Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; VOC RACT Catch-ups and Stage I Vapor Recovery

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[MD3-2-5624b, MD10-2-6169b, MD24-2-5968b, MD25-1-6146b, MD28-1-6147b;

FRL-5123-4]

Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans;

Maryland; VOC RACT Catch-ups and Stage I Vapor Recovery

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: EPA proposes to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP)

revisions submitted by the State of Maryland. These revisions establish

statewide applicability for Maryland's category-specific volatile

organic compound (VOC) reasonably available control technology (RACT)

regulations, lower the applicability threshold for VOC RACT

regulations, and correct deficiencies in Maryland's Stage I Vapor

Recovery rule. These revisions were submitted to comply with the RACT

``Catch-up'' and ``Fix-up'' provisions of the Clean Air Act (the Act).

The intended effect of this action is to propose approval of revisions

to Maryland's category-specific VOC RACT regulations, including Stage

I. This action is being taken in accordance with the SIP submittal and

revision provisions of the Act.

In the final rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is

approving the State's SIP revision as a direct final rule without prior

proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial SIP

revision and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for

the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no adverse

comments are received in response to this proposed rule, no further

activity is contemplated in relation to this rule. If EPA receives

adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all

public comments received will be addressed 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.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by February 6, 1995.

rule. If EPA receives

adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all

public comments received will be addressed 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.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by February 6, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on this action should be addressed to

Thomas J. Maslany, Director, Air Radiation, and Toxics Division

(3AT00), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 841 Chestnut

Building, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107. Copies of the documents

relevant to this action are available for public inspection during

normal business hours at the Air, Radiation, and Toxics Division, U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 841 Chestnut Building,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 and the Maryland Department of the

Environment, 2500 Broening Highway, Baltimore, Maryland, 21224.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Maria A. Pino, (215) 597-9337.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: See the information provided in the direct

final action of the same title, pertaining to revisions to Maryland's

category-specific VOC RACT regulations, including Stage I, which is

located in the Rules and Regulations Section of this Federal Register.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Hydrocarbons,

Intergovernmental relations, Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements.

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

Dated: October 19, 1994.

Peter H. Kostmayer,

Regional Administrator, Region III.

[FR Doc. 95-287 Filed 1-5-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-M