The State of Delaware New Regulations Management System is coming soon in 2024 More Info

Delaware.gov logo

Authenticated PDF Version

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Division of Air Quality

Statutory Authority: 7 Delaware Code, Chapter 60 (7 Del.C. Ch. 60)

GENERAL NOTICE

Secretary’s Order No.: 2013-A-0019

Approving Final Revision to Delaware’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Implementation, Maintenance and Enforcement of the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), Pursuant to the Requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA)

Date of Issuance: May 29, 2013

Effective Date of the Amendment: June 11, 2013

Under the authority vested in the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (“Department” or “DNREC”) the following findings, reasons and conclusions are entered as an Order of the Secretary in the above-referenced rulemaking proceeding.

Background and Procedural History

This Order considers the proposed revision to the Delaware State Implementation Plan (SIP) that addresses the requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Effective June 2, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the sulfur dioxide NAAQS by adding a new 1-hour standard of 75 parts per billion. Section 110(a) of the Clean Air Act requires States to submit to EPA a SIP that provides for implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of a newly promulgated or revised NAAQS. Section 110(a)(2) lists the elements that are to comprise the implementation plan, which include basic program elements such as enforceable emission limitations and control measures, air quality monitoring and modeling, a permitting program, adequate funding and personnel, authority under state law to carry out the plan, emissions reporting, emergency powers, public participation, and fee collection.

The proposed SIP document discusses how Delaware meets each requirement of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the Clean Air Act for the 2010 sulfur dioxide NAAQS. Because there have been NAAQS in existence for many years that cover sulfur dioxide, the Clean Air Act Section 110 infrastructure requirements are already substantially addressed in Delaware’s SIP. Consequently, this revision contains no new rules or regulations.

The Department published its initial proposed revision to the aforementioned Delaware SIP in the April 1, 2013 Delaware Register of Regulations, and held a public hearing on April 24, 2013. It should be noted that no members of the public attended the aforementioned hearing held by the Department, however, comment was received from EPA on April 22, 2013 with regard to this proposed SIP. The Department thoroughly reviewed EPA’s comments and responded to the same fully by adding some additional citations and references within the Plan for improved clarity and understanding.

The SIP is a complex, fluid document containing regulations, source-specific requirements, and non-regulatory items such as plans and emission inventories. Delaware’s initial SIP was approved by the EPA on May 31, 1972. Since that initial approval, the Delaware SIP has been revised numerous times to address air quality non-attainment and maintenance issues. This was done by updating plans and inventories, and by adding new and revised regulatory control requirements. Delaware’s SIP is compiled in the code of Federal Regulations at 40 C.F.R. Part 52, Subpart 1.

The Department’s presiding hearing officer, Lisa A. Vest, prepared a Hearing Officer’s Report dated May 28, 2013 (Report). The Report recommends certain findings and the adoption of the proposed revision to Delaware’s State Implementation Plan, which addresses the requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), as attached to the Report as Appendix A.

Findings and Discussion

I find that the proposed revision to Delaware’s aforementioned SIP is well-supported by the record developed by the Department, and I adopt the Report to the extent it is consistent with this Order. The Department’s experts developed the record and drafted the proposed SIP revision.

I find that the Department’s experts in the Division of Air Quality fully developed the record to support adoption of the proposed revision to the Delaware State Implementation Plan (SIP) that addresses the requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). With the adoption of this Order, Delaware will once again demonstrate that the contingency requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) are met.

In conclusion, the following findings and conclusions are entered:

1.) The Department has jurisdiction under its statutory authority to issue an Order adopting this proposed SIP revision as final;

2.) The Department provided adequate public notice of the proposed SIP revision, and provided the public with an adequate opportunity to comment on the proposed SIP revision, including at the public hearing held on April 24, 2013;

3.) The Department held a public hearing on April 24, 2013, in order to consider public comment before making any final decision;

4.) The Department’s Hearing Officer’s Report, including its recommended record and the recommended SIP revision, as set forth in Appendix A, is adopted to provide additional reasons and findings for this Order;

5.) The recommended revision to Delaware’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) which addresses the requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) should be adopted as final, thereby enabling Delaware to (1) demonstrate that the contingency requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) are met; and (2) because the revision is well supported by documents in the record;

6.) The Department shall submit this Order approving the final revision to Delaware’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) that addresses the requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) to the Delaware Register of Regulations for publication in its next available issue, and provide such other notice as the law and regulation require and the Department determines is appropriate.

Collin P. O’Mara, Secretary

Implementation, Maintenance, And Enforcement of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

State Implementation Plan Revision to address the Clean Air Act Section 110 Infrastructure Elements For the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide NAAQS

May 20, 2013

1.0 Background

Effective August 23, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a new 1-hour primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for sulfur dioxide (SO2) at a level of 75 parts per billion (ppb), based on a 3-year average of the annual 99th percentile of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations.1 Pursuant to sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), each state is required to submit to the EPA a State Implementation Plan (SIP) to provide for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of a newly promulgated or revised NAAQS.2 This SIP revision fulfills this requirement relative to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

A SIP is a state plan that identifies how that state will attain and maintain air quality that conforms to each primary and secondary NAAQS. The SIP is a complex, fluid document containing regulations, source-specific requirements, and non-regulatory items such as plans and emission inventories.

Delaware’s initial SIP was approved by the EPA on May 31, 1972. Since this initial approval, the Delaware SIP has been revised numerous times to address air quality non-attainment and maintenance issues. This was done by updating plans and inventories, and adding new and revised regulatory control requirements. Delaware’s SIP is compiled in the Code of Federal Regulations at 40 C.F.R. Part 52 Subpart I.

Section 2.0 of this document is a revision to Delaware’s SIP. The purpose of this SIP revision is to detail how Delaware meets all of the necessary implementation, maintenance, and enforcement measures required by the CAA, specifically, CAA §110(a)(2), relative to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. Under the heading “Delaware’s Plan” in Section 2.0 of this document Delaware provides a revision to its SIP to address those requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the CAA which have not been addressed in other SIP revisions. It is a compilation of certain elements that describe how the 2010 SO2 NAAQS is being implemented, maintained and enforced. The elements of this SIP revision, once approved by EPA, will provide a federally enforceable written confirmation that Delaware will continue to comply with the Section 110(a)(1) and (2) requirements of the CAA.

Legislative authority for the Delaware air quality program relating to the responsibilities in the CAA is codified in Title 7 “Conservation” of the Delaware Code, Chapter 60 – Delaware’s comprehensive water and air resources conservation law3, which gives the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) the power and duty to implement the provisions of the CAA in the State of Delaware.

Many of the miscellaneous requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the CAA relevant to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS are already contained in Delaware’s SIP. The following Table identifies those SIP provisions. The following Table also identifies those infrastructure requirements which are not applicable to Delaware.

Table 1-1 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) Requirements in the Current State of Delaware SIP

 
 
Section 110(a) element
 
Summary of element
Provisions in the Current Delaware SIP or recent SIP revisions Submittals
Where Codified or approved by EPA
§110(a)(2)(A)
Include enforceable emission limitations and other control measures, means, or techniques (including economic incentives such as fees, marketable permits, and auctions of emissions rights), as well as schedules and timetables for compliance as may be necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of this Act.

For the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, the following emission limitations and schedules contained in Delaware’s approved SIP.

7 DE Admin. Code 11011, Definitions And Administrative Principles
7 DE Admin. Code 1127, Stack Heights
7 DE Admin. Code 1136, Acid Rain Program
7 DE Admin. Code 1144, Stationary Generator Emissions, November 1, 2007
7 DE Admin. Code 1145,Excessive Idling Of Heavy Duty Vehicles, August 12, 2005
7 DE Admin. Code 1146 Electric Generating Unit (EGU) Multi-Pollutant Regulation, November 21, 2006
40 CFR 52.420(c)
§110(a)(2)(B)
Provide for establishment and operation of appropriate  devices, methods, systems, and procedures necessary to - (i)  monitor, compile, and analyze data on ambient air quality, and (ii) upon request, make such  data available to the Administrator.
7 DE Admin. Code 1117 Source Monitoring, Record Keeping And Reporting and 7 DE Admin. Code 1103, Ambient Air Quality Standards, provides for the establishment and operation of procedures necessary to monitor, compile and analyze data related to ambient air quality.
40 CFR 52.420(c)
§110(a)(2)(C)
Include a program to provide for the enforcement of the measures described in subparagraph (A) and regulation of the modification and construction of any stationary source within the areas covered by the plan as necessary to assure that national ambient air quality standards are achieved, including a permit program as required in parts C and D;
Delaware implements its Construction and Operation Permit Program requirements under 7 DE Admin. Code 1102 and 1125. These existing permitting programs ensure that the construction and modification of both major and minor stationary sources do not cause or contribute to a violation of the SO2 NAAQS.
 
7 DE Admin. Code 1125 fulfills parts C and D of Title I of the CAA; governing preconstruction review and permitting of any new or modified major stationary sources of air pollutants. 1125 is approved in the DE SIP. Under 1125 any major source or modification that results in a net significant increase of SO2 (40 TPY or greater) must apply Best Available Control Technology (BACT) to reduce SO2 emissions.
 
7 DE Admin. Code 1102 provides for the evaluation and necessary regulation of any stationary source that emits equal to or greater than 0.2 lb of any air contaminate, including SO2, in any one day.
 
In addition, the measures described in CAA 110(a)(2)(A) are enforced, in part, through permits issued pursuant to DE Admin. Codes 1102 and 1125.
40 CFR 52.420(c)
§110(a)(2)(E)(iii)
(iii) necessary assurances that, where the state has relied on a local or regional government, agency, or instrumentality for the implementation of any plan provision, the state has responsibility for ensuring adequate implementation of such plan provision;
The requirements of §110(a)(2)(E)(iii) are not applicable to Delaware because it does not rely on localities for specific SIP implementation.
 
§110(a)(2)(F)
Require, as may be prescribed by the Administrator—
 
(i) the installation, maintenance, and replacement of equipment, and the implementation of other necessary steps by owners or operators of stationary sources to monitor emissions from such sources,
 
(ii) periodic reports on the nature and amounts of emissions and emissions-related data from such sources, and
 
(iii) correlation of such reports by the state agency with any emission limitations or standards established pursuant to this Act, which reports shall be available at reasonable times for public inspection;
§110(a)(2)(F)(i): Specific monitoring requirements are found throughout the State of Delaware Regulations Governing the Control of Air Pollution, to include to DE Admin. Codes 1117 and 1103. These requirements are included in Delaware’s SIP, as necessary.
 
§110(a)(2)(F)(ii): Specific emission reporting requirements are found throughout the State of Delaware Regulations Governing the Control of Air Pollution, to include DE Admin. Code 1117. These requirements are included in Delaware’s SIP.
 
These regulations in Delaware’s approved SIP that are listed in 40 CFR 52.420(c) also apply to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.
40 CFR 52.420(c)
§110(a)(2)(G)
Provide for authority comparable to that in section 303 and adequate contingency plans to implement such authority;
7 DE Admin. Code 1115, Air Pollution Alert and Emergency Plan, contains emergency episode plan provisions that are currently approved in Delaware’s SIP.
40 CFR 52.420(c)
§110(a)(2)(I)
In the case of a plan or plan revision for an area designated as a nonattainment area, meet the applicable requirements of part D (relating to nonattainment areas);
Part D pertains to general requirements for nonattainment areas. This does not apply because no part of Delaware is designated nonattainment for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.
 
§110(a)(2)(J)
(PSD)
Meet the applicable requirements of part C (relating to prevention of significant deterioration of air
quality and visibility protection);
Delaware’s PSD requirements are promulgated in 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, Preconstruction Review.
 

1 Delaware’s air quality regulations are codified in Delaware’s administrative code, - Title 7 Natural Resources and Environmental Control, 1100 Air Quality Management Section. Citations are expressed in this document as “7 DE Admin. Code” followed by the specific subpart of 1100. All portions of the DE Admin. Code referred to in this document are already included in Delaware’s SIP.
 

2.0 SIP Revision

This SIP revision addresses those requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(A)-(M) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) which have not been addressed in other SIP revisions for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. Each of the requirements of §110(a)(2) of the CAA (Subparagraphs A–M) is presented below, along with a discussion of Delaware’s plan revision to meet the requirement.

(A) §110(a)(2)(A) Requirement: Include enforceable emission limitations and other control measures, means, or techniques (including economic incentives such as fees, marketable permits, and auctions of emissions  rights), as well as schedules and timetables for compliance, as may be necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of this Act.

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware has established laws and regulations that include enforceable emissions limitations and other control measures, means or techniques, as well as schedules and timetables for compliance to meet the applicable requirements of the CAA, to include the requirements associated with the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. Delaware may make changes to its laws and regulations that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation.

At present, Delaware’s statutory authority is set out in Title 7 “Conservation” of the Delaware Code, Chapter 60 – Delaware’s comprehensive water and air resources conservation law. Legislative authority giving the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control the authority to promulgate Regulations is codified at 7 Del.C., Chapter 60. This authority is applicable to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

(B) §110(a)(2)(B) Requirement: Provide for establishment and operation of appropriate devices, methods, systems, and procedures necessary to (i) monitor, compile, and analyze data on ambient air quality, and (ii)  upon request, make such data available to the Administrator.

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware has established and currently operates appropriate devices, methods, systems and procedures necessary to monitor, compile and analyze data on ambient air quality, and upon request, makes such data available to the Administrator. Delaware will continue to operate devices, methods, systems and procedures and may make changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation. At present, Delaware does this as follows for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS:

Delaware maintains and operates a multi-station network of ambient monitors throughout the State to measure ambient air quality levels within Delaware for comparison to each NAAQS as required by 40 CFR Part 58. Delaware currently measures and reports SO2 concentrations from our monitoring sites located in Wilmington near MLK Boulevard, Delaware City, Bellefonte, Summit Bridge, and Lewis.
All data is measured using U.S. EPA approved methods as either Reference or Equivalent monitors; all monitors are subjected to the quality assurance requirements of 40 CFR Part 58; Appendix A; and all samplers are located at sites that have met the minimum siting requirements of Part 58, Appendix E. The data is submitted to the EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS) system, in a timely manner in accordance to the scheduled prescribed by the U.S. EPA in 40 CFR Part 58.
In order to keep EPA informed of changes to the sampling network Delaware provides EPA Region III with prior notification of any planned changes to the network. As needed, details of these changes and anticipated approvals of the changes are communicated to EPA. On an annual basis, Delaware sends EPA a monitoring network plan as required by 40 CFR Part 58 Section 10: Annual monitoring network plan and periodic network assessment. This plan contains all required information including site and monitor description, analysis methods, operating schedule, monitoring objectives and scale of representativeness, as well as information on any planned changes. Delaware submits data to the AQS system, in a timely manner, pursuant to the schedule prescribed by the EPA in 40 CFR Part 58.
Delaware has and will continue to submit data to EPA's Air Quality System (“AQS”) in a timely manner in accordance to the scheduled prescribed by the U.S. EPA in 40 CFR Part 58.
Other requirements of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS include fully operational SO2 air quality monitoring network in place by January 1, 2013. Based on census and emissions data, Delaware has the appropriate number and location of SO2 monitors in New Castle County and in Sussex County. All monitors are operational as of January 1, 2013.

(C) §110(a)(2)(C) Requirement: Include a program to provide for the enforcement of the measures described in subparagraph (A), and regulation of the modification and construction of any stationary source within the  areas covered by the plan as necessary to assure that national ambient air quality standards are achieved,  including a permit program as required in parts C and D.

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware has established and currently operates a program to provide for the enforcement of the enforceable emission limitations and other control measures, means, or techniques, as well as schedules and timetables for compliance, as may be necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of the CAA and to regulate the modification and construction of any stationary source within areas covered by its SIP as necessary to assure the NAAQS are achieved, including permit programs required in parts C and D. At present, Delaware, through its Division of Air Quality, exercises its programmatic authority to utilize the enforcement powers set out in 7 Del.C. §6005 entitled “Enforcement; civil and administrative penalties; expenses”; 7 Del.C. §6013 entitled “Criminal penalties”; and 7 Del.C. §6018 entitled “Cease and desist order.” Delaware will continue to operate this program and may makes changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation.

(D) §110(a)(2)(D) Requirement: Contain adequate provisions – (i) prohibiting, consistent with the provisions of this title, any source or other type of emissions activity within the State from emitting any air pollutant in amounts which will - (I) contribute significantly to non-attainment in, or interfere with maintenance by, any other State with respect to any such national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard, or (II) interfere with measures required to be included in the applicable implementation plan for any other State under part C to prevent significant deterioration of air quality or to protect visibility, (ii) insuring compliance with the applicable requirements of sections 126 4 and 115 5 (relating to interstate and international pollution abatement).

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware’s SIP presently contains adequate provisions prohibiting sources from emitting air pollutants in amounts which will contribute significantly to non-attainment or interfere with maintenance with any NAAQS, to include the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, and to prevent interference with measures related to preventing significant deterioration of air quality or which have to date proved adequate to protect visibility and to address interstate and international pollutant abatement; however, Delaware may make changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation. At present, Delaware’s legal authority is contained in the following:

Delaware Code Title 7, Chapter 60 §6010(c). Rules and regulations; plans. The Secretary may formulate, amend, adopt and implement, after public hearing, a statewide air resources management plan to achieve the purpose of this chapter and comply with applicable federal laws and regulations. Since 110(a)(2)(D) is in the CAA, and thus a law, Delaware has the legal authority to regulate sources of interstate transport to areas in nonattainment, or in those areas maintaining the NAAQS, if they were previously nonattainment.
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I): While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet designated any area of the country as nonattainment for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, on February 7, 2013 the EPA did send letters to state and tribal leaders outlining the areas it is considering designating as nonattainment. The nearest area to Delaware that EPA is considering designating nonattainment is Indiana County, Pennsylvania, which is about 280 kilometers west of the northern borders of Delaware.
SO2 is readily removed from the atmosphere through processes such as scavenging, chemical reactions, soil and surface water absorption, and dry deposition. Because of these removal processes the highest ambient concentrations of SO2 emissions generally occur relatively close to one or a few key SO2 sources in an area (often within 10‐20 kilometers of that parent source or sources) and decrease quickly as the distance from an SO2 source increases.6 Thus, from an air quality management perspective, the SO2 NAAQS is considered to be a “source-oriented” NAAQS rather than a “regional” one (i.e., more similar to the lead NAAQS than the ozone NAAQS). Accordingly, in order for SO2 emissions from Delaware to contribute significantly to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance by, any other state, the nonattainment or maintenance area would need to be located in close proximity to a source in Delaware.
Given that 1) the “nearest” area that EPA is considering designating as nonattainment is Indiana, PA, which is geographically upwind of Delaware 7 and far away from the closest Delaware border, 2) urban SO2 emissions decrease exponentially over time and distance, 3) the SO2 NAAQS is considered to be a “source‐oriented” NAAQS rather than a “regional” one and 4) EPA has indicated that it is not considering designating as nonattainment any area near enough to Delaware to be significantly impacted by Delaware’s SO2 emissions; Delaware emissions do not significantly contribute to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance by, any other area with respect to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.
All major stationary sources are subject to Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting programs under the PSD of 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, Preconstruction Review. The requirements of 1125 ensure no new or modified SO2 emitting source will cause or contribute to non-attainment in any area.
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II): The requirements of CAA 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) are met by new major sources and major modifications in Delaware being subject to the PSD requirements which are contained in Section 3.0 of 7 DE Admin Code 1125, Preconstruction Review. The visibility prong of §110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) has been met through an approved regional haze state implementation plan (SIP). Delaware’s regional haze SIP was approved on July 19, 2011 (76 FR 42557).
110(a)(2)(D)(ii): Nothing in Delaware’s statutory or regulatory authority prohibits or otherwise interferes with Delaware’s ability to exercise sections 126 and 115 of the CAA.

(E) §110(a)(2)(E) Requirement: Provide (i) necessary assurances that the state (or, except where the Administrator deems inappropriate, the general purpose local government or governments, or a regional agency designated by the state or general purpose local governments for such purpose) will have adequate personnel, funding, and authority under state (and, as appropriate, local) law to carry out such implementation plan (and is not prohibited by any provision of federal or state law from carrying out such implementation plan or portion thereof), (ii) requirements that the State comply with the requirements respecting State boards under section 128,8 and (iii) necessary assurances that, where the state has relied on a local or regional government, agency, or instrumentality for the implementation of any plan provision, the state has responsibility for ensuring adequate implementation of such plan provision.

The elements of §110(a)(2)(E) (iii) are not applicable to Delaware as discussed in Section 1.0 of this document.

Delaware’s Plan: For §110(a)(2)(E)(i), Delaware has adequate authority under state law pursuant to 7 Del.C. Chapter 60 to carry out its SIP obligations with respect to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. DNREC does not believe that there is any prohibition in any federal or state law that would prevent it from carrying out its SIP or any portion thereof. Further, DNREC assures EPA that it has, through the State of Delaware General Fund and through the Title V fee program, and will continue to have, funding to carry out its SIP obligations. Further, DNREC believes its funding sources are sufficient to provide adequate personnel for those purposes; however, Delaware may makes changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation.

At present Delaware fulfills this obligation by virtue of having adequate personnel and funding through the CAA §105 grant process (federal grant funds), the State of Delaware general fund (state tax revenues), and appropriated special funds collected by the State of Delaware from application fees, permit fees, renewal fees, and civil or administrative penalties or fines under 7 Del.C. Chapter 60. The Division of Air Quality is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing the SIP. Delaware does not anticipate the need for additional resources beyond those to be appropriated in the above manner to carry out its SIP requirements.

For §110(a)(2)(E)(ii), Delaware finalized a SIP document that satisfies CAA §110(a)(2)(E)(ii) and §128 by including in the SIP applicable requirements of 29 Del.C., Ch. 58, “Laws Regulating the Conduct of Officers and Employees of the State.” This final document was submitted to the EPA as a SIP revision on January 11, 2013 and was approved and published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2013 (78 FR 22785).

(F) §110(a)(2)(F) Requirement: Require, as may be prescribed by the Administrator - (i) the installation, maintenance, and replacement of equipment, and the implementation of other necessary steps, by owners or operators of stationary sources to monitor emissions from such sources, (ii) periodic reports on the nature and amounts of emissions and emissions-related data from such sources, and (iii) correlation of such reports by the State agency with any emission limitations or standards established pursuant to this Act, which reports shall be available at reasonable times for public inspection.

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware requires that owners or operators of stationary sources monitor and submit periodic reports on the nature and amounts of SO2 emissions and emissions related-data from the sources. This may include the installation, maintenance and replacement of equipment, where appropriate. This information submitted to DNREC is available to the public at reasonable times for public inspection pursuant to Delaware law. Delaware will continue to require reporting of emissions but may makes changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation.

Except as specifically exempted by the Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del.C. Chapter 100, Delaware makes all records, reports or information obtained by the Department or referred to at public hearings available to the public pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del.C. Chapter 100.

(G) §110(a)(2)(G) Requirement: Provide for authority comparable to that in section 303 and adequate contingency plans to implement such authority; 9

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware has authority comparable to that in section 303 and adequate contingency plans to implement such authority but may makes changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation.

7 Del.C. §6003(a)(1) requires a permit from the Secretary prior to discharging any air contaminant. 7 Del.C. §6002(2) defines air contaminant essentially as any substance other than uncombined water. 7 Del.C. §6005 allows the Secretary to seek a preliminary or permanent injunction or temporary restraining order for any discharge of an air contaminant without a permit, and issue cease and desist orders for violations (7 Del.C. §6018). Thus, it necessarily follows that any discharge of an air contaminant, including SO2, that would cause imminent & substantial endangerment to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of Delaware or the environment would constitute a sufficient basis for the Secretary to seek an injunction or temporary restraining order to halt the violation.

(H) §110(a)(2)(H) Requirement: Provide for revision of such plan - (i) from time to time as may be necessary to take account of revisions of such national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard or the availability of improved or more expeditious methods of attaining such standard, and (ii) except as provided in paragraph (3)(C), whenever the Administrator finds on the basis of information available to the Administrator that the plan is substantially inadequate to attain the national ambient air quality standard which it implements or to  otherwise comply with any additional requirements established under this Act.

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware will review and revise its SIP from time to time as may be necessary to take account of revisions of such primary or secondary NAAQS or the availability of improved or more expeditious methods of attaining such standard and whenever the Administrator finds on the basis of information available to the Administrator that the plan is substantially inadequate to attain the NAAQS which it implements or to  otherwise comply with any additional requirements established under the CAA.

(I) §110(a)(2)(I) Requirement: In the case of a plan or plan revision for an area designated as a non-attainment area, meet the applicable requirements of part D (relating to non-attainment areas).

Delaware’s Plan: This does not apply because no part of Delaware is designated nonattainment for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

(J) §110(a)(2)(J) Requirement: Meet the applicable requirements of section 121 (relating to consultation), section 127 (relating to public notification), and part C (relating to prevention of significant deterioration of air quality and visibility protection).10

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware will meet the applicable requirements of section 121 (relating to consultation), section 127 (relating to public notification), and part C (relating to prevention of significant deterioration of air quality and visibility protection); but may makes changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation. At present, Delaware does so utilizing the following:
7 DE Admin. Code 1132, Transportation Conformity, provides a legal platform for the various consultation procedures that have been developed between DNREC, DELDOT, and the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). The MPOs provide a forum for consultation with local governments. Delaware’s MPOs are: WILMAPCO, Kent County MPO, and the Salisbury-Wicomico MPO. Regional planning organizations provide the forum for inter-state consultations. Additionally, consultations with Federal Land Managers are on-going in accordance with EPA Rules. All SIP revisions and new/amended regulations undergo public notice and hearing, pursuant to 7 Del.C. Chapters 29 and 60, which include publication in the newspapers and in the Delaware Register, and which have allowed for comment by the both the public and local political subdivisions. Delaware believes the public notice and hearing processes also fulfills the section 121 consultation process. The submitted attainment plans and regulations in the approved Delaware SIP specify the organizations responsible for implementing and enforcing the plans.
DNREC makes real-time and historical air quality information available on its Web site.
PSD requirements necessary to implement the 2010 SO2 NAAQS are SIP approved and implemented through the requirements of 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, Preconstruction Review.
With regard to visibility protection, there are no new applicable visibility protection obligations under section 110(a)(2)(J) as a result of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. Delaware is complying with, and will continue to comply with the visibility protection and regional haze program requirements under Part C of the CAA.

(K) §110(a)(2)(K) Requirement: Provide for - (i) the performance of such air quality modeling as the Administrator may prescribe for the purpose of predicting the effect on ambient air quality of any emissions of any air pollutant for which the Administrator has established a national ambient air quality standard, and (ii) the submission, upon request, of data related to such air quality modeling to the Administrator.

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware has the authority and technical capability to conduct air quality modeling in order to assess the effect on ambient air quality of relevant pollutant emissions, and will continue to perform modeling as necessary, but may make changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation. Delaware will continue to submit to the EPA the Air Quality modeling data as part of Delaware's relevant SIP submissions, permit actions,11 and through federal grant commitments or in other ways that EPA may request.

(L) §110(a)(2)(L) Requirement: Require the owner or operator of each major stationary source to pay to the permitting authority, as a condition of any permit required under this Act, a fee sufficient to cover - (i) the reasonable costs of reviewing and acting upon any application for such a permit, and (ii) if the owner or operator receives a permit for such source, the reasonable costs of implementing and enforcing the terms and conditions of any such permit (not including any court costs or other costs associated with any enforcement action), until such fee requirement is superseded with respect to such sources by the Administrator's approval of a fee program under Title V.

Delaware’s Plan: In a manner consistent with Delaware law, Delaware will continue to require the owner or operator of each major stationary source to pay to the permitting authority, as a condition of any permit required under this Act, a fee sufficient to cover (i) the reasonable costs of reviewing and acting upon any application for such a permit, and (ii) if the owner or operator receives a permit for such source, the reasonable costs of implementing and enforcing the terms and conditions of any such permit (not including any court costs or other costs associated with any enforcement action), until such fee requirement is superseded with respect to  such sources by the Administrator’s  approval of a  fee program under title V pursuant to Delaware law. Delaware currently fulfills this under the enabling authority of 7 Del. C. §S 6095 to 6099 and fee legislation that currently is renewed every three years.  Delaware has a fully approved Title V operating permits program. See paragraphs (b) and (c) under “Delaware” in Appendix A to 40 CFR Part 70—Approval Status of State and Local Operating Permits Programs. Delaware may make changes that it believes in its discretion are appropriate, while continuing to fulfill this obligation.

(M) §110(a)(2)(M) Requirement: Provide for consultation and participation by local political subdivisions affected by the plan.

Delaware’s Plan: Delaware will continue to provide for consultation and participation by local political subdivisions affected by the SIP pursuant to the public notice laws found in 7 Del.C. §6006 and 6010 and 29 Del.C. Chapters 10003, 10004 and 10115, as applicable. Furthermore, all SIP revisions undergo public notice and hearing which have allowed for comment by the public which includes local political subdivisions. The public notice and hearing processes fulfill the requirements for consultation with local political subdivisions affected by the SIP.

3.0 Conclusion

Based on the information provided above, Delaware fully complies with the requirements of §110(a)(2)(A) through §110(a)(2)(M) for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

17 DE Reg. 96 (07/01/13)
 

1 75 FR 35520

2 SIPs meeting CAA §110(a)(1) and (2) are also known as “infrastructure” SIPs.

3 Referred to in this document as “7 Del. C.” followed by the specific section citation (e.g., §6005).

4 §126(a) - Each plan shall (1) require each major proposed new or modified source (A) subject to Part C or (D) which may significantly contribute to pollution in excess of the NAAQS in any AQCR outside the State in which such source intends to locate or modify, to provide written notice to all nearby States the pollution levels of which may be affected by such source 60 days prior to the date on which commencement of construction is to be permitted by the State, and (2) identify all major existing stationary sources which may have the impact described in (1) with respect to new or modified sources and provide notice to all nearby States of the identity of such sources. (b) Any State may petition EPA for a finding that any major source or group of stationary sources emits or would emit any pollutant in violation of the prohibition of §110(a)(2)(D)(ii) or this section. (c) Notwithstanding any permit which may have been granted by the State, it shall be a violation of this section and the plan - (1) for any major proposed new or modified source with respect to which a finding has been made under subsection (b) to be constructed or to operate in violation of this section and the prohibition of §110(a)(2)(D)(ii) or this section, or (2) for any major existing source to operate more than 3 months after such finding has been made. EPA may permit the continued operation of a source beyond the expiration of the 3-month period if the source complies with the emission limitations and compliance schedules as may be provided by EPA to bring about compliance with the requirements of §110(a)(2)(D)(ii). Nothing shall be construed to preclude any such source from being eligible for an enforcement order under §113(d) after the expiration of such period during which EPA has permitted continuous operation.
 

5 §115(a) - Whenever EPA, upon receipt of reports, surveys or studies from any duly constituted international agency has reason to believe that any pollutants emitted in the US cause or contribute to pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare in a foreign country or whenever the Secretary of State requests it to do so, EPA shall give formal notification to the Governor of the State in which such emissions originate. (b) The EPA notice shall be deemed to be a finding under §110(a)(2)(H)(ii) which requires a plan revision with respect to so much of the applicable plan as is inadequate to prevent or eliminate the endangerment. Any foreign country so affected by such emission of pollutants shall be invited to appear at any public hearing associated with any revision of the appropriate portion of the applicable plan. (c) This section shall apply only to a foreign country which EPA determines has given the US the same rights with respect to the prevention or control of air pollution occurring in that country. (d) Recommendations issued following any abatement conference conducted prior to CAA 1977 shall remain in effect with respect to any pollutant for which no NAAQS has been established under § 109 unless EPA, after consultation with all agencies, which were party to the conference, rescinds any such recommendation.

6 For modeling purposes, EPA recommends using an SO2 urban half-life of 4 hours (40 CFR Part 51, Appendix W).

7 The prominent wind direction on the east coast is westerly (i.e., the winds are predominately from Indiana, PA to Delaware).

8 §128 (a) each plan shall contain requirements that - (1) any board or body which approves permits or enforcement orders shall have at least a majority of members who represent the public interest and do not derive any significant portion of their income from persons subject to permits or enforcement orders, and (2) any potential conflicts of interest by members of such board or body or the head of an executive agency with similar powers be disclosed. A State may adopt any requirements respecting conflicts of interest for such boards or bodies or heads of executive agencies, or any other entities which are more stringent than the requirements of (1) and (2).

9 Sec. 303- Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, the Administrator upon receipt of evidence that a pollution source or combination of sources (including moving sources) is presenting an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare,  or the environment, may bring suit on behalf of the United States in the appropriate United States District court to immediately restrain  any person causing or contributing to the alleged pollution to stop the emission of air pollutants causing or contributing to such pollution or to take such other action as may be necessary. If it is not practicable to assure prompt protection of public health or welfare or the  environment by commencement of such a civil action, the Administrator may issue such orders as may be necessary to protect public  health or welfare or the environment. Prior to taking any action under this section, the Administrator shall consult with appropriate State and local authorities and attempt to confirm the accuracy of the information on which the action proposed to be taken is based. Any order issued by the Administrator under this section shall be effective upon issuance and shall remain in effect for a period of not more than 60 days, unless the Administrator brings an action pursuant to the first sentence of this section before the expiration of that period. Whenever the Administrator brings such an action within the 60-day period, such order shall remain in effect for an additional 14 days or for such longer period as may be authorized by the court in which such action is brought.

10 §121. - In carrying out requirements for plans to contain - (1) any transportation controls, air quality maintenance plan requirements or preconstruction review of direct sources of pollution, or (2) any measure referred to - (A) in part D), or (B) in part C, and in carrying out the requirements of §113(d), the State shall provide a satisfactory process of consultation with general purpose local governments, designated organizations of elected officials of local governments and any FLM having authority over Federal land to which the State plan applies. Such process shall be in accordance with regulations promulgated by EPA. Only a general purpose unit of local government, regional agency, or council of governments adversely affected by action of EPA approving any portion of a plan may petition for judicial review.
§127. (a) - Each plan shall contain measures to regularly notify the public of when any NAAQS is exceeded or was exceeded during the preceding year, to advise the public of health hazards associated with such pollution, and to enhance awareness of measures which can be taken to prevent the standards from being exceeded and ways in which the public can participate in regulatory and other efforts to improve air quality.
 

11 Permit modeling requirements are specified in Section 3.0 of DE Admin Code 1125, Requirements for Preconstruction Review, as approved by EPA on October 2, 2012 (77 FR 60053).

+