EPA Final Rule: Mississippi: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program Revisions

EPA Final Rule: Mississippi: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program Revisions

2024-01-18T06:00:00Z

The State of Mississippi (Mississippi or State) has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final approval of revisions to its Underground Storage Tank Program (UST Program) under subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Pursuant to RCRA, the EPA is taking direct final action, subject to public comment, to approve revisions to the UST Program. The EPA has reviewed Mississippi's revisions and has determined that these revisions satisfy all requirements needed for approval. In addition, this action also codifies the EPA's approval of Mississippi's revised UST Program and inCcorporates by reference those provisions of the State statutes and regulations that the EPA has determined meet the requirements for approval.

DATES:

This rule is effective March 18, 2024, published in the Federal Register January 18, 2024, page 3354.

View final rule.

§282.2 Incorporation by reference.
(b)(4)	Revised	View text
§282.74 Mississippi State-Administered Program.
Entire section	Revised	View text
Appendix A to Part 282 - State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Entry for Mississippi	Revised	View text

New Text

§282.2 Incorporation by reference.

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(b)(4) Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee): 61 Forsyth Street, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960; Phone Number: (404) 562-9900.

§282.74 Mississippi State-Administered Program.

(a) History of the approval of Mississippi's program. The State of Mississippi (Mississippi or State) is approved to administer and enforce an underground storage tank (UST) program in lieu of the Federal program under subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. The State's Underground Storage Tank Program (UST Program), as administered by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), was approved by EPA pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6991c and part 281 of this chapter. EPA approved the Mississippi UST Program on June 11, 1990, and it was effective on July 11, 1990. A subsequent program revision was approved by EPA and became effective March 18, 2024.

(b) Enforcement authority. Mississippi has primary responsibility for administering and enforcing its federally approved UST Program. However, EPA retains the authority to exercise its corrective action, inspection, and enforcement authorities under sections 9003(h), 9005, and 9006 of subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991b(h), 6991d, and 6991e, as well as under any other applicable statutory and regulatory provisions.

(c) Retention of program approval. To retain program approval, Mississippi must revise its approved UST Program to adopt new changes to the Federal subtitle I program which make it more stringent, in accordance with section 9004 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, and 40 CFR part 281, subpart E. If Mississippi obtains approval for revised requirements pursuant to section 9004 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991c, the newly approved statutory and regulatory provisions will be added to this subpart and notice of any change will be published in the Federal Register .

(d) Final approval. Mississippi has final approval for the following elements of its UST Program submitted to EPA and approved effective June 11, 1990, and the program revisions approved by EPA effective on March 18, 2024:

(1) State statutes and regulations— (i) Incorporation by reference. The Mississippi materials cited in this paragraph (d)(1)(i), and listed in appendix A to this part, are incorporated by reference as part of the UST Program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. (See §282.2 for incorporation by reference approval and inspection information.) You may obtain copies of the Mississippi statutes and regulations that are incorporated by reference in this paragraph (d)(1)(i) from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 2261, Jackson, MS 29335; Phone number: (601) 961–5171; website: https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/water/groundwater-assessment-and-remediation/underground-storage-tanks/.

(A) “Mississippi Statutory Requirements Applicable to the Underground Storage Tank Program,” dated September 5, 2023.

(B) “Mississippi Regulatory Requirements Applicable to the Underground Storage Tank Program,” dated September 5, 2023.

(ii) Legal basis. EPA considered the following statutes and regulations which provide the legal basis for the State's implementation of the UST Program, but do not replace Federal authorities. Further, these provisions are not being incorporated by reference, unless the provisions place requirements on regulated entities.

(A) Mississippi Underground Storage Tank Act (the UST Act) of 1988, Miss. Code Ann. sections 49–17–401 to 49–17–435 (2022).

(1) Section 49–17–409, as to the first sentence, insofar as it provides for compliance monitoring and the promulgation of regulations for the reporting of releases.

(2) Section 49–17–413(1), insofar as it provides for compliance monitoring, and the promulgation of regulations for the implementation of the State UST Program.

(3) Section 49–17–415, insofar as it provides for compliance monitoring and establishes authority to conduct inspections, tests, and obtain information from owners.

(4) Section 49–17–419, insofar as it establishes authority over corrective action.

(5) Section 49–17–425, insofar as it provides for the sharing of information with EPA.

(6) Section 49–17–427, insofar as it provides for enforcement response, enforcement of orders, assessment of penalties under the UST Act, proceedings before the commission, and limitations on liability.

(7) Section 49–17–431, insofar as it provides for appeal of any decision by the commission or the director.

(B) Mississippi Air and Water Pollution Control Law, Miss. Code Ann. sections 49–17–27 and 49–17–31 to 49–17–41 (2020).

(1) Section 49–17–27, insofar as it provides for enforcement response and injunctive relief.

(2) Section 49–17–31, insofar as it provides for enforcement response, notice of violations, enforcement of regulations and orders, procedures for contested cases, and assessment of penalties.

(3) Section 49–17–33, insofar as it provides for hearing procedures, issuance of orders, and penalties.

(4) Section 49–17–35, insofar as it provides for enforcement response, public participation, and citizen intervention.

(5) Section 49–17–37, insofar as it provides for hearing procedures and transcripts.

(6) Section 49–17–39, insofar as it provides for the sharing of information with EPA.

(7) Section 49–17–41, insofar as it provides for appeal rights for aggrieved parties.

(1) R. 2.3, 280.36, insofar as it provides for delivery prohibition and enforcement of the State UST Program.

(2) R. 2.6, 280.67, insofar as it provides for public participation in the corrective action process.

(D) Rule 24(a)(2) of the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure (1982), insofar as it provides for citizen intervention and public participation in the State enforcement process.

(iii) Other provisions not incorporated by reference. The following statutory and regulatory provisions applicable to the Mississippi UST Program are broader in scope than the Federal program, external to the State UST program approval requirements, or are being excluded for other reasons as noted below. Therefore, these provisions are not part of the approved UST Program and are not incorporated by reference in this section:

(A) Mississippi Underground Storage Tank Act (the UST Act) of 1988, Miss. Code Ann. sections 49–17–401 to 49–17–435 (2022).

(1) 49–17–403(b) is broader in scope as to the definition of “Bonded distributor,” insofar as it is associated with the regulation of entities other than owners and operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.

(2) Section 49–17–403(o) is broader in scope as to the definition of “Response action contractor,” insofar as it is associated with the regulation of entities other than owners and operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.

(3) Section 49–17–403(p) is broader in scope as to the definition of “Retailer,” insofar as it is associated with the regulation of entities other than owners and operators as these terms are defined in 40 CFR 280.12.

(4) Section 49–17–403(q) is broader in scope as to the definition of “Substantial compliance,” insofar as it relates to a State fund.

(5) Section 49–17–405 is broader in scope insofar as it provides for the creation of the Mississippi Groundwater Protection Trust Fund (State Fund), promulgation of regulations regarding the State Fund, criteria for qualified expenditure of funds, and liability of owners for fund expenditures.

(6) Section 49–17–407 is broader in scope insofar as it creates an environmental protection fee, provides limits on use of the State Fund, and addresses third party claims.

(7) Section 49–17–409 is broader in scope, all except for the first sentence, insofar as it provides for the eligibility requirements of the State Fund and reimbursement of costs from owners.

(8) Section 49–17–421 is broader in scope insofar as it establishes an annual tank regulatory fee.

(9) Section 49–17–422 is broader in scope insofar as it creates an Underground Storage Tank Advisory Council.

(10) Section 49–17–423 is broader in scope insofar as it pertains to the commission's administration of funds from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

(11) Section 49–17–429 is broader in scope insofar as it requires the certification of individuals to install, alter, or remove underground storage tanks and provides for the promulgation of regulations setting forth certification requirements.

(12) Section 49–17–433 is external insofar as it pertains to the severability of the State UST Act.

(13) Section 49–17–435 is external insofar as it contains reporting obligations on the State agency, not a regulated entity.

(B) Mississippi Air and Water Pollution Control Law, Miss. Code Ann. sections 49–17–27 and 49–17–31 to 49–17–41 (2020).

(1) Section 49–17–32 is external insofar as it does not pertain to the State UST Program.

(2) Section 49–17–34 is external insofar as it does not pertain to the State UST Program.

(3) Section 49–17–36 is external insofar as it does not pertain to the State UST Program.

(C) Mississippi's Groundwater Protection Trust Fund Regulations, 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, Ch. 1 (2009) is broader in scope insofar as these provisions regulate Immediate Response Action Contractors, Environmental Response Action Contractors, and the State Fund.

(D) Mississippi's Underground Storage Tank Regulations, 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, Ch. 2 (2018).

(1) R. 2.1, 280.12 is broader in scope as to the definition of “Ancillary equipment,” insofar as it pertains to dispensers.

(2) R. 2.1, 280.12 is broader in scope as to the definition of “Certificate of Operation,” insofar as it requires UST systems to be permitted by MDEQ and the payment of tank regulatory fees.

(3) R. 2.1, 280.12 is broader in scope as to the definition of “Motor fuel,” insofar as it includes 100% biodiesel or ethanol.

(4) R. 2.1, 280.12 is broader in scope as to the definition of “New tank system,” insofar as it includes dispensers as part of the new tank system.

(5) R. 2.1, 280.12 is broader in scope as to the definition of “Register,” insofar as it requires notification for installation, replacement, and change in operational status of a dispenser.

(6) R. 2.1, 280.12 is broader in scope as to the definition of “Replace,” insofar as it considers replacement of a dispenser to constitute a new UST system.

(7) R. 2.2, 280.20(j) is broader in scope insofar as it regulates shear valves.

(8) R. 2.2, 280.22(a) and (b) are broader in scope insofar as these provisions regulate dispensers.

(9) R. 2.3, 280.34(g) through (i) are broader in scope insofar as these provisions regulate dispensers.

(10) R. 2.3, 280.35(a)(4) is broader in scope insofar as it regulates dispensers.

(11) R. 2.3, 280.35(b)(1) is broader in scope insofar as it regulates shear valves.

(12) R. 2.3, 280.38(b)(1)(iii) is broader in scope insofar as it regulates shear valves.

(13) R. 2.8, 280.91(e) and (f), are excluded for other reasons. Paragraph (e) is excluded only insofar as it includes Indian tribes as a “local government entity,” and paragraph (f) is excluded insofar as EPA retains responsibility for implementing the Federal UST program in Indian country.

Note 1 to paragraph (d)(1)(iii)(D)(13).

MDEQ does not regulate any USTs on Indian lands and EPA retains responsibility for implementing the Federal UST program in Indian country. In a subsequent rulemaking, MDEQ will revise these provisions to remove references to the State's regulation of USTs in Indian country.

(14) R. 2.8, 280.92, is excluded for other reasons only insofar as the definition of “Local government” includes Indian tribes.

Note 2 to paragraph (d)(1)(iii)(D)(14).

MDEQ does not regulate any USTs on Indian lands and the EPA retains responsibility for implementing the Federal UST program in Indian country. In a subsequent rulemaking, MDEQ will revise the definition of “Local government” to exclude Indian tribes.

(15) R. 2.8, 280.100 is external insofar as it is not applicable in a State with an approved UST program.

(E) Mississippi's Underground Storage Tank Regulations for the Certification of Persons Who Install, Alter, and Remove Underground Storage Tanks, 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, Ch. 3 (2018) is broader in scope insofar as these provisions provide for the certification and regulation of persons who install, alter, test, and permanently close underground storage tanks.

(2) Statement of legal authority. The Attorney General's Statement, signed by the Mississippi Attorney General on July 27, 2023, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.

(3) Demonstration of procedures for adequate enforcement. The “Demonstration of Adequate Enforcement Procedures” submitted in the application dated July 31, 2023, as amended on August 17, 2023, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.

(4) Program description. The program description submitted in the application dated July 31, 2023, as amended on August 17, 2023, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.

(5) Memorandum of Agreement. The Memorandum of Agreement between EPA Region 4 and the MDEQ, signed by the EPA Regional Administrator on October 12, 2018, though not incorporated by reference, is referenced as part of the approved underground storage tank program under subtitle I of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.

Appendix A to Part 282 - State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations

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Mississippi

(a) The statutory provisions include:

Mississippi Underground Storage Tank Act (the UST Act) of 1988, Miss. Code Ann. sections 49–17–401 to 49–17–435 (2022):

49–17–401 Short Title.

49–17–403 Definitions, except (b), (o), (p), and (q).

49–17–411 Compliance with regulations.

49–17–413 Rules and regulations, except for (1).

49–17–417 Repealed.

Note to paragraph (a) of Appendix A to Part 282.

Miss. Code Ann. section 49–17–413(2) is approved as part of the State UST Program to the extent that Mississippi will not grant a variance that makes its UST Program less stringent than the Federal regulations. In practice, Mississippi does not grant variances for the UST Program. Mississippi has agreed to execute a revised Memorandum of Agreement with EPA stating that Mississippi will limit the scope of its variance authority to only those situations where the Federal regulations allow the implementing agency to approve flexibilities.

(b) The regulatory provisions include:

Mississippi's Underground Storage Tank Regulations, 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, Ch. 2 (2018):

Rule 2.1 Program Scope and Interim Prohibition

280.10 Applicability.

280.11 Installation requirements for partially excluded UST systems.

280.12 Definitions, except for “dispensers” in the definition of “Ancillary equipment;” the definition of “Certificate of Operation;” “including 100% biodiesel or ethanol” from the definition of “Motor fuel;” “dispensers” and (c) from the definition of “New tank system;” “dispensers” from the definition of “Register;” “dispensers” and (c) from the definition of “Replace.”

280.13 Industry codes and recommended practices.

Rule 2.2 UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification

280.20 Performance Standards for new UST systems, except for (j).

280.21 Upgrading of existing UST systems.

280.22 Notification requirements, except as applied to “dispensers” in (a) and (b).

Rule 2.3 General Operating Requirements

280.30 Operation and maintenance of spill and overfill prevention.

280.31 Operation and maintenance of secondary containment.

280.32 Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection.

280.33 Compatibility.

280.34 Repairs and replacements, except as applied to “dispenser(s)” in (g), (h), and (i).

280.35 Reporting recordkeeping, except as applied to “dispensers” in (a)(4); and except as applied to “shear valves” in (b)(1).

280.37 Operator training.

280.38 Operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections, except for (b)(1)(iii).

Rule 2.4 Leak Detection

280.40 General requirements for all UST systems.

280.41 Requirements for petroleum UST systems.

280.42 Requirements for hazardous substance UST systems.

280.43 Methods of leak detection for tanks.

280.44 Methods of leak detection for piping.

280.45 Leak detection recordkeeping.

Rule 2.5 Leak Reporting, Release Reporting, Investigation, and Confirmation

280.50 Reporting of leaks and suspected releases.

280.51 Investigation due to off-site impacts.

280.52 Release investigation and confirmation steps.

280.53 Reporting and cleanup of spills and overfills.

Rule 2.6 Release Response and Corrective Action for UST Systems Containing Petroleum or Hazardous Substances

280.60 General.

280.61 Initial response.

280.62 Initial abatement measures and site check.

280.63 Initial site characterization.

280.64 Free product removal.

280.65 Investigations for soil and ground-water cleanup.

280.66 Corrective action plan.

Rule 2.7 Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure

280.70 Temporary closure.

280.71 Permanent closure and changes-in-service.

280.72 Assessing the site at closure or change-in-service.

280.73 Applicability to previously closed UST systems.

280.74 Closure records.

Rule 2.8 Financial Responsibility

280.90 Applicability.

280.91 Compliance dates, except for “including Indian tribes” in (e), and (f).

280.92 Definition of terms, except for “and includes Indian tribes” from the definition of “Local government.”

280.93 Amount and scope of required financial responsibility.

280.94 Allowable mechanisms and combinations of mechanisms.

280.95 Financial test of self-insurance.

280.96 Guarantee.

280.97 Insurance and risk retention group coverage.

280.98 Surety bond.

280.99 Letter of credit.

280.101 State fund or other State assurance.

280.102 Trust fund.

280.103 Standby trust fund.

280.104 Local government bond rating test.

280.105 Local government financial test.

280.106 Local government guarantee.

280.107 Local government fund.

280.108 Substitution of financial assurance mechanisms by owner or operator.

280.109 Cancellation or nonrenewal by a provider of financial assurance.

280.110 Reporting by owner or operator.

280.111 Recordkeeping.

280.112 Drawing on financial assurance mechanisms.

280.113 Release from the requirements.

280.114 Bankruptcy or other incapacity of owner or operator or provider of financial assurance.

280.115 Replenishment of guarantees, letters of credit, or surety bonds.

280.116 Suspension of enforcement. [Reserved]

Rule 2.9 Lender Liability

280.120 Definitions.

280.121 Participation in management.

280.122 Ownership of an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system or facility or property on which an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system is located.

280.123 Operating an underground storage tank or underground storage tank system.

Rule 2.10 UST Systems with Field-Constructed Tanks and Airport Hydrant Fuel Distribution Systems.

280.130 Definitions.

280.131 General requirements.

280.132 Additions, exceptions, and alternatives for UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems.

Note to paragraph (b) of Appendix A to Part 282.

11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, Ch. 2, 280.42(b)(5) is approved as part of the UST Program only to the extent that Mississippi will not allow alternate release detection methods for hazardous substance UST systems installed on or after October 13, 2015. Sections 40 CFR 281.33(e) and 280.42(e) of the Federal regulations only allow alternate release detection methods for hazardous substance UST systems installed prior to October 13, 2015. Mississippi's section 280.42(b)(5) does not contain an analogous limitation on the use of alternative release detection methods. In practice, MDEQ does not allow alternative release detection methods for hazardous substance tanks installed after October 1, 2008. In a subsequent rulemaking, MDEQ will revise 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, Ch. 2, R. 2.4, section 280.42(b)(5) to clarify this point.

(C) Copies of the Mississippi statutes and regulations that are incorporated by reference are available from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 2261, Jackson, MS 29335; Phone number: (601) 961–5171; website: https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/water/groundwater-assessment-and-remediation/underground-storage-tanks/.

DATES:

This rule is effective March 18, 2024, published in the Federal Register January 18, 2024, page 3354.

View final rule.

§282.2 Incorporation by reference.
(b)(4)	Revised	View text
§282.74 Mississippi State-Administered Program.
Entire section	Revised	View text
Appendix A to Part 282 - State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Entry for Mississippi	Revised	View text