Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 23 / Wednesday, February 4, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 5957

Inert ingredients Limits Uses

******* Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-(3-carboxy-1-oxosulfopropyl)-w-hydroxy-, Not to exceed 0.125% for seed Surfactant. (C10–C12)-alkyl ethers, disodium salts, polyoxylene content aver- treatment use only. ages 4–5 moles (CAS Reg. No. 68815–56–5). Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-(3-carboxy-1-oxosulfopropyl)-w-hydroxy-, Not to exceed 0.125% for seed Surfactant (C10–C16)-alkyl ethers, disodium salts, polyoxyethylene content aver- treatment use only. ages 5 moles (CAS Reg. No. 68954–91–6).

*******

[FR Doc. 2015–02072 Filed 2–3–15; 8:45 am] the soil on the On-Property portion of www.regulations.gov, including any BILLING CODE 6560–50–P the Site and the groundwater beneath personal information provided, unless the On-Property portion of the Site no the comment includes information longer pose a threat to public health or claimed to be Confidential Business ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION the environment. The NOPD pertains to Information (CBI) or other information AGENCY the On-Property portion of the Site. The whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Off-Property portion of the Site will Do not submit information that you 40 CFR Part 300 remain on the NPL. Because residual consider to be CBI or otherwise [EPA–HQ–SFUND–1983–0002; FRL–9922– groundwater contamination remains in protected through http:// 37–Region–2] the Off-Property portion of the Site, www.regulations.gov or via email. The groundwater monitoring and five-year http://www.regulations.gov Web site is National Oil and Hazardous reviews will still be required for this an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which Substances Pollution Contingency area. The partial deletion does not means EPA will not know your identity Plan; National Priorities List: Partial preclude future actions under or contact information unless you Deletion of the Fulton Terminals Superfund. provide it in the body of your Superfund Site DATES: This direct final partial deletion comments. If you send comments to AGENCY: United States Environmental will be effective April 6, 2015 unless EPA via email, your email address will Protection Agency. EPA receives adverse comments by be included as part of the comment that ACTION: Direct final rule. March 6, 2015. If adverse comments are is placed in the Docket and made received, EPA will publish a timely available on the Web site. If you submit SUMMARY: The Fulton Terminals withdrawal of this direct final NOPD in electronic comments, EPA recommends Superfund site (Site), located in the City the Federal Register, informing the that you include your name and other of Fulton, Oswego County, New York, public that the partial deletion will not contact information in the body of your consists of an ‘‘On-Property’’ portion, an take effect. comments and with any disks or CD– approximately 1.5-acre parcel of land ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, ROMs that you submit. If EPA cannot bounded on the west by First Street, on identified by Docket ID no. EPA–HQ– read your comments because of the south by Shaw Street, on the east by SFUND–1983–0002, by one of the technical difficulties and cannot contact New York State Route 481, and on the following methods: you for clarification, EPA may not be north by a warehouse, and an ‘‘Off- Web site: http://www.regulations.gov. able to consider your comments fully. Property’’ portion, defined by the area Follow the on-line instructions for Electronic files should avoid the use of between the On-Property portion’s submitting comments. special characters and any form of western property boundary to the Email: [email protected]. encryption and should be free of any Oswego River (approximately 50 feet). Fax: To the attention of Christos defects or viruses. The Environmental Protection Agency Tsiamis at 212–637–3966. Docket: All documents in the Docket (EPA) Region 2, is publishing this direct Mail: To the attention of Christos are listed in the http:// final Notice of Partial Deletion (NOPD) Tsiamis, Remedial Project Manager, www.regulations.gov index. Although of the On-Property portion of the Site Emergency and Remedial Response listed in the index, some information is from the National Priorities List (NPL). Division, U.S. Environmental Protection not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other The NPL, promulgated pursuant to Agency, Region 2, 290 Broadway, 20th information whose disclosure is Section 105 of the Comprehensive Floor, New York, NY 10007–1866. restricted by statute. Certain other Environmental Response, Hand Delivery: Superfund Records material, such as copyrighted material, Compensation, and Liability Act Center, 290 Broadway, 18th Floor, New will be publicly available only in hard (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an York, NY 10007–1866 (telephone: 212– copy. Publicly-available Docket appendix of the National Oil and 637–4308). Such deliveries are only materials can be obtained either Hazardous Substances Pollution accepted during the Record Center’s electronically at http:// Contingency Plan (NCP). This direct normal hours of operation (Monday to www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at: final partial deletion is being published Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). U.S. Environmental Protection by EPA with the concurrence of the Special arrangements should be made Agency, Region 2, Superfund Records State of New York, through the New for deliveries of boxed information. Center, 290 Broadway, 18th Floor, New York State Department of Instructions: Direct your comments to York, NY 10007–1866, Phone: 212–637– Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Docket ID no. EPA–HQ–SFUND–1983– 4308, Hours: Monday to Friday from because EPA has determined that all 0002. EPA’s policy is that all comments 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fulton Public appropriate response actions under received will be included in the Docket Library, 160 South First Street, Fulton, CERCLA have been completed at the without change and may be made NY 13069, Phone: 315–592–5159, On-Property portion of the Site and that available online at http:// Hours: Tue–Thu: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.,

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Fri: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sat: 10:00 i. responsible parties or other parties before its effective date and will prepare a.m.–3:00 p.m. have implemented all appropriate a response to comments and continue FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: response actions required; with the deletion process based on the Christos Tsiamis, Remedial Project ii. all appropriate Fund-financed NOIPD and the comments received. Manager, by mail at Emergency and responses under CERCLA have been Deletion of a portion of a site from the Remedial Response Division, U.S. implemented, and no further action by NPL does not itself create, alter, or Environmental Protection Agency, responsible parties is appropriate; or revoke any individual’s rights or Region 2, 290 Broadway, 20th floor, iii. the remedial investigation (RI) has obligations. Deletion of a portion of a New York, NY 10007–1866; telephone shown that the release of hazardous site from the NPL does not in any way at 212–637–4257; fax at 212–637–3966; substances poses no significant threat to alter EPA’s right to take enforcement or email at [email protected]. public health or the environment and, actions, as appropriate. The NPL is SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: therefore, taking of remedial measures is designed primarily for informational not appropriate. purposes and to assist EPA’s Table of Contents Pursuant to CERCLA Section 121(c) management of sites. Section I. Introduction and the NCP, EPA conducts five-year 300.425(e)(3) of the NCP states that the II. NPL Deletion Criteria reviews to ensure the continued deletion of a site from the NPL does not III. Deletion Procedures protectiveness of remedial actions preclude eligibility for further response IV. Basis for Site Deletion where hazardous substances, pollutants, actions should future conditions V. Deletion Action or contaminants remain at a site above warrant such actions. I. Introduction levels that allow for unlimited use and unrestricted exposure. EPA conducts IV. Basis for Partial Site Deletion EPA Region 2 is publishing this direct such five-year reviews even if a site is The following information provides final NOPD of the On-Property portion deleted from the NPL. EPA may initiate the Agency’s rationale for deleting the of the Site from the NPL. The NPL further action to ensure continued On-Property portion of the Site from the constitutes Appendix B of 40 CFR 300, protectiveness at a deleted site if new NPL. which is the NCP, which EPA information becomes available that Site Background and History promulgated pursuant to Section 105 of indicates it is appropriate. Whenever CERCLA, as amended. EPA maintains there is a significant release from a site The Site (NYD980593099) includes an the NPL as the list of releases that deleted from the NPL, the deleted site approximately 1.5-acre parcel of land appear to present a significant risk to may be restored to the NPL without situated approximately 10 miles public health, welfare, or the application of the hazard ranking southeast of the City of Oswego and 22 environment. The releases on the NPL system. miles north-northwest of the City of may be the subject of remedial actions Syracuse. The On-Property portion of financed by the Hazardous Substance III. Deletion Procedures the Site is bounded on the west by First Superfund (Fund). This partial deletion The following procedures apply to the Street, on the south by Shaw Street, on of the Site is proposed in accordance deletion of the On-Property portion of the east by New York State Route 481, with 40 CFR 300.425(e) and is the Site. and on the north by a warehouse. consistent with the Notice of Policy (1) EPA consulted with the State of The On-Property portion of the Site is Change: Partial Deletion of Sites Listed New York prior to developing this direct located in an industrial section of the on the National Priorities List. 60 FR final NOPD and the NOIPD also City of Fulton, within 50 feet of the 55466 (Nov. 1, 1995). As described in published today in the ‘‘Proposed Oswego River, which is used for Section 300.425(e)(3) of the NCP, a site Rules’’ section of the Federal Register. recreation. Residences, city and county deleted from the NPL remains eligible (2) EPA has provided the State 30 offices and several businesses are for Fund-financed remedial action if working days for review of this notice located within a 1,500-foot radius of the future conditions at the site warrant and the parallel NOIPD prior to their Site. such actions. publication today, and the State, From 1936 to 1960, the primary Section II of this document explains through the NYSDEC, has concurred on activity at the Site was the the criteria for deleting sites from the the deletion of a portion of the Site from manufacturing of roofing materials, NPL. Section III discusses procedures the NPL. which involved the storage of asphalt in that EPA is using for this action. Section (3) Concurrent with the publication of above-ground tanks and fuel oil storage IV discusses the On-Property portion of this direct final NOPD, a notice of the in underground tanks. From 1972 to the Site and demonstrates how it meets availability of the parallel NOIPD is 1977, the Site was used by Fulton the deletion criteria. Section V discusses being published in a major local Terminals, Inc. as a staging and storage EPA’s action to delete the On-Property newspaper, the Palladium-Times. The area for solvents and other materials portion of the Site from the NPL unless newspaper notice announces the 30-day that were scheduled for incineration at adverse comments are received during public comment period concerning the the Pollution Abatement Services the public comment period. NOIPD of the On-Property portion of the facility located in Oswego, New York. Site from the NPL. Operations at the Site resulted in the II. NPL Deletion Criteria (4) EPA placed copies of documents contamination of the groundwater, soil, The NCP establishes the criteria that supporting the proposed partial deletion and sediments with volatile organic EPA uses to delete sites from the NPL. in the Deletion Docket and made these compounds (VOCs). In accordance with 40 CFR 300.425(e), items available for public inspection From 1981 to 1983, Fulton Terminals, sites may be deleted from the NPL and copying at the Site information Inc. removed several tanks as part of a where no further response is repositories identified above. voluntary cleanup program. These appropriate. In making such a If adverse comments are received activities ceased in 1983 after the determination pursuant to 40 CFR within the 30-day public comment facility operator was fined by NYSDEC 300.425(e), EPA will consider, in period on this partial deletion action, for the improper disposal of consultation with the State, whether any EPA will publish a timely notice of polychlorinated biphenyls. The Site was of the following criteria have been met: withdrawal of this direct final NOPD listed on the NPL in 1982.

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EPA and certain potentially EPA selected excavation and low to allow the dry excavation of responsible parties (PRPs) conducted temperature thermal desorption (LTTD) contaminated soils below the water removal activities at the Site in 1986, to treat approximately 4,000 cubic yards table. The excavation, treatment, and consisting of the following: Constructing (CY) of contaminated soils located backfilling were completed in 1996. The a seven-foot perimeter fence around the above the water table, and pumping, air total amount of contaminated source Site, posting warning signs, removing stripping, carbon adsorption, and material that was remediated was two above-ground tanks and two reinjection as the treatment method of 10,200 cubic yards. Post-excavation soil underground tanks, removing the contaminated groundwater. The sampling results indicated that residual approximately 300 cubic yards of remediation goal of the soil remedy was levels of VOCs in soils were well below visibly-contaminated soil and tar-like to reduce the concentrations of VOCs in the target cleanup levels. wastes, and excavating storm drains that the soils to levels which would not Groundwater Remediation were acting as a conduit for cause the groundwater quality to exceed contaminated runoff to enter the groundwater standards as a result of The groundwater remedy called for in Oswego River during storm events. An percolation of precipitation through the the ROD required the reduction of VOC additional removal action was unsaturated soils. concentrations to groundwater performed in 1990 which involved the Remedy Implementation standards by pumping groundwater construction of earthen barriers for the from the saturated sand and gravel zone prevention of surface runoff from the A consent decree was signed by the underlying the Site, treating the Site. PRPs in 1990, in which they agreed to groundwater by air stripping and carbon design and implement the remedy adsorption, and reinjecting the water Remedial Investigation and Feasibility called for in the ROD. The consent into the saturated sand and gravel zone. Study decree became effective in 1991. The design of the groundwater From 1985 to 1987, NYSDEC’s Soil Remediation remediation was performed from 1991 contractor, URS Company, Inc., The remedial design (RD) of the soil to 1994. Initiation of the groundwater performed a RI/feasibility study (FS) at remedial action (RA) was, however, the Site. The RI/FS report that was excavation and treatment was initiated by Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc. (BBL), postponed until all soil RA activities at generated from these efforts was the Site were completed. At that time, declared invalid by NYSDEC because of the contractor for the PRPs, in 1991. Pre-RD sampling revealed the a horizontal extraction well system problems associated with the laboratory consisting of a gallery of perforated analyses. A revised RI/FS report, based presence of a significant amount of contamination in the deep soil (from the piping and a collection manhole was on additional sampling, was prepared installed at the base of the excavation. by NYSDEC’s contractor in 1988. EPA water table down to bedrock). Because the contaminated soil below the water Given the overall effectiveness of the concluded, however, that the revised RI/ soil remedy, it was determined that FS report did not fully characterize the table would continue to leach contaminants to the groundwater, EPA groundwater standards could be Site. Accordingly, EPA performed a achieved within a relatively short time Supplemental RI/FS. The conclusions concluded that remediating this soil would be beneficial to the long-term frame if the groundwater extraction set forth in the Supplemental RI/FS, could be effected immediately. Utilizing completed in 1989 by EPA’s contractor, groundwater cleanup. Remedial alternatives to address the a mobile treatment system, an expedited Ebasco Services, Inc., indicated that pumping of the contaminated various VOCs were present in the contaminated soils below the water table were evaluated in a focused groundwater took place between unsaturated soil (above the water table) February and May 1997. The operation and in the groundwater at the Site. An feasibility study (FFS) completed by BBL in 1993 (amended in 1994). The of the groundwater extraction and Endangerment Assessment for the Site, treatment system (including which was also completed in 1989, FFS determined that specialized methods for stabilizing the deep groundwater reinjection/surface water contained conclusions that minimal discharge), as well as the weekly human health risks were associated excavation area would be required for removal of the contaminated soils influent/effluent monitoring, was with the existing Site conditions. performed by Clean Harbors. However, the Supplemental RI/FS because of the excavation depth, the need for control of groundwater During the 12-week operation period, process revealed that the leaching of 8.8 million gallons of groundwater were VOCs from the contaminated on-site soil infiltration into the excavation area, and the close proximity of the Site to the extracted and treated. Subsequently, a into the groundwater posed a risk to the groundwater monitoring program was environment. Oswego River. Based on the results of the pre-RD implemented by Roux Associates to Selected Remedy sampling effort and the findings of the assess the effectiveness of the soil The remedial action objectives FFS, EPA modified the soil remedy in remediation in combination with the selected for the Site include: a 1994 Explanation of Significant expedited groundwater remedy. • prevent contact with contaminated Differences (ESD). The ESD called for Residual subsurface ice from the freeze soil; the excavation of the VOC-contaminated wall precluded an accurate evaluation • prevent migration of contaminated soils in the saturated zone (below the of the groundwater remedy performance soil via surface water runoff and water table), followed by the treatment (two downgradient monitoring wells erosion; of the excavated soils by LTTD. were frozen). Following the forced thaw • ensure protection of groundwater Following the completion of the plans of the freeze wall (via steam injection) and surface water from the continued and specifications related to the soil by the PRPs in 1998, the temperature of release of contaminants from soils; and remedy in 1995, BBL initiated the groundwater and the concentrations • restore groundwater to levels construction of the soil remedy. Because of contaminants were monitored. consistent with state and federal water of the proximity of the Site to the Groundwater samples collected in 1999 quality standards. Oswego River, a ‘‘freeze wall’’ was used, indicated that the freeze wall was no On September 29, 1989, a Record of which is a construction process longer intact (i.e., the two monitoring Decision (ROD) was signed, in which whereby the ground is frozen at depth wells were free of ice) and that the

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contamination levels in these wells Determination That the Site Meets the NPL. Groundwater monitoring and five- were showing a decreasing trend. Criteria for Deletion From the NCP year reviews will still be required for Following the collection of All of the completion requirements this area. The partial deletion does not groundwater quality samples in 1999, for the On-Property portion of the Site preclude future action under CERCLA. EPA determined that the ROD have been met, as described in the Because EPA considers this action to be requirements for the groundwater September 1996 soil Remedial Action noncontroversial and routine, EPA is remedy had been substantially met and Report, the September 1999 Preliminary taking this action without prior no further response, other than long- Close-Out Report, and the 2004, 2009, publication. This action will be effective term groundwater monitoring, was and 2014 five-year review reports. The April 6, 2015 unless EPA receives anticipated. State of New York, in a September 29, adverse comments by March 6, 2015. If adverse comments are received within Monitoring 2014 letter, concurred with the proposed partial deletion of the On- the 30-day public comment period of Six monitoring wells located in the Property portion of the Site from the this action, EPA will publish a timely On-Property portion of the Site were NPL. withdrawal of this direct final NOPD abandoned in 2004 because The NCP specifies that EPA may before the effective date of the partial contaminants had not been detected in delete a site from the NPL if ‘‘all deletion and the deletion will not take these wells for multiple sampling appropriate Fund-financed response effect. EPA will prepare a response to periods. A monitoring well located under CERCLA has been implemented, comments and continue with the downgradient of the On-Property and no further response action by deletion process on the basis of the portion of the Site on the western responsible parties is appropriate.’’ 40 NOIPD and the comments received. In property boundary is the only well that CFR 300.425(e)(1)(ii). EPA, with the such a case, there will be no additional continues to show volatile organic concurrence of the State of New York, opportunity to comment. compounds above groundwater through NYSDEC, believes that this List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 300 standards. During the latest sampling in criterion for the deletion of the On- 2013, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene was Property portion of the Site has been Environmental protection, Air detected at 12.9 micrograms per liter met in that that the soil on the On- pollution control, Chemicals, Hazardous (mg/L), which is marginally above this Property portion of the Site and the waste, Hazardous substances, contaminant’s groundwater standard of groundwater beneath the On-Property Intergovernmental relations, Penalties, 5 mg/L, and vinyl chloride was detected portion of the Site no longer pose a Reporting and recordkeeping at 2.18 mg/l, which is slightly above its threat to public health or the requirements, Superfund, Water groundwater standard of 2 mg/L. environment. Consequently, EPA is pollution control, Water supply. Five-Year Review deleting the On-Property portion of the Dated: January 6, 2015. Site from the NPL. Documents Judith A. Enck, Hazardous substances remain at the supporting this action are available in Regional Administrator, EPA, Region 2. Site in one monitoring well above levels the Site files. that would allow for unlimited use and For the reasons set out in this V. Deletion Action unrestricted exposure. Therefore, document, 40 CFR part 300 is amended pursuant to CERCLA Section 121(c), EPA, with the concurrence of the as follows: EPA is required to conduct a review of State of New York through the New the remedy at least once every five York State Department of PART 300— NATIONAL OIL AND years. Five-year reviews were conducted Environmental Conservation, has HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES in 2004, 2009 and 2014. determined that all appropriate POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN responses under CERCLA have been Community Involvement completed at the On-Property portion of ■ 1. The authority citation for part 300 Public participation activities for the the Site and that the soil and the continues to read as follows: Site have been satisfied as required groundwater beneath the On-Property Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(c)(2); 42 U.S.C. pursuant to CERCLA Sections 113(k) portion of the Site no longer pose a 9601–9675; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR and 117, 42 U.S.C. 9613(k) and 9617. As threat to public health or the 1991 Comp., p. 351; E.O. 12580, 52 FR 2923, part of the remedy selection process, the environment. Therefore, EPA is deleting 3 CFR 1987 Comp., p. 193. public was invited to comment on the the On-Property portion of the Site from ■ 2. Table 1 of Appendix B to part 300 proposed remedy. All other documents the NPL. Because residual groundwater is amended by revising the entry under and information that EPA relied on or contamination remains in the Off- ‘‘Fulton Terminals Site,’’ ‘‘New York’’ to considered in recommending this Property portion of the Site (west of the read as follows: deletion are available for the public to On-Property’s property boundary to the review at the information repositories Oswego River), the Off-Property portion Appendix B to Part 300—National identified above. of the Site is not being deleted from the Priorities List

TABLE 1—GENERAL SUPERFUND SECTION

State Site name City/County Notes (a)

******* NY ...... Fulton Terminals ...... Fulton/Oswego ...... P

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(a) * * * announcing the effective date. The supported purchases; and (3) making * P = Sites with partial deletion(s). amendments to §§ 54.308(b), 54.309(b), the E-rate application process and other * * * * * 54.505(b)(3) introductory text and E-rate processes fast, simple, and [FR Doc. 2015–02266 Filed 2–3–15; 8:45 am] (b)(3)(i), and 54.507(a) introductory text, efficient. We recognize that these BILLING CODE 6560–50–P (a)(1), and (c) are effective on July 1, changes will require adjustments by 2015; and amendments to §§ 54.505(b) applicants, service providers, and other introductory text, (c), and (f) and 54.518 stakeholders, and in conjunction with FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS are effective on July 1, 2016. USAC we commit to ensure that COMMISSION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate sufficient training and educational Dumouchel, Wireline Competition resources are provided to assist these 47 CFR Part 54 Bureau, Telecommunications Access groups during this transition. Finally, as [WC Docket Nos. 10–90 and 13–184; FCC Policy Division, at (202) 418–7400 or always, we welcome feedback from 14–189] TTY: (202) 418–0484. applicants, service providers, teachers, librarians, state and local governments, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a Modernization of the Schools and and all other stakeholders on additional summary of the Commission’s Second Libraries ‘‘E-rate’’ Program and measures to reach our goals faster and Report and Order and Order on Connect America Fund improve the E-rate program. Reconsideration, in WC Docket Nos. 10– AGENCY: Federal Communications 90 and 13–184; FCC 14–189, adopted on II. Maximizing Schools’ and Libraries’ Commission. December 11, 2014 and released on Options for Purchasing Affordable ACTION: Final rule. December 19, 2014. The full text of this High-Speed Broadband Connectivity document is available for public 3. We focus in this section on SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal inspection during regular business providing schools and libraries, Communications Commission hours in the FCC Reference Center, particularly those in rural areas, more (Commission) takes the next critical Room CY–A257, 445 12th Street SW., options for purchasing affordable high- steps to modernize the Universal Washington, DC 20554. Or at the speed broadband connections. We agree Service Fund’s Schools and Libraries following Internet address: https:// with the many commenters who make program, known as E-rate. Building on apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/ clear that in order to meet the the E-rate Modernization Order, the FCC-14-189A1.pdf. Commission’s connectivity targets, in Commission adopted in July, the I. Introduction addition to increased funding, we must improvements to the program that the make changes to the program to meet Commission adopts in this Order seek to 1. In the Second E-rate Modernization the need for affordable high-speed close the high-speed connectivity gap Report and Order (Order) and Order on connectivity to schools and libraries. between rural schools and libraries and Reconsideration, we take the next The CoSN Survey identifies the monthly their urban and suburban counterparts, critical steps to modernize the Universal cost of recurring Internet access services and provide sufficient and certain Service Fund’s Schools and Libraries and an inability to pay for the capital or funding for high-speed connectivity to program, known as E-rate. Building on non-recurring costs to get high-speed and within all eligible schools and the E-rate Modernization Order we connections as the two biggest barriers libraries. The Commission takes these adopted in July, the improvements to to increasing connectivity to schools. actions to ensure the continued success the program that we adopt in this Order Likewise, the American Library of the E-rate program as it transitions seek to close the high-speed Association (ALA), the Public Library from supporting legacy services to connectivity gap between rural schools Association, and others indicate that focusing on meeting the high-speed and libraries and their urban and lack of access to broadband broadband connectivity needs of suburban counterparts, and provide infrastructure and the high costs of schools and libraries consistent with the sufficient and certain funding for high- recurring services hamper libraries’ recently adopted program goals and speed connectivity to and within all ability to meet our E-rate goals. As ALA long-term connectivity targets. In the eligible schools and libraries. We take has explained, our nation’s libraries Order on Reconsideration, the these actions to ensure the continued depend on affordable, scalable, high- Commission grants in part the petitions success of the E-rate program as it capacity broadband in order to complete for reconsideration of the areas transitions from supporting legacy education, jumpstart employment and designated as urban for purposes of the services to focusing on meeting the entrepreneurship, and foster individual E-rate program. The Commission also high-speed broadband connectivity empowerment and engagement. To meet denies petitions for reconsideration of needs of schools and libraries consistent the connectivity targets we adopted in the document retention period, the with the recently adopted program goals the E-rate Modernization Order, phase out of support for telephone and long-term connectivity targets. substantial numbers of schools and components and other services, and 2. Through the changes we make to libraries will need to find vendors funding commitments that cover the E-rate program, we take further steps willing and able to provide affordable multiple years. At the same time, the forward in our effort to modernize the high-speed connections to their Commission clarifies our cost program and place it on firm footing to buildings and be able to afford the effectiveness test for individual data meet the program goals. As the changes recurring costs of those high-speed plans and the cost allocation rules for made in this Order and the E-rate connections. circuits carrying voice services. Modernization Order are implemented, 4. Over the course of the last 18 years, DATES: Effective March 6, 2015, except we will continue to identify additional the Commission has recognized the for amendments to §§ 54.313(e)(2) and steps that can to be taken to further importance of giving local school (f)(1), 54.503(c)(1), and 54.504(a)(1)(iii), modernize the E-rate program and districts and libraries the flexibility to which are subject to the PRA and OMB achieve our goals of: (1) ensuring purchase E-rate supported services that approval of the information collection affordable access to high-speed meet their needs. With rare exceptions, requirements. FCC will publish a broadband; (2) maximizing the cost- however, the program has not adopted document in the Federal Register effectiveness of spending for E-rate new tools for applicants to use in

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