[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 6 (Monday, January 10, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1366-1369]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-493]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPPTS-00284; FRL-6484-6]
PCBs Consolidated Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements;
Request for Comment on Renewal of Information Collection Activities
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), EPA is seeking public comment and information on
the following Information Collection Request (ICR): PCBs: Consolidated
Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements (EPA ICR No. 1446.07, OMB No.
2070-0112). This ICR involves a collection activity that is currently
approved and scheduled to expire on October 31, 2001, but also
consolidates six other existing ICRs. The information collected under
this ICR will help EPA prevent the improper handling and disposal of
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and to minimize the exposure of human
beings or the environment to PCBs. The ICR describes the nature of the
information collection activity and its expected burden and costs.
Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for review and approval under the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments on
specific aspects of the collection.
DATES: Written comments, identified by the docket control number OPPTS-
00284 and administrative record number AR-220, must be received on or
before March 10, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by mail, electronically, or in
person. Please follow the detailed instructions for each method as
provided in Unit III. of the ``SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.'' To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket
control number OPPTS-00284 and administrative record number AR-220 in
the subject line on the first page of your response.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: Joe
Carra, Deputy Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
(7401), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental
Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone
number: (202) 554-1404; TDD: (202) 554-0551; e-mail address: TSCA-
Hotline@epa.gov.
For technical information contact: Peggy Reynolds, National Program
[[Page 1367]]
Chemicals Division (7404), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics,
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460;
telephone number: (202) 260-3965; fax number: (202) 260-1724; e-mail
address: reynolds.peggy@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you currently
possess PCB items, PCB-contaminated equipment, or other PCB waste.
Potentially affected categories and entities may include, but are not
limited to:
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Type of business SIC codes
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Manufacturing 20-39
Oil and gas producers 1311
Electric utility industry 4911
Line-haul railroads 4011
Telecommunications 4810
Refuse systems 4953
Trucking and warehousing 4200
Sanitary services 4950
Steam suppliers 4960
Hospitals 8062
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This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this table could also be
affected. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes are
provided to assist you and others in determining whether or not this
action might apply to certain entities. If you have any questions
regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity,
consult the technical person listed under ``FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.''
II. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this
Document and Other Related Documents?
A. Electronically
You may obtain electronic copies of this document, and certain
other related documents that might be available electronically, from
the EPA Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/. On the Home Page
select ``Laws and Regulations'' and then look up the entry for this
document under the ``Federal Register-Environmental Documents.'' You
can also go directly to the Federal Register listings at http://
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
B. Fax-on-Demand
Using a faxphone call (202) 401-0527 and select items 4073, 4074,
4075, 4076, and 4077 for a copy of the ICR.
C. In Person
The Agency has established an official record for this action under
docket control number OPPTS-00284 and administrative record number AR-
220. The official record consists of the documents specifically
referenced in this action, any public comments received during an
applicable comment period, and other information related to this
action, including any information claimed as Confidential Business
Information (CBI). This official record includes the documents that are
physically located in the docket, as well as the documents that are
referenced in those documents. The public version of the official
record does not include any information claimed as CBI. The public
version of the official record, which includes printed, paper versions
of any electronic comments submitted during an applicable comment
period, is available for inspection in the TSCA Nonconfidential
Information Center, North East Mall Rm. B-607, Waterside Mall, 401 M
St., SW., Washington, DC. The Center is open from noon to 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number
for the Center is (202) 260-7099.
III. How Can I Respond to this Action?
A. How and to Whom Do I Submit the Comments?
You may submit comments through the mail, in person, or
electronically. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that
you identify docket control number OPPTS-00284 and administrative
record number AR-220 on the subject line on the first page of your
response.
1. By mail. Submit your comments to: Document Control Office
(7407), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental
Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460.
2. In person or by courier. Deliver your comments to: OPPT Document
Control Office (DCO) in East Tower Rm. G-099, Waterside Mall, 401 M
St., SW., Washington, DC. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the
DCO is (202) 260-7093.
3. Electronically. Submit your comments and/or data electronically
by e-mail to: oppt.ncic@epa.gov,'' or mail your computer disk to the
address identified in Units III.A.1. and 2. Do not submit any
information electronically that you consider to be CBI. Electronic
comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special
characters and any form of encryption. Comments and data will also be
accepted on standard disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format.
All comments in electronic form must be identified by docket control
number OPPTS-00284 and administrative record number AR-220. Electronic
comments may also be filed online at many Federal Depository Libraries.
B. How Should I Handle CBI that I Want to Submit to the Agency?
Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to
be CBI. You may claim information that you submit to EPA in response to
this document as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as
CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance
with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. In addition to one complete
version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a
copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as
CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public version of the
official record. Information not marked confidential will be included
in the public version of the official record without prior notice. If
you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI,
please consult the technical person identified under ``FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.''
C. What Should I Consider when I Prepare My Comments for EPA?
You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your
comments:
1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.
2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used
that support your views.
4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
6. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this
notice.
8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket
control number and administrative record number assigned to this action
in the
[[Page 1368]]
subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide
the name, date, and Federal Register citation.
D. What Information is EPA Particularly Interested in?
Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA), EPA specifically solicits comments and information to enable it
to:
1. Evaluate whether the proposed collections of information are
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility.
2. Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimates of the burdens
of the proposed collections of information.
3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected.
4. Minimize the burden of the collections of information on those
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated
or electronic collection technologies or other forms of information
technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
IV. What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does this Action
Apply to?
EPA is seeking comments on the following ICR:
Title: PCBs: Consolidated Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements.
ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1446.07, OMB No. 2070-0112.
ICR status: This specific ICR is currently scheduled to expire on
October 31, 2001; note, however, that this ICR is a consolidation of
six separate existing ICRs that are scheduled to expire between
February 28, 2000 and October 31, 2001. These ICRs are identified and
discussed in the supporting statement for the subject information
collection. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's
information collections appear on the collection instruments or
instructions, in the Federal Register notices for related rulemakings
and ICR notices, and, if the collection is contained in a regulation,
in a table of OMB approval numbers in 40 CFR part 9.
Abstract: Section 6(e)(1) of the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA), 15 U.S.C. 2605(e), directs EPA to regulate the marking and
disposal of PCBs. Section 6(e)(2) bans the manufacturing, processing,
distribution in commerce, and use of PCBs in other than a totally
enclosed manner. Section 6(e)(3) establishes a process for obtaining
exemptions from the prohibitions on the manufacture, processing, and
distribution in commerce of PCBs. Since 1978, EPA has promulgated
numerous rules addressing all aspects of the life cycle of PCBs as
required by the statute. The regulations are intended to prevent the
improper handling and disposal of PCBs and to minimize the exposure of
human beings or the environment to PCBs. These regulations have been
codified in the various subparts of 40 CFR part 761. There are
approximately 100 specific reporting, third-party reporting, and
recordkeeping requirements covered by 40 CFR part 761.
To meet its statutory obligations to regulate PCBs, EPA must obtain
sufficient information to conclude that specified activities do not
result in an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.
EPA uses the information collected under the 40 CFR part 761
requirements to ensure that PCBs are managed in an environmentally safe
manner and that activities are being conducted in compliance with the
PCB regulations. The information collected by these requirements will
update the Agency's knowledge of ongoing PCB activities, ensure that
individuals using or disposing of PCBs are held accountable for their
activities, and demonstrate compliance with the PCB regulations.
Specific uses of the information collected include determining the
efficacy of a disposal technology; evaluating exemption requests and
exclusion notices; targeting compliance inspections; and ensuring
adequate storage capacity for PCB waste.
This ICR consolidates six separate existing ICRs that address PCB
reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and includes additional or
revised requirements resulting from a final rule amending requirements
addressing the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use,
cleanup, storage and disposal of PCBs, published June 29, 1998 (63 FR
35383) (FRL-5726-1). Detailed discussions of the existing ICRs and how
their associated reporting and/or recordkeeping burdens have changed as
a result of the final rule are found in the supporting statement for
the information collection that is the subject of this notice.
Responses to the collection of information are mandatory (see 40
CFR part 761). Respondents may claim all or part of a notice
confidential. EPA will disclose information that is covered by a claim
of confidentiality only to the extent permitted by, and in accordance
with, the procedures in TSCA section 14 and 40 CFR part 2.
V. What are EPA's Burden and Cost Estimates for this ICR?
Under the PRA, ``burden'' means the total time, effort, or
financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain,
or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal Agency. For this
collection it includes the time needed to review instructions; develop,
acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes
of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and
maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information;
adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable
instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to
a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review
the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the
information.
The ICR provides a detailed explanation of this estimate, which is
only briefly summarized in this notice. The annual public burden for
this collection of information is estimated to average 0.57 hours per
response. The following is a summary of the estimates taken from the
ICR:
Respondents/affected entities: Persons who currently possess PCB
items, PCB-contaminated equipment, or other PCB waste.
Estimated total number of potential respondents: 1,300,240.
Frequency of response: On occasion.
Estimated total/average number of responses for each respondent: 1.
Estimated total annual burden hours: 741,261.
Estimated total annual burden costs:: $24,789,115.
VI. Are There Changes in the Estimates from the Last Approval?
This ICR consolidates six separate existing ICRs that address PCB
reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and includes additional or
revised requirements resulting from a final rule amending requirements
addressing the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use,
cleanup, storage and disposal of PCBs, published June 29, 1998 (63 FR
35383). Therefore any change in estimated burden is more meaningfully
expressed as the difference between the current combined burden of the
six existing ICRs compared with the estimated burden identified in the
information collection that is the subject of this notice, rather than
the difference
[[Page 1369]]
between the current and estimated burden of the subject information
collection only.
The combined burden of the six existing ICRs totals 2,007,618
hours, while the burden for this consolidated ICR, as noted above, is
estimated to be 741,261 hours, a net burden reduction of 1,266,357
hours. This reduction reflects numerous factors, including program
changes and adjustments to the burdens of specific existing reporting
or recordkeeping requirements, revised estimates regarding the total
number of respondents resulting from new data gathered in preparing the
consolidated ICR effort, updated Agency analyses, and estimate
adjustments that were made for consistency with more recent Agency
reports, plus the addition of burden estimates associated with
requirements that were overlooked in the various existing ICRs and
burden associated with new reporting and recordkeeping requirements
contained within the final rule. Identification and detailed
discussions of the existing ICRs and how their associated reporting
and/or recordkeeping burdens have changed as a result of the final rule
are found in section 6(e), Reasons for Change in Burden, of the
supporting statement for the subject information collection.
VII. What is the Next Step in the Process for this ICR?
EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. EPA will issue another
Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce
the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit
additional comments to OMB. If you have any questions about this ICR or
the approval process, please contact the technical person listed under
``FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.''
List of Subjects
Environmental protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: December 29, 1999.
Susan H. Wayland,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances.
[FR Doc. 00-493 Filed 1-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
