Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0427-0001
Agency: epa
Document Type: Notice
Title: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos: Request for Approval of Alternative Work Practice for Asbestos Cement Pipe Replacement
Posted Date: 2018-04-25T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 25, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18042-18051]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08574]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0427; FRL-9975-48-OAR]
RIN 2060-AT73

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for 
Asbestos: Request for Approval of an Alternative Work Practice for 
Asbestos Cement Pipe Replacement

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notification of request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This action provides public notice and solicits comment on an 
alternative work practice (AWP) request under the Clean Air Act, to use 
new technology and work practices developed for removal and replacement 
of asbestos cement (A/C) pipe. In this action, the Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting comment on all aspects of this 
request for an AWP that, in order to be approved, should be at least 
environmentally equivalent to the existing work practices in the 
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos 
(Asbestos NESHAP), which applies to the removal and replacement of A/C 
pipe.

DATES: 
    Comments. The EPA must receive written comments on or before June 
25, 2018.
    Public Hearing. If a public hearing is requested by April 30, 2018, 
then we will hold a public hearing on May 10, 2018 at the EPA William 
Jefferson Clinton (WJC) East Building, 1201 Constitution Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20004. If a public hearing is requested, then we will 
provide additional details about the public hearing on our website at 
https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants. To request a hearing, to 
register to speak at a hearing, or to inquire if a hearing will be 
held, please contact Aimee St. Clair at (919) 541-1063 or by email at 
[email protected]. The EPA does not intend to publish any future 
notices in the Federal Register regarding a public hearing on this 
proposed action and directs all inquiries regarding a hearing to the 
website and contact person identified above. The last day to pre-
register in advance to speak at the public hearing will be May 8, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Comments. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0427, at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot 
be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. Regulations.gov is our 
preferred method of receiving comments. However, other submission 
formats are accepted. To ship or send mail via the United States Postal 
Service, use the following address: U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, EPA Docket Center, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0427, Mail 
Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. Use the 
following Docket Center address if you are using express mail, 
commercial delivery, hand delivery, or courier. EPA Docket Center, WJC 
West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20004. Delivery verification signatures will be

[[Page 18043]]

available only during regular business hours.
    Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be 
confidential business information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Send or deliver information 
identified as CBI only to the following address. OAQPS Document Control 
Officer (C404-02), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, 
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 
27711, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0427.
    The EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. 
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 submissions, 
and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/where-send-comments-epa-dockets.
    Public Hearing. If a public hearing is requested, it will be held 
at EPA Headquarters, EPA WJC East Building, 1201 Constitution Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20004. If a public hearing is requested, then we 
will provide details about the public hearing on our website at: 
https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants. The EPA does not intend to 
publish another document in the Federal Register announcing any updates 
on the request for a public hearing. Please contact Aimee St. Clair at 
(919) 541-1063 or by email at [email protected] to request a public 
hearing, to register to speak at the public hearing, or to inquire as 
to whether a public hearing will be held.
    The EPA will make every effort to accommodate all speakers who 
arrive and register. If a hearing is held at a U.S. government 
facility, individuals planning to attend should be prepared to show a 
current, valid state- or federal-approved picture identification to the 
security staff in order to gain access to the meeting room. An expired 
form of identification will not be permitted. Please note that the Real 
ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established new requirements for 
entering federal facilities. If your driver's license is issued by a 
noncompliant state, you must present an additional form of 
identification to enter a federal facility. Acceptable alternative 
forms of identification include: Federal employee badge, passports, 
enhanced driver's licenses, and military identification cards. 
Additional information on the Real ID Act is available at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions. In addition, you will 
need to obtain a property pass for any personal belongings you bring 
with you. Upon leaving the building, you will be required to return 
this property pass to the security desk. No large signs will be allowed 
in the building, cameras may only be used outside of the building, and 
demonstrations will not be allowed on federal property for security 
reasons.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this action, 
contact Ms. Susan Fairchild, Sector Policies and Programs Division (D-
243-04), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS), U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 
27711; telephone number: (919) 541-5167; fax number: (919) 541-4991; 
and email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Docket. The EPA has established a docket for this rulemaking under 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0427. All documents in the docket are 
listed in the 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, is not placed on the internet and will be 
publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket 
materials are available either electronically in Regulations.gov or in 
hard copy at the EPA Docket Center, Room 3334, EPA WJC West Building, 
1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room is 
open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding 
legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is 
(202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the EPA Docket Center is 
(202) 566-1742.
    Instructions. Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2017-0427. The 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 CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by 
statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or 
otherwise protected through http://www.regulations.gov or email. This 
type of information should be submitted by mail (see ADDRESSES section 
of this preamble for correct mailing address). The http://www.regulations.gov website is an ``anonymous access'' system, which 
means the EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless 
you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email 
comment directly to the EPA without going through http://www.regulations.gov, your email 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, the 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 the EPA cannot read your comment due to technical 
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, the EPA may not 
be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should not include 
special characters or any form of encryption and be free of any defects 
or viruses. For additional information about the EPA's public docket, 
visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.
    Submitting CBI. Do not submit information containing CBI to the EPA 
through http://www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or 
all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in 
a disk or CD-ROM that you mail to the EPA, mark the outside of the disk 
or CD-ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or 
CD-ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to 
one complete version of the comments that includes information claimed 
as CBI, you must submit a copy of the comments that does not contain 
the information claimed as CBI for inclusion in the public docket. If 
you submit a CD-ROM or disk that does not contain CBI, mark the outside 
of the disk or CD-ROM clearly that it does not contain CBI. Information 
not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and the EPA's 
electronic public docket without prior notice. Information so marked 
will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 
40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 2.
    Acronyms and Abbreviations. We use multiple acronyms and terms in 
this notice. While this list may not be exhaustive, to ease the reading 
of this

[[Page 18044]]

notice and for reference purposes, the EPA defines the following terms 
and acronyms here:

A/C asbestos cement
ACM asbestos-containing material
ACPRP asbestos cement pipe replacement project
ACWM asbestos-containing waste material
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
AWP alternative work practice
CBI confidential business information
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CTPS close tolerance pipe slurrification
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
NESHAP national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants
OAQPS Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
PVC polyvinyl chloride
RACM regulated asbestos-containing material, as defined in 40 CFR 
61.141
VE visible emissions, as defined in 40 CFR 61.141

    Organization of This Document. The information in this notice is 
organized as follows:

I. General Information
    A. Does this action apply to me?
    B. How do I obtain a copy of this document and other related 
information?
II. Background Information
    A. Why are asbestos cement pipes being replaced?
    B. What is the Asbestos NESHAP?
    C. How is an alternative work practice approved?
    D. How do the Asbestos NESHAP requirements apply to replacement 
of A/C pipe?
    E. What techniques are approved for removal and replacement of 
A/C pipes?
III. Alternative Work Practice Request
    A. What is the close tolerance pipe slurrification technique for 
A/C pipe replacement?
    B. What is the EPA's proposed action on the AWP request?
IV. What are the proposed work practices for A/C pipe replacement?
    A. What is the proposed CTPS AWP?
    B. What notification requirements would apply?
    C. What inspection, operation, and maintenance requirements 
would apply?
    D. What sampling, testing, and utility map notation requirements 
would apply?
    E. What labeling and transportation requirements would apply?
    F. What recordkeeping and reporting requirements would apply?
V. Request for Comments

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    Categories and entities potentially affected by this 
reconsideration action include those listed in Table 1 of this 
preamble.

    Table 1--NESHAP and Industrial Source Categories Affected by This
                             Proposed Action
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              NESHAP and source category                 NAICS \1\ code
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Water treatment plants................................            221310
Distribution line, sewer and water, construction,                 237110
 rehabilitation, and repair...........................
Sewer main, pipe and connection, construction,                    237110
 rehabilitation, and repair...........................
Storm sewer construction, rehabilitation, and repair..            237110
Irrigation systems construction, rehabilitation, and              237110
 repair...............................................
Water main and line construction, rehabilitation, and             237110
 repair...............................................
Pipeline rehabilitation contractors...................            237120
Horizontal drilling (e.g., underground cable,                     237990
 pipeline, sewer installation)........................
Pipe fitting contractors..............................            238220
Power, communication and pipeline right-of-way                    238910
 clearance (except maintenance).......................
Pipeline transportation (except crude oil, natural                486990
 gas, refined petroleum products).....................
Pipeline terminal facilities, independently operated..            488999
Pipeline inspection (i.e., visual) services...........            541990
Asbestos removal contractors..........................            562910
Asbestos abatement services...........................            562910
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\1\ North American Industry Classification System.

    This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
proposed action. To determine whether your A/C pipe replacement project 
(ACPRP) would be affected by this proposed action, you should examine 
the applicability criteria in the Asbestos NESHAP (40 CFR part 61, 
subpart M). If you have any questions regarding the applicability of 
any aspect of this proposed action, please contact the person listed in 
the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this preamble.

B. How do I obtain a copy of this document and other related 
information?

    The docket number for this proposed action regarding the Asbestos 
NESHAP is Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0427. In addition to being 
available in the docket, an electronic copy of this document will also 
be available on the internet. The EPA will post a copy of this proposed 
action at https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants following 
official Agency signature.
    Following publication in the Federal Register, the EPA will post 
the Federal Register version and key technical documents on this same 
website.

II. Background Information

A. Why are asbestos cement pipes being replaced?

    Drinking water, waste water, and storm water are handled by a 
system of pipes which deliver water to residences, commercial, 
institutional, and industrial users; transfer waste water from users to 
wastewater treatment plants; and carry untreated storm water to streams 
and lakes. As the infrastructure of municipalities age, utilities 
serving the population need to replace deteriorated water pipes. 
Existing water pipes can be made of various components, such as clay, 
iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), concrete, and A/C. These A/C pipes are 
potentially subject to regulation under the Asbestos NESHAP when 
replaced.
    When A/C pipes age, the cementitious bonds in the pipe matrix 
weaken, primarily due to the pH of the water, particulate in 
suspension, acidic gases in sewage, and the scrubbing effect of sandy 
soil caused by movement, such as tidal changes against the outside of 
the pipe (e.g., in coastal environments). These mechanisms degrade both 
the outside and the inside of the pipes, causing them to become 
compromised and to leak.
    Once pipes begin to leak, the environment can be harmed in several 
ways. Leaking waste water pipes can pollute nearby waterways, such as 
oceans, rivers, and lakes. Compromised storm water pipes can allow 
excess ground water, produced during high volume storm events, to seep 
into the

[[Page 18045]]

pipe through cracks. This influx of ground water (or ``infiltration'') 
can create a significant increase in the volume of waste water arriving 
at waste water treatment plants. If treatment plants become 
overburdened, waste water may be forced to be routed to the nearest 
waterway without being properly treated, leading to increased waterway 
contamination. Compromised drinking water pipes waste valuable finished 
water, which can leak out of the degraded pipes into surrounding soils. 
Water pipes carrying finished water have been known to rupture due to a 
combination of degradation and a high-pressure load, also known as a 
water main break.
    Because existing water pipes of all types run beneath and beside 
major roadways, beneath buildings, and overlap other utilities (e.g., 
gas, electricity, cable), their replacement can potentially be 
problematic, especially in high density residential, industrial, and 
urban areas. Even replacement in suburban and rural areas can require 
careful navigation beneath roadways and other major structures.

B. What is the Asbestos NESHAP?

    The Asbestos NESHAP is a set of work practice standards designed to 
minimize the release of asbestos, prescribed for the handling, 
processing, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). The 
purpose of these work practices is to minimize the release of asbestos 
into the environment.
    Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and the primary route of 
exposure is through inhalation of asbestos fibers. The potential for 
exposure to asbestos fibers is directly linked to ACM's potential to 
become friable, and, thus, for fibers to become airborne. Certain ACM 
can readily release asbestos fibers when they are disturbed or damaged. 
Asbestos fibers can then become entrained into the ambient air where 
they become available for inhalation. More information on the health 
effects of asbestos may be found at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos#effects.
    The Asbestos NESHAP defines friable asbestos material as any 
material containing more than 1-percent asbestos as determined using 
the method specified in 40 CFR part 763, subpart E, appendix E, section 
1, Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), that, when dry, can be crumbled, 
pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. If the asbestos 
content is less than 10 percent, as determined by a method other than 
point counting by PLM, the asbestos content must be verified by point 
counting using PLM.
    In the preamble to the 1990 Asbestos NESHAP amendments (55 FR 
48406, November 20, 1990), the EPA stated in response to comments on 
the definition of ``friable'' as it applied to the demolition and 
renovation of ACM, that the EPA's intention was to distinguish between 
materials that would readily release asbestos fibers when damaged or 
disturbed and those materials that were unlikely to result in the 
release of significant amounts of asbestos fibers. The Asbestos NESHAP 
test to determine if ACM is friable is to attempt to crush the dry 
material by hand. If the dry ACM can be crumbled, pulverized, or 
crushed to powder by hand pressure, it is friable, and is regulated 
under the Asbestos NESHAP.
    Asbestos-contaminated material regulated under the Asbestos NESHAP 
is termed regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM). RACM is 
defined in 40 CFR 61.141 of the Asbestos NESHAP and includes: (1) 
Friable \1\ ACM; (2) Category I nonfriable ACM \2\ that has become 
friable; (3) Category I nonfriable ACM that has been or will be sanded, 
ground, cut, or abraded; or (4) Category II nonfriable ACM \3\ that has 
already been or is likely to become crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to 
powder by the forces acting upon it. If the regulatory threshold for 
RACM \4\ is met or exceeded in a renovation operation, then all friable 
ACM in the operation, and in certain situations, nonfriable ACM in the 
operation, are subject to the work practice standards of the Asbestos 
NESHAP.
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    \1\ Friable ACM means any material containing more than 1-
percent asbestos as determined using the method specified in 40 CFR 
part 763, subpart E, appendix E, section 1, Polarized Light 
Microscopy (PLM), that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or 
reduced to powder by hand pressure.
    \2\ Category I nonfriable ACM means asbestos-containing 
packings, gaskets, resilient floor covering, and asphalt roofing 
products containing more than 1-percent asbestos as determined using 
PLM.
    \3\ Category II nonfriable ACM means any material, excluding 
Category I nonfriable ACM, containing more than 1-percent asbestos 
as determined using PLM, that, when dry, cannot be crumbled, 
pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
    \4\ The regulatory threshold for RACM is 260 linear feet, 160 
square feet, or 35 cubic feet (if the amount of RACM cannot 
otherwise be measured in linear or square feet).
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    Thus, the purpose of the work practices required for the removal of 
A/C pipe in the Asbestos NESHAP is to minimize the release of asbestos 
fibers into the atmosphere, either at the time the material is removed, 
or at a later date, as a result of friable materials left in the soil. 
Therefore, in evaluating under 40 CFR 61.12(d) whether an AWP will 
achieve a reduction in emissions of asbestos fibers at least equivalent 
to the reduction achieved under the Asbestos NESHAP work practices, the 
EPA will evaluate whether the AWP minimizes the release of asbestos 
fibers to the atmosphere.

C. How is an alternative work practice approved?

    The 40 CFR part 61 General Provisions explain under what 
circumstances the EPA may approve an alternative means of emission 
limitation. At 40 CFR 61.12(d)(1) and (2), the General Provisions 
require that the alternative means of emission limitation must achieve 
a reduction in emissions at least equivalent to the reduction achieved 
by the work practices required under the existing standard, and that 
the Federal Register document permitting the use of the alternative be 
published only after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
    Additionally, the Asbestos NESHAP itself contains specific 
provisions under which the EPA may receive applications for prior 
written approval of an alternative emission control and waste treatment 
method. For example, 40 CFR 61.150(a)(4) authorizes ``[u]se [of] an 
alternative emission control and waste treatment method that has 
received prior approval by the Administrator according to the procedure 
described in 40 CFR 61.149(c)(2).'' As required by 40 CFR 61.150(a)(4) 
and 40 CFR 61.149(c)(2), before approval may be granted for an AWP, a 
written application must be submitted to the Administrator 
demonstrating that the following criteria are met: (i) The alternative 
method will control asbestos emissions equivalent to currently required 
methods; (ii) the suitability of the alternative method for the 
intended application; (iii) the alternative method will not violate 
other regulations; and (iv) the alternative method will not result in 
increased water pollution, land pollution, or occupational hazards.
    In order to be approved, the proposed AWP must meet all 
requirements for no visible emissions (VE), adequate wetting, waste 
handling, and disposal under the Asbestos NESHAP. The EPA is proposing 
that this AWP is equivalent to the work practice in the Asbestos 
NESHAP: It removes A/C pipe while replacing it with non-asbestos 
materials; converts friable ACM, and ACM that may become friable when 
disturbed into nonfriable ACM during the replacement

[[Page 18046]]

process; and uses amended water \5\ to achieve adequate wetting of all 
ACM.
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    \5\ Amended water is water to which surfactant chemicals 
(wetting agents) have been added to reduce the surface tension of 
the water.
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D. How do the Asbestos NESHAP requirements apply to replacement of A/C 
pipe?

    To the extent A/C pipe is either friable ACM or Category II 
nonfriable ACM that has a high probability of becoming or has become 
crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by the forces expected to 
act on it during the pipe replacement process, the A/C pipes meet the 
RACM definition. If Category II nonfriable A/C pipes do not have a high 
probability of becoming and have not become crumbled, pulverized, or 
reduced to powder by the forces expected to act on them during the pipe 
replacement process, those pipes would not be regulated as RACM under 
the Asbestos NESHAP.
    For renovations such as a regulated underground ACPRP, if the total 
amount of RACM for the project over the course of a single calendar 
year to be stripped, removed, dislodged, cut, drilled, or similarly 
disturbed during the activity is less than 260 linear feet, the 
renovation work practices found in 40 CFR 61.145 of the NESHAP do not 
apply, regardless of the pipe replacement method to be used, the type 
of material (Category I or II), or its condition (friable versus 
nonfriable). See 40 CFR 61.145(a)(4). The waste disposal requirements 
found in 40 CFR 61.150 and 61.154 apply to any source regulated under 
40 CFR 61.145.
    It is important to note that projects may not be broken up to avoid 
regulation under the Asbestos NESHAP, and the EPA has clarified the 
requirements of the Asbestos NESHAP as they relate to a project on 
several occasions. In our 1995 Clarification of Intent, we stated the 
``EPA considers demolitions planned at the same time or as part of the 
same planning or scheduling period to be part of the same project. In 
the case of municipalities, a scheduling period is often a calendar 
year or fiscal year or the term of the contract.'' See 60 FR 38725 
(July 28, 1995, Footnote 1). As stated in the 40 CFR part 61 General 
Provisions, ``No owner or operator shall build, erect, install, or use 
any article, machine, equipment, process, or method, the use of which 
would otherwise constitute a violation of an applicable standard. Such 
concealment includes, but is not limited to, the use of gaseous 
dilutants to achieve compliance with a VE standard, and the piecemeal 
carrying out of an operation to avoid coverage by a standard that 
applies only to operations larger than a specified size.'' As we said 
in addressing this issue in a previous applicability determination,\6\ 
the relevant part of that requirement is the part that discusses the 
prohibition on the piecemeal carrying out of an operation to avoid 
coverage by a standard. Therefore, as required by 40 CFR 61.145(a)(iii) 
and (iv), owners or operators (owner/operator) must predict the 
combined additive amount of RACM to be removed in the course of the 
renovation activities (or, in the case of emergency renovations, 
estimate that amount) over the calendar year to determine the 
applicability of the standard to a project.
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    \6\ Applicability Determination Number A020001. August 30, 2002. 
From George Czerniak, Chief, Air Enforcement and Compliance 
Assurance Branch, U.S. EPA Region 5, to Robert Swift. https://cfpub.epa.gov/adi/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_show_file_contents&CFID=27301905&CFTOKEN=85118624&id=A020001.
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    The work practices for asbestos control under the Asbestos NESHAP 
exist to minimize the release of asbestos into the ambient air. When a 
facility component that contains, is covered with, or is coated with 
RACM is being removed from a facility \7\ as a unit or in sections 
(e.g., a pipeline), the rule requires adequate wetting of all RACM 
exposed during cutting or disjoining operations; and each unit or 
section to be carefully lowered to the floor and/or ground level, not 
dropping, throwing, sliding, or otherwise damaging or disturbing the 
RACM. After a facility component (e.g., pipeline section) containing, 
covered with, or coated with RACM has been taken out of the facility as 
a unit or in sections pursuant to paragraph (c)(2), it shall be 
stripped or contained in leak-tight wrapping.\8\ If stripped, the 
owner/operator may either adequately wet the RACM during stripping; or 
use a local exhaust ventilation and collection system designed and 
operated to capture the particulate asbestos material produced by the 
stripping, and this system must exhibit no VE to the outside air, or be 
designed and operated in accordance with 40 CFR 61.152 (air cleaning). 
For removal of A/C pipe, the owner/operator must ensure that no VE are 
exhibited during the removal of the A/C pipe and that all A/C pipe is 
kept adequately wet to minimize the release of asbestos emissions, 
unless one of the other specific provisions of the Asbestos NESHAP is 
followed. Additional requirements apply to the waste handling and 
disposal.
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    \7\ See 40 CFR 61.145(c)(2).
    \8\ For large facility components such as reactor vessels, large 
tanks, and steam generators, the RACM is not required to be 
stripped. However, other requirements for such components apply.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The work practices in the Asbestos NESHAP that apply to the removal 
and replacement of A/C pipe include procedures for emission control, 
handling of asbestos waste, and asbestos waste disposal. These work 
practices are discussed in the sections below.
1. Procedures for Emission Control
    The principal controls in the Asbestos NESHAP for renovations such 
as pipe replacement operations include requirements that the RACM be 
adequately wetted to minimize VE during pipe replacement operations 
involving RACM, and that asbestos waste be handled, collected, and 
disposed of properly. The emission control requirements must meet the 
standard for no VE. ``Adequately wet'' means to sufficiently mix or 
penetrate with liquid to prevent the release of particulates. If VE are 
observed coming from RACM, then that material has not been adequately 
wetted. However, the absence of VE is not sufficient evidence of being 
adequately wet. Typically, the emission controls used to achieve 
adequate wetting include a fine water spray (or a mist).\9\ The 
Asbestos NESHAP (40 CFR 61.145(c)(6)) requires that, after removal, the 
RACM must remain adequately wet until collected and contained, or 
treated in preparation for disposal in accordance with 40 CFR 61.150.
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    \9\ While not required under the Asbestos NESHAP, the EPA 
recommends the use of surfactants to amend the water used to keep 
ACM adequately wet because these water amendments greatly enhance 
the ability of water to penetrate and mix with ACM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Asbestos NESHAP specifies at 40 CFR 61.150(a)(5) that the 
asbestos-containing waste material (ACWM) handling requirements do not 
apply to Category I nonfriable ACM waste (asbestos-containing packings, 
gaskets, resilient floor covering, and asphalt roofing products 
containing more than 1-percent asbestos) and Category II nonfriable ACM 
waste (any other nonfriable ACM containing more than 1-percent 
asbestos) that did not become crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to 
powder.
2. Handling of Asbestos Waste
    Asbestos containing waste materials from activities regulated by 40 
CFR 61.145 must be handled, collected, and disposed of in accordance 
with 40 CFR 61.150. No VE may be discharged to the outside air during 
the collection, processing, packaging, or transportation of any ACWM. 
All ACWM must be kept adequately wet and sealed in leak-tight

[[Page 18047]]

containers (40 CFR 61.150(a)(1)) or processed into a nonfriable form, 
such as a nonfriable pellet or other shape (40 CFR 61.150(a)(2)).
3. Waste Disposal
    The Asbestos NESHAP requires all ACWM to be deposited as soon as is 
practical in a waste disposal site operated in accordance with the 
provisions of 40 CFR 61.154 or an EPA-approved site that converts RACM 
and ACWM into nonasbestos (asbestos-free) material according to the 
provisions of 40 CFR 61.155.

E. What techniques are approved for removal and replacement of A/C 
pipes?

    Even A/C pipes in good condition (which would be Category II 
nonfriable ACM) become regulated ACM, if the pipe has a high 
probability of becoming or has become crumbled, pulverized, or reduced 
to powder by the forces expected to act on the pipe during the 
renovation activities. Moreover, most of the A/C pipe being replaced by 
municipalities is likely to be in poor condition (i.e., friable) due to 
the degradation over time as discussed in the section II of this 
document.
    The EPA has previously determined \10\ that pipe removal is 
generally a renovation unless it is associated with the demolition of a 
structure (in which case, it is a demolition). One applicability 
determination from 1994 states that removal of A/C pipe ``. . . is a 
renovation because the pipe is not a load bearing structural member.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See the applicability determination number a960010, October 
12, 1994, from John Rasnic regarding removal of pipe, which may be 
found in the EPA's Applicability Determination Index.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The accepted technique to remove and replace A/C pipes is known as 
``open trench replacement.'' In open trench replacement, the pipe is 
located, cleaned, and inspected. Because pipes run beneath and cross 
transportation corridors, traffic is rerouted to available detours. 
Temporary water and sewer service is installed to handle the water 
supply and/or wastewater handling affected by the disruption of 
service. Other utilities (electricity, cable, optical fiber) that may 
obstruct or interfere with pipe replacement are also identified. Once 
the location of the pipe and all utilities are identified, the road 
surfacing, and other structures, such as sidewalks, medians, etc., are 
removed and an open trench is dug to expose the length of pipe to be 
replaced. A pipe cutter is clamped around the A/C pipe being replaced, 
and it is scored along the outside of its circumference while water is 
applied to prevent emissions of asbestos to the atmosphere, which may 
occur along the line of cutting. The pipe is snapped along the cut and 
the process is repeated to produce transportable 6- to 8-foot sections 
of pipe. Asbestos cement pipe in poor condition may resemble wet 
cardboard in the way it responds to these removal activities. It can 
simply collapse and tear into smaller pieces, rather than snap, as A/C 
pipe in good condition is known to do. Each pipe section is removed, 
wrapped in plastic, and placed on a truck labelled according to 
regulations for asbestos waste disposal. This process of snap cutting 
and removal is repeated for the entire length of A/C pipe to be 
replaced.
    No AWPs for the replacement of A/C pipes have yet been approved.

III. Alternative Work Practice Request

A. What is the close tolerance pipe slurrification technique for A/C 
pipe replacement?

    The EPA received a request from Trenchless Consulting, LLC, in July 
2017, for approval of an AWP, known as the ``Close Tolerance Pipe 
Slurrification'' (CTPS) method, for the removal and replacement of A/C 
pipes. This is one of two AWPs requested. The second one, which 
involves a technique commonly known as ``pipe bursting'' is still under 
consideration. We are not discussing ``pipe bursting'' in this Federal 
Register document and no decision has been made on whether or not to 
propose approval of ``pipe bursting'' as an AWP.
    Documentation for CTPS is found in the Docket, and includes 
photographs and video of the CTPS process demonstration on clay 
pipe,\11\ schematics of the process, and descriptions of the process. 
The CTPS method uses an equipment train to deliver drilling fluids and 
clays in suspension through a pipe in the center of the train. The 
equipment train uses a cutting head which grinds the underground A/C 
pipe to a fine grain while the fluids maintain the adequately wet 
requirements of 40 CFR 61.145 and entrain the finely ground pipe 
fragments in a slurry. During this process, the slurry mixes with the 
drilling fluids to create a homogenous \12\ wet cementitious material, 
which is removed from the underground pipe path at vertical access 
points (i.e., manholes, trenches, other vertical access cuts). These 
vertical access points are sheathed with a nonpermeable lining, such as 
plastic, at the beginning and end of the run of pipe being replaced. 
The cementitious slurry hardens into a nonfriable A/C after 48-56 
hours. The proposed CTPS AWP employs dust suppression using amended 
water at all vertical access points to maintain the no VE and 
adequately wet requirements of the Asbestos NESHAP, as required by 40 
CFR 61.145 and 40 CFR 61.150.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ According to the demonstration of the CTPS process by 
Portland Utilities, clay pipe is pulverized and slurrifies similarly 
to A/C pipe when subjected to the CTPS process.
    \12\ A homogenous mixture is one in which the components are 
uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The EPA is proposing to consider the slurry that is formed by the 
CTPS AWP for A/C pipe to be nonfriable once hardened. This is important 
because the typical A/C pipe that is replaced is usually friable in 
many places and in poor condition. The proposed CTPS AWP converts all 
the ACM of the A/C pipe into a nonfriable material which is disposed of 
in a landfill permitted to receive ACWM. A skim coat of the nonfriable 
cementitious ACM remains on the outer rim of the new pipe.
    Because disposal takes place before the slurry hardens, and the 
test to determine friability takes place after the slurry hardens, the 
slurry must be sealed in containment at disposal (rather than disposed 
openly pending the outcome of the test). Although the Asbestos NESHAP 
does not require containment of nonfriable ACM, this AWP must ensure 
the ACWM is contained because the test indicating the ACWM is 
nonfriable would not yet have been conducted at the time of disposal 
(the friability test is done on a sample of the material that has cured 
and hardened over a period of 48 to 56 hours).
    In contrast to the Asbestos NESHAP work practices for ACPRPs 
conducted in temperatures below freezing, the CTPS method may only be 
used when temperatures are above 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C) to prevent 
freezing the slurry, drilling fluids, and/or the amended water needed 
to maintain adequate wetting.

B. What is the EPA's proposed action on the AWP request?

    The EPA believes that the CTPS work practices are ``consistent with 
the EPA's intent to distinguish between material that could release 
significant amounts of asbestos fibers during demolition and renovation 
operations and those that would not, and to prevent significant 
emissions of asbestos fibers to the atmosphere.'' (see 55 FR 48408, 
November 20, 1990 Asbestos NESHAP final notice, in our statements in 
response to comments on friable vs. nonfriable materials). The EPA is 
proposing that, for the following five reasons, CTPS is at least 
equivalent to

[[Page 18048]]

the Asbestos NESHAP process for A/C pipe removal.
    First, this technique of replacement only exposes a small portion 
of the A/C pipe, thereby preventing significant emissions of asbestos 
to the atmosphere, a part of the overall reduction in emissions 
potential. As described in more detail below, the CTPS approach only 
excavates the A/C pipe at predetermined points along the pipe's path. 
Vertical access cuts are made to remove A/C pipe only at the beginning 
and end of the length of pipe to be removed and in designated vertical 
access points to reduce pressure buildup of the slurry. This limited 
excavation reduces the level of exposure to asbestos emissions from the 
A/C pipe remediation project.
    Second, during periods where ACM is exposed, it is in the liquid 
slurry form and is considered adequately wet and, thus, does not become 
airborne, where it could be available for inhalation. The slurry is 
pumped out of these points into an enclosed tank to be taken to a waste 
disposal site approved to receive asbestos.
    Third, the CTPS AWP uses amended water to improve dust suppression 
at all cuts, trenches, and vertical access points where A/C pipe may be 
exposed to the ambient air. The pipe is otherwise not exposed to the 
air.
    Fourth, a skim coat of slurry, which contains ACM and remains on 
the new pipe, is not loose in the soil, but adheres to the surface of 
the new pipe. The skim coat fills the annular space created by the 
close tolerance drill through the ground as it pulls the new pipe 
through. Therefore, it has a structural support preventing the thin 
coating from being crushed, and also is not free to migrate to the 
surface as a result of soil movement, such as frost heaves.\13\ 
Furthermore, the existence of asbestos in the skim coat is noted on the 
utility records so that owners/operators are advised of its presence.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ Frost heaves occur in the top 3 feet of soil, and occur at 
low temperatures when available moisture in the soil freezes, 
expanding, and displaces materials with higher surface area 
(regardless of density) upward due to decreasing pressure. In this 
way, chunks of material of various densities may be moved to the 
surface.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fifth, once hardened, the skim coat is nonfriable and has 
properties of cement: Similar to light-weight flowable fill (concrete) 
purchased from concrete plants, the skim coat has a strength of 50-150 
pounds per square inch. Once hardened, the skim coat has static 
properties such that it does not settle or compress further. Once the 
skim coat is in place, it can only be removed by force, i.e., using a 
pipe saw or a pipe cutter. Additionally, the skim coat is not subject 
to corrosional forces from inside the pipe. For more information on the 
properties of the skim coat that remains on the pipe, see docket item 
``Skim Coat Properties, email correspondence from Mike Woodcock, 
Portland Utilities Construction, January 2018.''
    The Asbestos NESHAP focuses on asbestos containing materials and 
their decline into friable material. Since the advent of new methods 
which were not available at the time of the last amendment to the rule, 
this may be a procedure whereby friable A/C pipe in poor condition is 
partially remediated back to a nonfriable state, and its properties are 
similar to the properties of other cement products such as flowable 
fill concrete.
    Close tolerance pipe slurrification differs from the conventional 
work practices in which the entire pipe, much of which is in poor 
condition and may be friable, is excavated and exposed, cut into 
numerous 6- to 8-foot transportable sections, sealed in leak-tight 
wrapping, labeled, and transported to an approved asbestos waste 
disposal site. Five A/C pipe replacement guidance documents from state 
and local agencies (from Massachusetts, Maine, Oregon, Utah, and the 
city of Richmond, Virginia) are available in the docket for reference 
on the conventional work practices.
    Consequently, the EPA believes that by following the CTPS AWP, 
adequately wet and no VE protocols, and exposing only small sections of 
A/C pipe to the air, asbestos emissions to the atmosphere are 
minimized, and the AWP would achieve an emission reduction at least 
equivalent to the current Asbestos NESHAP.
    While the Asbestos NESHAP (and associated applicability 
determinations) contemplate and provide direction on a number of 
situations for handling and managing asbestos, the situation whereby 
friable ACM is turned into nonfriable ACM is not one that is 
contemplated under the rule. The EPA is proposing that when the CTPS 
work practices are adhered to as described in this document, and when 
the test for friability confirms that the resulting hardened slurry 
(skim coating) is nonfriable ACM, the resulting material can be 
regulated as nonfriable ACM. Under 40 CFR 61.145(c)(1)(iv) of the 
Asbestos NESHAP, under certain conditions nonfriable ACM need not be 
removed, if they are Category II nonfriable ACM and the probability is 
low that materials will become crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to 
powder during demolition. We are proposing that the nonfriable skim 
coating of ACM left on the outer rim of the new pipe be allowed to also 
remain in place.
    The EPA is proposing that when CTPS is used to remove the 
underground A/C pipe, while maintaining no VE and the adequately wet 
requirements of 40 CFR 61.145 and 40 CFR 61.150(a), removing the old A/
C pipe, converting all A/C pipe to Category II nonfriable ACM, and 
replacing the underground A/C pipe with new pipe, then CTPS is at least 
equivalent, in terms of emission reductions, to the work practices in 
the Asbestos NESHAP as they apply to renovations.
    The Asbestos NESHAP waste disposal requirements include deed 
notations for inactive asbestos waste disposal sites, where ACWM (e.g., 
friable ACM) has been left behind in the ground. The EPA included this 
provision in the Asbestos NESHAP for situations in which manufacturing 
waste had been left behind, sometimes buried on property, and that 
property later was sold for development. Without a deed notation to 
warn potential buyers of its presence, new owners could accidentally 
expose themselves to asbestos (for example, by installing a swimming 
pool, driveway, or digging a basement). The EPA, therefore, added 
requirements for property deed notation when ACWM has been left behind 
in the ground, creating an inactive asbestos waste disposal site.
    The EPA is proposing that the nonfriable ACM resulting from CTPS 
would not be subject to deed notations. However, as is current 
practice, the EPA proposes that owner/operators (e.g., municipality or 
utility) using the CTPS AWP would be required to maintain utility maps 
with the actual location of each ACPRP identified by the 6-digit 
latitude and longitude coordinates of the newly laid line, and that the 
utility maps would note the line as covered by a skim coat of ACM for 
future work.
    The EPA is also proposing that the other requirements in the 
Asbestos NESHAP that apply to renovations, including notification 
requirements found in 40 CFR 61.145(b), would apply to the CTPS AWPs. 
Additionally, the EPA is proposing that the waste handling and disposal 
requirements found in 40 CFR 61.150 and 61.154 would apply to the 
slurry that is removed at the ACPRP.

IV. What are the proposed work practices for A/C pipe replacement?

    The EPA is seeking the public's input on Trenchless Consulting's 
request that the EPA approve the CTPS approach as an AWP under the 
Asbestos NESHAP. We are seeking comments on whether

[[Page 18049]]

the CTPS work practices are equivalent to those in the Asbestos NESHAP, 
including adequate wetting requirements, no VE, notification, 
containment, labeling, waste handling, waste transportation, and 
disposal of ACWM. The materials supporting the request for this 
approval are available in the Docket and include industry descriptions 
of the CTPS work practice and processes, the process patent, records of 
the EPA's communication with the industry requestors, and the EPA's 
observations of the methods conducted on PVC and clay sewer pipe.
    Based upon our initial review of the proposed AWP request, the 
demonstrations of the work practice, and written materials including 
equipment, materials, slurry characteristics, testing, and waste 
specifications, we propose that, by complying with the following list 
of requirements, this proposed AWP will achieve emission reductions at 
least equivalent to emission reductions achieved under 40 CFR 61.145, 
40 CFR 61.150, and 40 CFR 61.154, as required by the applicable 
Asbestos NESHAP, provided that adequate wetting accompanies all 
vertical access points, access trenches, and manholes to prevent VE, 
and that the A/C cementitious material resulting from this process is 
properly handled and contained during and after removal and properly 
disposed of as required by the Asbestos NESHAP.
    The patent related to this process, ``Method of Replacing an 
Underground Pipe Section,'' is available from the U.S. Patent Office, 
patent number US8,641,326B2; February 4, 2014, and a copy is available 
in the docket. That patent deals with the replacement of low-pressure 
sewer pipes and indicates some parameters that may be different from 
the work practices in this notice, depending on the soil composition, 
depth of pipe, and serviceable use of the pipe (e.g., a low-pressure 
sewer, waste water, or fresh water pipe). While this patented process 
is one used by the company requesting approval of this AWP, an owner/
operator would not have to license the patent and could choose 
different equipment in order to follow the work practices of this 
notice.

A. What is the proposed CTPS AWP?

    The proposed CTPS AWP is as follows:
1. Vertical Access Points
    Vertical access points (e.g., manholes, trenches) are made at 
designated intervals along the length of pipe replacement. The distance 
between vertical access points is a function of the soil type, pipe 
size, pneumatic pressure on the CTPS head, and frictional drag on the 
line; and is determined for each project on a case-by-case basis by the 
owner/operator. Incorrect estimation of the vertical access point 
locations may result in a malfunction. The owner/operator must not 
disturb A/C pipe during the digging out of these access points. Water 
and suction should be used to uncover as much of the A/C pipe as is 
needed to begin the CTPS process.
2. Removal of Pipe at Terminals and Vertical Access Points
    At the starting and terminal points, and at designated intervals 
along the length of pipe replacement, sections of pipe are cut and 
removed at the vertical access points (i.e., manholes, trenches). The 
owner/operator must handle all sections of A/C pipe in accordance with 
40 CFR 61.145 and 40 CFR 61.150 of the Asbestos NESHAP.
3. CTPS Equipment Train
    The CTPS technique should use a drilling head train with a slightly 
larger diameter than the pipe being replaced. This technology must use 
a heavy duty four-stage cutting and wetting train, made of hardened 
carbon steel, which is able to be fed directly around the pipe to be 
replaced. The cutting head must be drawn around the existing pipe and 
must be capable of grinding the old A/C pipe to a fine powder using a 
liquid delivery system as described in section IV.A.4 of this preamble. 
The process must return the A/C pipe to a cementitious slurry that is a 
homogenous mixture and stays adequately wet through disposal according 
to the requirements of 40 CFR 61.145. The owner/operator must ensure 
that the CTPS train pulls the replacement pipe behind it, and that no 
ACM contacts the inside of the new pipe.
4. Liquid Delivery
    The horizontal drilling train must be equipped with ports to 
deliver liquid materials to the drilling head. Drilling fluids and 
bentonite clay should also be delivered through these ports to reduce 
frictional drag on the line, and to lubricate the interface along the 
soil to pipe line.
5. Trackable Pipeline
    The owner/operator would be required to ensure that the new 
pipeline is trackable by steel cable (or other durable trackable 
material) laid with the new pipe.
6. Slurry Characteristics
    The owner/operator would be required to ensure that no visible 
emissions are discharged to the air from the slurry, and that the 
slurry is a homogenous mixture comprised of finely ground A/C pipe, 
drilling fluids, bentonite clay, and other materials suspended in 
solution that, when cured (a period of 48-56 hours), re-hardens so that 
it meets the sample friability test in section IV.D.2 of this preamble. 
The slurry must meet the no visible emissions requirements of 40 CFR 
61.145 and 61.150.
7. Slurry Removal, Containment, Transportation, and Disposal
    The A/C pipe slurry is removed at vertical access points using a 
vacuum attached to a tank (e.g., vacuum truck). The owner/operator 
would be required to ensure that the slurry remains in an adequately 
wet state during the slurrification process and remains in containment 
throughout the removal, transportation, and disposal processes, meeting 
the requirements of 40 CFR 61.145 and 40 CFR 61.150. The slurry must be 
contained and in slurry form at the time of disposal in a landfill 
permitted to accept ACWM and meeting the requirements of 40 CFR 61.154. 
The slurry must be managed at the disposal site using procedures 
meeting the requirements of 40 CFR 61.154.
8. Adequate Wetting With No VE
    Any opening to the atmosphere along the pipe is a potential source 
of asbestos emissions to the outside (ambient) air. The owner/operator 
would be required to ensure that dust suppression equipment (i.e., dust 
suppression apparatus or manual misting) using amended water is placed 
at each vertical access point. If a new trench is dug to resolve a 
malfunction, the owner/operator would be required to ensure that the 
new trench is equipped with dust suppression and follow the procedure 
in paragraphs (1) and (2) above. Amended water is water to which 
surfactant chemicals (wetting agents) have been added to reduce the 
surface tension of the water.

B. What notification requirements would apply?

    If an underground ACPRP meets the applicability and threshold 
requirements under the NESHAP, then the EPA (or the delegated agency) 
must be notified in advance of the replacement in accordance with the 
requirements of the Asbestos NESHAP at 40 CFR 61.145(b). See 40 CFR 
61.145 for more information on the notification requirements.

[[Page 18050]]

C. What inspection, operation, and maintenance requirements would 
apply?

1. Inspection
    Prior to using the CTPS for an ACPRP, the owner/operator would 
conduct underground pipe inspections (e.g., by using remote 
technologies like robotic cameras) and shall identify, locate, and mark 
onto an underground utility map of the area all identified potential 
areas of malfunctions, such as changes in pipe type, drops in the line, 
broken and off-center points, and changes in soil type.
2. Operation and Maintenance
    The owner/operator of a CTPS method system is required to install, 
operate, and maintain the drilling head train, CTPS liquid delivery 
system, and all equipment used to deliver adequate wetting at all 
vertical access points and cut lengths of pipe in accordance with their 
written standard operating procedures. The records must be kept in 
accordance with section IV.F.1 of this preamble.

D. What sampling, testing, and utility map notation requirements would 
apply?

1. Sample Collection
    After the slurry has been pumped from the vertical access points, 
but before disposal, the owner/operator of a CTPS method system is 
required to collect a 2-inch roughly spherical wet sample of the 
slurry. A single sample must be collected for each project discharging 
to a single enclosed tank. The owner/operator would be required to seal 
the sample in leak-tight wrapping and allow the sample to harden and 
dry (usually 48-56 hours).
2. Sample Friability Test and Certification
    When the sample is hardened and dry, the owner/operator would be 
required to attempt to crush the sample by hand. The sample that cannot 
be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure is 
nonfriable, and the remaining slurry from that pipe replacement job is 
likewise nonfriable. After testing, the owner/operator would be 
required to ensure that the sample is packaged in leak-tight wrapping 
for storage, labeled ``Asbestos Containing Material. Do not break or 
damage this sealed package,'' dated according to the ACPRP date of 
generation, stored in a secure location that is inaccessible to the 
general public (such as a locked storage unit), and is maintained by 
the owner/operator for a period of 2 years. After this 2-year retention 
period, the sample may be disposed of in a landfill permitted to accept 
ACWM.
    a. If the sample cannot be crushed, crumbled, or reduced to powder 
by hand pressure, the owner/operator would be required to certify this 
as follows: ``The hardened slurry sample from the ACPRP conducted on 
(date) at (location) could not be crushed, crumbled, or reduced to 
powder by hand pressure. I am aware it is unlawful to knowingly submit 
incomplete, false, and/or misleading information and there are 
significant criminal penalties for such unlawful conduct, including the 
possibility of fine and imprisonment.'' The owner/operator would be 
required to maintain a signed certificate of this statement so that it 
is available to the EPA Administrator, local, and state agency 
officials upon demand.
    b. If the sample can be crushed, crumbled, or reduced to powder by 
hand pressure, the owner/operator would be required to follow the 
malfunction reporting requirements in IV.F. 2 below.
3. Utility Map Notations
    Owner/operators would be required to note utility maps according to 
the actual location identified by the 6-digit latitude and longitude 
coordinates of the newly laid line. Notations would have to be 
maintained for the life of the new pipe by the owner/operator (e.g., 
municipality or utility), and would have to be labeled as covered by a 
skim coat of ACM for future work.

E. What labeling and transportation requirements would apply?

    Because all A/C pipe being replaced using the CTPS technique is 
converted to a nonfriable state during the replacement, it would be 
categorized as Category II ACM and would need to be labeled and 
transported in accordance with the corresponding requirements of 40 CFR 
61.145 and 40 CFR 61.150 in the Asbestos NESHAP.

F. What recordkeeping and reporting requirements would apply?

    1. The owner/operator would be required to record and maintain for 
a period of 2 years the following data:
    a. Date(s) from beginning to end of each ACPRP;
    b. Location(s) of the A/C pipe(s) replaced using CTPS, identified 
by 6-digit latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates for each ACPRP;
    c. Diameter and length of A/C pipe replaced at the ACPRP;
    d. Total amount of slurry generated at the ACPRP;
    e. Total amount of slurry disposed by the owner/operator from the 
ACPRP;
    f. Slurry disposal site;
    g. Manifest of ACM slurry disposal; and
    h. Malfunction records (if applicable).
    i. Records of VE events and their duration (including the time and 
date stamp) of any VE event;
    ii. Records of when and how each VE event was resolved. Indicate 
the date and time for each VE period, whether the VE event occurred at 
an exposed manhole, trench, or other vertical access point, and the 
number of openings to the ambient air affected;
    iii. Procedure used to resolve each VE event; and
    iv. Results of each sample friability test that indicates the 
slurry is friable, as required by IV.D.1 and 2 above.
    i. Records of the standard operation procedures for the 
installation, operation, and maintenance of the drilling head train, 
CTPS liquid delivery system, and all equipment used to deliver adequate 
wetting at all vertical access points and cut lengths of pipe.
    2. Each owner/operator is required to submit the following reports 
to the Administrator after each occurrence, as follows:
    a. Malfunction Report. The malfunction report must include the 
records in section IV.F.1.h.i.-iv of this preamble. The malfunction 
report must be submitted as soon as practical after the occurrence, but 
in no case later than 30 days.
    b. ACPRP Report. The ACPRP report must be submitted to the Asbestos 
NESHAP program office within the EPA Regional office in which the ACPRP 
is located. The report may be submitted electronically when the means 
to do so are available. The EPA Regional office may, at their 
discretion, waive this requirement and delegate this reporting to the 
state and municipality. If the EPA Regional office has waived the 
reporting, and if the state or municipality is unable to receive 
electronic reports, then only a hard copy is required to be submitted. 
These reports must be postmarked or electronically submitted within 30 
calendar days of completion of the ACPRP.

V. Request for Comments

    We solicit comments on all aspects of this request for approval of 
CTPS as an AWP for the work practice standards specified in 40 CFR part 
61, subpart M, the Asbestos NESHAP. We specifically seek comments 
regarding whether the AWPs, as described in section IV above, will 
achieve emission reductions at least equivalent to the work practices 
in the

[[Page 18051]]

Asbestos NESHAP at 40 CFR 61.145 and 40 CFR 61.150.

    Dated: April 18, 2018.
Panagiotis Tsirigotis,
Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
[FR Doc. 2018-08574 Filed 4-24-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P