Federal Register final rules — 1996-06-12

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FR Doc. 96-14925 Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area; Trawl Rock Sole/Flathead Sole/``Other Flatfish'' Fishery Category
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29696]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14925]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
50 CFR Part 675

[Docket No. 960129019-6019-01, I.D. 060696E]

Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area; Trawl 
Rock Sole/Flathead Sole/``Other Flatfish'' Fishery Category

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is closing the directed fishery for species in the rock 
sole/flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category by vessels using 
trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area 
(BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the second 
seasonal bycatch allowance of Pacific halibut apportioned to the trawl 
rock sole/flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category in the 
BSAI.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), June 8, 1996, 
until 12 noon, A.l.t., July 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Smoker, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive 
economic zone is managed by NMFS according to the Fishery Management 
Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council 
under authority of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act. Fishing by U.S. vessels is governed by regulations implementing 
the FMP at 50 CFR parts 620 and 675.
    The second seasonal bycatch allowance of Pacific halibut for the 
BSAI trawl rock sole/flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category, 
which is defined at Sec. 675.21(b)(1)(iii)(B)(2), was established by 
the Final 1996 Harvest Specifications of Groundfish (61 FR 4311, 
February 5, 1996) as 139 metric tons (mt). This fishery was previously 
closed with the expectation that the second seasonal allocation had 
been taken (61 FR 16883, April 18, 1996), it was subsequently opened on 
June 3, 1996, when NMFS determined that 50 mt of halibut mortality 
remained in the allocation (61 FR 28071, June 4, 1996).
    The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined, in accordance 
with Sec. 675.21(c)(1)(iii), that the second seasonal bycatch allowance 
of Pacific halibut apportioned to the trawl rock sole/flathead sole/
``other flatfish'' fishery in the BSAI has been caught. Therefore, NMFS 
is prohibiting directed fishing for species in the rock sole/flathead 
sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category by vessels using trawl gear in 
the BSAI.
    Maximum retainable bycatch amounts for applicable gear types may be 
found in the regulations at Sec. 675.20(h).

Classification

    This action is taken under 50 CFR 675.21 and is exempt from review 
under E.O. 12866.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: June 7, 1996.
Richard H. Schaefer,
Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14925 Filed 6-7-96; 3:52 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14908 Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Tennessee; Approval of Revisions to Process Gaseous Emission Standards for Total Reduced Sulfur Emissions From Kraft Mills
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29666-29667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14908]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 62

[TN-115-01-9616a; FRL-5519-6]

Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Tennessee; Approval of Revisions to Process Gaseous Emission Standards 
for Total Reduced Sulfur Emissions From Kraft Mills

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving 
revisions to the Tennessee State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted 
by the State of Tennessee through the Tennessee Department of 
Environment and Conservation on June 25, 1993. The submittal included 
revisions to the State's regulations for Process Gaseous Emission 
Standards for Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) from Kraft Mills. These 
revisions were made to bring these regulations into compliance with the 
1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act (the Act) and the Federal 
regulations. EPA finds that the revised rules meet the Federal 
requirements for process emission standards for sulfur emissions.

DATES: This final rule is effective August 12, 1996, unless adverse or 
critical comments are received by July 12, 1996. If the effective date 
is delayed, timely notice will be published in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to: Ms. Karen Borel, at 
the Regional Office Address listed below.
    Copies of the material submitted by the State of Tennessee may be 
examined during normal business hours at the following locations:

Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center (Air Docket 6102), U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 
20460.
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, Air Programs Branch, 345 
Courtland Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30365.
Tennessee Division of Air Pollution Control, 9th Floor L&C Annex, 401 
Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1531.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Interested persons wanting to examine 
documents relative to this action should make an appointment with the 
Region 4 Air Programs Branch at least 24 hours before the visiting day. 
To schedule the appointment or to request additional information, 
contact Karen C. Borel, Regulatory Planning and Development Section, 
Air Programs Branch, Air, Pesticides & Toxics Management Division, 
Region 4 EPA, 345 Courtland Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30365. The 
telephone number is 404/347-3555 extension 4197. Reference file TN115-
01-9616.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 25, 1993, the State of Tennessee 
submitted revisions to the Tennessee SIP, through the State of 
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. These revisions 
were made to bring this regulation into accordance with the guidance 
provided in the official EPA guidance document (EPA-450/2-78-0003b) and 
to improve the ambient air quality surrounding affected facilities. The 
SIP revision was reviewed by EPA to determine completeness, and a 
letter of completeness dated July 26, 1993, was sent to the State of 
Tennessee. EPA finds that the revisions provide for consistency with 
the Act and corresponding Federal regulations. EPA is approving the 
following revisions to the Tennessee SIP.

Rule 1200-3-7-.07(4)  Total Reduced Sulfur Emissions From Kraft Mills

    (a) This subparagraph is amended by striking the number ``24'' and 
inserting the number ``12.''
    (b) This subparagraph is amended by striking the number ``24'' and 
inserting the number ``12.''
    This new rule meets the requirements set forth in the EPA guidance 
document EPA 450/2-78-003b, March, 1979. This recommends the 12-hour 
averaging interval. Statistically the reduction in the averaging time 
interval will result in reduced TRS emissions which will improve 
ambient air quality surrounding the affected facilities.

Final Action

    EPA is approving revisions to subparagraphs 1200-3-7-.07(4)(a) and

[[Page 29667]]

(b) for Total Reduced Sulfur Emissions for Kraft Mills. Specifically, 
EPA is approving Tennessee's submittal as meeting the gaseous emissions 
requirements for TRS emissions for Kraft Mills.
    The EPA is publishing this action without prior proposal because 
the Agency views this as a noncontroversial action and anticipates no 
adverse comments. However, in a separate document in this Federal 
Register publication, the EPA is proposing to approve the SIP revision 
should adverse or critical comments be filed. This action will be 
effective on August 12, 1996, unless, by July 12, 1996, adverse or 
critical comments are received.
    If the EPA receives such comments, this action will be withdrawn 
before the effective date by publishing a subsequent document that will 
withdraw the final action. All public comments received will then be 
addressed in a subsequent final rule based on the proposed rule. The 
EPA will not institute a second comment period on this action. Any 
parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this 
time. If no such comments are received, the public is advised that this 
action will be effective on August 12, 1996.
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 7607 (b)(1), 
petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the 
United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by August 
12, 1996. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of 
this final rule does not affect the finality of this rule for the 
purposes of judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a 
petition for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the 
effectiveness of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged 
later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. [See section 
307(b)(2) of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 7607 (b)(2).]
    This action has been classified as a Table 3 action for signature 
by the Regional Administrator under the procedures published in the 
Federal Register on January 19, 1989 (54 FR 2214-2225), as revised by a 
July 10, 1995, memorandum from Mary Nichols, Assistant Administrator 
for Air and Radiation. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
exempted this regulatory action from E.O. 12866 review.
    Nothing in this action should be construed as permitting or 
allowing or establishing a precedent for any future request for 
revision to any SIP. Each request for revision to any SIP shall be 
considered separately in light of specific technical, economic, and 
environmental factors and in relation to relevant statutory and 
regulatory requirements.
    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., EPA 
must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis assessing the impact of 
any proposed or final rule on small entities. 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. 
Alternatively, EPA may certify that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Small entities include small business, small not-for-profit 
enterprises, and government entities with jurisdiction over populations 
of less than 50,000.
    SIP approvals under sections 110 and 11 and subchapter I, part D of 
the Act do not create any new requirements, but simply approve 
requirements that the State is already imposing. Therefore, because the 
Federal SIP-approval does not impose any new requirements, I certify 
that it does not have a significant impact on any small entities 
affected. Moreover, due to the nature of the Federal-state relationship 
under the Act, preparation of a regulatory flexibility analysis would 
constitute Federal inquiry into the economic reasonableness of state 
action. The Act forbids EPA to base its actions concerning SIPs on such 
grounds. Union Electric Co. v. U.S.E.P.A., 427 U.S. 246, 256-66 (1976); 
42 U.S.C. 7410(a)(2) and 7410(k)(3).
    Under Sections 202, 203, and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995 (``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 
1995, EPA must undertake various actions in association with proposed 
or final rules that include a Federal mandate that may result in 
estimated costs of $100 million or more to the private sector, or to 
State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate.
    Through submission of this state implementation plan or plan 
revision, the State and any affected local or tribal governments have 
elected to adopt the program provided for under Section 165 of the CAA. 
These rules may bind State, local and tribal governments to perform 
certain actions and also require the private sector to perform certain 
duties. EPA has examined whether the rules being approved by this 
action will impose no new requirements, since such sources are already 
subject to these regulations under State law. Accordingly, no 
additional costs to State, local, or tribal governments, or to the 
private sector, result from this action, and therefore there will be no 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 62

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Paper and paper 
products industry, Phosphate, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Sulfuric oxides.

    Dated: May 28, 1996.
A. Stanley Meiburg,
Acting Regional Administrator.

    Part 62, of chapter I, title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, is 
amended as follows:

PART 62--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 62 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7413 and 7601.

Subpart RR--Tennessee

    2. Subpart RR is amended by adding an undesignated heading and a 
new Sec. 62.10625 to read as follows:

Total Reduced Sulfur Emissions From Existing Kraft Pulp Mills

Sec. 62.10625  Identification of plan.

    On June 25, 1993, the State submitted revisions to the Tennessee 
State Implementation Plan (SIP). These were revisions to the process 
gaseous emission standards. These revisions incorporate changes to Rule 
1200-3-7-.07, subparagraphs (4)(a) and (4)(b) of the Tennessee SIP 
which bring this into conformance with the requirements of 40 CFR part 
62, subpart I.
[FR Doc. 96-14908 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14897 Minor Amendments to Miscellaneous Cross-References
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29636-29638]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14897]

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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMMISSION

10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 70, 72

RIN 3150-AF50

Minor Amendments to Miscellaneous Cross-References

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its 
regulations to achieve consistency in the cross-references associated 
with several recent changes to the NRC's regulations affecting 
decommissioning. This notice is necessary to inform the public of these 
corrections.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jayne M. McCausland, Office of Nuclear 
Regulatory Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 
20555-0001, telephone (301) 415-6219, email JMM[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To achieve consistency in the NRC's 
regulations affecting decommissioning, the following cross-reference 
revisions in 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 70, and 72 are being made:
    (1) In Secs. 30.36(d) and 30.36(g)(3), the cross-references to 
paragraph ``(f)(1)'' are revised to read ``(g)(1).''
    (2) In Secs. 30.36(g)(3)(vi) and 30.36(h)(1) and (h)(2), the cross- 
references to paragraph ``(h)'' are revised to read ``(i).''
    (3) In Secs. 40.42(d) and 40.42(g)(3), the cross-references to 
paragraph ``(f)(1)'' are revised to read ``(g)(1).''
    (4) In Secs. 40.42(g)(4)(vi) and 40.42(h)(1) and (h)(2), the cross- 
references to paragraph ``(h)'' are revised to read ``(i).''
    (5) In Secs. 70.38(d) and 70.38(g)(3), the cross-references to 
paragraph ``(f)(1)'' are revised to read ``(g)(1).''
    (6) In Secs. 70.38(g)(4)(vii) and 70.38(h)(1) and (h)(2), the 
cross- references to ``(h)'' are revised to read ``(i).''
    (7) In Secs. 72.54(j)(1) and (j)(2), the cross-references to 
``(j)'' are revised to read ``(k).''
    Because the changes are minor administrative amendments, the NRC 
has determined that good cause exists to dispense with the notice and 
comment provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). For the same reasons, the NRC has determined 
that good cause exists to waive the 30-day deferred effective date 
provisions of the APA (5 U.S.C. 553(d)).

[[Page 29637]]

Environmental Impact: Categorical Exclusion

    The NRC has determined that this final rule is the type of action 
described as a categorical exclusion in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(2). Therefore, 
neither an environmental impact statement nor an environmental 
assessment has been prepared for this final rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement

    This final rule does not contain a new or amended information 
collection requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Existing requirements were approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget, approval numbers 3150-0009, 3150-0017, 
3150-0020, and 3150-0132.

Public Protection Notification

    The NRC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final rulemaking does not impose any new requirements or 
additional costs to licensees because it is administrative in that it 
achieves consistency in cross-references in existing regulations and 
does not result in any substantive change. This constitutes the 
regulatory analysis for this final rule.

Backfit Analysis

    The NRC has determined that the backfit rule, 10 CFR 50.109, does 
not apply to this final rule and, therefore, that a backfit analysis is 
not required for this rulemaking because these amendments do not 
involve any provision that would impose backfits as defined in 10 CFR 
50.109(a)(1).

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 30

    Byproduct material, Criminal penalties, Government contracts, 
Intergovernmental relations, Isotopes, Nuclear materials, Radiation 
protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

10 CFR Part 40

    Criminal penalties, Government contracts, Hazardous materials 
transportation, Nuclear materials, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Source material, Uranium.

10 CFR Part 70

    Criminal penalties, Hazardous materials transportation, Material 
control and accounting, Nuclear materials, Packaging and containers, 
Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Scientific equipment, Security measures, Special nuclear material.

10 CFR Part 72

    Manpower training programs, Nuclear materials, Occupational safety 
and health, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security 
measures, Spent fuel.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble and under the authority of 
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; the Energy Reorganization 
Act of 1974, as amended; and 5 U.S.C. 552 and 553; the Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission is adopting the following amendments to 10 CFR 
Parts 30, 40, 70, and 72.

PART 30--RULES OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY TO DOMESTIC LICENSING OF 
BYPRODUCT MATERIAL

    1. The authority citation for Part 30 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 81, 82, 161, 182, 183, 186, 68 Stat. 935, 948, 
953, 954, 955, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 
U.S.C. 2111, 2112, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2282); secs. 201, as 
amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 
5841, 5842, 5846).
    Section 30.7 also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 
2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102-485, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 
U.S.C. 5851). Section 30.34(b) also issued under sec. 184, 68 Stat. 
954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 30.61 also issued under 
sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2237).

Sec. 30.36   [Amended]

    2. In Sec. 30.36(d), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (f)(1)'' is 
revised to read ``paragraph (g)(1).''
    3. In Sec. 30.36(g)(3), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (f)(1)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (g)(1).''
    4. In Sec. 30.36(g)(4)(vi), the cross-reference to ``paragraph 
(h)'' is revised to read ``paragraph (i).''
    5. In Sec. 30.36 (h)(1), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (h)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (i).''
    6. In Sec. 30.36(h)(2), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (h)'' is 
revised to read ``paragraph (i).''

PART 40--DOMESTIC LICENSING OF SOURCE MATERIAL

    7. The authority citation for Part 40 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 62, 63, 64, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 186, 68 
Stat. 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, 955, as amended, secs. 11e(2), 
83, 84, Pub. L. 95-604, 92 Stat. 3033, as amended, 3039, sec. 234, 
83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2014(e)(2), 2092, 2093, 2094, 
2095, 2111, 2113, 2114, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2282); sec. 274, 
Pub. L. 86-373, 73 Stat. 688 (42 U.S.C. 2021); secs. 201, as 
amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 
5841, 5842, 5846); sec. 275, 92 Stat. 3021, as amended by Pub. L. 
97-415, 96 Stat. 2067 (42 U.S.C. 2022).
    Section 40.7 also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 
2951, as amended by Pub. L. 102-486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 
U.S.C. 5851). Section 40.31(g) also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 
939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Section 40.46 also issued under sec. 184, 68 
Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 40.71 also issued 
under sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2237).

Sec. 40.42   [Amended]

    8. In Sec. 40.42(d) introductory text, the cross-reference to 
``paragraph (f)(1)'' is revised to read ``paragraph (g)(1).''
    9. In Sec. 40.42(g)(3), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (f)(1)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (g)(1).''
    10. In Sec. 40.42(g)(4)(vi), the cross-reference to ``paragraph 
(h)'' is revised to read ``paragraph (i).''
    11. In Sec. 40.42(h)(1), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (h)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (i).''
    12. In Sec. 40.42(h)(2), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (h)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (i).''

PART 70--DOMESTIC LICENSING OF SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL

    13. The authority citation for Part 70 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 948, 
953, 954, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended, sec. 1701, 
106 Stat. 2951, 2952, 2953 (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2201, 2232, 2233, 
2282, 2297f), secs. 201, as amended, 202, 204, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, 
as amended, 1244, 1245, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5845, 5846).

    Sections 70.1(c) and 70.20a(b) also issued under secs. 135, 141, 
Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2232, 2241 (42 U.S.C. 10155, 10161). 
Section 70.7 also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 
2951 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 70.21(g) also issued under sec. 122, 
68 Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Section 70.31 also issued under sec. 
57d, Pub. L. 93-377, 88 Stat. 475 (42 U.S.C. 2077). Sections 70.36 
and 70.44 also issued under sec. 184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 
U.S.C. 2234). Section 70.61 also issued under secs. 186, 187, 68 
Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2236, 2237). Section 70.62 also issued under 
sec. 108, 68 Stat. 939, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2138).

Sec. 70.38  [Amended]

    14. In Sec. 70.38(d) introductory text, the cross-reference to 
``paragraph (f)(1)'' is revised to read ``paragraph (g)(1).''
    15. In Sec. 70.38(g)(3), the cross-reference to ``paragraph 
(f)(1)'' is revised to read ``paragraph (g)(1).''

[[Page 29638]]

    16. In Sec. 70.38(g)(4)(vii), the cross-reference to ``paragraph 
(h)'' is revised to read ``paragraph (i).''
    17. In Sec. 70.38(h)(1), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (h)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (i).''
    18. In Sec. 70.38(h)(2), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (h)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (i).''

PART 72--LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDEPENDENT STORAGE OF 
SPENT FUEL AND HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

    19. The authority citation for Part 72 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 69, 81, 161, 182, 183, 
184, 186, 187, 189, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 932, 933, 934, 935, 948, 953, 
954, 955, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 
2071, 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2099, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233, 
2234, 2236, 2237, 2238, 2282); sec. 274, Pub. L. 86-373, 73 Stat. 
688, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2021); sec. 201, as amended, 202, 206, 88 
Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); 
Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 295 as amended by Pub. L. 102-486, 
sec. 7902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91-
190, 83 Stat. (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 141, 
Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2229, 2230, 2232, 2241, sec. 148, Pub. L. 
100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10151, 10152, 10153, 10155, 
10157, 10161, 10168).
    Section 72.44(g) also issued under secs. 142(b) and 148(c), (d), 
Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-232, 1330-236 (42 U.S.C. 10162(b), 
10168(c), (d). Section 72.46 also issued under sec. 189, 68 Stat. 
935 (42 U.S.C. 2239); sec. 134, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2230 (42 
U.S.C. 10154). Section 72.96(d) also issued under sec. 145(g), Pub. 
L. 100-203; 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10165(g)). Subpart J also 
issued under secs. 2(2), 2(15), 2(19), 117(a), 141(h), Pub. L. 97-
425, 96 Stat. 2202, 2203, 2204, 2222, 2244 (42 U.S.C. 10101, 
10137(a), 10161(h). Subparts K and L are also issued under sec. 133, 
96 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10153) and 218(a), 96 Stat. 2252 (42 U.S.C. 
10198).

Sec. 72.54  [Amended]

    20. In Sec. 72.54(j)(1), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (j)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (k).''
    21. In Sec. 72.54(j)(2), the cross-reference to ``paragraph (j)'' 
is revised to read ``paragraph (k).''

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 29th day of May, 1996.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
James M. Taylor,
Executive Director for Operations.
[FR Doc. 96-14897 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14893 Oral Dosage Form New Animal Drugs; Praziquantel, Pyrantel Pamoate, and Febantel Tablets
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29650-29651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14893]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
21 CFR Part 520

Oral Dosage Form New Animal Drugs; Praziquantel, Pyrantel 
Pamoate, and Febantel Tablets

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the animal 
drug regulations to reflect approval of a supplemental new animal drug 
application (NADA) filed by Bayer Corp., Agriculture Div., Animal 
Health Products. The supplement provides for oral prescription use of 
Drontal PlusTM for removal and control of the tapeworm 
Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 12, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandra K. Woods, Center for Veterinary 
Medicine (HFV-114), Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Pl., 
Rockville, MD 20855, 301-594-0614.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Bayer Corp., Agriculture Div., Animal Health 
Products, P.O. Box 390, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201, filed supplemental 
NADA 141-007, which provides for oral prescription use of Drontal 
PlusTM tablet for small dogs containing 22.7 milligrams (mg) 
praziquantel, 22.7 mg pyrantel base (as pyrantel pamoate), and

[[Page 29651]]

113.4 mg febantel, and Drontal PlusTM tablet for medium and large 
dogs containing 68 mg praziquantel, 68 mg pyrantel base (as pyrantel 
pamoate), and 340.2 mg febantel. The supplement provides for use of the 
tablet for removal and control of the cestode  E. multilocularis in 
dogs in addition to the previously approved use for removal of other 
tapeworms (cestodes), hookworms, ascarids, and whipworms. Approval is 
based on data and information in previously approved NADA's 111-607 
(Droncit injectable solution) and 111-798 (Droncit tablets). The 
supplement is approved as of March 28, 1996, and the regulations are 
amended in Sec. 520.1872(c)(1)(ii) to reflect the approval. The basis 
of approval is discussed in the freedom of information summary.
    -In accordance with the freedom of information provisions of part 
20 (21 CFR part 20) and Sec. 514.11(e)(2)(ii) (21 CFR 
514.11(e)(2)(ii)), a summary of data and information submitted to 
support approval of this application may be seen in the Dockets 
Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 12420 
Parklawn Dr., rm. 1-23, Rockville, MD 20857, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday.
    -Under section 512(c)(2)(F)(iii) of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360b(c)(2)(F)(iii)), this supplemental approval 
does not qualify for marketing exclusivity because no new clinical or 
field investigations (other than bioequivalence studies), essential to 
the approval, were conducted or sponsored by the applicant.
    -The agency has determined under 21 CFR 25.24(d)(1)(i) that this 
action is of a type that does not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. Therefore, neither an 
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 520

    -Animal drugs.
     Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and 
under authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and 
redelegated to the Center for Veterinary Medicine, 21 CFR part 520 is 
amended as follows:

PART 520--ORAL DOSAGE FORM NEW ANIMAL DRUGS

    -1. The authority citation for 21 CFR part 520 continues to read as 
follows:

    -Authority: Sec. 512 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(21 U.S.C. 360b).

Sec. 520.1872   [Amended]

    -2. Section 520.1872 Praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel 
tablets is amended in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) by adding the phrase ``and 
for the removal and control of tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis'' 
before the words ``in dogs''.

    Dated: May 17, 1996.
Stephen F. Sundlof,
Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine.
[FR Doc. 96-14893 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14891 Tin-Coated Lead Foil Capsules for Wine Bottles; Correction
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14891]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 189

[Docket No. 91N-0326]
RIN 0910-AA06

Tin-Coated Lead Foil Capsules for Wine Bottles; Correction

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is correcting a final 
rule that appeared in the Federal Register of February 8, 1996 (61 FR 
4816). The document announced that FDA was amending its regulations to 
prohibit the use of tin-coated lead foil capsules on wine bottles. The 
document was published with some inadvertent errors. This document 
corrects those errors.

 EFFECTIVE DATE: February 8, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cristina R. Ford, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-726), Food and Drug Administration, 
200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-205-5268.

    In FR Doc. 96-2665, appearing on page 4816 in the Federal Register 
of Thursday, February 8, 1996, the following corrections are made:
    1. On page 4819, in the second column, in the seventh line, ``$4.6 
million'' is corrected to read ``$0.4 million'' and in the same column, 
in the first full paragraph, in the fourth line, ``$5.7 million'' is 
corrected to read ``$0.8 million.''
    2. On page 4819, in the text at the bottom of the page, below Table 
2, in the third column, beginning in the second line, ``$97,000 to $8.7 
million'' is corrected to read ``$111,000 to $3.8 million.''

    Dated: June 5, 1996.
William K. Hubbard,
Associate Commisssioner for Policy Coordination.
[FR Doc. 96-14891 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14878 Amendment of Class E Airspace; Baker, Montana
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29645]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14878]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 96-ANM-001]

Amendment of Class E Airspace; Baker, Montana

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies the Baker, Montana, Class E airspace to 
provide additional controlled airspace necessary to accommodate a 
revised Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach 
procedure (SIAP) to the Baker Municipal Airport.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, August 15, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James C. Frala, Operations Branch, ANM-532.4, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Docket No. 96-ANM-001, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone number: (206) 227-2535.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

History

    On April 22, 1996, the FAA proposed to amend part 71 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) to amend Class E airspace at 
Baker, Montana, to accommodate a revised GPS SIAP to the Baker 
Municipal Airport (61 FR 17607). Interested parties were invited to 
participate in the rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments 
on the proposal. No comments were received.
    The coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North 
American Datum 83. Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 
feet or more above the surface of the earth are published in paragraph 
6005 of FAA Order 7400.9C dated August 17, 1995, and effective 
September 16, 1995, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. 
The Class E airspace listed in this document will be published 
subsequently in the Order.

The Rule

    This amendment to part 71 of Federal Aviation Regulations amends 
Class E airspace at Baker, Montana. The FAA has determined that this 
regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations 
for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them 
operationally current. It, therefore, (1) is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a 
``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 
FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a 
regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since 
this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures 
and air navigation, it is certified that this rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 71 as 
follows:

PART 71--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106 (g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 
24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389; 14 CFR 11.69.

Sec. 71.1  [Amended]

    2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal 
Aviation Administration Order 7400.9C, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 17, 1995, and effective September 16, 
1995, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6005  Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 
feet or more above the surface of the earth.

* * * * *

ANM MT E5 Baker, MT [Revised]

Baker Municipal Airport, MT
    lat. 46 deg.20'52'' N, long. 104 deg.15'34'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 8.9-mile radius of the Baker Municipal Airport; that 
airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface bounded 
by a line beginning at lat. 46 deg.20'00'' N, long.104 deg.45'00'' 
W; to lat. 46 deg.30'30'' N, long. 104 deg.31'00'' W; to lat. 
46 deg.37'00''N, long. 104 deg.31'00''W; to lat. 46 deg.37'00''N, 
long. 103 deg.59'40''W; to lat. 46 deg.37'55''N, long. 
103 deg.53'45''W; to lat. 46 deg.25'45''N, long. 103 deg.37'30''W; 
to lat. 46 deg.17'30''N, long. 103 deg.48'15''W; to lat. 
45 deg.40'00''N, long. 103 deg.00'50''W; to lat. 45 deg.35'30''N, 
long. 103 deg.01'45''W; to lat. 45 deg.55'20''N, long. 
103 deg.53'15''W; to lat. 46 deg.00'00''N, long. 104 deg.13'00''W; 
to lat. 46 deg.04'20''N, long. 104 deg.10'45''W; to the point of 
beginning; excluding that portion within the Bowman Municipal 
Airport, ND, 1,200-foot Class E airspace area.
* * * * *
    Issued in Seattle, Washington, on May 28, 1996.
Richard E. Prang,
Acting Assistant Manager, Air Traffic Division, Northwest Mountain 
Region.
[FR Doc. 96-14878 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14870 Airworthiness Directives; Superior Air Parts, Inc. Pistons Installed on Teledyne Continental Motors O-470 Series Reciprocating Engines
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29641-29642]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14870]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-30; Amendment 39-9646; AD 96-12-04]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Superior Air Parts, Inc. Pistons 
Installed on Teledyne Continental Motors O-470 Series Reciprocating 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacturer 
Approval (PMA) pistons installed on Teledyne Continental Motors O-470 
series reciprocating engines, that requires removal from service of 
certain pistons. This amendment is prompted by piston failures. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent piston failure, 
which can result in engine power loss, engine failure and loss of the 
aircraft.

DATES: Effective August 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Karanian, Aerospace Engineer, 
Special Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137-4298; telephone (817) 222-5195, fax (817) 
222-5959.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts 
Manufacturer Approval (PMA) pistons installed on Teledyne Continental 
Motors O-470 series reciprocating engines was published in the Federal 
Register on February 22, 1995 (60 FR 9800). That action proposed to 
require removal from service of Superior Air Parts, Inc. pistons, Part 
Number (P/N) SA626992, at the next access to the piston, top overhaul, 
or major overhaul. The affected pistons can be identified by either a 
stamped-in P/N on the piston dome (SA626992 or SA626992P15) or, by a 
raised casting number (SA632932) along one of the piston pin bosses on 
the underside of the piston.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The manufacturer has informed the FAA that 5,585 pistons were 
shipped between December 1976 and June 1981 and will be affected by 
this AD. The FAA estimates that it will take approximately 2 work hours 
per piston to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$156 per piston. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the 
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,541,460.
    The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT

[[Page 29642]]

Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared 
for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 
may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under 
the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-12-04 Superior Air Parts, Inc.: Amendment 39-9646. Docket 94-ANE-
30.

    Applicability: Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacturer 
Approval (PMA) pistons, Part Numbers (P/N's) SA626992 and 
SA626992P15, installed on Teledyne Continental Motors Model O-470-K, 
-L, -R reciprocating engines. These engines are installed on but not 
limited to Cessna 182 series aircraft.

    Note: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each piston 
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of 
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area 
subject to the requirements of this AD. For pistons that have been 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the 
authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This approval may address 
either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe 
condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe 
condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an 
assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe 
condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any 
modification, alteration, or repair remove any piston from the 
applicability of this AD.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent piston failure, which can result in engine power 
loss, engine failure and loss of the aircraft, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) At the next access to the piston, top overhaul, or major 
overhaul after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first, remove pistons, P/N SA626992, from service and replace with a 
serviceable part.

    Note: The affected pistons can be identified by either a 
stamped-in P/N on the piston dome (SA626992 or SA626992P15) or, by a 
raised casting number (SA632932) along one of the piston pin bosses 
on the underside of the piston.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Fort Worth Special Certification 
Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Fort Worth Special Certification Office.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth Special Certification 
Office.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on August 12, 1996.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1996.
Robert E. Guyotte,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14870 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14864 Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, FL
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29654-29655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14864]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD07-95-057]
RIN 2115-AE47

Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, 
FL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is changing the regulations governing the 
operation of the NASA Railroad bridge, mile 876.6, at Kennedy Space 
Center, by removing the authorization for automatic operation and 
returning the draw to manual operation. This action will accommodate 
the needs of railroad traffic and still provide for the reasonable 
needs of navigation.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 29, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Documents are available for inspection or copying at U.S. 
Coast Guard Seventh District, Office of Aids to Navigation, 909 S.E. 
1st Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. EDT, Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Walt Paskowsky, Project Manager, Bridge Section, (305) 536-4103.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory History

    On February 22, 1996, the Coast Guard published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking entitled Drawbridge Operation Regulations, Atlantic 
Intracoastal Waterway, FL in the Federal Register (61 FR 6803). The 
comment period ended on April 22, 1996. The Coast Guard received no 
comments on the proposal. A public hearing was not requested and one 
was not held.

Background and Purpose

    The draw of the NASA railroad bridge, mile 876.6 at Kennedy Space 
Center was placed in automatic remote controlled operation by the 
Florida East Coast Railroad when it was put into service in February 
1964. Under remote

[[Page 29655]]

operation the span is normally in the open position displaying flashing 
green signals to allow the movement of water traffic. When a train 
approaches the bridge the lights go to flashing red, a horn sounds 4 
blasts, pauses, then repeats 4 blasts. After an 8 minute delay, the 
draw lowers and locks, providing scanning equipment reveals nothing 
under the span. The draw remains down for a period of 8 minutes or 
while the approach track circuit is occupied. After the train clears, 
the draw opens and the lights return to flashing green.
    The automatic remote control method was discontinued in 1984 when 
ownership of the bridge was transferred from the Florida East Coast 
Railroad to the Kennedy Space Center (NASA). The purpose of this change 
is to describe in the regulation how the bridge is actually being 
operated.

Discussion of Comments and Changes

    No comments were received on the proposed rule. The final rule is 
therefore unchanged from the proposed rule published on February 22, 
1996.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of executive order 12866 and does not require an assessment of 
potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that order. It 
has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under that 
order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and 
procedures of the Department of Transportation. (DOT) (44 FR 11040; 
February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this 
action to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under 
paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is 
unnecessary.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the 
Coast Guard must consider whether this rule will have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. ``Small 
entities'' may include small businesses and not for profit 
organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not 
dominant in their field and governmental jurisdictions with populations 
of less than 50,000. Because it expects the impact of the action to be 
minimal, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this 
final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.

Collection of Information

    This rule contains no collection of information requirements under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act. (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)

Federalism

    The Coast Guard has analyzed the rule under the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and has determined that 
this rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Environment

    The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this rule 
and concluded that under section 2.B.2.e.(32) of Commandant Instruction 
M16475.1B, promulgation of operating requirements or procedures for 
drawbridges is categorically excluded from further environmental 
documentation. A ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available 
in the docket where listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117

    Bridges.

Final Regulation

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 
CFR Part 117 as follows:

PART 117-- [AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for Part 117 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 49 CFR 1.46; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g); section 
117.255 also issued under the authority of Pub. L. 102-587, 106 
Stat. 5039.

    2. Section 117.261 is amended by revising paragraph (j) to read as 
follows:

Sec. 117.261  Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from St. Mary's River to 
Key Largo

* * * * *
    (j) NASA Railroad bridge, mile 876.6 at Kennedy Space Center.
    (1) The draw is not constantly tended.
    (2) The draw is normally in the fully open position displaying 
flashing green lights to indicate that vessels may pass.
    (3) When a train approaches the bridge, it stops and the operator 
initiates a command to lower the bridge. The lights go to flashing red 
and the draw lowers and locks, providing scanning equipment reveals 
nothing under the draw. The draw remains down until a manual raise 
command is initiated, or will raise automatically 5 minutes after the 
intermediate track circuit is no longer occupied by a rail car.
    (4) After the train has cleared, the draw opens and the lights 
return to flashing green.
* * * * *
    Dated: May 21, 1996.
Roger T. Rufe, Jr.,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 96-14864 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14863 Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax; Correction
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29653-29654]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14863]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

26 CFR Parts 26, 301, and 602

[TD 8644]
RIN 1545-AJ11; 1545-AL75; 1545-AO89

Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax; Correction

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Correction to final regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document contains corrections to final regulations [TD 
8644] which were published in the Federal Register for Wednesday, 
December 27, 1995 (60 FR 66898). The final regulations relate to 
generation-skipping transfer tax.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 27, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Hogan (202) 622-3090 (not a toll-
free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The final regulations that are subject to these corrections are 
under chapter 13 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Need for Correction

    As published, the final regulations [TD 8644] contain errors that 
are in need of clarification.

Correction of Publication

    Accordingly, the publication of final regulations which are the 
subject of FR Doc. 95-30873 is corrected as follows:
    1. On page 66899, column 1, in the preamble under the paragraph 
heading ``Uniform Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities'', line 13, the 
language ``alienation of a interest in property for a'' is corrected to 
read ``alienation of an interest in property for a''.
    2. On page 66902, column 1, in the preamble under the paragraph 
heading ``Division of a Single Trust Into Separate Trusts'', paragraph 
3, line 3 from the bottom, the language ``for under the original 
trusts. Thus, a'' is corrected to read ``for under the original trust. 
Thus, a''.

Sec. 26.2601-1  [Corrected]

    2a. On page 66907, column 2, Sec. 26.2601-1, paragraph 
(b)(1)(v)(D), Example 2, eighth line from the bottom of the paragraph, 
the language, ``of the first addition), $200,000 (.2'' is 
corrected to read ``of the first addition), $200,000 (.2 x ''.
    3. On page 66907, column 2, Sec. 26.2601-1, paragraph (b)(1)(v)(D), 
Example 4, eighth line from the bottom of the column, the language 
``GGC, for life. Upon GGC's death the'' is corrected to read ``GGC, for 
life. Upon GGC's death, the''.
    4. On page 66907, column 3, Sec. 26.2601-1, paragraph (b)(1)(v)(D), 
Example 5, line 3, the language ``Assume the same facts as in Example 
3,'' is corrected to read ``Assume the same facts as in Example 4,''.
    5. On page 66909, column 2, Sec. 26.2601-1, paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) 
introductory text, (b)(3)(iii)(A), (b)(3)(iii)(A)(1), 
(b)(3)(iii)(A)(2), (b)(3)(iii)(B), (b)(3)(iii)(C) are correctly 
designated (b)(3)(iii)(A) introductory text, (b)(3)(iii)(A)(1), 
(b)(3)(iii)(A)(1)(i), (b)(3)(iii)(A)(1)(ii), (b)(3)(iii)(A)(2), and 
(b)(3)(iii)(A)(3), respectively.
    6. On page 66909, column 2, Sec. 26.2601-1, newly designated 
paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(A)(3) is corrected and paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(B) 
is added to read as follows:

Sec. 26.2601-1   Effective dates.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (3) Any judgement or decree relating to the decedent's incompetency 
that was made after October 22, 1986.
    (B) Such items in paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) (A), (B), and (C) of this 
section will be considered relevant, but not determinative, in 
establishing the decedent's state of competency.
    7. On page 66909, column 3, Sec. 26.2601-1, paragraph (b)(4)(i), 
line 5, the language ``rules in paragraph (b) (2) or (3) of this'' is 
corrected to read ``rules in paragraph (b) (1), (2) or (3) of this''.
    8. On page 66910, column 2, Sec. 26.2601-1, paragraph (c), line 5 
from the top of the column, the language ``on or after [December 27, 
1995].'' is corrected to read ``on or after December 27, 1995.''.

Sec. 26.2612-1  [Corrected]

    9. On page 66910, column 3, Sec. 26.2612-1, paragraph (a)(2)(ii), 
lines 5 and 6, the language ``the transferor would be assigned to a 
lower generation by reason of that'' is corrected to read ``the lineal 
descendant would be assigned to a higher generation by reason of 
that''.
    10. On page 66910, column 3, Sec. 26.2612-1, paragraph (b)(1)(i), 
last 3 lines are corrected by removing the language ``(i.e., a new 
transferor is determined with respect to the property)''.

[[Page 29654]]

Sec. 26.2632-1  [Corrected]

    11. On page 66914, column 3, Sec. 26.2632-1, paragraph (d)(1), line 
3 from the top of the column, the language ``706 or Form 706NA and is 
effective as'' is corrected to read ``706, Form 706NA or Form 709 
(filed on or before the due date of the transferor's estate tax return) 
and is effective as''.

Sec. 26.2642-2  [Corrected]

    12. On page 66916, column 2, Sec. 26.2642-2, paragraph 
(b)(3)(ii)(B), line 6, the language ``date of death and the date of'' 
is corrected to read ``valuation date and the date of''.

Sec. 26.2642-4  [Corrected]

    13. On page 66917, column 3, Sec. 26.2642-4, paragraph (a)(3), 
lines 5 through 9 from the top of the column, the language ``not 
allocated to the trust, the applicable fraction immediately before 
death is not changed, if the trust was not subject to an ETIP at the 
time GST exemption was allocated to the trust. The denominator'' is 
corrected to read ``not allocated to the trust, then, except as 
provided in this paragraph (a)(3), the applicable fraction immediately 
before death is not changed, if the trust was not subject to an ETIP at 
the time GST exemption was allocated to the trust. In any event, the 
denominator''.
    14. On page 66918, column 2, Sec. 26.2642-4, paragraph (b), 
paragraph (i) of Example 5, the last line, the language ``is .50 
(1-($100,000/$200,000 = .50)'' is corrected to read ``is .50 
(1-($100,000/$200,000))''.

Sec. 26.2652-1  [Corrected]

    15. On page 66918, column 3, Sec. 26.2652-1, paragraph (a)(2), line 
2, the language ``or gift tax. For purposes of this section,'' is 
corrected to read ``or gift tax. For purposes of this chapter,''.
    16. On page 66919, column 1, Sec. 26.2652-1, paragraph (a)(2), line 
3 from the top of the column, the language ``2501(a). A transfer is 
subject to Federal'' is corrected to read ``2501(a) (without regard to 
exemptions, exclusions, deductions, and credits). A transfer is subject 
to Federal''.
    17. On page 66919, columns 1 and 2, Sec. 26.2652-1, paragraph 
(a)(6) Example 1, last two lines in column 1 and first line in column 
2, the language ``benefit of T's grandchild. The transfer is a 
completed gift under Sec. 25.2511-2 of this chapter. Thus, for purposes 
of chapter 13, T'' is corrected to read ``benefit of T's grandchild. 
The transfer is subject to Federal gift tax because a gift tax is 
imposed under section 2501(a) (without regard to exemptions, 
exclusions, deductions, and credits). Thus, for purposes of chapter 13, 
T''.
    18. On page 66919, column 2, Sec. 26.2652-1, paragraph (a)(6), 
Example 5, lines 13 and 14, the language ``transfer by T is a completed 
transfer within the meaning of Sec. 25.2511-2 of this chapter'' is 
corrected to read ``transfer by T is subject to Federal gift tax 
because a gift tax is imposed under section 2501(a) (without regard to 
exemptions, exclusions, deductions, and credits)''.

Sec. 26.2654-1  [Corrected]

    19. On page 66921, column 2, Sec. 26.2654-1, paragraph 
(a)(1)(ii)(A), last line, the language ``person; or'' is corrected to 
read ``person; and''.
    20. On page 66922, column 2, Sec. 26.2654-1, paragraph (a)(5), 
Example 6, line 10 from the top of the column, the language 
``contribution is \3/4\ ((\2/3\ x $180,000) +'' is corrected to read 
``contribution is \3/4\ (((\2/3\ x $180,000) +''.
    21. On page 66922, column 2, Sec. 26.2654-1, paragraph (a)(5), 
Example 8, line 4 from the bottom of the paragraph, the language ``same 
if, the trust instrument provided that'' is corrected to read ``same if 
the trust instrument provided that''.
    22. On page 66922, column 2, Sec. 26.2654-1, paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(A), lines 1 and 2, the language ``(A) The terms of each of 
the new trusts provide for the same succession of'' is corrected to 
read ``(A) The terms of the new trusts provide in the aggregate for the 
same succession of''.
    23. On page 66922, column 3, Sec. 26.2654-1, paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(C)(1), line 2 from the bottom of the paragraph, the language 
``measured from the date of death to the'' is corrected to read 
``measured from the valuation date to the''.

Sec. 26.2662-1  [Corrected]

    24. On page 66923, column 3, Sec. 26.2662-1, paragraph (c)(2)(vi), 
Example 1, line 6, the language ``T's grandchild GC, was named the 
sole'' is corrected to read ``T's grandchild, GC, was named the sole''.

Sec. 26.2663-2  [Corrected]

    25. On page 66925, column 1, Sec. 26.2663-2, paragraph (c)(2), the 
last line, the language ``the trust).'' is corrected to read ``the 
trust)).''.
    26. On page 66925, column 2, Sec. 26.2663-2, paragraph (d), Example 
3, line 8 from the bottom of the paragraph, the language ``Generation-
Skipping Transfer) Tax return'' is corrected to read ``Generation-
Skipping Transfer) Tax Return''.
    27. On page 66925, column 3, Sec. 26.2663-2, paragraph (e), line 
11, the language ``prescribed in section 2632(c). Thus, an'' is 
corrected to read ``prescribed in section 2632(c). Thus, a''.
Cynthia E. Grigsby,
Chief, Regulations Unit, Assistant Chief Counsel (Corporate).
[FR Doc. 96-14863 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4830-01-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14862 Safety Zone; San Francisco Bay, CA
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29656-29657]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14862]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 165

[COTP San Francisco Bay 96-003]
RIN 2115-AA97

Safety Zone; San Francisco Bay, CA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone on the waters of 
San Francisco Bay, California around the Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell 
which will be moored at the Coast Guard Island Pier, Alameda. The event 
requiring a safety zone is a military change of command ceremony. The 
zone will encompass a water area extending 25 yards forward, aft, and 
to the outboard side of the ship which will be moored at the following 
location: Latitude: 37 deg.46'50''N, Longitude: 122 deg.15'01''W. 
Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting 
through, or anchoring within this safety zone unless authorized by the 
Captain of the Port.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This safety zone will be in effect on June 12, 1996, 
between 9:30 a.m., PDT, and 1:30 p.m., PDT, unless canceled earlier by 
the Captain of the Port.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lieutenant Rob Lee, Coast Guard Marine Safety Office San Francisco Bay, 
CA; (510) 437-3073.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553, a Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was not published for this regulation, and 
good cause exists for making it effective in less than 30 days after 
Federal Register publication. Publishing an NPRM and delaying its 
effective date would be contrary to the public interest since the cope 
of activities potentially attracting a number of spectator craft and 
thus requiring a safety zone was not finalized until a date fewer than 
30 days prior to the event date.

Discussion of Regulation

    The military change of command event requiring this regulation will 
begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. PDT on June 12, 1996. This safety 
zone is necessary to prevent spectator recreational and commercial 
craft from collecting within 25 yards of the cutter Boutwell, creating 
possible safety concerns for these vessels and the Coast Guard cutter. 
Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting 
through, or anchoring within the safety zone unless authorized by the 
Captain of the Port.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This regulation is not a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an 
assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of 
that order. It has been exempted from review by the Office of 
Management and Budget under that order. It is not significant under the 
regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation 
(DOT) (44 FR 11040;

[[Page 29657]]

February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this 
regulation to be so minimal that a full Regulatory evaluation under 
paragraph 10(e) of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is 
unnecessary. Because the impact is expected to be minimal, the Coast 
Guard certifies that it will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities.

Collection of Information

    This regulation contains no collection of information requirements 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)

Federalism

    The Coast Guard has analyzed this regulation under the principles 
and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has determined that 
this regulation does not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Environmental Assessment

    The Coast Guard has considered the environmental impact of this 
regulation and concluded that under section 2.B.2 of Commandant 
Instruction M16475.1b it will have no significant environmental impact 
and it is categorically excluded from further environmental 
documentation.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

Regulation

    In consideration of the foregoing, Subpart F of Part 165 of Title 
33, Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as follows:

PART 165--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for Part 165 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 
6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.

    2. A new section 165.T11-074 is added to read as follows:

Sec. 165.T11-074  Safety Zone: San Francisco Bay, CA

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: the waters of 
San Francisco Bay, California around the Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell 
which will be moored at the Coast Guard Island Pier, Alameda. The zone 
will encompass a water area extending 25 yards forward, aft, and to the 
outboard side of the ship which will be moored at the following 
location: Latitude: 37 deg.46'50''N, Longitude: 122 deg.15'01''W. 
[Datum: NAD 83].
    (b) Effective Date. This safety zone will be in effect on June 12, 
1996, between 9:30 a.m., PDT, and 1:30 p.m., PDT, unless canceled 
earlier by the Captain of the Port.
    (c) Regulations. In accordance with the general regulations in 
Section 164.23 of this part, entry into, transit through, or anchoring 
within this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the 
Port.

    Dated: May 28, 1996.
D.P. Montoro,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port.
[FR Doc. 96-14862 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14861 Safety Zone; Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, Elizabeth River, Norfolk, VA
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29655-29656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14861]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 165

[CGD 05-96-038]
RIN 2115-AA97

Safety Zone; Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, Elizabeth River, 
Norfolk, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Temporary rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone around 
the Nauticus National Maritime Center Norfolk, VA. The zone is needed 
to protect U.S. Coast Guard Change of Command participant vessels and 
mariners operating in the vicinity from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 14, 
1996. Entry into this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the 
Captain of the Port or his designated representative.

EFFECTIVE DATES: This regulation is effective from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 
June 14, 1996, unless sooner terminated by the Captain of the Port, 
Hampton Roads, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chief Petty Officer John Pekich, Project Officer, USCG Marine Safety 
Office Hampton Roads, telephone number (804) 484-8192.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553, a Notice of 
Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) was not published for this rule and good 
cause exists for making it effective less than 30 days after Federal 
Register publication. Publishing an NPRM and delaying its effective 
date would be contrary to the public interest since immediate action is 
needed to protect the vessels involved in the Change of Command 
Ceremony and other mariners operating in the vicinity

Discussion of the Regulation

    This temporary rule is issued to protect vessels involved in Change 
of Command ceremonies at the Nauticus National Maritime Center, 
Norfolk, VA. or those transiting the area on the Elizabeth River, 
Norfolk, VA. Therefore, the Coast Guard is establishing a 100 yard 
radius safety zone around the

[[Page 29656]]

maritime center's piers while the ceremony is conducted. The safety 
zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 14, 1996, unless 
terminated sooner by the Captain of the Port. This safety zone will 
prohibit access by all unauthorized persons to all waters within a 100 
yard radius from a point located at 36-54'.28'' N 076-05'.31'' W during 
these operations. A safety zone is necessary to protect both the 
vessels involved with the operation and those operating in the 
vicinity.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of 
potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that order. It 
has been exempted from review by the Office of Management and Budget 
under that order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies 
and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040; 
February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this 
rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 
10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary.

Collection of Information

    This rule contains no collection of information requirements under 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Federalism

    The Coast Guard has analyzed this rule under the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has determined that it 
does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Environment

    The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this rule 
and concluded that under section 2.B.2.e(34) of Commandant Instruction 
M16475.1B (as revised by 59 FR 38654; July 29, 1994), this rule is 
categorically excluded from further environmental documentation.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine Safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Vessels, Waterways.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 
CFR 165 as follows:

PART 165--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for Part 165 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 
6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5.; 49 CFR 1.46.

    2. A new temporary section 165.T05-038 is added to read as follows:

Sec. 165.T05-038  Safety Zone: Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, Elizabeth 
River, Norfolk, Virginia.

    (a) Location: The following area is a safety zone: All waters 
within a 100 yard radius from a point located at 36-54'.28'' N, 076-
05'.31'' W, on the Elizabeth River at the Nauticus National Maritime 
Center, Norfolk, Virginia, during the Change of Command Ceremony.
    (b) Definitions: Captain of the Port means the Commanding Officer 
of the Marine Safety Office Hampton Roads, Norfolk, VA or any Coast 
Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer who has been authorized 
by the Captain of the Port to act on his behalf.
    (c) (1) In accordance with the general regulations in section 
165.23 and 165.501 of this part, entry into this zone is prohibited 
unless authorized by the Captain of the Port. The general requirements 
of section 165.23 and 165.501 also apply to this regulation.
    (2) Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage through the 
safety zone must first request authorization from the Captain of the 
Port. The Coast Guard vessels enforcing the safety zone can be 
contacted on VHF Marine Band Radio, channels 13 and 16. The Captain of 
the Port can be contacted at telephone number (804) 484-8192.
    (d) The Captain of the Port will notify the public of changes in 
the status of this zone by Marine Safety Radio Broadcast on VHF Marine 
Band Radio, Channel 22 (157.1 MHz).

    Dated: June 6, 1996.
D.A. Sande,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Hampton Roads.
[FR Doc. 96-14861 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14846 Recreation Programs
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29678-29679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14846]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

43 CFR Part 8000

[WO-340-1220-00-24 1A]
RIN 1004-AC51

Recreation Programs

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final Rule; removal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule removes 43 CFR Part 8000--Recreation Programs 
regarding recreation programs on public lands, in its entirety. 43 CFR 
Part 8000--Recreation Programs contains no substantive material that is 
not repeated in subsequent sections of 43 CFR. The Bureau of Land 
Management (BLM) will

[[Page 29679]]

provide the public with any necessary policy and practices for the 
administration of recreation program through procedural guidance.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edna Taylor, (202) 452-5068.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final regulation removes 43 CFR Part 
8000--Recreation Programs from BLM's regulatory program as part of its 
effort to eliminate unnecessary and inappropriate material in the Code 
of Federal Regulations.
    BLM published a proposed rule on the removal of 43 CFR Part 8000--
Recreation Programs in the Federal Register of April 9, 1996 (61 FR 
15753), requesting comments by May 9, 1996. During the 30-day comment 
period, BLM did not receive any comments.
    This rule is not subject to the Office of Management and Budget 
review under Executive Order 12866.
    BLM has determined that this final rule is categorically excluded 
from environmental review under section 102(2)(C) of the National 
Environmental Policy Act, pursuant to 516 Departmental Manual (DM), 
Chapter 2, Appendix I, Item 1.10, and that the final rule does not meet 
any of the 10 criteria for exceptions to categorical exclusion listed 
in 516 DM, Chapter 2, Appendix 2. Pursuant to Council on Environmental 
Quality regulations (40 CFR 1508.4) and the environmental policies and 
procedures of the Department of the Interior, the term ``categorical 
exclusions'' means a ``category of actions that do not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and 
that have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by 
the Federal agency and for which neither an environmental assessment 
nor an environmental impact statement is required.''
    The final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The rule does not contain information 
collection requirements that need approval by the Office of Management 
and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
    The principal author of this final rule is Edna Taylor, Regulatory 
Management Team, BLM.
    Accordingly, under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 301, 43 CFR Part 
8000--Recreation Programs is removed.

    Dated: June 5, 1996.
Sylvia V. Baca,
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior.
[FR Doc. 96-14846 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14845 Recreation Management
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14845]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
43 CFR Part 8300

[WO-340-1220-00-24 1A]
RIN 1004-AC50

Recreation Management

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final Rule; removal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule removes 43 CFR Part 8300--Procedures regarding 
recreation management on public lands, in its entirety. 43 CFR Part 
8300--Procedures contains no substantive material that is not repeated 
in subsequent sections of 43 CFR. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 
will provide the public with any necessary policy and practices for the 
administration of recreation program through procedural guidance.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edna Taylor, (202) 452-5068.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final regulation removes 43 CFR Part 
8300--Procedures from BLM's regulatory program as part of its effort to 
eliminate unnecessary and inappropriate material in the Code of Federal 
Regulations.
    BLM published a proposed rule on the removal of 43 CFR Part 8300--
Procedures in the Federal Register of April 9, 1996 (61 FR 15753), 
requesting comments by May 9, 1996. During the 30-day comment period, 
BLM did not receive any comments.
    This rule is not subject to the Office of Management and Budget 
review under Executive Order 12866.
    BLM has determined that this final rule is categorically excluded 
from environmental review under section 102(2)(C) of the National 
Environmental Policy Act, pursuant to 516 Departmental Manual (DM), 
Chapter 2, Appendix I, Item 1.10, and that the final rule does not meet 
any of the 10 criteria for exceptions to categorical exclusion listed 
in 516 DM, Chapter 2, Appendix 2. Pursuant to Council on Environmental 
Quality regulations (40 CFR 1508.4) and the environmental policies and 
procedures of the Department of the Interior, the term ``categorical 
exclusions'' means a ``category of actions that do not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and 
that have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by 
the Federal agency and for which neither an environmental assessment 
nor an environmental impact statement is required.''
    The final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The rule does not contain information 
collection requirements that need approval by the Office of Management 
and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
    The principal author of this final rule is Edna Taylor, Regulatory 
Management Team, BLM.
    Accordingly, under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 301, 43 CFR Part 
8300--Procedures is removed.

    Dated: June 5, 1996.
Sylvia V. Baca,
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior.
[FR Doc. 96-14845 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14844 Inventions by Employees of Department of Veterans Affairs
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29657-29659]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14844]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

38 CFR Part 1

RIN 2900-AI03

Inventions by Employees of Department of Veterans Affairs

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document amends the regulations concerning inventions 
developed by employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It 
adds the Federal Technology Transfer Act (FTTA) of the 1986 as an 
authority for these regulations. Also, it reflects changes in 
delegations of authority made by the Department of Commerce (DOC), the 
lead agency concerning patents and inventions. Further, it removes 
language in the VA regulations that is also set forth in DOC 
regulations. The DOC regulations are applicable to the Department 
without restatement in VA regulations. In addition, it makes changes to 
VA delegations of authority. Lastly, the amendments clarify procedures 
to be followed by VA employees in reporting inventions.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chuck Delobe, Deputy Assistant General 
Counsel (024B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20420, (202) 273-6383.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 10096, dated January 23, 
1950, as amended by Executive Order 10930, dated March 24, 1961, set 
forth the criteria Federal agencies are to utilize in making 
determinations of ownership rights to inventions developed by Federal 
employees. The E.O. also required that each Federal agency take all 
necessary steps, including the promulgation of regulations, to 
effectuate the order. The VA's regulations implementing the executive 
order are found at 38 CFR 1.650-666.
    DOC was given lead agency authority to implement the provisions of 
the E.O. DOC's regulations, applicable to all Federal agencies, set 
forth a uniform patent policy and are found at 37 CFR part 501. The 
amendments reflect more recent changes in the delegations of authority 
within DOC. It adds the Federal Technology Transfer Act (FTTA) of the 
1986 as an authority for these regulations. Also, it reflects changes 
in delegations of authority made by the Department of Commerce (DOC), 
the lead agency concerning patents and inventions. Further, it removes 
language in the VA regulations that is also set forth in DOC 
regulations. The DOC regulations are applicable to the Department 
without restatement in VA regulations. In addition, it makes changes to 
VA delegations of authority. Lastly, the amendments clarify procedures 
to be followed by VA employees in reporting inventions.
    This final rule consists of agency procedures and nonsubstantive 
changes and, therefore, is not subject to the notice-and-comment and 
effective date provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553.
    The Secretary hereby certifies that this final rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-
612. This final rule would not have any impact on individuals or small 
entities. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(B), this final rule is 
exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis 
requirements of sections 603 and 604.
    There is no Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for the 
program affected by this final rule.

List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 1

    Administrative practice and procedure, Archives and records, 
Cemeteries, Claims, Courts, Flags, Freedom of information, Government 
contracts, Government employees, Government property, Infants and 
children, Inventions and patents, Investigation, Parking, Penalties, 
Postal service, Privacy reporting and record keeping requirements, 
Seals and insignia security measures, Wages.

    Approved: May 5, 1996.
Jesse Brown,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 38 CFR part 1 is amended 
as set forth below:

[[Page 29658]]

PART 1--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 1 sections 1.650-1.666 is 
revised to read as follows:

    Authority: sections 1.650 to 1.666 issued under sect. 1, 66 
Stat. 811, 72 Stat. 1114; 35 U.S.C. 266; 15 U.S.C. 3710a; 38 U.S.C. 
501; E.O. 10096, E.O. 10930, 15 FR 389; 3 CFR 1949-1953 Comp.

    2. Section 1.650 is amended by removing ``the regulations'' and 
adding, in its place, ``these regulations'', and by removing 
``concerning inventions by employees of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs.''

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. (501(a), unless otherwise noted.)

    3. In Sec. 1.651, paragraphs (b) and (c) are revised to read as 
follows:

Sec. 1.651  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) The term employee or Government employee means any officer or 
employee, civilian or military, of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Part-time, without compensation (WOC) employees and part-time 
consultants are included.
    (c) The term Secretary of Commerce means the Under Secretary of 
Commerce for Technology.
    4. Section 1.652 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 1.652  Criteria for determining rights to employee inventions.

    (a) The criteria to be applied in determining the respective rights 
of the Government and of the employee-inventor in and to any invention 
subject to these provisions shall be in accordance with the Uniform 
Patent Policy regulations found at 37 CFR 501.6 and 501.7.
    (b) Ownership in and to inventions arising under Cooperative 
Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) pursuant to 15 USC 3710a 
shall be governed by the provisions of the pertinent CRADA, as 
authorized by the Federal Technology Transfer Act.

(Authority: 15 U.S.C. 3710a; 37 CFR part 501)

    5. Section 1.653 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 1.653  Delegation of authority.

    (a) The General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel is authorized to 
act for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in matters concerning patents 
and inventions, unless otherwise required by law. The determination of 
rights to an invention as between the Government and the employee where 
there is no cooperative research and development agreement shall be 
made by the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, in accordance 
with 37 CFR part 500.
    (b) The Directors of VA Medical Centers are delegated the authority 
to enter into cooperative research and development and license 
agreements under the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, Pub. L. 
99-502.

(Authority: E.O. 12591; 15 U.S.C. 3710a)

    6. Section 1.654 is amended by removing ``given in paragraph 1(a) 
of Executive Order 10096 (15 FR 389, 3 CFR, 1949-1953 comp., p. 292) 
shall'' and adding, in its place, ``as set forth in 37 CFR 501.6 
should''; by removing ``inventor (employee)'' and adding, in its place, 
``employee inventor''; by removing ``Commissioner'' and adding, in its 
place, ``Secretary of Commerce''; and the section heading is revised to 
read as follows:

Sec. 1.654  Patenting of Inventions.

* * * * *
    7. Section 1.655 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 1.655  Government license in invention of employee.

    If an invention is made by an employee and it is determined that 
the employee inventor is entitled to full ownership under 37 CFR 501.6, 
subject to a nonexclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free license in the 
Government with power to grant sublicenses for all Governmental 
purposes, it shall be the duty of the employee inventor to notify the 
Office of General Counsel of the status of the patent application, 
including the patent application number, so that the Department may 
protect the interests reserved to the Government under 37 CFR 501.6.
    8. Section 1.656 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 1.656  Information to be submitted by inventor.

    (a) In the case of an invention or believed invention, the inventor 
will prepare a statement for submission to his or her immediate 
superior. It will be submitted regardless of where the ownership is 
believed to exist. The statement will consist of two parts:
    (1) One part of the statement will be a disclosure of the invention 
sufficient to permit the preparation of a patent applicant. It shall 
consist of a description, including where applicable, of the parts or 
components of the invention as shown on the drawings or blueprints, 
accompanied further by a description of the construction and operation 
of the invention. Photographs of the invention may be included. The 
inventor should state pertinent prior art known to him or her, and set 
forth in detail as clearly as possible the respects which his or her 
invention differs.
    (2) The other part of the statement will set forth the 
circumstances attending the making of the invention. It will include 
the full name and address of the inventor; the grade and title of his 
or her position; whether full time or part time; his or her duties at 
the time the invention was made; the facts pertinent to a determination 
whether the invention bore a direct relation to or was made in 
consequence of such official duties; whether there was, and if so, the 
terms of any special agreement or understanding with respect to use or 
manufacture of his or her invention; date of the invention; when and 
where it was conceived, constructed and tested; whether it was made 
entirely during working hours; whether, and to what extent there was a 
contribution by the Government of any of the following: Facilities; 
equipment; materials or supplies; funds; information; time or services 
of other Government employees on duty. When the invention is disclosed 
through publication, or in consultation with a manufacturer or 
attorney, simultaneous notification of the publication shall be given 
to the Office of General Counsel. A copy of the article will accompany 
the notification.
    (b) The inventor's immediate superior shall promptly review the 
statement of the employee inventor for completeness and accuracy, and 
shall certify that the employee's statement of circumstances attending 
the invention is or is not correct, giving reasons if pertinent. The 
file should then be submitted through the facility head (or 
administration heads or top staff officials in the case of Central 
Office employees) to the General Counsel together with any comments or 
recommendations.

Sec. 1.657  [Removed]

    9. Section 1.657 is removed.

Sec. 1.658  [Redesignated as Sec. 1.657]

    10. Section 1.658 is redesignated as
    11. Newly redesignated Sec. 1.657 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 1.657  Determination of rights.

    The General Counsel will make a determination of rights subject to 
review where required by the Secretary of Commerce. The determination 
will be in accordance with 37 CFR 501.7.
    12. A new Sec. 1.658 is added to read as follows:

Sec. 1.658  Right of appeal.

    In accordance with 37 CFR 501.8, the employee has a right of appeal 
to the

[[Page 29659]]

Secretary of Commerce within 30 days of receipt of the Department's 
determination of ownership rights. The decision reached by the 
Secretary of Commerce will be communicated to the employee.
    13. Section 1.659 is amended by removing ``patentability'' and 
adding, in its place, ``a determination of ownership rights''; by 
removing ``may'' and adding, in its place, ``will''; by removing 
``patent consideration.'' and adding, in its place, ``an ownership 
determination where the employee idea or suggestion involves an 
invention. The employee shall be directed to submit a disclosure of 
invention in accordance with these regulations if such has not been 
previously submitted.''

Sec. 1.660  [Removed]

    14. Section 1.660 is removed.

Sec. 1.661  [Redesignated as Sec. 1.660]

    15. Section 1.661 is redesignated as Sec. 1.660.
    16. Newly redesignated Sec. 1.660 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 1.660  Expeditious handling.

    No patent may be granted where the invention has been in public use 
or publicly disclosed for more than one year before filing of a patent 
application. Hence, submissions involving inventions should be made as 
promptly as possible in order to avoid delay which might jeopardize 
title to the invention or impair the rights of the inventor or the 
Government.

Sec. 1.662  [Redesignated as Sec. 1.661]

    17. Section 1.662 is redesignated as Sec. 1.661.

Sec. 1.663  [Redesignated as Sec. 1.662]

    18. Section 1.663 is redesignated as Sec. 1.662.

Sec. 1.666  [Redesignated as Sec. 1.663]

    19. Section 1.666 is redesignated as Sec. 1.663.
    20. Newly redesignated Sec. 1.663 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 1.663  Licensing of Government-owned inventions.

    (a) The licensing of Government-owned inventions under VA control 
and custody will be conducted pursuant to the regulations on the 
licensing of Government-owned inventions contained in 37 CFR part 404, 
and 15 U.S.C. 3710a, as appropriate.
    (b) Any person whose application for a license in an invention 
under VA control and custody has been denied; whose license in such an 
invention has been modified or terminated, in whole or in part; or who 
timely filed a written objection in response to a proposal to grant an 
exclusive or partially exclusive license in an invention under VA 
control or custody, may, if damaged, appeal any decision or 
determination concerning the grant, denial, interpretation, 
modification, or termination of a license to the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs. Such appeal shall be in writing; shall set forth with 
specificity the basis of the appeal; and shall be postmarked not later 
than 60 days after the action being appealed. Upon request of the 
appellant, such appeal may be considered by one to three persons 
appointed on a case-by-case basis by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 
Such a request will be granted only if it accompanies the written 
appeal. Appellant may appear and be represented by counsel before such 
a panel, which will sit in Washington, DC. If the appeal challenges a 
decision to grant an exclusive or partially exclusive license in an 
invention under VA control or custody, the licensee shall be furnished 
a copy of the appeal, shall be given the opportunity to respond in 
writing, may appear and be represented by counsel at any hearing 
requested by appellant, and may request a hearing if appellant has not, 
under the same terms and conditions, at which the appellant may also 
appear and be represented by counsel.

[FR Doc. 96-14844 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14820 William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended; Student Assistance General Provisions
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29898-29901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14820]

      

[[Page 29897]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part VI

Department of Education

_______________________________________________________________________

34 CFR Part 600, et al.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 12, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 29898]]

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

34 CFR Parts 600, 668, and 685

RIN 1840-AC18

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; Institutional 
Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended; Student 
Assistance General Provisions

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Final Regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document contains corrections and other technical changes 
to the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program final 
regulations published in the Federal Register on December 1, 1994 (59 
FR 61664). These regulations apply to loans under the Federal Direct 
Stafford/Ford Loan Program, the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/
Ford Loan Program, the Federal Direct PLUS Program, and the Federal 
Direct Consolidation Loan Program, collectively referred to as the 
Direct Loan Program. The Secretary also corrects minor technical errors 
and omissions in the Institutional Eligibility regulations contained in 
34 CFR Part 600, Subpart A, and the Student Assistance General 
Provisions regulations contained in 34 CFR Part 668, Subpart B.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These regulations take effect July 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Meredith Merrill, Program 
Specialist, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W. 
(ROB-3, Room 3053), Washington, DC 20202-5400. Telephone: (202) 708-
9406. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the Deaf 
(TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-
877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through 
Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following regulations are amended to 
clarify the regulations and to correct errors and omissions in the text 
of the Direct Loan Program final regulations published on December 1, 
1994 (59 FR 61664), the Institutional Eligibility regulations, 34 CFR 
Part 600, and the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations, 34 
CFR Part 668.

The Direct Loan Program

    Section 685.102 has been amended to correct a typographical error 
in a reference to the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and 
to include a reference to grace period, which was inadvertently omitted 
in the description of a Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loan under the 
definition of the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program. In order 
to reflect a statutory change made by the Higher Education Technical 
Amendments of 1993, Public Law 103-208, this section also has been 
amended to clarify that a borrower may make satisfactory repayment 
arrangements on a defaulted Direct Loan for the purposes of regaining 
title IV eligibility only one time.
    Section 685.200 has been amended to accurately reflect the 
requirement that a student must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment 
on at least a half-time basis in order to be eligible to receive a 
Direct Loan. Paragraph (c) of this section has been amended to clarify 
the definition of ``satisfactory repayment arrangement'' for the 
purpose of consolidating a defaulted loan. Further, this section has 
been amended to correct a grammatical error in the text and an error in 
a cross-reference to another section in Part 685.
    Section 685.202 clarifies the interest rate calculations for Direct 
Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. The 2.5 percentage point 
adjustment on the interest rate for in-school, grace, and deferment 
periods only applies to loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 1995. 
For loans disbursed prior to July 1, 1995, the interest rate 
calculation for all periods is based on a 3.1 percentage point 
adjustment.
    Paragraphs (b)(1) through (5) of Sec. 685.202 clarify that the 
Secretary does not capitalize all interest that has accrued on a 
borrower's principal balance. Instead, the Secretary only capitalizes 
the amount of interest that accrues on the loan amount that the 
borrower has not paid.
    Paragraph (b)(2) of Sec. 685.202 is amended to clarify that, when a 
borrower enters repayment, the Secretary will capitalize the unpaid 
interest that accrued during the in-school and grace periods on a 
Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan that is eligible for a grace 
period.
    Paragraph (b)(3) of Sec. 685.202 also clarifies the Secretary's 
intent that the limit on the amount of interest that is capitalized 
under the Income Contingent Repayment and Alternative Repayment plans 
does not apply during periods of deferment for unsubsidized loans and 
does not apply during periods of forbearance for any Direct Loan.
    Section 685.204 has been amended to clarify that a Direct Loan 
borrower who has an outstanding balance on a FFEL Program loan made 
prior to July 1, 1993, at the time he or she applies for a first Direct 
Loan, will remain eligible for the FFEL Program deferments on all 
Direct Loans until all loans with those deferments are fully repaid, 
even if the borrower repays the FFEL Program loans in full before the 
Direct Loans are paid in full.
    Section 685.204 also has been amended to add language that reflects 
the existing policy in the Direct Loan Program that a borrower who has 
defaulted on the repayment of a Direct Loan generally is not eligible 
for a deferment. However, comparable to Sec. 682.210(a)(8) in the FFEL 
Program, Sec. 685.204(e) allows a borrower who has defaulted on a 
Direct Loan to be eligible for a deferment if the borrower contacts the 
Direct Loan Servicing Center and makes payment arrangements 
satisfactory to the Secretary.
    Section 685.205 has been corrected to state that a borrower, not 
the endorser, must be the recipient of a national service educational 
award in order to qualify for forbearance.
    Section 685.212 has been amended to clarify which payments the 
Secretary returns to a borrower when a loan is discharged. Once the 
Secretary receives acceptable documentation that a borrower is eligible 
for a specific discharge, any payments received during the period 
between the date the borrower met the eligibility requirements and the 
date the discharge was approved will be returned to the person who sent 
the payment. Furthermore, any payments received after the date the 
discharge was approved will be returned to the person who sent the 
payment.
    Section 685.214 has been amended to conform with the technical 
corrections made in Sec. 685.301.
    Section 685.215 has been amended to specify which loans under 
subpart II of part A of title VII of the Public Health Service Act may 
be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan. Paragraph (d) of this 
section is amended to reflect terminology consistent with the 
definitions in Sec. 685.102(b). This section also has been amended to 
specify that the limit on collection costs charged to a borrower who 
consolidates a defaulted loan applies only to defaulted Direct Loans 
and FFEL Program loans.
    Section 685.301 clarifies that, although certain circumstances 
allow for a late disbursement of a loan, a school must originate a loan 
while the student meets the borrower eligibility requirements in 
Sec. 685.200. The terminology in this section has been changed to 
reflect that schools certify loan information in the Direct Loan 
Program by means of the origination process.
    Section 685.301 also has been amended to clarify that a Direct Loan 
may be disbursed in a single installment

[[Page 29899]]

prior to the midpoint of the loan period if the date of the scheduled 
disbursement coincides with the beginning of the next scheduled term 
for which the school has an anticipated disbursement date. For example, 
a borrower at a term-based school that uses quarter hours would be 
allowed to receive the first and second Direct Loan disbursements in a 
single installment at the beginning of the second quarter even though 
this may occur prior to the mid-point of the loan period.
    Section 685.303 has been amended to clarify that a school must 
determine whether or not a student has continuously maintained 
eligibility before Direct PLUS proceeds are disbursed to the parent 
borrower. Paragraph (d) of this section has been amended to clarify 
that a school may not make a late disbursement to a borrower that 
exceeds the student's cost of attendance for the period of enrollment 
completed by the student. Further, paragraph (d) clarifies that a 
school may not make a late disbursement if the student's last recorded 
date of attendance is earlier than the 30th day of the period of 
enrollment if the loan was subject to the 30-day delayed disbursement 
requirements for first-year, first-time borrowers. These requirements 
are the same as in the FFEL Program.
    Section 685.305 has been amended to clarify those procedures a 
school must follow for determining the withdrawal date for a student 
who did not return for the next scheduled term following a summer 
break. This section also is amended to correct an error in the cross-
reference to the Student Assistance General Provisions regulations.

Institutional Eligibility

    Section 600.5 has been amended to correct a technical error which 
references the manner in which certified public accountants must 
examine the accuracy of a proprietary institution's calculations 
regarding the 85 percent rule contained in Sec. 600.5(a)(8). Paragraph 
(e) of this section was mistakenly amended in the Federal Register of 
November 29, 1994, to reference an accountant performing an ``agreed-
upon procedures attestation engagement.'' This paragraph has been 
corrected to accurately reflect the Secretary's intent that a certified 
public accountant must engage in an ``examination'' level attestation 
agreement under which he or she examines management's assertions that 
it satisfied the 85 percent requirement.

General Provisions

    Section 668.15 has been amended to clarify that the audit described 
in paragraph (e)(1) also may be performed by State auditors if they 
meet the independence requirements of Government Auditing Standards.

Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking

    In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553, 
it is the practice of the Secretary to offer interested parties the 
opportunity to comment on proposed regulations. However, the regulatory 
changes in this document are necessary to correct minor technical 
errors and omissions in the Direct Loan Program final regulations 
published on December 1, 1994, the Institutional Eligibility 
regulations, 34 CFR Part 600, and the Student Assistance General 
Provisions regulations, 34 CFR Part 668. The changes in this document 
do not establish any new substantive rules. Therefore, the Secretary 
has determined that publication of a proposed rule is unnecessary and 
contrary to the public interest under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B).

Executive Order 12866

    These final regulations have been reviewed in accordance with 
Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, the Secretary has 
assessed the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
    The potential costs associated with these final regulations are 
those resulting from statutory requirements and those determined by the 
Secretary as necessary for administering these programs effectively and 
efficiently. Burdens specifically associated with information 
collection requirements, if any, are identified and explained elsewhere 
in this preamble under the heading Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
    In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative 
and qualitative--of these final regulations, the Secretary has 
determined that the benefits of the regulations justify the costs.
    The Secretary has also determined that this regulatory action does 
not unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the 
exercise of their governmental functions.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    These regulations have been examined under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 and have been found to contain no information collection 
requirements.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    The Secretary certifies that these regulations will not have 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Small entities affected by these regulations are small institutions of 
higher education. These regulations contain technical amendments 
designed to clarify and correct current regulations. The changes will 
not have a significant economic impact on the institutions affected.

Assessment of Educational Impact

    The Secretary has determined that the regulations in this document 
would not require transmission of information that is being gathered by 
or is available from any other agency or authority of the United 
States.

List of Subjects

34 CFR Parts 600 and 668

    Administrative practice and procedure, Colleges and universities, 
Consumer protection, Education, Grant programs-education, Loan 
programs-education, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Student 
Aid.

34 CFR Part 685

    Administrative practice and procedure, Colleges and universities, 
Education, Loan programs-education, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Student Aid, Vocational education.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 84.007 Federal 
Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant Program; 84.032 Federal 
Stafford Loan Program; 84.032 Federal PLUS Program; 84.032 Federal 
Supplemental Loans for Students Program; 84.033 Federal Work Study 
Program; 84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program; 84.063 Federal Pell 
Grant Program; 84.069 Federal State Student Incentive Grant Program; 
84.268 William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; and 84.272 
National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership Program.)

    Dated: June 3, 1996.
Richard W. Riley,
Secretary of Education.

    The Secretary amends Parts 600, 668, and 685 of title 34 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 685--WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM

    1. The authority citation for Part 685 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq., unless otherwise noted.

Sec. 685.102  [Amended]

    2. In Sec. 685.102, paragraph (a)(3), introductory text, after the 
word ``Loan''

[[Page 29900]]

remove the word ``Program''; in paragraph (b), in the definition of 
``Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program'', in paragraph (1), add 
``, grace,'' after ``in-school''; in the definition of ``Satisfactory 
repayment arrangement'', at the end of paragraph (1), add a new 
sentence to read, ``A borrower may only obtain the benefit of this 
paragraph with respect to renewed eligibility once.''.
    3. In Sec. 685.200, paragraph (a)(1)(i), add ``, or accepted for 
enrollment, on at least a half-time basis'' after the word 
``enrolled''; in paragraph (b)(7)(iii), remove the word ``is'' after 
the word ``history''; and paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 685.200   Borrower eligibility.

* * * * *
    (c) Defaulted FFEL Program and Direct Loan borrowers. Except as 
noted in Sec. 685.215(d)(1)(ii)(F), in the case of a student or parent 
borrower who is currently in default on an FFEL Program or a Direct 
Loan Program Loan, the borrower shall make satisfactory repayment 
arrangements, as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of that 
term under Sec. 685.102(b), on the defaulted loan.
* * * * *
    4. In Sec. 685.202, paragraph (a)(1)(i), before the first sentence, 
add, ``Loans first disbursed prior to July 1, 1995.''; remove the 
words, ``in repayment'' and add, in their place, ``during all 
periods''; paragraph (a)(1)(ii) is revised; in paragraph (b)(1), add 
the word ``unpaid'' before the word ``accrued''; in paragraph (b)(2), 
add ``or a Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan that qualifies for a 
grace period'' after ``Direct Unsubsidized Loan'', add the word 
``unpaid'' before the word ``interest''; in paragraph (b)(3), remove 
the word ``For'' and add ``Notwithstanding Sec. 685.208(g)(5) and 
Sec. 685.209(d)(3), for'' at the beginning of the sentence, add the 
word ``unpaid'' after the words ``capitalizes the''; in paragraph 
(b)(4), add the word ``unpaid'' after the word ``capitalizes'', remove 
the words, ``payable by the borrower''; in paragraph (b)(5), add the 
word ``unpaid'' after the word ``capitalize'', and remove the words 
``payable by the borrower'' to read as follows:

Sec. 685.202   Charges for which Direct Loan Program borrowers are 
responsible.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 1995.
    (A) During the in-school, grace, and deferment periods. The 
interest rate during any twelve-month period beginning on July 1 and 
ending on June 30 is determined on the June 1 immediately preceding 
that period. The interest rate is equal to the bond equivalent rate of 
91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to that 
June 1 plus 2.5 percentage points, but does not exceed 8.25 percent.
    (B) During all other periods. The interest rate during any twelve-
month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30 is determined on 
the June 1 immediately preceding that period. The interest rate is 
equal to the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at 
the final auction held prior to that June 1 plus 3.1 percentage points, 
but does not exceed 8.25 percent.
* * * * *
    5. In Sec. 685.204, in paragraph (b), remove ``paragraph (d)'' and 
add, in its place, ``paragraphs (d) and (e)''; in paragraph (d) 
introductory text, add ``borrower's first'' before ``Direct Loan'', and 
add new paragraph (e) to read as follows:

Sec. 685.204   Deferment.

* * * * *
    (e) A borrower whose loan is in default is not eligible for a 
deferment, unless the borrower has made payment arrangements 
satisfactory to the Secretary.

Sec. 685.205   [Amended]

    6. In Sec. 685.205, paragraph (a)(4), remove the words, ``or 
endorser''.
    7. In Sec. 685.212, paragraph (f) is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 685.212   Discharge of a loan obligation.

* * * * *
    (f) Payments received after eligibility for discharge. Upon receipt 
of acceptable documentation and approval of the discharge request, the 
Secretary returns to the sender, or, for a discharge based on death, 
the borrower's estate, those payments received after the date that the 
eligibility requirements for discharge were met but prior to the date 
the discharge was approved. The Secretary also returns any payments 
received after the date the discharge was approved.
* * * * *

Sec. 685.214   [Amended]

    8. In Sec. 685.214, paragraph (a)(1)(iii), before ``in the 
occupation,'' remove the word ``certified'' and add, in its place, the 
word, ``originated''; in paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(B), remove the word 
``certified'' and add, in its place, the word, ``originated''.
    9. In Sec. 685.215, paragraph (b)(19), add ``and Loans for 
Disadvantaged Students (LDS) made under subpart II of part A of title 
VII of the Public Health Service Act'' after ``(HPSL)''; paragraph 
(b)(21) is removed; paragraph (b)(22) is redesignated as (b)(21); in 
redesignated paragraph (b)(21), remove the word ``Loans'' and add, at 
the beginning of the paragraph, the words ``Nursing loans''; in 
paragraph (c)(3) remove ``(22)'' and add, in its place, ``(21)''; 
paragraph (d) (1)(ii)(E) is revised; and, in paragraph (f)(1)(iii), add 
``Direct Loan or FFEL Program'' before the word ``loan'' to read as 
follows:

Sec. 685.215  Consolidation.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (E) In default but has made satisfactory repayment arrangements, as 
defined in paragraph (2) of that term under Sec. 685.102(b), on the 
defaulted loan; or
* * * * *
    10. In Sec. 685.301, in the section heading, remove the word 
``Certification'' and add, in its place, ``Origination''; paragraph 
(a)(1) is revised; in paragraph (a)(3) introductory text, remove the 
word ``certify'' and add, in its place, ``originate''; in paragraph 
(a)(4)(ii), remove the word ``certifies'' and add, in its place, 
``originates''; in paragraph (b)(2)(iv), add ``or if the date of the 
first disbursement coincides with the beginning of the second or 
subsequent semester, quarter, or similar division of the loan period 
for which the loan was made,'' after ``made'' to read as follows:

Sec. 685.301  Origination of a loan by a Direct Loan Program school.

    (a) * * *
    (1) A school participating in the Direct Loan Program shall ensure 
that any information it provides to the Secretary in connection with 
loan origination is complete and accurate. A school shall originate a 
Direct Loan while the student meets the borrower eligibility 
requirements of Sec. 685.200. Except as provided in 34 CFR Part 668, 
subpart E, a school may rely in good faith upon statements made in the 
application by the student.
* * * * *
    11. In Sec. 685.303, paragraph (b)(2)(i), add ``, or a parent in 
the case of a PLUS Loan,'' after ``student'', remove the words ``whom 
the school determines'' and add, in their place, ``if the school 
determines the student''; remove ``or'' at the end of paragraph 
(d)(3)(i), remove the period at the end of paragraph

[[Page 29901]]

(d)(3)(ii), and add, in its place, a semi-colon, and add new paragraphs 
(d)(3) (iii) and (iv) to read as follows:

Sec. 685.303  Processing loan proceeds.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) A late disbursement to a borrower if the student's last 
recorded day of attendance is earlier than the 30th day of the period 
of enrollment for which the loan is intended if the loan was subject to 
the delayed disbursement under Sec. 685.303(b)(4); or
    (iv) A late disbursement that, including all prior disbursements, 
exceeds a student's documented educational costs for the period of 
enrollment completed by the student before the student ceased to be 
enrolled at the school on at least a half-time basis.
* * * * *
    12. Section 685.305 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 685.305  Determining the date of a student's withdrawal.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a school 
shall follow the procedures in 34 CFR 668.22(j) for determining the 
student's date of withdrawal.
    (b) For a student who does not return for the next scheduled term 
following a summer break, which includes any summer term(s) in which 
classes are offered but students are not generally required to attend, 
a school shall follow the procedures in 34 CFR 668.22(j) for 
determining the student's date of withdrawal except that the school 
must determine the student's date of withdrawal no later than 30 days 
after the start of the next scheduled term.
    (c) The school shall use the date determined under paragraph (a) or 
(b) of this section for the purpose of reporting to the Secretary the 
student's date of withdrawal and for determining when a refund must be 
paid under Sec. 685.306.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087 et seq.)

PART 600--INSTITUTIONAL ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT 
OF 1965, AS AMENDED

    1. The authority citation for Part 600 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1088, 1091, 1094, 1099b, 1099c, and 1141, 
unless otherwise noted.

    2. Section 600.5 is amended by revising paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:

Sec. 600.5  Proprietary institution of higher education.

* * * * *
    (e)(1) An institution shall substantiate the required calculations 
in paragraph (a)(8) of this section by having the certified public 
accountant who prepares its audited financial statement required under 
34 CFR 668.15 report on the accuracy of its determination that the 
percentage of its revenues derived from title IV, HEA program funds is 
not more than 85 percent of its revenues.
    (2) The certified public accountant's report shall be based on 
performing an examination-level ``attestation engagement'' in 
accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 
(AICPA's) Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements #3, 
Compliance Attestation, and the certified public accountant shall 
include that attestation report with the audit report referenced in 
paragraph (e)(1) of this section.
    (3) The certified public accountant's attestation report shall 
indicate whether the institution's determination that the percentage of 
its revenues derived from title IV, HEA program funds is not more than 
85 percent of its revenues, is accurate, i.e. fairly presented in all 
material respects.
* * * * *

PART 668--STUDENT ASSISTANCE GENERAL PROVISIONS

    1. The authority citation for Part 668 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1085, 1088, 1091, 1092, 1099c, and 1141, 
unless otherwise noted.

Sec. 668.15  [Amended]

    2. In Sec. 668.15, paragraph (e)(1), in the second sentence, 
remove, ``certified public accountant'' and add, in its place, 
``auditor''; remove ``generally accepted auditing standards'' and add, 
in its place, ``Government Auditing Standards''.

[FR Doc. 96-14820 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14787 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Ohio
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29662-29664]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14787]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52

[OH91-2; FRL-5506-5]

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Ohio

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On November 3, 1995, Ohio submitted revisions to its 
particulate matter plans for the Cleveland and Steubenville 
nonattainment areas. These revisions were submitted to address plan 
deficiencies that were identified by EPA in a final limited disapproval 
of the particulate matter plans published in the Federal Register on 
May 27, 1994. For the Cleveland area, these revisions provide earlier 
attainment of the air quality standard and correct the deficient test 
method disapproved in that rulemaking. For the Steubenville area, these 
revisions include an administrative order for tightening controls at 
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel's basic oxygen furnace, and provide a fully 
updated modeling analysis demonstrating that the plan assures 
attainment. EPA is approving these revisions and terminating the 
potential for sanctions based on the deficiencies identified in the 
rulemaking of May 27, 1994.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This action is effective July 12, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the SIP revision and USEPA's analysis are 
available for public inspection during normal business hours at the 
following addresses:

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Air and 
Radiation Division, 77 West Jackson Boulevard (AR-18J), Chicago, 
Illinois 60604; and
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), Docket and Information Center (Air 
Docket 6102) Room M1500, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 
401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
 John Summerhays, Regulation Development Section, Air Programs Branch 
(AR-18J), United States Environmental Protection, Region 5, Chicago, 
Illinois 60604, (312) 886-6067.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Ohio submitted major revisions to its particulate matter 
regulations on November 14, 1991, with supplemental submittals on 
December 4, 1991, and January 8, 1992. EPA proposed rulemaking on these 
submittals on August 3, 1993, at 58 FR 41218, and published a notice of 
final rulemaking on May 27, 1994, at 59 FR 27464, granting limited 
approval/limited disapproval of these submittals. Although EPA approved 
most of Ohio's regulations, EPA concluded that Ohio had not satisfied 
selected requirements of the Clean Air Act applicable to its two 
particulate matter nonattainment areas, i.e., Cuyahoga County 
(including Cleveland) and the Steubenville area. This represented a 
disapproval finding under Section 179(a)(2), thus initiating an 18-
month period after which sanctions were to be imposed in these areas 
under Section 179(b) unless or until the deficiencies are remedied.
    On November 3, 1995, Ohio submitted further revisions to its 
particulate matter plans, seeking to remedy the deficiencies identified 
in EPA's May 1994 rulemaking. On January 23, 1996 (at 61 FR 1727), EPA 
proposed to approve the State's submittal and proposed to conclude that 
all particulate matter SIP requirements were satisfied (except for new 
source review requirements, which were not addressed in either the 
January 1996 or the May 1994 rulemaking and are being addressed 
separately). Simultaneously, EPA issued an interim final determination 
that the deficiencies had been remedied (at 61 FR 1720), thereby 
staying application of sanctions.
    In brief, for Cuyahoga County, the deficiencies were (1) failure to 
satisfy requirements for Reasonably Available Control Measures (RACM) 
by December 1992; and (2) failure to assure attainment due to 
deficiencies in the test method applicable to coke quenching. EPA 
proposed to find that these deficiencies were addressed when Ohio 
revised its rules to require a control strategy adequate to satisfy 
RACM requirements by December 1993 and improved the test method for 
coke quenching. For the Steubenville area, the deficiency was an 
inadequate attainment demonstration due to, among other factors, 
inadequate accounting for emissions from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel's 
basic oxygen furnace. EPA proposed to find this deficiency remedied by 
submittal of Findings and Orders issued by Ohio to Wheeling-Pittsburgh 
Steel requiring tightened control of basic oxygen furnace emissions and 
a revised attainment demonstration. A more detailed discussion of the 
prior deficiencies is provided in the Federal Register of May 27, 1994 
(59 FR 27464), and a summary of that discussion and a more extensive 
discussion of Ohio's submittal which remedied those deficiencies is 
provided in the notice of proposed rulemaking of January 23, 1996 (61 
FR 1727). Today's rule is final action on Ohio's November 1995 
submittal and final action with respect to the previously identified 
deficiencies.
    At the time of the proposed rulemaking, Ohio had conducted a public 
hearing in connection with its Cuyahoga County rule revisions but had 
not yet held and submitted documentation of a public hearing with 
respect to revisions to the Steubenville area attainment demonstration. 
The State held a public hearing on the Steubenville area revisions on 
January 22, 1996, and provided materials to EPA documenting this 
hearing and demonstrating satisfaction of related public comment 
requirements in its December 21, 1995, and March 13, 1996, submittals. 
EPA has evaluated these materials and has concluded that the relevant 
procedural requirements have been satisfied.

[[Page 29663]]

II. Comments on Proposed Rulemaking

    One set of comments on the proposed rulemaking was received by EPA. 
These comments were submitted by Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur on 
behalf of Ford Motor Company (Ford). These comments urged EPA not to 
rulemake on the State's November 1995 submittal alone, and instead 
urged EPA to request that the State address Ford's concerns with the 
existing particulate matter regulations and to conduct rulemaking on a 
combined set of revised regulations. No comments were made concerning 
EPA's proposed analysis of the State's November 1995 submittal.
    EPA responds that it would be inappropriate to defer rulemaking on 
the State's November 1995 submittal pending receipt of a prospective 
future submittal, particularly in the absence of any expectation that 
the prospective future submittal would alter EPA's views of the 
existing submittal. EPA has an obligation to complete rulemaking in 
timely fashion on any SIP revision requested by the State. Both EPA and 
the State of Ohio have a particular interest in prompt completion of 
this rulemaking because sanctions, while stayed by the interim final 
determination, are nevertheless outstanding until final action 
approving the corrections to the deficiencies is published. The 
commenter does not claim that its requested rule revisions are mandated 
by the Clean Air Act, and the commenter identifies no other basis for 
EPA to require the State to conduct the desired rulemaking. In any 
case, assuming that Ohio adopts and submits rule revisions addressing 
Ford's concerns, EPA will undertake timely rulemaking on those rule 
revisions as well, in accordance with EPA's obligations under the Clean 
Air Act.

III. Today's Action

    With respect to Cuyahoga County, EPA concludes that (1) the revised 
rules now provide for RACM by December 1993; (2) the coke quench water 
test method issue and the associated attainment demonstration issue 
have been resolved; and (3) additional revisions to the limitations for 
Ford's Cleveland Casting Plant do not jeopardize attainment. With 
respect to the Steubenville area, EPA concludes that the State has now 
submitted a fully approvable attainment demonstration for the area. In 
particular, EPA is approving the rule revisions for Cuyahoga County and 
the Findings and Order requiring control system enhancements at 
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel's basic oxygen furnace.
    Based on these findings, EPA concludes that Ohio's particulate 
matter plans for the Cuyahoga County and Steubenville nonattainment 
areas now satisfy all applicable requirements under Part D of the Clean 
Air Act (except for new source review requirements, which are not 
addressed here or in the May 1994 rulemaking and are being addressed 
separately). Consequently, EPA finds that Ohio has remedied the 
deficiencies identified in the rulemaking of May 27, 1994. This finding 
fully terminates the potential for sanctions pursuant to that prior 
rulemaking.
    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., EPA 
must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis assessing the impact of 
any proposed or final rule on small entities. (5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.) 
Alternatively, EPA may certify that the rule will not have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small 
entities include small businesses, small not-for-profit enterprises, 
and government entities with jurisdiction over populations of less than 
50,000.
    SIP approvals under section 110 and subchapter I, part D of the Act 
do not create any new requirements, but simply approve requirements 
that the State is already imposing. Therefore, because the federal SIP 
approval does not impose any new requirements, I certify that it does 
not have a significant impact on any small entities affected. Moreover, 
due to the nature of the Federal-State relationship under the Act, 
preparation of a regulatory flexibility analysis would constitute 
federal inquiry into the economic reasonableness of state action. The 
Act forbids EPA to base its actions concerning SIPs on such grounds. 
Union Electric Co. v. EPA, 427 U.S. 246, 256-66 (1976); 42 U.S.C. 
7410(a)(2).
    Nothing in this action should be construed as permitting or 
allowing or establishing a precedent for any future request for 
revision to any SIP. Each request for revision to the SIP shall be 
considered separately in light of specific technical, economic, and 
environmental factors and in relation to relevant statutory and 
regulatory requirements.
    This action has been classified as a Table 3 action for signature 
by the Regional Administrator under the procedures published in the 
Federal Register on January 19, 1989 (54 FR 2214-2225), as revised by a 
July 10, 1995, memorandum from Mary D. Nichols, Assistant Administrator 
for Air and Radiation. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
exempted this regulatory action from Executive Order 12866 review.
    Under Sections 202, 203 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
of 1995 (``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 1995, 
EPA must undertake various actions in association with rules that 
include a Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 
million or more to the private sector, or to State, local, or tribal 
governments in the aggregate.
    EPA has determined that the approval action taken today does not 
include a Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 
million or more to either State, local, or tribal governments in the 
aggregate, or to the private sector. This Federal action approves pre-
existing requirements under State or local law, and imposes no new 
Federal requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs to State, local, 
or tribal governments, or to the private sector, result from this 
action.
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for 
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court 
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by August 12, 1996. Filing a 
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule 
does not affect the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial 
review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial 
review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such 
rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings 
to enforce its requirements. (See Section 307(b)(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air Pollution control, Intergovernmental 
relations, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Dated: May 2, 1996.
Valdas V. Adamkus,
Regional Administrator.
    Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, chapter I, part 52, is 
amended as follows:

PART 52--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS

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

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.

    2. Section 52.1870 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(110) to read 
as follows:

Secs. 52.1870  Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (110) On November 3, 1995, December 21, 1995, and March 21, 1996,

[[Page 29664]]

OEPA submitted revisions to its particulate matter plan, addressing 
prior deficiencies in its plans for Cuyahoga and Jefferson Counties.
    (i) Incorporation by reference.
    (A) Rule 3745-17-03--Rule 3745-17-03--Measurement methods and 
procedures, effective November 15, 1995.
    (B) Rule 3745-17-04--Compliance time schedules, effective November 
15, 1995.
    (C) Rule 3745-17-12--Additional restrictions on particulate 
emissions from specific air contaminant sources in Cuyahoga County, 
effective November 15, 1995.
    (D) Findings and Orders issued to the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel 
Corporation, signed by Donald Schregardus and effective on October 31, 
1995.
    (ii) Additional material--Dispersion modeling analyses for the 
Steubenville area and for Cuyahoga County near Ford's Cleveland Casting 
Plant.

[FR Doc. 96-14787 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14786 Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania: Partial Approval of PM-10 Implementation Plan for the Liberty Borough Area of Allegheny County
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29664-29666]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14786]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52

[SIPTRAX No. PA 20-1-4026; PA 31-1-4027; PA 39-1-4028; AD-FRL-5463-3]

Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Pennsylvania: Partial Approval of PM-10 Implementation Plan for the 
Liberty Borough Area of Allegheny County

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is approving, in part, revisions to the Allegheny County 
portion for the Pennsylvania State Implementation Plan (SIP) prepared 
by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) and formally submitted 
by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). 
PADEP submitted the SIP revisions, in general, to satisfy the Clean Air 
Act's (the Act's) requirements for control of particulate matter with 
an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 10 micrometers 
(PM-10), and specifically, to satisfy the Act's requirements applicable 
to the Liberty Borough area of Allegheny County, which is classified as 
a moderate nonattainment area for the national ambient air quality 
standards (NAAQS) for PM-10. EPA is approving the regulatory portions 
the Commonwealth's submittals. EPA is deferring action, at this time, 
on the attainment demonstration and associated air quality analyses 
portion of one of the Commonwealth's submittals. This action is being 
taken under section 110 of the Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This final rule will become effective on July 12, 1996.

Addresses: Copies of the documents relevant to this action are 
available for public inspection during normal business hours at the 
Air, Radiation, and Toxics Divisions, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Region III, 841 Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
19107; the Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20460; and the Allegheny County Health Department, Bureau of 
Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality, 301 39th Street, 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thomas A. Casey, (215) 566-2194.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 11, 1995, EPA published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPR) for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (60 FR 
18385). The NPR proposed full approval of three revisions to the 
Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania SIP: a November 8, 1988 
submittal which included the adoption of the PM-10 NAAQS and other 
provisions to satisfy pre-1990 Clean Air Act Amendment requirements 
pertaining to Group III PM-10 areas; a December 31, 1992 submittal 
which consisted of regulations to reduce PM-10 emissions and to limit 
visible emissions from several categories of fugitive dust sources; and 
a January 6, 1995 submittal which included revised regulatory 
provisions to reduce PM-10 emissions and an attainment demonstration of 
the NAAQs for PM-10 with its associated technical air quality analyses.

Description of Today's Action

    EPA is approving the Commonwealth's November 8, 1988 submittal, 
December 31, 1992 submittal, and the regulatory portion of the January 
6, 1994 submittal.
    The underlying rationale for EPA's approval of these submittals is 
provided in the April 11, 1995, NPR, referenced above, as well as in 
the Technical Support Document (TSD), and will not be restated here. 
Today's action is considered a partial approval because EPA is 
deferring action at this time on the attainment demonstration portion 
of the January 6, 1994 submittal and its associated air quality 
analyses.
    EPA is deferring action, at this time, on the attainment 
demonstration portion of the January 6, 1994 submittal for two reasons. 
First, EPA received adverse comments on those aspects on EPA's April 
11, 1995 proposal related to the attainment demonstration and air 
quality analyses, and is still considering those comments. Secondly, 
since the time EPA's April 11, 1995 proposal on the SIP revisions 
listed above, EPA has commenced rulemaking to determine whether or not 
the Liberty Borough PM-10 nonattainment area attained the NAAQS by the 
December 31, 1994 deadline required for moderate areas.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ On September 19, 1995, EPA published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (60 FR 48439) that proposes to find, pursuant to section 
188(b)(2) of the Act, that Liberty Borough nonattainment area has 
not attained the PM-10 NAAQS by the statutory attainment date of 
December 31, 1994.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary of Public Comments

    This section summarizes the public comments that were submitted 
regarding EPA's proposed approval of the regulatory portions of the SIP 
submittals, and provides EPA's responses to those comments. The public 
comments received regarding EPA's proposed approval of the attainment 
demonstration portion of the January 6, 1994 submittal will be not be 
discussed in this notice but rather as part of any future rulemaking 
actions by EPA on that attainment demonstration and its associated air 
quality analyses. Nine letters of public comment were submitted on 
EPA's April 11, 1995 proposal (60 FR 18385) which relate to the 
regulatory portions of the Commonwealth's submittals upon which EPA is 
taking final action. These comments can be divided in to two major 
areas: enforcement and general support.
    Enforcement Comment: Three commenters raised concerns that the ACHD 
and the PADEP do not dedicate sufficient resources to enforcement, do 
not inspect coke oven batteries often enough, and that EPA should, 
therefore, disapprove the SIP because the Commonwealth has not 
fulfilled its requirement under section 110(a)(2)(E) of the Act to 
provide adequate personnel to implement the SIP.
    Response: EPA has determined that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
satisfies section 110(a)(2)(E) of the Act.
    General Support: Four commenters expressed general support for 
EPA's April 11, 1995 proposed actions.
    Final Action: EPA is approving, in part, revisions submitted by the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the Allegheny County portion of the 
Pennsylvania SIP. Specifically EPA is approving a November 8, 1988 
submittal which included the adoption of the PM-10 NAAQS and other 
provisions to satisfy the pre-1990 Clean Air Act

[[Page 29665]]

Amendment requirements pertaining to Group III PM-10 areas; a December 
31, 1992 submittal which consisted of regulations to reduce PM-10 
emissions and to limit visible emissions from several categories of 
fugitive dust sources; and the regulatory portion of a January 6, 1994 
submittal which included revised and additional regulatory provisions 
to reduce PM-10 emissions. EPA is deferring action at this time on the 
attainment demonstration portion of the January 6, 1994 submittal and 
on its associated air quality analyses.
    EPA has reviewed these requests for revision of the federally-
approved state implementation plan for conformance with the provisions 
of the 1990 amendments enacted on November 15, 1990.
    The Agency has determined that this action conforms with those 
requirements irrespective of the fact that one of the submittals 
preceded the date of enactment.
    Nothing in this action should be construed as permitting or 
allowing or establishing a precedent for any future request for 
revision to any state implementation plan. Each request for revision to 
the state implementation plan shall be considered separately in light 
of specific technical, economic, and environmental factors and in 
relation to relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
    Under Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
(``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 1995, EPA 
must prepare a budgetary impact statement to accompany any proposed or 
final that includes a Federal mandate that may result in estimated 
costs to State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate; or to 
the private sector, of $100 million or more. Under section 205, EPA 
must select the most cost-effective and least burdensome alternative 
that achieves the objectives of the rule and is consistent with 
statutory requirements. Section 203 requires EPA to establish a plan 
for informing and advising any small governments that may be 
significantly or uniquely impacted by the rule.
    EPA has determined that the approval action promulgated does not 
include a Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 
million or more to either State, local, or tribal governments in the 
aggregate, or to the private sector. This Federal action approves pre-
existing requirements under State or local law, and imposes no new 
Federal requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs to State, local, 
or tribal governments, or to the private sector, result from this 
action.
    This action ha been classified as a Table 3 action for signature by 
the Regional Administrator under the procedures published in the 
Federal Register on January 19, 1989 (54 FR 2214-2225), as revised by a 
July 10, 1995 memorandum from Mary Nichols, Assistant Administrator for 
Air and Radiation. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
exempted this regulatory action from E.O. 12866 review.
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for 
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court 
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by August 12, 1996. Filing a 
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule 
does not affect the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial 
review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial 
review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such 
rule or action. This partial approval of SIP revisions for the Liberty 
Borough, Pennsylvania PM-10 nonattainment area may not be challenged 
later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 
307(b)(2).)

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Particulate matter.

    Dated: April 10, 1996.
William T. Wisniewski,
Acting Regional Administrator.

    Chapter I, title 40, of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended 
as follows:

PART 52--[AMENDED]

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

     Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.

Subpart NN--Pennsylvania

    2. Section 52.2020 is amended by adding paragraphs (c)(90), 
(c)(91), and (c)(92) to read as follows:

Sec. 52.2020  Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (90) Revisions to the Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania 
SIP to adopt the PM-10 NAAQS and fulfill other Group III requirements, 
submitted on November 8, 1988 by the Pennsylvania Department of 
Environmental Resources:
    (i) Incorporation by reference.
    (A) Letter of November 8, 1988 from the Pennsylvania Department of 
Environmental Resources transmitting revisions to Article XX of 
Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations.
    (B) Revisions to the following sections of Article XX of Allegheny 
County Health Department Rules and Regulations, effective August 22, 
1988:
    (1) Section 101, Definitions (definition of ``PM10'').
    (2) Section 109, Ambient Air Quality Standards.
    (3) Section 527, Areas Subject to Sections 521 through 526 (various 
fugitive dust measures).
    (4) Section 613, Ambient Measurements.
    (5) Section 704, Episode Criteria.
    (6) Section 801, Definitions. (Definitions of ``Attainment area,'' 
``Nonattainment area,'' ``Significant air quality impact,'' and 
``Unclassified area'')
    (7) Appendix 1, Attainment, Unclassifiable and Nonattainment Areas 
of Allegheny County: deleted.
    (ii) Additional material.
    (A) Remainder of the November 8, 1988 submittal pertaining to the 
Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania SIP to adopt the PM-10 
NAAQS and fulfill other Group III requirements.
    (91) Revisions to the Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania 
SIP to reduce PM-10 emissions and visible emissions from several 
categories of fugitive dust sources, submitted on December 31, 1992 by 
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources:
    (i) Incorporation by reference.
    (A) Letter of December 31 1992 from the Pennsylvania Department of 
Environmental Resources transmitting revisions to Article XX of 
Allegheny county Health Department Rules and Regulations.
    (B) Revisions to the following sections of Article XX of Allegheny 
County Health Department Rules and Regulations, effective November 1, 
1992.
    (1) Section 402, Particulate Mass Emissions (Paragraph A--Fuel 
Burning or Combustion Equipment)
    (2) Section 520, Coke Ovens (Paragraph J--Compliance Schedule)
    (3) Section 521, Permit Source Premises.
    (4) Section 521.1, Non-Permit Source Premises.
    (5) Section 523, Permit Source Transport.
    (6) Section 523.1, Non-Permit Source Transport.
    (7) Section 524, Construction and Land Clearing.

[[Page 29666]]

    (8) Section 527, Areas Subject to Sections 521 through 526.
    (9) Section 602, Particulate Matter (test methods).
    (10) Section 606, Visible Emissions (measurement).
    (11) Section 607, Coke Oven Emissions (measurement).
    (12) Section 608, Coke Oven Gas (measurement of hydrogen sulfide 
content).
    (ii) Additional material.
    (A) Remainder of the December 31, 1992 submittal pertaining to the 
Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania SIP to reduce PM-10 
emissions and visible emissions from several categories of fugitive 
dust sources.
    (92) Revisions to the Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania 
SIP to reduce PM-10 emissions including the newly created Allegheny 
County Article XXI which both revised and added emission reduction 
requirements for certain industrial boilers, various emission points at 
US Steel's Clairton Coke Works and the Glassport Transportation Center, 
new definitions related to coke oven gas emissions, and new test 
methods for particulate matter; submitted by the Pennsylvania 
Department of Environmental Resources on January 6, 1994 and effective 
February 1, 1994.
    (i) Incorporation by reference.
    (A) Letter of January 6, 1994 from the Pennsylvania Department of 
Environmental Resources transmitting Article XXI of Allegheny County 
Health Department Rules and Regulations.
    (B) The newly created Article XXI of Allegheny County Health 
Department Rules and Regulations in its entirety, effective February 1, 
1994.
    (1) Part A (sections 2101 et seq.), General, reserved in part:
    (i) Section 2101. Short Titles.
    (ii) Section 2101.3, Effective Date and Repealer.
    (iii) Section 2101.20, Definitions.
    (2) Part B (sections 2102 et seq.), Installation Permits, reserved.
    (3) Part C (sections 2103 et seq.), Operating Permits and Licenses, 
reserved.
    (4) Part D (sections 2104 et seq.), Pollutant Emission Standards, 
reserved in part.
    (i) Section 2104.6, Particulate Mass Emissions, replaces section 
402 of Article XX.
    (5) Part E (sections 2105 et seq.), Sources Emission and Operating 
Standards, reserved in part.
    (i) Section 2105.21, Coke Ovens and Coke Oven Gas, replaces section 
520.B. through 520.J. and section 530 of Article XX.
    (ii) Section 2105.49, Fugitive Emissions, replaces section 528 of 
Article XX.
    (6) Part F (sections 2106 et seq.), Air Pollution Episodes, 
reserved.
    (7) Part G (sections 2107 et seq.), Methods, reserved in part:
    (i) Section 2107.1, General.
    (ii) Section 2107.2, Particulate Matter.
    (8) Part H (sections 2108 et seq.), Compliance, reserved.
    (9) Part I (sections 2109 et seq.), Enforcement, reserved.
    (ii) Additional material.
    (A) Remainder of the January 6, 1994 State submittal.

[FR Doc. 96-14786 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14784 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; California State Implementation Plan Revision, Five Local Air Pollution Control Districts
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29659-29662]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14784]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[CA 014-0003a FRL-5464-4]

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; California 
State Implementation Plan Revision, Five Local Air Pollution Control 
Districts

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: EPA is taking direct final action on revisions to the 
California State Implementation Plan. The revisions concern rules from 
the following: El Dorado County Air Pollution Control District 
(EDCAPCD), Kern County Air Pollution Control District (KCAPCD), Placer 
County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD), Santa Barbara County 
Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD), and South Coast Air Quality 
Management District (SCAQMD). These new and revised rules control VOC 
emissions from graphic arts operations. This approval action will 
incorporate these rules into the federally approved SIP. The intended 
effect of approving these rules is to regulate emissions of volatile 
organic compounds (VOCs) in accordance with the requirements of the 
Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990 (CAA or the Act). In addition, the 
final action on the SBCAPCD rule serves as a final determination that 
the finding of nonsubmittal for this rule has been corrected and that 
on the effective date of this action, the Federal Implementation Plan 
(FIP) clocks is stopped. Thus, EPA is finalizing the approval of these 
revisions into the California SIP under provisions of the CAA regarding 
EPA action on SIP submittals, SIPs for national primary and secondary 
ambient air quality standards and plan requirements for nonattainment 
areas.

DATES: This action is effective on August 12, 1996, unless adverse or 
critical comments are received by July 12, 1996. If the effective date 
is delayed, a timely notice will be published in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the rules and EPA's evaluation report for each 
rule are available for public inspection at EPA's Region IX office 
during normal business hours. Copies of the submitted rules are 
available for inspection at the following locations:

Rulemaking Section (A-5-3), Air and Toxics Division, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 
94105
Environmental Protection Agency, Air Docket (6102), 401 ``M'' Street, 
SW., Washington, DC 20460
California Air Resources Board, Stationary Source Division, Rule 
Evaluation Section, 2020 ``L'' Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
El Dorado County APCD, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667
Kern County APCD, 2700 M. Street, Suite 290, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Placer County APCD, 11464 B. Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603
Santa Barbara County APCD, 26 Castilian Drive, B-23 Goleta, CA 93117
South Coast AQMD, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Erik H. Beck, Rulemaking Section (A-5-3), Air and Toxics Division, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San 
Francisco, CA 94105, Telephone: (415) 744-1190. Internet E-mail: 
[email protected].

[[Page 29660]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Applicability

    The rules being approved into the California SIP include: EDCAPCD 
Rule 231 ``Graphic Arts Operations''; KCAPCD Rule 410.7, ``Graphic 
Arts''; PCAPCD Rule 239, ``Graphic Arts Operations''; SBCAPCD Rule 354, 
``Graphic Arts''; and SCAQMD Rule 1130.1, ``Screen Printing 
Operations''. These rules were submitted by the California Air 
Resources Board (CARB) to EPA on the following dates in respective 
order: November 30, 1994, May 30, 1991, October 13, 1995, July 13, 
1994, and November 18, 1993. All of these rules are in effect 
throughout their respective districts, except PCAPCD Rule 239. This 
rule is applicable only within that part of Placer County that lies 
within the Sacramento Valley Air Basin.

Background

    On March 3, 1978, EPA promulgated a list of ozone nonattainment 
areas under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, as amended in 1977 
(1977 Act or pre-amended Act), that included the Southeast Desert 
Modified Air Quality Management Area, Santa Barbara--Santa Maria--
Lompoc Area, Sacramento Metro Area (which includes portions of El 
Dorado County and Placer County), and the Los Angeles--South Coast Air 
Basin. 43 FR 8964, 40 CFR 81.305. On May 26, 1988, EPA notified the 
Governor of California, pursuant to section 110(a)(2)(H) of the 1977 
Act, that the EDCAPCD, KCAPCD, PCAPCD, SBCAPCD, and the SCAQMD portions 
of the California SIP were inadequate to attain and maintain the ozone 
standard and requested that deficiencies in the existing SIP be 
corrected (EPA's SIP-Call). On November 15, 1990, the Clean Air Act 
Amendments of 1990 were enacted. Pub. L. 101-549, 104 Stat. 2399, 
codified at 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q. In amended section 182(a)(2)(A) of 
the CAA, Congress statutorily adopted the requirement that 
nonattainment areas fix their deficient reasonably available control 
technology (RACT) rules for ozone and established a deadline of May 15, 
1991 for states to submit corrections of those deficiencies.
    Section 182(a)(2)(A) applies to areas designated as nonattainment 
prior to enactment of the amendments and classified as marginal or 
above as of the date of enactment. It requires such areas to adopt and 
correct RACT rules pursuant to pre-amended section 172(b) as 
interpreted in pre-amendment guidance.1 EPA's SIP-Call used that 
guidance to indicate the necessary corrections for specific 
nonattainment areas. The Los Angeles--South Coast Air Basin is 
classified as extreme. The Sacramento Metro Area is classified as 
severe. The Santa Barbara--Santa Maria--Lompoc Area is classified as 
moderate; 2 therefore, these areas were subject to the RACT fix-up 
requirement and the May 15, 1991 deadline.3
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Among other things, the pre-amendment guidance consists of 
those portions of the proposed post-1987 ozone and carbon monoxide 
policy that concern RACT, 52 FR 45044 (November 24, 1987); ``Issues 
Relating to VOC Regulation Cutpoints, Deficiencies, and Deviations, 
Clarification to Appendix D of November 24, 1987 Federal Register 
Notice'' (Blue Book) (notice of availability was published in the 
Federal Register on May 25, 1988); and the existing control 
technique guidelines (CTGs).
    \2\ The Los Angeles--South Coast Air Basin, Sacramento Metro 
Area, and the Santa Barbara--Santa Maria--Lompoc Area retained their 
designation of nonattainment and were classified by operation of law 
pursuant to sections 107(d) and 181(a) upon the date of enactment of 
the CAA. See 55 FR 56694 (November 6, 1991). However, on April 25, 
1995, EPA published a final rule granting the State's request to 
reclassify the Sacramento Metro Area to severe from serious (60 CFR 
20237). This reclassification became effective on June 1, 1995.
    \3\ Note Bene: KCAPCD Rule 410.7 applies to that portion of Kern 
County which falls outside the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air 
Pollution Control District. This area is known as the Southeast 
Desert Non-Air Quality Management Area, and its ozone designation is 
unclassified.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The State of California submitted many RACT rules for incorporation 
into its SIP on the rule submittal dates listed in the Applicability 
section above, including the rules being acted on in this document. 
This document addresses EPA's direct-final action for EDCAPCD Rule 231 
``Graphic Arts Operations''; KCAPCD Rule 410.7, ``Graphic Arts''; 
PCAPCD Rule 239 ``Graphic Arts Operations''; SBCAPCD Rule 354, 
``Graphic Arts''; and SCAQMD Rule 1130.1, ``Screen Printing 
Operations''. EDCAPCD adopted Rule 231 on September 27, 1994. KCAPCD 
adopted Rule 410.7 on May 6, 1991. PCAPCD adopted Rule 239 on June 8, 
1995. SBCAPCD adopted Rule 354 on June 28, 1994. SCAQMD adopted Rule 
1130.1 on July 9, 1993.
    These submitted rules were found to be complete on the following 
respective dates: January 30, 1995 (Rule 231); July 10, 1991 (Rule 
410.7); November 28, 1995 (Rule 239); July 22, 1994 (Rule 354); and 
December 23, 1993 (Rule 1130.1). The completeness determinations were 
made pursuant to EPA's completeness criteria that are set forth in 40 
CFR part 51 Appendix V.4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ EPA adopted the completeness criteria on February 16, 1990 
(55 FR 5830) and, pursuant to section 110(k)(1)(A) of the CAA, 
revised the criteria on August 26, 1991 (56 FR 42216).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These rules control VOC emissions from graphic arts operations such 
as screen printing, flexography, rotogravure, and others. VOCs 
contribute to the production of ground level ozone and smog. These 
rules were originally adopted as part of their air pollution control 
agencies' efforts to achieve the National Ambient Air Quality Standard 
(NAAQS) for ozone and in response to EPA's SIP-Call and the section 
182(a)(2)(A) CAA requirement. The following is EPA's evaluation and 
final action for this rule.

EPA Evaluation and Action

    In determining the approvability of a VOC rule, EPA must evaluate 
the rule for consistency with the requirements of the CAA and EPA 
regulations, as found in section 110 and part D of the CAA and 40 CFR 
part 51 (Requirements for Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal of 
Implementation Plans). The EPA interpretation of these requirements, 
which forms the basis for today's action, appears in the various EPA 
policy guidance documents listed in footnote 1. Among those provisions 
is the requirement that a VOC rule must, at a minimum, provide for the 
implementation of RACT for stationary sources of VOC emissions. This 
requirement was carried forth from the pre-amended Act.
    For the purpose of assisting state and local agencies in developing 
RACT rules, EPA prepared a series of Control Technique Guideline (CTG) 
documents. The CTGs are based on the underlying requirements of the Act 
and specify the presumptive norms for what is RACT for specific source 
categories. Under the CAA, Congress ratified EPA's use of these 
documents, as well as other Agency policy, for requiring States to 
``fix-up'' their RACT rules. See section 182(a)(2)(A). The CTG 
applicable to all of these rules, except SCAQMD Rule 1130.1, ``Screen 
Printing Operations'', is entitled, OAQPS Guideline Series--Control of 
Volatile Organic Emissions from Existing Stationary Sources--Volume 
VII: Graphic Arts--Rotogravure and Flexography (Document Number EPA-
450/2-78-033). No CTG applies to SCAQMD Rule 1130.1. Accordingly, Rule 
1130.1 was evaluated against interpretations of EPA policy found in the 
Blue Book, referred to in footnote 1. The CTG and the Blue Book have 
been set forth to ensure that VOC rules are fully enforceable and 
strengthen or maintain the SIP.
    EDCAPCD Rule 231 ``Graphic Arts Operations''; PCAPCD Rule 239 
``Graphic Arts Operations''; SBCAPCD Rule 354, ``Graphic Arts''; and 
SCAQMD Rule 1130.1, ``Screen Printing

[[Page 29661]]

Operations'', are new rules being approved into the SIP for the first 
time. These rules have the following significant features:
     Control emissions of VOC from rotogravure and flexography 
printing and coating equipment (except SCAQMD Rule 1130.1);
     Option of using emission control equipment or using 
reduced VOC content inks and coatings;
     Test methods for VOC content of coatings and inks;
     Test methods for determining capture efficiency of an 
emission control device;
     Rule exemptions for firms emitting small quantities of 
VOC.
    In addition to the features listed above, SCAQMD Rule 1130.1 has 
the following additional features:
     Control of VOC emissions from screen printing operations;
     Test methods for metal content of inks;
    KCAPCD's submitted Rule 410.7 ``Graphic Arts,'' includes the 
following significant changes from the current SIP:
     Comprehensive revision of rule definitions;
     Extension of the rule's applicability to include 
letterpress, lithography, and screen printing;
     Addition of recordkeeping requirements;
     Addition of test methods;
     Requirement to reduce VOC emissions from cleanup 
operations;
     Modified control device efficiency standards to require 
more stringent controls.
    EPA has evaluated the submitted rules and has determined that they 
are consistent with the CAA, EPA regulations, and EPA policy. 
Therefore, the following district rules are being approved under 
section 110(k)(3) of the CAA as meeting the requirements of section 
110(a) and Part D: EDCAPCD Rule 231 ``Graphic Arts Operations''; KCAPCD 
Rule 410.7, ``Graphic Arts''; PCAPCD Rule 239 ``Graphic Arts 
Operations''; SBCAPCD Rule 354, ``Graphic Arts''; and SCAQMD Rule 
1130.1, ``Screen Printing Operations''.
    Therefore, if this direct final action is not withdrawn, on August 
12, 1996, the FIP clock associated with SBCAPCD Rule 354 is stopped.
    Nothing in this action should be construed as permitting or 
allowing or establishing a precedent for any future implementation 
plan. Each request for revision to the state implementation plan shall 
be considered separately in light of specific technical, economic, and 
environmental factors and in relation to relevant statutory and 
regulatory requirements.
    EPA is publishing this document without prior proposal because the 
Agency views this as a noncontroversial amendment and anticipates no 
adverse comments. However, in a separate document in this Federal 
Register publication, the EPA is proposing to approve the SIP revision 
should adverse or critical comments be filed. This action will be 
effective August 12, 1996, unless, by July 12, 1996, adverse or 
critical comments are received.
    If the EPA receives such comments, this action will be withdrawn 
before the effective date by publishing a subsequent document that will 
withdraw the final action. All public comments received will then be 
addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this action serving as a 
proposed rule. The EPA will not institute a second comment period on 
this action. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should 
do so at this time. If no such comments are received, the public is 
advised that this action will be effective August 12, 1996.

Regulatory Process

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et. seq., EPA 
must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis assessing the impact of 
any proposed or final rule on small entities. 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. 
Alternatively, EPA may certify that the rule will not have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small 
entities include small businesses, small not-for-profit enterprises and 
government entities with jurisdiction over populations of less than 
50,000.
    SIP approvals under sections 110 and 301(a) and subchapter I, Part 
D of the CAA do not create any new requirements, but simply approve 
requirements that the State is already imposing. Therefore, because the 
Federal SIP-approval does not impose any new requirements, I certify 
that it does not have a significant impact on any small entities 
affected. Moreover, due to the nature of the Federal-state relationship 
under the CAA, preparation of a regulatory flexibility analysis would 
constitute Federal inquiry into the economic reasonableness of state 
action. The CAA forbids EPA to base its actions concerning SIPs on such 
grounds. Union Electric Co. v. U.S. E.P.A., 427 U.S. 246, 256-66 (S. 
Ct. 1976); 42 U.S.C. 7410 (a)(2).

Unfunded Mandates

    Under Sections 202, 203, and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995 (``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 
1995, EPA must undertake various actions in association with proposed 
or final rules that include a Federal mandate that may result in 
estimated costs of $100 million or more to the private sector or to 
State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate.
    Through submission of this state implementation plan or plan 
revision, the State and any affected local or tribal governments have 
elected to adopt the program provided for under Part D of the Clean Air 
Act. These rules may bind State, local, and tribal governments to 
perform certain actions and also require the private sector to perform 
certain duties. The rules being approved by this action will impose no 
new requirements because affected sources are already subject to these 
regulations under State law. Therefore, no additional costs to State, 
local, or tribal governments or to the private sector result from this 
action. EPA has also determined that this final action does not include 
a mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 million or more to 
State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate or to the private 
sector.
    This action has been classified as a Table 3 action for signature 
by the Regional Administrator under the procedures published in the 
Federal Register on January 19, 1989 (54 FR 2214-2225), as revised by a 
July 10, 1995 memorandum from Mary Nichols, Assistant Administrator for 
Air and Radiation. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
exempted this action from review under Executive Order 12866.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Hydrocarbons, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Ozone, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.

    Note: Incorporation by reference of the State Implementation 
Plan for the State of California was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register on July 1, 1982.

    Dated: April 13, 1996.
Felicia Marcus,
Regional Administrator.

    Subpart F of part 52, chapter I, title 40 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 52--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.

[[Page 29662]]

Subpart F--California

    2. Section 52.220 is amended by adding paragraphs 
(c)(185)(i)(A)(9), (194)(i)(G), (198)(i)(K), (207)(i)(B)(2), and 
(225)(i)(B)(3) to read as follows:

Sec. 52.220   Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (185) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (9) Rule 410.7, adopted May 6, 1991.
* * * * *
    (194) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (G) South Coast Air Quality Management District.
    (1) Rule 1130.1, adopted July 9, 1993.
* * * * *
    (198) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (K) Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District.
    (1) Rule 354, adopted June 28, 1994.
* * * * *
    (207) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) * * *
    (2) Rule 231, adopted September 27, 1994.
* * * * *
    (225) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) * * *
    (3) Rule 239, adopted June 8, 1995.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 96-14784 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-W

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14770 National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan National Priorities List
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14770]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 300

[FRL-5518-6]

National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan 
National Priorities List

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of Deletion of New Castle Spill Site from the National 
Priorities List (NPL).

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SUMMARY: EPA, Region 3, announces the deletion of the New Castle Spill 
Site, New Castle, Delaware, from the National Priorities List (NPL). 
The NPL is Appendix B of 40 CFR part 300, the National Oil and 
Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). EPA promulgated 
the NCP pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental 
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended. 
EPA and the State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and 
Environmental Control (DNREC) have determined that all appropriate 
CERCLA actions have been implemented, that the Site poses no 
significant threat to public health or the environment, and that no 
further cleanup by responsible parties is necessary.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 12, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comprehensive information on this Site is available through 
the public docket which is available for viewing at the Site 
information repositories at the following locations: Hazardous Waste 
Technical Information Center, 9th Floor, U.S. EPA, Region 3, 841 
Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, PA, (215) 597-6633.
    Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, 
715 Grantham Lane, New Castle, DE, (302) 323-4540.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Dehnhard (3HW23), U.S. EPA 
Region 3, 841 Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, (215) 597-
3167.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA announces the deletion of the New Castle 
Spill Site located in New Castle, Delaware, from the National 
Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is Appendix B of the National Oil and 
Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), 40 CFR Part 300. 
EPA identifies sites that appear to present a significant risk to 
public health, welfare, or the environment and maintains the NPL as the 
list of those sites. Sites on the NPL may be the subject of remedial 
actions financed by the Hazardous Substances Superfund Response Trust 
Fund (Fund). Pursuant to CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. section 9605 (40 CFR 
300.425(e)(3) of the NCP), any site deleted from the NPL remains 
eligible for Fund-financed remedial actions in the event that 
conditions at the site warrant such action in the future. Deletion of a 
site from the NPL does not affect responsible party liability or impede 
agency efforts to recover costs associated with response efforts.
    A Notice of Intent to Delete the New Castle Spill Site from the NPL 
was published on March 21, 1996 in the Federal Register (56 FR 11597). 
The closing date for comments on the Notice of Intent to Delete was 
April 22, 1996. EPA received comments on the proposed deletion. The 
responsiveness summary is attached.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 300

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Chemicals, 
Hazardous substances, Hazardous waste, Intergovernmental relations, 
Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Superfund, Water 
pollution control, Water supply.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 40 CFR part 300 is amended 
as follows:

PART 300--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 300 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(c)(2); 42 U.S.C. 9601-9657; E.O. 
12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 191 Comp., p. 351; E.O. 12580, 52 FR 
2923, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 193.

Appendix B--[Amended]

    2. Table 1 of Appendix B to part 300 is amended by removing the 
site ``New Castle Spill, New Castle County, Delaware''.

    Dated: May 16, 1996.
W. T. Wisniewski,
Acting Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Region 3.
[FR Doc. 96-14770 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14760 Noncomplying, Misbranded, or Banned Products: Recodification of Statement of Policy Concerning Export and Procedures for Export
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29646-29650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14760]

=======================================================================
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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

16 CFR Parts 1010 and 1019

Noncomplying, Misbranded, or Banned Products: Recodification of 
Statement of Policy Concerning Export and Procedures for Export

AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission.

ACTION: Amendment of rules.

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SUMMARY: The Commission is recodifying and consolidating its 
regulations governing Procedures for Export of Noncomplying Products 
and policy statement concerning Exportation of Noncomplying, 
Misbranded, or Banned Products. The regulations governing procedures 
for export of noncomplying products, originally codified as 16 CFR part 
1019, are recodified as 16 CFR part 1019, subpart

[[Page 29647]]

A. The policy statement, originally codified at 16 CFR part 1010, is 
recodified as 16 CFR part 1019, subpart B. Because both the regulations 
and the policy statement are applicable to export of noncomplying, 
misbranded, or banned products, the Commission is combining them in one 
place in the Code of Federal Regulations for the convenience of people 
interested in the export of such products. The substantive provisions 
of the regulations and policy statement are unchanged.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This amendment is effective June 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis C. Kacoyanis, Trial Attorney, 
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Division of Administrative 
Litigation, Washington, DC 20207; telephone (301) 504-0262, extension 
1346.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Notification of Proposed Export of Noncomplying Products

    The Consumer Product Safety Authorization Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-
631, November 10, 1978) amended the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), 
the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) and the Flammable Fabrics 
Act (FFA) by adding certain export notification requirements to those 
statutes. In particular, persons and firms who intend to export 
products that do not comply with applicable requirements of those 
statutes or regulations issued under their authority must notify the 
Commission at least 30 days before the proposed exportation. The 1978 
amendments also require the Commission to transmit any notification of 
proposed export of noncomplying products to the country of intended 
destination. The export notification requirements are codified in 
section 18(b) of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2067(b)), in section 14(d) of the 
FHSA (15 U.S.C. 1273(d), and in section 15(c) of the FFA (15 U.S.C. 
1202(c)).
    In 1980, the Commission issued regulations to implement the export 
notification provisions of the 1978 amendments. 45 FR 5306 (August 8, 
1980). These regulations set forth the procedures to be used (i) by 
persons and firms to give notice of proposed exportation of 
noncomplying products, and (ii) by the Commission to notify the 
government of the country of intended destination. 16 CFR part 1019.

B. Policy Statement on Export of Noncomplying Products

    In 1984, the Commission published a statement of policy concerning 
the circumstances where the CPSA, FHSA, and FFA permit export of 
products that fail to comply with an applicable statute, standard, or 
regulation. 49 FR 39663 (October 10, 1984). 16 CFR part 1010.

C. Recodification

    For the convenience of people interested in exporting noncomplying 
products, the Commission is combining and recodifying parts 1010 and 
1019 into part 1019 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The 
regulations governing procedures for export of noncomplying products, 
originally codified at 16 CFR part 1019, are recodified as 16 CFR part 
1019, subpart A. The policy statement, originally codified at 16 CFR 
part 1010, is recodified as 16 CFR part 1019, subpart B. The 
substantive provisions of the regulations and policy statement are 
unchanged. However, references in the export notification regulations 
to the ``Associate Executive Director for Compliance and Enforcement'' 
have been changed to ``Assistant Executive Director for Compliance,'' 
to reflect recent changes to the organization of the Commission staff.
    Generally, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) requires agencies 
to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking and provide opportunity for 
public comment before issuing, amending, or revoking a regulation. 5 
U.S.C. 553. However, the APA provides that the requirement for notice 
of proposed rulemaking is not applicable when the agency finds for good 
cause that notice of proposed rulemaking and public participation are 
``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' 5 
U.S.C. 553(b)(B).
    The Commission finds for good cause that notice of proposed 
rulemaking and public participation are unnecessary because the only 
purpose of this amendment is to recodify the regulations and policy 
statement for ease of reference. No substantive changes are being made.
    The APA also requires that a substantive rule must be published at 
least 30 days before its effective date unless the agency finds for 
good cause that such delay is not needed. 5 U.S.C. 553(d). For the 
reasons stated above, the Commission finds good cause not to delay the 
effective date of the recodification and amendment. Consequently, they 
shall become effective immediately.

D. Conclusion

    Under the authority of section 553 of the Administrative Procedure 
Act, the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2067), the Federal 
Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1263, 1264, and 1273), and the 
Flammable Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C. 1202) the Commission hereby amends 
title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter II, Subchapter A 
to read as follows:

PART 1010--[REMOVED AND RESERVED]

    1. Part 1010 is removed and reserved.
    2. Part 1019 is revised to read as follows:

PART 1019--EXPORT OF NONCOMPLYING, MISBRANDED, OR BANNED PRODUCTS

Subpart A--Procedures for Export of Noncomplying, Misbranded, or Banned 
Products
Sec.
1019.1  Purpose, applicability, and exemptions.
1019.2  Definitions.
1019.3  General requirements for notifying the Commission.
1019.4  Procedures for notifying the Commission; content of 
notification.
1019.5  Time notification must be made to Commission; reductions of 
time.
1019.6  Changes to notification.
1019.7  Commission notification of foreign governments.
1019.8  Confidentiality.
Subpart B--Statement of Policy and Interpretation Concerning Export of 
Noncomplying, Misbranded, or Banned Products
1019.31  Purpose and scope.
1019.32  Statutory provisions.
1019.33  Statement of policy and interpretation.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1196, 1202, 1263, 1264, 1273, 2067, 2068.

Subpart A--Procedures for Export of Noncomplying, Misbranded, or 
Banned Products

Sec. 1019.1  Purpose, applicability, and exemptions.

    (a) Purpose. The regulations in this subpart A of this part 1019 
establish the procedures exporters must use to notify the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission of their intent to export from the United 
States products which are banned or fail to comply with an applicable 
safety standard, regulation, or statute. These regulations also set 
forth the procedures the Commission uses in transmitting the 
notification of export of noncomplying products to the country to which 
those products will be sent. The Consumer Product Safety Act 
Authorization Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-631), which became effective 
November 10, 1978, established these notification requirements and 
authorizes the Commission to issue regulations to implement them.

[[Page 29648]]

    (b) Applicability. These regulations apply to any person or firm 
which exports from the United States and item which is:
    (1) A consumer product that does not conform to an applicable 
consumer product safety rule issued under sections 7 and 9 of the 
Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056, 2058), or which has been 
declared to be a banned hazardous product under provisions of sections 
8 and 9 of that Act (15 U.S.C. 2057, 2058); or
    (2) A misbranded hazardous substance or a banned hazardous 
substance within the meaning of sections 2(p) and 2(q) of the Federal 
Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261); or
    (3) A fabric or related material or an item of wearing apparel or 
interior furnishing made of fabric or related material which fails to 
conform with an applicable flammability standard or regulations issued 
under section 4 of the Flammable Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C. 1191, 1193).
    (c) Exemption for certain items with noncomplying labeling. The 
exporter of an item that fails to comply with a standard or regulation 
only because it is labeled in a language other than English need not 
notify the Commission prior to export if the product is labeled with 
the required information in the language of the country to which the 
product will be sent.
    (d) Exemption for samples. The exporter of an item that fails to 
comply with a standard or regulation, but which is intended for use 
only as a sample and not for resale, need not notify the Commission 
prior to export, if the item is conspicuously and labeled in English 
with the statement: ``Sample only. Not for resale.'' (The Commission 
encourages exporters to provide this label, in addition, in the 
language of the importing country, but does not require the foreign 
language labeling.) To qualify as a sample shipment under this 
exemption, the quantity of goods involved must be consistent with 
prevalent trade practices with respect to the specific product.
    (e) Exemption for items not in child-resistant packaging. The 
exporter of an item which is a ``misbranded hazardous substance'' 
within the meaning of section 2(p) of the Federal Hazardous Substances 
Act (15 U.S.C. 1261(p)) only because it fails to comply with an 
applicable requirement for child-resistant packaging under the Poison 
Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (15 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.) need not 
notify the Commission prior to export.

Sec. 1019.2  Definitions.

    As used in this subpart A of this part 1019:
    (a) Consignee means the person, partnership, corporation or entity 
in a foreign country to whom noncomplying goods are sent;
    (b) Export means to send goods outside the United States or United 
States possessions for purposes of trade, except the term does not 
apply to sending goods to United States installations located outside 
the United States or its possessions;
    (c) Exporter means the person, partnership, corporation or entity 
that initiates the export of noncomplying goods;
    (d) Noncomplying goods means any item described in Sec. 1019.1(b), 
except for those items excluded from the requirements of these 
regulations by Sec. 1019.1 (c), (d), and (e).

Sec. 1019.3  General requirements for notifying the Commission.

    Not less than 30 days before exporting any noncomplying goods 
described in Sec. 1019.1(b), the exporter must file a statement with 
the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as described in Secs. 1019.4 
and 1019.5 of this subpart A. The exporter need not notify the 
Commission about the export of items described in Sec. 1019.1 (c), (d), 
or (e). As described in Sec. 1019.5, the exporter may request the 
Commission to allow the statement to be filed between 10 and 29 days 
before the intended export, and the request may be granted for good 
cause.

Sec. 1019.4  Procedures for notifying the Commission; content of the 
notification.

    (a) Where notification must be filed. The notification of intent to 
export shall be addressed to the Assistant Executive Director for 
Compliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207.
    (b) Coverage of notification. An exporter must file a separate 
notification for each country to which noncomplying goods are to be 
exported. Each notification may include a variety of noncomplying goods 
being shipped to one country. The notification may include goods 
intended to be shipped to one country in any one year, unless the 
Assistant Executive Director of Compliance directs otherwise in 
writing.
    (c) Form of notification. The notification of intent to export must 
be in writing and must be entitled: ``Notification of Intent to Export 
Noncomplying Goods to [indicate name of country].'' The Commission has 
no notification forms, but encourages exporters to provide the required 
information in the order listed in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this 
section.
    (d) Content of notification; required information. The notification 
of intent to export shall contain the information required by this 
subsection. If the notification covers a variety of noncomplying goods 
the exporter intends to export to one country, the information required 
below must be clearly provided for each class of goods, and may include 
an estimate of the information required in paragraphs (d) (3) and (5) 
of this section. The required information is:
    (1) Name, address and telephone number of the exporter;
    (2) Name and address of each consignee;
    (3) Quantity and description of the goods to be exported to each 
consignee, including brand or trade names or model or other identifying 
numbers;
    (4) Identification of the standards, bans, regulations and 
statutory provisions applicable to the goods being exported, and an 
accurate description of the manner in which the goods fail to comply 
with applicable requirements; and
    (5) Anticipated date of shipment and port of destination.
    (e) Optional information. In addition to the information required 
by paragraph (d) of this section, the notification of intent to export 
may contain, at the exporter's option, the following information:
    (1) Copies of any correspondence from the government of the country 
of destination of the goods indicating whether the noncomplying goods 
may be imported into that country; and
    (2) Any other safety-related information that the exporter believes 
is relevant or useful to the Commission or to the government of the 
country of intended destination.
    (f) Signature. The notification of intent to export shall be signed 
by the owner of the exporting firm if the exporter is a sole-
proprietorship, by a partner if the exporter is a partnership, or by a 
corporate officer if the exporter is a corporation.

Sec. 1019.5  Time notification must be made to Commission; reductions 
of time.

    (a) Time of notification. The notification of intent to export must 
be received by the Commission's Assistant Executive Director for 
Compliance at least 30 days before the noncomplying goods are to leave 
the customs territory of the United States. If the notification of 
intent to export includes more than one shipment of noncomplying goods 
to a foreign country, the Assistant Executive Director for Compliance 
must

[[Page 29649]]

receive the notification at least 30 days before the first shipment of 
noncomplying goods is to leave the customs territory of the United 
States.
    (b) Incomplete notification. Promptly after receiving notification 
of intent to export, the Assistant Executive Director will inform the 
exporter if the notification of intent to export is incomplete and will 
described which requirements of Sec. 1019.4 are not satisfied. The 
Assistant Executive Director may inform the exporter that the 30-day 
advance notification period will not begin until the Assistant 
Executive Director receives all the required information.
    (c) Requests for reduction in 30-day notification requirement. Any 
exporter may request an exemption from the requirement of 30-day 
advance notification of intent to export by filing with the 
Commission's Assistant Executive Director for Compliance (Washington, 
DC 20207) a written request that the time be reduced to a time between 
10 and 30 days before the intended export. The request for reduction in 
time must be received by the Assistant Executive Director for 
Compliance at least 3 working days before the exporter wishes the 
reduced time period to begin. The request must:
    (1) Be in writing;
    (2) Be entitled ``Request for Reduction of Time to File 
Notification of Intent to Export Noncomplying Goods to [indicate name 
of country]'';
    (3) Contain a specific request for the time reduction requested to 
a time between 10 and 30 days before the intended export); and
    (4) Provide reasons for the request for reduction in time.
    (d) Response to requests for reduction of time. The Assistant 
Executive Director for Compliance has the authority to approve or 
disapprove requests for reduction of time. The Assistant Executive 
Director shall indicate the amount of time before export that the 
exporter must provide the notification. If the request is not granted, 
the Assistant Executive Director shall explain the reasons in writing.

Sec. 1019.6  Changes to notification.

    If the exporter causes any change to any of the information 
required by Sec. 1019.4, or learns of any change to any of that 
information, at any time before the noncomplying goods reach the 
country of destination, the exporter must notify the Assistant 
Executive Director for Compliance within two working days after causing 
or learning of such change, and must state the reason for any such 
change. The Assistant Executive Director will promptly inform the 
exporter whether the 30-day advance notification period will be 
discontinued, and whether the exporter must take any other steps to 
comply with the advance notification requirement.

Sec. 1019.7  Commission notification of foreign governments.

    After receiving notification from the exporter, or any changes in 
notification, the Assistant Executive Director for Compliance shall 
inform on a priority basis the appropriate government agency of the 
country to which the noncomplying goods are to be sent of the 
exportation and the basis on which the goods are banned or fail to 
comply with Commission standards, regulations, or statutes, and shall 
send all information supplied by the exporter in accordance with 
Sec. 1019.4(d). The Assistant Executive Director shall also enclose any 
information supplied in accordance with Sec. 1019.4(e), but he or she 
may also state that the Commission disagrees with or takes no position 
on its content, including its relevance or accuracy. The Assistant 
Executive Director shall take whatever other action is necessary to 
provide full information to foreign countries and shall also work with 
and inform the U.S. State Department and foreign embassies and 
international organizations, as appropriate. The Assistant Executive 
Director shall also seek acknowledgment of the notification from the 
foreign government. Foreign governments intending to prohibit entry of 
goods that are the subject of a notification from the Commission should 
initiate action to prevent such entry and should notify the exporter 
directly of that intent.

Sec. 1019.8  Confidentiality.

    If the exporter believes any of the information submitted should be 
considered trade secret or confidential commercial or financial 
information, the exporter must request confidential treatment, in 
writing, at the time the information is submitted or must indicate that 
a request will be made within 10 working days. The Commission's 
regulations under the Freedom of Information Act, 16 CFR part 1015, 
govern confidential treatment of information submitted to the 
Commission.

Subpart B--Statement of Policy and Interpretation Concerning Export 
of Noncomplying, Misbranded, or Banned Products

Sec. 1019.31  Purpose and scope.

    (a) This subpart B of this part 1019 states the policy of the 
Consumer Product Safety Commission and its interpretation of the 
Consumer Product Safety Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act 
with regard to exportation of products which have been sold, offered 
for sale, or distributed in commerce for use in the United States 
which:
    (1) Fail to comply with an applicable consumer product safety 
standard or banning rule issued under provisions of the Consumer 
Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.); or
    (2) Are ``misbranded hazardous substances'' or ``banned hazardous 
substances'' as those terms are used in the Federal Hazardous 
Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq.).
    (b) The policy expressed in this subpart B of part 1019 does not 
apply to any of the following products:
    (1) Products which could be regulated only under provisions of the 
Consumer Product Safety Act but which are not subject to a consumer 
product safety standard or banning rule issued under that Act.
    (2) Consumer products which are subject to and fail to comply with 
an applicable standard or banning rule issued under provisions of the 
Consumer Product Safety Act but which have never been distributed in 
commerce for use in the United States. See section 18(b) of the 
Consumer Product Safety Act 15, U.S.C. 2067(b), and subpart A of this 
part 1019 for requirements governing export of such products.)
    (3) Products which could be regulated under one or more sections of 
the Federal Hazardous Substances Act but which are neither ``misbranded 
hazardous substances'' nor ``banned hazardous substances'' as those 
terms are used in the Act.
    (4) Products which are ``misbranded hazardous substances'' or 
``banned hazardous substances'' as those terms are used in the Federal 
Hazardous Substances Act but which have never been sold or offered for 
sale in domestic commerce. (See sections 5(b) and 14(d) of the Federal 
Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1264(b) and 1273(d) and subpart A 
of this part 1019 for requirements governing export of such products.)
    (5) Products for which the Commission has granted an exemption from 
an applicable standard, ban, or

[[Page 29650]]

labeling requirement under the CPSA, FHSA, or FFA, in accordance with 
provisions of 16 CFR 1009.9. (These products remain subject to the 
notification requirements of subpart A of this part 1019.)
    (6) Products which fail to comply with an applicable standard of 
flammability issued under provisions of the Flammable Fabrics Act (15 
U.S.C. 1191 et seq.). The Commission's policy regarding export of such 
products is set forth in the Commission's Memorandum Decision and Order 
In the Matter of Imperial Carpet Mills, Inc., CPSC Docket No. 80-2, 
July 7, 1983, and allows export without regard to whether the products 
have been distributed in domestic commerce. (See section 15 of the 
Flammable Fabrics Act, 15 U.S.C. 1202, and subpart A of this part 1019 
for requirements governing export of such products.)

Sec. 1019.32  Statutory provisions.

    (a) Section 18(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 
2057(a)) states:

    This Act [the Consumer Product Safety Act] shall not apply to 
any consumer product if: (1) It can be shown that such product is 
manufactured, sold, or held for sale for export from the United 
States (or that such product was imported for export), unless (A) 
such consumer product is in fact distributed in commerce for use in 
the United States, or (B) the Commission determines that exportation 
of such product presents an unreasonable risk of injury to consumers 
within the United States, and (2) such consumer product when 
distributed in commerce, or any container in which it is enclosed 
when so distributed, bears a stamp or label stating that such 
consumer product is intended for export; except that this Act shall 
apply to any consumer product manufactured for sale, offered for 
sale, or sold for shipment to any installation of the United States 
located outside of the United States.

    (b) Section 4 of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 
1263) states in part:

    The following acts and the causing thereof are hereby 
prohibited: (a) The introduction or delivery for introduction into 
interstate commerce of any misbranded hazardous substance or banned 
hazardous substance. * * * (c) The receipt in interstate commerce of 
any misbranded hazardous substance or banned hazardous substance and 
the delivery or proffered delivery thereof for pay or otherwise.

    (c) Section 5(b) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 
1264(b)) provides in part:

    No person shall be subject to the penalties of this section * * 
* (3) for having violated subsection (a) or (c) of section 4 with 
respect to any hazardous substance shipped or delivered for shipment 
for export to any foreign country, in a package marked for export on 
the outside of the shipping container and labeled in accordance with 
the specifications of the foreign purchaser and in accordance with 
the laws of the foreign country, but if such hazardous substance is 
sold or offered for sale in domestic commerce, or if the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission determines that exportation of such 
substance presents an unreasonable risk of injury to persons 
residing within the United States, this clause shall not apply.

Sec. 1019.33  Statement of policy and interpretation.

    (a) In its enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Act, the 
Commission interprets the provisions of that Act to prohibit the export 
of products which fail to comply with an applicable consumer product 
safety standard or banning rule issued under that Act if those products 
have at any time been distributed in commerce for use in the United 
States.
    (b) In its enforcement of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the 
Commission interprets the provisions of the Act to prohibit the export 
of products which are misbranded substances or banned hazardous 
substances as those terms are used in that Act if those products have 
at any time been sold or offered for sale in domestic commerce.

    Dated: June 6, 1996.
Sadye E. Dunn,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
[FR Doc. 96-14760 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6355-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14756 Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Assessment Rate
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29635-29636]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14756]

========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 12, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 29635]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 948

[Docket No. FV96-948-1IFR]

Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Assessment Rate

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Interim final rule with request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This interim final rule establishes an assessment rate for the 
Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, Northern Colorado Office 
(Area III) (Committee) under Marketing Order No. 948 for the 1996-97 
and subsequent fiscal periods. The Committee is responsible for local 
administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of 
Irish potatoes grown in Colorado. Authorization to assess potato 
handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable 
and necessary to administer the program.

DATES: Effective on July 1, 1996. Comments received by July 12, 1996, 
will be considered prior to issuance of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning this rule. Comments must be sent in triplicate to the Docket 
Clerk, Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS, USDA, P.O. Box 96456, room 
2523-S, Washington, DC 20090-6456, FAX 202-720-5698. Comments should 
reference the docket number and the date and page number of this issue 
of the Federal Register and will be available for public inspection in 
the Office of the Docket Clerk during regular business hours.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martha Sue Clark, Marketing Order 
Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS, USDA, P.O. 
Box 96456, room 2523-S, Washington, DC 20090-6456, telephone 202-720-
9918, FAX 202-720-5698, or Dennis L. West, Northwest Marketing Field 
Office, Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS, USDA, Green-Wyatt Federal 
Building, room 369, 1220 Southwest Third Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, 
telephone 503-326-2724, FAX 503-326-7440.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule is issued under Marketing 
Agreement No. 97 and Order No. 948, both as amended (7 CFR part 948), 
regulating the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Colorado, 
hereinafter referred to as the ``order.'' The order is effective under 
the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
601-674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act.''
    The Department of Agriculture (Department) is issuing this rule in 
conformance with Executive Order 12866.
    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil 
Justice Reform. Under the marketing order now in effect, Colorado 
potato handlers are subject to assessments. Funds to administer the 
order are derived from such assessments. It is intended that the 
assessment rate as issued herein will be applicable to all assessable 
potatoes beginning July 1, 1996, and continuing until amended, 
suspended, or terminated. This rule will not preempt any State or local 
laws, regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable 
conflict with this rule.
    The Act provides that administrative proceedings must be exhausted 
before parties may file suit in court. Under section 608c(15)(A) of the 
Act, any handler subject to an order may file with the Secretary a 
petition stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any 
obligation imposed in connection with the order is not in accordance 
with law and request a modification of the order or to be exempted 
therefrom. Such handler is afforded the opportunity for a hearing on 
the petition. After the hearing the Secretary would rule on the 
petition. The Act provides that the district court of the United States 
in any district in which the handler is an inhabitant, or has his or 
her principal place of business, has jurisdiction to review the 
Secretary's ruling on the petition, provided an action is filed not 
later than 20 days after the date of the entry of the ruling.
    Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (RFA), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has considered the 
economic impact of this rule on small entities.
    The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of 
business subject to such actions in order that small businesses will 
not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders issued 
pursuant to the Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are unique in 
that they are brought about through group action of essentially small 
entities acting on their own behalf. Thus, both statutes have small 
entity orientation and compatibility.
    There are approximately 85 producers of Colorado Area III potatoes 
in the production area and approximately 15 handlers subject to 
regulation under the marketing order. Small agricultural producers have 
been defined by the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.601) as 
those having annual receipts of less than $500,000, and small 
agricultural service firms are defined as those whose annual receipts 
are less than $5,000,000. The majority of Colorado Area III potato 
producers and handlers may be classified as small entities.
    The Colorado potato marketing order provides authority for the 
Committee, with the approval of the Department, to formulate an annual 
budget of expenses and collect assessments from handlers to administer 
the program. The members of the Committee are producers and handlers of 
Colorado Area III potatoes. They are familiar with the Committee's 
needs and with the costs for goods and services in their local area and 
are thus in a position to formulate an appropriate budget and 
assessment rate. The assessment rate is formulated and discussed in a 
public meeting. Thus, all directly affected persons have an opportunity 
to participate and provide input.
    In Colorado, both a State and a Federal marketing order operate 
simultaneously. The State order authorizes promotion, including paid 
advertising, which the Federal order does not. All expenses in this 
category are financed under the State order. The jointly operated 
programs consume about equal administrative time and the two orders 
continue to split administrative costs equally.

[[Page 29636]]

    The Committee met on April 11, 1996, and unanimously recommended 
1996-97 expenditures of $24,462.50 and an assessment rate of $0.01 per 
hundredweight of potatoes. In comparison, last year's budgeted 
expenditures were $27,362.50. The assessment rate of $0.01 is $0.01 
less than last year's established rate. Major expenditures recommended 
by the Committee for the 1996-97 year include $11,500 for the manager's 
salary, $2,400 for rent, and $1,500 for office supplies, the same as in 
1995-96.
    The assessment rate recommended by the Committee was derived by 
dividing anticipated expenses by expected shipments of Colorado Area 
III potatoes. Potato shipments for the year are estimated at 1,450,750 
hundredweight which should provide $14,507.50 in assessment income. 
Income derived from handler assessments, interest, and rent from the 
sublease of office space to the State inspection service, along with 
funds from the Committee's authorized reserve, will be adequate to 
cover budgeted expenses. Funds in the reserve at the beginning of the 
1996-97 fiscal period are estimated at $36,551. Funds in the reserve 
will be kept within the maximum permitted by the order.
    While this rule will impose some additional costs on handlers, the 
costs are in the form of uniform assessments on all handlers. Some of 
the additional costs may be passed on to producers. However, these 
costs will be offset by the benefits derived by the operation of the 
marketing order. Therefore, the AMS has determined that this rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    The assessment rate established in this rule will continue in 
effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated by the 
Secretary upon recommendation and information submitted by the 
Committee or other available information.
    Although this assessment rate is effective for an indefinite 
period, the Committee will continue to meet prior to or during each 
fiscal period to recommend a budget of expenses and consider 
recommendations for modification of the assessment rate. The dates and 
times of Committee meetings are available from the Committee or the 
Department. Committee meetings are open to the public and interested 
persons may express their views at those meetings. The Department will 
evaluate Committee recommendations and other available information to 
determine whether modification of the assessment rate is needed. 
Further rulemaking will be undertaken as necessary. The Committee's 
1996-97 budget and those for subsequent fiscal periods will be reviewed 
and, as appropriate, approved by the Department.
    After consideration of all relevant material presented, including 
the information and recommendation submitted by the Committee and other 
available information, it is hereby found that this rule, as 
hereinafter set forth, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of 
the Act.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also found and determined upon good 
cause that it is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public 
interest to give preliminary notice prior to putting this rule into 
effect, because: (1) The Committee needs to have sufficient funds to 
pay its expenses which are incurred on a continuous basis; (2) the 
1996-97 fiscal period begins on July 1, 1996, and the marketing order 
requires that the rate of assessment for each fiscal period apply to 
all assessable potatoes handled during such fiscal period; (3) handlers 
are aware of this action which was unanimously recommended by the 
Committee at a public meeting and is similar to other assessment rate 
actions issued in past years; and (4) this interim final rule provides 
a 30-day comment period, and all comments timely received will be 
considered prior to finalization of this rule.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 948

    Marketing agreements, Potatoes, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 948 is 
amended as follows:

PART 948--IRISH POTATOES GROWN IN COLORADO

    1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 948 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.

    2. A new Sec. 948.215 is added to read as follows:

    Note: This section will appear in the Code of Federal 
Regulations.

Sec. 948.215  Assessment rate.

    On and after July 1, 1996, an assessment rate of $0.01 per 
hundredweight is established for Colorado Area III potatoes.

    Dated: June 3, 1996.
Sharon Bomer Lauritsen,
Acting Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
[FR Doc. 96-14756 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14730 Editorial Changes to Policies Relating to Accounts and Reports
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29645-29646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14730]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary

14 CFR Part 399

RIN 2105-AC43

Editorial Changes to Policies Relating to Accounts and Reports

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Transportation amends its regulations in 
order to remove redundant provisions. This rule makes no substantive 
changes to current regulations. This action is taken in response to the 
President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective on July 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bernie Stankus, Regulations Division, 
Office of Airline Information, K-25, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590, (202) 366-4387, or M. 
Clay Moritz, (202) 366-4385.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    Subpart D of 14 CFR Part 399 is being removed as superfluous. 
Section 399.50 is redundant to section 241.22(c); section 399.51 is 
redundant to section 241.22(b)(3); and section 399.52 is redundant to 
section 241.2-4(d). The policies regarding extensions of time for 
filing reports, confidential treatment of unaudited preliminary year-
end reports, and retroactive adjustments of expenses remain unchanged.

Notice and Opportunity for Public Comment Unnecessary

    Since this change relates to departmental management, organization, 
procedure, and practice, notice and comment are unnecessary. The 
changes made in this document are ministerial, removing redundant 
material.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866. It has not been

[[Page 29646]]

reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under that order. It is 
not significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of the 
Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040, February 26, 1979). As 
this rule removes redundant provisisons, it will not impose any costs 
on the public.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department certifies that this rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. It is 
editorial in nature and will not change the underlying Departmental 
policy.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains no reporting or recordkeeping requirements.

Federalism

    The Department of Transportation has analyzed this rule under the 
principles and criteria in Executive Order 12612 and has determined 
that this rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

National Environmental Protection Act

    The Department of Transportation has also analyzed the proposed 
amendments for the purpose of the National Environmental Protection 
Act. The amendments will not have any impact on the quality of the 
human environment.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 399

    Administrative practice and procedure, Air carriers, Air rates and 
fares, Air taxis, Consumer protection, Small businesses.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Department of 
Transportation amends 14 CFR Part 399 as set forth below.

PART 399--STATEMENTS OF GENERAL POLICY

    1. The authority citation for part 399 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. chapters 401, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 461.

Sec. 399.50   [Removed]

    2. Section 399.50 is removed.

Sec. 399.51   [Removed]

    3. Section 399.51 is removed.

Sec. 399.52   [Removed]

    4. Section 399.52 is removed.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 31, 1996.
Charles Hunnicutt,
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.
[FR Doc. 96-14730 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-62-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14692 Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011-385 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29642-29645]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14692]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-104-AD; Amendment 39-9667; AD 96-12-24]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011-385 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to all Lockheed Model L-1011-385 series airplanes. This 
action requires inspections to detect cracking and other discrepancies 
of certain web-to-cap fasteners of the rear spar between inner wing 
stations (IWS) 310 and 343, and of the web area around those fasteners; 
and various follow-on actions. This AD also provides for an optional 
modification which, if accomplished, will defer the initiation of the 
inspections for a certain period of time. This amendment is prompted by 
a report of fatigue cracking in the web of the rear spar of the wing. 
The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such fatigue 
cracking, which could result in failure of the rear spar of the wing 
and consequent fuel spillage.

DATES: Effective June 27, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 27, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 12, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-104-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Support Company, Field Support 
Department, Dept. 693, Zone 0755, 2251 Lake Park Drive, Smyrna, Georgia 
30080. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 
Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-160, College Park, 
Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Peters, Aerospace Engineer, 
Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, Small 
Airplane Directorate, Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-
160, College Park, Georgia 30337-2748; telephone (404) 305-7367; fax 
(404) 305-7348.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA received a report indicating that 
fatigue cracking was found on the web of the rear spar of the wing on a 
Lockheed Model L-1011-385 series airplane that had accumulated 
approximately 18,900 total landings. The crack, which was 24 inches 
long, grew rapidly in a downward direction at a 45-degree angle and 
stopped behind the trunnion fitting of the main landing gear. 
Consequently, the airplane began leaking fuel during final taxi.
    Fatigue cracking in the web of the rear spar of the wing can 
originate in the fasteners common to the web and the vertical leg of 
the upper cap. Such cracking can grow and remain undetected for a 
significant period of

[[Page 29643]]

time because the crack can propagate on the interior (fuel side) of the 
web before it breaches the aft side (flap side) of the web. Such 
fatigue cracking, if not detected and corrected in a timely manner, 
could result in failure of the rear spar of the wing and consequent 
fuel spillage.

Other Relevant Rules

    The FAA previously issued AD 96-07-13, amendment 39-9563 (61 FR 
16379, April 15, 1996), which requires various X-ray, eddy current, and 
ultrasonic inspections to detect fatigue cracking of certain areas of 
the rear spar caps, web, skin, and certain fastener holes; and repair 
or modification, if necessary. The inspections are required to be 
repeated at intervals of 2,000 flight cycles. That AD was prompted by 
reports of fatigue cracks in the caps, web, and skin of the wing rear 
spar inboard of inner wing station 346. The actions specified by that 
AD are intended to prevent rupture of the rear spar, which could result 
in extensive damage to the wing and fuel spillage.
    The fatigue cracking that was the subject of the recent in-service 
incident, described above, indicates that fatigue cracking in the area 
of the web of the rear spar of the wing apparently can occur and 
propagate at a faster rate and at a reduced threshold than previously 
realized. In light of this, the FAA is considering revising AD 96-07-13 
to reduce the repetitive inspection intervals to ensure that fatigue 
cracking can be found in a more timely manner. (The FAA indicated this 
in the preamble to that AD.)

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Lockheed L-1011 Service Bulletin 
093-57-218, dated April 11, 1996. Part I of the service bulletin 
describes procedures for repetitive visual inspections to detect 
fatigue cracking and other discrepancies (i.e., corrosion, fastener 
looseness, nicks, scratches, or other surface damage) of certain web-
to-cap fasteners of the rear spar between inner wing stations (IWS) 310 
and 343, and of the web area around those fasteners; and various 
follow-on actions. The follow-on actions include repetitive visual 
inspections, eddy current surface scan (ECSS) inspections, bolt hole 
eddy current (BHEC) inspections, and repair.
    Part II of the service bulletin describes procedures for an 
optional modification that will allow the initiation of the visual 
inspections to be deferred for a period of time. The modification 
involves removing certain web-to-cap fasteners, verifying that the 
subject fastener holes are free of cracks, cold working the fastener 
holes, and replacing the fasteners with oversize fasteners.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Model L-1011-385 series airplanes of the same 
type design, this AD is being issued to prevent fatigue cracking in the 
web of the rear spar of the wing, which could result in failure of the 
rear spar of the wing and consequent fuel spillage. This AD requires 
repetitive visual inspections to detect cracking and other 
discrepancies of certain web-to-cap fasteners of the rear spar between 
IWS 310 and IWS 343, and of the web area around those fasteners; and 
various follow-on actions. This AD also provides for an optional 
modification which, if accomplished, will allow the initiation of the 
visual inspections to be deferred for a certain period of time. The 
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the Lockheed 
service bulletin described previously.
    The inspections that are required by this AD are in addition to--
not in lieu of--those currently required by AD 96-07-13, amendment 39-
9563.

Differences between the Rule and the Referenced Service Information

    Operators should note that, although the Lockheed service bulletin 
specifies that the manufacturer must be contacted for disposition of 
certain conditions, this AD requires that the repair of those 
conditions be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-104-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

[[Page 29644]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-12-24 Lockheed: Amendment 39-9667. Docket 96-NM-104-AD.

    Applicability: All Model L-1011-385 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent fatigue cracking on the web of the rear spar of the 
wing, which could result in failure of the rear spar of the wing and 
consequent fuel spillage, accomplish the following:
    (a) Perform a visual inspection to detect signs of cracking and 
other discrepancies (i.e., corrosion, fastener looseness, nicks, 
scratches, or other surface damage) of the web-to-cap fasteners of 
the rear spar between inner wing stations (IWS) 310 and 343, as 
specified in Figure 2 of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-218, dated 
April 11, 1996; and of the web area around those fasteners; in 
accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of that 
service bulletin. Perform the inspection at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Perform 
the initial inspection prior to the accumulation of the number of 
landings specified as the ``inspection threshold'' in Table I of 
Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-218, dated April 11, 1996, or 
within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later.
    (2) For airplanes on which the wing rear spar has been modified 
prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with one of the 
Lockheed service bulletins listed in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this 
AD, accomplish the inspection as follows:
    (i) Perform the initial inspection prior to the accumulation of 
the number of landings specified as the ``inspection threshold'' in 
Table I of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-218, dated April 11, 
1996, calculated from the time the wing rear spar was modified 
(rather than from the date of manufacture of the airplane), or 
within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later.
    (ii) This paragraph applies to airplanes on which the wing rear 
spar has been modified in accordance with one of the following 
service bulletins:
     Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-184, Revision 6, dated 
October 28, 1991, or Revision 7, dated December 6, 1994; or
     Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-196, Revision 5, dated 
October 28, 1991, or Revision 6, dated December 6, 1994; or
     Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-203, Revision 3, dated 
October 28, 1991, or Revision 4, dated March 27, 1995; or
     Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-215, dated April 11, 
1996.
    (b) If no sign of cracking or other discrepancy is found during 
the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, repeat that 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed the number of 
landings specified as the ``repeat visual inspection interval'' in 
Table I of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-218, dated April 11, 
1996.-
    (c) If any sign of cracking is found during an inspection required 
by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, prior to further flight, perform 
either eddy current surface scan (ECSS) inspections, or bolt hole eddy 
current (BHEC) inspections, as appropriate, to confirm cracking, in 
accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-218, dated April 11, 
1996. -
    (1) If no cracking is confirmed, repeat the inspection specified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed the number of 
landings specified as the ``repeat visual inspection interval'' in 
Table 1 of the service bulletin. -
    (2) If any cracking is confirmed, prior to further flight, repair 
it in accordance with the service bulletin. -
    (d) Accomplishment of the modification specified in Part II of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-57-218, 
dated April 11, 1996, and in accordance with that service bulletin, 
allows the visual inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD to 
be deferred for the period specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this AD. -
    (1) If any condition (i.e., number of fasteners per stiffener bay, 
or cracking) is identified during the accomplishment of the 
modification that exceeds the limits specified in paragraph B.3. of 
Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, 
prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by 
the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate. -
    (2) Within 5,000 landings following accomplishment of the 
modification, perform the visual inspection required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD. Thereafter, repeat that inspection at intervals not to 
exceed the number of landings specified as the ``repeat visual 
inspection interval'' in Table I of the service bulletin. -
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used 
if approved by the Manager, ACO. Operators shall submit their requests 
through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

     -(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished. -
    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Lockheed L-1011 
Service Bulletin 093-57-218, dated April 11, 1996. 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. Copies may be 
obtained from Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Support Company, Field 
Support Department, Dept. 693, Zone 0755, 2251 Lake Park Drive, Smyrna, 
Georgia 30080. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 
Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-160, College Park, 
Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. -
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on June 27, 1996.

[[Page 29645]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 5, 1996.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14692 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14688 Reimbursement for Providing Financial Records; Recordkeeping Requirements for Certain Financial Records
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29638-29641]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14688]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

12 CFR Part 219

[Regulation S; Docket No. R-0906]

Reimbursement for Providing Financial Records; Recordkeeping 
Requirements for Certain Financial Records

AGENCY: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) 
has approved amendments to Subpart A of Regulation S, which implements 
the requirement under the Right to Financial Privacy Act (RFPA) that 
the Board establish the rates and conditions under which payment shall 
be made by a government authority to a financial institution for 
assembling or providing financial records pursuant to RFPA. These 
amendments update the fees to be charged and streamline the subpart 
generally.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Boutilier, Senior Counsel 
(202/452-2418), Legal Division, Board of Governors of the Federal 
Reserve System, Washington, DC 20551. For users of the 
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD), please contact Dorothea 
Thompson (202/452-3544).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 1115 of the RFPA (12 U.S.C. 3415) requires the Board to 
establish, by regulation, the rates and conditions under which payment 
is made by a Government authority to a financial institution for 
searching for, reproducing, or transporting data required or requested 
under the RFPA. Shortly after the RFPA was adopted, the Board issued 
Regulation S (12 CFR 219) to implement this provision (44 FR 55812, 
September 28, 1979). In January 1995, the Board adopted a new Subpart B 
of Regulation S 1 and designated this part of Regulation S as 
Subpart A (60 FR 231, January 3, 1995). No substantive changes were 
made in that rulemaking to the newly designated Subpart A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ In a rulemaking issued on April 1, 1996 (61 FR 14382), the 
effective date of Subpart B was delayed until May 28, 1996.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to section 303 of the Riegle Community Development and 
Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-325 (12 U.S.C. 4803), 
the Board reviewed Subpart A of Regulation S and issued for comment 
proposed amendments to update it (60 FR 65599, December 20, 1995). The 
proposed amendments eliminated unnecessary provisions and updated the 
rates to be paid and the exceptions to the provisions of this Subpart.
    Summary of comments: The Board received 21 comments on the proposed 
revisions--19 from banks or bank holding companies, one from a trade 
association, and one from a Federal Reserve Bank. All comments 
supported updating and streamlining the provisions of the regulation. 
Several comments, however, requested further changes in the proposed 
regulation. These requests for additional changes covered two 
categories--the proposed fee structure, and the exemptions from the 
fees.
    Fees. Ten of the 21 comments requested further changes in the fee 
schedule. The current fees are $10.00 per hour for search and 
processing time, and $.15 per page for reproduction. The proposed fees 
provided for two levels of reimbursement for search and processing 
time: clerical time at $11.00 per hour, and managerial time at $17.00 
per hour. Proposed fees for reproduction were left at $.15 per page. Of 
the nine comments that specifically discussed the reimbursement rate 
for search and processing, six supported the proposed fees and three 
requested increased fees. Of the ten comments that focused on the 
proposed reproduction fees, two supported the proposed fees and eight 
requested that they be raised. The suggested reproduction fees ranged 
from $.25 to $3.00 per page for paper copies, and $.25 to $3.00 for 
microfiche copies.
    Other miscellaneous comments on the fee schedule included two 
comments requesting that fees be periodically adjusted to account for 
inflation, a request for a definition of the terms ``clerical/
technical'' and ``manager/supervisory'', a request that a new category 
be added for reimbursement for legal advice, and a request that the 
regulation specify that search/processing time should be billed in 15-
minute increments.
    Exceptions. The proposed regulation updated the list of statutory 
exceptions wherein a financial institution is not entitled to 
reimbursement under the RFPA. Eight of the 21 commenters objected to 
these exceptions, stating that they cover the vast majority of the 
searches required. These objections focused primarily on the exception 
for requests from the IRS, and requests for a corporation's banking 
records. The American Bankers Association, while acknowledging that the 
exceptions are set by statute, not the Board, stated that these 
exceptions ``effectively exclude

[[Page 29639]]

98% of all situations in which banks gather such records.''
    Based upon the comments received, the Board has made some 
adjustments to the reimbursement schedule.

I. Definitions

    The definitions in Subpart A reiterate the statutory definitions 
from the RFPA for the applicable terms of this Subpart. The definition 
for ``directly incurred costs'' has been removed and incorporated into 
the section concerning cost reimbursement.

II. Cost Reimbursement

    This section has been streamlined and reorganized to place the 
rates in a separate Appendix A for clarity and ease of amendment when 
updating the rates. The amendments also recognize that courts issuing 
orders or subpoenas in connection with grand jury proceedings must pay 
the rates set by Subpart A.

III. Rates

    The Board has established uniform rates for all depository 
institutions, regardless of size or location, in the belief that 
administration of a complex fee schedule would be difficult.

A. Reproduction

    The rates for reproduction set forth in Appendix A to Sec. 219.3 
have been increased based upon the comments received. Eight out of ten 
comments on the duplication rates stated that they were too low. There 
was not a consensus, however, among the commenters on the appropriate 
amount of the increase: two suggested $.25 per page, two suggested $.50 
per page, two suggested $1.00 or more per page, and two just requested 
a minimal increase in the rate. The comments recommending significantly 
higher fees did not provide supporting information on the direct costs 
of duplication, and the statute provides for reimbursement of ``costs * 
* * directly incurred in * * * reproducing * * *.'' A plurality of the 
comments, however, recommended a minimal increase in the fees, and some 
provided supporting information on costs. Therefore, the Board has 
raised the reimbursement rate for photocopying to $.25 per page. Other 
commenters suggested that the reimbursement rate for duplication of 
microfiche also was inadequate, based upon the costs to the bank. 
Accordingly, the Board modified the reimbursement schedule to increase 
the rate for reproduction of paper copies of microfiche from $.15 to 
$.25 to match the photocopying rate, and increase the rate for 
duplication of microfiche from $.30 to $.50 per microfiche.

B. Search and Processing

    The fees for search and processing have not been changed from those 
issued for comment. These rates are separated into two categories--
clerical/technical and manager/supervisory. Any search for sensitive 
customer records is likely to involve both clerical staff and 
managerial staff, who are paid at different levels. The rates set for 
this reimbursement were calculated using the 1994 Bank Cash 
Compensation Survey done by the Bank Administration Institute (BAI). 
Based upon the job descriptions in the Cash Compensation Survey, the 
position of Supervisor, Bookkeeping 2 was used to calculate the 
managerial rate. The calculation was made based upon the total 
compensation (with bonus) for all banks on a national average ($27,600) 
divided by 2080 hours, adjusted up by 25% to cover benefits, and 
further adjusted by 3% for inflation since 1994. The clerical rate was 
calculated in the same way, but using an average of the two job 
positions of Clerk II 3 (Bookkeeping and Operations @ $18,100) and 
Clerk I 4 (Bookkeeping and Operations @ $15,100).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ BAI describes this position as follows: ``Direct supervision 
of assigned nonexempt staff in the bookkeeping area with particular 
emphasis on work flow to meet time deadlines. Includes training 
staff, planning work schedules, recommending and implementing staff 
needs, pay raises, etc. Coordinates the section's activities with 
other areas of the bank. Handles the more involved problems and 
calls from dissatisfied customers.''
    \3\ BAI describes this position as follows: ``Performs a variety 
of clerical duties in the bookkeeping department. Duties may include 
filing checks, overdrafts and stop payments, reconciling, 
computerized operations, preparing statements and reports, etc. May 
do exclusively DDA, adjustments, reconciling, etc. or a combination 
of activities. Handles more complex and difficult customer problems; 
requires minimal supervision.''
    \4\ BAI describes this position as follows: ``Performs the same 
duties of a Bookkeeping and Operations Clerk II only may have less 
experience. Requires direct supervision.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Exceptions

    This section has been updated to reflect changes in the exceptions 
listed by the RFPA. Although many comments were critical of the listed 
exceptions, the Board cannot change or eliminate them, because they are 
set by statute. They are merely set forth in the regulation to assist 
depository institutions in correctly applying the reimbursement 
schedule.

V. Conditions for Payment and Payment Procedures

    One commenter suggested that the rule require time to be billed in 
15-minute increments, as the existing regulation does. Accordingly, the 
Board has amended the section on itemized billing to state that the 
time should be billed in 15-minute increments. No other changes have 
been made to these two sections.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605, the Board certifies that this rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The final rule confers a benefit on financial institutions, 
including small financial institutions, by providing for reimbursement 
of certain costs incurred in complying with a requirement to assemble 
and produce financial records.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. Ch. 35; 5 CFR 1320 Appendix A.1), the Board reviewed 
the rule under the authority delegated to the Board by the Office of 
Management and Budget.
    The Right to Financial Privacy Act mandates that each financial 
institution maintain a record of instances in which it releases a 
consumer's financial information to a government agency. Generally, the 
institution may not release records until the government agency has 
notified the consumer of its intent to request the record, together 
with the reason for the request. Normally, the agency may not obtain 
records unless it has a subpoena, a search warrant, or an authorization 
from the consumer.
    The Federal Reserve may not conduct or sponsor, and an organization 
is not required to respond to, this information collection unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control number 
for the Recordkeeping and Disclosure Requirements in Connection with 
the Right to Financial Privacy Act is 7100-0203.
    Because the records would be maintained at banks, no issue of 
confidentiality under the Freedom of Information Act arises.
    This final regulation, 12 CFR part 219, has no effect upon the 
paperwork burden associated with the Recordkeeping and Disclosure 
Requirements in Connection with the Right to Financial Privacy Act. 
That hour burden is estimated to be 22 minutes per response. It is 
estimated that the frequency of response at state member banks is 30 
responses per year. Thus the annual hour burden across the 1,042 state 
member banks is estimated to be 11,462 hours. Based on an hourly cost 
of $20, the annual cost to the public is estimated to be $229,240.

[[Page 29640]]

    Send comments regarding the burden estimate, or any other aspect of 
this collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to Mary 
M. McLaughlin, Federal Reserve Board Clearance Officer, Division of 
Research and Statistics, Mail Stop 97, Board of Governors of the 
Federal Reserve System, Washington, DC 20551 and to the Office of 
Management and Budget, Paperwork Project (7100-0203), Washington, DC 
20503.

List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 219

    Banks, banking, Currency, Federal Reserve System, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 12 CFR Part 219, as 
amended at 60 FR 231 and 44144, and 61 FR 14382, effective May 28, 
1996, is amended as set forth below.

PART 219--REIMBURSEMENT FOR PROVIDING FINANCIAL RECORDS; 
RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN FINANCIAL RECORDS 
(REGULATION S)

Subpart A--Reimbursement to Financial Institutions for Providing 
Financial Records

    1. The authority citation for Subpart A continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 3415.

    2. Subpart A is amended by revising Secs. 219.2 through 219.6 to 
read as follows:

Sec. 219.2  Definitions.

    For the purposes of this subpart, the following definitions shall 
apply:
    Customer means any person or authorized representative of that 
person who uses any service of a financial institution, or for whom a 
financial institution acts or has acted as a fiduciary in relation to 
an account maintained in the person's name. Customer does not include 
corporations or partnerships comprised of more than five persons.
    Financial institution means any office of a bank, savings bank, 
card issuer as defined in section 103 of the Consumers Credit 
Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1602(n)), industrial loan company, trust 
company, savings association, building and loan, or homestead 
association (including cooperative banks), credit union, or consumer 
finance institution, located in any State or territory of the United 
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, or 
the Virgin Islands.
    Financial record means an original or copy of, or information known 
to have been derived from, any record held by a financial institution 
pertaining to a customer's relationship with the financial institution.
    Government authority means any agency or department of the United 
States, or any officer, employee or agent thereof.
    Person means an individual or a partnership of five or fewer 
individuals.

Sec. 219.3  Cost reimbursement.

    (a) Fees payable. Except as provided in Sec. 219.4, a government 
authority, or a court issuing an order or subpoena in connection with 
grand jury proceedings, seeking access to financial records pertaining 
to a customer shall reimburse the financial institution for reasonably 
necessary costs directly incurred in searching for, reproducing or 
transporting books, papers, records, or other data as set forth in this 
section. The reimbursement schedule for a financial institution is set 
forth in Appendix A to this section. If a financial institution has 
financial records that are stored at an independent storage facility 
that charges a fee to search for, reproduce, or transport particular 
records requested, these costs are considered to be directly incurred 
by the financial institution and may be included in the reimbursement.
    (b) Search and processing costs. (1) Reimbursement of search and 
processing costs shall cover the total amount of personnel time spent 
in locating, retrieving, reproducing, and preparing financial records 
for shipment. Search and processing costs shall not cover analysis of 
material or legal advice.
    (2) If itemized separately, search and processing costs may include 
the actual cost of extracting information stored by computer in the 
format in which it is normally produced, based on computer time and 
necessary supplies; however, personnel time for computer search may be 
paid for only at the rates specified in Appendix A to this section.
    (c) Reproduction costs. The reimbursement rates for reproduction 
costs for requested documents are set forth in Appendix A to this 
section. Copies of photographs, films, computer tapes, and other 
materials not listed in Appendix A to this section are reimbursed at 
actual cost.
    (d) Transportation costs. Reimbursement for transportation costs 
shall be for the reasonably necessary costs directly incurred to 
transport personnel to locate and retrieve the requested information, 
and to convey such material to the place of examination.

Appendix A to Sec. 219.3--Reimbursement Schedule

Reproduction:
    Photocopy, per page--$.25
    Paper copies of microfiche, per frame--$.25
    Duplicate microfiche, per microfiche--$.50
    Computer diskette--$5.00
Search and Processing:
    Clerical/Technical, hourly rate--$11.00
    Manager/Supervisory, hourly rate--$17.00

Sec. 219.4  Exceptions.

    A financial institution is not entitled to reimbursement under this 
subpart for costs incurred in assembling or providing financial records 
or information related to:
    (a) Security interests, bankruptcy claims, debt collection. Any 
financial records provided as an incident to perfecting a security 
interest, proving a claim in bankruptcy, or otherwise collecting on a 
debt owing either to the financial institution itself or in its role as 
a fiduciary.
    (b) Government loan programs. Financial records that are necessary 
to permit the appropriate government authority to carry out its 
responsibilities under a government loan, loan guaranty or loan 
insurance program.
    (c) Nonidentifiable information. Financial records that are not 
identified with or identifiable as being derived from the financial 
records of a particular customer.
    (d) Financial supervisory agencies. Financial records disclosed to 
a financial supervisory agency in the exercise of its supervisory, 
regulatory, or monetary functions with respect to a financial 
institution.
    (e) Internal Revenue summons. Financial records disclosed in 
accordance with procedures authorized by the Internal Revenue Code.
    (f) Federally required reports. Financial records required to be 
reported in accordance with any federal statute or rule promulgated 
thereunder.
    (g) Government civil or criminal litigation. Financial records 
sought by a government authority under the Federal Rules of Civil or 
Criminal Procedure or comparable rules of other courts in connection 
with litigation to which the government authority and the customer are 
parties.
    (h) Administrative agency subpoenas. Financial records sought by a 
government authority pursuant to an administrative subpoena issued by 
an administrative law judge in an adjudicatory proceeding subject to 5 
U.S.C. 554, and to which the government authority and the customer are 
parties.
    (i) Investigation of financial institution or its noncustomer. 
Financial

[[Page 29641]]

records sought by a government authority in connection with a lawful 
proceeding, investigation, examination, or inspection directed at the 
financial institution in possession of such records, or at an entity 
that is not a customer as defined in Sec. 219.2 of this part.
    (j) General Accounting Office requests. Financial records sought by 
the General Accounting Office pursuant to an authorized proceeding, 
investigation, examination, or audit directed at a government 
authority.
    (k) Federal Housing Finance Board requests. Financial records or 
information sought by the Federal Housing Finance Board (FHFB) or any 
of the Federal home loan banks in the exercise of the FHFB's authority 
to extend credit to financial institutions or others.
    (l) Department of Veterans Affairs. The disclosure of the name and 
address of any customer to the Department of Veterans Affairs where 
such disclosure is necessary to, and used solely for, the proper 
administration of benefits programs under laws administered by that 
Department.

Sec. 219.5   Conditions for payment.

    (a) Direct costs. Payment shall be made only for costs that are 
both directly incurred and reasonably necessary to provide requested 
material. Search and processing, reproduction, and transportation costs 
shall be considered separately when determining whether the costs are 
reasonably necessary.
    (b) Compliance with legal process, request, or authorization. No 
payment may be made to a financial institution until it satisfactorily 
complies with the legal process, the formal written request, or the 
customer authorization. When the legal process or formal written 
request is withdrawn, or the customer authorization is revoked, or 
where the customer successfully challenges disclosure to a grand jury 
or government authority, the financial institution shall be reimbursed 
for the reasonably necessary costs incurred in assembling the requested 
financial records prior to the time the financial institution is 
notified of such event.
    (c) Itemized bill or invoice. No reimbursement is required unless a 
financial institution submits an itemized bill or invoice specifically 
detailing its search and processing, reproduction, and transportation 
costs. Search and processing time should be billed in 15-minute 
increments.

Sec. 219.6  Payment procedures.

    (a) Notice to submit invoice. Promptly following a service of legal 
process or request, the court or government authority shall notify the 
financial institution that it must submit an itemized bill or invoice 
in order to obtain payment and shall furnish an address for this 
purpose.
    (b) Special notice. If a grand jury or government authority 
withdraws the legal process or formal written request, or if the 
customer revokes the authorization, or if the legal process or request 
has been successfully challenged by the customer, the grand jury or 
government authority shall promptly notify the financial institution of 
these facts, and shall also notify the financial institution that it 
must submit an itemized bill or invoice in order to obtain payment of 
costs incurred prior to the time of the notice to the financial 
institution receives this notice.

Sec. 219.7  [Removed]

    3. Section 219.7 is removed.

    By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System, June 5, 1996.
William W. Wiles,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 96-14688 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6210-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14630 Bifenthrin; Pesticide Tolerance
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29676-29678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14630]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180

[PP 5F4485/R2232; FRL-5364-3]
RIN 2070-AB78

Bifenthrin; Pesticide Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This rule establishes a tolerance for residues of the 
pesticide bifenthrin in or on the raw agricultural commodity 
strawberries. The regulation to establish a maximum permissible level 
for residues of the pesticide was requested in a petition submitted by 
FMC Corporation.

Effective Date: This regulation becomes effective June 12, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests, identified by the 
document control number [PP 5F4485/R2232], may be submitted to: Hearing 
Clerk (1900), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. M3708, 401 M St., 
SW., Washington, DC 20460. A copy of any objections and hearing 
requests filed with the Hearing Clerk should be identified by the 
docket control number and submitted to: Public Response and Program 
Resources Branch, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., 
Washington, DC 20460. In person, bring copy of objections and hearing 
requests to: Rm. 1132 CM #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, 
VA 22202. Fees accompanying objections shall be labeled ``Tolerance 
Petition Fees'' and forwarded to: EPA Headquarters Accounting 
Operations Branch, OPP (Tolerance Fees), P.O. Box 360277M, Pittsburgh, 
PA 15251.
    An electronic copy of objections and hearing requests filed with 
the Hearing Clerk may be submitted to OPP by sending electronic mail 
(e-mail) to:

    opp-docket epamail.epa.gov.

    Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests must be 
submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and 
any form of encryption. Copies of electronic objections and hearing 
requests will also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect in 5.1 file 
format or ASCII file format. All copies of objections and hearing 
requests in electronic form must be identified by the docket number [PP 
5F4485/R2232]. No Confidential Business Information (CBI) should be 
submitted through e-mail. Copies of electronic objections and hearing 
requests on this rule may be filed online at many Federal Depository 
Libraries. Additional information on electronic submissions can be 
found below in this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: George T. LaRocca, Product 
Manager (PM) 13, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide 
Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, 
DC 20460. Office location, telephone number, and e-mail address: Rm. 
204, CM #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, (703) 305-
6100; e-mail: [email protected] epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA issued a notice, published in the 
Federal Register of June 15, 1995 (60 FR 31466), which announced that 
FMC Corporation, 1735 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, had 
submitted a pesticide petition (PP 5F4485) to EPA requesting that the 
Administrator, pursuant to section 408(d) of the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), establish a tolerance for 
the residues of the pyrethroid bifenthrin (2-methyl(1,1-biphenyl)-3-
yl)methyl-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl-2,2-
dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate) in or on the raw agricultural 
commodity strawberries at 3.0 parts per million (ppm).
    No comments were received in response to the notice of filing.
    The scientific data submitted in support of this petition and other 
relevant material have been evaluated. The toxicological and metabolism 
data considered in support of this tolerance are discussed in detail in 
a related document published in the Federal Register of June 22, 1994 
(59 FR 32167).
    A chronic dietary exposure/risk assessment has been performed for 
bifenthrin using a Reference Dose (RfD) of 0.015 mg/kg of bwt/day. The 
RfD was based on a No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) of 1.5 mg/kg/day 
from the 1-year study in dogs and a safety factor of 100. The endpoint 
effect of concern was intermittent tremors in test animals at the 
lowest effect level. The chronic exposure analysis was performed using 
tolerance level residues and 100 percent crop treated information. The 
current estimated dietary exposure for the

[[Page 29677]]

overall U.S. population resulting from established tolerances is 
0.002641 mg/kg of bwt/day, which represents 17.6 percent of the RfD, 
and for non-nursing infants (< 1 yr old) the subgroup population 
exposed to the highest risk the estimated dietary exposure is 0.008183, 
which represents 54.6 percent of the RfD. The current action will 
increase the exposure for the overall U.S. population to 0.002745 mg/kg 
of bwt/day or 18.3 percent of the RfD and for non-nursing infants (< 1 
yr old) to 0.008265 mg/kg of bwt/day or 55.1 percent of the RfD. 
Generally speaking, the Agency has no concern if for all published and 
proposed tolerances dietary exposure is less than the RfD.
    Because there was a sign of developmental effects seen in animal 
studies, the Agency used the rat developmental toxicity study with a 
maternal NOEL of 1 mg/kg/day to assess acute dietary exposure and 
determine a margin of exposure (MOE) for the overall U.S. population 
and certain subgroups. Since the toxicological end-point pertains to 
developmental toxicity, the population group of concern for this 
analysis is women age 13 and above, the subgroup which most closely 
approximates women of child-bearing age. The MOE is calculated as the 
ratio of the NOEL to the exposure. For this analysis the Agency 
calculated the MOE for women age 13 and above to be 200. Generally 
speaking, MOE's greater than 100 for data derived from animal studies 
are regarded as showing no appreciable risk.
    The metabolism of the chemical in plants and animals for the use is 
adequately understood. Secondary residues occurring in livestock and 
their by-products are not expected since there are no known animal feed 
stock uses for strawberries. Adequate analytical methodology (Gas 
liquid chromatography with an electron capture detector) is available 
for enforcement purposes. The enforcement methodology has been 
submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for publication in the 
Pesticide Analytical Manual, Vol. II (PAM II). Because of the long lead 
time for publication of the method in PAM II, the analytical 
methodology is being made available in the interim to anyone interested 
in pesticide enforcement when requested from Calvin Furlow, Public 
Response and Program Resource Branch, Field Operations Division 
(7506C), Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. Office location and 
telephone number: Rm. 1132, CM #2, 1921 Jefferson-Davis Hwy., 
Arlington, VA 22202, (703) 305-5232.
    The tolerances established by amending 40 CFR part 180 will be 
adequate to cover residues in or on strawberries. The pesticide is 
considered useful for the purposes which it is sought and capable of 
achieving the intended physical or technical effect. There are 
presently no actions pending against the continued registration of this 
chemical. Based on the information and data considered, the Agency has 
determined that the tolerance established by amending 40 CFR part 180 
would protect the public health. Therefore, the tolerance is 
established as set forth below.
    Any person adversely affected by this regulation may, within 30 
days after publication of this document in the Federal Register, file 
written objections and/or request a hearing with the Hearing Clerk, at 
the address given above (40 CFR 178.20). A copy of the objections and/
or hearing requests filed with the Hearing Clerk should be submitted to 
the OPP docket for this rulemaking. The objections submitted must 
specify the provisions of the regulation deemed objectionable and the 
grounds for the objections (40 CFR 178.25). Each objection must be 
accompanied by the fee prescribed by 40 CFR 180.33(i). If a hearing is 
requested, the objections must include a statement of the factual 
issue(s) on which a hearing is requested, the requestor's contentions 
on such issues, and a summary of any evidence relied upon by the 
objector (40 CFR 178.27). A request for a hearing will be granted if 
the Administrator determines that the material submitted shows the 
following: There is genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a 
reasonable possibility that available evidence identified by the 
requestor would, if established, resolve one or more of such issues in 
favor of the requestor, taking into account uncontested claims or facts 
to the contrary; and resolution of the factual issue(s) in the manner 
sought by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action 
requested (40 CFR 178.32).
    A record has been established for this rulemaking under docket 
number [PP 5F4485/R2232] (including comments and data submitted 
electronically). A public version of this record, including printed, 
paper version of electronic comments, which does not include any 
information claimed as CBI, is available for inspection from 8 a.m. to 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The public 
record is located in Room 1132 of the Public Response and Program 
Resources Branch, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, Crystall Mall #2, 
1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
    The official record for this rulemaking, as well as the public 
version, as described above will be kept in paper form. Accordingly, 
EPA will transfer all comments received electronically into printed, 
paper form as they are received and will place the paper copies in the 
official rulemaking record which will also include all comments 
submitted directly in writing. The official rulemaking record is the 
paper record maintained at the address in ``ADDRESSES'' at the 
beginning of this document.
    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), the 
Agency must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' 
and therefore subject to all the requirements of the Executive Order 
(i.e., Regulatory Impact Analysis, review by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB)). Under section 3(f), the order defines 
``significant'' as those actions likely to lead to a rule (1) having an 
annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or adversely and 
materially affecting a sector of the economy, productivity, 
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, 
local or tribal governments or communities (also known as 
``economically significant''); (2) creating serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfering with an action taken or planned by another 
agency; (3) materially altering the budgetary impacts of entitlement, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs; or (4) raising novel legal or 
policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's 
priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive Order.
    Pursuant to the terms of this Executive Order, EPA has determined 
that this rule is not ``significant'' and is therefore not subject to 
OMB review. In addition, this action does not impose any enforceable 
duty or contain any ``unfunded mandates'' as described in Title II of 
the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4), or require 
prior consultation as specified by Executive Order 12875 (58 FR 58093, 
October 1993), entitled Enhancing the Intergovernmental Partnership, or 
special considerations as required by Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 
7629, February 16, 1994).
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(Pub. L. 96-354, 94 Stat. 1164, 5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Administrator 
has determined that regulations establishing new tolerances or raising 
tolerance levels or establishing exemptions from tolerance requirements 
do not have a significant

[[Page 29678]]

economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. A 
certification statement to this effect was published in the Federal 
Register of May 4, 1981 (46 FR 24950).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: May 28, 1996.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    Therefore, 40 CFR part 180 is amended to read as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation of part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a.

    2. Section 180.442 is amended by redesignating and revising the 
current introductory text and commodity table as paragraph (a) and 
adding a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:

Sec. 180.442   Bifenthrin; tolerances for residues.

    (a) Tolerances, to expire November 15, 1997, are established for 
residues of the pyrethroid bifenthrin, (2-methyl(1,1-biphenyl)-3-
yl)methyl-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-
dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, in or on the following commodities:
    *    *    *    *    *
    (b) Tolerances, are established for residue of the pyrethroid 
bifenthrin, (2-methyl(1,1-biphenyl)-3-yl)methyl-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-
trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, in or on the 
following commodity:

                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Commodity                        Parts per million     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strawberries..............................  3.00                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 96-14630 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14629 Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerance
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29674-29676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14629]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180

[PP 5F4522/R2237; FRL-5367-8]
RIN 2070-AB78

Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This rule establishes a tolerance for residues of the 
insecticide (1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-nitro-2-
imidazolidinimine) and its metabolites in or on leafy green vegetables. 
Bayer Corporation (formerly Miles, Inc.) requested this regulation to 
establish these maximum permissible levels for residues of the 
insecticide.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This regulation became effective May 28, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests, identified by the 
docket control number, [PP 5F4522/R2237], may be submitted to: Hearing 
Clerk (A-110), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. M3708, 401 M St., 
SW., Washington, DC 20460. A copy of any objections and hearing 
requests filed with the Hearing Clerk should be identified by the 
docket control number and submitted to: Public Response and Program 
Resources Branch, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental

[[Page 29675]]

Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. In person, 
bring copy of objections and hearing requests to Rm. 1132, CM #2, 1921 
Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202. Fees accompanying objections 
shall be labeled ``Tolerance Petition Fees'' and forwarded to: EPA 
Headquarters Accounting Operations Branch, OPP (Tolerance Fees), P.O. 
Box 360277M, Pittsburgh, PA 15251.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Dennis H. Edwards, Jr., 
Product Manager (PM) 19, Registration Division (7505C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., 
Washington, DC 20460. Office location, telephone number, and e-mail 
address: Rm. 207, CM #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, 
(703) 305-6386, e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register 
of July 26, 1995 (60 FR 38333) (FRL-4958-2), which announced that Bayer 
Corporation, 8400 Hawthorn Road, P.O. Box 4913, Kansas City, MO 64120-
0013, had submitted pesticide petition 5F4522 to EPA requesting that 
the Administrator, pursuant to section 408(d) of the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), establish tolerances 
for residues of the insecticide 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-
nitro-2-imidazolidinimine in or on leafy green vegetables (including 
amaranth; arrugual; chervil; chrysanthemum, edible-leaved; 
chrysanthemum, garland; corn salad; cress, garden; cress upland; 
dandelion; dock; endive; orach; parsley; purslane, garden; purslane, 
winter; radicchio, (red chicory; spinach; spinach, New Zealand; and 
spinach vine). There were no comments or request for referral to an 
advisory committee received in response to this notice of filing.
    All relevant materials have been evaluated. The toxicology data 
considered in support of the tolerance include:
    1. A three-generation rat reproduction study with a no-observed-
effect level (NOEL) of 100 ppm (8 mg/kg/bwt); rat and rabbit 
developmental toxicity studies were negative at doses up to 30 mg/kg/
bwt and 24 mg/kg/bwt, respectively.
    2. A 2-year rat feeding/carcinogenicity study that was negative for 
carcinogenic effects under the conditions of the study and had a NOEL 
of 100 ppm (5.7 mg/kg/bwt in male and 7.6 mg/kg/bwt female) for 
noncarcinogenic effects that included decreased body weight gain in 
females at 300 ppm and increased thyroid lesions in males at 300 ppm 
and females at 900 ppm.
    3. A 1-year dog feeding study with a NOEL of 1,250 ppm (41 mg/kg/
bwt).
    4. A 2-year mouse carcinogenicity study that was negative for 
carcinogenic effects under conditions of the study and that had a NOEL 
of 1,000 ppm (208 mg/kg/day).
    There is no cancer risk associated with exposure to this chemical. 
Imidacloprid has been classified under ``Group E'' (no evidence of 
carcinogenicity) by EPA's OPP/HED's Reference Dose (RfD) Committee.
    The reference dose (RfD) based on the 2-year rat feeding/ 
carcinogenic study with a NOEL of 5.7 mg/kg/bwt and 100-fold 
uncertainity factor, is calculated to be 0.057 mg/kg/bwt. The 
theoretical maximum residue contribution (TMRC) from published uses is 
0.008187 mg/kg/bwt/day utilizing 14.4% of the RfD. The proposed 
tolerance will increase the TMRC by 0.000172 mg/kg/day representing an 
increase in the ADI of 0.3%. Thus, the TMRC will be 0.008358 mg/kg/day 
utilizing 14.7% of the RfD. For exposure of the most highly exposed 
subgroups in the population, non-nursing infants (< 1 year old), the 
TMRC for the published and proposed tolerances is 0.01547 mg/kg/day. 
This is equal to 27.1% of the RfD. Dietary exposure from the existing 
uses and proposed use will not exceed the reference dose for any 
subpopulation (including infants and children) based on the information 
available from EPA's Dietary Risk Evaluation System.
    The nature of the imidacloprid residue in plants and livestock is 
adequately understood. The residues of concern are combined residues of 
imidacloprid and it metabolites containing the 6-chloropyridinyl 
moiety, all calculated as imidacloprid. The analytical method is a 
common moiety method for imidacloprid and its metabolites containing 
the 6-chloropyridinyl moiety using a permanganate oxidation, silyl 
derivatization, and capillary GC-MS selective ion monitoring. There is 
also a compound specific HPLC-UV method available. Imidacloprid and its 
metabolites are stable in the commodities when frozen for at least 24 
months. There are adequate amounts of geographically representative 
crop field trial data to show that combined residues of imidacloprid 
and its metabolites, all calculated as imidacloprid will not exceed the 
proposed tolerance when use as directed. There are no livestock feed 
stuffs associated with the commodation in the petition.
    There are presently no actions pending against the continued 
registration of this chemical.
    This pesticide is considered useful for the purposes for which the 
tolerance is sought. Based on the information and data considered, the 
Agency has determined that the tolerances established by amending 40 
CFR part 180 will protect the public health. Therefore, these 
tolerances are established as set forth below.
    Any person adversely affected by this regulation may, within 30 
days after publication of this document in the Federal Register, file 
written objections to the regulation and may also request a hearing on 
those objections. Objections and hearing requests must be filed with 
the Hearing Clerk, at the address given above (40 CFR 178.20). A copy 
of the objections and/or hearing requests filed with the Hearing Clerk 
should be submitted to the OPP docket for this rulemaking. The 
objections submitted must specify the provisions of the regulation 
deemed objectionable and the grounds for the objections (40 CFR 
178.25). Each objection must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by 40 
CFR 180.33(i). If a hearing is requested, the objections must include a 
statement of the factual issue(s) on which a hearing is requested, the 
requestor's contentions on such issues, and a summary of any evidence 
relied upon by the objector (40 CFR 178.27). A request for a hearing 
will be granted if the Administrator determines that the material 
submitted shows the following: There is a genuine and substantial issue 
of fact; there is a reasonable possibility that available evidence 
identified by the requestor would, if established, resolve one or more 
of such issues in favor of the requestor, taking into account 
uncontested claims or facts to the contrary; and resolution of the 
factual issue(s) in the manner sought by the requestor would be 
adequate to justify the action requested (40 CFR 178.32).
    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), the 
Agency must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' 
and therefore subject to all the requirements of the Executive Order 
(i.e., Regulatory Impact Analysis, review by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB)). Under section 3(f), the order defines 
``significant'' as those actions likely to lead to a rule (1) having an 
annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or adversely and 
materially affecting a sector of the economy, productivity, 
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, 
local or tribal governments or communities (also known as

[[Page 29676]]

``economically significant''); (2) creating serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfering with an action taken or planned by another 
agency; (3) materially altering the budgetary impacts of entitlement, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs; or (4) raising novel legal or 
policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's 
priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive Order.
    Pursuant to the terms of this Executive Order, EPA has determined 
that this rule is not ``significant'' and is therefore not subject to 
OMB review.
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(Pub. L. 96-354, 94 Stat. 1164, 5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Administrator 
has determined that regulations establishing new tolerances or raising 
tolerance levels or establishing exemptions from tolerance requirements 
do not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. A certification statement to this effect was published 
in the Federal Register of May 4, 1981 (46 FR 24950).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: May 28, 1996.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    Therefore, 40 CFR part 180 is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a and 371.

    2. Section 180.472(a) is amended by revising the table therein by 
adding and alphabetically inserting the following commodities to read 
as follows:

Sec. 180.472  1-[(6-Chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-2-imidazolidinimine; 
tolerances for residues.

    (a)  *  *  *

                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Commodity                        Parts per million     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
              *        *        *        *        *                     
Leafy greens subgroup                       3.5                         
Leafy vegetables crop group                 3.5                         
                                                                        
              *        *        *        *        *                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 96-14629 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14616 Interlocking Relationships Between an Air Carrier and a Person Controlling Another Air Carrier
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14616]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 399

RIN 2105-AC54

Interlocking Relationships Between an Air Carrier and a Person 
Controlling Another Air Carrier

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; removal.

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SUMMARY: This action removes a outdated policy statement of the Civil 
Aeronautics Board concerning interlocking agreements between an air 
carrier and a person controlling an air carrier. The action is in 
response to the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative and is 
designed to eliminate an obsolete provision.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexander J. Millard, Office of the 
General Counsel, Room 4102, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, or by telephone at (202) 
366-9285.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This regulation was promulgated by the now-
defunct Civil Aeronautics Board in 1967 (32 FR 3818, March 8, 1967). 
The Civil Aeronautics Board issued this regulation to make it clear 
that section 409 was to be interpreted as prohibiting interlocking 
relationships between an air carrier and a person controlling an air 
carrier. Section 409, however, along with the authority of the 
Secretary of Transportation under this section, ceased to be effective 
on January 1, 1989. See Civil Aeronautics Board Sunset Act of 1984, 
Public Law 98-443, 98 Stat. 1703, section 3(c)(7). Consequently, the 
instant regulation is obsolete and should be removed.
    This final rule is considered to be a nonsignificant rulemaking 
under DOT's regulatory policies and procedures, 44 FR 11034. The final 
rule was not subject to review by the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs pursuant to Executive Order 12866. The rule will 
have no economic impact, and accordingly no regulatory evaluation has 
been prepared. The final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has 
been determined that it does not have sufficient federalism 
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. The 
rule has also been reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. I 
certify that this rule would not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities under the meaning of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act. There are no paperwork burdens associated 
with this rule under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Because this rule 
simply removes an obsolete provision, notice and comment are 
unnecessary and contrary to the public interest.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 399

    Administrative practice and procedure, Air carriers, Air rates and 
fares, Air taxis, Consumer protection, Small business.

    For the reasons set forth above, the Department of Transportation 
is amending 14 CFR part 399 to read as follows:

PART 399--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 399 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. Chapters 401, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 161.

Sec. 399.92  [Removed]

    2. Section 399.92 is removed.

    Issued this 31st day of May 1996 at Washington, DC.
Charles A. Hunnicutt,
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.
[FR Doc. 96-14616 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-62-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14589 Pacific Halibut Fisheries; 1996 Halibut Landing Report No. 2
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29695-29696]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14589]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 301

[Docket No. 960111003-6068-03; I.D. 060496A]

Pacific Halibut Fisheries; 1996 Halibut Landing Report No. 2

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: In season action.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, on behalf of 
the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), publishes these 
inseason actions pursuant to IPHC regulations approved by the U.S. 
Government to govern the Pacific halibut fishery. This action is 
intended to enhance the conservation of the Pacific halibut stock.

EFFECTIVE DATES: Oregon sport halibut season closure: 11:59 p.m. May 
25, 1996 until May 26, 1996; Southwest Washington coast sport halibut 
fishery closure: 11:59 p.m., May 26, 1996 until May 27, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Pennoyer, 907-586-7221; William 
W. Stelle, Jr., 206-526-6140; or Donald McCaughran, 206-634-1838.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The IPHC, under the Convention between the 
United States of America and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut 
Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (signed at Ottawa, 
Ontario, on March 2, 1953), as amended by a Protocol Amending the 
Convention (signed at Washington, DC, on March 29, 1979), has issued 
this inseason action pursuant to IPHC regulations governing the Pacific 
halibut fishery.

[[Page 29696]]

The regulations have been approved by NMFS (60 FR 14651, March 20, 
1995, and amended at 61 FR 11337, March 20, 1996). On behalf of the 
IPHC, this inseason action is published in the Federal Register to 
provide additional notice of its effectiveness, and to inform persons 
subject to the inseason action of the restrictions and requirements 
established therein.

In Season Action

1996 Halibut Landing Report No. 2

First Oregon Sport Halibut Season to Close May 25
    The preliminary catch estimate for the 1996 sport halibut fishery 
between Cape Falcon (45 deg.46 deg.00'' N. lat.) and the Florence North 
Jetty (Siuslaw River, 44 deg.01 deg.08'' N. lat.) indicates the 64,392 
lb (29.20 metric tons (mt)) catch limit will be reached on May 25. 
Therefore, the sport halibut fishery in this area will close at 11:59 
p.m. on May 25.
    Sport fishing for Pacific halibut will reopen on May 26 and remain 
open through August 1, 7 days a week, only in the area inside the 30-
fathom curve nearest to the coastline as plotted on National Ocean 
Service charts numbered 18520, 18580, and 18600 from Cape Falcon to the 
Florence North Jetty (Siuslaw River), or until 6,629 lb (3.0 mt) are 
estimated to have been taken and the season is closed by the IPHC, 
whichever occurs first. Any poundage remaining unharvested after the 
earlier season will be added to this season. The daily bag limit 
remains two halibut per person, one with a minimum overall size limit 
of 32 inches (81.28 centimeters (cm)) and the second with a minimum 
overall size limit of 50 inches (127.0 cm).
First Southwest Washington Coast Sport Halibut Fishery Season to Close 
May 26
    The sport halibut fishery off the Southwest Washington coast 
(Queets River south to Leadbetter Point) will reach the sub-quota of 
14,222 lb at the conclusion of fishing on Sunday, May 26. Therefore, 
the fishery will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.
    In accordance with the preseason catch sharing plan developed by 
the Pacific Fishery Management Council, this fishery will immediately 
reopen on Monday, May 27, only in the near-shore area (south of the 
Queets River to 47 deg.00 deg.00'' N. lat. and east of 
124 deg.40 deg.00'' W. long.), until the remaining quota of about 1,000 
pounds is reached. The fishery will be open 7 days a week, with a one 
fish bag limit and no minimum size limit, until the remaining quota is 
harvested and the season is closed by the Commission or until September 
30, whichever occurs first.

    Dated: June 4, 1996.
Richard W. Surdi,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14589 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14455 Description of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; State of Idaho; Correction to Boundary of the Power-Bannock Counties Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area to Exclude the Inkom Area
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29667-29672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14455]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 81

[ID14-6994a; FRL-5515-1 ]

Description of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; State of 
Idaho; Correction to Boundary of the Power-Bannock Counties Particulate 
Matter Nonattainment Area to Exclude the Inkom Area

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Direct final rule, correction.

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SUMMARY: This action corrects EPA's announcement of the boundary of the 
Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area (particulate matter 
with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 10 
micrometers) in the State of Idaho. The boundary of the Power-Bannock 
Counties PM-10 nonattainment area is being corrected to exclude that 
portion east of the Inkom Gap, a geographic feature separating the 
Inkom area from the rest of the

[[Page 29668]]

nonattainment area. New analysis of air quality data existing at the 
time of the original area designation indicates that the Inkom area, at 
the time of and prior to designation, had never violated the National 
Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for PM-10. Additional current 
information also indicates that the Inkom area has not and is not 
predicted to violate the PM-10 standard into the foreseeable future. 
This action will remove the City of Inkom and the surrounding area from 
the nonattainment area. With this correction, the Part D new source 
review requirements of the Clean Air Act will no longer apply to 
sources in the Inkom area. Instead, new or modified major sources of 
particulate matter would be subject to the Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration (PSD) requirements.
DATES: This action will be effective on August 12, 1996 unless adverse 
or critical comments are received by July 12, 1996. If the effective 
date is delayed, timely notice will be published in the Federal 
Register.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on this action should be addressed to 
Steven K. Body, Office of Air Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Region 10, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Copies of the 
documents relevant to this action are available for public inspection 
during normal business hours at the same address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven K. Body, (206) 553-0782, or by 
mail at the Region 10 address above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

A. In General

    Section 107(d)(4)(B) of the Clean Air Act sets out the general 
process by which areas were to be designated nonattainment for PM-10 
upon enactment of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (the ``Act'' or 
``CAA''). The procedure that is relevant for the Power-Bannock Counties 
PM-10 nonattainment area is stated in section 107(d)(4)(B)(i) of the 
Act, which provides that each area that had been identified by EPA as a 
PM-10 Group I area prior to the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (these 
were areas that, at the time the particulate matter indicator was 
changed from TSP to PM-10, were estimated to have a high probability of 
exceeding the PM-10 NAAQS) be designated nonattainment for PM-10 by 
operation of law upon enactment of the 1990 Amendments. While EPA 
believes that, in general, the language of this section would appear to 
preclude any exercise of EPA discretion to modify these initial 
nonattainment area designations, EPA also believes that section 
107(d)(4)(B)(i)'s explicit reliance on the Agency's prior Group I 
determinations provides the basis for an exception to the general rule. 
By requiring that all Group I areas be among the initial areas 
designated nonattainment upon enactment of the 1990 CAAA, Congress 
relied on EPA's expertise and judgment in determining, based on an 
analysis of relevant air quality information, those areas for which a 
PM-10 nonattainment status was merited. EPA does not believe that 
Congress intended initial PM-10 areas to be designated nonattainment 
based on a clearly erroneous Group I determination. Thus, one exception 
to the non-initial designation modification principle is where, prior 
to enactment of the 1990 Amendments, EPA mistakenly construed then-
existing air quality data and, as a consequence, incorrectly identified 
an area as being among the Group I areas that were subsequently 
reference in section 107(d)(4)(B)(i) of the Act. See 56 FR 37654, 37656 
(August 8, 1991).
    As discussed below, EPA believes that such a clear identification 
error occurred in the case of the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 
nonattainment area. That is, EPA believes that it acted in error in 
including the Inkom area as part of the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 
nonattainment area. Accordingly, under the authority of section 
110(k)(6) of the Act, and based on the State's request, EPA is revising 
the boundary of the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area to 
exclude the Inkom area. Although this boundary correction action is not 
subject to the legal requirements for public notice and comment, EPA is 
providing the public with an opportunity to comment on this action in 
order to foster public participation and avoid further error.

B. Designation of the Area as Nonattainment

    Prior to promulgation of the PM-10 NAAQS on July, 1, 1987 (52 FR 
24672), total suspended particulate (TSP) was the indicator for 
particulate matter. In the Pocatello vicinity, the TSP nonattainment 
area consisted of the 12 square mile industrial area approximately 10 
miles west of downtown Pocatello. See 49 FR 11177 (March 26, 1984). Two 
major stationary sources of particulate matter, FMC Corporation's 
elemental phosphorus facility and J.R. Simplot Company's phosphate 
fertilizer facility, are located in the industrial complex. This TSP 
nonattainment area did not include the City of Pocatello.
    After promulgation of the PM-10 standard, EPA published a list of 
``PM-10 Group I areas,'' areas with a strong likelihood of violating 
the PM-10 NAAQS and requiring substantial revisions to their existing 
state implementation plans. See 52 FR 29383 (August 7, 1987). The 
August 7, 1987, document listed ``Pocatello'' as a Group I ``area of 
concern'' and identified that area as including both Power and Bannock 
Counties. 52 FR 29385. In October 1990, EPA issued a document 
clarifying the description of certain Group I areas of concern. 55 FR 
45799 (October 31, 1990). This document described the area of concern 
as the ``City of Pocatello'' in Power and Bannock Counties and further 
explained that: ``When cities or towns are shown, the area of concern 
is defined by the municipal boundary limits as of the date of this 
notice.'' 55 FR 45801 n. 2. The City of Pocatello, however, lies only 
in Bannock County. In addition, the City of Pocatello does not include 
either the FMC facility or the J.R. Simplot facility in the industrial 
complex. Considering the original TSP nonattainment area boundary, it 
would seem apparent that any potential PM-10 nonattainment site for 
this area would have included the industrial complex, including the two 
major stationary sources located there. However, the erroneous boundary 
description for this area on the PM-10 Group I areas list remained, as 
explained above, and became the boundary description for the PM-10 area 
that was designated nonattainment by operation of law upon enactment of 
the 1990 Amendments. Given the above inconsistencies, it seems evident 
that the current boundaries of the Pocatello PM-10 nonattainment area 
were and are incorrect.
    The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments became effective November 15, 
1990. As discussed above, section 107(d)(4)(By)(i) required that all 
Group I areas be designated nonattainment for PM-10 by operation of law 
upon enactment of the 1990 Amendments. In March 1991, EPA published a 
Federal Register document announcing all the areas, including all the 
Group I areas, designated under the amended Act as PM-10 nonattainment 
areas. 56 FR 11101 (March 15, 1991). The document identified the ``City 
of Pocatello'' in Power and Bannock Counties as such an area, and 
provided the public an opportunity to comment. As the document 
indicated, EPA's solicitation of public comment on the nonattainment 
area boundaries did not stem from any legal obligation, because neither 
the initial designations nor the

[[Page 29669]]

initial classifications for PM-10 were subject to the requirements for 
notice-and-comment rulemaking under either the Administrative 
Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. 553-657) or section 307(d) of the Clean Air 
Act. See generally 56 FR 11103; see also 56 FR 36755 & n. 2. Rather, as 
a matter of policy, EPA requested public comment on the document in 
order to facilitate public participation and avoid errors.
    In response to EPA's March 1991 Federal Register document, the 
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) submitted comments to 
EPA indicating what portion of the Pocatello area in Power and Bannock 
Counties IDEQ believed should be designated nonattainment for PM-10. 
The area described by IDEQ was approximately 260 square miles of lands 
in Power and Bannock counties that included lands under State 
jurisdiction and both trust and fee lands within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation. The area also included the two major stationary sources in 
the industrial complex, the Cities of Chubbuck and Pocatello and 
certain areas east of Inkom Gap. The area east of Inkom Gap includes 
the City of Inkom, a small community approximately 15 miles southeast 
of downtown Pocatello, and a cement plant operated by Ash Grove Cement 
Company, which is a major stationary source of PM-10 (see discussion 
later in this document regarding the emissions impact of this 
facility).
    In August 1991, EPA used its authority under section 110(k)(6) of 
the Act to make corrections in nonattainment area designations and 
descriptions for several Group I areas based on information submitted 
by commenters on the March 1991 document. 56 FR 37656 (August 8, 1991). 
EPA included in that document corrections and clarifications to the 
boundary description of the Pocatello nonattainment area consistent 
with IDEQ's request. In correcting the Power-Bannock Counties listing, 
EPA noted that the prior boundary description for this nonattainment 
area as ``the City of Pocatello'' was clearly erroneous since Pocatello 
lies only in Bannock County, and that EPA and the State had originally 
intended that certain areas surrounding the City of Pocatello in both 
Power and Bannock Counties be included in the nonattainment area. 56 FR 
37658, 37664. In formally codifying the final designations, 
classifications, and boundaries of areas in the country with respect to 
PM-10 (and other NAAQS) in November 1991, EPA further refined the 
description of the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area by 
clearly specifying those lands in the nonattainment area which are 
within the exterior boundary of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and 
those lands in the nonattainment area that are State lands. 56 FR 
56694, 56749 (November 6, 1991). However, neither the August nor the 
November 1991 documents addressed the question of whether the portion 
of the nonattainment area east of the Inkom Gap was properly included 
in the boundary description.

II. This Action

A. Correction of the Boundary of the Nonattainment Area

    On May 23, 1995, IDEQ submitted to EPA additional analysis of data 
that were available at the time of enactment of the 1990 Clean Air Act 
Amendments in support of a request to once again correct the Power-
Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area boundary. The State's 
submittal asked EPA to exclude that portion east of the Inkom Gap and 
to simultaneously redesignate the Inkom area to attainment. Based on 
the data information, EPA believes that the State has demonstrated that 
inclusion of the Inkom area in the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 
nonattainment area prior to the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act 
was in error.
    IDEQ's additional analysis is based upon monitored TSP data from 
two locations in Inkom during the 1970s and 1980s. IDEQ operated a 
sampler at the U.S. Post Office during 1972 and again from 1974 through 
1986. In 1986, IDEQ moved the sampler to a well pump station owned by 
the City of Inkom located on Highway 30, approximately one mile north 
of the Post Office. Monitoring continued at this location until it was 
discontinued on December 1, 1988. The State's additional analysis of 
the TSP data collected by IDEQ during the 1970s and 1980s converting 
TSP data to PM-10 data using a general ratio of PM-10 to TSP 
demonstrates that the Inkom area has not experienced a violation of the 
PM-10 NAAQS since 1981, well before promulgation of the PM-10 NAAQS on 
July 1, 1987. The data submitted by IDEQ also shows a substantial 
improvement in air quality in the Inkom area after 1982. In addition, 
IDEQ submitted emission reduction information (which included both 
historical actual emission estimates and allowable emission rates for 
the Ash Grove Cement facility) for the Inkom area that demonstrates 
that the PM-10 NAAQS has been protected since 1988, when monitoring in 
the area ceased, because of reduced emissions. For a further discussion 
of the air quality data and the emission reductions that have been 
achieved in the area, please refer to the IDEQ submittal in the docket.
    Section 110(k)(6) of the Act authorizes EPA, upon a determination 
that EPA's action in approving, disapproving or promulgating any State 
Implementation Plan or plan revision (or any part thereof) was in 
error, to revise the action as appropriate in the same manner as the 
approval, disapproval, or promulgation. In making such a correction, 
EPA must provide such determination and the basis for it to the State 
and the public. By this document, EPA is notifying the State of Idaho, 
the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the public that EPA is correcting the 
boundary of the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area to 
exclude the area east of Inkom Gap, thus excluding the City of Inkom 
and Ash Grove Cement's facility. The basis for this boundary correction 
is that the State of Idaho, which requested in 1991 that the Inkom area 
be included in the Power-Bannock County PM-10 nonattainment area, has 
now submitted valid data information to EPA showing that its 1991 
request was in error and asking EPA to correct the boundary 
description. Had the State of Idaho presented this information either 
before the clarification of the Group I listing of October 31, 1990, or 
before the August 8, 1991, clarification of the PM-10 nonattainment 
area boundary, EPA would have excluded the Inkom area from the Power-
Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area.
    Accordingly, as of the effective date of this action, the North-
South boundary along the eastern edge of the Power-Bannock Counties PM-
10 nonattainment area will be defined as the line between the West \1/
2\ and East \1/2\ of:

Sections 10, 15, 22, 27, 34 of T6S, R35E,
Sections 3, 10, 15, 22, 27, 34 of T7S, R35E, and
Section 3 of T8S, R35E

    Although neither the Administrative Procedures Act nor the Clean 
Air Act legally obligate EPA to provide the public an opportunity to 
comment on this correction, EPA is inviting the State, the Shoshone-
Bannock Tribes, and the public to comment on this action to foster 
public participation and avoid error. EPA will consider any written 
comments on this action that are received by July 12, 1996. This 
correction will become effective on August 12, 1996. This will provide 
sufficient time for EPA to make any adjustments to this correction that 
are appropriate in light of the comments.

[[Page 29670]]

    In making this boundary correction, EPA notes that IDEQ has also 
provided information showing that significant emission reductions have 
been achieved at the Ash Grove Cement facility since 1990 and that Ash 
Grove Cement is now operating under a 1995 IDEQ-issued and federally 
enforceable operating permit that establishes emission limits that will 
protect the NAAQS into the future. IDEQ has also provided information 
showing that emissions from sources in the Inkom area are not expected 
to contribute to violations of the PM-10 NAAQS in other portions of the 
Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area because the Inkom Gap, 
a constriction in the Portneuf River Valley formed by a mountain ridge 
rising 1500 feet above the valley floor on either side of the river, 
effectively provides a natural barrier between the airsheds of Inkom 
and Pocatello and prevents transport of emissions between them. 
Finally, IDEQ has committed to monitor air quality at two locations in 
the Inkom area and to monitor meteorology at one location in the Inkom 
area. Air quality monitoring has already begun in a residential area 
near the elementary school in Inkom and a second air quality monitor, 
located at the site of the expected maximum impact of Ash Grove 
Cement's facility, began operation on October 12, 1995.
    In correcting the boundary of the Power-Bannock PM-10 nonattainment 
area to exclude the Inkom area, EPA has relied on the data available 
prior to August 1991, when EPA announced the boundary description, 
along with subsequent analysis of those data. The information submitted 
by IDEQ regarding emission reductions and emission limitations since 
that time and IDEQ's commitments to monitor air quality in the Inkom 
area in the future were not regarded by EPA as a basis for the 
correction. However, this information and the State's commitments do 
provide additional assurance that the NAAQS will be protected in the 
Inkom area into the future. EPA would be reluctant to revise through 
correction the description of a nonattainment area based on information 
available before EPA's initial erroneous boundary description if data 
collected since the initial erroneous boundary description indicated 
that the area was not in attainment of, or would be expected to soon 
violate, the NAAQS.

B. State's Request to Redesignate the Inkom Area to Attainment

    The State has also requested that the Inkom area be redesignated to 
attainment. EPA declines to grant this portion of the State's request 
at this time, because to do so would undermine the planning 
requirements of section 107(d)(3)(E) of the Act for redesignation of a 
nonattainment area (or portion thereof) to attainment. EPA may 
redesignate an area to attainment if:
    (i) The Administrator determines that the area has attained the 
NAAQS;
    (ii) The Administrator has fully approved the applicable 
implementation plan for the area under section 110(k) of the Act;
    (iii) The Administrator determines that the improvement in air 
quality is due to permanent and enforceable reductions in emissions 
resulting from implementation of the applicable implementation plan and 
applicable federal air pollutant control regulations and other 
permanent and enforceable reductions;
    (iv) The Administrator has fully approved a maintenance plan for 
the area as meeting the requirements of section 175A of the Act; and,
    (v) The State containing such area has met all the requirements 
applicable to the area under section 110 and part D of the Act.
    The State of Idaho has not provided sufficient information to allow 
EPA to make these findings for the Inkom area. Therefore, EPA is not 
granting the State's request to redesignate the Inkom area to 
attainment. Thus, this correction to the nonattainment area boundary 
will result in the Inkom area being designated ``unclassifiable'' for 
PM-10. This designation is the same designation as most rural areas 
within the State of Idaho, and is the designation the Inkom area would 
have had in August 1991 had it not been erroneously included in the 
Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area.

III. Implications of this Action

    Upon the effective date of this rule, the Inkom area, which is 
currently designated nonattainment for PM-10, will revert to a 
designation of ``unclassifiable'' for PM-10. A revised description of 
the boundary for the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area is 
set forth in the table below, which shows the corrections that will be 
made to the Table in Part 81.
    As a result of today's action, new or modified major stationary 
sources of particulate matter in the Inkom area will be subject to 
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) requirements of Part C of 
the Act rather than the New Source Review requirements of Part D of the 
Act. In addition, the State no longer needs to include the Inkom area 
in the planning requirements for the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 
nonattainment area. However, removing the Inkom area from the Power-
Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment area does not protect any source 
in the area from requirements for additional control technology if the 
source's emissions are determined in the future to contribute to 
violations of a NAAQS in the Power-Bannock Counties PM-10 nonattainment 
area or elsewhere and if such control technology is necessary to attain 
the NAAQS.
    As discussed above, based on the information submitted by the 
State, EPA believes that the NAAQS in the Inkom area has been protected 
through the present and will also be protected into the foreseeable 
future. Should one of the State's monitors record a violation of the 
PM-10 or other particulate matter NAAQS in the future, however, EPA 
will proceed immediately to redesignate the Inkom area to 
nonattainment.

IV. Administrative Review

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., EPA 
must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis assessing the impact of 
any proposed or final rule on small entities. 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. 
Alternatively, EPA may certify that the rule will not have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small 
entities include small businesses, small not-for-profit enterprises, 
and government entities with jurisdiction over populations of less than 
50,000.
    SIP approvals under section 110 and subchapter I, Part D of the CAA 
do not create any new requirements, but simply approve requirements 
that the state is already imposing. Therefore, because the federal SIP-
approval does not impose any new requirements, I certify that it does 
not have a significant impact on any small entities affected. Moreover, 
due to the nature of the federal-state relationship under the CAA, 
preparation of a regulatory flexibility analysis would constitute 
federal inquiry into the economic reasonableness of state action. The 
CAA forbids EPA to base its actions concerning SIPs on such grounds. 
Union Electric Co. v. E.P.A., 427 U.S. 246, 256-66 (S.Ct. 1976); 42 
U.S.C. 7410(a)(2).
    Under Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
(``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 1995, EPA 
must prepare a budgetary impact statement to accompany any proposed or 
final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in estimated 
costs to State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate; or to 
the private sector, of

[[Page 29671]]

$100 million or more. Under Section 205, EPA must select the most cost-
effective and least burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives 
of the rule and is consistent with statutory requirements. Section 203 
requires EPA to establish a plan for informing and advising any small 
governments that may be significantly or uniquely impacted by the rule.
    EPA has determined that the approval action promulgated does not 
include a Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 
million or more to either State, local, or tribal governments in the 
aggregate, or to the private sector. This Federal action approves pre-
existing requirements under State or local law, and imposes no new 
Federal requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs to State, local, 
or tribal governments, or to the private sector, result from this 
action.
    The EPA has reviewed this request for revision of the federally-
approved SIP for conformance with the provisions of the 1990 Clean Air 
Act Amendments enacted on November 15, 1990. The EPA has determined 
that this action conforms with those requirements.
    Nothing in this action should be construed as permitting or 
allowing or establishing a precedent for any future request for 
revision to any SIP. Each request for revision to the SIP shall be 
considered separately in light of specific technical, economic and 
environmental factors and in relation to relevant statutory and 
regulatory requirements.
    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this 
regulatory action from E.O. 12866 review.
    The EPA is publishing this action without prior proposal because 
the Agency views this as a noncontroversial amendment and anticipates 
no adverse comments. However, in a separate document in this Federal 
Register publication, the EPA is proposing to approve the SIP revision 
should adverse or critical comments be filed. This action will be 
effective August 12, 1996 unless, by July 12, 1996, adverse or critical 
comments are received.
    If the EPA receives such comments, this action will be withdrawn 
before the effective date by publishing a subsequent document that will 
withdraw the final action. All public comments received will be 
addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this action serving as a 
proposed rule. The EPA will not institute a second comment period on 
this action. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should 
do so at this time. If no such comments are received, the public is 
advised that this action will be effective August 12, 1996.
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for 
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court 
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by August 12, 1996. Filing a 
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule 
does not affect the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial 
review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial 
review may be filed and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such 
rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings 
to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2), 42 U.S.C. 
7607(b)(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 81

    Environmental protection, Designation of areas for air quality 
planning purposes.

    Dated: May 29, 1996.
Carol M. Browner,
U.S. EPA Administrator.

PART 81--[AMENDED]

    Chapter I, Title 40 of the code of Federal Regulations is amended 
as follows:
    1. The authority citation for part 81 continues to read as follows:

    Authority 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.

    2. Section 81.313 is amended by revising the entry for ``Bannock 
and Power Counties'' in the ``Idaho PM-10 Nonattainment Areas'' table 
to read as follows:

Sec. 81.313  Idaho

* * * * *

                                        Idaho--PM-10 Nonattainment Areas                                        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Designation                           Classification           
         Designated area          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Date                Type                Date               Type          
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
Power-Bannock Counties, part of:                                                                                
 (Pocatello)                                                                                                    
    State Lands                       11/15/90  Nonattainment............     11/15/90  Moderate                
        T.5S, R.34E Sections 25-                                                                                
         36;                                                                                                    
        T.5S, R.35E Section 31;                                                                                 
        T.6S, R.34E Sections 1-                                                                                 
         36;                                                                                                    
        T.6S, R.35E Sections 5-9,                                                                               
         16-21, 28-33                                                                                           
        Plus the West \1/2\ of                                                                                  
         Sections 10, 15, 22, 27,                                                                               
         34                                                                                                     
        T.7S, R.34E Sections 1-4,                                                                               
         10-14, and 24                                                                                          
        T.7S, R.35E Sections 4-9,                                                                               
         16-21, 28-33                                                                                           
        Plus the West \1/2\ of                                                                                  
         Sections 3, 10, 15, 22,                                                                                
         27, 34                                                                                                 
        T.8S, R.35E, Section 4                                                                                  
        Plus the West 1/2 of                                                                                    
         Section 3                                                                                              
    Fort Hall Indian Reservation:                                                                               
        T.5S, R.34E Sections 15-                                                                                
         23;                                                                                                    
        T.5S, R.33E Sections 13-                                                                                
         36                                                                                                     
        T.6S, R.33E Sections 1-36                                                                               
        T.7S, R.33E Sections 4,                                                                                 
         5, 6                                                                                                   
        T.7S, R 34E Section 8                                                                                   
                                                                                                                
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                        *                                                       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 29672]]

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 96-14455 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14452 Pesticide Tolerance for 1-[[2-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-Propyl-1,3- Dioxolan-2-yl]Methyl]-1H-1,2,4-Triazole
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29672-29674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14452]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180

[PP 2F4086/R2238; FRL-5368-4]
RIN 2070-AB78

Pesticide Tolerance for 1-[[2-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-Propyl-1,3-
Dioxolan-2-yl]Methyl]-1H-1,2,4-Triazole

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This rule establishes a tolerance for combined residues of the 
fungicide 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-
yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole and its metabolites determined as 2,4-
dichlorobenzoic acid and expressed as parent compound in or on the raw 
agricultural commodities oat grain at 0.1 parts per million (ppm), oat 
straw at 1.0 ppm, oat forage at 10.0 ppm, and oat hay at 30.0 ppm. The 
regulation to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of the 
fungicide was requested in a petition submitted by Ciba-Geigy Corp.

 EFFECTIVE DATE: This regulation becomes effective June 12, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests, identified by the 
document control number, [PP 2F4086/R2238], may be submitted to: 
Hearing Clerk (1900), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. M3708, 401 M 
St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. A copy of any objections and hearing 
requests filed with the Hearing Clerk should be identified by the 
document control number and submitted to: Public Response and Program 
Resources Branch, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., 
Washington , DC 20460. In person, bring copy of objections and hearing 
requests to Rm. 1132, CM #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 
22202. Fees accompanying objections shall be labeled ``Tolerance 
Petition Fees'' and forwarded to: EPA Headquarters Accounting 
Operations Branch, OPP (Tolerance Fees), P.O. Box 360277M, Pittsburgh, 
PA 15251.
    An electronic copy of objections and hearing requests filed with 
the Hearing Clerk may be submitted to OPP by sending electronic mail 
(e-mail) to: [email protected].
    Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests must be 
submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and 
any form of encryption. Copies of electronic objections and hearing 
requests will also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 5.1 file format 
or ASCII file format. All copies of electronic objections and hearing 
requests must be identified by the docket number [PP 2F4086/R2238] . No 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) should be submitted through e-
mail. Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests on this rule 
may be filed online at many Federal Depository Libraries. Additional 
information on electronic submissions can be found below in this 
document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Connie B. Welch, Product 
Manager (PM) 21, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide 
Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, 
DC 20460. Office location and telephone number: Rm. 227, CM #2, 1921 
Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 305-6226; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA issued a notice (FRL-4971-5), published 
in the Federal Register of November 15, 1995 (60 FR 57420), which 
announced that Ciba-Geigy Corp., P.O. Box 18300, Greensboro, NC 27419 
had submitted pesticide petition (PP) 2F4086 to EPA requesting that the 
Administrator, pursuant to section 408(d) of the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d ), establish tolerances for 
combined residues of the fungicide 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-
1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H -1,2,4-triazole in or on the raw 
agricultural commodities oat grain at 0.1 ppm, oat straw at 1.0 ppm, 
oat forage at 10.0 ppm, and oat hay at 30.0 ppm.
    There were no comments received in response to the notice of 
filing.
    The scientific data submitted in the petition and other relevant 
material have been evaluated. The data considered in support of the 
tolerance include:
    1. Plant and animal metabolism studies.
     2. Residue data for crop and livestock commodities.
     3. Two enforcement methods and multiresidue method testing data.
     4. A 90-day rat feeding study with a no-observable-effect level 
(NOEL) of 12 mg/kg/day.
     5. A 90-day dog feeding study with a NOEL of 1.25 mg/kg/day.
     6. A rabbit developmental toxicity study with a maternal NOEL of 
100 mg/kg/day and a developmental toxicity NOEL of Greater than 400 mg/
kg/day (highest dose tested) (HDT)).
     7. A rat teratology study with a maternal NOEL of 30 mg/kg/day and 
a developmental toxicity NOEL of 30 mg/kg/day.
     8. A 2-generation rat reproduction study with a reproductive NOEL 
of 125 mg/kg/day (HDT) and a developmental toxicity NOEL of 25 mg/kg/
day.
     9. A 1-year dog feeding study with a NOEL of 1.25 mg/kg/day.
     10. A 2-year rat chronic feeding/carcinogenicity study with a NOEL 
of 5 mg/kg/day with no carcinogenic potential under the conditions of 
the study up to and including approximately 125 mg/kg/day, the highest 
dose tested.
     11. A 2-year mouse chronic feeding/carcinogenicity study with a 
NOEL of 15 mg/kg/day and with a statistically significant increase in 
combined adenomas and carcinomas of the liver in male mice at 
approximately 375 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested.
     12. Ames test with and without activation, negative.
     13. A mouse dominant-lethal assay, negative.
     14. Chinese hamster nucleus anomaly, negative.
     15. Cell transformation assay, negative.
     Ciba-Geigy submitted information which resolved the previously 
outstanding concerns about the nature of the residue in ruminants, an 
explanation of recovery calculations, and an explanation of the crop 
field trial protocol. Data gaps exist concerning dosing in the mouse 
carcinogenicity study. These data requirements were required under 
reregistration, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.
     As part of EPA's evaluation of potential human health risks, 1-
[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H- 1,2,4-
triazole has been the subject of five Peer Reviews and one Scientific 
Advisory Panel (SAP) meeting.
    The fungicide 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-
yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole was originally evaluated by the Peer 
Review Committee on January 15, 1987, and classified as a Group C 
(possible human) carcinogen with a recommendation made for the 
quantification of estimated potential human risk using a linearized 
low-dose extrapolation. The method resulted in the establishment of a 
Q* of 7.9  x  10-2 (mg/kg/day)-1.
     The Peer Review Committee's decision was presented to the FIFRA 
Scientific Advisory Panel on March 2, 1988. The Panel did not concur 
with the committee's overall assessment of the

[[Page 29673]]

weight-of-evidence on the carcinogenicity of 1-[[2-(2,4-
dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole. 
The Panel recommended placing the chemical in Group D, indicating that 
the Group C classification was based on minimal evidence. The Panel's 
determination that EPA's Group C classification was based on minimal 
evidence was due to the fact that the incidence of liver tumors in male 
mice only occurred when the mice were given an excessive chemical dose.
     As part of a fifth Peer Review, EPA considered additional 
information provided by the registrant in support of the registrant's 
argument that the high dose was excessively toxic in the mouse 
carcinogenicity study. It further argued that the data from the high 
dose (2,500 ppm) should not be included in the evaluation of 
carcinogenic potential of -[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-
dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole. In support of these arguments, 
the registrant provided two subchronic oral toxicity studies in mice. 
Ciba-Geigy also provided a reread of the pathology slides from a mouse 
oncogenicity study which it felt indicated sufficient concurrent liver 
toxicity at 2,500 ppm to document that this dose was excessive. These 
findings were not present in the original pathology report. Owing to 
the inconsistency in Ciba-Geigy's report and the original report, the 
Agency requested that an independent (third) evaluation of the 
pathology slides be made to determine if the pathology reported could 
be confirmed. The results of this (third) pathology evaluation were 
used in the fifth Peer Review in place of data resulting from the 
earlier evaluations provided by Ciba-Geigy.
     The Peer Review Committee considered the following facts regarding 
the toxicology data on 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4- propyl-1,3-
dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole in a weight-of-evidence 
determination of carcinogenic potential:
     1. Increased numbers of adenomas (increased trend and pairwise 
comparison) were found in the livers of male CD1 mice given 2,500 ppm 
of 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-
1,2,4-triazole in their diet.
     2. The treated animals had earlier fatalities than the controls.
     3. The numbers of carcinomas were increased (trend only) in male 
mice only at the 2,500 ppm dose level. Tumors were not significantly 
increased at the 500 ppm dose level. Adenomas observed in the treated 
animals were larger and more numerous than those in controls; however, 
the tumor type (adenoma) was the same.
     4. No excessive number of tumors was found in female mice.
     5. In a rat study conducted with acceptable doses of 1-[[2-(2,4-
dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2, 4-triazole, 
no excessive numbers of tumors were found.
     The Peer Review Committee determined, based on the additional 
information submitted by Ciba-Geigy from two 90-day subchronic studies 
in mice that the 2,500 ppm dose used in the 2-year chronic study 
exceeded the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) based on the endpoint of 
hepatic necrosis, and the 500 ppm dose used in the chronic study was 
inadequate to assess the carcinogenicity of 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-
4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole. Based on the 
third pathology evaluation of the chronic study, the Peer Review 
Committee disagreed with Ciba-Geigy's argument that the study showed 
excessive toxicity at the 2,500 ppm dose. However, the Peer Review 
Committee concluded that the 90-day subchronic studies are a better 
measure of what would be an MTD.
     Based upon these findings, the Peer Review Committee agreed that 
the classification for 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-
dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole should remain a Group C 
(possible human) carcinogen and recommended against the previously used 
Q* (viz. 0.079) for risk assessment purposes. For the purpose of 
risk characterization the Peer Review Committee recommended that the 
reference dose (RfD) approach should be used for quantification of 
human risk. This decision was based on the disqualification of the high 
dose (2,500 ppm), making the data inappropriate for the calculation of 
Q*. Because the middle dose (500 ppm) was not considered 
sufficiently high enough for assessing the carcinogenic potential of 1-
[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-
triazole, EPA has requested an additional mouse study at intermediate 
dose levels in male mice only. EPA does not expect that these data will 
significantly change the above cancer assessment that 1-[[2-(2,4-
dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole 
poses a negligible risk to humans.
    The reference dose for 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl- 1,3-
dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole is 0.013 mg/kg/day, and based 
on a NOEL of 1.25 mg/kg/day and an uncertainty factor of 100. The NOEL 
is taken from a 1-year dog feeding study that demonstrated irritation 
of the stomach in males as an endpoint effect. The Anticipated Residue 
Contribution (ARC) from the current action is estimated at 0.000872 mg/
kg/day and utilizes 7% of the RfD of the general population of the 48 
states. The ARC for the most highly exposed subgroup, non-nursing 
infants less than 1 year old is 0.00405 or mg/kg/day (31% of the RfD).
    The nature of the residue in plants and animals is adequately 
understood and an adequate analytical method, gas chromatography, is 
available for enforcement purposes. Adequate animal tissue, milk, and 
egg tolerances exist to cover secondary residues incurred in those 
commodities from the proposed uses.
    The enforcement methodology has been submitted to the Food and Drug 
Administration for publication in the Pesticide Analytical Manual, 
Volume II (PAM II). Because of the long lead time for publication of 
the method in PAM II, the analytical methodology is being made 
available in the interim to anyone interested in pesticide enforcement 
when requested from: Calvin Furlow, Public Response and Program 
Resources Branch, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., 
Washington, DC 20460. Office location and telephone number: Rm. 1132, 
CM #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 305-
5232.
    There are presently no actions pending against the continued 
registration of this chemical. The pesticide is considered useful for 
the purpose for which the tolerance is sought.
    Based on the information and data considered, the Agency has 
determined that the tolerance established by amending 40 CFR part 180 
will protect the public health. Therefore, the tolerance is established 
as set forth below.
    Any person adversely affected by this regulation may, within 30 
days after publication of this document in the Federal Register, file 
written objections to the regulation and may also request a hearing on 
those objections. Objections and hearing requests must be filed with 
the Hearing Clerk, at the address given above (40 CFR 178.20). A copy 
of the objections and/or hearing requests filed with the Hearing Clerk 
should be submitted to the OPP docket for this rulemaking. The 
objections submitted must specify the provisions of the regulation 
deemed objectionable and the grounds for the objections (40 CFR 
178.25). Each objection must be

[[Page 29674]]

accompanied by the fee prescribed by 40 CFR 180.33(i). If a hearing is 
requested, the objections must include a statement of the factual 
issue(s) on which a hearing is requested, the requestor's contentions 
on such issues, and a summary of any evidence relied upon by the 
objector (40 CFR 178.27). A request for a hearing will be granted if 
the Administrator determines that the material submitted shows the 
following: There is genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a 
reasonable possibility that available evidence identified by the 
requestor would, if established, resolve one or more of such issues in 
favor of the requestor, taking into account uncontested claims or facts 
to the contrary; and resolution of the factual issue(s) in the manner 
sought by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action 
requested (40 CFR 178.32).
    A record has been established for this rulemaking under the docket 
number [PP 2F4086/R2238] (including any comments and data submitted 
electronically). A public version of this record, including printed, 
paper versions of electronic comments, which does not include any 
information claimed as CBI, is available for inspection from 8 a.m. to 
4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The public 
record is located in Room 1132 of the Public Response and Program 
Resources Branch, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, Crystal Mall #2, 
1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
    The official record for this rulemaking, as well as the public 
version, as described above will be kept in paper form. Accordingly, 
EPA will transfer any copies of objections and hearing requests 
received electronically into printed, paper form as they are received 
and will place the paper copies in the official rule-making record 
which will also include all comments submitted directly in writing. The 
official rulemaking record is the paper record maintained at the 
address in ``ADDRESSES'' at the beginning of this document.
    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), the 
Agency must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' 
and therefore subject to all the requirements of the Executive Order 
(i.e., Regulatory Impact Analysis, review by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB)). Under section 3(f), the order defines 
``significant'' as those actions likely to lead to a rule (1) having an 
annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or adversely and 
materially affecting a sector of the economy, productivity, 
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, 
local or tribal governments or communities (also known as 
``economically significant''); (2) creating serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfering with an action taken or planned by another 
agency; (3) materially altering the budgetary impacts of entitlement, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs; or (4) raising novel legal or 
policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's 
priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive Order.
    Pursuant to the terms of this Executive Order, EPA has determined 
that this rule is not ``significant'' and is therefore not subject to 
OMB review.
    This action does not impose any enforceable duty, or contain any 
``unfunded mandates'' as described in Title II of the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4), or require prior consultation as 
specified by Executive Order 12875 (58 FR 58093, October 28, 1993), 
entitled Enhancing the Intergovernmental Partnership, or special 
consideration as required by Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, 
February 16, 1994).
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(Pub. L. 9-354, 94 Stat. 1164, 5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Administrator has 
determined that regulations establishing new tolerances or raising 
tolerance levels or establishing exemptions from tolerance requirements 
do not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. A certification statement to this effect was published 
in the Federal Register of May 4, 1981 (46 FR 24950).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: May 23, 1996.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, 40 CFR part 180 is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a and 371.

    2. In Sec. 180.434, by revising the introductory text to paragraph 
(a) and by adding alphabetically the entries for ``oats, grain,'' 
``oats, straw,'' ``oats, forage,'' and ``oats, hay'' to the table in 
paragraph (a), to read a follows:

Sec. 180.434  1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-
yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole; tolerances for residues.

    (a) Tolerances are established for the combined residues of the 
fungicide 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl] 
methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole and its metabolites determined as 2,4-
dichlorobenzoic acid and expressed as parent compound in or on the 
following raw agricultural commodities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per 
                         Commodity                             million  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
                  *        *        *        *        *                 
Oats, grain................................................          0.1
Oats, straw................................................          1.0
Oats, forage...............................................         10.0
Oats, hay..................................................         30.0
                                                                        
                  *        *        *        *        *                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

[FR Doc. 96-14452 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-14138 Microwave Facilities Operating in 1850-1990 MHz (2GHz) Band; Relocation Costs Sharing
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29679-29695]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14138]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 15, 22, 24, and 101

[WT Docket No. 95-157; RM-8643; FCC 96-196]

Microwave Facilities Operating in 1850-1990 MHz (2GHz) Band; 
Relocation Costs Sharing

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: By this First Report and Order, the Commission changes and 
clarifies certain aspects of the microwave relocation rules adopted in 
our Emerging Technologies proceeding, ET Docket No. 92-9. The 
Commission also adopts a plan for sharing the costs of relocating 
microwave facilities currently operating in the 1850 to 1990 MHz (``2 
GHz'') band, which has been allocated for use by broadband Personal 
Communications Services (``PCS''). The Commission's plan establishes a 
mechanism whereby PCS licensees that incur costs to relocate microwave 
links receive reimbursement for a portion of those costs from other PCS 
licensees that also benefit from the resulting spectrum clearance. The 
Commission conditions the cost-sharing plan, however, on selection of 
one or more entities or organizations to administer the plan.

EFFECTIVE DATES: Sections 15.307 and 22.602 are effective August 12, 
1996.

[[Page 29680]]

Sections 24.5, 24.237, 24.238, 24.239, 24.241, 24.243, 24.245, 24.247, 
24.249, 24.251 and 24.253 will become effective August 12, 1996, and 
will become applicable on the date that the Wireless Telecommunications 
Bureau selects a clearinghouse to administer the cost-sharing plan. The 
Commission will publish a document announcing the selection of the 
clearinghouse at a later date. Sections 101.3, 101.69, 101.71, 101.73, 
101.75, 101.77, 101.79, 101.81, and 101.147 will become effective 
August 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Hamra (202) 418-0620, Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the First Report and 
Order, adopted April 24, 1996 and released April 30, 1996. For 
information regarding the proposed plan for sharing the costs of 
microwave relocation, see Amendment to the Commission's Rules Regarding 
a Plan for Sharing the Costs of Microwave Relocation, Notice of 
Proposed Rule Making, WT Docket No. 95-157, 60 FR 55529 (November 1, 
1995) (``Cost-Sharing Notice''). Part 101 will become effective August 
1, 1996. See 61 FR 26670 (May 28, 1996). The complete text of this 
First Report and Order is available for inspection and copying during 
normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center, Room 230, 1919 M 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., and also may be purchased from the 
Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service, at 
(202) 857-3800, 2100 M Street, N.W., Suite 140, Washington, D.C. 20037.

I. Background

    1. In the First Report and Order and Third Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making in ET Docket No. 92-9, 57 FR 49020 (October 29, 1992) the 
Commission reallocated the 1850-1990, 2110-2150, and 2160-2200 MHz 
bands from private and common carrier fixed microwave services to 
emerging technology services. The Commission also established 
procedures for 2 GHz microwave incumbents to be relocated to available 
frequencies in higher bands or to other media, by encouraging 
incumbents to negotiate voluntary relocation agreements with emerging 
technology licensees or manufacturers of unlicensed devices when 
frequencies used by the incumbent are needed to implement the emerging 
technology. The First Report and Order stated that, should negotiations 
fail, the emerging technology licensee could request involuntary 
relocation of the incumbent, provided that the emerging technology 
service provider pays the cost of relocating the incumbent to a 
comparable facility. In the Commission's Third Report and Order in ET 
Docket No. 92-9, 58 FR 46547 (September 2, 1993) as modified on 
reconsideration by the Memorandum Opinion and Order, 59 FR 19642 (April 
25, 1994) the Commission established additional details of the 
transition plan to enable emerging technology providers to relocate 
incumbent facilities. The relocation process consists of two 
negotiation periods that must expire before an emerging technology 
licensee may request involuntary relocation. The first is a fixed two-
year period for voluntary negotiations--three years for public safety 
incumbents, e.g., police, fire, and emergency medical--commencing with 
the Commission's acceptance of applications for emerging technology 
services, during which the emerging technology providers and microwave 
licensees may negotiate any mutually acceptable relocation agreement. 
Negotiations are strictly voluntary. If no agreement is reached, the 
emerging technology licensee may initiate a one-year mandatory 
negotiation period--or two-year mandatory period if the incumbent is a 
public safety licensee--during which the parties are required to 
negotiate in good faith.
    2. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement during the 
mandatory negotiation period, the emerging technology provider may 
request involuntary relocation of the existing facility. Involuntary 
relocation requires that the emerging technology provider (1) guarantee 
payment of all costs of relocating the incumbent to a comparable 
facility; (2) complete all activities necessary for placing the new 
facilities into operation, including engineering and frequency 
coordination; and (3) build and test the new microwave (or alternative) 
system. Once comparable facilities are made available to the incumbent 
microwave operator, the Commission will amend the 2 GHz license of the 
incumbent to secondary status. After relocation, the microwave 
incumbent is entitled to a one-year trial period to determine whether 
the facilities are indeed comparable, and if they are not, the emerging 
technology licensee must remedy the defects or pay to relocate the 
incumbent back to its former or an equivalent 2 GHz frequency.
    3. Under these procedures, it is possible for a relocation 
agreement between a PCS licensee and a microwave incumbent to have 
spectrum-clearing benefits for other PCS licensees as well. First, some 
microwave spectrum blocks overlap with one or more PCS blocks, because 
the spectrum in the 1850-1990 MHz band was assigned differently in the 
two services. Second, incumbents' receivers may be susceptible to 
adjacent or co-channel interference from PCS licensees in more than one 
PCS spectrum block. For example, a microwave link located partially in 
Block A, partially in Block D, and adjacent to Block B, may cause 
interference to or receive interference from PCS licensees that are 
licensed in each of those blocks. Third, because most 2 GHz microwave 
licensees operate multi-link systems, PCS licensees may be asked to 
relocate links that do not directly encumber their own spectrum or 
service area in order to obtain the microwave incumbent's voluntary 
consent to relocate. Finally, the Unlicensed PCS Ad Hoc Committee for 2 
GHz Microwave Transition and Management Inc. (``UTAM''), the frequency 
coordinator for the PCS spectrum designated for unlicensed devices, 
expects that some licensed PCS providers will have to relocate links in 
the unlicensed band that are paired with links in licensed PCS 
spectrum. The Commission has designated UTAM to coordinate relocation 
in the 1910-1930 MHz band, which has been reallocated for unlicensed 
PCS devices. Once the 1910-1930 MHz band is clear, or there is little 
risk of interference to the remaining incumbents, and UTAM has 
recovered its relocation costs, UTAM's role will end and it will be 
dissolved.
    4. Because the Commission is licensing PCS providers at different 
times and multiple PCS licensees may benefit from the relocation of a 
microwave system or even a single link, the first PCS licensee in the 
market potentially bears a disproportionate share of relocation costs. 
Subsequent PCS licensees to enter the market may therefore obtain a 
windfall. As a result of this potential ``free rider'' problem, the 
first PCS licensee in the market might not relocate a link or might 
delay its deployment of PCS if it believes that another PCS licensee 
will relocate the link first, thus paying for some or all of the 
relocation costs. In addition, unless cost-sharing is adopted, PCS 
licensees might not engage in relocation that is cost-effective if 
viewed from an industry-wide perspective. For example, a link that 
encumbers two PCS blocks might not be moved if the cost is greater than 
the benefit to any single licensee, even though the joint benefit 
received by two or more licensees exceeds the cost of relocating the 
link.
    5. In 1994, PCIA proposed a cost-sharing plan to alleviate the free 
rider problem, which the Commission found to be attractive in theory 
but dismissed

[[Page 29681]]

as underdeveloped. On May 5, 1995, Pacific Bell (``PacBell'') filed a 
Petition for Rulemaking. In its petition, PacBell proposed a detailed 
cost-sharing plan in which PCS licensees on all blocks, licensed and 
unlicensed, would share in the cost of relocating microwave stations. 
On May 16, 1995, the Commission requested comment on PacBell's 
proposal. Most parties that commented on PacBell's Petition for 
Rulemaking supported the cost-sharing concept, although the comments 
reflected some differences regarding the details of the proposal. On 
October 12, 1995, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making, 60 FR 55529 (November 1, 1995) which sought comment on a 
modified version of the plan proposed by PacBell.
    6. The Commission released and adopted, with this First Report and 
Order, a Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, 61 FR 24470 (May 15, 
1996).

II. First Report and Order

    7. In the Cost-Sharing Notice, the Commission proposed a number of 
changes and clarifications to the microwave relocation rules adopted in 
the Emerging Technologies docket. The Commission suggested that 
additional guidance with respect to certain aspects of its rules would 
facilitate negotiations, reduce disputes, and expedite deployment of 
PCS. As explained below, the Commission adopts many of the changes and 
clarifications the Commission proposed, along with some suggestions 
made by commenters. By adopting these rule changes and clarifications, 
as well as the cost-sharing plan discussed in Section B, infra, the 
Commission intends to expedite the clearing of the 2 GHz band and the 
introduction of PCS to the public, while protecting the rights of 
incumbents. The Commission seeks to promote an efficient and equitable 
relocation process, which minimizes transaction costs and maximizes 
benefits for all parties, including incumbents, PCS licensees, and the 
public.

A. Microwave Relocation Rules

1. Voluntary Negotiations
    8. The Commission agrees with commenters who argue that the public 
interest would not be served by changing the rules regarding the 
voluntary period for the A and B blocks at this time. First, the A and 
B block licensees who are now negotiating with incumbents were on 
notice of the voluntary period when they bid for their licenses, and 
they presumably have factored the length of the period and the 
potential cost of relocation into their bids. They have offered no 
persuasive justification to shorten the period now. Second, the 
Commission notes that many voluntary agreements have already been 
reached or are now being negotiated between A and B block licensees and 
incumbents. The Commission is concerned that altering the voluntary 
period could inadvertently delay the deployment of PCS, because 
negotiations are likely to be interrupted while parties reassess their 
bargaining positions. Nevertheless, the Commission agrees with PCS 
licensees that changing the negotiation period for blocks other than 
the A and B blocks may not raise the same concerns, because 
negotiations in these blocks have not commenced.
    9. Whether or not the negotiation periods are changed, the 
Commission also agrees with PCS licensees that additional information 
about the value of an incumbent's system, the estimated amount of time 
it would take to relocate the incumbent, and the anticipated cost of 
relocation may help facilitate negotiations during the voluntary 
period, as the Commission suggested in the Cost-Sharing Notice. 
Therefore, the Commission will require that, if the parties have not 
reached an agreement within one year after the commencement of the 
voluntary period, the incumbent must allow the PCS licensee, if the PCS 
licensee so chooses, to gain access to the microwave facilities to be 
relocated so that an independent third party can examine the 
incumbent's 2 GHz system and prepare an estimate of the cost and the 
time needed to relocate the incumbent to comparable facilities. The PCS 
licensee must pay for any such cost estimate. Because the one-year 
anniversary of the commencement of the voluntary period for A and B 
block licensees has already passed, this requirement shall become 
effective for the A and B block on the effective date of the rules 
adopted in this proceeding. The Commission disagrees with incumbents 
that a cost estimate paid for by the PCS licensee changes the nature of 
the voluntary period, because participation in negotiations remains 
voluntary.
    10. Finally, although the Commission is not altering the basic 
structure or length of the voluntary period for A and B block PCS 
licensees, the Commission emphasizes that its rules provide incentives 
for voluntary agreements. The Commission has stated in the past that 
PCS licensees may choose to offer incumbents premiums to relocate 
quickly. ``Premiums'' could include: replacing the analog facilities 
with digital facilities, paying all of the incumbent's transactions 
costs, or relocating an entire system as opposed to just the 
interfering links. These incentives are available only to microwave 
incumbents who consent to relocation by negotiation. By contrast, PCS 
licensees are not obligated to pay for such premiums during an 
involuntary relocation, which is discussed in Section IV(A)(3), infra.
2. Mandatory Negotiations
    11. As the comments on this issue demonstrate, the question of 
whether parties are negotiating in good faith typically requires 
consideration of all the facts and circumstances underlying the 
negotiations, and thus is likely to depend on the specific facts in 
each case. The Commission is concerned that creating a presumption that 
a party is acting in good or bad faith, as proposed in the Cost-Sharing 
Notice, may slow down resolution of disputes by prompting parties to 
bring claims of bad faith to the Commission prematurely rather than 
focusing on resolving the underlying disputes through the negotiation 
process. For these reasons, the Commission declines to adopt its 
proposal creating a presumption that a party who declines an offer of 
comparable facilities is acting in bad faith. Instead, the Commission 
concludes that good faith should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis 
under basic principles of contract law. Nevertheless, the Commission 
agrees with those commenters who suggest that guidance with respect to 
the factors the Commission will consider if a dispute arises over good 
faith would be helpful.
    12. First, the Commission believes that good faith requires each 
party to provide information to the other that is reasonably necessary 
to facilitate the relocation process. For example, upon request by a 
PCS licensee, the Commission expects incumbents to allow inspection of 
their facilities by the PCS licensee and to provide any other 
information that the PCS licensee needs in order to evaluate the cost 
of relocating the incumbent to comparable facilities. Second, when 
evaluating claims that a party has not negotiated in good faith, the 
Commission will consider, inter alia, the following factors: (1) 
whether the PCS licensee has made a bona fide offer to relocate the 
incumbent to comparable facilities; (2) if the microwave incumbent has 
demanded a premium, the type of premium requested (e.g., whether the 
premium is directly related to relocation, such as system-wide 
relocations and analog-to-digital conversions, versus other types of

[[Page 29682]]

premiums) and whether the value of the premium as compared to the cost 
of providing comparable facilities is disproportionate (i.e., whether 
there is a lack of proportion or relation between the two); (3) what 
steps the parties have taken to determine the actual cost of relocation 
to comparable facilities; and (4) whether either party has withheld 
information requested by the other party that is necessary to estimate 
relocation costs or to facilitate the relocation process.
    13. To ensure that parties do not bring frivolous bad faith claims, 
the Commission will also require any party alleging a violation of the 
Commission's good faith requirement to provide an independent estimate 
of the relocation costs of the facilities in question. Independent 
estimates must include a specification for the comparable facility and 
a statement of the costs associated with providing that facility to the 
incumbent licensee. These cost estimates are similar to the cost 
estimates that the Commission requires if a dispute arises over 
comparable facilities during the involuntary relocation period. The 
Commission believes that requiring such estimates will assist them in 
determining whether the parties are negotiating in good faith. Finally, 
the Commission agrees with those commenters who argue that penalties 
for failure to negotiate in good faith should be imposed on a case-by-
case basis. The Commission emphasizes, however, that they intend to use 
the full realm of enforcement mechanisms available to them in order to 
ensure that licensees bargain in good faith.
3. Involuntary Relocation
    14. If no agreement is reached during either the voluntary or 
mandatory negotiation period, a PCS licensee may initiate involuntary 
relocation procedures. Under involuntary relocation, the incumbent is 
required to relocate, provided that the PCS licensee meets the 
conditions under the Commission's rules for making the incumbent whole, 
such as providing the incumbent with comparable facilities.

a. Comparable Facilities

    15. The Commission concludes that the factors they have 
identified--communications throughput, system reliability, and 
operating costs--will be the three factors used to determine when a 
facility is comparable. As the Commission stated in the Cost-Sharing 
Notice, the Commission believes that providing guidance with respect to 
the term comparable facilities will facilitate negotiations and reduce 
disputes. The record in this proceeding also supports adoption of the 
factors the Commission has identified. Each factor is discussed in more 
detail below.
    16. Communication Throughput. The Commission defines communications 
throughput as the amount of information transferred within the system 
in a given amount of time. For analog systems the throughput is 
measured by the number of voice channels, and for digital systems it is 
measured in bits per second (``bps''). Therefore, if analog facilities 
are being replaced by analog facilities, the PCS licensee will be 
required to provide the incumbent with an equivalent number of 4 kHz 
voice channels. If an existing digital system is being replaced by 
digital facilities, the PCS licensee will be required to provide the 
incumbent with equivalent data loading bps in order for the system to 
be considered comparable. The Commission agrees with commenters that 
the more difficult issue will be determining equivalent throughput when 
analog equipment is being replaced with digital equipment, which can be 
like comparing ``apples with oranges.'' If disputes arise, the 
Commission will determine on a case-by-case basis whether comparable 
throughput has been achieved. For guidance, the Commission plans to 
refer to other parts of its rules where analog-digital comparisons have 
been made, such as the minimum channel loading requirements for fixed 
point-to-point microwave systems in Section 21.710(d).
    17. The Commission also concludes that, during involuntary 
relocation, PCS licensees will only be required to provide incumbents 
with enough throughput to satisfy their needs at the time of 
relocation, rather than to match the overall capacity of the system, as 
some microwave incumbents suggest. For example, the Commission will not 
require that a 2 GHz incumbent with 5 MHz of bandwidth be relocated to 
a 5 MHz bandwidth, 6 GHz location when its current needs only justify a 
1.25 MHz bandwidth system. If a dispute arises, the Commission will 
determine what an incumbent's needs are by looking at actual system use 
rather than total capacity at the time of relocation. The Commission 
expressly adopted channelization plans for the 6 GHz band with 
bandwidth requirements ranging from 400 kHz to 30 MHz to increase the 
efficiency of use by point-to-point microwave operations. Although the 
Commission recognizes that this policy may affect an incumbent's 
ability to increase its capacity over time, the Commission agrees with 
PCS licensees that the public interest would not be served if spectrum 
is automatically held in reserve for all incumbents with the 
expectation that some may require additional capacity in the future. 
The Commission's goal is to foster efficient use of the spectrum, which 
would be thwarted if all incumbents are relocated to systems with 
capacity that exceeds their current needs. Also, limiting spectrum to 
current needs serves the public interest, because the Commission 
believes that it will promote the development of spectrum-efficient 
technology capable of increasing capacity without increasing bandwidth.
    18. Reliability. The Commission defines system reliability as the 
degree to which information is transferred accurately within the 
system. As stated in the Cost-Sharing Notice, the reliability of a 
system is a function of equipment failures (e.g., transmitters, feed 
lines, antennas, receivers, battery back-up power, etc.), the 
availability of the frequency channel due to propagation characteristic 
(e.g., frequency, terrain, atmospheric conditions, radio-frequency 
noise, etc.), and equipment sensitivity. The Commission defines 
comparable reliability as that equal to the overall reliability of the 
incumbent system, and the Commission will not require the system 
designer to build the radio link portion of the system to a higher 
reliability than that of the other components of the system. For 
example, if an incumbent system had a radio link reliability of 99.9999 
percent, but an overall reliability of only 99.999 percent because of 
limited battery back-up power, the Commission requires that the new 
system have a radio link reliability of 99.999 percent to be considered 
comparable. For digital data systems this would be measured by the 
percent of time the bit error rate (``BER'') exceeds a desired value, 
and for analog or digital voice transmissions this would be measured by 
the percent of time that audio signal quality met an established 
threshold. Under this approach, for a replacement digital system to be 
comparable, the data rate throughput must be equal to or greater than 
that of the incumbent system with an equal or greater reliability. If 
an analog voice system is replaced with a digital voice system the 
resulting frequency response, harmonic distortion, signal-to-noise 
ratio, and reliability would be the factors considered. The Commission 
declines to adopt AUE's request that the Commission include a ``system 
age'' component that takes into account how the age of a given system 
can affect system reliability, because the

[[Page 29683]]

Commission does not have enough information to determine how age will 
affect a given system. Moreover, the Commission believes that older 
equipment of high quality may be as reliable as newer equipment of low 
quality.
    19. Operating Costs. The Commission defines operating costs as the 
cost to operate and maintain the microwave system. These costs fall 
into several categories. First, the incumbent must be compensated for 
any increased recurring costs associated with the replacement 
facilities (e.g., additional rental payments, increased utility fees). 
Although the Commission originally proposed that recurring costs should 
be limited to a ten-year license term, the Commission is persuaded by 
PCS licensees that a five-year time period--which is the length of a 
microwave license in the 1850-1990 MHz band--is a more appropriate time 
frame, because it strikes an appropriate balance between the burden 
placed on PCS licensees who must relocate many incumbents, and the 
burden placed on incumbents that are being forced to relocate. 
Furthermore, the Commission believes that the five-year time period is 
not unfair to incumbents because, by five years from now, many 
incumbents would have been forced to bear some of these costs 
themselves--such as increased rents--if they had not already been 
relocated by PCS licensees. Moreover, the Commission is also persuaded 
that a five-year time period provides incumbents with sufficient time 
for budget planning and resource allocation to meet such expenses once 
the five-year period expires. Finally, the Commission concludes that a 
PCS licensee is permitted but not required to satisfy its obligation by 
making a lump-sum payment based on present value using current interest 
rates, as suggested by some incumbents.
    20. Second, increased maintenance costs must be taken into 
consideration when determining whether operating costs are comparable. 
As several commenters point out, maintenance costs associated with 
analog systems are frequently higher than the costs for equivalent 
digital systems, because manufacturers are producing mostly digital 
equipment and analog replacement parts can be difficult to find. The 
Commission declines to adopt API's suggestion that ``serviceability''-- 
which would require that access to those elements essential to 
restoration of service be equal to or greater than the original 
system--should be adopted as a fourth element, however, because the 
Commission believes that the ease of servicing the equipment will 
affect repair costs, which will be factored into operating costs. 
Furthermore, the Commission agrees with incumbents that, in some 
instances, the operating costs of 6 GHz analog equipment might be so 
high that analog replacement facilities would not qualify as 
comparable. On the other hand, if an available analog replacement 
system would provide equivalent technical capability without increasing 
the incumbent's operating costs or sacrificing any of the other factors 
the Commission has identified, the Commission agrees with PCS licensees 
that such an analog system would be acceptable. In sum, the 
Commission's goal is to ensure that incumbents are no worse off than 
they would be if relocation were not required, not to guarantee 
incumbents superior systems at the expense of PCS licensees.
    21. Trade Offs. The Commission also concludes that comparable 
replacement facilities may not be provided by trading off any of the 
system parameters discussed above. Thus, the Commission agrees with 
incumbents that PCS licensees should not be permitted to compromise on 
one aspect of comparability, such as system reliability, by 
compensating with another factor, such as increased throughput. Based 
on the record in this proceeding, the Commission believes that the 
factors the Commission has identified are central to the concept of 
comparability, and therefore the replacement system provided to an 
incumbent during an involuntary relocation must be at least equivalent 
to the incumbent's existing system with respect to system reliability, 
throughput, and operating costs. However, other aspects of the system 
(e.g., bandwidth) do not have to be equivalent to the incumbent's 
original 2 GHz system. As PCS licensees point out, it might be possible 
to achieve comparability with respect to the three main factors, even 
though all of the features on the replacement equipment are not 
identical to those of the original system. Other media, such as land 
lines, would also be acceptable, provided that comparability is 
achieved.
    22. Depreciation. In the Cost-Sharing Notice, the Commission also 
sought comment on whether and how depreciation of equipment and 
facilities should be taken into account, and whether it would be 
appropriate for a PCS licensee to compensate an incumbent only for the 
depreciated value of the old equipment. Some PCS licensees contend that 
depreciation should be taken into account during the mandatory period 
as a means of encouraging incumbents to accept offers during the 
voluntary period. The Commission is persuaded by incumbents, however, 
that compensation for the depreciated value of old equipment would not 
enable them to construct a comparable replacement system without 
imposing costs on the incumbent, which would be inconsistent with the 
Commission's relocation rules. The Commission therefore concludes that 
the depreciated value of old equipment should not be a factor when 
determining comparability.

b. Relocating Individual Links

    23. The Commission affirms its decision in the 1994 Memorandum 
Opinion and Order that PCS licensees are obligated to pay to relocate 
incumbents to comparable facilities only with respect to the specific 
microwave links for which their systems pose an interference problem. 
Thus, the Commission clarifies that PCS licensees are not under an 
obligation to move an incumbent's entire system at once, unless all of 
the links in the incumbent's system would be subject to interference by 
the PCS licensee. Although system-wide relocations may be preferable 
and less disruptive to the incumbent, the Commission concludes that it 
would be inappropriate to increase a PCS licensee's monetary 
obligation, e.g., by requiring it to pay to relocate links that it 
never intended to move, after the licenses have already been auctioned. 
In fact, several commenters--particularly those bidding in the C block 
auction--have stated in their comments that they are intentionally 
designing their systems in such a way that existing links will not have 
to be relocated. Moreover, incumbents are not harmed by this policy 
because, as PCS licensees point out, many incumbents already operate 
networks that consist of both 2 GHz and 6 GHz links or a combination of 
digital and analog technology. Furthermore, the Commission's rules 
protect microwave operations by requiring PCS licensees to provide 
incumbents with a seamless transition from their old facilities to the 
replacement facilities. Thus, if providing a seamless transition 
requires it, PCS licensees must relocate additional links or pay for 
additional costs associated with integrating the new links into the old 
system, such as employing a different modulation technique to preserve 
the system's overall integrity. If problems arise, the PCS licensee is 
required under the Commission's rules to remedy the situation.
    24. To ease the burden on incumbents, the Commission has adopted a 
cost-sharing plan to promote

[[Page 29684]]

the relocation of all links in a system at the same time. By enabling 
PCS licensees to collect reimbursement from subsequent licensees that 
benefit from the relocation, the Commission believes that its cost-
sharing plan will promote a larger number of system-wide relocations.

c. Transaction Expenses

    25. The Commission concludes that incumbents should be reimbursed 
only for legitimate and prudent transaction expenses that are directly 
attributable to an involuntary relocation, subject to a cap of two 
percent of the ``hard'' costs involved (e.g., equipment, new towers, 
site acquisition). Although the Commission proposed in the Cost-Sharing 
Notice that PCS licensees should not be required to reimburse 
incumbents for any ``extraneous'' expenses, such as fees for attorneys 
and consultants, the Commission is persuaded by commenters that some 
reimbursement for outside assistance is necessary, because not all 
incumbents have expertise in these fields within their organizations. 
The Commission concludes that PCS licensees are not required to pay 
incumbents for internal resources devoted to the relocation process, 
however, because such expenses are difficult to determine and would be 
too hard for a PCS licensee to verify. Moreover, the benefits 
incumbents receive as a result of relocation, such as superior 
equipment, are likely to outweigh any internal costs they incur.
    26. To prevent abuses, PCS licensees will not be required to 
reimburse incumbents for transaction costs that exceed two percent of 
the hard costs associated with an involuntary relocation. Rather than 
adopt a cap on the dollar amount that can be spent on transaction 
expenses, the Commission believes that a percentage of the total hard 
costs, as suggested by Cox & Smith, is more appropriate. Therefore, if 
complicated and costly actions, such as land acquisition, are required 
to accomplish relocation, the permissible amount of reimbursement for 
transaction costs would be higher. The Commission also believes that a 
two-percent cap is reasonable and strikes a fair balance between the 
concerns of PCS licensees and microwave incumbents. The Commission 
derived two percent from CIPCO's suggested cap of $5,000 per link, 
which is two-percent of $250,000--the amount the Commission has 
determined to be the average cost of relocating a link. Furthermore, 
PCS licensees will not be required to pay for transaction costs 
incurred by incumbents during the voluntary or mandatory negotiation 
periods once an involuntary relocation is initiated, nor will they be 
required to pay for fees that cannot be legitimately tied to the 
provision of comparable facilities, such as consultant fees for 
determining how much of a premium payment PCS licensees would be 
willing to pay. The Commission agrees with PCS licensees that they 
should not have to reimburse incumbents for such fees, because it would 
encourage incumbents to view the relocation process as a business 
opportunity. Furthermore, requiring PCS licensees to pay such fees does 
not serve the public interest, because added expenses are likely to be 
passed on to the public in the form of increased PCS subscriber fees.

d. Twelve-Month Trial Period

    27. As a preliminary matter, the Commission clarifies that the 
twelve-month trial period is only automatic if an involuntary 
relocation occurs. Therefore, if the parties decide that a trial period 
should be established for relocations that occur during the voluntary 
and mandatory period, they must provide for such a period in the 
relocation contract.
    28. Because our proposed clarifications to the twelve-month trial 
period received broad record support, the Commission adopts the 
following clarifications to Section 94.59(e) of our rules:
    (1) The trial period will commence on the date that the incumbent 
begins full operation (as opposed to testing) on the replacement link; 
and
    (2) An incumbent's right to a twelve-month trial period resides 
with the incumbent as a function of the Commission's relocation rules, 
regardless of whether the incumbent has previously surrendered its 
license. If, however, a microwave licensee has retained its 2 GHz 
authorization during the trial period, it is required to return the 
license to the Commission at the conclusion of that period.
    In Commission's initial rule, 47 CFR Sec. 94.59(c), the Commission 
stated that they would convert the microwave incumbent to secondary 
status after the replacement system is built and the microwave 
incumbent has been provided with a reasonable amount of time to 
determine comparability. The Commission sees no reason, however, for 
the incumbent to retain its 2 GHz license once it has been relocated. 
The Commission declines to adopt the suggestion that the Commission's 
twelve-month trial period should be extended or begin again if a 
problem arises. The Commission concludes that incumbents are adequately 
protected without such an extension because, by the end of the twelve-
month period, the Commission's rules require that they be operating on 
facilities that are comparable. If at the end of the twelve months the 
PCS licensee has still failed to meet this requirement, it must 
relocate the incumbent back to its former or equivalent 2 GHz 
frequencies. Thus, the expiration of the twelve-month period does not 
leave the incumbent without further recourse.
    29. As a related matter, the Commission clarifies that, even after 
the PCS licensee has initiated the involuntary relocation process, a 
mutually acceptable agreement will still be permissible. If the parties 
do sign an agreement specifying their own terms, the Commission will 
treat the agreement in the same manner as the Commission treats 
agreements that are consummated during the voluntary and mandatory 
periods, and the parties will be bound by contract rather than our 
rules. The Commission agrees with commenters that neither incumbents 
nor PCS licensees are harmed by such a policy, because neither party is 
obligated to enter into such an agreement. If the agreement falls 
through, however, the incumbent will be subject to involuntary 
relocation.
    30. Finally, the Commission declines to reduce the trial period to 
one month as suggested by PCS licensees. The Commission agrees with 
incumbents that twelve months is an appropriate time period, because it 
gives the incumbent the opportunity to ensure that the facilities 
function properly during changes in climate and vegetation. The 
Commission also takes this opportunity to clarify that PCS licensees 
are not required to leave the incumbent's former 2 GHz spectrum vacant 
during the twelve-month trial period. The Commission agrees with PCIA 
that requiring PCS licensees to hold this spectrum in reserve would 
delay the deployment of PCS for at least one year, which does not serve 
the public interest. The Commission also clarifies that, if the 
microwave incumbent demonstrates that the new facilities are not 
comparable to the former facilities, the PCS licensee must remedy the 
defects or pay to relocate the microwave licensee to one of the 
following: its former or equivalent 2 GHz channels, another comparable 
frequency band, a land-line system, or any other facility that 
qualifies as comparable.

[[Page 29685]]

e. Request for Clarification of Involuntary Relocation Procedures

    31. The Commission believes that AT&T Wireless, et al., have raised 
legitimate issues regarding the procedures for implementing involuntary 
relocation at the conclusion of the mandatory negotiation period. The 
issues raised in their letter, however, were not included in the Cost-
Sharing Notice, nor were they raised in any of the regularly filed 
comments or reply comments in this proceeding. Because of the relative 
lateness of the parties' ex parte filing and the lack of opportunity 
for other parties to comment, the Commission declines to address these 
issues at this time. Nevertheless, the Commission encourages the 
parties to the April 15 letter or any other interested parties to file 
a petition for rulemaking on the issues raised in the letter.
4. Public Safety Certification
    32. The Commission agrees with PCS licensees that certification is 
necessary to ensure that only those public safety incumbents meriting 
special status are allowed the advantages of extended negotiation 
periods. The Commission also agrees with incumbents, however, that 
self-certification is appropriate, because self-certification will not 
burden public agencies with time-consuming reporting requirements. The 
Commission declines to adopt the suggestion made by AT&T that all 
public safety incumbents should be required to apply to the Commission 
for certification, because such a requirement would be administratively 
burdensome for the Commission and could delay negotiations. 
Furthermore, the Commission believes that PacBell's concerns about 
biased public agencies are overstated, because the Commission does not 
believe public agencies will be inclined to falsify the certification.
    33. The Commission concludes that, in order for a public safety 
licensee to qualify for extended negotiation periods under the 
Commission's rules, the department head responsible for system 
oversight must certify to the PCS licensee requesting relocation that:
    (1) The agency is a licensee in the Police Radio, Fire Radio, 
Emergency Medical, Special Emergency Radio Services, or that it is a 
licensee of other Part 94 facilities licensed on a primary basis under 
the eligibility requirements of Part 90, Subparts B and C; and
    (2) the majority of communications carried on the facilities at 
issue involve safety of life and property.
    A public safety licensee must provide certification within 30 days 
of a request from a PCS licensee or the PCS licensee may presume that 
special treatment is inapplicable to the incumbent. If an incumbent 
falsely certifies to a PCS licensee that it qualifies for the extended 
time periods, the incumbent will be in violation of the Commission's 
rules and subject to appropriate penalties. Such an incumbent would 
also immediately become subject to the non-public safety time periods.
5. Dispute Resolution
    34. Because relocations that occur pursuant to agreements arrived 
at during the voluntary and mandatory period are relocations pursuant 
to private contracts, the Commission anticipates that parties will 
pursue common law contract remedies if a dispute arises. Thus, if 
parties do not agree to use alternative dispute resolution techniques, 
the Commission expects that they will file suit in a court of competent 
jurisdiction.
    35. To the extent that disputes arise over violation of the 
Commission's rules (e.g., the good faith requirement, involuntary 
relocation procedures), the Commission has stated that parties are 
encouraged to use ADR techniques. Commenters agree that resolution of 
such disputes entirely by the Commission's adjudication processes would 
be time consuming and costly to all parties. Therefore, the Commission 
continues to encourage parties to employ ADR techniques when disputes 
arise.
6. Ten Year Sunset
    36. As the Commission stated in the Cost-Sharing Notice, the 
Commission continues to believe that an emerging technology licensee's 
obligation to relocate 2 GHz microwave incumbents should not continue 
indefinitely; however, the Commission is also persuaded by incumbents 
that immediate conversion to secondary status in the year 2005 may not 
be necessary, especially with respect to rural links that would not 
interfere with any PCS systems. To strike a fair balance between these 
competing interests, the Commission concludes that 2 GHz microwave 
incumbents will retain primary status unless and until an emerging 
technology licensee requires use of the spectrum, but that the emerging 
technology licensee will not be obligated to pay relocation costs after 
the relocation rules sunset, i.e., ten years after the voluntary period 
begins for the first emerging technology licensees in the service 
(which is April 4, 2005, for PCS licensees and unlicensed PCS). Once 
the relocation rules sunset, an emerging technology licensee may 
require the incumbent to either cease operations or pay to relocate 
itself to alternate facilities, provided that the emerging technology 
licensee intends to turn on a system within interference range of the 
incumbent, as determined by TIA Bulletin 10-F or any standard successor 
thereto. Notification must be in writing, and the emerging technology 
licensee must provide the incumbent with no less than six months to 
vacate the spectrum. Emerging technology licensees may provide notice 
prior to the date that the relocation rules sunset, but may not turn on 
their systems until after that date. After the six-month notice period 
has expired, the incumbent will be required to turn its 2 GHz license 
back into the Commission, unless the parties have entered into an 
agreement which allows the incumbent to continue to operate on a 
mutually agreed upon basis. The Commission concludes that their 
decision promotes spectrum efficiency, because it allows microwave 
incumbents to continue to operate in the 2 GHz band until their 
spectrum is needed by an emerging technology licensee.
    37. The Commission believes that a sunset date for the Commission's 
microwave relocation rules serves the public interest, because it 
provides certainty to the process and prevents the emerging technology 
licensee from being required to pay for relocation expenses 
indefinitely. Moreover, the Commission agrees with commenters that ten 
years provides incumbents with sufficient time (1) to negotiate a 
relocation agreement or (2) to plan for relocation themselves. In fact, 
well over ten years will have passed since the Commission first 
announced our intention to reallocate 2 GHz spectrum to foster the 
introduction of emerging technologies services in 1992. In other 
services, the Commission has provided incumbents with even less time to 
complete relocation. For example, private operational fixed microwave 
stations in the 12 GHz band received only five years to relocate their 
facilities before they became secondary to the Direct Broadcast 
Satellite (``DBS'') Service.
    38. The Commission also believes that adopting a sunset date is 
important, because it will provide 2 GHz microwave incumbents with an 
incentive to relocate to other bands when it comes time to change or 
replace their equipment. At the current time, the Commission's 
licensing records indicate that most 2 GHz microwave incumbents use 
analog equipment. APCO contends that operating 2 GHz analog microwave 
systems is becoming infeasible, because analog systems are

[[Page 29686]]

now outdated and replacement parts will soon be difficult, if not 
impossible, to find. APCO also states that most incumbents have long-
term plans to replace their analog systems with digital systems once 
the useful life of current equipment has expired and/or adequate 
funding has been found. As BellSouth points out, by the time the sunset 
date arrives, much of the microwave equipment operating today at 2 GHz 
is likely to be either fully amortized or in need of replacement. The 
Commission believes that informing 2 GHz incumbents that they will have 
to cover their own relocation expenses after ten years will encourage 
incumbents to relocate to another band when they replace existing 
equipment. By contrast, if emerging technology licensees are required 
to pay to relocate incumbents regardless of when the relocation occurs, 
incumbents will have little incentive to make such a transition to an 
alternate band voluntarily. For similar reasons, the Commission rejects 
the argument by incumbents that PCS licensees should be required to 
make relocation offers prior to the sunset date to all incumbents 
located within their market area. Again, incumbents would have no 
incentive to change out their own systems voluntarily if they knew that 
PCS licensees would be required to cover the expenses for them at a 
later date. Furthermore, even if the Commission had not reallocated the 
spectrum, these incumbents would have had to plan ahead for repair 
costs, replacement equipment, and infrastructure improvement. Given 
that most incumbents will incur significant expenses in any event when 
they replace their analog system with digital equipment, the Commission 
believes that providing an incentive to incumbents to relocate 
voluntarily at the same time they purchase new equipment serves the 
public interest. In sum, the Commission believes that the benefits of 
imposing a sunset date outweigh the burdens, if any, that such a date 
may impose.
    39. Finally, the Commission believes that six months is a 
reasonable amount of time for most incumbents to relocate their 
facilities, especially because they will have been on notice for ten 
years that they might be requested to move. Nevertheless, the 
Commission acknowledges that special circumstances might warrant an 
extension of the six-month period in some instances to enable the 
incumbent to complete relocation activities. If the incumbent is unable 
to move or cannot complete relocation in time, the Commission 
encourages the parties to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution. In 
the event that the parties cannot agree on a schedule or an alternative 
arrangement, the Commission will entertain extension requests on a 
case-by-case basis. However, the Commission intends to grant such 
extensions only if the incumbent can demonstrate that: (1) it cannot 
relocate within the six-month period (e.g., because no alternative 
spectrum or other reasonable option is available), and (2) the public 
interest would be harmed if the incumbent is forced to terminate 
operations (e.g., if public safety communications services would be 
disrupted).

B. Cost-Sharing Plan

1. Overview
    40. The Commission adopts its proposed plan with a few 
modifications suggested by commenters. The Commission believes that 
cost-sharing serves the public interest because (1) it will distribute 
relocation costs more equitably among PCS licensees, and (2) it will 
promote the relocation of entire microwave systems at once, which will 
benefit microwave incumbents. The Commission also believes that cost-
sharing will accelerate the relocation process for the PCS band as a 
whole, thus promoting more rapid deployment of service to the public. 
Furthermore, the Commission concludes that the benefits of cost-sharing 
outweigh the costs that may be incurred by licensees who become subject 
to reimbursement obligations. Under the plan, these licensees will be 
required to pay reimbursement obligations only when they have 
benefitted from the spectrum-clearing efforts of another party. 
Moreover, as discussed in greater detail below, the Commission is 
adopting limits on reimbursement to ensure that licensees subject to 
the plan do not bear a disproportionate cost. The Commission concludes 
that these provisions amply protect the interests of such licensees.
    41. Under the Commission's cost-sharing plan, a PCS licensee 
obtains reimbursement rights for a particular link on the date that it 
signs a relocation agreement with the microwave incumbent operating on 
the link at issue. Within ten business days of the date the agreement 
is signed, the PCS licensee submits documentation of the agreement to a 
non-profit clearinghouse, which will be selected by the Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau (``Bureau''). If the clearinghouse has not 
yet been selected, the PCS relocator will be responsible for submitting 
documentation of a relocation agreement within ten business days of the 
date that the Bureau announces that the clearinghouse has been 
established and has begun operation.
    42. Prior to commencing commercial operation, each PCS licensee is 
required to send a prior coordination notification (``PCN'') to all 
existing users in the area. At the same time, each PCS licensee shall 
file a copy of the PCN with the clearinghouse. The clearinghouse will 
then apply an objective test to determine whether the proposed base 
station would have posed an interference problem to the relocated link. 
If the test shows that the proposed base station is close enough to 
have posed an interference problem, the clearinghouse will notify the 
subsequent licensee that it is required to reimburse the PCS relocator 
under the cost-sharing formula for a portion of the expenses the 
relocator incurred to move the link. UTAM will be required to reimburse 
PCS relocators who relocate microwave links that were operating in the 
unlicensed PCS band.
    43. The clearinghouse will determine the amount that the subsequent 
PCS licensee must pay the relocator through the use of a cost-sharing 
formula. The formula takes into consideration such factors as the 
actual amount paid to relocate the link and the number of PCS licensees 
that would have interfered with the link. All calculations will be done 
on a per-link basis. The reimbursement amount also decreases over time 
to reflect the fact that the initial PCS relocator has received the 
benefit of being first to market, and to ensure that the PCS relocator 
pays the largest amount, which the Commission believes will provide an 
incentive to the relocator to limit relocation expenses. As an 
additional protection for later-entrants, the Commission has imposed a 
cap of $250,000 per link, with an additional $150,000 if a new or 
modified tower is required, on the amount that a PCS relocator may 
recoup for the relocation of each individual microwave link. PCS 
relocators are entitled to full reimbursement, up to the cap, for 
relocating non-interfering links fully outside their market area or 
licensed frequency band. Also, costs that are incurred prior to the 
selection of a clearinghouse will be reimbursable after a clearinghouse 
is established.
    44. Once a PCS licensee receives written notification from the 
clearinghouse of its reimbursement obligation, it must pay the entire 
amount owed within thirty calendar days, with the exception of those 
small businesses that qualify for installment payments under the 
Commission's auction rules. UTAM will be required to

[[Page 29687]]

reimburse a PCS relocator once a county is cleared of enough microwave 
links to enable unlicensed PCS devices to operate. Because UTAM 
receives its funding in small increments over an extended period of 
time, UTAM will be permitted to satisfy its reimbursement obligation by 
making quarterly installment payments to the PCS relocator over a 
period of five years, at an interest rate of prime plus three percent.
    45. The cost-sharing plan will sunset for all PCS licensees ten 
years after the date that voluntary negotiations commenced for A and B 
block licensees, on April 4, 2005. However, the sunset date will not 
eliminate the existing obligations of PCS licensees that are paying 
their portion of relocation costs on an installment basis. Those 
licensees must continue their payments until the obligation is 
satisfied. Finally, while the Commission concludes that the cost-
sharing plan is in the public interest, the Commission is conditioning 
its adoption of these rules on approval of an entity or organization to 
administer the plan. Once an administrator is selected, the cost-
sharing rules will take effect.
    46. Participation in Cost-Sharing Plan. By this Report and Order, 
the Commission mandates that all PCS licensees benefitting from 
spectrum clearance by other PCS licensees must contribute to such 
relocation costs. As the Commission emphasized in the Cost-Sharing 
Notice, however, PCS licensees remain free to negotiate alternative 
cost-sharing terms. The Commission also agrees with commenters that 
allowing PCS licensees to enter into such private agreements serves the 
public interest, because it adds flexibility to the cost-sharing 
process and may enable such parties to save both time and the 
administrative expense of seeking reimbursement from a clearinghouse. 
The Commission therefore concludes that licensees are not required to 
participate in the Commission's cost-sharing plan if they enter into 
alternative cost-sharing agreements. The Commission also agrees with 
commenters that all parties to a separate agreement will still be 
liable under the cost-sharing plan to other PCS licensees that incur 
relocation expenses. Finally, the Commission concludes that parties to 
a private cost-sharing agreement may also seek reimbursement through 
the clearinghouse from PCS licensees that are not parties to the 
agreement.
2. Dispute Resolution Under the Cost-Sharing Plan
    47. The Commission agrees with those commenters who argue that 
disputes arising out of the cost-sharing plan, such as disputes over 
the amount of reimbursement required, should be brought to the 
clearinghouse first for resolution. At the time the dispute is brought 
to the clearinghouse, the parties will be required to submit 
appropriate documentation, e.g., an independent appraisal of the 
equipment expenses at issue, to support their position. To the extent 
that disputes cannot be resolved by the clearinghouse, the Commission 
encourages parties to use expedited ADR procedures, such as binding 
arbitration, mediation, or other ADR techniques. At this time, the 
Commission does not designate a specific penalty for failure to comply 
with cost-sharing requirements; however, the Commission emphasizes that 
they intend to use the full realm of enforcement mechanisms available 
to them in order to ensure that reimbursement obligations are 
satisfied.
3. Administration of the Cost-Sharing Plan
    48. The Commission agrees with those commenters who suggest that 
the clearinghouse administrator should be selected through an open 
process. The Commission also believes it is essential for the plan to 
be administered by industry to the fullest extent possible. Therefore, 
before the Commission implements the plan, the Commission will seek 
specific proposals from parties who wish to act as administrator and 
will request public comment on any such proposals.
    49. The Commission delegates to the Wireless Bureau the authority 
to select one or more entities to create and administer a neutral, not-
for-profit clearinghouse. Selection shall be based on criteria 
established by the Bureau. The Bureau shall publicly announce the 
criteria and solicit proposals from qualified parties. Once such 
proposals have been received, and an opportunity has elapsed for public 
comment on them, the Bureau shall make its selection. When the Bureau 
selects an administrator, it shall announce the effective date of the 
cost-sharing rules.

C. Licensing Issues

    50. As of the effective date of the new rules, the Commission will 
grant pending and newly filed applications for all major modifications 
and all extensions to existing 2 GHz microwave systems on a secondary 
basis. The Commission will grant primary status for the following 
limited number of technical changes: decreases in power, minor changes 
in antenna height, minor location changes (up to two seconds), any data 
correction which does not involve a change in the location of an 
existing facility, reductions in authorized bandwidths, minor changes 
in structure heights, changes in ground elevation (but preserving 
centerline height), and changes in equipment. All other modifications 
will be permitted on a secondary basis, unless (1) the incumbent 
affirmatively justifies primary status, and (2) the incumbent 
establishes that the modification would not add to the relocation costs 
of PCS licensees. The Commission declines to adopt the suggestion made 
by PCS licensees that no modifications should be allowed even on a 
secondary basis, because some incumbents might not need to relocate for 
several years, and they should be permitted to make modifications to 
their systems during that time period. The Commission also disagrees 
with incumbents that the Commission's licensing policy should be 
expanded, because the Commission believes that limiting primary site 
grants is necessary to protect the interests of PCS licensees. In sum, 
the Commission believes that granting secondary site authorizations 
serves the public interest, because it balances existing licensees' 
need to expand their systems with the goal of minimizing the number of 
microwave links that PCS licensees must relocate.
    51. Furthermore, the Commission clarifies that secondary operations 
may not cause interference to operations authorized on a primary basis, 
and they are not protected from interference from primary operations. 
Thus, an incumbent operating under a secondary authorization must cease 
operations if it poses an interference problem to a PCS licensee. 
However, prior to commencing operations, PCS licensees are obligated to 
provide all incumbents that are operating within interference range, 
regardless of whether an incumbent is operating under a primary or a 
secondary site authorization, with thirty days notice that they will be 
commencing operations in the vicinity. Finally, PCS licensees are under 
no obligation to pay to relocate secondary links that exist within 
their market area and frequency block.

D. Application to Other Emerging Technology Licensees

    52. The Commission agrees with AT&T that the cost-sharing plan and 
rule clarifications adopted in this proceeding should apply to all 
emerging technology services, including those

[[Page 29688]]

services in the 2110-2150 and 2160-2200 GHz band that have not yet been 
licensed, because the microwave relocation rules already apply to all 
emerging technology services. For the same reasons that these changes 
will facilitate the deployment of PCS, the Commission believes these 
changes will also facilitate the deployment of other emerging 
technology services. For example, these changes and clarifications will 
provide additional guidance and help to accelerate negotiations between 
the parties. However, as new services develop, the Commission may 
review its relocation rules and make modifications to these rules where 
appropriate. In addition, while the Commission concludes that cost-
sharing should apply to all emerging technology services, the 
Commission does not adopt specific cost-sharing rules for new services 
at this time, but will develop such rules in future proceedings.

III. Conclusion

    53. The Commission believes that the rules adopted in this Report 
and Order will promote the public policy goals set forth by Congress. 
The cost-sharing formula adopted herein will facilitate the rapid 
relocation of microwave facilities operating in the 2 GHz band, and 
will allow PCS licensees to offer service to the public in an 
expeditious manner.

IV. Procedural Matters

A. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    As required by Section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, an 
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was incorporated in the 
Notice of Proposed Rule Making in WT Docket No. 95-157, RM-8643. The 
Commission has prepared a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis of the 
expected impact on small entities of the proposals suggested in this 
document. Written comments were requested. The Commission's final 
analysis is as follows:
    Need for and purpose of the action: This rulemaking proceeding has 
implemented Congress' goal of encouraging emerging technologies and 
bringing innovative commercial wireless services to the public in an 
efficient manner. The cost-sharing plan will promote the efficient 
relocation of microwave licensees by encouraging PCS licensees to 
relocate entire microwave systems rather than individual microwave 
links. A cost-sharing plan is necessary to enhance the speed of 
relocation and provide an incentive to PCS licensees to negotiate 
system-wide relocation agreements with microwave incumbents. This 
action will result in faster deployment of PCS and delivery of service 
to the public. The Commission has also clarified some terminology 
regarding certain aspects of the Commission's rules for microwave 
relocation contained in the Commission's Emerging Technologies 
proceeding, Docket No. 92-9.
    Issues raised in response to the IRFA: The American Public Power 
Association (``APPA'') states that conversion of 2 GHz microwave 
systems to secondary status in the year 2005 would have a particularly 
severe impact on the limited budgets of small, non-profit public 
utility systems.
    Significant alternatives considered and rejected: Although the 
Commission has decided not to convert microwave incumbents to secondary 
status automatically as the Commission proposed in the Cost-Sharing 
Notice, microwave incumbents will be required to pay for their own 
relocation costs after the sunset date. The Commission has considered 
the impact of the ten year sunset date, and the Commission has 
determined that the benefits of imposing a sunset date outweigh the 
burdens such a date may impose on these incumbents. For further 
discussion, see Section IV(A)(6), supra.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This First Report and Order contains either a proposed or modified 
information collection. The Commission, as part of its continuing 
effort to reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public and the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to comment on the information 
collections contained in this First Report and Order, as required by 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments should 
address: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
Commission, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimates; (c) 
ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information 
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on the respondents, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Further Information. For additional information concerning the 
information collections contained in this Report and Order, contact 
Dorothy Conway at (202) 418-0217, or via the Internet at 
[email protected].
    Supplementary Information:
    Title: Amendment of the Commission's Rules Regarding a Plan for 
Sharing the Costs of Microwave Relocation, First Report and Order.
    Type of Review: Revision to existing collection.
    Respondents: Personal Communications Service licensees that 
relocate existing microwave operators, subsequent Personal 
Communications Service applicants potentially benefitted by such 
relocation, and incumbent microwave operators.
    Number of Respondents: Approximately 2,000.
    Estimated Time Per Response: One hour to compose, type and mail the 
information to the requesting party.
    Total Annual Burden: Approximately 2,000 hours.
    Estimated Costs Per Respondent: Assuming that respondent uses one 
attorney at $200/hour to compose, type and mail the information to the 
requesting party, respondents' costs are estimated at approximately 
$200 per one-time response.
    Needs and Uses. The Commission recently adopted a First Report and 
Order regarding a plan for sharing the costs of relocating microwave 
facilities currently operating in the 1850 to 1990 MHz (2 GHz) band, 
which has been allocated for use by broadband Personal Communications 
Services (PCS). Amendment of the Commission's Rules Regarding a Plan 
for Sharing the Costs of Microwave Relocation, First Report and Order, 
adopted April 25, 1996. The First Report and Order establishes a 
mechanism whereby PCS licensees that incur costs to relocate microwave 
links would receive reimbursement for a portion of those costs from 
other PCS licensees that also benefit from the resulting clearance of 
the spectrum.
    The First Report and Order concludes, inter alia, that in order for 
a public safety licensee to qualify for extended negotiation periods 
under the Commission's Rules, the department head responsible for 
system oversight must certify to the PCS licensee requesting relocation 
that:
    (1) the agency is a licensee in the Police Radio, Fire Radio, 
Emergency Medical, Special Emergency Radio Services, or that it is a 
licensee of other Part 94 facilities licensed on a primary basis under 
the eligibility requirements of Part 90, Subparts B and C; and
    (2) the majority of communications carried on the facilities at 
issue involve safety of life and property.
    A public safety licensee must provide certification within 30 days 
of a request from a PCS licensee, or the PCS licensee may presume that 
special treatment is inapplicable to the incumbent.

[[Page 29689]]

    In addition, the First Report and Order concludes that good faith 
negotiation between parties involved in microwave relocation requires 
each party to provide information to the other that is reasonably 
necessary to facilitate the relocation process. For example, upon 
request by a PCS licensee, the Commission expects incumbents to provide 
any information that the PCS licensee needs in order to evaluate the 
cost of relocating the incumbent to comparable facilities.
    The legal authority for this proposed information collection 
includes 47 U.S.C. Sections 154(i), 303(c), 303(f), 303(g), 303(r) and 
332. The information collection would not affect any FCC Forms. The 
proposed collection would increase minimally the burden on public 
safety licensees seeking to qualify for an extended negotiation period 
by requiring such a licensee to self-certify to the PCS licensee 
requesting relocation that it is indeed a public safety licensee, and 
by requiring that licensees share information in good faith.

C. Ex Parte Rules--Non-Restricted Proceeding

    This is a non-restricted notice and comment rulemaking proceeding. 
Ex parte presentations are permitted except during the Sunshine Agenda 
period, provided they are disclosed as provided in Commission rules.

D. Authority

    Authority for issuance of this Report and Order is contained in the 
Communications Act, Sections 4(i), 7, 303(c), 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 
and 332, 47 U.S.C. Secs. 154(i), 157, 303(c), 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 
332, as amended.

E. Ordering Clauses

    Accordingly, it is ordered that Section 15.307 is amended as set 
forth below and will become effective August 12, 1996.
    It is further ordered that Section 22.602 is amended as set forth 
below and will become effective August 12, 1996.
    It is further ordered that Sections 24.5, 24.237, 24.239. 24.241, 
24.243, 24.245, 24.247, 24.249, 24.251, 24.251 and 24.253 are amended 
as set forth below.
    It is further ordered that the cost-sharing plan is conditioned on 
approval by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau of an entity (or 
entities) to administer the plan, as described in Section IV(B)(3), 
supra.
    It is further ordered that Part 24 rule changes will become 
applicable on the date that the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau 
selects a clearinghouse to administer the cost-sharing plan. The 
Commission will issue a public announcement after the selection has 
been made.
    It is further ordered that Sections 101.3, 101.67, 101.69, 101.71, 
101.73, 101.75, 101.77, 101.79, 101.81 and 101.147, the new Part 101 
(effective August 1, 1996) of the Commission's rules are amended as set 
forth below and will become effective August 1, 1996.
    It is further ordered that rules requiring Paperwork Reduction Act 
approval shall become effective upon approval by the Office of 
Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 
Public Law No. 104-13;
    It is further ordered that, as of the effective dates of the rules 
listed herein, the Commission will only grant primary status to 
applications for minor modifications that would not add to the 
relocation costs of PCS licensees, as described in Section IV(C) supra.
    It is further ordered that, as of the effective dates of the rules 
listed herein, the Commission will grant applications for major 
modifications and extensions to existing 2 GHz microwave systems only 
on a secondary basis, as described in Section IV(C) supra.
    It is further ordered that the Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, as 
required by Section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and as set 
forth in Section VII(A) is adopted.
    It is further ordered that the Secretary shall send a copy of this 
First Report and Order to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small 
Business Administration.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 15

    Radio.

47 CFR Part 22

    Radio.

47 CFR Part 24

    Personal communications services.

47 CFR Part 101

    Fixed microwave services.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.

Rule Changes

    Parts 15, 22, 24 and 101 of Chapter I of Title 47 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations are amended as follows:

PART 15--RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES

    1. The authority citation for Part 15 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302, 303, 304, 307 and 544A.

    2. Section 15.307 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (f) and 
(g) to read as follows:

Sec. 15.307   Coordination with fixed microwave service.

    (a) UTAM, Inc. is designated to coordinate and manage the 
transition of the 1910-1930 MHz band from the Private Operational-Fixed 
Microwave Service (OFS) operating under Part 101 of this chapter to 
unlicensed PCS operations,
* * * * *
    (f) At such time as the Commission deems that the need for 
coordination between unlicensed PCS operations and existing Part 101 
Private Operational-Fixed Microwave Services ceases to exist, the 
disabling mechanism required by paragraph (e) of this section will no 
longer be required.
    (g) Operations under the provisions of this subpart are required to 
protect systems in the Private Operational-Fixed Microwave Service 
operating within the 1850-1990 MHz band until the dates and conditions 
specified in Secs. 101.69 through 101.73 of this chapter for 
termination of primary status. Interference protection is not required 
for Part 101 stations in this band licensed on a secondary basis.
* * * * *

PART 22--PUBLIC MOBILE SERVICES

    3. The authority citation for Part 22 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, unless otherwise noted.

    4. Section 22.602 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 22.602   Transition of the 2110-2130 and 2160-2180 MHz channels to 
emerging technologies.

    The microwave channels listed in Sec. 22.591 have been allocated 
for use by emerging technologies (ET) services. No new systems will be 
authorized under this part. The rules in this section provide for a 
transition period during which exis
FR Doc. 96-14138 Microwave Facilities Operating in 1850-1990 MHz (2GHz) Band; Relocation Costs Sharing
ting Paging and Radiotelephone 
Service (PARS) licensees using these channels may relocate operations 
to other media or to other fixed channels, including those in other 
microwave bands. For PARS licensees relocating operations to other 
microwave bands, authorization must be obtained under Part 101 of this 
chapter.

[[Page 29690]]

    (a) Licensees proposing to implement ET services may negotiate with 
PARS licensees authorized to use these channels, for the purpose of 
agreeing to terms under which the PARS licensees would--
    (1) Relocate their operations to other fixed microwave bands or 
other media, or alternatively,
    (2) Accept a sharing arrangement with the ET licensee that may 
result in an otherwise impermissible level of interference to the PARS 
operations.
    (b) PARS operations on these channels will continue to be co-
primary with other users of this spectrum until two years after the FCC 
commences acceptance of applications for ET services, and until one 
year after an ET licensee initiates negotiations for relocation of the 
fixed microwave licensee's operations.
    (c) Voluntary Negotiations. During the two year voluntary 
negotiation period, negotiations are strictly voluntary and are not 
defined by any parameters. However, if the parties have not reached an 
agreement within one year after the commencement of the voluntary 
period, the PARS licensee must allow the ET licensee (if it so chooses) 
to gain access to the existing facilities to be relocated so that an 
independent third party can examine the PARS licensee's 2 GHz system 
and prepare an estimate of the cost and the time needed to relocate the 
PARS licensee to comparable facilities. The ET licensee must pay for 
any such estimate.
    (d) Mandatory Negotiations. If a relocation agreement is not 
reached during the two year voluntary period, the ET licensee may 
initiate a mandatory negotiation period. This mandatory period is 
triggered at the option of the ET licensee, but ET licensees may not 
invoke their right to mandatory negotiation until the voluntary 
negotiation period has expired. Once mandatory negotiations have begun, 
a PARS licensee may not refuse to negotiate and all parties are 
required to negotiate in good faith. Good faith requires each party to 
provide information to the other that is reasonably necessary to 
facilitate the relocation process. In evaluating claims that a party 
has not negotiated in good faith, the FCC will consider, inter alia, 
the following factors:
    (1) Whether the ET licensee has made a bona fide offer to relocate 
the PARS licensee to comparable facilities in accordance with Section 
101.75(b) of this chapter;
    (2) If the PARS licensee has demanded a premium, the type of 
premium requested (e.g., whether the premium is directly related to 
relocation, such as system-wide relocations and analog-to-digital 
conversions, versus other types of premiums), and whether the value of 
the premium as compared to the cost of providing comparable facilities 
is disproportionate (i.e., whether there is a lack of proportion or 
relation between the two);
    (3) What steps the parties have taken to determine the actual cost 
of relocation to comparable facilities;
    (4) Whether either party has withheld information requested by the 
other party that is necessary to estimate relocation costs or to 
facilitate the relocation process. Any party alleging a violation of 
our good faith requirement must attach an independent estimate of the 
relocation costs in question to any documentation filed with the 
Commission in support of its claim. An independent cost estimate must 
include a specification for the comparable facility and a statement of 
the costs associated with providing that facility to the incumbent 
licensee.
    (e) Involuntary period. After the periods specified in paragraph 
(b) of this section have expired, ET licensees may initiate involuntary 
relocation procedures under the Commission's rules. ET licensees are 
obligated to pay to relocate only the specific microwave links to which 
their systems pose an interference problem. Under involuntary 
relocation, a PARS licensee is required to relocate, provided that:
    (1) The ET applicant, provider, licensee or representative 
guarantees payment of relocation costs, including all engineering, 
equipment, site and FCC fees, as well as any legitimate and prudent 
transaction expenses incurred by the PARS licensee that are directly 
attributable to an involuntary relocation, subject to a cap of two 
percent of the hard costs involved. Hard costs are defined as the 
actual costs associated with providing a replacement system, such as 
equipment and engineering expenses. ET licensees are not required to 
pay PARS licensees for internal resources devoted to the relocation 
process. ET licensees are not required to pay for transaction costs 
incurred by PARS licensees during the voluntary or mandatory periods 
once the involuntary period is initiated or for fees that cannot be 
legitimately tied to the provision of comparable facilities;
    (2) The ET applicant, provider, licensee or representative 
completes all activities necessary for implementing the replacement 
facilities, including engineering and cost analysis of the relocation 
procedure and, if radio facilities are involved, identifying and 
obtaining, on the incumbents behalf, new channels and frequency 
coordination; and,
    (3) The ET applicant, provider, licensee or representative builds 
the replacement system and tests it for comparability with the existing 
2 GHz system.
    (f) Comparable Facilities. The replacement system provided to an 
incumbent during an involuntary relocation must be at least equivalent 
to the existing PARS system with respect to the following three 
factors:
    (1) Throughput. Communications throughput is the amount of 
information transferred within a system in a given amount of time. If 
analog facilities are being replaced with analog, the ET licensee is 
required to provide the PARS licensee with an equivalent number of 4 
kHz voice channels. If digital facilities are being replaced with 
digital, the ET licensee must provide the PARS licensee with equivalent 
data loading bits per second (bps). ET licensees must provide PARS 
licensees with enough throughput to satisfy the PARS licensee's system 
use at the time of relocation, not match the total capacity of the PARS 
system.
    (2) Reliability. System reliability is the degree to which 
information is transferred accurately within a system. ET licensees 
must provide PARS licensees with reliability equal to the overall 
reliability of their system. For digital data systems, reliability is 
measured by the percent of time the bit error rate (BER) exceeds a 
desired value, and for analog or digital voice transmissions, it is 
measured by the percent of time that audio signal quality meets an 
established threshold. If an analog voice system is replaced with a 
digital voice system, only the resulting frequency response, harmonic 
distortion, signal-to-noise ratio and its reliability will be 
considered in determining comparable reliability.
    (3) Operating Costs. Operating costs are the cost to operate and 
maintain the PARS system. ET licensees must compensate PARS licensees 
for any increased recurring costs associated with the replacement 
facilities (e.g. additional rental payments, increased utility fees) 
for five years after relocation. ET licensees may satisfy this 
obligation by making a lump-sum payment based on present value using 
current interest rates. Additionally, the maintenance costs to the PARS 
licensee must be equivalent to the 2 GHz system in order for the 
replacement system to be considered comparable.
    (g) The PARS licensee is not required to relocate until the 
alternative facilities are available to it for a reasonable time to 
make adjustments, determine

[[Page 29691]]

comparability, and ensure a seamless handoff.
    (h) The Commission's Twelve-Month Trial Period. If, within one year 
after the relocation to new facilities, the PARS licensee demonstrates 
that the new facilities are not comparable to the former facilities, 
the ET applicant, provider, licensee or representative must remedy the 
defects or pay to relocate the PARS licensee to one of the following: 
its former or equivalent 2 GHz channels, another comparable frequency 
band, a land-line system, or any other facility that satisfies the 
requirements specified in paragraph (f) of this section. This trial 
period commences on the date that the PARS licensee begins full 
operation of the replacement link. If the PARS licensee has retained 
its 2 GHz authorization during the trial period, it must return the 
license to the Commission at the end of the twelve months.
    (i) After April 25, 1996, all major modifications and extensions to 
existing PARS systems operating on channels in the 2110-2130 and 2160-
2180 MHz bands will be authorized on a secondary basis to future ET 
operations. All other modifications will render the modified PARS 
license secondary to future ET operations unless the incumbent 
affirmatively justifies primary status and the incumbent PARS licensee 
establishes that the modification would not add to the relocation costs 
of ET licensees. Incumbent PARS licensees will maintain primary status 
for the following technical changes:
    (1) Decreases in power;
    (2) Minor changes (increases or decreases) in antenna height;
    (3) Minor location changes (up to two seconds);
    (4) Any data correction which does not involve a change in the 
location of an existing facility;
    (5) Reductions in authorized bandwidth;
    (6) Minor changes (increases or decreases) in structure height;
    (7) Changes (increases or decreases) in ground elevation that do 
not affect centerline height;
    (8) Minor equipment changes.
    (j) Sunset. PARS licensees will maintain primary status in the 
2110-2130 and 2160-2180 MHz bands unless and until an ET licensee 
requires use of the spectrum. ET licensees are not required to pay 
relocation costs after the relocation rules sunset (i.e. ten years 
after the voluntary period begins for the first ET licensees in the 
service). Once the relocation rules sunset, an ET licensee may require 
the incumbent to cease operations, provided that the ET licensee 
intends to turn on a system within interference range of the incumbent, 
as determined by TIA Bulletin 10-F or any standard successor. ET 
licensee notification to the affected PARS licensee must be in writing 
and must provide the incumbent with no less than six months to vacate 
the spectrum. After the six-month notice period has expired, the PARS 
licensee must turn its license back into the Commission, unless the 
parties have entered into an agreement which allows the PARS licensee 
to continue to operate on a mutually agreed upon basis. If the parties 
cannot agree on a schedule or an alternative arrangement, requests for 
extension will be accepted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The 
Commission will grant such extensions only if the incumbent can 
demonstrate that:
    (1) It cannot relocate within the six-month period (e.g., because 
no alternative spectrum or other reasonable option is available), and;
    (2) The public interest would be harmed if the incumbent is forced 
to terminate operations (e.g., if public safety communications services 
would be disrupted).

PART 24--PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

    5. The authority citation for Part 24 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 309 and 332.

    6. Section 24.5 is amended by adding the definitions for ``PCS 
Relocator'' and ``UTAM'' in alphabetical order to read as follows:

Sec. 24.5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    PCS Relocator. A PCS entity that pays to relocate a fixed microwave 
link from its existing 2 GHz facility to other media or other fixed 
channels.
    UTAM. The Unlicensed PCS Ad Hoc Committee for 2 GHz Microwave 
Transition and Management, which coordinates relocation in the 1910-
1930 MHz band.
* * * * *
    7. Section 24.237 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:

Sec. 24.237  Interference protection.

* * * * *
    (c) In all other respects, coordination procedures are to follow 
the requirements of Sec. 101.103(d) of this chapter to the extent that 
these requirements are not inconsistent with those specified in this 
part.
* * * * *
    8. Subpart E is amended by adding a new heading following Section 
24.238 to read as follows:

Policies Governing Microwave Relocation From the 1850-1990 MHz Band

    9. A new Section 24.239 is added to Subpart E to read as follows:

Sec. 24.239   Cost-sharing requirements for Broadband PCS.

    Frequencies in the 1850-1990 MHz band listed in Sec. 101.147(c) of 
this chapter have been allocated for use by PCS. In accordance with 
procedures specified in Secs. 101.69 through 101.81 of this chapter, 
PCS entities (both licensed and unlicensed) are required to relocate 
the existing Fixed Microwave Services (FMS) licensees in these bands if 
interference to the existing FMS operations would occur. All PCS 
entities who benefit from spectrum clearance by other PCS entities must 
contribute to such relocation costs. PCS entities may satisfy this 
requirement by entering into private cost-sharing agreements or 
agreeing to terms other than those specified in Sec. 24.243. However, 
PCS entities are required to reimburse other PCS entities that incur 
relocation costs and are not parties to the alternative agreement. In 
addition, parties to a private cost-sharing agreement may seek 
reimbursement through the clearinghouse (as discussed in Sec. 24.241) 
from PCS entities that are not parties to the agreement. The cost-
sharing plan is in effect during all phases of microwave relocation 
specified in Sec. 101.69 of this chapter.
    10. A new Section 24.241 is added to Subpart E to read as follows:

Sec. 24.241   Administration of the Cost-Sharing Plan.

    The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, under delegated authority, 
will select an entity to operate as a neutral, not-for-profit 
clearinghouse. This clearinghouse will administer the cost-sharing plan 
by, inter alia, maintaining all of the cost and payment records related 
to the relocation of each link and determining the cost-sharing 
obligation of subsequent PCS entities. The cost-sharing rules will not 
take effect until an administrator is selected.
    11. A new Section 24.243 is added to Subpart E to read as follows:

[[Page 29692]]

Sec. 24.243   The Cost-Sharing Formula.

    A PCS relocator who relocates an interfering microwave link, i.e., 
one that is in all or part of its market area and in all or part of its 
frequency band, is entitled to pro rata reimbursement based on the 
following formula:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JN96.001

    (a) RN equals the amount of reimbursement.
    (b) C equals the actual cost of relocating the link. Actual 
relocation costs include, but are not limited to, such items as: radio 
terminal equipment (TX and/or RX--antenna, necessary feed lines, MUX/
Modems); towers and/or modifications; back-up power equipment; 
monitoring or control equipment; engineering costs (design/path 
survey); installation; systems testing; FCC filing costs; site 
acquisition and civil works; zoning costs; training; disposal of old 
equipment; test equipment (vendor required); spare equipment; project 
management; prior coordination notification under Sec. 101.103(d) of 
this chapter; required antenna upgrades for interference control; power 
plant upgrade (if required); electrical grounding systems; Heating 
Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (if required); alternate 
transport equipment; and leased facilities. C also includes incumbent 
transaction expenses that are directly attributable to the relocation, 
subject to a cap of two percent of the ``hard'' costs involved. C may 
not exceed $250,000 per link, with an additional $150,000 permitted if 
a new or modified tower is required.
    (c) N equals the number of PCS entities that would have interfered 
with the link. For the PCS relocator, N = 1. For the next PCS entity 
that would have interfered with the link, N=2, and so on.
    (d) TM equals the number of months that have elapsed between 
the month the PCS relocator obtains reimbursement rights and the month 
that the clearinghouse notifies a later-entrant of its reimbursement 
obligation. A PCS relocator obtains reimbursement rights on the date 
that it signs a relocation agreement with a microwave incumbent.
    12. A new Section 24.245 is added to Subpart E to read as follows:
Sec. 24.245   Reimbursement under the Cost-Sharing Plan.

    (a) Registration of Reimbursement Rights. To obtain reimbursement, 
a PCS relocator must submit documentation of the relocation agreement 
to the clearinghouse within ten business days of the date a relocation 
agreement is signed with an incumbent. If the clearinghouse has not yet 
been selected, the PCS relocator will be responsible for submitting 
documentation of the relocation agreement within ten business days of 
the date that the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issues a public 
notice announcing that the clearinghouse has been established and has 
begun operation.
    (b) Documentation of Expenses. Once relocation occurs, the PCS 
relocator must submit documentation itemizing the amount spent for 
items listed in Sec. 24.243(b). The PCS relocator must identify the 
particular link associated with appropriate expenses (i.e., costs may 
not be averaged over numerous links). If a PCS relocator pays a 
microwave incumbent a monetary sum to relocate its own facilities, the 
PCS relocator must estimate the costs associated with relocating the 
incumbent by itemizing the anticipated cost for items listed in 
Sec. 24.243(b). If the sum paid to the incumbent cannot be accounted 
for, the remaining amount is not eligible for reimbursement. A PCS 
relocator may submit receipts or other documentation to the 
clearinghouse for all relocation expenses incurred since April 5, 1995.
    (c) Full Reimbursement. A PCS relocator who relocates a microwave 
link that is either fully outside its market area or its licensed 
frequency band may seek full reimbursement through the clearinghouse of 
compensable costs, up to the reimbursement cap as defined in 
Sec. 24.243(b). Such reimbursement will not be subject to depreciation 
under the cost-sharing formula.
    13. A new Section 24.247 is added to Subpart E to read as follows:
Sec. 24.247   Triggering a Reimbursement Obligation.

    (a) Licensed PCS. The clearinghouse will apply the following test 
to determine if a PCS entity preparing to initiate operations must pay 
a PCS relocator in accordance with the formula detailed in Sec. 24.243:
    (1) All or part of the relocated microwave link was initially co-
channel with the licensed PCS band(s) of the subsequent PCS entity;
    (2) A PCS relocator has paid the relocation costs of the microwave 
incumbent; and
    (3) The subsequent PCS entity is preparing to turn on a fixed base 
station at commercial power and the fixed base station is located 
within a rectangle (Proximity Threshold) described as follows:
    (i) The length of the rectangle shall be x where x is a line 
extending through both nodes of the microwave link to a distance of 48 
kilometers (30 miles) beyond each node. The width of the rectangle 
shall be y where y is a line perpendicular to x and extending for a 
distance of 24 kilometers (15 miles) on both sides of x. Thus, the 
rectangle is represented as follows:

BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JN96.002

BILLING CODE 6712-01-C

[[Page 29693]]

    (ii) If the application of the Proximity Threshold test indicates 
that a reimbursement obligation exists, the clearinghouse will 
calculate the reimbursement amount in accordance with the cost-sharing 
formula and notify the subsequent PCS entity of the total amount of its 
reimbursement obligation.
    (b) Unlicensed PCS. UTAM's reimbursement obligation is triggered 
either:
    (1) When a county is cleared of microwave links in the unlicensed 
allocation, and UTAM invokes a Zone 1 power cap as a result of third 
party relocation activities; or
    (2) A county is cleared of microwave links in the unlicensed 
allocation and UTAM reclassifies a Zone 2 county to Zone 1 status.
    14. A new Section 24.249 is added to Subpart E to read as follows:

Sec. 24.249   Payment Issues.

    (a) Timing. On the day that a PCS entity files its prior 
coordination notice (PCN) in accordance with Sec. 101.103(d) of this 
chapter, it must file a copy of the PCN with the clearinghouse. The 
clearinghouse will determine if any reimbursement obligation exists and 
notify the PCS entity in writing of its repayment obligation, if any. 
When the PCS entity receives a written copy of such obligation, it must 
pay directly to the PCS relocator the amount owed within thirty days, 
with the exception of those businesses that qualify for installment 
payments. A business that qualifies for an installment payment plan 
must make its first installment payment within thirty days of notice 
from the clearinghouse. UTAM's first payment will be due thirty days 
after its reimbursement obligation is triggered as described in 
Sec. 24.247(b).
    (b) Eligibility for Installment Payments. PCS licensees that are 
allowed to pay for their licenses in installments under our designated 
entity rules will have identical payment options available to them with 
respect to payments under the cost-sharing plan. The specific terms of 
the installment payment mechanism, including the treatment of principal 
and interest, are the same as those applicable to the licensee's 
installment auction payments. If, for any reason, the entity eligible 
for installment payments is no longer eligible for such installment 
payments on its license, that entity is no longer eligible for 
installment payments under the cost-sharing plan. UTAM may make 
quarterly payments over a five-year period with an interest rate of 
prime plus 2.5 percent. UTAM may also negotiate separate repayment 
arrangements with other parties.
    15. A new Section 24.251 is added to Subpart E to read as follows:

Sec. 24.251   Dispute Resolution Under the Cost-Sharing Plan.

    Disputes arising out of the cost-sharing plan, such as disputes 
over the amount of reimbursement required, must be brought, in the 
first instance, to the clearinghouse for resolution. To the extent that 
disputes cannot be resolved by the clearinghouse, parties are 
encouraged to use expedited ADR procedures, such as binding 
arbitration, mediation, or other ADR techniques.
    16. A new Section 24.253 is added to Subpart E to read as follows:

Sec. 24.253  Termination of Cost-Sharing Obligations.

    The cost-sharing plan will sunset for all PCS entities on April 4, 
2005, which is ten years after the date that voluntary negotiations 
commenced for A and B block PCS entities. Those PCS entities that are 
paying their portion of relocation costs on an installment basis must 
continue the payments until the obligation is satisfied.

PART 101--FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES

    17. The authority citation for Part 101 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303.

    18. Section 101.3 is amended by adding the definition for 
``Secondary Operations'' in alphabetical order to read as follows:

Sec. 101.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Secondary Operations. Radio communications which may not cause 
interference to operations authorized on a primary basis and which are 
not protected from interference from these primary operations.
* * * * *
    19. Subpart B is amended by adding a new heading following Section 
101.67 to read as follows:

Policies Governing Microwave Relocation From the 1850-1990 and 
2110-2200 MHZ Bands

    20. Section 101.69 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 101.69  Transition of the 1850-1990 and 2110-2200 MHz bands from 
the Fixed Microwave Services to Personal Communications Services and 
emerging technologies.

    Fixed Microwave Services (FMS) frequencies in the 1850-1990 and 
2110-2200 MHz bands listed in Secs. 101.147 (c), (d) and (e) have been 
allocated for use by emerging technology (ET) services, including 
Personal Communications Services (PCS). The rules in this section 
provide for a transition period during which ET licensees may relocate 
existing FMS licensees using these frequencies to other media or other 
fixed channels, including those in other microwave bands.
    (a) ET licensees may negotiate with FMS licensees authorized to use 
frequencies in the 1850-1990 and 2110-2200 MHz bands, for the purpose 
of agreeing to terms under which the FMS licensees would--
    (1) Relocate their operations to other fixed microwave bands or 
other media; or alternatively
    (2) Accept a sharing arrangement with the ET licensee that may 
result in an otherwise impermissible level of interference to the FMS 
operations.
    (b) FMS operations in the 1850-1990 and 2110-2200 MHz bands, with 
the exception of public safety facilities defined in Sec. 101.77, will 
continue to be co-primary with other users of this spectrum until two 
years after the FCC commences acceptance of applications for ET 
services (voluntary negotiation period), and until one year after an ET 
licensee initiates negotiations for relocation of the fixed microwave 
licensee's operations (mandatory negotiation period). In the 1910-1930 
MHz band allocated for unlicensed PCS, FMS operations will continue to 
be co-primary until one year after UTAM, Inc. initiates negotiations 
for relocation of the fixed microwave licensee's operations. Public 
safety facilities defined in Sec. 101.77 will continue to be co-primary 
in these bands until three years after the Commission commences 
acceptance of applications for an emerging technology service 
(voluntary negotiation period), and until two years after an emerging 
technology service licensee or an emerging technology unlicensed 
equipment supplier or representative initiates negotiations for 
relocation of the fixed microwave licensee's operations (mandatory 
negotiation period). If no agreement is reached during either the 
voluntary or mandatory negotiation periods, an ET licensee may initiate 
involuntary relocation procedures. Under involuntary relocation, the 
incumbent is required to relocate, provided that the ET licensee meets 
the conditions of Sec. 101.75.
    21. A new Section 101.71 is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

[[Page 29694]]

Sec. 101.71  Voluntary Negotiations.

    During the two or three year voluntary negotiation period, 
negotiations are strictly voluntary and are not defined by any 
parameters. However, if the parties have not reached an agreement 
within one year after the commencement of the voluntary period, the FMS 
licensee must allow the ET licensee (if it so chooses) to gain access 
to the existing facilities to be relocated so that an independent third 
party can examine the FMS licensee's 2 GHz system and prepare an 
estimate of the cost and the time needed to relocate the FMS licensee 
to comparable facilities. The ET licensee must pay for any such 
estimate.
    22. A new Section 101.73 is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Sec. 101.73  Mandatory Negotiations.

    (a) If a relocation agreement is not reached during the two or 
three year voluntary period, the ET licensee may initiate a mandatory 
negotiation period. This mandatory period is triggered at the option of 
the ET licensee, but ET licensees may not invoke their right to 
mandatory negotiation until the voluntary negotiation period has 
expired.
    (b) Once mandatory negotiations have begun, an FMS licensee may not 
refuse to negotiate and all parties are required to negotiate in good 
faith. Good faith requires each party to provide information to the 
other that is reasonably necessary to facilitate the relocation 
process. In evaluating claims that a party has not negotiated in good 
faith, the FCC will consider, inter alia, the following factors:
    (1) Whether the ET licensee has made a bona fide offer to relocate 
the FMS licensee to comparable facilities in accordance with Section 
101.75(b);
    (2) If the FMS licensee has demanded a premium, the type of premium 
requested (e.g., whether the premium is directly related to relocation, 
such as system-wide relocations and analog-to-digital conversions, 
versus other types of premiums), and whether the value of the premium 
as compared to the cost of providing comparable facilities is 
disproportionate (i.e., whether there is a lack of proportion or 
relation between the two);
    (3) What steps the parties have taken to determine the actual cost 
of relocation to comparable facilities;
    (4) Whether either party has withheld information requested by the 
other party that is necessary to estimate relocation costs or to 
facilitate the relocation process.
    (c) Any party alleging a violation of our good faith requirement 
must attach an independent estimate of the relocation costs in question 
to any documentation filed with the Commission in support of its claim. 
An independent cost estimate must include a specification for the 
comparable facility and a statement of the costs associated with 
providing that facility to the incumbent licensee.
    23. A new Section 101.75 is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Sec. 101.75  Involuntary Relocation Procedures.

    (a) If no agreement is reached during either the voluntary or 
mandatory negotiation period, an ET licensee may initiate involuntary 
relocation procedures under the Commission's rules. ET licensees are 
obligated to pay to relocate only the specific microwave links to which 
their systems pose an interference problem. Under involuntary 
relocation, the FMS licensee is required to relocate, provided that the 
ET licensee:
    (1) Guarantees payment of relocation costs, including all 
engineering, equipment, site and FCC fees, as well as any legitimate 
and prudent transaction expenses incurred by the FMS licensee that are 
directly attributable to an involuntary relocation, subject to a cap of 
two percent of the hard costs involved. Hard costs are defined as the 
actual costs associated with providing a replacement system, such as 
equipment and engineering expenses. ET licensees are not required to 
pay FMS licensees for internal resources devoted to the relocation 
process. ET licensees are not required to pay for transaction costs 
incurred by FMS licensees during the voluntary or mandatory periods 
once the involuntary period is initiated, or for fees that cannot be 
legitimately tied to the provision of comparable facilities;
    (2) Completes all activities necessary for implementing the 
replacement facilities, including engineering and cost analysis of the 
relocation procedure and, if radio facilities are used, identifying and 
obtaining, on the incumbents' behalf, new microwave frequencies and 
frequency coordination; and
    (3) Builds the replacement system and tests it for comparability 
with the existing 2 GHz system.
    (b) Comparable Facilities. The replacement system provided to an 
incumbent during an involuntary relocation must be at least equivalent 
to the existing FMS system with respect to the following three factors:
    (1) Throughput. Communications throughput is the amount of 
information transferred within a system in a given amount of time. If 
analog facilities are being replaced with analog, the ET licensee is 
required to provide the FMS licensee with an equivalent number of 4 kHz 
voice channels. If digital facilities are being replaced with digital, 
the ET licensee must provide the FMS licensee with equivalent data 
loading bits per second (bps). ET licensees must provide FMS licensees 
with enough throughput to satisfy the FMS licensee's system use at the 
time of relocation, not match the total capacity of the FMS system.
    (2) Reliability. System reliability is the degree to which 
information is transferred accurately within a system. ET licensees 
must provide FMS licensees with reliability equal to the overall 
reliability of their system. For digital data systems, reliability is 
measured by the percent of time the bit error rate (BER) exceeds a 
desired value, and for analog or digital voice transmissions, it is 
measured by the percent of time that audio signal quality meets an 
established threshold. If an analog voice system is replaced with a 
digital voice system, only the resulting frequency response, harmonic 
distortion, signal-to-noise ratio and its reliability will be 
considered in determining comparable reliability.
    (3) Operating Costs. Operating costs are the cost to operate and 
maintain the FMS system. ET licensees must compensate FMS licensees for 
any increased recurring costs associated with the replacement 
facilities (e.g., additional rental payments, increased utility fees) 
for five years after relocation. ET licensees may satisfy this 
obligation by making a lump-sum payment based on present value using 
current interest rates. Additionally, the maintenance costs to the FMS 
licensee must be equivalent to the 2 GHz system in order for the 
replacement system to be considered comparable.
    (c) The FMS licensee is not required to relocate until the 
alternative facilities are available to it for a reasonable time to 
make adjustments, determine comparability, and ensure a seamless 
handoff.
    (d) Twelve-Month Trial Period. If, within one year after the 
relocation to new facilities, the FMS licensee demonstrates that the 
new facilities are not comparable to the former facilities, the ET 
licensee must remedy the defects or pay to relocate the microwave 
licensee to one of the following: its former or equivalent 2 GHz 
channels, another comparable frequency band, a land-line system, or any 
other facility that satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 
(b) of this section. This trial period commences on the date that the 
FMS licensee begins full operation of the replacement link. If the FMS 
licensee has retained its 2 GHz

[[Page 29695]]

authorization during the trial period, it must return the license to 
the Commission at the end of the twelve months.
    24. A new Section 101.77 is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Sec. 101.77  Public Safety Licensees in the 1850-1990 and 2110-2200 MHz 
bands.

    (a) Public safety facilities are subject to the three-year 
voluntary and two-year mandatory negotiation period. In order for 
public safety licensees to qualify for extended negotiation periods, 
the department head responsible for system oversight must certify to 
the ET licensee requesting relocation that:
    (1) The agency is a licensee in the Police Radio, Fire Radio, 
Emergency Medical, Special Emergency Radio Services, or that it is a 
licensee of other Part 101 facilities licensed on a primary basis under 
the eligibility requirements of Part 90, Subparts B and C of this 
chapter; and
    (2) The majority of communications carried on the facilities at 
issue involve safety of life and property.
    (b) A public safety licensee must provide certification within 
thirty (30) days of a request from a ET licensee, or the ET licensee 
may presume that special treatment is inapplicable. If a public safety 
licensee falsely certifies to an ET licensee that it qualifies for the 
extended time periods, this licensee will be in violation of the 
Commission's rules and will subject to appropriate penalties, as well 
as immediately subject to the non-public safety time periods.
    25. A new Section 101.79 is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Sec. 101.79  Sunset provisions for licensees in the 1850-1990 and 2110-
2200 MHz bands.

    (a) FMS licensees will maintain primary status in the 1850-1990 and 
2110-2200 MHz bands unless and until an ET licensee requires use of the 
spectrum. ET licensees are not required to pay relocation costs after 
the relocation rules sunset (i.e. ten years after the voluntary period 
begins for the first ET licensees in the service). Once the relocation 
rules sunset, an ET licensee may require the incumbent to cease 
operations, provided that the ET licensee intends to turn on a system 
within interference range of the incumbent, as determined by TIA 
Bulletin 10-F or any standard successor. ET licensee notification to 
the affected FMS licensee must be in writing and must provide the 
incumbent with no less than six months to vacate the spectrum. After 
the six-month notice period has expired, the FMS licensee must turn its 
license back into the Commission, unless the parties have entered into 
an agreement which allows the FMS licensee to continue to operate on a 
mutually agreed upon basis.
    (b) If the parties cannot agree on a schedule or an alternative 
arrangement, requests for extension will be accepted and reviewed on a 
case-by-case basis. The Commission will grant such extensions only if 
the incumbent can demonstrate that:
    (1) It cannot relocate within the six-month period (e.g., because 
no alternative spectrum or other reasonable option is available), and;
    (2) The public interest would be harmed if the incumbent is forced 
to terminate operations (e.g., if public safety communications services 
would be disrupted).
    26. A new Section 101.81 is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Sec. 101.81  Future licensing in the 1850-1990 and 2110-2200 MHz bands.

    After April 25, 1996, all major modifications and extensions to 
existing FMS systems in the 1850-1990 and 2110-2200 MHz bands will be 
authorized on a secondary basis to ET systems. All other modifications 
will render the modified FMS license secondary to ET operations, unless 
the incumbent affirmatively justifies primary status and the incumbent 
FMS licensee establishes that the modification would not add to the 
relocation costs of ET licensees. Incumbent FMS licensees will maintain 
primary status for the following technical changes:
    (a) Decreases in power;
    (b) Minor changes (increases or decreases) in antenna height;
    (c) Minor location changes (up to two seconds);
    (d) Any data correction which does not involve a change in the 
location of an existing facility;
    (e) Reductions in authorized bandwidth;
    (f) Minor changes (increases or decreases) in structure height;
    (g) Changes (increases or decreases) in ground elevation that do 
not affect centerline height;
    (h) Minor equipment changes.
    27. Section 101.147 is amended by adding references to note 20 in 
the entries for frequency ranges 1,850-1,990, 2,130-2,150, 2,150-2,160 
and 2,180-2,200 MHz and revising note 20 to read as follows:

Sec. 101.147  Frequency assignments.

    (a) * * *
1,850-1,990 MHz (20)
* * * * *
2,130-2,150 MHz (20) (22)
2,150-2,160 MHz (20), (22)
* * * * *
2,180-2,200 MHz (20), (22)
* * * * *
Notes
* * * * *
    (20) New facilities in these bands will be licensed only on a 
secondary basis. Facilities licensed or applied for before January 
16, 1992, are permitted to make modifications and minor extensions 
in accordance with Sec. 101.77 and still retain primary status.
* * * * *
    (22) Frequencies in these bands are for the exclusive use of 
Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service (Part 
101).

[FR Doc. 96-14138 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-13402 Nationality Procedures
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29651-29653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-13402]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Consular Affairs

22 CFR Part 50

[Public Notice 2383]

Nationality Procedures

AGENCY: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Consular Affairs is amending its regulations 
concerning Nationality Procedures. Obsolete sections containing 
references to statutes which have been repealed, or contain inaccurate 
information, will be deleted. Several sections are being added which 
address recently enacted laws. Current State Department policies 
regarding loss of citizenship/nationality are added. These amendments, 
as general statements of longstanding State Department policy, are 
published as final rules.

EFFECTIVE DATE: May 22, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit any questions to 
the Director of Policy Review and Interagency Liaison, Overseas 
Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. 
Department of State, Washington, DC 20520; Fax: (202) 647-6201.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carmen A. DiPlacido, or Michael 
Meszaros, Overseas Citizens Services, Department of State, 202-647-3666 
or 202-647-4994.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposed rule implements changes which 
have occurred in State Department policy regarding nationality 
procedures and as a result of recent amendments to the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (INA). (Pub. L. 103-416, 108 Stat. 4308, 10/25/94). It 
also removes obsolete provisions from subpart B and subpart C of part 
50 Nationality Procedures.

Loss of Nationality/Citizenship

    Section 349 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1481) 
states that U.S. nationals are subject to loss of nationality if they 
perform certain acts voluntarily and with the intention of 
relinquishing U.S. nationality. (Note that for purposes of determining 
loss of nationality the words citizenship and nationality are 
synonymous.) These potentially expatriating acts include: (1) Obtaining 
naturalization in a foreign state; (2) taking an oath, affirmation or 
other formal declaration to a foreign state or its political 
subdivisions; (3) entering or serving in the armed forces of a foreign 
state engaged in hostilities against the United States or serving as a 
commissioned or non-commissioned officer in the armed forces of a 
foreign state; (4) accepting employment with a foreign government if 
(a) one has the nationality of that foreign state or (b) a declaration 
of allegiance is required in accepting the position; (5) formally 
renouncing U.S. citizenship before a U.S. consular officer outside the 
United States; (6) formally renouncing U.S. citizenship within the 
United States (but only ``in time of war''); and (7) conviction for an 
act of treason.
    In 1990, the Bureau of Consular Affairs adopted an administrative 
presumption in determining whether or not a U.S. citizen has performed 
a potentially expatriating act with the intention of relinquishing U.S. 
nationality in three classes of loss of citizenship cases. 
Specifically, when a U.S. citizen obtains naturalization in a foreign 
state, subscribes to routine declarations of allegiance to a foreign 
state, or accepts non-policy level employment with a foreign state, the 
intent to retain U.S. nationality will be presumed. U.S. citizens who 
naturalize in a foreign country; take a routine oath of allegiance; or 
accept non-policy level employment with a foreign government need not, 
therefore, submit evidence of their intent to retain U.S. nationality. 
A person who affirmatively asserts to a consular officer after he or 
she has committed a potentially expatriating act that it was his or her 
intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship will, however, lose his or her 
U.S. citizenship. In all other loss of nationality cases, the consular 
officer will ascertain whether or not there is evidence of intent to 
relinquish U.S. nationality.

Retroactive Application of the Administrative Presumption in Certain 
Loss of Nationality/Citizenship Cases

    Persons who previously were held to have lost citizenship are 
provided the

[[Page 29652]]

opportunity to regain their U.S. citizenship. Citizenship will be 
reinstated if, at the time the loss of nationality was determined, the 
person did not attest in writing that it was his/her intention to 
relinquish U.S. citizenship. The Department of State's Office of 
Overseas Citizens Services will administratively review all cases 
submitted to it, even cases which previously were before the Department 
of State's Board of Appellate Review (L/BAR). Claimants need not be 
represented by an attorney. Individual claims may be submitted to the 
following address: Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 
Office of Policy Review and Interagency Liaison, Overseas Citizens 
Services, 2201 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20520-4817.

Statutory Changes

    Section 324(d) INA: Section 324 of the INA has been amended to 
allow former U.S. citizens who lost their nationality due to 
noncompliance with U.S. residency requirements under the 1940 
Nationality Act or the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, to regain 
citizenship by taking a specific oath of allegiance. Section 324(d) 
applies to persons born between May 24, 1934 and December 24, 1952. 
Former U.S. citizens may take the oath of allegiance as provided in 
section 324(d) if they are not otherwise ineligible under section 313 
INA for advocating totalitarian forms of government. Persons qualifying 
regain U.S. citizenship as of the date the oath is taken but not 
retroactively to the date upon which it was lost. Because this 
amendment does not restore citizenship, persons subject to section 
324(d) will be unable to transmit citizenship to their children born 
during the period between loss and resumption of U.S. citizenship. 
Persons eligible to take advantage of this provision may do so before 
the officers of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) or 
U.S. consular officers abroad. The amendments to section 324 became 
effective on March 1, 1995.
    The Department supported this legislation because it eliminates the 
need to adjudicate the three complicated affirmative defenses of 
unawareness, impossibility of performance, and misinformation as 
defenses to failure to fulfill retention requirements. The Department 
notes that these affirmative defenses may still be relied upon for 
citizenship retention purposes.
    Section 340(d) INA: Section 340(d) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act has been repealed by section 104(b) of the Immigration 
and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-416, 108 
Stat. 4308, 10/25/94). Section 340(d) provided that any naturalized 
citizen who, within one year of naturalization, returned to his or her 
native country, or to any other foreign country, and took up permanent 
residence there, could have his or her certificate of naturalization 
revoked by a court.
    Section 350 INA: Section 350 of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
was repealed by Section One of the Immigration and Nationality 
Technical Corrections Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-432, 92 Stat. 1046, 10/
10/78). Section 350 had provided that any person born as a dual 
national who sought any benefit from any foreign country, lost U.S. 
citizenship if he or she was over the age of 21 and had resided in the 
country of his or her other nationality for 3 years. ``Benefits'' was 
defined broadly to include the use of a foreign passport, the holding 
of an identification card issued by a foreign state or the obtaining of 
a special license or scholarship available only to nationals of the 
foreign state. Persons who previously were held to have lost 
citizenship under Section 350 INA may have their citizenship reinstated 
if they can show that they did not intend to relinquish U.S. 
citizenship.
    These regulations are not expected to have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 605(b). In addition, they will 
not impose information collection requirements under the provisions of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35. Nor do these 
final rules have federalism implications warranting the preparation of 
a Federalism Assessment in accordance with E.O. 12612. These final 
rules have been reviewed as required by E.O. 12778 and certified to be 
in compliance therewith. These rules are not exempt from review under 
E.O. 12866 but have been reviewed and found to be consistent with the 
objectives thereof. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Section 553(b)(A), these rules 
are general statements of previously implemented policy not subject to 
the general notice requirement of 5 U.S.C. Section 553(b).

List of Subjects in 22 CFR Part 50

    Nationality Procedures.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 22 CFR Part 50 is amended 
as follows:

PART 50--[AMENDED]

Subpart B--Retention and Resumption of Nationality

    1. The authority citation for 22 CFR Part 50 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended, secs. 104, 360, 66 
Stat. 174, 273; 22 U.S.C. 2658, 8 U.S.C. 1104, 1503.

Sec. 50.20  [Amended]

    1A. Section 50.20(a) is removed; Sec. 50.20(b) is redesignated as 
Sec. 50.20(a).
* * * * *

Sec. 50.30  [Amended]

    2. Section 50.30(d) is added to read as follows:
* * * * *
    (d) Section 324(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. (1) A 
former citizen of the United States who did not retain U.S. citizenship 
by failure to fulfill residency requirements as set out in Section 
201(g) of the 1940 Nationality Act or former 301(b) of the 1952 
Immigration and Nationality Act, may regain his/her U.S. citizenship 
pursuant to Section 324(d) INA, by applying abroad at a diplomatic or 
consular post, or in the U.S. at any Immigration and Naturalization 
Service office in the form and manner prescribed by the Department of 
State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
    (2) The applicant shall submit documentary evidence to establish 
eligibility to take the oath of allegiance, which includes proof of 
birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent between May 24, 1934 and December 
24, 1952. If the diplomatic, consular, INS, or passport officer 
determines that the applicant is ineligible to regain citizenship under 
section 313 INA, the oath shall not be administered.

Subpart C--Loss of Nationality

Sec. 50.40  [Removed]

    3. Section 50.40 is removed.

Sec. 50.41  [Redesignated as Sec. 50.40 and amended]

    4. Section 50.41 is redesignated as Sec. 50.40 and in redesignated 
Sec. 50.40, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) are redesignated as 
paragraphs (c), (d), (b) and (e); paragraph (a) is added; and newly 
redesignated paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
    (a) Administrative presumption. In adjudicating potentially 
expatriating acts pursuant to INA 349(a), the Department has adopted an 
administrative presumption regarding certain acts and the intent to 
commit them. U.S. evidence of intent to retain

[[Page 29653]]

U.S. nationality. In these three classes of cases, intent to retain 
U.S. citizenship will be presumed. A person who affirmatively asserts 
to a consular officer, after he or she has committed a potentially 
expatriating act, that it was his or her intent to relinquish U.S. 
citizenship will lose his or her U.S. citizenship. In other loss of 
nationality cases, the consular officer will ascertain whether or not 
there is evidence of intent to relinquish U.S. nationality.
    (b) Whenever a person admits that he or she had the intent to 
relinquish citizenship by the voluntary and intentional performance of 
one of the acts specified in Section 349(a) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, and the person consents to the execution of an 
affidavit to that effect, the diplomatic or consular officer shall 
attach such affidavit to the certificate of loss of nationality.
* * * * *

Sec. 50.42  [Removed]

    5. Section 50.42 is removed.
    6. Section 50.50 is amended by revising the first sentence to read 
as follows:

Sec. 50.50  Renunciation of nationality.

    (a) A person desiring to renounce U.S. nationality under section 
349(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall appear before a 
diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in the manner and 
form prescribed by the Department. * * *

Sec. 50.51  [Removed]

    7. Section 50.51 is removed.

Sec. 50.52  [Redesignated as Sec. 50.51]

    8. Section 50.52 is redesignated as Sec. 50.51.

Secs. 50.20 and 50.40  [Amended]

    9. Sections 50.20(a), 50.20(a)(2), 50.40(b) and 50.40(d) are 
amended by removing the words ``his'' and ``he'' as applicable, and 
adding the words listed below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Section                                Add            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.20(a)(1)...............................  ``a''.                      
50.20(a)(2)...............................  ``the person's''.           
50.40(d)..................................  ``the person''.             
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dated: April 30, 1996.
Mary A. Ryan,
Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs.
[FR Doc. 96-13402 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-06-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-10382 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Petroleum Refineries
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29876-29882]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10382]

[[Page 29875]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part III

Environmental Protection Agency

_______________________________________________________________________

40 CFR Parts 60 and 63

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Petroleum 
Refineries; Final Rule; Correcting Amendments

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 12, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 29876]]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 60 and 63

[AD-FRL-5463-1]
RIN 2060-AD9Y

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: 
Petroleum Refineries

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule; correcting amendments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action corrects errors and clarifies regulatory text of 
the ``National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: 
Petroleum Refineries,'' which was issued as a final rule on August 18, 
1995.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 12, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Durham, Waste and Chemical 
Processes Group, Emission Standards Division (MD-13), U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North 
Carolina, 27711, telephone number (919) 541-5672.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 18, 1995 (60 FR 43244), the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated in the Federal 
Register national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants 
(NESHAP) for petroleum refineries. These regulations were promulgated 
as subpart CC of 40 CFR part 63. The same notice amended standards of 
performance in 40 CFR part 60, subpart VV. This document contains 
corrections to typographical and cross referencing errors in these 
subparts. A few editorial clarifications are also being made to clarify 
the intent of certain provisions and correct inconsistencies between 
different sections of the rule.

I. Description of Clarifying Changes

A. Compliance Dates

    The compliance dates in Sec. 63.640(h) are being clarified to 
remove an inconsistency regarding the compliance date for marine tank 
vessels. Section 63.640(h) stated that refineries have 3 years to 
comply with the NESHAP unless a case-by-case 1-year extension is 
granted. However, Sec. 63.651 cross references the marine tank vessel 
loading rule [40 CFR 63, subpart Y (September 19, 1995; FR 43388)] 
which allows 4 years to comply without requiring a case-by-case 
extension. Therefore, it was unclear in the rule published on August 
18, whether a compliance extension is required to allow marine tank 
vessel loading operations at refineries 4 years to comply. The intent 
was to be consistent with subpart Y, unless marine tank vessels are 
used to generate credit in an emissions average. Paragraph (h)(3) is 
being added to Sec. 63.640 to make it clear that marine tank vessel 
loading operations have 4 years to comply. However, if marine tank 
vessels loading is used to generate credits for an emissions average, 
compliance must be achieved in 3 years unless a case-by-case extension 
is granted by the regulatory authority as provided in Sec. 63.6(i) of 
subpart A (the NESHAP general provisions). Because the other emission 
points at a refinery included in such an emissions average are required 
to comply within 3 years of promulgation, the emissions average would 
not balance if the marine tank vessel loading was not controlled by the 
third year. However, regulatory authorities have the discretion to 
allow an extension of up to 1 year for full implementation of the 
emissions average. This decision is best made on a site-specific basis.
    A clarification is also being made to the wording of 
Sec. 63.640(h)(4) which allows Group 1 storage vessels with floating 
roofs to comply at the next degassing and cleaning activity or within 
10 years after promulgation of the rule, whichever is first. The 
clarification will insert the phrase ``after August 18, 1998'' after 
the words ``cleaning activity''. As explained in the promulgation 
preamble, the intent of this provision was to allow an extension of up 
to 10 years for floating roof storage vessels to achieve full 
compliance, not to require compliance prior to the 3-year compliance 
time allowed for all other emission points at refineries. As originally 
worded, this paragraph could have been misinterpreted as requiring 
storage vessels that were degassed prior to the August 18, 1998 
compliance date to come into compliance earlier than the rest of the 
refinery.
    A clarification is also being made to Sec. 63.640(l) regarding 
compliance times and reports for addition of emission points to 
existing sources. This paragraph of the promulgated rule is clear 
regarding addition of miscellaneous process vents, storage vessels, 
gasoline loading racks, and marine tank vessel loading operations, but 
did not specifically address equipment leaks. Responses to comments in 
section 9 (general monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting comments) 
of the background information document for the promulgated rule (EPA 
453/R-95-015b) clarify that it was not intended that the addition of 
pumps, valves, and other components to an existing source subject to 
the equipment leaks standard trigger new source reporting requirements. 
The amended paragraph clarifies that equipment leak component additions 
remain subject to existing source and not new source requirements.
    Paragraph (m)(2) of Sec. 63.640 has also been reworded to clarify 
the timing for of a compliance schedule submittal existing sources when 
a Group 2 emission point becomes a Group 1 emission point. The intended 
180-day time period for submitting the compliance schedule has not been 
changed, but the intent of the previous wording ``within 180 days after 
the change is made or the information regarding the change is known to 
the source'' has been clarified by the rewording.

B. Clarification of Exemptions

    Paragraph (d)(3) of Sec. 63.640 is being reworded. This paragraph 
exempts equipment that is in organic hazardous air pollutant (HAP) 
service less than 300 hours per year. This exemption applies to the 
types of equipment listed in the definition of ``equipment leaks'' in 
Sec. 63.641. In order to improve clarity, the specific types of 
equipment to which this exemption applies have been listed in 
Sec. 63.640(d)(3). The list of equipment being added to this paragraph 
exactly matches the list already included in the definition of 
equipment leaks in Sec. 63.641.
    An exemption for emission points routed to refinery fuel gas 
systems is being added to Sec. 63.640(d). This exemption is specified 
in the definition of ``miscellaneous process vent'' in Sec. 63.641. 
Putting this exemption in the applicability section (Sec. 63.640) makes 
it clearer that all emissions routed to fuel gas systems are exempt 
from the rule.

C. Definitions

    The definitions of ``Group 1 gasoline loading rack'' and ``Group 1 
marine tank vessel'' are being revised for consistency with 40 CFR part 
63 subparts R (the gasoline distribution NESHAP) and Y (the marine tank 
vessel loading NESHAP). The intent of the refineries NESHAP was to be 
consistent with subparts R and Y in terms of which loading operations 
require control. Sections 63.650 and 63.651 of the Refineries NESHAP 
(subpart CC) cross-reference subparts R and Y for control requirements 
for loading operations. However, throughput and emissions applicability 
criteria in subparts R and Y were not correctly incorporated in the 
Group 1 definitions in Sec. 63.641. The definition of ``Group 1 
gasoline loading

[[Page 29877]]

rack'' is being revised to mean a gasoline loading rack classified 
under SIC 2911 that is part of a bulk gasoline terminal with the 
capacity to load greater than 75,700 liters per year of gasoline. This 
is consistent with subpart R. The definition of ``Group 1 marine tank 
vessel'' is being revised by changing the emission rate criteria for 
existing sources from 9.1 megagrams per year of any individual HAP and 
13.6 megagrams of any combination of HAPs to 9.1 megagrams per year of 
any individual HAP and 22.7 megagrams of any combination of HAPs. The 
revised definition also clarifies that these emission rate cutoffs 
apply only to existing sources, not to new sources. These 
clarifications remove inconsistencies between the definitions in 
Sec. 63.641 of subpart CC and the rules cross-referenced in 
Secs. 63.650 and 63.651.
    The definition of storage vessel is being clarified by removing the 
clause ``in organic HAP service''. This was a drafting error. The 
definition was intended to cover vessels storing organic liquids. 
However, the phrase ``in organic liquid service'' was used without 
recognizing that it is a defined term used in the equipment leaks 
section of the rule to indicate equipment leak components containing or 
contacting fluid that is at least 5 weight percent organic HAP. The 
preamble to the final rule (60 FR 43252) and the ``Group 1 storage 
vessel'' definitions make it clear that storage vessels with lower 
percent organic HAP were intended to be regulated. The ``Group 1 
storage vessel'' definition contains the correct organic HAP weight 
percent cutoffs of 4 percent for existing sources and 2 percent for new 
sources, which are discussed in the preamble for the final rule.
    The definition of ``Group 1 miscellaneous process vent'' is being 
revised to clarify that the 20 parts per million by volume cutoff 
applies to organic HAP rather than volatile organic compounds (VOC). 
This is consistent with the definition of ``miscellaneous process 
vent'', which includes vents containing greater than 20 parts per 
million by volume organic HAP and with the 20 parts per million organic 
HAP language in Sec. 63.643. The definitions of ``miscellaneous process 
vent'' and ``equipment leaks'' are also being clarified by specifying 
that they do not include emissions from wastewater collection and 
conveyance systems. Air emissions from wastewater systems are regulated 
under the wastewater provisions in Sec. 63.647 of subpart CC.
    Definitions of ``startup'' and ``shutdown'' are being added for 
clarification. These definitions are consistent with definitions in the 
subpart A General Provisions and the hazardous organics NESHAP (40 CFR 
60, subpart F). Under the General Provisions, Sec. 63.6(f)(1) states 
that emission limits do not apply during startup, shutdown, and 
malfunction. These definitions make it clear that, for purposes of 
Sec. 63.6(f)(1) and for the startup, shutdown, and malfunction plan, 
startup and shutdown refer to startup and shutdown of refinery process 
units or unit operations such as distillation units rather than to 
individual components such as pumps. To further clarify this point, the 
second sentence in the definition of ``affected source'' has been 
deleted. This sentence had been interpreted to mean that startup, 
shutdown, and malfunction plans apply to individual components.
    Other minor definition changes are being made to correct 
typographical errors and improve clarity. For example, in the 
definition of ``emission point'', the word ``gas'' is changed to 
``gasoline'', and a definition of leakless valves is being added to 
clarify which types of valves are excluded from the monitoring 
requirements of the rule.

D. Equations

    The term ``R'' in the equation in Sec. 63.642(g) represents the 
fraction of emissions from a Group 1 marine tank vessel loading 
operation after the required level of control has been applied. The 
phrase ``and 0.05 for new offshore loading terminals'' is being deleted 
because offshore loading terminals are not subject to subpart CC. 
Therefore, this phrase was not relevant to the refineries NESHAP, and 
would cause confusion.
    The EPA is clarifying that the emissions averaging equations for 
gasoline loading racks assume that all facilities with Group 1 gasoline 
loading racks must comply with the requirements of subpart R regarding 
vapor-tightness of gasoline cargo tanks loaded at the facility, 
regardless of whether emissions averaging is used. Therefore, the 
emissions credit and debit calculation equations do not include terms 
for estimating emissions from leakage from gasoline cargo tanks. 
(Compliance with subpart R vapor-tightness provisions is not a new 
requirement. There is no change to the regulation language regarding 
this point.)

E. Recordkeeping and Reporting

    Section 63.642(e) is being revised to state that records shall be 
maintained in such a manner that they can be readily accessed within 24 
hours, rather than be maintained on-site for 2 years. This change is 
consistent with the discussion on this issue in section 9 (general 
monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting comments) of the background 
information document for this rule. This change was not incorporated in 
the promulgated rule because of a drafting oversight.
    In Sec. 63.654(d), recordkeeping requirement for equipment leaks 
are being added that require owners or operators to keep a list of 
valves that are designated as ``leakless.'' These valves are exempt 
from the valve monitoring requirements. This recordkeeping requirement 
is consistent with requirements in equipment leak rules cross-
referenced in this subpart, such as 40 CFR part 60, subpart VV. The 
requirement was overlooked when drafting the cross-references to 
subpart VV. Owners or operators are also required to identify equipment 
in process units that are subject to the rule that are not considered 
in organic HAP service, and reciprocating compressors and pumps that 
are exempt from equipment leak control requirements. These requirements 
are consistent with the hazardous organic NESHAP recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements which is cross referenced in the rule.
    Section 63.654(h)(1) is being clarified to explicitly state that 
reports of startup, shutdown, and malfunction required by 
Sec. 63.10(d)(5) do not apply to Group 2 emission points at refineries, 
unless they are included in an emission average. This is already stated 
in table 6, which shows which portions of the NESHAP general provisions 
apply to subpart CC. Table 6 specifies, in footnote b, that 
Sec. 63.10(d)(5) does not apply to Group 2 emission points that are not 
included in an emission average, but it would be clearer to the reader 
to also state this in Sec. 63.654(h)(1).
    In table 4 of 40 CFR part 63, subpart CC, the cross-references to 
Sec. 63.428 (i) and (j) of 40 CFR part 63, subpart R are being deleted. 
These records and reports pertain to recordkeeping provisions of 
subpart R that are applicable to facilities that have calculated 
emissions from bulk terminals and pipeline breakout stations that fall 
below a deminimis level and are not subject to 40 CFR part 63, subpart 
CC. In table 6 of subpart CC, the applicability of Sec. 63.6(h) has 
been clarified. This requirement is referenced in portions of the HON 
rule (40 CFR part 63, subpart G) and the general provisions (40 CFR 
part 63, subpart A) relating to flares that are cross-referenced from 
subpart CC, and it was incorrectly over-ridden in the table. However, 
paragraphs relating strictly to

[[Page 29878]]

opacity remain over-ridden. Paragraphs specifying the timing of the 
visible emissions testing also remain over-ridden because 
Sec. 63.645(i) has been added to 40 CFR part 63, subpart CC to specify 
the timing of the visible emissions tests for flares used to comply 
with subpart CC. The timing in Sec. 63.645(i) is consistent with the 
date the petroleum refinery notification of compliance status is due, 
and will avoid requiring a visible emissions report at a separate time 
specified in Sec. 63.6(h).
    In table 3 of 40 CFR part 63, subpart CC, the comments on the 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements in Sec. 63.182 (b) and (c) are 
being corrected to be consistent with exemptions allowed in the text.

II. Cross Referencing and Typographical Errors

    Errors in cross-referencing 40 CFR part 63 subparts G and R, 40 CFR 
part 60 subpart Kb, and other sections within subpart CC are being 
corrected. Typographical errors are also being corrected.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 60 and 63

    Air pollution control, Hazardous air pollutants, Petroleum 
refineries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: April 17, 1996.
Mary D. Nichols,
Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, parts 60, and 63 of title 
40, chapter I, of the Code of Federal Regulations are amended as 
follows:

PART 60--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 60 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7601.

Subpart VV--[Amended]

    2. Section 60.482-10 is amended by revising paragraph (j) to read 
as follows:

Sec. 60.482-10  Standards: Closed vent systems and control devices.

* * * * *
    (j) Any parts of the closed vent system that are designated, as 
described in paragraph (l)(1) of this section, as unsafe to inspect are 
exempt from the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and 
(f)(2) of this section if they comply with the requirements specified 
in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this section:
* * * * *

PART 63--[AMENDED]

    3. The authority citation for part 63 continues to read as follows:

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

Subpart CC--[Amended]

    4. Section 63.640 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (d), 
the last sentence of paragraph (f)(5), paragraphs (h)(4), the first 
sentence of paragraph (h)(5) introductory text, paragraphs (l)(3)(iv), 
by adding paragraphs (h)(3) and (l)(4), revising paragraphs (m)(2) and 
(n)(4), as follows:

Sec. 63.640  Applicability and designation of affected source.

* * * * *
    (b) For process units that are designed and operated as flexible 
operation units, the applicability of this subpart shall be determined 
for existing sources based on the expected utilization for the 5 years 
following promulgation of this subpart and for new sources based on the 
expected utilization for the first 5 years after startup.
* * * * *
    (d) The affected source subject to this subpart does not include 
the emission points listed in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(5) of this 
section.
    (1) Stormwater from segregated stormwater sewers;
    (2) Spills;
    (3) Any pump, compressor, pressure relief device, sampling 
connection system, open-ended valve or line, valve, or instrumentation 
system that is intended to operate in organic hazardous air pollutant 
service, as defined in Sec. 63.641 of this subpart, for less than 300 
hours during the calendar year;
    (4) Catalytic cracking unit and catalytic reformer catalyst 
regeneration vents, and sulfur plant vents; and
    (5) Emission points routed to a fuel gas system, as defined in 
Sec. 63.641 of this subpart. No testing, monitoring, recordkeeping, or 
reporting is required for refinery fuel gas systems or emission points 
routed to refinery fuel gas systems.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (5) * * *. This determination shall be reported as specified in 
Sec. 63.654(h)(6)(iii).
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (3) Marine tank vessels at existing sources shall be in compliance 
with this subpart no later than August 18, 1999 unless the vessels are 
included in an emissions average to generate emission credits. Marine 
tank vessels used to generate credits in an emissions average shall be 
in compliance with this subpart no later than August 18, 1998 unless an 
extension has been granted by the Administrator as provided in 
Sec. 63.6(i).
    (4) Existing Group 1 floating roof storage vessels shall be in 
compliance with Sec. 63.646 at the first degassing and cleaning 
activity after August 18, 1998, or within 10 years after promulgation 
of the rule, whichever is first.
    (5) An owner or operator may elect to comply with the provisions of 
Sec. 63.648 (c) through (i) as an alternative to the provisions of 
Sec. 63.648 (a) and (b). * * *
* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iv) Reports and notifications required by Sec. 63.182, or 40 CFR 
60.487. The requirements of subpart H of this part are summarized in 
table 3 of this subpart;
* * * * *
    (4) If pumps, compressors, pressure relief devices, sampling 
connection systems, open-ended valves or lines, valves, or 
instrumentation systems are added to an existing source, they are 
subject to the equipment leak standards for existing sources in 
Sec. 63.648. A notification of compliance status report shall not be 
required for such added equipment.
* * * * *
    (m) * * *
    (2) The compliance schedule shall be submitted within 180 days 
after the change is made, unless the compliance schedule has been 
previously submitted to the permitting authority. If it is not possible 
to determine until after the change is implemented whether the emission 
point has become Group 1, the compliance schedule shall be submitted 
within 180 days of the date when the affect of the change is known to 
the source. The compliance schedule may be submitted in the next 
Periodic Report if the change is made after the date the Notification 
of Compliance Status report is due.
* * * * *
    (n) * * *
    (4) After the compliance dates specified in paragraph (h) of this 
section, a Group 2 storage vessel that is part of a new source and is 
subject to 40 CFR 60.110b, but is not required to apply controls by 40 
CFR 60.110b or 60.112b is required to comply only with this subpart.
* * * * *
    5. Section 63.641 is amended by revising the definitions of 
``Affected source'', ``Emission point'', the last sentence in 
``Equipment leak'', ``Group 1 gasoline loading rack'', ``Group 1

[[Page 29879]]

marine tank vessel'', ``Group 1 miscellaneous process vent'', the first 
sentence in the introductory text of ``Storage vessel'', and 
``Temperature monitoring device'', and by adding a definition for 
``Leakless valve'', ``Startup'', and ``Shutdown'' and by adding a 
paragraph (13) to the definition for ``Miscellaneous process vent'' to 
read as follows:

Sec. 63.641  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Affected source means the collection of emission points to which 
this subpart applies as determined by the criteria in Sec. 63.640.
* * * * *
    Emission point means an individual miscellaneous process vent, 
storage vessel, wastewater stream, or equipment leak associated with a 
petroleum refining process unit; an individual storage vessel or 
equipment leak associated with a bulk gasoline terminal or pipeline 
breakout station classified under Standard Industrial Classification 
code 2911; a gasoline loading rack classified under Standard Industrial 
Classification code 2911; or a marine tank vessel loading operation 
located at a petroleum refinery.
    Equipment leak * * *. Vents from wastewater collection and 
conveyance systems (including, but not limited to wastewater drains, 
sewer vents, and sump drains), tank mixers, and sample valves on 
storage tanks are not equipment leaks.
* * * * *
    Group 1 gasoline loading rack means any gasoline loading rack 
classified under Standard Industrial Classification code 2911 that is 
located within a bulk gasoline terminal that has a gasoline throughput 
greater than 75,700 liters per day. Gasoline throughput shall be the 
maximum calculated design throughput for the terminal as may be limited 
by compliance with enforceable conditions under Federal, State, or 
local law and discovered by the Administrator and any other person.
    Group 1 marine tank vessel means a vessel at an existing source 
loaded at any land- or sea-based terminal or structure that loads 
liquid commodities with vapor pressures greater than or equal to 10.3 
kilopascals in bulk onto marine tank vessels, that emits greater than 
9.1 megagrams of any individual HAP or 22.7 megagrams of any 
combination of HAP annually after August 18, 1999, or a vessel at a new 
source loaded at any land- or sea-based terminal or structure that 
loads liquid commodities with vapor pressures greater than or equal to 
10.3 kilopascals onto marine tank vessels.
    Group 1 miscellaneous process vent means a miscellaneous process 
vent for which the total organic HAP concentration is greater than or 
equal to 20 parts per million by volume, and the total volatile organic 
compound emissions are greater than or equal to 33 kilograms per day 
for existing sources and 6.8 kilograms per day for new sources at the 
outlet of the final recovery device (if any) and prior to any control 
device and prior to discharge to the atmosphere.
* * * * *
    Leakless valve means a valve that has no external actuating 
mechanism.
* * * * *
    Miscellaneous process vent * * *
    (13) Emissions from wastewater collection and conveyance systems 
including, but not limited to, wastewater drains, sewer vents, and sump 
drains.
* * * * *
    Shutdown means the cessation of a petroleum refining process unit 
or a unit operation (including, but not limited to, a distillation unit 
or reactor) within a petroleum refining process unit for purposes 
including, but not limited to, periodic maintenance, replacement of 
equipment, or repair.
    Startup means the setting into operation of a petroleum refining 
process unit for purposes of production. Startup does not include 
operation solely for purposes of testing equipment. Startup does not 
include changes in product for flexible operation units.
    Storage vessel means a tank or other vessel that is used to store 
organic liquids. * * *
    Temperature monitoring device means a unit of equipment used to 
monitor temperature and having an accuracy of 1 percent of 
the temperature being monitored expressed in degrees Celsius or 
0.5  deg.C, whichever is greater.
* * * * *
    6. Section 63.642 is amended by revising paragraphs (e) and (g) as 
follows:

Sec. 63.642  General standards.

* * * * *
    (e) Each owner or operator of a source subject to this subpart 
shall keep copies of all applicable reports and records required by 
this subpart for at least 5 years except as otherwise specified in this 
subpart. All applicable records shall be maintained in such a manner 
that they can be readily accessed within 24 hours. Records may be 
maintained in hard copy or computer-readable form including, but not 
limited to, on paper, microfilm, computer, floppy disk, magnetic tape, 
or microfiche.
* * * * *
    (g) The owner or operator of an existing source subject to the 
requirements of this subpart shall control emissions of organic HAP's 
to the level represented by the following equation:

EA = 0.02EPV1 + EPV2 + 
0.05ES1 + ES2 + EGLR1C + 
EGLR2 + (R) EMV1 + EMV2 + 
EWW1C + EWW2

where:
EA = Emission rate, megagrams per year, allowed for the source.
0.02EPV1 = Sum of the residual emissions, megagrams per 
year, from all Group 1 miscellaneous process vents, as defined in 
Sec. 63.641.
EPV2 = Sum of the emissions, megagrams per year, from all 
Group 2 process vents, as defined in Sec. 63.641.
0.05ES1 = Sum of the residual emissions, megagrams per 
year, from all Group 1 storage vessels, as defined in Sec. 63.641.
ES2 = Sum of the emissions, megagrams per year, from all 
Group 2 storage vessels, as defined in Sec. 63.641.
EGLR1C = Sum of the residual emissions, megagrams per 
year, from all Group 1 gasoline loading racks, as defined in 
Sec. 63.641.
EGLR2 = Sum of the emissions, megagrams per year, from 
all Group 2 gasoline loading racks, as defined in Sec. 63.641.
(R)EMV1 = Sum of the residual emissions megagrams per 
year, from all Group 1 marine tank vessels, as defined in Sec. 63.641.
R = 0.03 for existing sources, 0.02 for new sources.
EMV2 = Sum of the emissions, megagrams per year from all 
Group 2 marine tank vessels, as defined in Sec. 63.641.
EWW1C = Sum of the residual emissions from all Group 1 
wastewater streams, as defined in Sec. 63.641. This term is calculated 
for each Group 1 stream according to the equation for EWWic in 
Sec. 63.652(h)(6).
EWW2 = Sum of emissions from all Group 2 wastewater 
streams, as defined in Sec. 63.641.

The emissions level represented by this equation is dependent on the 
collection of emission points in the source. The level is not fixed and 
can change as the emissions from each emission point

[[Page 29880]]

change or as the number of emission points in the source changes.
* * * * *
    7. Section 63.644 is amended by revising the last sentence of 
paragraph (d) as follows:

Sec. 63.644   Monitoring provisions for miscellaneous process vents.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *. In order to establish the range, the information 
required in Sec. 63.654(f)(3) shall be submitted in the Notification of 
Compliance Status report.
* * * * *
    8. Section 63.645 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (h)(2), 
and by adding paragraph (i), as follows:

Sec. 63.645   Test methods and procedures for miscellaneous process 
vents.

    (a) To demonstrate compliance with Sec. 63.643, an owner or 
operator shall follow Sec. 63.116 except for Sec. 63.116 (a)(1), (d) 
and (e) of subpart G of this part except as provided in paragraphs (b) 
through (d) and paragraph (i) of this section.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (2) Where the recalculated TOC emission rate is greater than 33 
kilograms per day for an existing source or greater than 6.8 kilograms 
per day for a new source, the owner or operator shall submit a report 
as specified in Sec. 63.654 (f), (g), or (h) and shall comply with the 
appropriate provisions in Sec. 63.643 by the dates specified in 
Sec. 63.640.
    (i) A compliance determination for visible emissions shall be 
conducted within 150 days of the compliance date using Method 22 of 40 
CFR part 60, Appendix A, to determine visible emissions.
    9. Section 63.646 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (d) 
introductory text, and (d)(9), and adding (d)(10), as follows:

Sec. 63.646   Storage vessel provisions.

    (a) Each owner or operator of a Group 1 storage vessel subject to 
this subpart shall comply with the requirements of Secs. 63.119 through 
63.121 except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (l) of this 
section.
* * * * *
    (d) References shall apply as specified in paragraphs (d)(1) 
through (d)(10) of this section.
* * * * *
    (9) All references to Sec. 63.139(d)(1) in Sec. 63.120(d)(1)(ii) of 
subpart G are not applicable. For sources subject to this subpart, such 
references shall mean that 40 CFR 61.355 is applicable.
    (10) All references to Sec. 63.139(c) in Sec. 63.120(d)(1)(ii) of 
subpart G are not applicable. For sources subject to this subpart, such 
references shall mean that Sec. 63.647 of this subpart is applicable.
* * * * *
    10. Section 63.648 is amended by revising the first sentences of 
paragraphs (c)(9) and (c)(10) as follows:

Sec. 63.648   Equipment leak standards.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (9) When complying with the requirements of Sec. 63.168(e)(3)(i), 
non-repairable valves shall be included in the calculation of percent 
leaking valves the first time the valve is identified as leaking and 
non-repairable. * * *
    (10) If in phase III of the valve standard any valve is designated 
as being leakless, the owner or operator has the option of following 
the provisions of 40 CFR 60.482-7(f). * * *
* * * * *
    11. Section 63.650 is amended by revising paragraph (a) as follows:

Sec. 63.650  Gasoline loading rack provisions.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (c) of this 
section, each owner or operator of a gasoline loading rack classified 
under Standard Industrial Classification code 2911 located within a 
contiguous area and under common control with a petroleum refinery 
shall comply with subpart R, Secs. 63.421, 63.422 (a) through (c), 
63.425 (a) through (c), 63.425 (e) through (h), 63.427 (a) and (b), and 
63.428 (b), (c), (g)(1), and (h)(1) through (h)(3).
* * * * *
    12. Section 63.651 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and adding 
paragraph (d), as follows:

Sec. 63.651  Marine tank vessel loading operation provisions.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this 
section, each owner or operator of a marine tank vessel loading 
operation located at a petroleum refinery shall comply with the 
requirements of Secs. 63.560 through 63.567.
* * * * *
    (d) The compliance time of 4 years after promulgation of 40 CFR 
part 63, subpart Y does not apply. The compliance time is specified in 
Sec. 63.640(h)(3).
    13. Section 63.652 is amended by revising the equation in paragraph 
(h)(1) introductory text (the definitions to the equation remain 
unchanged) to read as follows:

Sec. 63.652  Emissions averaging provisions.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (1) * * *

[[Page 29881]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JN96.000

* * *
* * * * *
    14. Section 63.653 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(4) as 
follows:

Sec. 63.653  Monitoring, recordkeeping, and implementation plan for 
emission averaging.

    (a) * * *
    (4) For each gasoline loading rack that is controlled, perform the 
testing and monitoring procedures specified in Secs. 63.425 and 63.427 
of subpart R of this part except Sec. 63.425(d) or Sec. 63.427(c).
* * * * *
    15. Section 63.654 is amended by revising paragraphs (d) 
introductory text, (d)(3), adding paragraphs (d)(4), (d)(5), and 
(d)(6), revising the first sentence of paragraph (g)(6)(iii), and 
revising paragraphs (g)(8)(ii)(B) and (h)(1), as follows:

Sec. 63.654  Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

* * * * *
    (d) Each owner or operator subject to the equipment leaks standards 
in Sec. 63.648 shall comply with the recordkeeping and reporting 
provisions in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of this section.
* * * * *
    (3) An owner or operator who determines that a compressor qualifies 
for the hydrogen service exemption in Sec. 63.648 shall also keep a 
record of the demonstration required by Sec. 63.648.
    (4) An owner or operator must keep a list of identification numbers 
for valves that are designated as leakless per Sec. 63.648(c)(10).
    (5) An owner or operator must identify, either by list or location 
(area or refining process unit), equipment in organic HAP service less 
than 300 hours per year within refining process units subject to this 
subpart.
    (6) An owner or operator must keep a list of reciprocating pumps 
and compressors determined to be exempt from seal requirements as per 
Secs. 63.648 (f) and (i).
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (6) * * *
    (iii) Periods of startup and shutdown that meet the definition of 
Sec. 63.641, and malfunction that meet the definition in Sec. 63.2 and 
periods of performance testing and monitoring system calibration shall 
not be considered periods of excess emissions. * * *
    (8) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (B) The information required to be reported by Sec. 63.428 (h)(1), 
(h)(2), and (h)(3) for each gasoline loading rack included in an 
emissions average, unless this information has already been submitted 
in a separate report;
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (1) Reports of startup, shutdown, and malfunction required by 
Sec. 63.10(d)(5). Records and reports of startup, shutdown, and 
malfunction are not required if they pertain solely to Group 2 emission 
points, as defined in Sec. 63.641, that are not included in an 
emissions average. For purposes of this paragraph, startup and shutdown 
shall have the meaning defined in Sec. 63.641, and malfunction shall 
have the meaning defined in Sec. 63.2; and
* * * * *
    16. Table 3 in the appendices to subpart CC is amended by revising 
entries 63.182(b) and 63.182 (c) to read as follows:

  Table 3.--Equipment Leak Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for 
  Sources Complying With Sec.  63.648 of Subpart CC by Compliance With  
                        Subpart H of This Part a                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Reference (section of                                               
   subpart H of this part)         Description             Comment      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
  *                  *                  *                  *            
                   *                  *                  *              
63.182(b)...................  Initial notification  Not required.       
                               report requirements.                     
63.182(c)...................  Notification of       Except in Sec.      
                               compliance status     63.182(c); change  
                               report.               ``within 90 days of
                                                     the compliance     
                                                     dates'' to ``within
                                                     150 days of the    
                                                     compliance dates'';
                                                     except in Secs.    
                                                     63.182 (c)(2) and  
                                                     (c)(4).            
                                                                        
  *                  *                  *                  *            
                   *                  *                  *              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a This table does not include all the requirements delineated under the 
  referenced sections. See referenced sections for specific             
  requirements.                                                         

[[Page 29882]]

* * * * *
    17. Table 4 in the appendices to subpart CC is revised to read as 
follows:

    Table 4.--Gasoline Distribution Emission Point Recordkeeping and    
                        Reporting Requirements a                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Reference (section of                                               
   subpart R of this part)         Description             Comment      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
63.428(b)...................  Records of test                           
                               results for each                         
                               gasoline cargo tank                      
                               loaded at the                            
                               facility.                                
63.428(c)...................  Continuous                                
                               monitoring data                          
                               recordkeeping                            
                               requirements.                            
63.428(g)(1)................  Semiannual report     Required to be      
                               loading rack          submitted with the 
                               information.          periodic report    
                                                     required under 40  
                                                     CFR part 63 subpart
                                                     CC.                
63.428 (h)(1) through (h)(3)  Excess emissions      Required to be      
                               report loading rack   submitted with the 
                               information.          periodic report    
                                                     required under 40  
                                                     CFR part 63 subpart
                                                     CC.                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a This table does not include all the requirements delineated under the 
  referenced sections. See referenced sections for specific             
  requirements.                                                         

* * * * *
    18. Table 6 in the appendices to subpart CC is amended by revising 
entries 63.6(h) (1) and (2), 63.6(h) (4) and (5), 63.6(h)(6) and 
63.6(h) (7) through (9) to read as follows:

       Table 6.--General Provisions Applicability to Subpart CC a       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Applies to                          
           Reference               subpart CC b           Comment       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
*                  *                  *                  *              
                  *                  *                  *               
 63.6(h) (1) and (2)..........  Yes                                     
63.6(h) (4) and (5)...........  No                 Visible emission     
                                                    requirements and    
                                                    timing in subpart   
                                                    CC.                 
63.6(h)(6)....................  Yes                                     
63.6(h) (7) through (9).......  No                 Subpart CC does not  
                                                    require opacity     
                                                    standards.          
                                                                        
*                  *                  *                  *              
                  *                  *                  *               
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    19. Table 8 in the appendices to subpart CC is amended by revising 
the heading of the table, as follows:

           Table 8.--Valve Monitoring Frequency for Phase III           
                                                                        
                                                                        

* * *
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 96-10382 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

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