TITLE 30.ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Part 1. TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Chapter 39. PUBLIC NOTICE

Subchapter J. PUBLIC NOTICE OF WATER QUALITY APPLICATIONS AND WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANS

30 TAC §39.551

The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission) adopts the amendment to §39.551, Application for Wastewater Discharge Permit, Including Application for the Disposal of Sewage Sludge or Water Treatment Sludge without changes to the proposed text as published in the June 8, 2001 issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 4022) and will not be republished.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE FACTUAL BASIS FOR THE ADOPTED RULE

This rulemaking amends Chapter 39 notice requirements for applicants seeking to discharge storm water and certain non-storm water from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) under an individual Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit. For new permits or major amendments to individual TPDES MS4 permits, this amendment adds two public posting requirements. The first posting requirement is to post a copy of the Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain a Permit within 30 days of the application being declared administratively complete. The second posting requirement is to post the Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision on or before the first day of published newspaper notice. Both notices must remain posted until the commission has taken final action on the application; both notices must be posted at a place convenient and readily accessible to the public in the administrative offices of the political subdivision in the county in which the MS4 or discharge is located. These two public posting requirements replace the direct mail requirement to provide notice to adjacent or downstream landowners of the Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain a Permit and the Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision. This rulemaking does not amend nor otherwise affect other public notification requirements which are still in effect for other types of TPDES permits.

Applicants for new permits or major amendments to individual TPDES MS4 permits must continue to publish notice in a newspaper regularly published or circulated within each county where the proposed MS4 or discharge is located, and in each county affected by the discharge. Also, notice must still be mailed to a set group of local and state governmental entities by the commission's chief clerk. This group includes the mayor and health authorities of the city or town served by the MS4, the county judge and health authorities in the county served by the MS4, the Texas Department of Health (TDH), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC). The notices posted in a public place combined with the current newspaper notice and mailed notices to local and state governmental entities will provide effective notice to interested persons.

An MS4 is a conveyance or system of conveyances owned or operated by a state, city, town, borough, county, district, association, or other public body (created by or pursuant to state law). The MS4s are designed to collect and convey storm water to designated run-off areas via roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curb gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains. Because MS4s may include dozens or often hundreds of storm water outfalls, a large segment of the population will be adjacent to or downstream of an MS4 outfall. It could be extremely burdensome, difficult, and expensive for the public entity to identify every person adjacent or downstream to an MS4 outfall and to pay for mailed notice to all of these persons. The costs and burden usually to cities and counties, but ultimately borne by taxpayers, could be excessive without this modification.

On September 14, 1998, the commission received authority from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program for Texas and commenced the TPDES. The TPDES is comprised of many programs to control discharges of pollutants to surface water in Texas. One program of the TPDES regulates storm water discharges from MS4s to water in Texas through individual TPDES permits.

According to the Memorandum of Agreement between the commission and EPA, the NPDES permits issued by the EPA to authorize storm water discharges from large and medium MS4s must be reissued by the commission as TPDES permits as each permit expires. Phase I MS4s are large systems (serving a population greater than 250,000 people) to medium systems (serving a population less than 250,000, but greater than or equal to 100,000), while Phase II MS4s are small systems (serving a population less than 100,000 people). In accordance with Phase II regulations, by December 2002, the commission must also develop and issue TPDES permits for storm water discharges from Phase II small MS4s.

Authorized discharges from MS4s include storm water, certain non-storm water discharges, and previously TPDES permitted wastewater discharges from outfalls contributing to the MS4 system. Non-storm water discharges are described in the Federal Register of December 8, 1999 (64 FR 68756) to be the following: water line flushing, landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, rising ground waters, uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations §35.2005(20)), uncontaminated pumped ground water, discharges from potable water sources, foundation drains, air-conditioning condensation, irrigation water, springs, water from crawl space pumps, footing drains, lawn watering, individual residential car washing, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands, dechlorinated swimming pool discharges, street wash water and discharges, or flows from fire fighting activities.

SECTION DISCUSSION

New §39.551(b)(2)(C) is adopted to add language that replaces the direct mail requirement for the Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain a Permit to adjacent or downstream landowners for a new permit or major amendment to an individual TPDES permit that authorizes discharges from an MS4. This amendment is adopted in order to make public notice less expensive and burdensome for the MS4 owner/operator; the costs and burden usually to cities and counties, but ultimately borne by taxpayers, could be excessive without this modification. (A public posting requirement in subsection (b)(3) of this section of the Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain a Permit replaces the direct mail requirement.)

New §39.551(b)(3) is adopted to require the applicant for a new permit or major amendment to an individual TPDES permit that authorizes discharges from an MS4 to post a copy of the Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain a Permit. The notice must be posted within 30 days of the application being declared administratively complete and remain posted until the commission has taken final action on the application. The notice must be posted at a place convenient and readily accessible to the public in the administrative offices of the political subdivision in the county in which the MS4 or discharge is located. This notice will be provided by applicants for a new permit or major amendment to an individual TPDES permit that authorizes discharges from an MS4 to replace the direct mail notice to adjacent or downstream landowners. The purpose of this change is to establish an alternative notice requirement that will continue to provide adequate public notice while reducing the burden on cities and other public entities.

Section 39.551(c) is adopted to be amended to remove an obsolete cross-reference.

New §39.551(c)(5)(A) and (B) are adopted to replace the direct mail requirement for the Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision to adjacent or downstream landowners for a new individual TPDES permit for a discharge authorized by an existing state permit issued before September 14, 1998, for which the application does not propose a major amendment. New §39.551(c)(5)(A) and (B) would mirror the existing language in §39.551(b)(2)(A) and (B), which has been the intent and practice of the commission. This amendment is adopted in order to make public notice less expensive and burdensome for the MS4 owner/operator; the costs and burden usually to cities and counties, but ultimately borne by taxpayers, could be excessive without this modification. (A public posting requirement in subsection (c)(6) of this section for the Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision replaces the direct mail requirement.)

New §39.551(c)(5)(C) is adopted to add language that replaces the direct mail requirement for the Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision to adjacent or downstream landowners for a new permit or major amendment to an individual TPDES permit that authorizes discharges from an MS4. This amendment is adopted in order to make public notice less expensive and burdensome for the MS4 owner/operator; the costs and burden usually to cities and counties, but ultimately borne by taxpayers, could be excessive without this modification. (A public posting requirement in subsection (c)(6) of this section for the Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision replaces the direct mail requirement.)

New §39.551(c)(6) is adopted to require the applicant for a new permit or major amendment to an individual TPDES permit that authorizes discharges from an MS4 to post a copy of the Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision. The notice must be posted on or before the first day of published newspaper notice and must remain posted until the commission has taken final action on the application. The notice must be posted at a place convenient and readily accessible to the public in the administrative offices of the political subdivision in the county in which the MS4 or discharge is located. This notice will be provided by applicants for a new permit or a major amendment to an individual TPDES permit that authorizes discharges from an MS4 to replace the direct mail notice to adjacent or downstream landowners. The purpose of this change is to establish an alternative notice requirement that will continue to provide adequate public notice while reducing the burden on cities and other public entities.

FINAL REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS DETERMINATION

The commission reviewed the adopted rulemaking in light of the regulatory analysis requirements of Texas Government Code, §2001.0225, and determined the rulemaking is not subject to §2001.0225 because it does not meet the definition of a "major environmental rule." "Major environmental rule" means a rule, the specific intent of which, is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may 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. This rulemaking is intended to implement less burdensome public notification requirements for applicants seeking authorization to amend or apply for an individual TPDES MS4 permit while also providing an alternative method of adequate public notice. Therefore, the rulemaking does not meet the definition of "major environmental rule" because the rulemaking is not specifically intended to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure.

The commission solicited comments on the draft regulatory impact analysis determination. No comments were received.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The commission conducted a takings impact assessment for this rule under Texas Government Code, §2007.043. This rulemaking is procedural in nature and does not provide the commission with any additional authority or jurisdictional responsibility related to MS4s. This rulemaking is intended to implement less burdensome public notification requirements for applicants seeking authorization to amend or apply for an individual TPDES MS4 permit while also providing an alternative method of adequate public notice. Therefore, the rulemaking will not constitute a takings under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007.

CONSISTENCY WITH THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The commission reviewed the rulemaking and found the rulemaking is identified in the Coastal Coordination Act (CCA) Implementation Rules, 31 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §505.11(b)(2), relating to Actions and Rules Subject to the Coastal Management Program (CMP) or will affect an action/authorization identified in the CCA Implementation Rules, 31 TAC §505.11(a)(6), and will, therefore, require that applicable goals and policies of the CMP be considered during the rulemaking process.

The commission conducted a consistency determination for the adopted rulemaking pursuant to 31 TAC §505.22, and found the adopted rulemaking is consistent with the applicable CMP goals and policies. The goals of the CMP, in 31 TAC §501.12, applicable to the rulemaking, are 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 policy of the CMP applicable to the adopted rulemaking is §501.14(f)(1)(A), which requires the commission rules to comply with the Clean Water Act.

Promulgation and enforcement of the adopted rules will not violate (exceed) any standards identified in the applicable CMP goals and policies because the change adopted by the rulemaking is procedural in nature and will not have direct or significant adverse effect on any coastal natural resource areas, nor will the rulemaking have a substantive effect on commission actions subject to the CMP.

The commission solicited comments on the consistency determination. The commission received a letter from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT); the letter stated that TxDOT did not have any comments or suggestions on the consistency determination.

HEARING AND COMMENTERS

A public hearing was held on June 25, 2001, in Room 3202A, Building F, at the commission's central office located at 12100 Park 35 Circle. No one attended the hearing. The comment period closed on July 9, 2001. The commission received a letter from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT); the letter stated that TxDOT did not have any comments or suggestions.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendment is adopted under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.012, which states that the commission is the agency responsible for implementing the constitution and laws of the state relating to conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment; §5.013, which establishes the commission's authority over various statutory programs; §5.103 and §5.105, which establish the commission's general authority to adopt rules; §5.551, which establishes that the commission shall by rule provide for notice to the extent necessary to satisfy the EPA requirements; §26.011, which states the commission has the powers and duties prescribed in Chapter 26 and all other powers necessary or convenient to carry out its responsibilities to adopt reasonable rules or orders adopted or issued by the commission to regulate discharges under Chapter 26; and Texas Government Code, §2001.004, which requires state agencies to adopt rules of practice.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2001.

TRD-200104582

Ramon Dasch

Interim Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-6087


Chapter 115. CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission) adopts amendments to Subchapter B, General Volatile Organic Compound Sources, §115.142; Subchapter D, Petroleum Refining, Natural Gas Processing, and Petrochemical Processes, §§115.322, 115.323, 115.325, 115.327, and 115.329; Subchapter E, Solvent-Using Processes, §§115.412, 115.413, 115.415 - 115.417, 115.419, 115.423, 115.426, 115.427, 115.432, 115.433, 115.435, 115.436, 115.439, and 115.442; and Subchapter F, Miscellaneous Industrial Sources, §§115.512, 115.517, and 115.519. These sections will be submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as proposed revisions to the state implementation plan (SIP). These sections are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the June 8, 2001 issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 4026) and will not be republished.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE FACTUAL BASIS FOR THE ADOPTED RULES

The commission adopts these amendments to Chapter 115, Control of Air Pollution from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and revisions to the SIP in order to make a variety of changes which clarify and add flexibility to existing requirements, correct technical and typographical errors, update references to terms, and delete redundant language and language made obsolete by the passing of compliance dates. The adopted clarifications are consistent with rule interpretations made by the commission's Air Rule Interpretation Team. The amendments also add a minor recordkeeping requirement necessary to determine compliance with an exemption.

SECTION BY SECTION DISCUSSION

Throughout this rulemaking the outdated term "undesignated head" is replaced with the proper term "division" in response to revised Texas Register rules published in the February 13, 1998 issue of the Texas Register (23 TexReg 1289). Also throughout the rulemaking, the term "Centigrade" is replaced with the term "Celsius" which is now the term commonly used to describe this temperature scale. Justification for these changes will not be discussed any further in this preamble other than to point out where each change has been made.

Subchapter B, General Volatile Organic Compound Sources

Division 4, Industrial Wastewater

The adopted amendment to §115.142(2), Control Requirements, clarifies that the secondary seal requirements of §115.142(2)(F) only apply to external floating roof tanks. A misplaced phrase in the current rule makes the paragraph appear to apply to both internal and external floating roof tanks.

Subchapter D, Petroleum Refining, Natural Gas Processing, and Petrochemical Processes

Division 2, Fugitive Emissions Control in Petroleum Refineries in Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties

The adopted amendment to §115.322(1), Control Requirements, provides the correct reference to the definition of the term "leak." The current rule language states that the definition of the term "leak" can be found in §115.10, Definitions. However, the term "leak" is no longer defined in §115.10 as the result of a previous rulemaking to remove redundant definitions because numerous terms found in §115.10 were already defined in §101.1, Definitions. The term "leak" was one of the definitions removed.

The adopted amendment to §115.323(1), Alternate Control Requirements, replaces the term "undesignated head" with "division."

The adopted amendment to §115.325, Testing Requirements, replaces the term "undesignated head" with "division," and the complete title of the division is added to the reference statement.

The adopted amendment to §115.327, Exemptions, replaces the term "undesignated head" with "division." In §115.327(1), the complete title of the division is added to the reference statement. In §115.327(2) and (4), the reference to the division title is deleted because it is only needed the first time the division is referenced within a section. In §115.327(3), a typographical correction is made to correct the spelling of the term "Fahrenheit," and the term "Centigrade" is changed to "Celsius."

The adopted amendment to §115.329, Counties and Compliance Schedules, adds clarifying language, replaces the term "undesignated head" with "division," and adds the complete title of the division to the reference statement.

Subchapter E, Solvent-Using Processes

Division 1, Degreasing Processes

The title of this division is changed from "Degreasing and Cleanup Processes" to "Degreasing Processes" to more accurately reflect the content of the division.

The adopted amendment to §115.412, Control Requirements, incorporates the control requirements for Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties into the current subsection (a) by deleting all of subsection (b), which currently contains the control requirements for these three counties, and specifying Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties in the first subsection, which becomes an undesignated subsection. These changes are adopted to remove identical, redundant control requirements in the current subsection (b) to make the rule briefer and easier to read. Also to improve readability, a catch line is added to each paragraph that identifies the topics being covered. The term "solvent" is inserted in §115.412(1) and the term "degreasing" replaces "cleaning" in §115.412(2) so that the terms used in this chapter are consistent with the definitions in §101.1, Definitions. The term "Centigrade" is replaced with "Celsius" in §115.412(1)(A)(i). The adopted amendments to §115.412(1)(E) and (2)(D)(i) clarify how the freeboard ratio should be determined for cold solvent cleaning or open-top vapor degreasing units which have an upper portion which is narrower than the air/solvent or the air/vapor level or if the cover of a degreaser is hinged such that the opening is narrower than the overall width of a degreaser. The freeboard primarily serves to reduce drafts near the air/solvent or air/vapor interface. Having a narrower top would help to reduce the drafts near the air/solvent or air/vapor interface, thereby reducing the amount of solvent being evaporated. The freeboard ratio should be determined by dividing the freeboard height by the smallest interior dimension (i.e., length, width, or diameter). The smallest interior dimension could be located at any point, from the top or opening of the unit to the air/solvent or air/vapor level. This change is consistent with air rule interpretation R5-412.001. Section 115.412(2)(E) is revised to correctly reference the proper subparagraph. The acronym "OSHA" is added after the phrase "Occupational Safety and Health Administration" in §115.412(2)(F)(xii) and replaces the term "Occupational Safety and Health Administration" in §115.412(3)(I)(i).

The adopted amendments to §115.413, Alternate Control Requirements, incorporate the alternate control requirements for Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties into the current subsection (a) by deleting all of subsection (b), which currently contains the alternate control requirements for these three counties, and specifying Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties in the first subsection, which becomes an undesignated subsection. These changes are adopted to remove identical, redundant alternate control requirements in the current subsection (b) to make the rule briefer and easier to read. The adopted amendments also reformat current subsection (a) by rephrasing the first portion of the text to clearly indicate the subject of the paragraphs to follow (alternate control requirements for degreasing processes), by moving the second portion of the text into a new paragraph (1), and by renumbering the existing paragraphs accordingly. These changes improve readability and are necessary to make the formatting of this rule consistent with that used in the corresponding §115.423, Alternate Control Requirements. The term "executive director" is lower-cased for consistency with other divisions. An incorrect reference to the "section" (which should have been "undesignated head") is corrected to reference the "division." Also, cross-references throughout this section are revised to reflect reformatting and renumbering changes adopted in other sections.

The adopted amendments to §115.415, Testing Requirements, rephrase the current subsection (a) to more clearly indicate the subject (testing requirements for degreasing processes) of the paragraphs to follow. The adopted revisions also incorporate the testing requirements for Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties into the current subsection (a) by deleting all of subsection (b), which currently contains the testing requirements for these three counties, and specifying Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties in the first subsection, which becomes an undesignated subsection. These changes are adopted to remove identical, redundant testing requirements in the current subsection (b) to make the rule briefer and easier read. Cross-references throughout this section are revised to reflect reformatting and renumbering changes in other sections. The adopted amendments to §115.415 also add a new paragraph (3), which authorizes the use of test methods other than those specifically listed in §115.415(1) or (2), provided that any new test method is validated using the procedures in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 63, Appendix A, Test Method 301, with the executive director acting as the administrator. The adopted new language has previously been added to five other divisions within Chapter 115 with the EPA's approval. This revision is necessary because in some specific and unique situations the listed test methods may be inappropriate. The new paragraph increases flexibility by allowing the use of additional test methods which may be more cost-effective and more appropriate in certain unique situations.

The adopted amendments to §115.416, Recordkeeping Requirements, revise the sentence structure and replace the phrase "any open-top vapor or conveyorized degreasing operation" with the phrase "degreasing process" in the current subsection (a) for clarity and consistency with other sections in this division. The revisions also incorporate the recordkeeping requirements for Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties into the current subsection (a) by deleting all of subsection (b), which currently contains the recordkeeping requirements for these three counties, and specifying Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties in the first subsection, which becomes an undesignated subsection. These changes are adopted to remove identical, redundant recordkeeping requirements in the current subsection (b) to make the rule briefer and easier to read. The adopted revision also replaces the phrase "Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC)" with the administratively correct term "executive director," and the acronym "EPA" replaces the phrase "United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)." A cross-reference is revised to reflect a reformatting and renumbering change in the referenced section. A new paragraph (3) adds a recordkeeping requirement for degreasing operations in Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties which are exempt under current §115.417(b)(3), which becomes §115.417(5). The recordkeeping requirement is needed to determine compliance with the exemption. The requirement simply states that the operator must keep records in sufficient detail to document compliance with the exemption cutoff limit of 550 pounds of VOC emissions in any consecutive 24-hour period and is necessary to provide enforceability of the exemption. Please note that "any consecutive 24-hour period" is considered a rolling 24-hour period, rather than midnight of one calendar day to midnight of the next calendar day.

The adopted amendments to §115.417, Exemptions, incorporate the exemptions for Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties into the current subsection (a) by deleting all of subsection (b), which currently contains the exemptions for these three counties, and specifying Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties in the first subsection, which becomes an undesignated subsection. The size exemption for Gregg, Nueces, and Victoria Counties that is currently located in §115.417(b)(3) is still applicable; therefore, the content of this paragraph becomes a new paragraph (5). These changes are adopted to remove identical, redundant exemptions in the current subsection (b) to make the rule briefer and easier to read. Cross-references throughout this section are revised to reflect reformatting and renumbering changes in other sections. The current §115.417(a)(2), which becomes §115.417(2), is restructured and reformatted to include two subparagraphs so that remote reservoir cold solvent cleaners can be specified as exempt from the freeboard and water cover requirements of §115.412(1)(E). Even though remote reservoirs are a subset of cold solvent cleaners (because they use liquid solvent to remove soils from part surfaces while maintaining the solvent below its boiling point), the two pieces of equipment do not operate in the same way because their designs are different. For a remote reservoir, the liquid solvent is pumped to a sink-like work area that drains solvent back into an enclosed container while parts are being cleaned, allowing no solvent to pool around the parts. For a cold solvent cleaner, the solvent does pool around the parts and therefore, a freeboard or water cover is necessary. The purpose of the freeboard is to ensure that when parts are placed into the solvent pool, there is enough empty air space between the solvent level and the top of the tank to minimize solvent drag out when an air stream passes over the open reservoir as well as to prevent solvent overflow when parts are placed in the pool, thus decreasing air emissions. Also, for the cold solvent cleaning system exemption in the adopted §115.417(2)(A), the "or if" statement is changed to a "provided that" statement. This is necessary so the exemption will be consistent with the EPA's guidelines concerning the control of VOC emissions from solvent metal cleaning. The rule language in the current §115.417(a)(2) inadvertently allows a high vapor pressure solvent to be exempt from the requirements of §115.412(1)(E) as long as the solvent was not heated above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This was never the intent of the EPA's guidelines nor was it the intent of the commission.

The adopted amendment to §115.419, Counties and Compliance Schedules, adds clarifying language and replaces the term "undesignated head" with the term "division."

Subchapter E, Division 2, Surface Coating Processes

The adopted amendments to §115.423, Alternate Control Requirements, clarify the requirements for when a vapor control system is used to control emissions from coating operations. Specifically, current §115.423(3) is reformatted into two paragraphs to add an equation specifying how to determine the minimum overall control efficiency necessary to demonstrate equivalency with the emission limitations of §115.421 when a vapor control system is used to control emissions from coating operations. The owner or operator can choose to use either a daily weighted average or the maximum VOC content in the equation. Use of the maximum VOC content (i.e., the worst-case scenario) has the advantage of being a one-time calculation. The phrase "of any surface coating facility" is deleted from adopted paragraph (3)(B) because it is redundant.

The adopted amendments to §115.426, Monitoring and Recordkeeping Requirements, clarify that records of non-exempt solvent washings are not required if an owner or operator using non- exempt solvents for washing directs the non-exempt solvent into a container that prevents evaporation into the atmosphere. This change is consistent with air rule interpretation R5-412.005.

The adopted amendments to §115.427, Exemptions, delete a portion of §115.427(a)(3)(C) that explains that coatings which are not subject to a standard in §115.421(a)(1) - (15) are not included in the exemption calculation and move it to §115.427(a)(3) so it is clear that this statement applies to all of the exemptions listed under this paragraph. The same clarifying statement is also added to §115.427(b)(1). The phrase "volatile organic compound (VOC)" is replaced by the acronym "VOC."

The adopted amendments also relocate the exemption for aerosol coating (spray paint) by deleting the current §115.427(a)(3)(J) and placing this exemption in a new §115.427(a)(6). This revision is necessary because this exemption was intended to apply to all surface coating operations (see the April 3, 1998 issue of the Texas Register (23 TexReg 3505)); however, the current location of this exemption inadvertently excludes vehicle refinishing (body shops). The current §115.427(a)(3)(K) is renumbered to become a new §115.427(a)(3)(J) as a result of the deletion of the current §115.427(a)(3)(J).

Revisions are adopted for current §115.427(a)(3)(K), which is renumbered as §115.427(a)(3)(J), because the current rule language does not state from what requirements the aerospace vehicles cleaning and coating activities are exempt. The subparagraph was added to the Surface Coating Processes Division effective July 20, 2000, as published in the July 14, 2000 issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 6752). The EPA's Control of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Coating Operations at Aerospace Manufacturing and Rework Operations (aerospace CTG) was the basis for the July 20, 2000 rule revision. The adopted rule language was based on rule language provided in the Aerospace Manufacturing and Rework Operations Model Rule, found in Appendix B of the aerospace CTG. In the aerospace CTG's model rule it stated: "this rule does not apply to the following activities where cleaning and coating of aerospace components and vehicles may take place: research and development, quality control, laboratory testing, and electronic parts and assemblies (except for cleaning and coating of completed assemblies)." From this statement, it is clear that the intent was for the surface coating requirements not to apply to the activities outlined above; therefore, the clarifying phrase "are exempt from this division" is added to the subparagraph.

The adopted amendment to §115.427(b)(2)(C) and the deletion of §115.427(b)(2)(D) is necessary to make the format of the rule language in §115.427(b) consistent with that in §115.427(a). On April 7, 1998, the commission adopted rule language that updated the terminology in the existing miscellaneous metal parts/products exemption from "fully assembled marine vessels and fixed offshore structures" to "ships and offshore oil or gas drilling platforms" for consistency with the new requirements for surface coating of ships and offshore oil and gas drilling platforms. The term "and" is added to §115.427(b)(2)(B) because §115.427(b)(2)(C) is now the last subparagraph in the paragraph.

Subchapter E, Division 3, Flexographic and Rotogravure Printing

The adopted amendments to §115.432, Control Requirements, change the term "standard exemption" to "permit by rule" throughout the section due to the requirements of Senate Bill 766, 76th Legislature, 1999, which amended the Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA) and created "permits by rule." The phrase "carbon adsorption or incineration system" is replaced with the more general term "vapor control system" in §115.432(a)(1)(C) and (b)(3) because control systems used to reduce VOC emissions may encompass more than just carbon adsorption or incineration systems. In §115.432(a)(2), the phrase "no more than" replaces "at or below" and "to" replaces "and" for clarification. A reference to Chapter 106, relating to Permits by Rule, is added in §115.432(a)(2)(A) because it is the chapter that contains the permits by rule discussed in the section. In §115.432(a)(2)(B), the administratively correct term "executive director" replaces the phrase "Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission," and the language is corrected to include authorizations by permit amendment and standard permit, instead of just permit and permit by rule.

The adopted amendments to §115.433, Alternate Control Requirements, make administrative corrections to replace the term "section" (which should have been "undesignated head") with "division" and lower-case the term "executive director."

The adopted amendments to §115.435, Testing Requirements, change references from "carbon adsorber" to "carbon adsorption system" for clarification. The term and acronym, Texas Air Control Board (TACB), is replaced with the administratively correct term "executive director." The acronyms "CFR," "EPA," and "VOC" are added as needed throughout the section to replace the terms "Code of Federal Regulations," "United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)," and "volatile organic compound," respectively. In addition, the phrase "of the 30-day period" is added to §115.435(a)(7)(A)(ii)(I) to clarify that "daily" refers to each 24-hour period of the 30-day period.

The adopted amendments to §115.436, Monitoring and Recordkeeping Requirements, replace "Texas Air Control Board" and its acronym TACB with the administratively correct term "executive director," and "United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)" is replaced with just the acronym.

The adopted amendments to §115.439, Counties and Compliance Schedules, delete subsections (a) - (d) because the language is obsolete due to the passing of a July 31, 1993 compliance date and add new language in an undesignated subsection stating that all affected persons in Brazoria, Chambers, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gregg, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nueces, Orange, Tarrant, Victoria, and Waller Counties shall continue to comply with applicable sections of this division (relating to Flexographic and Rotogravure Printing) as required by §115.930 (relating to Compliance Dates).

Subchapter E, Division 4, Offset Lithographic Printing

The adopted amendments to §115.442(1)(E), Control Requirements, replace "this regulation" with "the fountain solution limitations of this paragraph" for clarification.

Subchapter F, Miscellaneous Industrial Sources

Division 1, Cutback Asphalt

The adopted amendments to §115.512, Control Requirements, add the word "by" to further clarify that §115.512(1) only applies to state, municipal, and county agencies.

The adopted amendments to §115.517, Exemptions, correct a cross-reference from §115.512(3) to §115.512(2) needed as the result of the renumbering of §115.512 effective August 18, 1999. (See the August 13, 1999 issue of the Texas Register ).

The adopted amendments to §115.519, Counties and Compliance Schedules, delete subsections (a) and (b) because the language is obsolete due to the passing of December 31, 1992, and April 16, 1993, compliance dates and add new language stating that all affected persons in Brazoria, Chambers, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nueces, Orange, Tarrant, and Waller Counties shall continue to comply with applicable sections of this division (relating to Cutback Asphalt) as required by §115.930 (relating to Compliance Dates).

FINAL REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS DETERMINATION

The commission reviewed the adopted rulemaking in light of the regulatory analysis requirements of Texas Government Code, §2001.0225, and determined that this rulemaking is not subject to §2001.0025 because it does not meet the definition of a "major environmental rule" as defined in that statute. "Major environmental rule" means a rule the specific intent of which is 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.

This rulemaking is not a major environmental rule because its primary purpose is to clarify procedural and technical requirements for facilities subject to Chapter 115 rules. Specifically, the amended sections clarify the requirements for cold solvent cleaners and the applicability of the requirements; provide additional test methods for degreasing processes to be used under certain circumstances; require degreasing operations exempt under §115.417(5) from the control requirements in §115.412 to keep records to document compliance with the exemption conditions; clarify an exemption from recordkeeping for certain surface coating facility owners or operators; and clarify rule language to correct errors, update references, and delete redundant and obsolete language. Also, the fiscal impacts associated with this rulemaking are not anticipated to be significant.

In addition, a regulatory impact analysis is not required because the rules do not meet any of the four applicability criteria for requiring a regulatory analysis of a "major environmental rule" as defined in the Texas Government Code. Section 2001.0225 applies only to a major environmental rule the result of which is to: 1) exceed a standard set by federal law, unless the rule is specifically required by state law; 2) exceed an express requirement of state law, unless the rule is specifically required by federal law; 3) 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; or 4) adopt a rule solely under the general powers of the agency instead of under a specific state law. This rulemaking does not exceed a standard set by federal law, and the adopted technical requirements are consistent with applicable federal standards. In addition, this rulemaking does not exceed an express requirement of state law and is not adopted solely under the general powers of the agency, but is specifically authorized by the provisions cited in the STATUTORY AUTHORITY section of this preamble. Finally, this rulemaking does not exceed a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract to implement a state and federal program. The commission invited public comment on the draft regulatory impact analysis determination, and no comments were received.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The commission prepared a takings impact assessment for the adopted rules pursuant to Texas Government Code, §2007.043. The following is a summary of that assessment. The primary purpose of the rulemaking is to revise specific rules in Chapter 115 to clarify and add flexibility to existing requirements, correct errors, update references, and delete redundant and obsolete language. Promulgation and enforcement of these rules will be neither a statutory nor a constitutional taking because they do not affect private real property. Specifically, the adopted rules 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 rules. Therefore, these rules do not constitute a taking under the Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007.

CONSISTENCY WITH THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The commission reviewed this rulemaking for consistency with the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP) goals and policies in accordance with the regulations of the Coastal Coordination Council, and determined that the rulemaking is consistent with the applicable CMP goals and policies. The commission received a letter from the Texas Department of Transportation stating that it reviewed the proposed amendments as they relate to actions or rules subject to the CMP and that it had no comments or suggestions to offer. No other comments regarding the CMP consistency review were received.

EFFECT ON SITES SUBJECT TO THE FEDERAL OPERATING PERMITS PROGRAM

Because Chapter 115 contains applicable requirements under 30 TAC Chapter 122, Federal Operating Permits, owners or operators subject to the Federal Operating Permit Program must, consistent with the revision process in Chapter 122, revise their operating permit to include the revised Chapter 115 requirements for each emission unit affected by the revisions to Chapter 115 at their site.

HEARING AND COMMENTERS

A public hearing was offered in Austin, Texas on July 3, 2001, and the public comment period ended on July 9, 2001. The commission received a letter from the Texas Department of Transportation stating that it reviewed the proposed amendments as they relate to actions or rules subject to the CMP and that it had no comments or suggestions to offer. No other comments were received.

Subchapter B. GENERAL VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND SOURCES

4. INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER

30 TAC §115.142

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendment is adopted under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC; Texas Health and Safety Code, TCAA, §382.017, which provides the commission authority to adopt rules consistent with the policy and purposes of the TCAA; §382.002, which establishes the commission's purpose to safeguard the state's air resources, consistent with the protection of public health, general welfare, and physical property; §382.011, which authorizes the commission to control the quality of the state's air; §382.012, which authorizes the commission to develop plans to protect the state's air; and §382.016, which authorizes the commission to require that records of the air contaminant emissions from a source or activity be made and maintained.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2001.

TRD-200104567

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4712


Subchapter D. PETROLEUM REFINING, NATURAL GAS PROCESSING, AND PETROCHEMICAL PROCESSES

2. FUGITIVE EMISSION CONTROL IN PETROLEUM REFINERIES IN GREGG, NUECES, AND VICTORIA COUNTIES

30 TAC §§115.322, 115.323, 115.325, 115.327, 115.329

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC; Texas Health and Safety Code, TCAA, §382.017, which provides the commission authority to adopt rules consistent with the policy and purposes of the TCAA; §382.002, which establishes the commission's purpose to safeguard the state's air resources, consistent with the protection of public health, general welfare, and physical property; §382.011, which authorizes the commission to control the quality of the state's air; §382.012, which authorizes the commission to develop plans to protect the state's air; and §382.016, which authorizes the commission to require that records of the air contaminant emissions from a source or activity be made and maintained.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2001.

TRD-200104568

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4712


Subchapter E. SOLVENT-USING PROCESS

1. DEGREASING PROCESSES

30 TAC §§115.412, 115.413, 115.415 - 115.417, 115.419

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC; Texas Health and Safety Code, TCAA, §382.017, which provides the commission authority to adopt rules consistent with the policy and purposes of the TCAA; §382.002, which establishes the commission's purpose to safeguard the state's air resources, consistent with the protection of public health, general welfare, and physical property; §382.011, which authorizes the commission to control the quality of the state's air; §382.012, which authorizes the commission to develop plans to protect the state's air; and §382.016, which authorizes the commission to require that records of the air contaminant emissions from a source or activity be made and maintained.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2001.

TRD-200104569

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4712


2. SURFACE COATING PROCESSES

30 TAC §§115.423, 115.426, 115.427

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC; Texas Health and Safety Code, TCAA, §382.017, which provides the commission authority to adopt rules consistent with the policy and purposes of the TCAA; §382.002, which establishes the commission's purpose to safeguard the state's air resources, consistent with the protection of public health, general welfare, and physical property; §382.011, which authorizes the commission to control the quality of the state's air; §382.012, which authorizes the commission to develop plans to protect the state's air; and §382.016, which authorizes the commission to require that records of the air contaminant emissions from a source or activity be made and maintained.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2001.

TRD-200104570

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4712


3. FLEXOGRAPHIC AND ROTOGRAVURE PRINTING

30 TAC §§115.432, 115.433, 115.435, 115.436, 115.439

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC; Texas Health and Safety Code, TCAA, §382.017, which provides the commission authority to adopt rules consistent with the policy and purposes of the TCAA; §382.002, which establishes the commission's purpose to safeguard the state's air resources, consistent with the protection of public health, general welfare, and physical property; §382.011, which authorizes the commission to control the quality of the state's air; §382.012, which authorizes the commission to develop plans to protect the state's air; and §382.016, which authorizes the commission to require that records of the air contaminant emissions from a source or activity be made and maintained.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2001.

TRD-200104571

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4712


4. OFFSET LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING

30 TAC §115.442

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendment is adopted under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC; Texas Health and Safety Code, TCAA, §382.017, which provides the commission authority to adopt rules consistent with the policy and purposes of the TCAA; §382.002, which establishes the commission's purpose to safeguard the state's air resources, consistent with the protection of public health, general welfare, and physical property; §382.011, which authorizes the commission to control the quality of the state's air; §382.012, which authorizes the commission to develop plans to protect the state's air; and §382.016, which authorizes the commission to require that records of the air contaminant emissions from a source or activity be made and maintained.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2001.

TRD-200104572

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4712


Subchapter F. MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIAL SOURCES

1. CUTBACK ASPHALT

30 TAC §§115.512, 115.517, 115.519

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under Texas Water Code (TWC), §5.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC; Texas Health and Safety Code, TCAA, §382.017, which provides the commission authority to adopt rules consistent with the policy and purposes of the TCAA; §382.002, which establishes the commission's purpose to safeguard the state's air resources, consistent with the protection of public health, general welfare, and physical property; §382.011, which authorizes the commission to control the quality of the state's air; §382.012, which authorizes the commission to develop plans to protect the state's air; and §382.016, which authorizes the commission to require that records of the air contaminant emissions from a source or activity be made and maintained.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2001.

TRD-200104573

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4712


Chapter 336. RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCE RULES

The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC or commission) adopts the amendments to §336.2, Definitions; §336.305, Occupational Dose Limits for Adults; §336.307, Determination of External Dose from Airborne Radioactive Material; §336.310, Planned Special Exposures; §336.312, Dose Equivalent to an Embryo/Fetus; §336.315, General Requirements for Surveys and Monitoring; §336.316, Conditions Requiring Individual Monitoring of External and Internal Occupational Dose; §336.319, Use of Process or Other Engineering Controls; §336.320, Use of Other Controls; §336.321, Use of Individual Respiratory Protection Equipment; §336.322, Further Restrictions on the Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment; §336.335, Reporting Requirements for Incidents; §336.341, General Recordkeeping Requirements for Licensees; §336.346, Records of Individual Monitoring Results; §336.358, Appendix A. Assigned Protection Factors for Respirators; §336.359, Appendix B. Annual Limits on Intake (ALI) and Derived Air Concentrations (DAC) of Radionuclides for Occupational Exposure; Effluent Concentrations; Concentrations for Release to Sanitary Sewerage; and §336.611, Public Notification and Public Participation. The commission is also adopting the repeal of Subchapter I, §336.801, Purpose and Scope; §336.802, Definitions; §336.803, Financial Assurance Requirements; §336.804, Financial Assurance Mechanisms; §336.805, Long-Term Care Requirements; §336.806, Wording of Financial Assurance Mechanisms; and §336.807, Appendix A. Wording of Financial Assurance Instruments. The amendments to §§336.2, 336.305, 336.307, 336.310, 336.312, 336.315, 336.316, 336.319 - 336.322, 336.335, 336.341, 336.346, 336.358, 336.359, and 336.611 and the repeal of §§336.801 - 336.807 are adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the June 8, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 4052) and will not be republished.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE FACTUAL BASIS FOR THE ADOPTED RULES

Nearly all of the amendments to this chapter were derived from three United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rulemakings: 1.) Respiratory Protection and Controls to Restrict Internal Exposures, October 7, 1999 (64 FR 54543), and October 13, 1999 (64 FR 55524), effective February 4, 2000; 2.) Minor Corrections, Clarifying Changes, and a Minor Policy Change, July 23, 1998 (63 FR 39477), and August 26, 1998 (63 FR 45393), effective October 26, 1998; and, to a very limited extent, 3.) Resolution of Dual Regulation of Airborne Effluents of Radioactive Materials; Clean Air Act, December 10, 1996 (61 FR 65119), effective January 9, 1997, which was revisited to add a definition inadvertently omitted in an earlier rulemaking (in 1998). The commission must incorporate NRC rulemakings into its rules to preserve the status of Texas as an Agreement State authorized to administer a portion of the radiation control program in this state. NRC rules must be incorporated into the commission's rules within three years of their effective date.

The amendments from NRC's "Respiratory Protection and Controls to Restrict Internal Exposures" rulemaking make the regulations more consistent with the philosophy of controlling the sum of internal and external radiation exposure and reflect current guidance on respiratory protection from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The amendments are also consistent with recently effective revisions to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) respiratory protection rule and make requirements for radiological protection less prescriptive, while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden, without reducing worker protection. The amendments provide greater assurance that worker doses will be maintained as low as is reasonably achievable and that recent technological advances in respiratory protection equipment and procedures are reflected in the regulations and clearly approved for use by licensees.

The amendments from NRC's "Minor Corrections, Clarifying Changes, and a Minor Policy Change" rulemaking make minor corrections and clarifying changes and are also intended to conform with the NRC's revised radiation protection standards. In addition, the rulemaking includes a minor policy change that raises the criteria for placement of monitoring devices on minors from 0.05 rem to 0.1 rem in a year and on declared pregnant women from 0.05 rem to 0.1 rem during their pregnancies. The 0.1 rem deep dose equivalent monitoring criterion represents a quantity more consistent with the measurement sensitivity of individual monitoring devices. (Minor Corrections, Clarifying Changes, and a Minor Policy Change, July 23, 1998 (63 FR 39478)). The NRC determined that the current criterion of 0.05 rem, if received uniformly in a year or throughout the gestation period, would result in an average monthly dose of less than 0.005 rem, and that the most routinely utilized monitoring devices cannot accurately measure doses below 0.01 rem, which is greater than the average monthly dose of 0.005 rem. These changes to the threshold for monitoring exposures to radiation and radioactive material do not change the total occupational dose limits for minors or declared pregnant women of 0.5 rem.

Lastly, the definition for "constraint (dose constraint)" from NRC's "Resolution of Dual Regulation of Airborne Effluents of Radioactive Materials; Clean Air Act" rulemaking was inadvertently omitted from a previous commission rulemaking (August 28, 1998 issue of the Texas Register (23 TexReg 8837)) and needs to be incorporated now to assure compatibility with the NRC regulations.

The commission also adopts in 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 336, Radioactive Substance Rules, an update to one cross-reference in Subchapter D, an update to one cross-reference in Subchapter G, and a repeal of Subchapter I, which was made obsolete when its requirements were previously incorporated into 30 TAC Chapter 37, Subchapters S and T.

SECTION BY SECTION DISCUSSION

Subchapter A, General Provisions

All of the changes adopted in Subchapter A are derived from the federal rule changes.

The amendments to §336.2 are adopted to make it compatible with the latest version of Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §20.1003. New federal definitions are added for "Air- purifying respirator," "Assigned protection factor (APF)," "Atmosphere-supplying respirator," "Constraint (dose constraint)," "Demand respirator," "Disposable respirator," "Filtering facepiece (dust mask)," "Fit factor," "Fit test," "Helmet," "Hood," "Lens dose equivalent (LDE)," "Loose-fitting facepiece," "Negative pressure respirator (tight fitting)," "Positive pressure respirator," "Powered air- purifying respirator (PAPR)," "Pressure demand respirator," "Qualitative fit test (QLFT)," "Quantitative fit test (QNFT)," "Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)," "Supplied-air respirator (SAR) or airline respirator," "Tight-fitting facepiece," and "User seal check (fit check)." Also, per the NRC rules, the commission adopts the amendment of the definitions of "Declared pregnant woman," "High radiation area," "Individual monitoring devices," and "Very high radiation area," and the deletion of the definition of "Eye dose equivalent." The new definition of "Constraint (dose constraint)" is added to make it clear that although a constraint is not the same as a limit, licensees are expected to develop radiation programs to ensure that doses from air emissions are below ten mrem per year. The definition of "Declared pregnant woman" is revised to specify that the written declaration of pregnancy is to be given to the licensee rather than to the employer, unless the employer is also the licensee. This is necessary to ensure that the entity responsible for work assignments involving radiation exposure, the licensee, is aware of the declaration of pregnancy to facilitate timely and appropriate protective action. The revision also specifies that the declaration, as well as associated dose restrictions, remain in effect until withdrawn in writing or until the woman is no longer pregnant. The determination that a declared pregnant woman is no longer pregnant should be based on a discussion between the declared pregnant woman and the licensee. The definitions of "High radiation area" and "Very high radiation area" are revised to make it clear that these area designations exist solely to note radiation levels from sources external to an individual who may receive the dose. The existing definition of "Eye dose equivalent (EDE)" is deleted and replaced by the new definition of "Lens dose equivalent (LDE)" to avoid confusion between the acronyms for dose to the lens of the eye (EDE) and effective dose equivalent (EDE). This should pose no procedural burden on licensees because the required NRC Forms 4 and 5 for records and reports were revised in August 1995 to reflect the new terminology, and these forms or their equivalents are required to be used by the existing rules.

Subchapter D, Standards for Protection Against Radiation

All of the changes adopted in Subchapter D are derived from the federal rule changes, except the cross-reference update in §336.359.

Section 336.305(a)(2)(A) is amended by replacing the words "an eye" with the words "a lens." This change is consistent with the previously adopted deletion of the definition of "Eye dose equivalent (EDE)" and its replacement by the new definition of "Lens dose equivalent (LDE)" in §336.2 to avoid confusion between the acronyms for dose to the lens of the eye (EDE) and effective dose equivalent (EDE). Section 336.305(c) is amended by changing "shall" to "must" for better readability and changing "eye" to "lens" for consistency with the change to §336.305(a)(2)(A). These changes will also update this section to make it consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1201.

Section 336.307(a) is amended in the second line to replace "eye" with "lens" for the same reason given in the discussion of §336.305(a)(2)(A) and to update this section to be consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1203.

Section 336.310(1) is amended by changing "higher exposure" to "dose estimated to result from the planned special exposure." This amendment is intended to clarify what was intended by the words "higher exposure" used in the rule previously. The phrase applies to dose estimates performed prior to authorizing the planned special exposure (PSE). The new wording states that PSE's are authorized only in exceptional situations when alternatives that might avoid the dose estimated to result from the PSE are unavailable or impractical. Improved clarification will avoid possible misinterpretation of a PSE criterion. This change will also make this section compatible with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1206.

Section 336.312 title is changed to "Dose Equivalent to an Embryo/Fetus" to make it clear that the dose limit specifically applies to the dose equivalent, which is the technically correct term to denote effect of dose to an organ. Subsection (c)(2) is amended by adding the word "resulting" in front of the word "from" for greater clarity. Subsection (d) is amended by moving the phrase "by the time the woman declares pregnancy to the licensee" for greater clarity, by adding "equivalent" after the word "dose" in two places to use the technically correct expression "dose equivalent," and by changing "has exceeded" to "is found to have exceeded" for greater clarity. These changes will also make this section compatible with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1208.

Section 336.315 is amended to be consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1501. Subsection (a)(2)(A) is amended by adding at the beginning the words "magnitude and extent of" in front of "radiation levels" to clarify the intended meaning that surveys should evaluate both the area covering the dose field as well as the amount of dose in that area; and subsection (a)(2)(C) is amended by deleting the unnecessary words "that could be present."

Section 336.316 is amended to make it consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1502. In paragraph (1), the words "from licensed and unlicensed radiation sources under the control of the licensee" are added after "exposure to radiation" to improve clarity and to make it clear that, in determining whether or not monitoring is required, a licensee need not take into account sources of radiation not under its control. In paragraphs (1) and (2), the criteria for monitoring minors and declared pregnant women in subparagraph (B) are separated into two subparagraphs, (B) and new (C), and amended to make them consistent with §336.312 and technically correct. The criteria for monitoring the deep dose equivalent are changed for minors and declared pregnant women from 0.05 rem to 0.1 rem. (Minor Corrections, Clarifying Changes, and a Minor Policy Change, July 23, 1998 (63 FR 39478)). The 0.1 rem in a year deep dose equivalent monitoring criterion is consistent with the public dose limit and is more consistent with the measurement sensitivity of individual monitoring devices. The NRC determined that the current criteria of 0.05 rem, if received uniformly in a year or throughout the gestation period would result in an average monthly dose of less than 0.005 rem, and that the most routinely utilized monitoring devices cannot accurately measure doses below 0.01 rem, which is greater than the average monthly dose of 0.005 rem. Changing the criteria for monitoring does not, in any way, change the dose limits for declared pregnant women, for the embryo/fetus, or for minors. This change constitutes a small licensee burden reduction while maintaining the current adequate level of protection of health and safety of minors and declared pregnant women.

Section 336.319 is amended by adding "decontamination" to the list of examples of process or engineering controls that licensees should consider for controlling the concentration of radioactive material in air. The NRC and the commission intend that licensees consider decontamination, consistent with maintaining total effective dose as low as reasonably achievable, to reduce resuspension of radioactive material in the work places as a means of controlling internal dose instead of using respirators. This amendment will make this section compatible with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1701.

Section 336.320 is amended to add a subsection (b) to the section. This new subsection is added to clarify that if a licensee performs an as low as reasonably achievable dose analysis to determine whether or not respirators should be used, the licensee may consider safety factors other than radiological. A reduction in the total effective dose equivalent for a worker is not reasonably achievable if, in the licensee's judgment, an attendant increase in the worker's industrial health and safety risk would exceed the benefit obtained by the reduction in the radiation risk. The NRC's Regulatory Guide 8.15, "Acceptable Programs for Respiratory Protection," and NUREG-0041, "Manual of Respiratory Protection Against Airborne Radioactive Material" address how factors such as heat, discomfort, reduced vision, etc., associated with respirator use, might reduce efficiency or increase stress thereby increasing health risk. The NRC and the commission expect that licensees will exercise judgment in determining how non-radiological factors apply to selecting an appropriate level of respiratory protection. This new subsection will make this section compatible with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1702.

Section 336.321 is amended to make it consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1703 and §20.1705. This section states the requirements for licensees who use respiratory protection equipment to limit intakes of radioactive material. The use of a respirator is, by definition, intended to limit intake of airborne radioactive materials, unless the device is clearly and exclusively used for protection against non-radiological airborne hazards. Whether or not credit is taken for the device in estimating doses, use of the respiratory protection device to limit intake of radioactive material and associated physiological stresses to the user activates the requirements of §336.321. Thus, this section defines the minimum respiratory protection program expected of any licensee who assigns or permits the use of respirators to limit intake.

Section 336.321(a) is amended to change "licensee uses respiratory protection equipment" to "licensee assigns or permits the use of respiratory equipment" to make it clear when this sections applies. This subsection is also amended to delete the reference to §336.320 because this language has been misinterpreted at times to mean that an approved respiratory protection program is not needed if respirators are used when concentrations of radioactive material in the air are already below values that define an airborne radioactivity area. The new language makes it clear that, if a licensee uses respiratory protection equipment to limit intakes, the minimum requirements of this section are applicable.

In §336.321(a)(1), the language is amended to add the acronym "NIOSH" and to delete "and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (NIOSH/MSHA)" so that licensees are permitted to use only respirators certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Section 336.321(a)(2) is amended to delete "NIOSH/MSHA and has not had certification extended by NIOSH/MSHA" because all existing extensions have expired and no new extensions will be granted except for classes of respirators certified under 42 CFR Part 84 and to be consistent with the previous deletion of the Mine Safety and Health Administration as a respirator certifier. Also, further clarification of the language is adopted, including deletion of "including a demonstration by testing, or a demonstration on the basis of reliable test information, that the material and performance characteristics of the equipment are capable of providing the proposed degree of protection under anticipated conditions of use" and addition of "The application must include evidence that the material and performance characteristics of the equipment are capable of providing the proposed degree of protection under anticipated conditions of use. This must be demonstrated either by licensee testing or on the basis of reliable test information."

In §336.321(a)(3)(A) - (E), minor editing is adopted. Subparagraph (D) is amended to improve clarity, reorder priorities, and bring together in one subparagraph all of the elements required in written procedures. Subparagraph (E) is amended to clarify that the worker's medical evaluation for using non-face sealing respirators occurs before the first field use, not before first fitting (as required for tight fitting respirators) because fit testing is not needed for these types.

Section 336.321(a)(3)(F) is added to require fit testing before first field use of tight-fitting, face sealing respirators and periodically after the first use. This new language clarifies when and how often fit testing is required. The NRC and the commission require that the licensee specify a frequency of retest in the procedures, that may not exceed one year. The new language also specifies existing NRC staff guidance and ANSI recommendations regarding the test "fit factors" that must be achieved to use the assigned protection factors (APFs). Specifically, fit testing with "fit factors" greater than or equal to ten times the APF is required for tight fitting, negative pressure devices. A fit factor greater than or equal to 500 is required for all tight fitting face pieces used with positive pressure, continuous flow, and pressure-demand devices. ANSI recommended a fit factor of 100 for these devices, but OSHA selected 500 to provide an additional safety margin. The NRC agrees with the OSHA position and, in the interest of consistency, this fit factor is specified as 500. This provision is intended to maintain a sufficient margin of safety to accommodate the greater difficulty in maintaining a good "fit" under field and work conditions as compared to fit test environments. It is important to note that all tight fitting facepieces are to be fit tested in the negative pressure mode regardless of the mode in which they will be used.

Section 336.321(a)(4) is deleted because it is not needed. All of the elements that were required to be in the policy statement are already found in Subchapter D and in the requirement for licensees to have and implement written procedures in §336.321(3)(D).

Newly renumbered §336.321(a)(5) is clarified and expanded to emphasize the existing requirements that provisions be made for vision correction, adequate communications, and low- temperature work environments. A licensee is required to account for the effects of adverse environmental conditions on the equipment and the wearer. The NRC considers the inability of the respirator wearer to read postings, to operate equipment and/or instrumentation, and to properly identify hazards to be an unacceptable degradation of personnel safety. Also, a requirement for licensees to consider low-temperature work environments when selecting respiratory protection devices is added. The NRC believes that this requirement is needed because the moisture from exhaled air when temperatures are below freezing could cause the exhalation valve on negative pressure respirators to freeze in the open position. The open valve would provide a pathway for unfiltered air into the respirator inlet covering without the user being aware of the malfunction. Lens fogging that reduces vision in a full facepiece respirator is another problem that can be caused by low temperature. The reference to adequate skin protection has been removed. The NRC does not consider skin protection to be an appropriate reason for the use of respirators (with the exception of air supplied suits). Limitation of skin dose is currently dealt with elsewhere in the regulations (in §336.305). It may be inconsistent with maintaining the dose as low as reasonably achievable to use tight fitting respirators solely to prevent facial contamination. Other protective measures such as the use of faceshields instead of respirators or decontamination should be considered.

Section 336.321(b) is amended by deleting existing obsolete language in subsection (b)(1), by moving the language in subsection (b)(2) to new subsection (f), and by adding a new requirement for standby rescue persons. This new language requires standby rescue persons to be present whenever one-piece atmosphere-supplying suits, or any other combination of supplied air respirator device and protective equipment is used that is difficult for the wearer to take off without assistance. Standby rescue persons would also need to be in continuous communication with the workers, be equipped with appropriate protective clothing and devices and be immediately available to provide needed assistance if the air supply fails. Without continuous air supply, unconsciousness can occur within seconds to minutes.

Section 336.321(c) is amended by deleting existing obsolete language and adding new language. The new language specifies the minimum quality of supplied breathing air, as defined by the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) in their publication G-7.1, "Commodity Specification for Air," 1997, that must be provided whenever atmosphere-supplying respirators are used. This change, which recognizes the CGA recommendations for air quality, was initiated by NIOSH and endorsed by ANSI. The quantity of air supplied, as a function of air pressure or flow rate, would be specified in the NIOSH approval certificate for each particular device and is not addressed in the rule.

Section 336.321(d) is amended by deleting existing obsolete language and adding new language. The new language prohibits the use of respirators whenever any objects, materials, or substances such as facial hair, or any other conditions interfere with the seal of the respirator. The intent of this provision is to prevent the presence of facial hair, cosmetics, spectacle earpieces, surgeon's caps, and other things from interfering with the respirator seal, exhalation valves, and/or proper operation of the respirator.

New §336.321(e) is amended to provide the provisions for changing intake estimates if later, more accurate measurements show that intake was greater or less than initially estimated. Protection factors for use in these calculations are specified in §336.358 (relating to Appendix A. Assigned Protection Factors for Respirators).

New §336.321(f) is amended to contain language moved from deleted §336.321(b)(2) with slight modification, such as changing "commission" to "executive director." This amendment provides compatibility with NRC regulations in 10 CFR §20.1705 in that the authorization for a licensee to assign respiratory protection factors in excess of those specified in §336.358 does not require an amendment of the license. The amendment clarifies that the authorization may be approved by the executive director. The licensee may file with the chief clerk a motion to overturn, under §50.139(b) - (g) of this title (relating to Motion to Overturn Executive Director's Decision), of the executive director's decision on an application for authorization to use higher assigned protection factors.

Section 336.322(1) is amended to clarify that the commission will use "keeping doses as low as reasonably achievable" considerations in any additional restrictions imposed by the commission on the use of respiratory protection equipment for the purpose of limiting exposures of individuals to airborne radioactive materials. This amendment will also make this section consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.1704.

Section 336.335 is amended to make it consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.2202. Subsections (a)(1)(B) and (b)(1)(B) are amended by changing "eye dose equivalent" to "lens dose equivalent" to be consistent with previous similar changes.

Section 336.341 is amended to make it consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.2101. A new subsection (b) is added to permit licensees to add the new International System of Units (SI) units to the old (special) units of dose on records required by this chapter. Each of the recorded dose quantities is to be recorded in the appropriate special unit and, if so desired, followed by the appropriate SI unit in parentheses. Also, in newly designated subsection (d), "eye dose equivalent" is replaced by "lens dose equivalent" to be consistent with previous similar changes. Subsequent subsections are renumbered to account for the addition of the new subsection and in new subsection (c) the SI acronym is now used rather than first defining the SI acronym here.

Section 336.346 is amended to make it consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR §20.2106. In subsection (a)(1), "eye dose equivalent" is changed to "lens dose equivalent" to be consistent with previous similar changes. Also, in subsection (a)(2) and (3), the words "or body burden" are deleted because this expression is now obsolete. Subsection (a)(4) is amended by adding a reference to §336.308(a), that requires licensees to take measurements of: 1.) concentrations of radioactive materials in air in work areas; or 2.) quantities of radionuclides in the body; or 3.) quantities of radionuclides excreted from the body; or 4.) combinations of these measurements to determine internal dose. This, in effect, uses recorded concentrations of radioactive material in the air, quantities of radioactive material determined to be in the body or excreta, or any combination of these that would be needed, for assessing the committed effective dose equivalent (CEDE). The NRC believes that this information is necessary to support the recorded results of the licensee's calculation of CEDE. Adding this reference would not impose any additional record keeping burden on licensees because they are required to obtain this information to calculate CEDE under §336.308. Section 336.316 is added as a reference to indicate when assessment of committed effective dose is required.

Section 336.358 is amended to make it consistent with the latest version of 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix A. The title is amended to add "Assigned" before "Protection Factors." A new version of the figure contained in §336.358, Appendix A, which has been modified extensively, is substituted for the old version. In the new figure, new devices are recognized, assigned protection factors are revised to be consistent with current ANSI guidance and technical knowledge, and the footnotes to Appendix A are moved elsewhere in the rule, deleted, revised, or adjusted so that only those necessary to explain the table remain.

Section 336.359 title is amended by adding a period after "Appendix B" for punctuation consistency throughout the chapter. Subsection (d) is amended to update the cross-reference to §336.333 to §336.215 because the requirements in §336.333 were moved to §336.215 in a previous rulemaking.

Subchapter G, Decommissioning Standards

Section 336.611 is amended to update the reference to §39.313 to §39.713 because §39.313 was repealed in a previous rulemaking and its requirements moved to §39.713.

Subchapter I, Financial Assurance

Subchapter I is repealed because its requirements were moved to Chapter 37, Subchapters S and T in a previous rulemaking.

FINAL REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS DETERMINATION

The commission reviewed the adopted 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 act. "Major environmental rule" means a rule, the specific intent of which, is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may 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 adopted amendments to Chapter 336 are not anticipated to 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 because there were no significant requirements added to radioactive material disposal facilities. The adopted rulemaking maintains consistency with NRC requirements and provides clarity to existing rules by updating cross-references and deleting obsolete financial assurance provisions.

Furthermore, the adopted rulemaking does not meet any of the four applicability requirements listed in Texas Government Code, §2001.0225(a). Section 2001.0225 only applies to a major environmental rule, the result of which is to: 1.) exceed a standard set by federal law, unless the rule is specifically required by state law; 2.) exceed an express requirement of state law, unless the rule is specifically required by federal law; 3.) 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; or 4.) adopt a rule solely under the general powers of the agency instead of under a specific state law. The adopted rulemaking does not exceed a standard set by federal law, an express requirement of state law, a requirement of a delegation agreement, nor adopt a rule solely under the general powers of the agency.

The Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Texas Radiation Control Act (TRCA), Chapter 401, authorizes the commission to regulate the disposal of most radioactive material in Texas. Sections 401.051, 401.103, and 401.104 authorize the commission to adopt rules for the control of sources of radiation and the licensing of the disposal of radioactive materials. In addition, the state of Texas is an Agreement State, authorized by the NRC to administer a radiation control program under the AEA. The NRC requirements must be implemented by the commission to preserve the status as an Agreement State. The commission believes that the adopted rules do not exceed the standards set by federal law. The adopted rulemaking clarifies existing rules, implements changes in federal respiratory protection requirements, and modifies threshold monitoring requirements for minors and declared pregnant women.

The commission believes that the adopted rules do not exceed an express requirement of state law. The THSC, TRCA, Chapter 401, establishes general requirements for the licensing and disposal of radioactive materials. However, the TRCA does not provide specific requirements or technical limitations for respiratory protection or threshold monitoring requirements.

The commission has also determined that the adopted rules do not exceed a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency of the federal government. The State of Texas has been designated as an Agreement State by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the authority of the AEA. The AEA requires that the NRC find that the state radiation control program is compatible with the NRC's requirements for the regulation of radioactive materials and is adequate to protect health and safety. The commission believes that the adopted rules do not exceed the NRC's requirements nor exceed the requirements for retaining status as an Agreement State.

The commission also believes that these rules are adopted under specific authority of the THSC, TRCA, Chapter 401. Sections 401.051, 401.103, and 401.104 authorize the commission to adopt rules for the control of sources of radiation and the licensing of the disposal of radioactive materials.

The commission invited public comment on this regulatory impact determination; however, no public comments were received.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The commission evaluated these adopted rules and performed a final assessment of whether Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007 is applicable. The commission's final assessment indicates that Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007 does not apply to these adopted rules because this is an action that is reasonably taken to fulfill an obligation mandated by federal law, which is exempt under Texas Government Code, §2007.003(b)(4). The State of Texas has received authorization as an Agreement State from the NRC to administer a radiation control program under the AEA. The AEA requires the NRC to find that the state's program is compatible with NRC requirements for the regulation of radioactive materials and is adequate to protect health and safety. The adopted rulemaking will provide consistency with federal regulations.

Nevertheless, the commission further evaluated these adopted rules and performed a final assessment of whether these adopted rules constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007. The following is a summary of that evaluation and final assessment. The primary purpose of these adopted rules is to implement changes to federal requirements for the regulation and licensing of radioactive material. The adopted rules substantially advance this purpose by clarifying existing rules, implementing new federal requirements for respiratory protection, and modifying threshold monitoring requirements for minors and declared pregnant women.

Promulgation and enforcement of these adopted rules would be neither a statutory nor a constitutional taking of private real property. The subject adopted 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 which would otherwise exist in the absence of the regulations. The adopted rules primarily implement clarifications to existing rules. In addition, the adopted rules reduce burdens on licensees for respiratory protection and threshold monitoring requirements.

COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CONSISTENCY REVIEW

The commission has reviewed the adopted rulemaking and found that the rules are neither identified in Coastal Coordination Act Implementation Rules, 31 TAC §505.11, relating to Actions and Rules Subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP), nor will they affect any action/authorization identified in Coastal Coordination Act Implementation Rules, 31 TAC §505.11. Therefore, the adoption is not subject to the CMP.

HEARING AND COMMENTERS

No public hearing was held on this rulemaking; therefore, no oral comments were received. Also, no written comments were received. Further, the NRC has reviewed the proposal and has informed staff, by letter dated March 5, 2001, that if the proposed regulations are adopted without significant change, they would meet the NRC's compatibility and health and safety requirements.

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

30 TAC §336.2

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendment is adopted under the THSC, TRCA, Chapter 401; THSC, §401.011, which provides the commission the authority to regulate and license the disposal of radioactive substances; §401.051, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules and guidelines relating to control of sources of radiation; §401.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules and guidelines that provide for licensing and registration for the control of sources of radiation; §401.104, which requires the commission to provide rules for licensing for the disposal of radioactive material; §401.201, which provides authority to the commission to regulate the disposal of low-level radioactive waste; and §401.412, which provides authority to the commission to regulate licenses for the disposal of radioactive substances. The adopted amendment is also authorized by the TWC, §5.103, which provides the commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC and other laws of the state.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 10, 2001.

TRD-200104632

Ramon Dasch

Interim Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-6087


Subchapter D. STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION

30 TAC §§336.305, 336.307, 336.310, 336.312, 336.315, 336.316, 336.319 - 336.322, 336.335, 336.341, 336.346, 336.358, 336.359

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under the THSC, TRCA, Chapter 401; THSC, §401.011, which provides the commission the authority to regulate and license the disposal of radioactive substances; §401.051, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules and guidelines relating to control of sources of radiation; §401.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules and guidelines that provide for licensing and registration for the control of sources of radiation; §401.104, which requires the commission to provide rules for licensing for the disposal of radioactive material; §401.201, which provides authority to the commission to regulate the disposal of low-level radioactive waste; and §401.412, which provides authority to the commission to regulate licenses for the disposal of radioactive substances. The adopted amendments are also authorized by the TWC, §5.103, which provides the commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC and other laws of the state.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 10, 2001.

TRD-200104630

Ramon Dasch

Interim Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-6087


Subchapter G. DECOMMISSIONING STANDARDS

30 TAC §336.611

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendment is adopted under the THSC, TRCA, Chapter 401; THSC, §401.011, which provides the commission the authority to regulate and license the disposal of radioactive substances; §401.051, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules and guidelines relating to control of sources of radiation; §401.103, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules and guidelines that provide for licensing and registration for the control of sources of radiation; §401.104, which requires the commission to provide rules for licensing for the disposal of radioactive material; §401.201, which provides authority to the commission to regulate the disposal of low-level radioactive waste; and §401.412, which provides authority to the commission to regulate licenses for the disposal of radioactive substances. The adopted amendment is also authorized by the TWC, §5.103, which provides the commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC and other laws of the state.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 10, 2001.

TRD-200104629

Ramon Dasch

Interim Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-6087


Subchapter I. FINANCIAL ASSURANCE

30 TAC §§336.801 - 336.807

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The repeals are adopted under the THSC, TRCA; §§401.011, 401.051, 501.057, 501.101, 401.103(b) and (c), 401.104(b) - (e), 401.106(b) and (c), 401.201 - 401.203, 401.303, 401.412, and 401.413; and TWC, §5.103.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 10, 2001.

TRD-200104631

Ramon Dasch

Interim Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: August 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: June 8, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-6087