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EPA is considering this action to propose limited amendments to the Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After July 23, 1984 (40 CFR part 60, subpart Kb). This proposed action would amend NSPS Kb by incorporating a voluntary alternative standard to allow certain sources subject to NSPS Kb to comply with the National Emission Standards for Storage Vessels (Tanks) - Control Level 2 found at 40 CFR part 63, subpart WW. The primary benefit anticipated from allowing this voluntary alternative is that some NSPS Kb sources can conduct top-side internal floating roof inspections without the need for emptying and degassing storage tanks, which is a costly process that releases emissions of VOC.

Statement of Need: The EPA is considering proposing limited amendments to the Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Incl. Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After 7/23/84 (40 CFR 60, subpart Kb) which would allow owners and operators the option to utilize a voluntary alternative standard that would, in some instances, allow top-side in-service inspections instead of the current standard which requires storage vessels to be emptied and degassed for these inspections, which is a costly process that results in emitting volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Summary of the Legal Basis: Pursuant to EPA's authority under section 111 of the Clean Air Act, this rulemaking will propose limited amendments to the Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Incl. Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After 7/23/84 (40 CFR 60, subpart Kb).

Alternatives: The proposed amendment is limited in scope and we have not identified any alternatives for analysis.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: The option to conduct top-side in-service inspections will avoid VOC emissions and allow for cost savings because these inspections are less labor intensive as compared to the empty and degas process required by NSPS Kb. The estimated cost savings are $930,000 per year, and emission are estimated to be reduced by 73.5 tons of VOC per year.

Risks: No anticipated risks.