Vol. 51-2 Air Quality

Air Quality

Contested Air Permit Leads to Filing of Civil Rights Complaint with EPA

Introduction

In 2014, Valero Refining submitted an application to amend air permit 2501A for the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) at its Manchester (Houston) refinery.[1] The application sought to consolidate several New Source Review (NSR) authorizations pertaining to the existing emission levels’ operation.[2] The application also requested the permit reference hydrogen cyanide (HCN) existing emissions in response to pending EPA action about such emissions’ regulation under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) program.[3] Following public notice issuance met with significant opposition from Hispanic groups and elected officials, public meetings were held on June 4, and September 20, 2018.[4] Based on Valero’s direct referral request, the application was transferred to the State Office of Administrative Hearings, which held a preliminary hearing to establish jurisdiction and parties and then referred the case for mediation.[5] The mediation was successful and the agreement’s terms, including significant reductions in allowable HCN emission rates, were forwarded to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on March 15, 2021.[6] However, as discussed below, the public notice, comment, and public meetings processes during the application’s pendency led to significant criticism of the TCEQ, the complaint’s filing with the EPA under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VI, and proposed TCEQ public-participation-rules changes.

Title VI generally

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides that no program receiving federal funds, which includes the TCEQ, may discriminate against people based on their race, color, or national origin.[7] It directs individual agencies to hold hearings to determine if a program is not complying with the non-discrimination requirement.[8] If determined noncompliant, the agency advises the program of its status and may seek to bring them into compliance voluntarily.[9] If the program remains out of compliance, the agency may file a written report to the relevant House and Senate committees and then terminate the program’s funding.[10]

EPA’s Title VI Enforcement Mechanism

The EPA enforces Title VI and other civil rights laws through its External Civil Rights Compliance Office (ECRCO).[11] ECRCO does not conduct proactive compliance reviews of funded programs, but investigates complaints received from citizens or whistleblowers.[12] Title VI complaints can be submitted through an online form[13] and must identify the discriminating entity and allege the Title VI violation.[14] Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the last discriminating act.[15] The EPA’s regulations provide that the agency has 180 days to respond to a complaint.[16]

EPA’s Actual Enforcement

The EPA has historically failed to respond to most Title VI discrimination claims.[17] In 2015, five environmental groups—which included the Sierra Club of Texas—filed a complaint in a Californian U.S. District Court[18] alleging the EPA failed to respond to their Title VI complaints.[19] The court ruled in the groups’ favor at summary judgement.[20] The EPA settled with the complainants, agreeing to respond more quickly to the five groups’ Title VI complaints.[21]

In late 2019, environmental groups, including the Sierra Club of Texas, filed a Title VI complaint against the TCEQ based on the public participation process in connection with the Valero permit amendment application.[22] The complaint alleged the TCEQ had failed to offer adequate language interpretation at public meetings, which were held primarily in Spanish speaking areas.[23] ECRCO accepted the complaint, and the TCEQ, the EPA, and the environmental groups entered into settlement discussions.[24] Additionally, a petition for the adoption of rules was filed with the TCEQ, and on December 18, 2019, the TCEQ directed that a rule-making proposal be developed. On November 3, 2020, an Informal Resolution Agreement was signed by the EPA and the TCEQ. Following three stakeholder meetings in October 2020, the TCEQ approved proposed rules for publication in the Texas Register on March 10, 2021.[25]

 

John Turney is retired Senior Counsel of Richards Rodriguez & Skeith and represented regulated companies in a variety of environmental and administrative matters before the TCEQ and other regulatory agencies.

June Hormell is a second-year student at The University of Texas School of Law and Symposium Director for the Texas Environmental Law Journal.

 

[1] Tex. Comm’n on Env’t Quality, Consolidated Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain Air Permit, Notice of Preliminary Decision, and Notice of Public Meeting, Permit Number 2501A 1 (2018), https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/comm_exec/pm-ph/notices/2018
/2018-09-20-valero-refining-texas-lp-2501a-napd-pm.pdf.

[2] Valero Refining-Texas L.P., TCEQ New Source Review Permit Amendment Application 1-1 (2014), https://valeroapps.valero.com/public/filings/Houston-Air/01%20Valero%20NSR%20Permit%202501A%20Amendment%20Application%20(combined).pdf.

[3] Id. at 1-1, 55.

[4] Keith Rushing, Isabel Segarra Trevino, & Yvette Arellano, Texas Environmental Agency Faces Charges of Federal Civil Rights Violations, EarthJustice (Nov. 12, 2019), https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2019/texas-environmental-agency-faces-charges-of-federal-civil-rights-violations.

[5] See Valero Refining-Texas L.P., Permit No. 2501A Amendment – Addition of HCN Emission Limit Application Supplement, Final Draft Permit- Requested Revisions from SOAH Mediation 1 (2021), https://valeroapps.valero.com/public/filings/Houston-Air/12%20Submittal%20Letter_HC%20Agreement%203-15-21.pdf.

[6] Id.

[7] Civil Rights Act of 1964, Pub. L. No. 88-352, § 601, 78 Stat. 241, 252–53 (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. § 2000d).

[8] Civil Rights Act of 1964, Pub. L. No. 88-352, § 602, 78 Stat. 241, 252–53 (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. § 2000d); 42 U.S.C. § 2000d.

[9] Id.

[10] Id.

[11] External Civil Rights Compliance Office (Title VI), Env’t Prot. Agency, https://www.epa.gov/ogc/external-civil-rights-compliance-office-title-vi (last updated Feb. 22, 2021).

[12] U.S. Env’t Prot. Agency Office of Inspector Gen., Improved EPA Oversight of Funding Recipients’ Title VI Programs Could Prevent Discrimination 10 (2020), https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-09/documents/_epaoig_20200928-20-e-0333.pdf.

[13] Filing a Discrimination Complaint Against a Recipient of EPA Funds, Env’t Prot. Agency, https://www.epa.gov/ogc/external-civil-rights-compliance-office-title-vi (last updated Feb. 22, 2021).

[14] Id.

[15] Id.

[16] 40 C.F.R. § 7.115 (2020).

[17] Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment; and Denying Defendants’ Rule 12 Motion to Dismiss and Granting Alternative Motion for Summary Judgment as to the Sixth Claim For Relief at 2, 29, Californians for Renewable Energy v. Env’t Prot. Agency 4:15-cv-03292-SBA (2018) (No. 93, 98, 108); Padres Hacia Una Vida Mejor v. McCarthy, 614 F. App’x 895, 897 (9th Cir. 2015) (noting that the EPA routinely failed to meet the 180 day deadline to address a Title VI complaint and that in the plaintiff’s case the EPA did not resolve its complaint until seventeen years after it was submitted); Rosemere Neigh. Ass’n v. Env’t Prot. Agency, 581 F.3d 1169, 1175 (9th Cir. 2009); Tracy Haugen, Evaluation of the EPA Office of Civil Rights 9 (2011), https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/723416-epa-ocr-audit.html.

[18] Id. at 1.

[19] Id.

[20] Id.

[21] Neil Carman & Cyrus Reed, Civil Rights Complaint Leads TCEQ to Open Rulemaking On Language Access For Public Input in Environmental Permitting Decisions, Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter (Sept. 23, 2020), https://www.sierraclub.org/texas/blog/2020/09/civil-rights-complaint-leads-tceq-open-rulemaking-language-access-for-public#:~:text=In%20late%202019%2C%20the%20environmental,Club%20in%20developing%20new%20rules.

[22] Id.

[23] Id.

[24] Id.

[25]TCEQ Seeks Input on Public Notice and Participation Requirements, Tex. Comm’n Env’t Quality, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assistance/resources/the-advocate-1/tceq-seeks-input-on-public-notice-and-participation-requirements (last updated Oct. 10, 2020); see Tex. Comm’n Env’t Quality, Commission Approval for Proposed Rulemaking Rule Project No. 2020-018-039-LS  (2021), https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/legal/rules/rule_lib/proposals/20018039_pex.pdf.

Vol. 51-1 Air Quality

Air Quality

New Air Quality Permit in Brownsville, Texas

Background

On March 24, 2016, Texas LNG Brownsville LLC (Texas LNG) submitted an application to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a new air quality permit authorizing construction of a natural gas liquefaction and export terminal, to be located in the Brownsville Ship Channel in Cameron County, Texas.[1] Texas LNG’s facility is one of three such facilities to be constructed in the area. Emissions from such facilities, predominantly those from pipeline-quality natural gas, include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM) at 10 and 2.5 micrograms, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S).[2] The operation would not be a major source requiring review under the federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration new source review program.[3] The TCEQ’s Executive Director (ED) issued a draft permit for Texas LNG’s application.[4] Following a public meeting, the TCEQ received comments and requests for a hearing, and ultimately, Vecinos Para el Bienestar de la Comunidad Costera (Vecinos), and the City of Port Isabel (Port Isabel), among others, were admitted as protestant parties.[5] The protestants argued that the draft permit was deficient and should be rejected, or, alternatively, that it should be revised to better protect air quality, human health, and property.[6] Nonetheless, the Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) recommended that the TCEQ approve the draft permit with one revision.[7]

Proposal for Decision

Burden of Proof and Prima Facie Demonstration

Texas LNG’s application was filed after September 1, 2015, making it subject to Texas Government Code § 2003.047(i-1)–(i-2) (SB 709),[8] which states:

(i-1)     [I]n a contested case regarding a permit application referred under Section 5.556 [of the Water Code] . . . the draft permit prepared by the [ED], the preliminary decision issued by the [ED], and other sufficient supporting documentation in the administrative record of the permit application establishes a prima facie demonstration that:

  1. the draft permit meets all state and federal legal and technical requirements; and
  2. a permit, if issued consistent with the draft permit, would protect human health and safety, the environment, and physical property.

(i-2)      [A] party may rebut a demonstration under Subsection (i-1) by presenting evidence that:

  1. relates to . . . an issue included in a list submitted under Subsection (e) in connection with a matter referred under Section 5.556, Water Code; and 
  2. demonstrates that one or more provisions in the draft permit violate a specifically applicable state or federal requirement.[9]

Under SB 709, the ED’s draft permit on Texas LNG’s application established a prima facie demonstration and created a presumption that the permit, if issued, would meet all legal and technical requirements.[10] This shifts the burden of production onto the protestants in a contested case; however, the ultimate burden of proof remains with the ED and the applicant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant satisfies all applicable requirements.[11] The protestants, therefore, may rebut the presumption by presenting evidence related to a referred issue and demonstrating that the draft permit violates an applicable state or federal requirement.[12] The ALJs concluded on two issues that the Protestants failed to overcome the prima facie demonstration established by the ED’s Draft Permit.[13] On the third issue, the ALJs concluded that the Protestants overcame the prima facie demonstration only in part.[14] 

The ALJs rejected Port Isabel’s contention that draft permits issued without clear adherence to the application review process should not be granted the presumption of compliance set forth by SB 709.[15] Port Isabel asserted several deficiencies in the application review process,[16] including that Texas LNG’s permit had been passed off by two different permit engineers over the course of two years, and that no engineer was available during the response to comments or permit contest who could vouch for the permit’s technical review adequacy.[17] The only documentation of a technical review was the “Construction Permit Source Analysis & Technical Review,” which lacked any date of completion or signature.[18] Port Isabel argued that such a review is essentially a draft memo and should not be considered a prima facie demonstration under SB 709.[19] Nonetheless, the ALJs found that SB 709 creates a presumption and shifts the burden of production so long as the TCEQ reviewed the application and held an open meeting.[20]

Referred Issues and ALJ Analysis

The following three issues were referred for hearing:

1. Whether the Draft Permit contained adequate conditions to protect against adverse effects on the health and safety of Port Isabel’s residences and employees, including sensitive subgroups;

(2) Whether the Draft Permit contained adequate conditions to protect against adverse effects on plants, marine and aquatic organisms, animals, wildlife . . .[and]

(3) Whether [Texas LNG’s application] properly calculated and addressed potential emission sources, emission rates, and background concentrations . . . .[21]

Air Quality Analysis and Air Dispersion Modeling (Issue 1)

Port Isabel argued that Texas LNG was required under the Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA) and Title 30, Section 116.11 of the Texas Administrative Code to conduct a Modeling and Effects Review Applicability (MERA) analysis and that emissions of benzene from flares were not adequately detailed in Texas LNG’s MERA analysis.[22] Texas LNG contended that a MERA analysis was not required for emissions from ‘“boilers, engines, or other combustion units fueled only by pipeline-quality natural gas’ and from ‘flares, heaters, thermal oxidizers, and other combustion devices burning gases only from onshore crude oil and natural gas processing plants.’”[23] Nonetheless, Texas LNG conducted a MERA analysis and contended that emissions from the plant met the law’s applicable requirements.[24] Both parties’ experts testified about the adequacy of the MERA analysis calculations, and some evidence existed that, if speciated, the benzene flare emissions  would not have met applicable law.[25] 

The ALJs found that Texas LNG’s facility qualified for an exemption in MERA for boilers, engines, and other combustion units fueled by pipeline-quality natural gas, and that the benzene-admissions did not rebut the prima facie demonstration that the permit met all legal requirements.[26]

Wildlife and Vegetation Impacts (Issue 2)

Port Isabel argued that Texas LNG failed to inform the TCEQ of how closely located the site is to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and it should have conducted an ecological risk assessment and bioaccumulation study to determine the true impact on the refuge.[27] Texas LNG contended that the TCEQ only requires applicants to submit a U.S. Geological Survey map, and that Texas LNG did so.[28] Furthermore, Texas LNG contended that its facility was compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which the TCEQ uses to evaluate the environmental impacts of facilities.[29] Secondary NAAQS are set at levels protective of public welfare, including impacts on soils, water, crops, vegetation, animals, wildlife, visibility and climate.[30] Texas LNG also argued that a sufficient ecological risk assessment was already adequately conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in its preparation of the site’s Environmental Impact Statement.[31]

Port Isabel’s expert testified that even if the facility was in compliance with secondary NAAQS, the NAAQS “‘are not protective for nitrogen and sulfur deposition into the environment’ or for ‘the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants or heavy metals.’”[32] The EPA has recognized that NOx and SO2 have interrelated impacts on plants, soils, lakes, and streams, and that there is scientific support for developing a standard to limit acidifying deposition of these pollutants to sensitive aquatic ecosystems.[33] Texas LNG’s expert also testified that the EPA has questioned whether secondary NAAQS standards should be revised but that they have not been revised yet.[34]

The ALJs found that Texas LNG performed the required modeling to demonstrate compliance with secondary NAAQS.[35] Even with scientific evidence of the interrelated impacts of NOx and SO2, without EPA revision to the NAAQS, the ALJs determined that Texas LNG had no duty to self-impose additional restrictions.[36] Therefore, Texas LNG’s application met the requirements of applicable law.

Emissions Controls and BACT Analysis (Issue 3)

Vecinos, joined by Port Isabel, argued that Texas LNG failed to demonstrate use of the Best Available Control Technology (BACT) required under the TCAA.[37] The TCEQ defines BACT as:

An air pollution control method for a new or modified facility that through experience and research, has proven to be operational, obtainable, and capable of reducing or eliminating emissions from the facility, and is considered technically practical and economically reasonable for the facility.[38]

In determining whether a control option is BACT, the TCEQ requires that applicants compare emissions reduction performance levels to those of options previously accepted as BACT in recent reviews for the same industry.[39] The TCEQ implements a three-tiered approach in BACT analysis.[40] Crucially, Tier I requires that sites implement BACT, but allows owners to consider the cost effectiveness of a given control option.[41] In contrast, Tier III requires owners to implement control options with the Lowest Available Emissions Rate (LAER) without consideration of costs.[42] Texas LNG’s facility was subject to Tier I review.

Vecinos asserted various faults with Texas LNG’s BACT demonstration. Vecinos argued that Texas LNG’s demonstration, which described the BACT comparison with previously accepted BACT as a case-by-case basis between entire sites, ignored the specialized meaning of the term “facility” within the TCAA as a “discrete or identifiable structure, device, item, equipment, or enclosure that constitutes or contains a stationary source. . .”[43] That is, Vecinos argued that Texas LNG must demonstrate that it will implement BACT on each “facility” on its site. Vecinos then listed four facilities that Texas LNG failed to implement BACT—flares, hot oil heaters, thermal oxidizers, and fugitive emissions controls.[44] The ALJs only agreed with Vecinos that Texas LNG had failed to consider BACT on hot oil heaters and the discussion of the heaters is illustrative of BACT considerations generally.[45]

Texas LNG proposed the use of hot oil heaters with emissions limits of NOx of 0.024 lb/MMBtu, which exceeded the limit of 0.01lb./MMBtu described in TCEQ’s current BACT requirements.[46] Vecinos argued that Texas LNG failed to perform a proper BACT analysis by failing to consider the hot oil heaters implemented at Freeport LNG, which were permitted in 2011 for a NOx emissions limit of 0.006 lb./MMBtu.[47] Texas LNG contended that the Freeport LNG was subject to LAER, the more restrictive technology standard for nonattainment areas, and that comparison of the two facilities was inapt.[48] The ALJs concluded that although Freeport LNG is subject to LAER, use of LAER control methods would be consistent with BACT under Tier I so long as the control method was economically feasible,[49] and proposed that the draft permit be revised to require Texas LNG to apply the more stringent limit to its hot oil heaters.[50] At its meeting on May 6, 2020, the TCEQ approved the Proposal for Decision, including the revised emission limit, and entered an order issuing the permit.[51]

Conclusion

Ultimately, Texas LNG’s permit survived the contest despite the ALJs noting several deficiencies in the application process. In each case, the ALJs noted that the relevant evidence presented by the Protestants did not overcome the presumption established by SB 709. The contest illustrates the high bar a protestant now faces in contesting a permit once a draft has been approved by the ED. Port Isabel recently filed suit in the Travis County District Court against the TCEQ regarding the issuance of the permit to Texas LNG.[52]

John Turney is retired Senior Counsel of Richards Rodriguez & Skeith and represented regulated companies in a variety of environmental and administrative matters before the TCEQ and other regulatory agencies.

Maxwell W. Anderson is a second-year student at The University of Texas School of Law and is a Staff Editor of the Texas Environmental Law Journal.

 

[1] Proposal for Decision, Texas LNG Brownsville LLC, SOAH Docket No. 582-19-6261 1 (2020) [hereinafter PFD].

[2] Id. at 2, 11.

[3] Id. at 20.

[4] Id.

[5] Id.

[6] Id.

[7] Id. at 20.

[8] Act of Sept. 1, 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., ch. 116 §§ 1, 5, 2015 Tex. Sess. Law Serv. (S.B. 709), at 1 (codified at Tex. Gov’t Code § 2003.047).

[9] Id.

[10] PFD, supra note 1, at 4.

[11] Id.

[12] Tex. Gov’t Code § 2003.047(i-1)–(i-3).

[13] PFD, supra note 1, at 16–17, 24.

[14] Id. at 55 (stating that “the ALJs find that the Application properly calculated emissions sources and established appropriate conditions related to control technologies, with the exception of the hot oil heaters.”).

[15] Id. at 8.

[16] Closing Argument of the City of Port Isabel, Texas LNG Brownsville LLC, SOAH Docket No. 582-19-6261 2–6 (2020).

[17] Id. at 3.

[18] Id.

[19] Id. at 6.

[20] PFD, supra note 1, at 8.

[21] Id. at 6.

[22] Id. at 13.

[23] Id. at 11.

[24] Id.

[25] PFD, supra note 1, at 12–16.

[26] Id. at 16.

[27] Closing Arguments of the City of Port Isabel, Texas, Texas LNG Brownsville LLC, SOAH Docket No. 582-19-6261 16–17 (2020).

[28] PFD, supra note 1, at 18.

[29] Id. at 19; see also Reviewing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): Scientific and Technical Information, Env’t Prot. Agency, https://www.epa.gov/naaqs (last visited Dec. 3, 2020).

[30] PFD, supra note 1, at 19.

[31] Id. at 19, 21–22.

[32] Id.

[33] Id.

[34] Id.

[35] Id.

[36] Id. at 24

[37] Id.; see also Tex. Health & Safety Code § 382.0518(b).

[38] 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 116.10(1).

[39] PFD, supra note 1, at 27.

[40] Id. at 25.

[41] Id. at 28

[42] Id.

[43] Id. at 29; see also Tex. Health & Safety Code § 382.003(b); 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 116.10(4)).

[44] PFD, supra note 1, at 31.

[45] Id. at 55.

[46] Id. at 41.

[47] Id. at 44.

[48] Id.

[49] Id. at 46.

[50] Id. 

[52] See City of Port Isabel v. Tex. Comm’n on Env’t Quality, D-1-GN-20-004044 (Dist. Ct., Travis Cty., Tex. Aug. 5, 2020).

Vol. 50-2 Air Quality

By John Turney and Jacob Gildan

Air Quality

TCEQ Adopts Proposed Bexar County 2015 Eight-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area FCAA, §179B Demonstration SIP Revision

Summary

On July 1, 2020, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) adopted the propose State Implementation Plan (SIP) Revision for Bexar County concerning the 2015 Eight-Hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for Ozone.[1] The SIP revision demonstrates, pursuant to Section 179B of the Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA), that the Bexar County marginal ozone nonattainment area would attain the 2015 standard “but for” anthropogenic emissions emanating from outside the United States.[2]  Given emissions and air flow trajectories, the proposal concludes sufficient ozone transport occurs from Mexico to prevent Bexar County’s from attaining the standard.[3]

Background

Brief Overview of the Ozone Standards Under the FCAA

As authorized by the FCAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues NAAQS that individual states are required to meet by proposing and completing SIPs.[4] Previously, the EPA’s requirements for ozone levels were based on a one-hour standard, but this was phased out in favor of eight-hour standards.[5]

The 1997 eight-hour standard was 0.08 parts per million (ppm), or 80 parts per billion (ppb).[6] In 2008, the standard was lowered to 0.075 ppm (75 ppb) and in 2015, it was lowered again to 0.070 ppm (70 ppb), with anti-backsliding requirements for areas that did not qualify as attaining the standard.[7] Under the ozone standard, nonattainment areas can be designated as marginal, moderate, serious, severe, or extreme—depending on the extent of exceedance.[8]

Bexar County’s Status Under the 1997 EPA Eight-Hour Ozone NAAQS

The San Antonio area, along with twelve other Early Action Compact areas, reached attainment under the EPA’s 1997 Eight-Hour Ozone Standard in 2008.[9] Upon reaching this attainment, the one-hour ozone standard was revoked for the San Antonio area in April 2009.[10] As a result of being designated as attainment for the 1997 standard, the San Antonio area was no longer required to make any additional SIP revisions if the area continued to monitor attainment for the standard.[11]

Purpose of the Bexar County SIP Revision Proposal

Bexar County is currently working toward attainment under the 2015 Eight-Hour Ozone NAAQS and proposed a SIP revision to adjust its requirements for satisfying this standard.

On September 24, 2018, EPA designated Bexar County as marginal nonattainment (the least severe nonattainment level) under the 2015 NAAQS eight-hour ozone standard of 0.070 ppm, with a deadline of September 24, 2021 to achieve attainment.[12] Under EPA’s standards, attainment is measured based on three full years of monitoring data for marginal nonattainment areas, so Bexar County will need to meet the NAAQS standard based on its monitor data in 2018, 2019, and 2020.[13]

For nonattainment areas that might be influenced by emissions sources outside of the United States, states are allowed to submit to the EPA an analysis of the influence of international emissions on the nonattainment areas under FCAA §179B, and seek relief from some of the NAAQS requirements.[14] If a nonattainment area can show that it is affected by emissions from outside of the United States, EPA has discretion to approve a plan that demonstrates that the area will achieve NAAQS standard attainment by the required date, without including these international emissions in the calculation.[15] This is very beneficial for a nonattainment area because if the EPA approves such a revision, the area would no longer be required to meet certain benchmarks that normally apply, such as mandatory reclassification provisions for failing to reach the NAAQS standard by the deadline.[16]

Bexar County’s SIP Revision

The Bexar County’s 2015 eight-hour ozone nonattainment area is seeking this EPA approval under FCAA §179b to prevent being reclassified from marginal to moderate nonattainment if the area were not to meet the NAAQS standard during the 2018-2020 monitoring period.[17] With EPA approval, the area would still be designated as marginal nonattainment until it ultimately meets the 2015 standard, even if it doesn’t meet the requirements during the 2018-2020 monitoring period.[18]

 To determine the extent of international emissions on Bexar County’s 2015 eight-hour ozone nonattainment area, TCEQ conducted an analysis that examined several factors.[19] The analysis looked at the nonattainment area’s modeled 2020 future-year design value (DVF), the estimated international anthropogenic contribution, the effect of local versus boundary conditions, and the area’s current monitored design value.[20] The analysis included sophisticated photochemical modeling utilizing meteorological and detailed emission inputs to simulate the formation and transport of ozone.[21] TCEQ determined that while most of the air flow trajectories across Mexico correspond to monitored ozone concentrations under the 70 ppb standard, a sufficient number of those trajectories corresponded to concentrations above 70 ppb, to compromise Bexar County’s status.[22]  Accordingly, the analysis concludes that the Bexar County nonattainment area would achieve the NAAQS standard by the end of the 2018-2020 monitoring period, “but for” international anthropogenic contributions.[23]

A complicating factor affecting the proposal is that the EPA has not yet published guidance regarding FCAA §179B transport demonstrations, though such guidance is under development.   The proposal notes this lack of guidance and commits to appropriate amendments when it is issued.[24]

Bexar County officials supported the TCEQ analysis and requested its submittal to the EPA as sufficient under the requirements of FCAA §179B, as discussed above.[25] On January 15, 2020, the TCEQ approved this request.[26] Following TCEQ approval, the proposed SIP revision was subject to a public comment period from January 17 through February 19, 2020. There was a public hearing scheduled for February 18, 2020. TCEQ adopted the SIP revision on July 1, 2020.[27]

John Turney is retired Senior Counsel of Richards Rodriguez & Skeith and represented regulated companies in a variety of environmental and administrative matters before the TCEQ and other regulatory agencies. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and The University of Texas School of Law.

Jacob Gildan is a third-year student at The University of Texas School of Law and a senior editor for the Texas Environmental Law Journal.

 

[1]               San Antonio: Latest Ozone Planning Activities, Tex. Comm’n on Envtl. Quality (Aug. 11, 2020), https:/ /www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/sip/san/san-latest-ozone.

[2]               Id.

[3]               See Tex. Comm’n on Envtl. Quality, Agenda Item Request for Proposed Revision of the State Implementation Plan 1 (Jan. 15, 2020).

[4]               Evan Z. Pearson & John B. Turney, TCEQ Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan for the HGB Area’s One-Hour and 1997 Eight-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 49 Tex. Envtl. L.J. 339 (2019).

[5]               Id.

[6]               Id.

[7]               Id.

[8]               Id.

[9]               San Antonio: Latest Ozone Planning Activities, Tex. Comm’n on Envtl. Quality (Aug. 11, 2020), https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/sip/san/san-latest-ozone.

[10]             Id.

[11]             Id.

[12]             Tex. Comm’n on Envtl. Quality, Agenda Item Request for Proposed Revision to the State Implementation Plan at 1 (Jan. 15, 2020).

[13]             Id.

[14]             Id.

[15]             Id.

[16]             Id.

[17]             Id.

[18]             Id.

[19]             Id. at 2.

[20]             Id.

[21]             Revisions to the State of Texas Air Quality Implementation Plan for the Control of Ozone Air Pollution at 2-3, supra note 3. 

[22]             Id. at 2–41.

[23]             Tex. Comm’n on Envtl. Quality, Agenda Item Request for Proposed Revision to the State Implementation Plan at 2 (Jan. 15, 2020).

[24]             Id. at 3.

[25]             Id. at 2.

[26]             Id.

[27]             San Antonio: Latest Ozone Planning Activities, Tex. Comm’n on Envtl. Quality (Aug. 11, 2020), https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/sip/san/san-latest-ozone#Bexar179B2020.

Vol. 50-1 Air Quality

by John Turney and Maxwell W. Anderson

Air Quality

New Air Quality Permit in Brownsville, Texas

Background

On March 24, 2016, Texas LNG Brownsville LLC (Texas LNG) submitted an application to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a new air quality permit authorizing construction of a natural gas liquefaction and export terminal, to be located in the Brownsville Ship Channel in Cameron County, Texas.[1] Texas LNG’s facility is one of three such facilities to be constructed in the area. Emissions from such facilities, predominantly those from pipeline-quality natural gas, include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM) at 10 and 2.5 micrograms, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S).[2] The operation would not be a major source requiring review under the federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration new source review program.[3] The TCEQ’s Executive Director (ED) issued a draft permit for Texas LNG’s application.[4] Following a public meeting, the TCEQ received comments and requests for a hearing, and ultimately, Vecinos Para el Bienestar de la Comunidad Costera (Vecinos), and the City of Port Isabel (Port Isabel), among others, were admitted as protestant parties.[5] The protestants argued that the draft permit was deficient and should be rejected, or, alternatively, that it should be revised to better protect air quality, human health, and property.[6] Nonetheless, the Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) recommended that the TCEQ approve the draft permit with one revision.[7]

Proposal for Decision

Burden of Proof and Prima Facie Demonstration

Texas LNG’s application was filed after September 1, 2015, making it subject to Texas Government Code § 2003.047(i-1)–(i-2) (SB 709),[8] which states:

(i-1)     [I]n a contested case regarding a permit application referred under Section 5.556 [of the Water Code] . . . the draft permit prepared by the [ED], the preliminary decision issued by the [ED], and other sufficient supporting documentation in the administrative record of the permit application establishes a prima facie demonstration that:

  1. the draft permit meets all state and federal legal and technical requirements; and
  2. a permit, if issued consistent with the draft permit, would protect human health and safety, the environment, and physical property.

(i-2)      [A] party may rebut a demonstration under Subsection (i-1) by presenting evidence that:

  1. relates to . . . an issue included in a list submitted under Subsection (e) in connection with a matter referred under Section 5.556, Water Code; and 
  2. demonstrates that one or more provisions in the draft permit violate a specifically applicable state or federal requirement.[9]

Under SB 709, the ED’s draft permit on Texas LNG’s application established a prima facie demonstration and created a presumption that the permit, if issued, would meet all legal and technical requirements.[10] This shifts the burden of production onto the protestants in a contested case; however, the ultimate burden of proof remains with the ED and the applicant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant satisfies all applicable requirements.[11] The protestants, therefore, may rebut the presumption by presenting evidence related to a referred issue and demonstrating that the draft permit violates an applicable state or federal requirement.[12] The ALJs concluded on two issues that the Protestants failed to overcome the prima facie demonstration established by the ED’s Draft Permit.[13] On the third issue, the ALJs concluded that the Protestants overcame the prima facie demonstration only in part.[14] 

The ALJs rejected Port Isabel’s contention that draft permits issued without clear adherence to the application review process should not be granted the presumption of compliance set forth by SB 709.[15] Port Isabel asserted several deficiencies in the application review process,[16] including that Texas LNG’s permit had been passed off by two different permit engineers over the course of two years, and that no engineer was available during the response to comments or permit contest who could vouch for the permit’s technical review adequacy.[17] The only documentation of a technical review was the “Construction Permit Source Analysis & Technical Review,” which lacked any date of completion or signature.[18] Port Isabel argued that such a review is essentially a draft memo and should not be considered a prima facie demonstration under SB 709.[19] Nonetheless, the ALJs found that SB 709 creates a presumption and shifts the burden of production so long as the TCEQ reviewed the application and held an open meeting.[20]

Referred Issues and ALJ Analysis

The following three issues were referred for hearing:

1. Whether the Draft Permit contained adequate conditions to protect against adverse effects on the health and safety of Port Isabel’s residences and employees, including sensitive subgroups;

(2) Whether the Draft Permit contained adequate conditions to protect against adverse effects on plants, marine and aquatic organisms, animals, wildlife . . .[and]

(3) Whether [Texas LNG’s application] properly calculated and addressed potential emission sources, emission rates, and background concentrations . . . .[21]

Air Quality Analysis and Air Dispersion Modeling (Issue 1)

Port Isabel argued that Texas LNG was required under the Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA) and Title 30, Section 116.11 of the Texas Administrative Code to conduct a Modeling and Effects Review Applicability (MERA) analysis and that emissions of benzene from flares were not adequately detailed in Texas LNG’s MERA analysis.[22] Texas LNG contended that a MERA analysis was not required for emissions from ‘“boilers, engines, or other combustion units fueled only by pipeline-quality natural gas’ and from ‘flares, heaters, thermal oxidizers, and other combustion devices burning gases only from onshore crude oil and natural gas processing plants.’”[23] Nonetheless, Texas LNG conducted a MERA analysis and contended that emissions from the plant met the law’s applicable requirements.[24] Both parties’ experts testified about the adequacy of the MERA analysis calculations, and some evidence existed that, if speciated, the benzene flare emissions  would not have met applicable law.[25] 

The ALJs found that Texas LNG’s facility qualified for an exemption in MERA for boilers, engines, and other combustion units fueled by pipeline-quality natural gas, and that the benzene-admissions did not rebut the prima facie demonstration that the permit met all legal requirements.[26]

Wildlife and Vegetation Impacts (Issue 2)

Port Isabel argued that Texas LNG failed to inform the TCEQ of how closely located the site is to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and it should have conducted an ecological risk assessment and bioaccumulation study to determine the true impact on the refuge.[27] Texas LNG contended that the TCEQ only requires applicants to submit a U.S. Geological Survey map, and that Texas LNG did so.[28] Furthermore, Texas LNG contended that its facility was compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which the TCEQ uses to evaluate the environmental impacts of facilities.[29] Secondary NAAQS are set at levels protective of public welfare, including impacts on soils, water, crops, vegetation, animals, wildlife, visibility and climate.[30] Texas LNG also argued that a sufficient ecological risk assessment was already adequately conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in its preparation of the site’s Environmental Impact Statement.[31]

Port Isabel’s expert testified that even if the facility was in compliance with secondary NAAQS, the NAAQS “‘are not protective for nitrogen and sulfur deposition into the environment’ or for ‘the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants or heavy metals.’”[32] The EPA has recognized that NOx and SO2 have interrelated impacts on plants, soils, lakes, and streams, and that there is scientific support for developing a standard to limit acidifying deposition of these pollutants to sensitive aquatic ecosystems.[33] Texas LNG’s expert also testified that the EPA has questioned whether secondary NAAQS standards should be revised but that they have not been revised yet.[34]

The ALJs found that Texas LNG performed the required modeling to demonstrate compliance with secondary NAAQS.[35] Even with scientific evidence of the interrelated impacts of NOx and SO2, without EPA revision to the NAAQS, the ALJs determined that Texas LNG had no duty to self-impose additional restrictions.[36] Therefore, Texas LNG’s application met the requirements of applicable law.

Emissions Controls and BACT Analysis (Issue 3)

Vecinos, joined by Port Isabel, argued that Texas LNG failed to demonstrate use of the Best Available Control Technology (BACT) required under the TCAA.[37] The TCEQ defines BACT as:

An air pollution control method for a new or modified facility that through experience and research, has proven to be operational, obtainable, and capable of reducing or eliminating emissions from the facility, and is considered technically practical and economically reasonable for the facility.[38]

In determining whether a control option is BACT, the TCEQ requires that applicants compare emissions reduction performance levels to those of options previously accepted as BACT in recent reviews for the same industry.[39] The TCEQ implements a three-tiered approach in BACT analysis.[40] Crucially, Tier I requires that sites implement BACT, but allows owners to consider the cost effectiveness of a given control option.[41] In contrast, Tier III requires owners to implement control options with the Lowest Available Emissions Rate (LAER) without consideration of costs.[42] Texas LNG’s facility was subject to Tier I review.

Vecinos asserted various faults with Texas LNG’s BACT demonstration. Vecinos argued that Texas LNG’s demonstration, which described the BACT comparison with previously accepted BACT as a case-by-case basis between entire sites, ignored the specialized meaning of the term “facility” within the TCAA as a “discrete or identifiable structure, device, item, equipment, or enclosure that constitutes or contains a stationary source. . .”[43] That is, Vecinos argued that Texas LNG must demonstrate that it will implement BACT on each “facility” on its site. Vecinos then listed four facilities that Texas LNG failed to implement BACT—flares, hot oil heaters, thermal oxidizers, and fugitive emissions controls.[44] The ALJs only agreed with Vecinos that Texas LNG had failed to consider BACT on hot oil heaters and the discussion of the heaters is illustrative of BACT considerations generally.[45]

Texas LNG proposed the use of hot oil heaters with emissions limits of NOx of 0.024 lb/MMBtu, which exceeded the limit of 0.01lb./MMBtu described in TCEQ’s current BACT requirements.[46] Vecinos argued that Texas LNG failed to perform a proper BACT analysis by failing to consider the hot oil heaters implemented at Freeport LNG, which were permitted in 2011 for a NOx emissions limit of 0.006 lb./MMBtu.[47] Texas LNG contended that the Freeport LNG was subject to LAER, the more restrictive technology standard for nonattainment areas, and that comparison of the two facilities was inapt.[48] The ALJs concluded that although Freeport LNG is subject to LAER, use of LAER control methods would be consistent with BACT under Tier I so long as the control method was economically feasible,[49] and proposed that the draft permit be revised to require Texas LNG to apply the more stringent limit to its hot oil heaters.[50] At its meeting on May 6, 2020, the TCEQ approved the Proposal for Decision, including the revised emission limit, and entered an order issuing the permit.[51]

Conclusion

Ultimately, Texas LNG’s permit survived the contest despite the ALJs noting several deficiencies in the application process. In each case, the ALJs noted that the relevant evidence presented by the Protestants did not overcome the presumption established by SB 709. The contest illustrates the high bar a protestant now faces in contesting a permit once a draft has been approved by the ED. Port Isabel recently filed suit in the Travis County District Court against the TCEQ regarding the issuance of the permit to Texas LNG.[52]

John Turney is retired Senior Counsel of Richards Rodriguez & Skeith and represented regulated companies in a variety of environmental and administrative matters before the TCEQ and other regulatory agencies.

Maxwell W. Anderson is a second-year student at The University of Texas School of Law and is a Staff Editor of the Texas Environmental Law Journal.

 

[1] Proposal for Decision, Texas LNG Brownsville LLC, SOAH Docket No. 582-19-6261 1 (2020) [hereinafter PFD].

[2] Id. at 2, 11.

[3] Id. at 20.

[4] Id.

[5] Id.

[6] Id.

[7] Id. at 20.

[8] Act of Sept. 1, 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., ch. 116 §§ 1, 5, 2015 Tex. Sess. Law Serv. (S.B. 709), at 1 (codified at Tex. Gov’t Code § 2003.047).

[9] Id.

[10] PFD, supra note 1, at 4.

[11] Id.

[12] Tex. Gov’t Code § 2003.047(i-1)–(i-3).

[13] PFD, supra note 1, at 16–17, 24.

[14] Id. at 55 (stating that “the ALJs find that the Application properly calculated emissions sources and established appropriate conditions related to control technologies, with the exception of the hot oil heaters.”).

[15] Id. at 8.

[16] Closing Argument of the City of Port Isabel, Texas LNG Brownsville LLC, SOAH Docket No. 582-19-6261 2–6 (2020).

[17] Id. at 3.

[18] Id.

[19] Id. at 6.

[20] PFD, supra note 1, at 8.

[21] Id. at 6.

[22] Id. at 13.

[23] Id. at 11.

[24] Id.

[25] PFD, supra note 1, at 12–16.

[26] Id. at 16.

[27] Closing Arguments of the City of Port Isabel, Texas, Texas LNG Brownsville LLC, SOAH Docket No. 582-19-6261 16–17 (2020).

[28] PFD, supra note 1, at 18.

[29] Id. at 19; see also Reviewing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): Scientific and Technical Information, Env’t Prot. Agency, https://www.epa.gov/naaqs (last visited Dec. 3, 2020).

[30] PFD, supra note 1, at 19.

[31] Id. at 19, 21–22.

[32] Id.

[33] Id.

[34] Id.

[35] Id.

[36] Id. at 24

[37] Id.; see also Tex. Health & Safety Code § 382.0518(b).

[38] 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 116.10(1).

[39] PFD, supra note 1, at 27.

[40] Id. at 25.

[41] Id. at 28

[42] Id.

[43] Id. at 29; see also Tex. Health & Safety Code § 382.003(b); 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 116.10(4)).

[44] PFD, supra note 1, at 31.

[45] Id. at 55.

[46] Id. at 41.

[47] Id. at 44.

[48] Id.

[49] Id. at 46.

[50] Id. 

[51] Agenda, Tex. Comm’n on Env’t Quality (May 6, 2020), https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public
/comm_exec/agendas/comm/marked/2020/200506.Mrk.pdf.

[52] See City of Port Isabel v. Tex. Comm’n on Env’t Quality, D-1-GN-20-004044 (Dist. Ct., Travis Cty., Tex. Aug. 5, 2020).