NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
AND
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Proposed Revision to the State Implementation Plan; Vehicle Emissions Inspection/Maintenance Program Evaluation Methodology; Notice of Availability for Public Comment

[28 Pa.B. 6250]

   The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, consistent with the provisions of 67 Pa. Code 177.24 and 40 CFR 51.353 (c), is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct an on-going biennial evaluation to establish the emission reductions achieved from its enhanced vehicle emissions inspection/maintenance (I/M) program. This program is currently in place in nine counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Allegheny, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties). On October 30, 1998, EPA approved three alternative evaluation methods which it believes are more practical for states with decentralized programs than its original mass emissions transient testing evaluation method.

   The Commonwealth is seeking public comment on its choice of the Sierra Research Method for program evaluation. The Sierra Research method relies on statistical sampling and analysis of state I/M program data, modeling data and correlation to a base I/M program used as a benchmark for effectiveness.

   Three public hearings will be held as follows:

   Wednesday, January 20, 1999
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pennsylvania Emissions Team
414 Commerce Drive
Suite 175
Fort Washington, PA 19034

   Thursday, January 21, 1999
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Department of Environmental Protection
Southwest Regional Office
Allegheny Room
400 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, PA

   Friday, January 22, 1999
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Department of Environmental Protection
Hearing Room 2
Rachel Carson State Office Building
400 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17105

   Questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the Sierra Research method may be directed to:

   Audrey F. Miner, Assistant Counsel
Office of Chief Counsel
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
555 Walnut Street, 9th Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101-1900
Telephone: (717) 787-5299

   The proposed SIP revision describing how Pennsylvania intends to use the Sierra Research Method for I/M program evaluation may also be obtained from Ms. Miner at the above-mentioned address. A copy of the Sierra Research paper and EPA's guidance on program evaluation is also available. The proposed SIP revision is also posted on Pennsylvania's I/M website at http://www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us (Choose Pennsylvania's Plan for Clean Air). EPA guidance is also posted at http://www.epa.gov/oms/im.htm (From I/M Guidance and Regulations, choose 10/31/98 METT Memorandum).

   Persons interested in submitting written comments must forward their comments to Ms. Miner at the above-mentioned address not later than February 12, 1999.

   Persons interested in presenting testimony at the hearings should contact:

   Ms. Cindy Cashman
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Vehicle Inspection Division
Riverfront Officer Center, 3rd Floor
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17104
Telephone: (717) 783-5841

   Persons who do not reserve a time to testify, will be able to testify after pre-registered witnesses. Each witness must limit oral testimony to ten (10) minutes and present three (3) written copies of the oral testimony that they will be presenting. Each organization must designate one witness to present testimony on its behalf.

   Persons with a disability who desire to attend the hearing and require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to participate in the hearing, should contact Ms. Cashman at the above-mentioned address. TDD users may call the AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 to discuss how the Department can best accommodate their needs. When telephoning the AT&T Relay Service number, the caller must also indicate that the caller desires to contact Ms. Cashman at (717) 783-5841.

BRADLEY L. MALLORY,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 98-2075. Filed for public inspection December 18, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]

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