Document ID: EPA-R05-OAR-2006-0879-0002
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Final Approval of Ohio Open Burning Standards
Posted Date: 2008-03-21T04:00Z

[Federal Register: March 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 56)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 15081-15083]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21mr08-13]                         

[[Page 15081]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R05-OAR-2006-0879; FRL-8533-8]

 
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Ohio

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: EPA is approving revisions to the Ohio State Implementation 
Plan (SIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA). On September 7, 2006, Ohio 
requested approval of revisions to its open burning standards. In order 
to clarify the open burning rules, Ohio added requirements for specific 
types of burning that were previously not addressed. The state also 
added or refined some of the definitions and slightly changed some of 
the existing rules. The revisions were made to increase clarity of 
Ohio's open burning rules. EPA finds that the revisions are consistent 
with the CAA.

DATES: This direct final rule will be effective May 20, 2008, unless 
EPA receives adverse comments by April 21, 2008. If adverse comments 
are received, EPA will publish a timely withdrawal of the direct final 
rule in the Federal Register informing the public that the rule will 
not take effect.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R05-
OAR-2006-0879, by one of the following methods:
    1. www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
    2. E-mail: mooney.john@epa.gov.
    3. Fax: (312) 886-5824.
    4. Mail: John M. Mooney, Chief, Criteria Pollutant Section, Air 
Programs Branch (AR-18J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 77 West 
Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
    5. Hand Delivery: John M. Mooney, Chief, Criteria Pollutant 
Section, Air Programs Branch (AR-18J), U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Such 
deliveries are only accepted during the Regional Office normal hours of 
operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of 
boxed information. The Regional Office official hours of business are 
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding Federal 
holidays.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R05-OAR-
2006-0879. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
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 information that you consider to 
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. 
The 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 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.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the 
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such 
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Environmental Protection 
Agency, Region 5, Air and Radiation Division, 77 West Jackson 
Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604. This Facility is open from 8:30 
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. We 
recommend that you telephone Matt Rau, Environmental Engineer, at (312) 
886-6524 before visiting the Region 5 office.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Rau, Environmental Engineer, 
Criteria Pollutant Section, Air Programs Branch (AR-18J), Environmental 
Protection Agency, Region 5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, 
Illinois 60604, (312) 886-6524, rau.matthew@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA. This supplementary information 
section is arranged as follows:

I. What Is EPA Approving?
II. What Is the Background for This Action?
III. What Is EPA's Analysis of the State Submission?
IV. What Action Is EPA Taking?
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What Is EPA Approving?

    EPA is approving the Ohio SIP revisions submitted on September 7, 
2006, which change its open burning standards. Standards for new open 
burning purposes were added to Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3745-19. 
The rules were added for emergency burning, recreational fires, 
hazardous material disposal, and firefighting training. The conditions 
under which open burning of storm debris is allowed are stated. A 
definition for emergency burning was added. Minor revisions to some 
other definitions and to notification requirements were made to enhance 
clarity. Specifically, EPA is approving revisions to OAC 3745-19 
Sections 1, 2, 3 (including Appendix), 4, and 5.

II. What Is the Background for this Action?

    Ohio conducted a periodic review of its open burning standards, OAC 
3745-19. The state determined that rewording portions of the rules and 
adding language for new types of burning would clarify the rules. 
Questions from the regulated community and field staff led to the 
revisions. The standards the state added explicitly list the 
requirements for each type of burning.

III. What Is EPA's Analysis of the State Submission?

    Ohio made revisions to its open burning rules with the intent to 
improve rule clarity. It added a definition of emergency burning that 
lists six distinct disaster types. This sufficiently limits the types 
of events that could lead to emergency burning. Ohio also declared the 
conditions for special approvals for the open burning of storm debris.
    The state also added requirements for new burning types. The new 
requirements provide restrictions that are appropriate for the type of 
burning being conducted. Requirements were added for recreational fires 
such as campfires, emergency disposal of hazardous materials, fire 
extinguisher training, fire department training burns, and for 
emergency burning. The specific requirements for certain types of 
burning clarify the standards that apply to those burns.
    The emergency burning situations that do not need a permit or that 
only

[[Page 15082]]

need oral permission are clearly stated. Under the rules, written 
permission will follow oral permission, but the burning can proceed 
prior to the written permission being issued. This allows for emergency 
burning that protects public health and welfare to proceed without 
unnecessary delay. The strict definition of emergency burning should 
prevent an overly broad application of the emergency burning 
provisions. The revised rules make it clear when a burning permit is 
not required and what restrictions apply to several types of burning. 
This should improve compliance and aid enforcement of Ohio's open 
burning standards.

IV. What Action Is EPA Taking?

    EPA is approving revisions to the Ohio SIP. The revisions were 
submitted on September 7, 2006. Specifically, EPA is approving the 
revisions to OAC Chapter 3745-19, Sections 1 through 5 including the 
Section 3 Appendix. The changes to Ohio's open burning regulations were 
made to increase the clarity of regulations particularly for select 
types of burning. Specific regulations were added for emergency 
burning, recreational fires, hazardous material disposal, and 
firefighting training.
    We are publishing this action without prior proposal because we 
view this as a noncontroversial amendment and do not anticipate adverse 
comments. However, in the proposed rules section of this Federal 
Register publication, we are publishing a separate document that will 
serve as the proposal to approve the state plan if relevant adverse 
written comments are filed. This rule will be effective May 20, 2008 
without further notice unless we receive relevant adverse written 
comments by April 21, 2008. If we receive such comments, we will 
withdraw this action before the effective date by publishing a 
subsequent document that will withdraw the final action. All public 
comments received will then be addressed in a subsequent final rule 
based on the proposed action. The EPA will not institute a second 
comment period. Any parties interested in commenting on this action 
should do so at this time. If we do not receive any comments, this 
action will be effective May 20, 2008.

V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review

    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this 
action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and therefore is not 
subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget.

Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use

    Because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866 or a ``significant energy action,'' 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).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This action merely approves state law as meeting Federal 
requirements and imposes no additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. Accordingly, the Administrator certifies that 
this 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.).

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Because this rule approves 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).

Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This 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 (59 
FR 22951, November 9, 2000).

Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    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 approves a state rule implementing a 
federal standard, and does not alter the relationship or the 
distribution of power and responsibilities established in the Clean Air 
Act.

Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health 
and Safety Risks

    This 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 approves a state rule implementing a 
Federal Standard.

National Technology Transfer Advancement Act

    In reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. 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 Clean Air Act. 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.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This 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.).

Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot 
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal 
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
section 804(2).
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for 
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court 
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by May 20, 2008. Filing a 
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule 
does not affect the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial 
review nor does it extend the time within which a petition

[[Page 15083]]

for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the 
effectiveness of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged 
later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 
307(b)(2).)

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Particulate matter, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: February 15, 2008.
Bharat Mathur,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 5.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, part 52, chapter I, of title 40 
of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 52--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:

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

Subpart KK--Ohio

0
2. Section 52.1870 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(143) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  52.1870  Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (143) On September 7, 2006, Ohio submitted revisions to Ohio 
Administrative Code Chapter 3745-19, Rules 3745-19-01 through 3745-19-
05 including the 3754-19-03 Appendix. The revisions update Ohio's open 
burning regulations. Ohio added requirements for specific types of 
burning: emergency burning, recreational fires, hazardous material 
disposal, and firefighting training. The State also added or refined 
some of the definitions.
    (i) Incorporation by reference.
    (A) Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745: Ohio Environmental 
Protection Agency, Chapter 19: Open Burning Standards, Rule 3745-19-01: 
Definitions, Rule 3745-19-02: Relations to Other Prohibitions, Rule 
3745-19-03: Open Burning in Restricted Areas with Appendix ``Open 
Burning of Storm Debris Conditions'', Rule 3745-19-04: Open Burning in 
Unrestricted Areas, and Rule 3745-19-05: Permission to Individuals and 
Notification to the Ohio EPA. The rules were effective on July 7, 2006.
    (B) June 27, 2006, ``Director's Final Findings and Orders'', signed 
by Joseph P. Koncelik, Director, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, 
adopting rules 3745-19-01, 3745-19-02, 3745-19-03, 3745-19-04, and 
3745-19-05.

[FR Doc. E8-5667 Filed 3-20-08; 8:45 am]

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