Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Stage II Vapor Recovery Comparability Plan

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[MD055-3021b; FRL-6199-4]

Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans;

Maryland; Stage II Vapor Recovery Comparability Plan

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: EPA is taking direct final action on the State Implementation

Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland. The revision

concerns a plan which demonstrates that the emission reductions of

volatile organic compounds (VOC) required in ozone attainment and

marginal ozone nonattainment areas in Maryland are comparable to the

reductions which would be achieved by Stage II vapor recovery (Stage

II) in those same areas. EPA is proposing this revision to achieve

reductions in the emissions of VOCs in the State of Maryland in

accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register,

EPA is approving the State's SIP submittal as a direct final rule

without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a

noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A

detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final

rule. If EPA receives no adverse comments, EPA will not take further

action on this proposed rule. If EPA receives adverse comments, EPA

will withdraw the direct final rule and it will not take effect. EPA

will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on

this proposed rule. 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. This Stage II comparability plan allows Maryland to

achieve VOC reductions.

[[Page 67818]]

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by January 8, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to Makeba A. Morris,

Chief, Technical Assessment Branch, Mailcode 3AP22, U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania 19103. Copies of the documents relevant to this action are

available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Air

Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III,

1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103; and the Maryland

Department of the Environment, 2500 Broening Highway, Baltimore,

Maryland, 21224.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth E. Knapp, (215) 814-2191, at the

EPA Region III address above, or by e-mail at

[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

For further information, please see the information provided in the

direct final action that is located in the ``Rules and Regulations''

section of this Federal Register publication.

Dated: November 30, 1998.

Thomas C. Voltaggio,

Acting Regional Administrator, Region III.

[FR Doc. 98-32578 Filed 12-8-98; 8:45 am]

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