Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/04/03/06-3133/regulation-of-fuel-and-fuel-additives-gasoline-and-diesel-fuel-test-methods
Timestamp: 2018-07-16 23:30:49
Document Index: 271354208

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 80', 'art 80', 'art 51', 'art 80', 'art 51', 'art 51', '§\u200980', '§\u200980']

A Rule by the Environmental Protection Agency on 04/03/2006
This direct final rule is effective June 2, 2006, unless EPA receives adverse comments or a request for public hearing by May 3, 2006. If the Agency receives adverse comment or a request for public hearing, we will withdraw this direct final rule by publishing a timely withdrawal notice in the Federal Register. The incorporation by reference of certain publications in this rule is approved by the Director of the Office of the Federal Register as of June 2, 2006.
16492-16500 (9 pages)
FRL-8052-1
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/06-3133 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/06-3133
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to allow refiners and laboratories to use more current and improved fuel testing procedures for five American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) analytical test methods. Once these test method changes are adopted, they will supersede the corresponding earlier versions of these test methods in EPA's motor vehicle fuel regulations. EPA is also taking direct final action to change the designated test method for sulfur in butane. EPA will take direct final action to replace an approved ASTM Committee D.16 sulfur test method with the ASTM Committee D.02 version of the test method for gasoline and diesel fuel, and allow an additional ASTM test method for sulfur in gasoline. EPA is also taking direct final action to remove a September 1, 2004 sunset provision for two alternative ASTM test methods for gasoline. Finally, EPA is taking direct final action to add a new section to the motor vehicle fuels regulations. This new section would reference the rounding method in an ASTM standard practice as the procedure to follow for rounding a test result when determining compliance with EPA's motor vehicle fuels standards listed in the regulations. As explained further below in the preamble of this document, EPA views these changes as non-controversial and we anticipate no adverse comment.
Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0048, by one of the following methods:Start Printed Page 16493
Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0048. EPA's policy is that all comments 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 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. For additional instructions on submitting comments, go to Unit 1.B of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
EPA is publishing this rule without prior proposal because we view this as a noncontroversial amendment and anticipate no adverse comment. However, in the “Proposed Rules” section of today's Federal Register publication, we are publishing a separate document that will serve as the proposal if adverse comments are filed. This rule will be effective on June 2, 2006 without further notice unless we receive adverse comment by May 3, 2006. If EPA receives adverse comment, we will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register informing the public that the rule will not take effect. We will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on the proposed rule. We will not institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time.
Regulated categories and entities potentially affected by this action include those involved with the production, importation, distribution, sale and storage of gasoline motor fuel and diesel motor fuel.
The table below is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be regulated by this action. This table lists the types of entities that EPA is now aware could be potentially regulated by this action. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be regulated. To determine whether an entity is regulated by this action, one should carefully examine the existing regulations in 40 CFR part 80. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
Start Printed Page 16494
Refiners, importers and oxygenate blenders producing gasoline and diesel motor vehicle fuel are required to test reformulated gasoline (RFG), conventional gasoline (CG) and diesel fuel for various fuel parameters including sulfur, olefins, aromatics, and oxygenate content. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test method D2622 is currently a designated test method for measuring sulfur [1] in gasoline. ASTM test method D 3120 and ASTM D 5453 are currently alternative test methods for measuring sulfur 2 3 in gasoline. ASTM test method D 1319 is currently a designated test method for measuring olefins 4 in gasoline and aromatics 5 in diesel fuel and is also allowed as an alternative test method for measuring aromatics 6 in gasoline. ASTM test method D 4815 is currently an alternative test method for measuring oxygenate content 7 in gasoline.
Table 1 lists the designated analytical test methods and alternative analytical test methods which are being updated for parameters measured under RFG, CG, and diesel fuels program in today's action. The Agency has reviewed these updated ASTM test methods and we are in agreement with the revisions contained in them which will result in improvements in the utilization of these test methods for the regulated industry. We believe that the revisions in the test method changes in today's action are not significant changes that would cause a user of an older version of the same method to incur significant costs. All of the revisions were deemed necessary by ASTM so that improvements in the test method's procedures would ensure better operation for the user of the test method. Thus, EPA is taking action today to update the regulations for the following ASTM test methods: (1) ASTM D 2622-03, the designated test method for measuring sulfur in RFG, and CG, (2) ASTM D 3120-03a and ASTM D 5453-03a alternative test methods for sulfur in gasoline, (3) ASTM D 1319-03, designated test method for measuring olefins in gasoline and aromatics in diesel fuel, as well as the alternative test method for measuring aromatics in gasoline, and (4) ASTM 4815-03, alternative test method for measuring oxygenate content in gasoline.
Refiners, importers and oxygenate blenders producing gasoline and diesel motor vehicle fuels are required to test RFG, CG, and diesel fuel for various fuel parameters including sulfur content. ASTM test method D 6428-99 is currently the designated test method for measuring the sulfur content of on-highway diesel fuel at the 15 ppm level [9] , an alternative test method for measuring the sulfur content on-highway diesel fuel at the 500 ppm level [10] , and an alternative test method for measuring the sulfur content of gasoline.[11]
ASTM D 6428-99 was developed by the ASTM D.16 Committee for Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Chemicals. ASTM D 6428-99 does not contain a precision statement in the test method for its use with gasoline and diesel fuel. ASTM D.02, the Committee for Petroleum Products and Lubricants, recently determined the precision for this method with respect to gasoline and diesel fuels, and named the new method containing the precision statement ASTM D 6920-03. Since ASTM D 6920-03 contains precision statements for the method as it applies to gasoline and diesel, API requested that EPA refer to ASTM D 6920-03 in all references with respect to gasoline and diesel fuel involving test method ASTM D 6428-99.[12] The Agency has evaluated API's request and agrees that since ASTM D 6920-03 contains precision estimates for use of the method with gasoline and diesel fuels, ASTM D 6920-03 is more practical for use with our gasoline and diesel fuels programs compared to ASTM D 6428-99. Thus, EPA is changing the regulations by replacing ASTM D 6428-99 with ASTM D 6920-03 for the alternative test method for measuring the sulfur content of diesel fuel at the 500 ppm level, and the alternative test method for measuring the sulfur content of gasoline.
The regulations state that until December 27, 2004, for 15 ppm diesel fuel, regulated parties may use ASTM D 6428-99, the designated test method, or ASTM D 5453-03a or ASTM D 3120-03a, two alternative test methods, provided the alternative test method results are correlated to the designated test method. After December 27, 2004, regulated parties measuring motor vehicle diesel fuel and fuel additives subject to the 15 ppm diesel sulfur standard must qualify their test method on a site specific basis under the precision and accuracy criteria specified in the regulations at 40 CFR 80.584. Once they have completed this testing, they must submit their precision and accuracy results to the Agency for approval to use their test method as specified in the regulations at 40 CFR 80.585. Thus, after December 27, 2004, regulated parties may only use test methods that have been qualified on a site specific basis that meet the accuracy and precision criteria specified in the regulations at 40 CFR 80.584 and that have been approved under the process specified in the regulations at 40 CFR 80.585. The December 27, 2004, date, provided regulated parties 180 days of lead time to qualify their test methods for use at each site for measuring 15 ppm sulfur diesel fuel. Since today's rule will be effective after December 27, 2004, the Agency is revising the regulations by removing the now irrelevant designated and alternative test method paragraphs that allow the use of ASTM D 6428-99, ASTM D 5453-03a, and ASTM D 3120-03a for 15 ppm sulfur diesel fuel (i.e., 40 CFR 80.580(b)(1) and 40 CFR 80.580(c)(1)). The regulations will then only reflect the present situation in the regulations that all test methods must qualify under the precision and accuracy criteria in the regulations.
Recently, API said in a letter to EPA that A STM D 6667 is more readily available, more reliable, and a better test method than ASTM D 3246.[14] Thus, API requested EPA to change the designated test method for measuring sulfur in butane to ASTM D 6667-01, and to continue to allow ASTM D 3246-96 as an alternative test method. EPA has evaluated API's request on this test method issue and agrees. Thus, EPA is taking action to change the regulations making ASTM D 6667-01 the designated test method for measuring Start Printed Page 16496the sulfur content of butane. Additionally, ASTM test method D 3246-96 will continue to be allowed as an alternative test method, provided its test results are correlated to ASTM D 6667-01, the designated test method for sulfur in butane.
Recently, X-Ray Optical Systems, Incorporated (XOS®) requested in a letter to EPA that ASTM D 7039-04 be designated by EPA as an alternative test method in the regulations for sulfur in gasoline.[15] EPA has evaluated XOS®'s request on this test method issue and agrees. Thus, EPA is taking action to allow ASTM D 7039-04 as an alternative test method in the regulations for sulfur in gasoline, provided that its results are correlated to ASTM D 2622. The allowance of this additional alternative test method for sulfur in gasoline will provide the regulated community additional flexibility in meeting their testing requirements.
As stated above, EPA plans to establish a PBTM rule for the qualification of alternative test methods. Once this PBTM rule is effective, ASTM D 7039 may qualify as an alternative test method under the PBTM rule's criteria.
Recently, API requested in a letter that the sunset provisions for these two alternative test methods be removed until a PBTM approach for qualifying analytical test methods is promulgated by EPA.[17] Since EPA believes the use of these two alternative test methods has been effective, we are continuing to allow their use until the PBTM rule mentioned previously is promulgated by the Agency. Once a PBTM rule has been established, these two alternative test methods may qualify under the PBTM rule's criteria. The rule change that is the subject of this notice would remove the current sunset provision of September 1, 2004, for both ASTM D 1319 and ASTM D 4815 and allow their use as alternative test methods until a PBTM rule is established by the Agency.
Each of EPA's motor vehicle fuel standards indicates the number of significant digits which should be present in an observed measurement number to be compared to the standard for the purpose of demonstrating compliance. The appropriate number of significant digits to determine compliance with a fuel standard regulation or to report on a reporting form should be determined from the method outlined in section 3.1 of the ASTM standard practice E 29-02∈1, entitled, “Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications”. Regulated parties measuring a fuel parameter to determine compliance with a fuel standard must report their test result out to the number of significant digits specified in the applicable fuel standard. However, a test method used to measure a certain fuel parameter may provide more significant digits in its output than specified in the standard. When this situation occurs, the regulated party should round their test result to determine if they are in compliance with the standard. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed the standard practice, ASTM E 29-02∈1, for this situation. The rounding method [18] in this standard practice provides a procedure for rounding a test result to the number of significant digits specified in some standard. After using the rounding method specified in ASTM E 29-02∈1, the regulated party may compare the resulting number to the standard to determine whether they are in compliance.
The Agency has reviewed the rounding method referenced in the standard practice ASTM E 29-02∈1, and we are in agreement with its use for this purpose. The Agency believes referencing the “rounding” method (as contrasted with the “absolute” method) in this ASTM standard practice in EPA's regulations will help to avoid confusion in the fuels distribution system. Therefore, EPA is adding a new section to the motor vehicle fuels regulations at 40 CFR 80.9. This new section would reference the rounding method in ASTM E 29-02∈1. The rounding method is the procedure to follow for rounding a test result when determining compliance with EPA's motor vehicle fuels standards listed at 40 CFR part 80.
In the “Proposed Rules” section of today's Federal Register, we are publishing a proposed rule that matches the substance of this direct final rule. If the Agency receives adverse comment or a request for public hearing by May 3, 2006, we will withdraw the direct final rule by publishing a timely withdrawal notice in the Federal Register. If the Agency receives no adverse comment or a request for public hearing by May 3, 2006, these test method changes will be effective sixty (60) days after publication of this direct final rule in the Federal Register. We are confident that sixty(60) days is sufficient lead time for industry to become familiar and implement these ASTM test methods changes for the applications mentioned above.
This action does not impose any new information collection burden. However, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., has approved the information collection requirements contained in the final RFG and anti-dumping rulemaking and gasoline sulfur control rulemaking, and has assigned OMB control number 2060-0277, EPA ICR number 1591.14. OMB, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., has also approved the information collection requirements contained in the final Tax Exempt (Dyed) Highway Diesel Fuel rulemaking, and has assigned OMB control number 2060-0308, EPA ICR number 1718.03. Copies of the OMB approved Information Collection Requests (ICR) may be obtained from Susan Auby, Collection Strategies Division; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2822T); 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460 or by calling (202) 566-1672.
The RFA 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. EPA has determined that it is not necessary to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis in connection with this final rule.
After considering the economic impacts of today's direct final rule on small entities, EPA has concluded that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 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 rule on small entities.” 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. Thus, an agency may conclude 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.
All of the test method updates in today's action will improve the performance and/or utilization by industry of the test methods. For the two alternative test methods, ASTM D 1319 and ASTM D 4815, today's action will continue to provide flexibility to the regulated community. The allowance of ASTM D 7039-04 will provide additional flexibility to the regulated community in meeting sulfur in gasoline testing requirements. Referencing the rounding method in ASTM E 29-02∈1 provides consistent guidance for the regulated community when determining whether a test result is in conformance with our motor vehicle fuels standards. Finally, for the measurement of sulfur in butane, today's action will provide industry with a more reliable, more readily available and better test method. We have therefore concluded that today's rule will relieve regulatory burden for all small entities.
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the effects of their regulatory actions on state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with “Federal mandates” that may result in expenditures to State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. Before promulgating an EPA rule for which a written statement is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires EPA to identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of section 205 do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, section 205 allows EPA to adopt an alternative other than the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative if the Administrator publishes with the final rule an explanation why that alternative Start Printed Page 16498was not adopted. Before EPA establishes any regulatory requirements that may significantly or uniquely affect small governments, including tribal governments, it must have developed under section 203 of the UMRA a small government agency plan. The plan must provide for notifying potentially affected small governments, enabling officials of affected small governments to have meaningful and timely input in the development of EPA regulatory proposals with significant Federal intergovernmental mandates, and informing, educating, and advising small governments on compliance with the regulatory requirements.
Today's direct final rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. The rule would impose no enforceable duty on any State, local or tribal governments or the private sector.
This direct final 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. All of the test method updates in today's action will improve the performance and/or utilization by industry of the test methods. For the two alternative test methods, ASTM D 1319 and ASTM D 4815, today's action will continue to provide flexibility to the regulated community. The allowance of ASTM D 7039-04 will provide additional flexibility to the regulated community in meeting sulfur in gasoline testing requirements. Referencing the rounding method in ASTM E 29-02∈1 provides consistent guidance for the regulated community when determining whether a test result is in conformance with our motor vehicle fuels standards. Finally, for the measurement of sulfur in butane, today's action will provide industry with a more reliable, more readily available and better test method. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this direct final rule.
This direct final rule does not have tribal implications. It will not have substantial direct effects on tribal governments, 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 in Executive Order 13175. This direct final rule applies to gasoline refiners, blenders and importers that supply gasoline or diesel fuel. All of the test method updates in today's action will improve the performance and/or utilization by industry of the test methods. For the two alternative test methods, ASTM D 1319 and ASTM D 4815, today's action will continue to provide flexibility to the regulated community. The allowance of ASTM D 7039-04 will provide additional flexibility to the regulated community in meeting sulfur in gasoline testing requirements. Referencing the rounding method in ASTM E 29-02∈1 provides consistent guidance for the regulated community when determining whether a test result is in conformance with our motor vehicle fuels standards. Finally, for the measurement of sulfur in butane, today's action will provide industry with a more reliable, more readily available and better test method. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this direct final rule.
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 does not establish an environmental standard intended to mitigate health or safety risks that may disproportionately affect children.
This direct final rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, “Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use” (66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001)) because it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (“NTTAA”), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This rulemaking involves technical standards. EPA has decided to use ASTM standards as described in Units II.A, II.B, II.C, II.D and II.F of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. All technical standards included in today's rule are standards Start Printed Page 16499developed by ASTM, a voluntary consensus standards body, and thus raises no issues under the NTTAA.
Statutory authority for today's direct final rule comes from sections 211(c), 211(i) and 211(k) of the CAA (42.U.S.C. 7545(c) and (k)). Section 211(c) and 211(i) allows EPA to regulate fuels that contribute to air pollution which endangers public health or welfare, or which impairs emission control equipment. Section 211(k) prescribes requirements for RFG and CG and requires EPA to promulgate regulations establishing these requirements. Additional support for the fuels controls in today's rule comes from sections 114(a) and 301(a) of the CAA.
2. Section 80.2 is amended by revising paragraph (z) to read as follows:
(z) Aromatic content is the aromatic hydrocarbon content in volume percent as determined by ASTM standard test method D 1319-03, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption”. ASTM test method D 1319-03 is incorporated by reference. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Copies may be inspected at the Air Docket, EPA/DC, EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal_​register/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.
3. Section 80.9 is added to Subpart A to read as follows:
(a) For purposes of determining compliance with the fuel standards of 40 CFR part 80, a test result will be rounded to the nearest unit of significant digits specified in the applicable fuel standard in accordance with the rounding method described in the ASTM standard practice, ASTM E 29-02∈1, entitled, “Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications”.
(b) ASTM standard practice, E 29-02∈1 is incorporated by reference. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A copy may be obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Copies may be inspected at the Air Docket, EPA/DC, EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal_​register/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.
4. Section 80.46 is amended as follows:
a. By revising paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3)(i) through (a)(3)(iii) and (a)(4).
b. By adding paragraph (a)(3)(iv).
d. Revising paragraph (f)(3)(i).
e. Revising paragraph (g)(2)(i).
f. Revising paragraph (h).
(1) The sulfur content of gasoline must be determined by use of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard method D 2622-03, entitled “Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry” or by one of the alternative method specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
(2) Beginning January 1, 2004, the sulfur content of butane must be determined by the use of ASTM standard test method D 6667-01, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum Gases by Ultraviolet Fluorescence” or by the alternative method specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
(i) ASTM standard method D 5453-03a, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hyrdocarbons, Motor Fuels and Motor Oils by Ultraviolet Fluorescence,” or
(ii) ASTM standard method D 6920-03, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Naphthas, Distillates, Reformulated Gasolines, Diesels, Biodiesels, and Motor Fuels by Oxidative Combustion and Electrochemical Detection,” or
(iii) ASTM standard method D 3120-03a, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Trace Quantities of Sulfur in Light Liquid Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Oxidative Microcoulometry.”
(iv) ASTM standard method D 7039-04, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel by Monochromatic Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry.”
(4) Beginning January 1, 2004, any refiner or importer may determine the sulfur content of butane using any of the following methods; provided the refiner Start Printed Page 16500or importer test result is correlated with the method specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section:
(i) ASTM standard method D 4468-85 (Reapproved 2000), “Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Gaseous Fuels by Hydrogenolysis and Rateometric Colorimetry,” or
(ii) ASTM standard method D 3246-96, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Gas by Oxidative Microcoulemetry.”
(b) Olefins. Olefin content shall be determined using ASTM standard method D 1319B03, entitled “Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption.”
(3)(i) Any refiner or importer may determine aromatics content using ASTM standard method D 1319-03, entitled “Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Flourescent Indicator Adsorption,” for purposes of meeting any testing requirement involving aromatics content; provided that
(2)(i) When oxygenates present are limited to MTBE, ETBE, TAME, DIPE, tertiary-amyl alcohol and C1 to C4 alcohols, any refiner, importer, or oxygenate blender may determine oxygen and oxygen content using ASTM standard method D 4815-03 entitled, “Standard Test Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE, TAME, DIPE, tertiary-Amyl Alcohol and C1 to C4 Alcohols in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography,” for purposes of meeting any testing requirement; provided that
(h) Incorporations by reference. ASTM standard methods D 3606-99, entitled “Standard Test Method for Determination of Benzene and Toluene in Finished Motor and Aviation Gasoline by Gas Chromatography;” D 1319-03, entitled “Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption;” D 4815-03, entitled “Standard Test Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE, TAME, DIPE, tertiary-Amyl Alcohol and C1 to C4 Alcohols in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography;” D 2622-03, entitled “Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry;” D 3246-96, entitled “Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Gas by Oxidative Microcoulometry;” D 5191-01, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Mini Method);” D 5599-00, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Oxygenates in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography and Oxygen Selective Flame Ionization Detection;” D 5769-98, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Benzene, Toluene, and Total Aromatics in Finished Gasolines by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry,” and D 86-01, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Atmospheric Pressure;” D 5453-03a, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hydrocarbons, Motor Fuels and Oils by Ultraviolet Fluorescence,” D 6920-03, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Naphthas, Distillates, Reformulated Gasolines, Diesels, Biodiesels, and Motor Fuels by Oxidative Combustion and Electrochemical Detection,” D 3120-03a, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Trace Quantities of Sulfur in Light Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Oxidative Microcoulometry,” D 7039-04, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel by Monochromatic Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry,” D 6667-01, entitled, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum Gases by Ultraviolet Fluorescence,” and D 4468-85 (Reapproved 2000), “Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Gaseous Fuels by Hydrogenolysis and Rateometric Colorimetry” are incorporated by reference in this section. These incorporations by reference were approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Copies may be inspected at the Air Docket, EPA/DC, EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal_​register/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.
5. Section 80.580 is amended as follows:
a. By removing and reserving paragraphs (b)(1) and (c)(1).
b. By revising paragraph (c)(2)(i).
c. By revising paragraph (e)(1)(v).
(b) Test method for sulfur. (1) [Reserved]
(c) Alternative test methods for sulfur. (1) [Reserved]
(2) Options for testing sulfur content of 500 ppm diesel fuel. (i) For motor vehicle diesel fuel and diesel fuel additives subject to the 500 ppm sulfur standard of § 80.520(c), and for NRLM diesel fuel subject to the 500 ppm sulfur standard of § 80.510(a), sulfur content may be determined using ASTM D 4294-03, ASTM D 5453-03a, or ASTM D 6920-03, provided that the refiner or importer test result is correlated with the appropriate method specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section; or
(v) D 6920-03, Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Naphthas, Distillates, Reformulated Gasolines, Diesels, Biodiesels, and Motor Fuels by Oxidative Combustion and Electrochemical Detection.
8. See Air Docket # EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0048-0002.
14. See Air Docket #EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0048-0002.
16. See Air Docket #EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0048-0004.
18. The Rounding Method in ASTM E 29-02∈1 applies where it is the intent that a limited number of digits in an observed value or calculated value are to be considered significant for purposes of determining conformance to the number of figures listed in a fuels standard. The rounded value should be compared to the specified limit in the fuels standard, and conformance or non-conformance with the specification in the fuels standard be based on this comparison.
[FR Doc. 06-3133 Filed 3-31-06; 8:45 am]