Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plan; Indiana

On June 26, 1995, and June 13, 1997, the State of Indiana submitted a Rate-Of-Progress (ROP) plan to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions in Lake and Porter Counties by 15 percent (%) from 1990 baseline levels by November 15, 1996, as a requested revision to the Indiana State Implementation Plan (SIP). On April 3, 1997, EPA issued a direct final approval of the Lake and Porter Counties 15% ROP plan, 3% contingency plan, and an Indiana Agreed Order requiring VOC emission controls on Keil Chemical Division, Ferro Corporation, located in Lake County (Keil). On the same day (April 3, 1997) EPA proposed approval and solicited public written comment on these requested SIP revisions. This proposed rule established a 30-day public comment period noting that if adverse comments were received regarding the direct final rule EPA would withdraw the direct final rule and publish an additional final rule to address the public comments. Adverse comments were received during the public comment period relating to the Keil SIP revision. EPA withdrew the direct final rule on May 23, 1997. In today's action, EPA is finalizing approval of the 15% ROP plan. Final action on the 3% contingency plan and the Keil agreed order will be addressed in a subsequent rulemaking action. The 15% ROP plan has reduced VOC emissions in Lake and Porter Counties by approximately 68,242 pounds (lbs) per day. VOC emissions combine with oxides of nitrogen in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, a pollutant which can cause inflammation of the lungs, decrease lung capacity, and aggravate asthma. The rationale for this rulemaking is discussed below.