79 FR 69 pgs. 19830-19834 - Underground Storage Tank Program: Codification of Approved State Program for South Carolina
Type: RULEVolume: 79Number: 69Pages: 19830 - 19834
Pages: 19830, 19831, 19832, 19833, 19834Docket number: [EPA-R04-UST-2013-0679; FRL-9909-12-Region 4]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2014-08049 Filed 4-9-14; 8:45 am]
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 282
[EPA-R04-UST-2013-0679; FRL-9909-12-Region 4]
Underground Storage Tank Program: Codification of Approved State Program for South Carolina
AGENCY:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION:
Direct final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (RCRA), authorizes the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant approval to states to operate their underground storage tank programs in lieu of the federal program. The EPA codifies its decision to approve state underground storage tank programs and incorporate by reference those provisions of the state statutes and regulations that EPA has approved. This action codifies the prior approval of South Carolina's underground storage tank program, which EPA approved on August 28, 2002, and incorporates by reference approved provisions of South Carolina's statutes and regulations.
DATES:
This direct final rule is effective June 9, 2014, unless EPA publishes a prior Federal Register notice withdrawing this direct final rule. All comments on the codification of South Carolina's underground storage tank program must be received by the close of business May 12, 2014. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register, as of June 9, 2014, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
ADDRESSES:
Comments may be submitted, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R04-UST-2013-0679, by one of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
• Email: Truman.bill@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. EPA-R04-UST-2013-0679 in the subject line of the message.
• Fax: (404) 562-8689/8439 (prior to faxing, please notify EPA contact listed below).
• Mail: Send written comments to Mr. Bill Truman, Chief, Underground Storage Tank Section, Restoration and Underground Storage Tank Branch, RCRA Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, GA 30303-8960.
• Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver your comments to Mr. Bill Truman, Chief, Underground Storage Tank Section, Restoration and Underground Storage Tank Branch, RCRA Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, GA 30303-8960.
[top] Instructions: Comments should reference Docket ID No. EPA-R04-UST-2013-0679. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business
Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available (e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute). Certain other materials, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically through www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the following locations: EPA, Region 4, RCRA Division, Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960; telephone number: (404) 562-9457; the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), 2600 Bull Street, Columbia SC 29201, by email at foi@dhec.sc.gov or call (803) 898-3882; and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go http://archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Interested persons wanting to examine these documents should make an appointment with the office in advance.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Bill Truman, Chief, Underground Storage Tank Section, Restoration and Underground Storage Tank Branch, RCRA Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, GA 30303-8960; telephone number: (404) 562-9457; fax number: (404) 562-8689/8439; email address: Truman.bill@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Background
Section 9004 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, authorizes EPA to approve a state underground storage tank program to operate in the state in lieu of the federal underground storage tank program. EPA published a notice of final determination in the Federal Register announcing its decision to grant approval to South Carolina on August 28, 2002, and approval was effective on September 27, 2002 (67 FR 55160-55162).
EPA codifies its approval of state programs in 40 CFR Part 282, and incorporates by reference therein the state's statutes and regulations. Today's action codifies EPA's prior approval of South Carolina's underground storage tank program. This codification reflects the state program in effect at the time EPA granted South Carolina approval under Section 9004(a), 42 U.S.C. 6991c, for its underground storage tank program. Notice and opportunity for comment were provided earlier on EPA's decision to approve the South Carolina program, and EPA is not now reopening that decision nor requesting comment on it.
This effort provides clear notice to the public of the scope of the approved program in South Carolina. By codifying the approved South Carolina program and by amending the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) whenever a new or different set of requirements is approved in South Carolina, the status of federally-approved requirements of the South Carolina program will be readily discernible. Only those provisions of the South Carolina underground storage tank program EPA has approved will be incorporated by reference.
To codify EPA's approval of South Carolina's underground storage tank program, EPA has added Section 282.90 to Title 40 of the CFR. Section 282.90(d)(1)(i) incorporates by reference the State's statutes and regulations that make up the approved program. Section 282.90(d) also references the Attorney General's Statement, the Demonstration of Adequate Enforcement Procedures, the Program Description, and the Memorandum of Agreement, which were evaluated as part of the approval process of the underground storage tank program, in accordance with Subtitle I of RCRA.
EPA retains the authority, in accordance with Sections 9003(h), 9005 and 9006 of Subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991b(h), 6991d and 6991e, and other applicable statutory and regulatory provisions, to undertake corrective actions, inspections and enforcement actions in approved States. With respect to such an enforcement action, EPA will rely on federal sanctions, federal inspection authorities, and federal procedures rather than the state authorized analogues to these provisions. Therefore, the South Carolina inspection and enforcement authorities are not incorporated by reference, nor are they part of South Carolinas's approved state program which operates in lieu of the federal program. These authorities, however, are listed in Section 282.90(d)(1)(ii) for informational purposes, and also because EPA considered them in determining the adequacy of South Carolina's enforcement authority. South Carolina's authority to inspect and enforce the State's underground storage tank requirements continues to operate independently under State law.
Some provisions of South Carolina's underground storage tank program are not part of the federally approved State program. These non-approved provisions are not part of the RCRA Subtitle I program because they are "broader in scope" than Subtitle I of RCRA. See 40 CFR 281.12(a)(3)(ii). As a result, State provisions which are "broader in scope" than the federal program are not incorporated by reference in 40 CFR Part 282. Section 282.90(d)(1)(iii) of the codification simply lists for reference and clarity the South Carolina statutory and regulatory provisions which are "broader in scope" than the federal program and which are not, therefore, part of the approved State program being codified today. "Broader in scope" provisions cannot be enforced by EPA; the State, however, will continue to enforce such provisions.
When the phrases, "insofar" and "except insofar," are used in Appendix A (which provides an informational listing of the state requirements incorporated by reference in CFR Part 282), refer to the binders in the codification materials for specifics as to any words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, or subsections that are "crossed-out" in the binders. These crossed-out materials are not incorporated by reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
B. Statutory and Executive Order Review
[top] This action codifies South Carolina's underground storage tank program that
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 282
Environmental protection, Hazardous substances, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, State program approval, Underground storage tanks, Water pollution control.
Authority:
This document is issued under the authority of Section 9004 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6991c.
Dated: March 10, 2014.
A. Stanley Meiburg,
Deputy Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Region 4.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 40 CFR Part 282 is amended as follows:
PART 282-APPROVED UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAMS
1. The authority citation for part 282 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
42 U.S.C. 6912, 6991c, 6991d, and 6991e.
Subpart B-Approved State Programs
2. Subpart B is amended by adding § 282.90 to read as follows:
§ 282.90 South Carolina State-Administered Program.
[top] (a) The State of South Carolina is approved to administer and enforce an underground storage tank program in lieu of the federal program under Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. The State's program, as administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, was approved by EPA pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6991c and part 281 of this chapter. EPA published the notice of final determination approving the South
(b) South Carolina has primary responsibility for enforcing its underground storage tank program. However, EPA retains the authority to exercise its corrective action, inspection and enforcement authorities under sections 9003(h), 9005 and 9006 of Subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991b(h), 6991d and 6991e, as well as under other statutory and regulatory provisions.
(c) To retain program approval, South Carolina must revise its approved program to adopt new changes to the federal Subtitle I program which make it more stringent, in accordance with section 9004 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, and 40 CFR part 281, subpart E. If South Carolina obtains approval for the revised requirements pursuant to section 9004 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, the newly approved statutory and regulatory provisions will be added to this subpart and notice of any change will be published in the Federal Register .
(d) South Carolina has final approval for the following elements submitted to EPA in the State's program application for final approval as of August 28, 2002. Copies of South Carolina's program application may be obtained from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Underground Storage Tank Program, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201; or the Underground Storage Tank Section, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, GA 30303-8960.
(1) State statutes and regulations. (i) The provisions cited in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section are incorporated by reference as part of the underground storage tank program under Subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq., with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Material is incorporated as it exists on the date of the approval, and notice of any change in the material will be published in the Federal Register . All approved material is available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of the material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal register/code of federal regulations/ibr locations.html. Copies of South Carolina's program application may be obtained from the Underground Storage Tank Program, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
(A) South Carolina Statutory Requirements Applicable to the Underground Storage Tank Program, 2000.
(B) South Carolina Regulatory Requirements Applicable to the Underground Storage Tank Program, 2000.
(ii) EPA considered the following statutes and regulations in evaluating the State program, but is not incorporating them by reference.
(A) The statutory provisions include:
( 1 ) Code of Laws of South Carolina, Title 44. Health, Chapter 2. State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank Act (SUPERB Act):
( i ) Sec. 44-2-40SUPERB Account and SUPERB Financial Responsibility Fund created; purposes and uses. Insofar as it provides for the creation of a SUPERB Account and SUPERB Financial Responsibility Fund, and insofar as it establishes criteria for accessing the funds.
( ii ) Sec. 44-2-50Regulations to be promulgated; cost of rehabilitation. Insofar as it provides for compliance monitoring and enforcement of the chapter and regulations promulgated thereunder.
( iii ) Sec. 44-2-60Registration of underground storage tanks; environmental impact fee. Insofar as this statute places requirements on petroleum distributors, prohibiting them from placing petroleum and petroleum products into an underground storage tank for which the owner or operator does not hold a currently valid registration, and insofar as it requires registration and the payment for registration fees and environmental impact fees for underground storage tanks.
( iv ) Sec. 44-2-75Insurance pools. Insofar as its provides for a means of establishing insurance pools to demonstrate financial responsibility.
( v ) Sec. 44-2-90Accrued interest; prospective abolition of environmental interest fee; use of residual funds for site rehabilitation. Insofar as it refers to interest collected on state fund accounts and the sunset date of the state funds.
( vi ) Sec. 44-2-110Early detection incentive program. Insofar as it establishes criteria for qualified expenditure of funds from the SUPERB Account.
( vii ) Sec. 44-2-115Eligibility requirements to be applied to favor eligibility; qualified site remains qualified until correction and compensation; petition for matter to be heard as contested case; reconsideration by mediation panel. Insofar as is regulates eligibility for state funds.
( viii ) Sec. 44-2-120Use of contractors, subcontractors, and employees for rehabilitation or cleanup. Insofar as this statute establishes requirements for site rehabilitation contractors.
( ix ) Sec. 44-2-130Compensation from SUPERB Account; other insurance or financial responsibility mechanism; deadline for submission; site rehabilitation not a state contract; criteria and restrictions; application, certification, approval, denial, appeal; records; rehabilitation plan; payments; federal government sites exempt. Insofar as it establishes criteria for access to state funds.
( x ) Sec. 44-2-140Enforcement of chapter or department order, penalties for violations. Insofar as it provides for compliance monitoring and enforcement of the underground storage tank requirements.
( xi ) Sec. 44-2-150SUPERB Advisory Committee; establishment; purposes; composition; terms; officers; quorum; operating procedures; facilities; duties and responsibilities; reports. Insofar as it establishes provisions for an advisory committee to study the implementation and administration of the SUPERB program.
( 2 ) Code of Laws of South Carolina, Title 15, Civil Remedies and Procedures.
( i ) Rule 24(a)(2)Appeals from department decisions giving rise to contested case; procedures. Insofar as it provides for compliance monitoring and enforcement of the underground storage tank requirements.
(B) The regulatory provisions include:
( 1 ) South Carolina Underground Storage Tank Control Regulations, R. 61-92, Part 280.
( i ) Sec. 280.301Violations and Penalties. Insofar as it provides for notice to violators, assessment of penalties, criminal prosecution, and appeals under the SUPERB Act.
( ii ) Sec. 280.302Appeals. Insofar as it provides for appeal of any determination by the Department pursuant to R. 61-92 under the provisions of R. 61-72, Procedures for Contested Cases, and the Administrative Procedures Act.
( 2 ) SUPERB Site Rehabilitation and Fund Access Regulations, R.61-98.
(iii) The following statutory and regulatory provisions are broader in scope than the federal program, are not part of the approved program, and are not incorporated by reference herein for enforcement purposes.
[top] (A) Code of Laws of South Carolina, Title 44. Health, Chapter 2. State
( 1 ) Sec. 44-2-60Registration of underground storage tanks; environmental impact fee. Insofar as it places requirements on petroleum distributors, prohibiting them from placing petroleum and petroleum products into an underground storage tank for which the owner or operator does not hold a currently valid registration, and insofar as it requires registration and the payment of registration fees for underground storage tanks.
( 2 ) Sec. 44-2-80 (B) and (C)Release of regulated substance; containment, removal, and abatement. Insofar as it places requirements that exceed the scope of the federal requirements applicable to a person who holds indicia of ownership to protect their security interests in an underground storage tank.
( 3 ) Sec. 44-2-120Use of contractors, subcontractors, and employees for rehabilitation or cleanup. Insofar as it establishes requirements for site rehabilitation contractors.
(B) South Carolina Underground Storage Tank Control Regulations, R.61-92, Part 280:
( 1 ) Sec. 280.10(e)Applicability. Insofar as it places requirements on persons other than owners and operators.
( 2 ) Sec. 280.23New Tanks-permits required. Insofar as it requires issuance of permits to install and operate for all new tanks.
( 3 ) Sec. 280.300Variances. Insofar as it exceeds the scope of the federal program.
(2) Statement of legal authority. (i) "General Counsel's Statement," signed by the State General Counsel on September 5, 2000, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program under Subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
(3) Demonstration of procedures for adequate enforcement. The "Demonstration of Adequate Enforcement Procedures" submitted as part of the original application on September 5, 2000, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program under Subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
(4) Program Description. The program description and any other material submitted as part of the original application on September 5, 2000, though not incorporated by reference, are referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program under Subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
(5) Memorandum of Agreement. The Memorandum of Agreement between EPA Region 4 and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Underground Storage Tank Program, signed by EPA Regional Administrator on December 20, 2001, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program under Subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.
3. Appendix A to Part 282 is amended by adding in alphabetical order "South Carolina" and its listing to read as follows:
Appendix A to Part 282-State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations
South Carolina
(a) The statutory provisions include:
(1) Code of Laws of South Carolina, Title 44. Health, Chapter 2. State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank Act (SUPERB Act)
44-2-10Short Title
44-2-20Definitions
44-2-70Financial responsibility of underground storage tank owners and operators
44-2-80Release of regulated substance; containment, removal, and abatement
(b) The regulatory provisions include:
(1) South Carolina Underground Storage Tank Control Regulations, R.61-92, Part 280
280.10Applicability
280.11Interim prohibition for deferred UST systems
280.12Definitions
280.20Performance standards for new UST systems
280.21Upgrading of Existing UST systems
280.22Notification requirements
280.23New tanks-B permits required
280.24Testing
280.25Secondary containment required
280.30Spill and overfill control
280.31Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection
280.32Compatibility
280.33Repairs allowed
280.34Reporting and recordkeeping
280.40General requirements for all UST systems
280.41Requirements for petroleum UST systems
280.42Requirements for hazardous substance UST systems
280.43Methods of release detection for tanks
280.44Methods of release detection for piping
280.45Release detection recordkeeping
280.50Reporting of suspected releases
280.51Investigation due to off-site impacts
280.52Release investigation and confirmation steps
280.53Reporting and cleanup of spills and overfills
280.60General
280.61Initial response
280.62Initial abatement measures and site check
280.63Initial site characterization
280.64Free product removal
280.65Investigations for soil and ground-water cleanup
280.66Corrective action plan
280.67Public participation
280.70Temporary closure
280.71Permanent closure and changes-in-service
280.72Assessing the site at closure or change-in-service and reporting requirements
280.73Applicability to previously closed UST systems
280.74Closure records
280.90Applicability
280.91Compliance dates
280.92Definition of terms
280.93Amount and scope of required financial responsibility
280.94Allowable mechanisms and combinations of mechanisms
280.95Financial test of self-assurance
280.96Guarantee
280.97Insurance and risk retention group coverage
280.98Surety Bond
280.99Letter of credit
280.101State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank (SUPERB) or other state assurance
280.102Trust Fund
280.103Standby trust fund
280.104Local government bond rating test
280.105Local government financial test
280.106Local government guarantee
280.107Local government fund
280.108Substitution of financial assurance mechanism by owner or operator
280.109Cancellation or non-renewal by a provider of financial assurance
280.110Reporting by owner or operator
280.111Recordkeeping
280.112Drawing on financial assurance mechanisms
280.113Release from requirements
280.114Bankruptcy or other incapacity of owner or operator or provider of financial assurance
280.115Replenishment of guarantees, letters of credit, or surety bonds
280.116Suspension of enforcement (reserved)
280.200Definitions
280.210Participation in management
280.220Ownership of an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system or facility or property on which an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system is located
280.230Operating an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system
[FR Doc. 2014-08049 Filed 4-9-14; 8:45 am]
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