TITLE 30.ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Part 1. TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Chapter 111. CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM VISIBLE EMISSIONS AND PARTICULATE MATTER

Subchapter B. OUTDOOR BURNING

30 TAC §111.203, §111.209

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (commission) proposes amendments to §111.203 and §111.209.

The amended sections will be submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as revisions to the state implementation plan.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE FACTUAL BASIS FOR THE PROPOSED RULES

House Bill (HB) 39, 79th Legislature, 2005, amended Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), §382.018, Outdoor Burning of Waste and Combustible Material, by subjecting it to Local Government Code, §352.082, Outdoor Burning of Household Refuse in Certain Residential Areas. Under Local Government Code, §352.082, a person commits a Class C misdemeanor if the person intentionally or knowingly burns household refuse outdoors on a lot that is located in a neighborhood or on a lot that is smaller than five acres. Local Government Code, §352.082, is applicable only to the unincorporated area of a county that is adjacent to a county with a population of 3.3 million or more, and in which a planned community is located that has 20,000 or more acres of land that was originally established under the Urban Growth and New Community Development Act of 1970 (42 United States Code, §§4501 et seq .) and that is subject to restrictive covenants containing ad valorem or annual variable budget-based assessments on real property. The proposed rules would prohibit the burning of household refuse in the area delineated by Local Government Code, §352.082.

Senate Bill (SB) 1710, 79th Legislature, 2005, also amended THSC, §382.018, by adding subsections (b) and (c), which require the commission to authorize by rule the burning of waste consisting of plant growth in areas that meet the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and do not contain any part of a city that does not meet the NAAQS if the waste is burned on the property of origin and by the owner of the property or any other person authorized by the owner. The commission is prohibited from requiring prior commission approval of the burning, or from authorizing the burning, only when no practical alternative exists. Current rules make no distinction between attainment and nonattainment areas regarding outdoor disposal fires. The proposed rules would implement the authorization by rule required by THSC, §382.018.

SB 1710 also amended THSC, §382.018, by adding subsections (d) and (e), which prohibit the commission from controlling or prohibiting outdoor burning of waste consisting of plant growth at a site designated for burning of waste generated from specific residential properties located outside of a municipality and in a county with a population of less than 50,000, if supervised by a fire department employee acting in the scope of the person's employment. The current rules do not authorize the burning of waste at designated sites. The proposed rules would establish minimal compliance determination criteria to ensure that all activities meet the qualifications for burns at designated sites. The commission notes that only three counties, Chambers, Hardin, and Rockwall, are within designated nonattainment areas and have a population of less than 50,000. Burning of domestic waste, including plant growth, is already authorized in these counties for private residences when collection of domestic waste is not provided or authorized by the local governmental entity having jurisdiction. To the commission's best available knowledge, no residential properties outside of municipalities in these counties are provided with domestic waste collection by the local governmental entity having jurisdiction. Therefore, the proposed rules would not cause an increase in plant growth burns in designated nonattainment areas.

SECTION BY SECTION DISCUSSION

Administrative and grammatical changes are proposed throughout the sections to bring the existing rule language into agreement with Texas Register requirements, agency guidelines, and guidance provided in the Texas Legislative Council Drafting Manual , November 2004.

The proposed amendment to §111.203, Definitions, would add the definition of "Neighborhood" and "Refuse" and renumber subsequent definitions to accommodate the proposed new definitions. The proposed new definitions are repeated from THSC, §343.002.

The proposed amendment to §111.203 would also update the name "Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission" to "Texas Commission on Environmental Quality."

The proposed amendment to §111.209, Exception for Disposal Fires, would prohibit the burning of household refuse outdoors in areas delineated in Local Government Code, §352.082, by adding new subsection (b). Local law enforcement will be the primary authority in the enforcement of Local Government Code, §352.082.

The proposed amendment to §111.209 would also authorize by rule, as required by THSC, §382.018(b), the burning of plant growth on the property on which it was generated and by the owner of the property, or any person authorized by the owner, in counties that are not designated as nonattainment and that do not contain any part of a city that is part of a designated nonattainment area, by adding proposed new subsection (a)(4)(B). THSC, §382.018(c), prohibits the commission from requiring prior commission approval for outdoor burning or considering practical alternatives when authorizing burning under this rule. To protect human health and safety and environmental receptors, proposed subsection (a)(4)(B) would be subjected to §111.219(3), (4), (6), and (7), relating to General Requirements for Allowable Outdoor Burning. The commission also notes that all responsible persons engaged in outdoor burning are subject to §111.221, relating to Responsibility for Consequences of Outdoor Burning.

The proposed amendment to §111.209 would also provide for the burning of waste plant growth generated from specific residential properties at designated sites located outside of municipalities and within counties with a population of less than 50,000, by adding proposed new subsection (a)(4)(C). Under certain conditions, the commission is prohibited from controlling or prohibiting burning under THSC, §382.018(d). To meet these conditions, the burn must be at a designated burn site, located outside of a municipality, and within a county with a population of less than 50,000. All material burned must consist of plant growth generated at specific residential properties for which the site is designated. The burn must be supervised by a fire department employee acting in the scope of the person's employment, who must notify the commission of each supervised burn. To determine if burns under proposed subsection (a)(4)(C) meet the conditions of THSC, §382.018(d), the proposed rule would require the owner of the site or the owner's authorized agent to post the designated site, maintain a description or list of specific residential properties for which the site is generated, ensure that all waste burned consists of plant growth generated from these properties, and to ensure that a qualified fire department employee supervises each burn at the site.

FISCAL NOTE: COSTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Nina Chamness, Analyst, Strategic Planning and Grants Management Section, determined that, for the first five-year period the proposed rules are in effect, no fiscal implications are anticipated for the agency or other units of state government. Although not anticipated to be significant, local governments may experience fiscal implications as a result of administration or enforcement of the proposed rules.

The proposed rulemaking would implement the provisions of HB 39 and SB 1710. HB 39 altered provisions of the Local Government Code concerning the outdoor burning of domestic waste. SB 1710 altered provisions of THSC, §382.018, regarding the outdoor burning of plant wastes.

The proposed rules, in accordance with the requirements of HB 39, would prohibit the burning of domestic waste in residential areas that are in unincorporated areas of a county adjacent to a county with a population of 3.3 million or more and where there is a planned community of 20,000 acres or more. In these residential areas, domestic waste could not be burned in a neighborhood or on a lot that is less than five acres.

The proposed rules would also implement the requirements of SB 1710, which authorizes outdoor burning of plant material in qualifying attainment areas and for residences in qualifying counties if there is a designated burn site. In qualifying attainment areas, plant waste must be burned on the property where it was generated and the waste must be burned by the owner of the property or an authorized representative. The commission cannot require property owners to obtain prior approval of the burn or to consider using practical alternatives to burns. In qualifying counties, plant waste can be burned at designated sites in counties where the population is less than 50,000, where the site is located outside a municipality, where the site serves designated residential properties, and where the burn is supervised by a fire department employee.

Local law enforcement organizations in areas where the outdoor burning of household refuse is prohibited under the proposed rulemaking could see enforcement costs increase if more resources are required to investigate complaints or incidents. The proposed rules regarding outdoor burning of household refuse apply to one demographic area of the state. Since the potential number of future enforcement incidences is not known, enforcement costs cannot be accurately estimated.

The fire departments in the areas of the state where designated burns can take place have the choice of whether to supervise burns. The number of fire departments that would choose to supervise burns is not known at this time. Fire departments participating in outdoor burning at designated sites may decide to charge fees for supervising these types of burns. Since employee costs and the method each fire department may choose to supervise such burns can vary widely, the amount of costs recovered and revenue generated cannot be estimated. However, the fiscal implications, if any, of supervised burns is not anticipated to be significant.

PUBLIC BENEFITS AND COSTS

Ms. Chamness also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated from the changes seen in the proposed rules will be greater protection of air quality in one demographic area of the state where the outdoor burning of refuse will be prohibited. In attainment areas, there will be greater flexibility for the outdoor burning of plant wastes.

Individuals in areas of the state where outdoor burning of household refuse will be prohibited under the proposed rules may see disposal costs increase if alternatives for the disposal of such refuse do not currently exist. However, the cost of this waste disposal is not anticipated to be significant.

Individuals or other entities in attainment areas may see costs for disposing of plant waste decrease since the proposed rules allow for the burning of such wastes and do not require individuals or other entities to consider practical alternatives to outdoor burning of plant wastes. Owners of residential property where outdoor burning of plant wastes must be burned at designated sites may see disposal costs increase if local fire departments collect fees to supervise these burns. The cost decrease or increase of outdoor burning of plant wastes depend on various factors and may vary. However, any cost decrease or increase is not anticipated to be significant.

SMALL BUSINESS AND MICRO-BUSINESS ASSESSMENT

No adverse fiscal implications are anticipated for small or micro-businesses under the proposed rulemaking. Plant waste disposal costs for small or micro-businesses in certain attainment areas may decrease since the proposed rules do not require small or micro-businesses to consider practical alternatives to outdoor burning in these cases; however, the cost decrease is not anticipated to be significant.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT

The commission reviewed this proposed rulemaking and determined that a local employment impact statement is not required because the proposed rules do not adversely affect a local economy in a material way for the first five years that the proposed rules are in effect.

DRAFT REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS DETERMINATION

The commission reviewed the proposed rulemaking in light of the regulatory analysis requirements of Texas Government Code, §2001.0225, and determined that the rulemaking is not subject to §2001.0225 because it does not meet the definition of a major environmental rule as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act. A "major environmental rule" is a rule that is specifically intended to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure, and that may adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. The primary purpose of the proposed rules is to protect the environment through the regulation of the outdoor burning of waste and combustible material. The proposed rules will not have an adverse material impact because the proposed rules are limited to revisions to the prohibition on and exception for disposal fires. The proposed revisions would: 1) prohibit the burning of domestic waste in residential areas that are in unincorporated areas of a county adjacent to a county with a population of 3.3 million or more and where there is a planned community of 20,000 acres or more. In these residential areas, domestic waste cannot be burned in a neighborhood or on a lot that is less than five acres; 2) allow for the burning of waste consisting of plant growth in areas that meet the NAAQS and do not contain any part of a city that does not meet the NAAQS if the waste is burned on the property of origin and by the owner of the property or any other person authorized by the owner; and 3) allow for the outdoor burning of waste consisting of plant growth at a site designated for consolidated burning of waste generated from specific residential properties located outside of a municipality and in a county with a population of less than 50,000, if supervised at the time of the burning by a fire department employee acting in the scope of the person's employment.

Furthermore, the proposed rulemaking does not meet any of the four applicability requirements listed in Texas Government Code, §2001.0225(a), where the proposed rules: 1) are specifically required by state law, namely THSC, §382.018; 2) do not exceed the express requirements of THSC, §382.018; 3) do not exceed a requirement of a federal delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state and federal program; and 4) are not an adoption of a rule solely under the general powers of the commission.

Based on this assessment, the proposed rulemaking does not constitute a major environmental rule and is not subject to the regulatory analysis provisions of Texas Government Code, 2001.0225. The commission invites public comment on this draft regulatory impact analysis determination.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The commission evaluated the proposed rules and performed an assessment of whether the proposed rules constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007. The primary purpose of the proposed rules is to protect the environment through the regulation of the outdoor burning of waste.

Promulgation and enforcement of these proposed rules would be neither a statutory nor a constitutional taking of private real property. Specifically, the subject proposed regulations do not affect a landowner's rights in private real property because this rulemaking does not burden (constitutionally), nor restrict or limit the owner's right to property and reduce its value by 25% or more beyond that which would otherwise exist in the absence of the regulations. The proposed rules are limited to revisions to the prohibition on and exception for disposal fires. The proposed revisions would: 1) prohibit the burning of domestic waste in residential areas that are in unincorporated areas of a county adjacent to a county with a population of 3.3 million or more and where there is a planned community of 20,000 acres or more. In these residential areas, domestic waste cannot be burned in a neighborhood or on a lot that is less than five acres; 2) allow for the burning of waste consisting of plant growth in areas that meet the NAAQS and do not contain any part of a city that does not meet the NAAQS if the waste is burned on the property of origin and by the owner of the property or any other person authorized by the owner; and 3) allow for the outdoor burning of waste consisting of plant growth at a site designated for consolidated burning of waste generated from specific residential properties located outside of a municipality and in a county with a population of less than 50,000, if supervised at the time of the burning by a fire department employee acting in the scope of the person's employment.

CONSISTENCY WITH THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The commission reviewed the proposed rulemaking and found that the proposal is subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP) in accordance with the Coastal Coordination Act, Texas Natural Resources Code, §§33.201 et seq ., and therefore must be consistent with all applicable CMP goals and policies. The commission conducted a consistency determination for the proposed rules in accordance with Coastal Coordination Act Implementation Rules, 31 TAC §505.22 and found that the proposed rulemaking is consistent with the applicable CMP goals and policies.

The CMP goals applicable to the proposed rules include: to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the diversity, quality, quantity, functions, and values of coastal natural resource areas; to ensure sound management of all coastal resources by allowing for compatible economic development and multiple human uses of the coastal zone; to ensure and enhance planned public access to and enjoyment of the coastal zone in a manner that is compatible with private property rights and other uses of the coastal zone; and to balance these competing interests.

The specific CMP policy applicable to the proposed rules requires that commission rules under THSC, Chapter 382, governing emissions of air pollutants, shall comply with regulations in 40 Code of Federal Regulations, adopted in accordance with federal Clean Air Act, 42 United States Code, §§7401, et seq ., to protect and enhance air quality in the coastal area so as to protect coastal natural resources areas and promote the public health, safety, and welfare.

Promulgation and enforcement of the rules will not violate or exceed any standards identified in the applicable CMP goals and policies. The proposed rules are consistent with these CMP goals and policies. The rules do not create or have a direct or significant adverse effect on any coastal natural resource areas.

Written comments on the consistency of this rulemaking may be submitted to the contact person at the address listed under the SUBMITTAL OF COMMENTS section of this preamble.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF HEARING

A public hearing on this proposal will be held in Austin on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building B, Room 201A. The hearing will be structured for the receipt of oral or written comments by interested persons. Individuals may present oral statements when called upon in order of registration. There will be no open discussion during the hearing; however, an agency staff member will be available to discuss the proposal 30 minutes prior to the hearing and will answer questions before and after the hearing.

Persons with disabilities who have special communication or other accommodation needs who are planning to attend the hearing should contact Joyce Spencer, Office of Legal Services, at (512) 239-5017. Requests should be made as far in advance as possible.

SUBMITTAL OF COMMENTS

Comments may be submitted to Joyce Spencer, MC 205, Texas Register Team, Office of Legal Services, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or faxed to (512) 239-4808. All comments should reference Rule Project Number 2005-041-111-CE. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2006. Copies of the proposed rules can be obtained from the commission's Web site at http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/nav/rules/propose_adopt.html . For further information, please contact Ronnie Kramer, Field Operations Division, at (512) 239-0194.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are proposed under THSC, §382.002, relating to Policy and Purpose, Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA), §382.011, which authorizes the commission to administer the requirements of the TCAA; §382.012, which provides the commission the authority to develop a comprehensive plan for the state's air; §382.017, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules consistent with the policy and purposes of the TCAA; §382.018, which authorizes the commission to control outdoor burning; and §382.085, which prohibits unauthorized air emissions; and Texas Water Code, §5.103 and §5.105, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules.

The proposed amendments implement THSC, §§382.002, 382.011, 382.017, and 382.018.

§111.203.Definitions.

Unless specifically defined in the Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA) or in the rules of the Texas [ Natural Resource Conservation ] Commission on Environmental Quality (commission), the terms used by the commission have the meanings commonly ascribed to them in the field of air pollution control. In addition to the terms that [ which ] are defined by the TCAA, the following terms, when used in this chapter, [ shall ] have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Landclearing operation--The uprooting, cutting, or clearing of vegetation in connection with conversion for the construction of buildings, rights-of-way, residential, commercial, or industrial development, or the clearing of vegetation to enhance property value, access , or production. It does not include the maintenance burning of on-site property wastes such as fallen limbs, branches, or leaves, or other wastes from routine property clean-up activities, nor does it include burning following clearing for ecological restoration.

(3) Neighborhood--A platted subdivision or property contiguous to and within 300 feet of a platted subdivision.

(4) [ (3) ] Practical alternative--An economically, technologically, ecologically , and logistically viable option.

(5) [ (4) ] Prescribed burn--The controlled application of fire to naturally occurring [ naturally-occurring ] vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions and confined to a predetermined area, following appropriate planning and precautionary measures.

(6) Refuse--Garbage, rubbish, paper, and other decayable and nondecayable waste, including vegetable matter and animal and fish carcasses.

(7) [ (5) ] Structure containing sensitive receptor(s)--A man-made structure utilized for human residence or business, the containment of livestock, or the housing of sensitive live vegetation. The term "man-made structure" does not include such things as range fences, roads, bridges, hunting blinds , or facilities used solely for the storage of hay or other livestock feeds. The term "sensitive live vegetation" is defined as vegetation that [ which ] has potential to be damaged by smoke and heat, examples of which include, but are not limited to , [ : ] nursery production, mushroom cultivation, pharmaceutical plant production, or laboratory experiments involving plants.

(8) [ (6) ] Sunrise/Sunset--Official sunrise/sunset as set forth in the United States Naval Observatory tables available from National Weather Service offices.

(9) [ (7) ] Wildland--Uncultivated land other than fallow, land minimally influenced by human activity, and land maintained for biodiversity, wildlife forage production, protective plant cover, or wildlife habitat.

§111.209.Exception for Disposal Fires.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, outdoor [ Outdoor ] burning shall be authorized for the following : [ . ]

(1) domestic [ Domestic ] waste burning at a property designed for and used exclusively as a private residence, housing not more than three families, when collection of domestic waste is not provided or authorized by the local governmental entity having jurisdiction, and when the waste is generated only from that property. Provision of waste collection refers to collection at the premises where the waste is generated. The term "domestic waste" is defined in §101.1 of this title (relating to Definitions). Wastes normally resulting from the function of life within a residence that can be burned include such things as kitchen garbage, untreated lumber, cardboard boxes, packaging (including plastics and rubber), clothing, grass, leaves, and branch trimmings. Examples of wastes not considered domestic waste that [ which ] cannot be burned, include such things as tires, non-wood construction debris, furniture, carpet, electrical wire, and appliances ; [ . ]

(2) diseased [ Diseased ] animal carcass burning when burning is the most effective means of controlling the spread of disease ; [ . ]

(3) veterinarians [ Veterinarians ] in accordance with Texas Occupations Code, §801.361, Disposal of Animal Remains ; [ . ]

(4) on-site [ On-site ] burning of trees, brush, and other plant growth :

(A) for right-of-way maintenance, landclearing operations, and maintenance along water canals when no practical alternative to burning exists and when the materials are generated only from that property. Structures containing sensitive receptors must not be negatively affected by the burn. Such burning shall be subject to the requirements of §111.219 of this title (relating to General Requirements for Allowable Outdoor Burning). When possible, notification of intent to burn should be made to the appropriate commission regional office prior to the proposed burn. For a single project entailing multiple days of burning, an initial notice delineating the scope of the burn is sufficient if the scope does not constitute circumvention of the rule for a continual burning situation. Commission [ notification or ] approval is not required ; [ . ]

(B) in a county that is not part of a designated nonattainment area and that does not contain any part of a municipality that extends into a designated nonattainment area; and on the property on which it was generated and by the owner of the property or any other person authorized by the owner. Such burning shall be subject to the requirements of §111.219(3), (4), (6), and (7) of this title. Commission approval is not required; or

(C) at a site designated for consolidated burning of waste generated from specific residential properties. A designated site must be located outside of a municipality and within a county with a population of less than 50,000. The owner of the designated site or the owner's authorized agent shall:

(i) post at all entrances to the site a placard measuring a minimum of 48 inches in width and 24 inches in height and containing, at a minimum, the words "DESIGNATED BURN SITE - No burning of any material is allowed except for trees, brush, grass, leaves, branch trimmings, or other plant growth generated from specific residential properties for which this site is designated. All burning must be supervised by a fire department employee. For more information call {PHONE NUMBER OF OWNER OR AUTHORIZED AGENT}." The placard(s) must be clearly visible and legible at all times;

(ii) designate specific residential properties for consolidated burning at the designated site;

(iii) maintain a record of the designated residential properties. The record must contain the description of a platted subdivision and/or a list of each property address and the name of each property owner. The description must be made available to commission or local air pollution control agency staff within 48 hours, if requested;

(iv) ensure that all waste burned at the designated site consists of trees, brush, grass, leaves, branch trimmings, or other plant growth;

(v) ensure that all such waste was generated at specific residential properties for which the site is designated; and

(vi) ensure that all burning at the designated site is directly supervised by an employee of a fire department who is part of the fire protection personnel, as defined by Texas Government Code, §419.021, and is acting in the scope of the person's employment. The fire department employee shall notify the appropriate commission regional office with a telephone or electronic facsimile notice 24 hours in advance of any scheduled supervised burn. The commission shall provide the employee with information on practical alternatives to burning. Commission approval is not required;

(5) crop [ Crop ] residue burning for agricultural management purposes when no practical alternative exists. Such burning shall be subject to the requirements of §111.219 of this title[ , ] and structures containing sensitive receptors must not be negatively affected by the burn. When possible, notification of the intent to burn should be made to the appropriate commission regional office prior to the proposed burn. Commission notification or approval is not required. This section is not applicable to crop residue burning covered by an administrative order ; and [ . ]

(6) brush [ Brush ], trees, and other plant growth causing a detrimental public health and safety condition [ may be ] burned by a county or municipal government at a site it owns upon receiving site and burn approval from the executive director. Such a burn can only be authorized when there is no practical alternative, and it may be done no more frequently than once every two months. Such burns cannot be conducted at municipal solid waste landfills unless authorized under §111.215 of this title (relating to Executive Director Approval of Otherwise Prohibited Outdoor Burning), and shall be subject to the requirements of §111.219 of this title.

(b) No person may cause, suffer, allow, or permit the burning of household refuse on a lot that is smaller than five acres or located in a neighborhood and in an unincorporated area of a county:

(1) that is adjacent to a county with a population of 3.3 million or more; and

(2) in which a planned community is located that has 20,000 or more acres of land, that was originally established under the Urban Growth and New Community Development Act of 1970 (42 United States Code, §§4501 et seq .), and that is subject to restrictive covenants containing ad valorem or annual variable budget-based assessments on real property.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 27, 2006.

TRD-200600452

Stephanie Bergeron Perdue

Acting Deputy Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 12, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 239-5017


Chapter 335. INDUSTRIAL SOLID WASTE AND MUNICIPAL HAZARDOUS WASTE

Subchapter H. STANDARDS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SPECIFIC WASTES AND SPECIFIC TYPES OF FACILITIES

30 TAC §335.261

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ or commission) proposes an amendment to §335.261.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE FACTUAL BASIS FOR THE PROPOSED RULE

House Bill (HB) 2793, passed by the 79th Legislature, 2005, requires the commission to adopt rules for regulating a mercury-containing automobile convenience switch as a universal waste as defined under §335.261. Handlers of universal wastes are subject to less stringent standards for reporting, storing, transporting, and collecting these wastes.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule, effective August 5, 2005, that adds mercury-containing equipment (MCE) to the federal list of universal wastes regulated under the hazardous waste regulations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The EPA concluded that regulating spent MCE, including convenience switches, as a universal waste would lead to better management of the mercury contained in this equipment and would facilitate compliance with hazardous waste requirements. The proposed rule would implement provisions of HB 2793 by adopting an existing federal rule and adding MCE waste to the existing list of universal wastes.

Background on MCE

MCE consists of devices, items, or articles that contain varying amounts of elemental mercury that is integral to their functions. MCE includes several types of instruments used throughout the electric utility industry, other industries, municipalities, and households. Some commonly recognized devices are thermostats, barometers, manometers, and convenience light switches in automobiles. EPA's definition does not include mercury waste that the process of manufacturing or treatment generates as a by-product.

MCE waste is a solid waste and likely to be a hazardous waste when disposed of or reclaimed due to the toxicity characteristic. (See definitions in the federal regulations in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §261.2 and §261.3 and in TCEQ regulations in §335.1(62) and (131).) Some spent MCE contains a few grams of mercury, whereas larger articles, items, and devices can contain much more mercury. Many of these pieces of equipment would fail the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) level for mercury of 0.2 milligrams per liter and would therefore be a D009 characteristic hazardous waste. (See federal regulations in 40 CFR §261.24, Table 1, and TCEQ regulations in §335.29.)

A variety of industries generate spent MCE. Electric and gas utilities generate the greatest amount of this waste, but many other sectors, including medicine, farming, and automobile manufacturing, use MCE to regulate pressure and temperature, or to conduct electricity in switches or regulators. Generators of spent MCE, then, are from a wide range of sectors: utilities, manufacturers, commercial establishments, universities, hospitals, and households.

Rationale for the Universal Waste Rule and its Expansion

In 1995, EPA promulgated the universal waste rule to establish a streamlined hazardous waste management system for widely generated hazardous wastes as a way to encourage environmentally sound collection and proper management of the wastes. EPA included hazardous waste batteries, certain hazardous waste pesticides, mercury-containing thermostats, and hazardous waste lamps on the federal list of universal wastes. The TCEQ adopted an equivalent universal waste rule in 1997, with an amendment in 1999 to allow for paint and paint-related wastes to be managed as universal waste in Texas.

In 2005, the 79th Legislature passed HB 2793 requiring the TCEQ to adopt rules for regulating a convenience switch as a universal waste. The EPA rule adopted August 5, 2005, in allowing for MCE to be designated as universal waste, allows convenience switches to be designated as universal waste. The commission believes that adopting the EPA rule by reference will simplify storage, handling, recycling, and disposal of MCE. It will also help ensure that spent MCE will be sent to the appropriate destination facilities, which would manage it as a hazardous waste with all applicable Subtitle C requirements. Specifically, under the commission's proposed rule, rather than having to comply with the full RCRA Subtitle C regulations, handlers and transporters who generate or manage MCE designated as universal waste would be subject to the management standards under 40 CFR Part 273 and its state-equivalent, Chapter 335, Subchapter H, Division 5. Handlers include universal waste generators and collection facilities. The regulations distinguish between ''large-quantity handlers of universal waste'' (those who handle 5,000 kilograms or more total of universal waste at one time) and ''small-quantity handlers of universal waste'' (those who handle less than 5,000 kilograms or more total of universal waste at one time). The 5,000-kilogram accumulation criterion applies to the quantity of all universal wastes accumulated.

The proposed rule would incorporate streamlined standards for storage, labeling and marking, preparing MCE waste for shipment off site, employee training, response to releases, and notification. However, the proposed rule would not be likely to impose an additional burden on many who would fall within the expanded regulated community handling MCE. This is because the packaging and labeling standards the TCEQ proposes for spent MCE are already in place for used thermostats, a subset of MCE. Moreover, these streamlined standards would also encourage proper handling and recycling of the waste.

The proposed rule would also subject transporters of universal waste to less stringent requirements than the full, Subtitle C hazardous waste transportation regulations and TCEQ regulations in Chapter 335, Subchapter D. The primary difference between the universal waste transporter requirements and the full hazardous waste transportation requirements is that the transport of universal waste requires no manifest.

The commission maintains that the proposed universal waste requirements would be highly effective in mitigating risks posed by spent MCE. Specifically, the requirements for handlers to manage and transport ampules of mercury in a way that would prevent breakage, or to seal the MCE in its original housing and ship it sealed, would help ensure safe management and transport. In addition, the universal waste program requires proper training for employees on handling universal waste, responding to releases, and shipping in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations. These requirements would lower the risks posed during accumulation and transport.

The TCEQ expects that managing spent MCE as universal waste would increase the collection of this equipment. As a result, the proposed rule would increase the amount of mercury being diverted from the non-hazardous waste stream into the hazardous waste stream because it would allow Texas handlers, especially those that generate this waste sporadically and in small volumes, to send it to a central consolidation point. Before EPA's adopted rule expanding universal wastes to include MCE, an entity in Texas could not consolidate these materials unless it had a RCRA permit. Under the federal universal waste rule and the TCEQ's proposed universal waste rule, a handler of universal waste could send the universal waste to another handler, who could consolidate it into a larger shipment.

Another benefit of the proposed rule is improved implementation and compliance with the state's hazardous waste regulatory program. The commission believes that the structure and requirements of the universal waste rule are compatible with the circumstances of handlers of spent MCE. Being able to handle MCE as universal waste would most likely improve compliance with the hazardous waste regulations. Because spent MCE is generated in small quantities in geographically dispersed operations, compliance with full Subtitle C requirements is difficult to achieve. Compliance with Subtitle C is particularly difficult for electric or gas utility operations that are located on customers' properties. In addition, handlers of spent MCE who are infrequent generators of hazardous waste and who might otherwise be unfamiliar with the more complex Subtitle C management structure, but who generate spent MCE, would be able to more easily send this waste for proper management. For example, under the TCEQ's proposed universal waste rule, a fire station, community center, or retail store could participate in an MCE collection program without having to get a RCRA permit, as full Subtitle C regulation would require. The TCEQ could encourage individual households and conditionally exempt small quantity generators to participate in such programs, which would divert MCE from the municipal waste stream. The consolidation of MCE at facilities, which would be made possible by the proposed universal waste rule, would significantly reduce the administrative and financial burden of collection and transportation of MCE. Therefore, adding spent MCE to the universal waste rule would improve compliance with the hazardous waste regulations. Improved compliance would be likely to benefit human health and the environment.

When managed improperly, mercury poses a threat to human health and the environment. The proposed addition of MCE waste to the list of universal wastes would help ensure that MCE waste ends up at a destination facility equipped to manage it properly. This proposed rule streamlines requirements only for generators and transporters of universal waste. The stringent regulation of "destination facilities" would remain the same. "Destination facilities" treat, store, dispose, or recycle universal wastes. Universal waste destination facilities are subject to all currently applicable requirements for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) and must receive a RCRA permit for such activities. For example, destination facilities must comply with the substantive requirements of the land disposal restriction (LDR) provisions of the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 and the TCEQ's LDR provisions in §335.431. These include a prohibition on accumulating prohibited wastes directly on the ground; a requirement to treat waste to meet treatment standards before land placement; a prohibition on dilution; and a prohibition on accumulation, except for purposes of accumulating quantities sufficient for proper recovery, treatment, or disposal. The commission contends that compliance with the substantive requirements of the LDR program is necessary to minimize risks from mismanaging spent MCE. The commission expects that allowing spent MCE to be universal waste would make collection and transportation of this waste to an appropriate facility easier and, therefore, would reduce the amount of mercury released into the environment.

In summary, the commission maintains that expanding the universal waste list to include spent MCE is a sound way to address the environmental hazards of spent MCE. Handlers would be operating within a simple, streamlined management system with some limited oversight. The universal waste rules, as proposed, would address the environmental concerns surrounding the management of MCE wastes, while at the same time putting into place a structure that would allow for, and encourage, the increased collection of spent MCE.

SECTION DISCUSSION

The commission proposes administrative changes throughout these sections to be consistent with Texas Register requirements and other agency rules and guidelines and to conform to the drafting standard in the Texas Legislative Council Drafting Manual , November 2004.

Section 335.261, Control Requirements

The proposed amendment to §335.261(a) would update a reference to the Federal Register .

The proposed amendment to §335.261(b)(2) would change the reference, "Texas Natural Resource Commission," to "Texas Commission on Environmental Quality."

The proposed amendment to §335.261(b)(12) would change the meaning of a reference to 40 CFR "§273.9" from equating solely to the TCEQ's definition of "thermostats" as contained in §335.261(b)(16)(E) to encompassing 40 CFR §273.9 in addition to the definition of "thermostats."

The proposed amendment to §335.261(b)(16)(F)(iii) would add "mercury-containing equipment" to the list of hazardous wastes subject to the universal waste requirements of the section.

In §335.261(b), existing paragraph (21) is proposed to be deleted since it was created solely to clarify references which no longer exist. Section 335.261(b)(22) - (29) is proposed to be renumbered as §335.261(b)(21) - (28). Section 335.261(b)(29) is proposed to be added to change a new reference in 40 CFR §273.33(c)(4)(i), "40 CFR Part 261, subpart C," to "Chapter 335, Subchapter R of this title (relating to Waste Classification)." In 335.261(b) existing paragraph (30) is proposed to be deleted since it was created solely to clarify references which no longer exist. Section 335.261(b)(30) is proposed to be added to change a new reference in 40 CFR §273.33(c)(4)(ii), "40 CFR parts 260 through 272," to "Chapter 335 of this title (relating to Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste)."

FISCAL NOTE: COSTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Jeff Horvath, Analyst, Strategic Planning and Assessment Section, determined that, for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, no significant fiscal implications are anticipated for the agency or any other units of state or local government. State agencies, units of local government, or facilities that manage or generate MCE waste may realize cost savings due to an anticipated reduction in costs to manage and transport this type of waste.

The proposed rule would implement provisions of HB 2793 by adopting an existing federal rule and adding MCE waste to the existing list of universal wastes. The proposed rule would also provide management standards for the new universal waste. Entities that managed, generated, or transported MCE as universal waste would not be subject to certain hazardous waste regulations. Rules for "destination facilities," which treat, store, dispose, or recycle universal wastes, would remain the same.

MCE consists of devices, items, or articles that contain varying amounts of elemental mercury that is integral to their functions. MCE includes several types of instruments that are used throughout the electric utility industry and other industries, municipalities, and households, and includes devices such as thermostats, barometers, manometers, and mercury switches such as convenience light switches in automobiles. This does not include mercury waste that is generated as a by-product through the process of manufacturing or treatment.

Affected facilities would include all generators and other facilities that routinely or periodically manage MCE, and could include as many as 30,000 facilities. Units of state or local government do not typically generate or manage MCE in large quantities and are therefore not expected to be affected by the proposed rule. However, if they do, they can expect to experience the same cost savings described for businesses and individuals under the PUBLIC BENEFITS AND COSTS section of this preamble. No additional costs are expected for the TCEQ to implement the proposed rule, and no significant changes in enforcement or compliance activities are expected.

PUBLIC BENEFITS AND COSTS

Mr. Horvath also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated from the changes seen in the proposed rule would be increased protection of the public health and environment through increased collection and proper disposal of spent MCE.

The TCEQ expects the proposed rule to result in cost savings for businesses or individuals that generate or routinely or periodically manage MCE. The proposed rule could affect as many as 30,000 facilities.

The TCEQ intends for the addition of MCE to the list of universal wastes to help ensure that the mercury from MCE ends up at a destination facility equipped to manage it properly. The proposed rule streamlines requirements only for generators and transporters of universal waste. The stringent regulation of destination facilities would remain the same. Universal waste destination facilities are subject to all currently applicable requirements for hazardous waste TSDFs and must receive a RCRA permit for such activities.

Under the proposed rule, generators of MCE waste would not have to manifest a shipment of waste or use a registered hazardous waste transporter, and could ship mercury to another handler or aggregation point rather than directly to a disposal or recycling facility. The realized cost savings could result in an estimated 25% - 50% reduction of typical transportation costs of $5.00 per hour and in some cases could reduce disposal rates of $100 per ton as waste would be allowed to accumulate for a longer period of time.

SMALL BUSINESS AND MICRO-BUSINESS ASSESSMENT

No adverse fiscal implications are anticipated for small or micro-businesses. The TCEQ expects the proposed rule to result in a simpler, streamlined management system for MCE waste. If there are any small or micro-businesses that generate or routinely or periodically manage MCE, they would be likely to experience the same cost savings as larger businesses.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT

The commission reviewed this proposed rulemaking and determined that a local employment impact statement is not required because the proposed rule would not adversely affect a local economy in a material way for the first five years that the proposed rule is in effect.

DRAFT REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS DETERMINATION

The commission reviewed the rulemaking in light of the regulatory analysis requirements of Texas Government Code, §2001.0225, and determined that the rulemaking is not subject to §2001.0225 because it does not meet the definition of a "major environmental rule" as defined in that statute. Furthermore, it does not meet any of the four applicability requirements listed in Texas Government Code, §2001.0225(a). Although this rule is proposed to protect the environment and reduce the risk to human health from environmental exposure, it would not be a major environmental rule because it would not adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. The rule would not adversely affect in a material way the previously mentioned aspects of the state because the rule would provide for streamlined waste-management standards for certain MCE, which in turn would provide an overall benefit to the economy, certain sectors of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, affected sectors of the state, and the public health and safety of the state. More simply stated, the proposed amendments would revise the commission's hazardous waste rules in a manner which could benefit the economy while enhancing the protection of the environment and public health and safety, as per the following explanation. The overall benefit from streamlining waste management standards for certain MCE would be that the new standards would reduce the regulatory burden on persons generating or collecting these wastes. The streamlined waste-management standards for certain MCE would provide a benefit to the economy, certain sectors of the economy, productivity, competition, and jobs by lessening regulatory requirements, thus costing certain companies less. The rule would be a benefit by facilitating environmentally sound collection and increasing the proper recycling and processing of MCE. There would be no adverse effect because the rules are designed to maintain protection of the environment, the public health, and the public safety of the state and all sectors of the state. In other words, the TCEQ anticipates that the proposed standards would reduce regulatory requirements while facilitating an alternative for the collection of MCE and increasing the proper recycling and processing of these wastes.

Furthermore, the proposed rule does not meet any of the four applicability requirements listed in Texas Government Code, §2001.0225(a). The rule would not exceed a standard set by federal law because the purpose of this rulemaking is to adopt federal rules by reference, with no additional state standards. Requirements in the proposed rule are in accordance with the corresponding federal regulations, and they do not exceed an express requirement of state law as there is no express requirement in state law concerning universal wastes. The proposed rule does not exceed a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state and federal program because the rule fits the framework of the corresponding federal universal waste regulations. See 40 CFR §271.21, relating to procedures, for revision of state programs and 40 CFR Part 273, relating to standards for universal waste management. The rulemaking proposes a rule under specific state law (i.e., Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Solid Waste Disposal Act, §361.017 and §361.024). Finally, this rulemaking is not being proposed on an emergency basis either to protect the environment or to reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

In accordance with Texas Government Code, §2007.043, the commission has prepared a takings impact assessment for the proposed rule. The following is a summary of that assessment. The specific purpose of the proposed rule is to provide an alternative for the collection of MCE, facilitating environmentally sound collection and increasing the proper recycling and processing of MCE. The proposed rule would substantially advance this purpose by adopting environmentally protective streamlined standards relating to universal wastes meeting the definition of MCE. Promulgation and enforcement of the proposed rule would not affect private property because the rule provides an alternative set of management standards for MCE in lieu of other, more stringent hazardous waste regulations, representing a streamlined approach. The proposed standards are not more stringent than existing standards. In addition, the reduction of regulatory requirements would be taken only at the initiative of certain persons managing MCE. For these reasons, the proposed rule would not be a burden to private real property and would not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007. The proposed rule would not affect a landowner's rights in private real property.

CONSISTENCY WITH COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The commission reviewed the rulemaking and found that the proposal is subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP) and must be consistent with all applicable goals and policies of the CMP. In accordance with 31 TAC §505.22, the commission has prepared a consistency determination for the proposal and has found that it is consistent with the applicable CMP goals and policies. The following is a summary of that determination. The CMP goals applicable to the rulemaking are to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the diversity, quality, quantity, functions, and values of coastal natural resource areas (CNRAs). CMP policies focus on construction and operation of solid waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, such that new solid waste facilities and areal expansions of existing solid waste facilities shall be sited, designed, constructed, and operated to prevent releases of pollutants that may adversely affect CNRAs and, at a minimum, comply with standards established under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 United States Code, §§6901 et seq . Promulgation and enforcement of this rule would be consistent with the applicable CMP goals and policies because the rule would facilitate the environmentally sound collection of MCE wastes; increase the proper recycling and processing of MCE wastes; and enable programs developed to reduce the quantity of these wastes going to municipal solid waste landfills or incinerators. The rule would also help assure that the wastes go to appropriate processing and recycling facilities under full RCRA Subtitle C hazardous waste regulatory controls. Thus, the rule would serve to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the diversity, quality, quantity, functions, and values of CNRAs. Adding MCE to the list of universal wastes will not impact new solid waste facilities and areal expansions of existing solid waste facilities. The commission has determined that the specific actions detailed in this section and earlier in this preamble under the sections explaining the proposed rule, concerning explanation of proposed rule, final regulatory impact assessment, and takings impact assessment will comply with the goals and policies of the CMP. In addition, the proposed rule does not violate any applicable provisions of the CMP's stated goals and policies.

SUBMITTAL OF COMMENTS

Written comments may be submitted to Holly Vierk, MC 205, Texas Register Team, Office of Legal Services, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711- 3087, or faxed to (512) 239-4808. All comments should reference Rule Project Number 2005-072- 335-AS. Comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., March 13, 2006. Copies of the proposed rule can be obtained from the commission's Web site at http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/nav/rules/propose_adopt.html . For further information, please contact G. Michael Lindner, Small Business and Environmental Assistance, at (512) 239-3045.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendment is proposed under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.103 and §5.105, which provide the commission with the authority to adopt any rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the provisions of the TWC or other laws of this state; and under THSC, Solid Waste Disposal Act, §361.017 and §361.024, which authorize the commission to regulate industrial solid waste and municipal hazardous waste and to adopt rules consistent with the general intent and purposes of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.

The proposed amendment implements THSC, Chapter 375, which relates to convenience switches from motor vehicles to be classified as universal waste.

§335.261.Universal Waste Rule.

(a) This section establishes requirements for managing universal wastes as defined in this section, and provides an alternative set of management standards in lieu of regulation, except as provided in this section, under all otherwise applicable chapters under [ Title ] 30 Texas Administrative Code. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, [ Title ] 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 273 is adopted by reference as amended and adopted in the Federal Register through August 5, 2005 (70 FR 45508) [ July 6, 1999 at 64 FedReg 36466 ].

(b) [ Title ] 40 CFR Part 273, except §273.1, is adopted subject to the following changes . [ : ]

(1) (No change.)

(2) The terms "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency" and "EPA" are changed to "the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality [ Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission ]," "the agency," or "the commission" consistent with the organization of the commission as set out in [ the ] Texas Water Code, Chapter 5. This paragraph does not apply to 40 CFR §273.32(a)(3) or §273.52 or to references to the following: "EPA Acknowledgment of Consent" or "EPA Identification Number."

(3) - (11) (No change.)

(12) In 40 CFR §273.4(a), the reference to "§273.9" as it relates to the definition of "mercury-containing equipment" is amended to include the commission definition of "thermostats" as contained in [ changed to " ] §335.261(b)(16)(E) of this title (relating to Universal Waste Rule)[ " ] and in 40 CFR §273.4(b)(1), the reference to "part 261 of this chapter" is changed to "Chapter 335 of this title (relating to Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste)."

(13) - (14) (No change.)

(15) In 40 CFR §273.8(a)(1), the reference to "40 CFR §261.4(b)1 [ §261.5 ]" is changed to "§335.78 of this title (relating to Special Requirements for Hazardous Waste Generated by Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators)" and to "§335.402(5) of this title (relating to the Definition of Hazardous Household Waste)" and the reference to "§273.9" is changed to "§335.261(b)(16)(F) of this title (relating to Universal Waste Rule)."

(16) In 40 CFR §273.9, the following definitions are changed to the meanings described in this paragraph . [ : ]

(A) Destination facility--A [ "Destination Facility" means a ] facility that treats, disposes, or recycles a particular category of universal waste, except those management activities described in 40 CFR §273.13(a) and (c) and 40 CFR §273.33(a) and (c), as adopted by reference in this section. A facility at which a particular category of universal waste is only accumulated is not a destination facility for purposes of managing that category of universal waste . [ ; ]

(B) Generator--Any [ "Generator" means any ] person, by site, whose act or process produces hazardous waste identified or listed in 40 CFR Part 261 or whose act first causes a hazardous waste to become subject to regulation . [ ; ]

(C) Large quantity handler of universal waste--A [ "Large Quantity Handler of Universal Waste" means a ] universal waste handler (as defined in this section) who accumulates at any time 5,000 kilograms or more total of universal waste (as defined in this section), calculated collectively. This designation as a large quantity handler of universal waste is retained through the end of the calendar year in which 5,000 kilograms or more total universal waste is accumulated . [ ; ]

(D) Small quantity handler of universal waste--A [ "Small Quantity Handler of Universal Waste" means a ] universal waste handler (as defined in this section) who does not accumulate at any time 5,000 kilograms or more total of universal waste (as defined in this section), calculated collectively . [ ; ]

(E) Thermostat--A [ "Thermostat" means a ] temperature control device that contains metallic mercury in an ampule attached to a bimetal sensing element, and mercury-containing ampules that have been removed from these temperature control devices in compliance with the requirements of 40 CFR §273.13(c)(2) or §273.33(c)(2) as adopted by reference in this section . [ ; and ]

(F) Universal waste--Any [ "Universal Waste" means any ] of the following hazardous wastes that are subject to the universal waste requirements of this section:

(i) batteries , as described in 40 CFR §273.2;

(ii) pesticides , as described in 40 CFR §273.3;

(iii) mercury-containing equipment, including thermostats , as described in 40 CFR §273.4;

(iv) paint and paint-related waste , as described in §335.262(b) of this title (relating to Standards for Management of Paint and Paint-Related Waste); and

(v) lamps , as described in 40 CFR §273.5.

(17) - (20) (No change.)

[ (21) In 40 CFR §273.13(c)(3)(ii), the reference to "40 CFR parts 260 through 272" and the reference to "40 CFR part 262" are changed to "Chapter 335 of this title (relating to Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste)." ]

(21) [ (22) ] In 40 CFR §273.13(d)(1), the phrase "adequate to prevent breakage" is changed to "adequate to prevent breakage, except as specified in §335.261(e) of this title (relating to Universal Waste Rule)."

(22) [ (23) ] In 40 CFR §273.17(b), the reference to "40 CFR parts 260 through 272" and the reference to "40 CFR part 262" are changed to "Chapter 335 of this title (relating to Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste)."

(23) [ (24) ] In 40 CFR §273.20(a), the reference to "40 CFR §§262.53, 262.56(a)(1) through (4), (6), and (b) and 262.57" is changed to "§335.13 of this title (relating to Recordkeeping and Reporting Procedures Applicable to Generators Shipping Hazardous Waste or Class 1 Waste and Primary Exporters of Hazardous Waste) and §335.76 of this title (relating to Additional Requirements Applicable to International Shipments)."

(24) [ (25) ] In 40 CFR §273.20(b), the reference to "subpart E of part 262 of this chapter" is changed to "§335.13 of this title and §335.76 of this title."

(25) [ (26) ] In 40 CFR §273.30, the reference to "§273.9" is changed to "§335.261(b)(16)(C) of this title (relating to Universal Waste Rule)."

(26) [ (27) ] 40 CFR §273.31(b) is changed to read as follows: "Prohibited from diluting or treating universal waste, except when responding to releases as provided in 40 CFR §273.37; managing specific wastes as provided in 40 CFR §273.33; or crushing lamps under the control conditions of §335.261(e) of this title (relating to Universal Waste Rule)."

(27) [ (28) ] In 40 CFR §273.33(a)(3)(i), the reference to "40 CFR parts 260 through 272" and the reference to "40 CFR part 262" are changed to "Chapter 335 of this title (relating to Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste)."

(28) [ (29) ] In 40 CFR §273.33(c)(2)(iii) and (iv), the references to "40 CFR §262.34" are changed to "§335.69 of this title (relating to Accumulation Time)."

(29) In 40 CFR §273.33(c)(4)(i), the reference, "40 CFR part 261, subpart C," is changed to "Chapter 335, Subchapter R of this title (relating to Waste Classification)."

(30) In 40 CFR §273.33(c)(3)(ii), the reference, "40 CFR parts 260 through 272," is changed to "Chapter 335 of this title (relating to Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste)."

[ (30) In 40 CFR §273.33(c)(3)(ii), the reference to "40 CFR parts 260 through 272" and the reference to "40 CFR part 262" are changed to "Chapter 335 of this title (relating to Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste)." ]

(31) - (37) (No change.)

(38) In 40 CFR §273.60(a), the reference to "§273.9" is changed to "§335.261(b)(16)(A) of this title (relating to Universal Waste Rule)" and the reference to "parts 264, 265, 266, 268, 270, and 124 of this chapter" is changed to "[ Title ] 30 Texas Administrative Code (relating to Environmental Quality)."

(39) - (40) (No change.)

(41) In 40 CFR §273.80(b), the reference to "40 CFR §260.20(b)" is changed to "§20.15 of this title (relating to Petition for Adoption of Rules) ."

(42) (No change.)

(c) Any person seeking to add a hazardous waste or a category of hazardous waste to the universal waste rule may file a petition for rulemaking under this section, §20.15 of this title, and 40 CFR Part 273, Subpart G [ subpart G of 40 CFR part 273 ] as adopted by reference in this section.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(d) (No change.)

(e) Crushing lamps is permissible only in a crushing system for which the following control conditions are met:

(1) an [ An ] exposure limit of no more than 0.05 milligrams of mercury per cubic meter is demonstrated through sampling and analysis using Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Method ID-140 or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Method Number [ No. ] 6009, based on an eight-hour [ eight- hour ] time-weighted average of samples taken at the breathing zone height near the crushing system operating at the maximum expected level of activity;

(2) compliance [ Compliance ] with the notification requirements of §106.262 of this title (relating to Facilities (Emission and Distance Limitations) (Previously SE 118)) is demonstrated;

(3) documentation [ Documentation ] of the demonstrations under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection is provided in a written report to the executive director; and

(4) the [ The ] executive director approves the crushing system in writing.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 27, 2006.

TRD-200600451

Stephanie Bergeron Perdue

Acting Deputy Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 12, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 239-0177