Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2003/01/09/03-391/oil-pollution-prevention-and-response-non-transportation-related-onshore-and-offshore-facilities
Timestamp: 2018-08-18 16:46:55
Document Index: 138590403

Matched Legal Cases: ['§\u2009112', '§\u2009112', '§\u2009112', '§\u2009112', '§\u2009112', '§\u2009112', '§\u2009112', '§\u2009112']

A Proposed Rule by the Environmental Protection Agency on 01/09/2003
Written comments must be received by January 29, 2003.
FRL-7437-4
II. Entities Affected by This Rule
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) as Amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/03-391 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/03-391
Start Preamble Start Printed Page 1352
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or we) is proposing to extend, by one year, the dates for a facility to amend its Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan, and implement the amended Plan (or, in the case of facilities becoming operational after August 16, 2002, prepare and implement a Plan that complies with the newly amended requirements). We are proposing this extension to prevent the flood of individual extension requests it has become apparent we will otherwise receive.
The docket for this rulemaking is located in the EPA Docket Center at 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., EPA West, Suite B-102, Washington, DC 20460. The docket number for the proposed rule is OPA-2002-001. The docket is contained in the EPA Docket Center and is available for inspection by appointment only, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. You may make an appointment to view the docket by calling 202-566-0276. You may copy a maximum of 100 pages from any regulatory docket at no cost. If the number of pages exceeds 100, however, we will charge you $0.15 for each page after 100. The docket will mail copies of materials to you if you are outside of the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
For general information, contact the RCRA/CERCLA Call Center at 800-424-9346 or TDD 800-553-7672 (hearing impaired). In the Washington, DC metropolitan area, call 703-412-9810 or TDD 703-412-3323. For more detailed information on specific aspects of this proposed rule, contact Hugo Paul Fleischman at 703-603-8769 (fleischman.hugo@epa.gov); or Mark W. Howard at 703-603-8715 (howard.markw@epa.gov), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460-0002, Mail Code 5203G.
This proposal concerns a one-year extension of the deadlines in 40 CFR 112.3(a) and (b). The contents of this preamble are as follows:
Introduction. For the reasons explained in section V of this document, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or we) is proposing to extend, for one year, the dates in 40 CFR 112.3(a) and (b) for a facility to amend its Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan and implement the amended Plan (or, in the case of facilities becoming operational after August 16, 2002, prepare and implement a Plan that complies with the newly amended requirements). During the period of the proposed extension, if it is finalized, it will not be necessary for a facility owner or operator to file an extension request pursuant to § 112.3(f). Furthermore, for facilities that have already applied for an extension pursuant to § 112.3(f), if this extension is finalized, it should render such requests moot.
1. EPA has established an official public docket for this proposed rule under Docket ID No. OPA-2002-001. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this proposed rule and other information related to this proposed rule. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the EPA Docket Center located at 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., EPA West Building, Room B-102, Washington, DC 20004. This Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. To review docket materials, it is recommended that the public make an appointment by calling (202) 566-0276. The public may copy a maximum of 100 pages from any regulatory docket at no charge. Additional copies cost $0.15/page.
Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA's electronic public docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the Docket will be scanned and placed in EPA's electronic public docket. Where Start Printed Page 1353practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph will be placed in EPA's electronic public docket along with a brief description written by the docket staff. For additional information about EPA's electronic public docket visit EPA Dockets online or see 67 FR 38102, May 31, 2002.
You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket identification number in the subject line on the first page of your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked “late.” EPA will not consider late comments.
Your use of EPA's electronic public docket to submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA's preferred method for receiving comments. Go directly to EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/​edocket, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. To access EPA's electronic public docket from the EPA Internet Home Page, select “Information Sources,” “Dockets,” and “EPA Dockets.” Once in the system, select “search,” and then key in Docket ID No. OPA-2002-001. The system is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment.
2. E-mail. Comments may be sent by electronic mail (e-mail) to Superfund.Docket@epamail.epa.gov. Make sure this electronic copy is in an ASCII format that does not use special characters or encryption. Cite the docket Number OPA-2002-001 in your electronic file. In contrast to EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system is not an “anonymous access” system. If you send an e-mail comment directly to the Docket without going through EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system automatically captures your e-mail address. E-mail addresses that are automatically captured by EPA's e-mail system are included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA's electronic public docket.
4. By Mail. Send two (2) copies of your comments to: EPA Docket Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters (EPA, HQ), Mail Code 5305T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, Attention Docket ID No. OPA-2002-001.
5. By Hand Delivery or Courier. Deliver your comments to: EPA Docket Center, EPA West Building, Room No. B-102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20004. Attention Docket ID No. OPA-2002-001. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation as identified above.
33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 2720; E.O. 12777 (October 18, 1991), 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351
On July 17, 2002, at 67 FR 47042, EPA published final amendments to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. The rule was effective August 16, 2002. The rule included dates in § 112.3(a) and (b), by which a facility would have time to amend its SPCC Plan and implement its amended Plan (note that for facilities becoming operational after August 16, 2002, the rule contains dates for the preparation and implementation of a Plan in compliance with the amended rule). In light of new information, we Start Printed Page 1354are proposing to extend those dates for a period of one year.
EPA is proposing to extend by one year the compliance dates in § 112.3(a) and (b). We are proposing this extension to allow affected facilities more time to comply with the rule. Since the promulgation of the amendments, the Agency has received numerous complaints that the deadlines in the rule do not allow enough time for the regulated community to undertake the actions necessary to update (or prepare) their Plans in accordance with the amendments. Among the reasons given are that there is a shortage of Professional Engineers (PEs) in some areas, the need for the PE or his agent to make visits at sometimes remote facilities, and the need for the PE to certify that Plans meet requirements for which they have not yet had adequate training. It has also become apparent that unless the Agency takes this action, we will receive an overwhelming number of requests for individual extensions under 40 CFR 112.3(f).
The Agency believes that the present compliance dates are too short, and it would therefore be an inefficient use of scarce Agency resources to address this problem by processing a great number of individual extension requests.
Under the terms of Executive Order 12866, it has been determined that this rule is not a “significant regulatory action” because it would only extend for one year the compliance dates in § 112.3(a) and (b). It would have no other substantive effect.
The R.F.A. generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions.
For purposes of assessing the impacts of today's rule on small entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as defined in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) regulations at 13 CFR 121.201—the SBA defines small businesses by category of business using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, and in the case of farms and production facilities, which constitute a large percentage of the facilities affected by this rule, generally defines small businesses as having less than $500,000 in revenues or 500 employees, respectively; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a government of a city, county, town, school district or special district with a population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field.
In determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any significant adverse economic impact on small entities, since the primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analyses is to identify and address regulatory alternatives “which minimize any significant economic impact of the proposed rule on small entities.” 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. Thus, an agency may certify that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive economic effect on all of the small entities subject to the rule. This rule will temporarily reduce regulatory burden on all facilities by extending for one year the compliance dates in § 112.3(a) and (b). Further, the rule will reduce costs for both existing and new facilities.
After considering the economic impacts of today's rule on small entities, I certify that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
EPA has determined that this rule does not contain a Federal mandate that may result in expenditures of $100 million or more for State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector in any one year. Start Printed Page 1355Today's rule would reduce burden and costs on all facilities.
EPA has determined that this rule contains no regulatory requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments. As explained above, the effect of the rule would be to reduce burden and costs for regulated facilities, including small governments that are subject to the rule.
This rule does not have federalism implications. It would 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. Under CWA section 311(o), EPA believes that States are free to impose additional requirements, including more stringent requirements, relating to the prevention of oil discharges to navigable waters. EPA encourages States to supplement the federal SPCC program and recognizes that some States have more stringent requirements. 56 FR 54612 (Oct. 22, 1991). This rule would not preempt state law or regulations. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this rule.
Today's rule would not significantly or uniquely affect communities of Indian tribal governments. Therefore, we have not consulted with a representative organization of tribal groups.
Executive Order 13045, “Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks” (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), applies to any rule that: (1) Is determined to be “economically significant” as defined under Executive Order 12866; and, (2) concerns an environmental health or safety risk that EPA has reason to believe may have a disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the environmental health or safety effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the Agency. EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those regulatory actions that are based on health or safety risks, such that the analysis required under Section 5-501 of the Order has the potential to influence the regulation. This rule is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it is not economically significant as defined in Executive Order 12866, and because the Agency does not have reason to believe the environmental health or safety risks addressed by this action present a disproportionate risk to children.
This rule does not involve technical standards. Therefore, NTTA is inapplicable.
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 2720; E.O. 12777 (October 18, 1991), 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351. 2. Section 112.3 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:
(a) If your onshore or offshore facility was in operation on or before August 16, 2002, you must maintain your Plan, but must amend it, if necessary to ensure compliance with this part, on or before February 17, 2004, and must implement the amended Plan as soon as possible, but not later than August 18, 2004. If your onshore or offshore facility becomes operational after August 16, 2002, through August 18, 2004, and could reasonably be expected to have a discharge as described in § 112.1(b), you must prepare a Plan on or before August 18, 2004, and fully implement it as soon as possible, but not later than August 18, 2004.
(b) If you are the owner or operator of an onshore or offshore facility that becomes operational after August 18, 2004, and could reasonably be expected to have a discharge as described in § 112.1(b), you must prepare and implement a Plan before you begin operations.
[FR Doc. 03-391 Filed 1-8-03; 8:45 am]