Overview
Title
Arkansas: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program Revisions and Incorporation by Reference
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ELI5 AI
The EPA wants to give a thumbs-up to Arkansas for making their underground tank rules better, and they are asking people to share their thoughts by sending them comments before February 8, 2021. If not many people say bad things about this change, it will become official without more public talking.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve changes to Arkansas's Underground Storage Tank (UST) program. These changes have been reviewed and are believed to meet all necessary requirements for approval. The EPA also plans to officially recognize and include these updates in federal regulations. They are inviting the public to submit comments on this proposal until February 8, 2021, via their online portal or by email. If no significant negative comments are received, the proposal will move forward without further public input.
Abstract
Pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA or Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the State of Arkansas's Underground Storage Tank (UST) program submitted by the State. This action is based on EPA's determination that these revisions satisfy all requirements needed for program approval. This action also proposes to codify EPA's approval of Arkansas's state program and to incorporate by reference those provisions of the State regulations that we have determined meet the requirements for approval. The provisions will be subject to EPA's inspection and enforcement authorities under sections 9005 and 9006 of RCRA subtitle I and other applicable statutory and regulatory provisions.
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AnalysisAI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to update and approve revisions to the Underground Storage Tank (UST) program for the state of Arkansas. This proposal follows a review process where the EPA determined that Arkansas's proposed changes meet the necessary requirements for federal support and enforcement. By advancing this proposal, the EPA seeks to codify these revisions, effectively integrating them into federal regulations. As part of this process, the EPA is inviting public comments until February 8, 2021, to gather input from stakeholders and the broader public.
General Summary and Issues of Concern
At its core, the document outlines the EPA's intended steps to integrate Arkansas’s revised UST program into federal oversight. This is a continuation of a broader effort under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to ensure that underground storage tanks across the country comply with federal standards aimed at protecting environmental and public health.
One notable concern is the document's lack of specific financial details related to the implementation of the program. Without clear budgeting or cost information, stakeholders might face uncertainty about potential financial implications, including whether taxpayer funding will be used efficiently or if further investments will be needed.
Moreover, the document does not elaborate on the oversight and monitoring processes post-approval. It leaves open questions about how compliance will be tracked or what measures will be in place to avoid any instances of favoritism or undue advantage to particular groups.
Impact on the Public
This update can significantly influence the public by potentially improving the safety and environmental integrity of storage tanks in Arkansas. A well-regulated UST program can minimize leaks of hazardous substances into the environment, safeguarding community health and ecosystems. However, the complexity of the comment submission process could discourage individuals from participating, thus limiting public engagement and potentially leaving some concerns unvoiced.
Impact on Stakeholders
For stakeholders directly involved, such as businesses operating UST facilities and state regulatory agencies, these program updates might require adjustments in operations to comply with the newly codified rules. This could mean additional training, changes in maintenance practices, or investments in newer technologies to meet compliance standards.
Conversely, environmental and public health advocacy groups may view this proposal positively. Strengthened regulations could lead to less environmental degradation and improved community health outcomes.
Overall, while the EPA’s intentions appear straightforward in their goal to enhance regulatory standards for underground storage tanks, effectively communicating these proposals, addressing potential issues, and encouraging robust public engagement remain critical challenges. Without these elements, the successful implementation of the revisions may face hurdles.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific information on the cost or budget allocation for implementing the Underground Storage Tank program revisions, making it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• The document lacks detailed information about how the approval process will be monitored, funded, and whether specific organizations or individuals might benefit, raising potential concerns about favoritism.
• The instructions for submitting comments are lengthy and complex, which may discourage public participation due to potential confusion.
• The contact information for further inquiries is provided, but considering the EPA Region 6 office closure, additional details on alternative access to information might be necessary for those unable to submit comments electronically.
• The use of legal and regulatory references without context might make it challenging for individuals unfamiliar with the specific legal framework to fully grasp the implications of the proposed rule.