons for whom initial certification, third-year recertification or interim recertification has been provided. Information contained therein must include: The observer’s name, employer, address, telephone, cell and fax numbers and email address, along with the beginning and ending dates for each successfully completed initial, third-year and interim recertification. 10.1.7 Failure by the training provider to submit example training course materials and/or requested training records to the Administrator may result in suspension of the approval of the provider and course.

10.2 Observer Certification/ Recertification. The coke oven observer certification is valid for 1 year. The observer shall recertify annually by reviewing the training material, viewing the training video and answering all of the questions on the recertification test correctly. Every 3 years, an observer shall be required to pass the proficiency test in Section 10.1.3 in order to be certified. The years between proficiency tests are referred to as interim years.

* * * * * [FR Doc. 2016–03758 Filed 2–24–16; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 6560–50–P**

**LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION**

**45 CFR Part 1630**

**Cost Standards and Procedures; Property Acquisition and Management**  **Manual**

**AGENCY :**  Legal Services Corporation.

**ACTION :**  Notice of rulemaking workshops, request for expressions of interest in participating in the rulemaking workshops, initiation of open comment period.

**SUMMARY :**  The Operations and Regulations Committee (Committee) of the Board of Directors for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is conducting three rulemaking workshops (Workshops) and is requesting public comments on revising LSC’s Cost Standards and Procedures rule, 45 CFR part 1630, and LSC’s Property Acquisition and Management Manual (PAMM). The discussions in the Workshops and the other comments received will be considered in connection with rulemaking by LSC. LSC is soliciting expressions of interest in participating as a panelist in the Workshops from LSC grantees and other interested stakeholders with relevant experience, such as other funders of civil legal aid programs.

**DATES :**  Expressions of interest in participating in the Rulemaking Workshops for Part 1630 and the PAMM must be received by 5:30 p.m. EST on March 17, 2016. The dates of the Workshops are:

1. April 20, 2016, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Washington, DC.

2. May 18, 2016, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Washington, DC. 3. June 15, 2016, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Washington, DC.

See the **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION** section for additional relevant dates.

**ADDRESSES :**  Expressions of interest may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Email: lscrulemaking@lsc.gov. Include ‘‘1630/PAMM Workshops’’ in the subject line of the message.

Fax: 202–337–6519. Mail: Stefanie K. Davis, Assistant General Counsel, Legal Services Corporation, 3333 K St. NW., Washington, DC 20007.

Hand Delivery/Courier: Stefanie K. Davis, Assistant General Counsel, Legal Services Corporation, 3333 K St. NW., Washington, DC 20007.

Instructions: All submissions must include the subject ‘‘1630/PAMM Workshops. For detailed instructions on submitting expressions of interest in participating as a panelist in the Workshops or on submitting comments about the topics to be discussed in the Workshops, please see Sections VI. and VII. of the **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION** section.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Stefanie K. Davis, Assistant General Counsel, Legal Services Corporation, 3333 K St. NW., Washington, DC 20007; (202) 295–1563 (phone); 202–337–6519 (fax); or sdavis@lsc.gov

. **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  I. Background

On July 16, 2015, LSC management (Management) presented the Committee with a Justification Memorandum recommending publication of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to seek public comment on possible revisions to 45 CFR part 1630— Cost Standards and Procedures, and LSC’s Property Acquisition and Management Manual (PAMM). Management stated that collecting input from LSC funding recipients through an ANPRM would aid LSC significantly in determining the scope of the rulemaking and in developing a more accurate understanding of the potential costs and benefits of certain revisions. The Committee voted to recommend that the Board approve Management’s recommendation and authorize LSC to open rulemaking for Part 1630 and the PAMM. On July 18, 2015, the LSC Board authorized rulemaking and approved the preparation of an ANPRM to revise Part 1630 and the PAMM. On October 9, 2015, LSC published an ANPRM seeking public comment on the proposed changes to Part 1630 and the PAMM. 80 FR 61142, Oct. 9, 2015. The comment period closed on December 8,

2015.