[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 170 (Friday, August 30, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45959-45964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22264]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5604-2]


Agency Information Collection Activities

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.), this notice announces that EPA is planning to submit the 
following continuing Information Collection Requests (ICRs) to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Before submitting the ICRs to 
OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific 
aspects of the proposed information collections as described below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before October 29, 1996.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW, Mail 
code 2223A, Washington, DC 20460.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For NSPS subpart AA: Standards of 
Performance for steel plants: Electric Arc Furnaces Constructed after 
October 21, 1974 and on or before August 17, 1983 and NSPS subpart AAa: 
Standards of Performance for steel plants: Electric Arc Furnaces and 
Argon Oxygen Decarburization Vessels constructed after August 7, 1983--
Maria Malave at (202) 564-7027 or via e-mail (MALAVE. MARIA@EPAMAIL. 
EPA.GOV.) or send a fax to (202) 564-0050 her attention.
    For NSPS subpart KK, lead acid batteries--Jane M. Engert, tel: 
(202) 564-5021; FAX: (202) 564-0050; e-mail: 
[email protected];
    For NSPS subpart FFF, Standards of Performance for Flexible Vinyl 
and Urethane Coating and Printing

[[Page 45960]]

Industry--Ginger Gotliffe at (202) 564-7072 or via e-mail 
([email protected])
    For NSPS subpart PPP, Wool fiberglass Insulation Manufacturing 
Plants--Scott Throwe at (202) 564-7013 of for a fax (202) 564-0050.
    For NSPS subpart TTT, Surface Coating of Plastic Parts for Business 
Machines--Maria Malave at (202) 564-7027 or via e-mail (MALAVE. 
MARIA@EPAMAIL. EPA.GOV.) or send a fax to (202) 564-0050 her attention.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

NSPS subpart AA/AAa

    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
those owners or operators of electric arc furnaces and dust handling 
systems in steel plants that produce carbon, alloy, or specialty 
steels; and commenced construction, modification, or reconstruction 
after the date of proposal (i.e., October 21, 1974), and on or before 
August 17, 1983 (for Subpart AAa).
    Title: New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Electric Arc 
Furnaces and Argon-Oxygen Decarburization Vessels, Subparts AA and AAa; 
OMB No. 2060-0038; Agency No. 1060.08.
    Abstract: Owners or operators of the affected facilities described 
make the following one-time only reports: notification of the date of 
construction or reconstruction; notification of the anticipated and 
actual dates of startup; notification of any physical or operational 
change to an existing facility which may increase the regulated 
pollutant emission rate; and the notification of the date of the 
initial performance test. Owners or operators are also required to 
maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, 
shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility. 
These notifications, reports and records are required, in general, of 
all sources subject to NSPS.

    Recordkeeping and reporting requirements specific to steel 
plants subject to NSPS subpart AA and AAa include the initial 
notifications, and recording all measurements required under the 
monitoring sections. Owners or operators of electric arc furnaces 
controlled by a direct shell evacuation system are required to 
install and maintain a continuous monitoring device that 
continuously records pressure inside the EAF, and records 15 minute 
integrated averages. Prior notification it is required for the 
procedure used for determining compliance when emissions are 
combined with facilities that are not subject. The results of the 
performance tests including all requirements specified in 
Secs. 60.275, 60.276(c), 60.275a, and 60.276(f) must be reported.

    Semiannual reports of unacceptable operation of the affected 
facilities, and semiannual reports of exceedances of control device 
opacity are also required. Unacceptable operation is considered to be 
operation at a furnace with static pressures that exceed the values 
established at 60.274(f) and 60.274a(g), or operation of the control 
system fan motor at values  15% of the values established 
under the performance test, or operation at flow rates lower than those 
established in the performance test. Exceedances of opacity are defined 
as all 6-minute periods during which the average opacity is greater 
than the standard. In general, excess emission reports must include the 
magnitude of excess emissions; conversion factors used; the date and 
time of commencement and completion of each excess emission time 
period; identification of excess emissions during startups, shutdowns, 
and malfunctions; the nature and Cause of the malfunction (if known) 
and corrective measures taken; and identification of the time period 
during which the CMS was inoperative (this does not include zero and 
span checks nor typical repairs or adjustments).

    Any owner or operator subject to the provisions of this part 
shall maintain a file of these measurements, and retain the file for 
at least two years following the date of such measurements, 
maintenance reports, and records.

    All reports are sent to the delegated State or local authority. In 
the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are 
sent directly to the EPA Regional Office. Notifications are used to 
inform the Agency or delegated authority when a source becomes subject 
to the standard. The reviewing authority may then Inspect the source to 
check if the pollution control devices are properly installed and 
operated and the standards are being met. Performance test reports are 
needed as these are the Agency's records of a source initial capability 
to comply with the emission standard, and note the operating conditions 
under which compliance was achieved.
    The Administrator may require owners and operators subject to 
Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) are required to comply with 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements, as specified in Section 
114(a) of CAA.
    In order to ensure compliance with these standards, adequate 
recordkeeping is necessary. In the absence of such information 
enforcement personnel would be unable to determine whether the 
standards are being met on a continuous basis, as required by the Clean 
Air Act.
    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 
regulations are listed in 40 CFR Part 9. The EPA would like to solicit 
comments to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    Burden Statement: The only type of industry cost associated with 
the information collection activity in the standards is labor cost. The 
average annual burden to industry over the past three years for these 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements were estimated to be 21,430 
person-hours. The respondent costs have been calculated on the basis of 
$14.50 per hour plus 110 percent overhead. The average annual cost to 
industry over the past three years of the previously approved ICR was 
estimated to be $652,528. This estimate 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.

NSPS Subpart KK

    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
lead-acid battery manufacturing plants that produce or have the 
capacity to produce in one day (24 hours) batteries

[[Page 45961]]

containing an amount of lead equal to or greater than 6.5 tons. 
Specifically, the affected facilities in each plant include grid 
casting, paste mixing, three-process operations, lead oxide 
manufacturing, lead reclamation, and other lead-emitting operations in 
lead acid battery manufacturing plants that commenced construction, 
modification, or reconstruction after the date of proposal.
    Title: New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Lead-Acid 
Battery Manufacturing Plants [40 CFR Part 60, Subpart KK] OMB Control 
Number: 2060-0081, Expires: 4/30/97.
    Abstract: The largest single use of lead in the United States is in 
the manufacture of lead-acid, or secondary, storage batteries. Lead-
acid battery manufacturing plants emit lead particulates in quantities 
that, in the Administrator's judgment, cause or contribute to air 
pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. Consequently, New 
Source Performance Standards were promulgated for this source category. 
These standards rely on the proper installation, operation and 
maintenance of particulate control devices such as electrostatic 
precipitators or scrubbers.
    In order to ensure compliance with the standards, adequate 
recordkeeping and reporting is necessary. This information enables the 
Agency to: (1) Identify the sources subject to the standard; (2) ensure 
initial compliance with emission limits; and (3) verify continuous 
compliance with the standard. Specifically, the rule requires an 
application for approval of construction, notification of startup, 
notification and report of the initial emissions test, and notification 
of any physical or operational change that may increase the emission 
rate. In addition, sources are required to keep records of all 
startups, shutdowns, and malfunctions.
    In the absence of such information collection requirements, 
enforcement personnel would be unable to determine whether the 
standards are being met on a continuous basis, as required by the Clean 
Air Act. Consequently, these information collection requirements are 
mandatory, and the records required by this NSPS must be retained by 
the owner or operator for two years. In general, the required 
information consists of emissions data and other information deemed not 
to be private. However, any information submitted to the agency for 
which a claim of confidentiality is made will be safeguarded according 
to the Agency policies set forth in Title 40, Chapter 1, Part 2, 
Subpart B--Confidentiality of Business Information. 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 regulations are 
listed in 40 CFR Part 9.
    The EPA would like to solicit comments to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    Burden Statement: The average annual burden to the industry over 
the next three years from these recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements is estimated at 320 person-hours. This is based on an 
estimated 48 respondents. The average annual burden for reporting only 
is projected to be 128 person-hours. This estimate 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.

NSPS Subpart FFF

    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
those which are subject to NSPS Subpart FFF, or each rotogravure 
printing line used to print or coat flexible vinyl or urethane 
products, and for which construction, modification, or reconstruction 
commenced after January 18, 1983.
    Title: NSPS Subpart FFF: Standards of Performance for Flexible 
Vinyl and Urethane Coating and Printing Industry, OMB number 2060-0073, 
expires April 30, 1997.
    Abstract: The EPA is charged under Section 111 of the Clean Air 
Act, as amended, to establish standards of performance for new 
stationary sources that reflect:

    * * * application of the best technological system of continuous 
emissions reduction which (taking into consideration the cost of 
achieving such emissions reduction, or any non-air quality health 
and environmental impact and energy requirements) the Administrator 
determines has been adequately demonstrated [Section 111(a)(1)].

    The Agency refers to this charge as selecting the best demonstrated 
technology (BDT). Section 111 also requires that the Administrator 
review and, if appropriate, revise such standards every four years. In 
addition, Section 114(a) states that:

    * * * the Administrator may require any owner or operator 
subject to any requirement of this Act to (A) establish and maintain 
such records, (B) make such reports, (C) install, use and maintain 
such monitoring equipment or methods (in accordance with such 
methods at such locations, at such intervals, and in such manner as 
the Administrator shall prescribe), and (D) provide such other 
information, as he may reasonably require.

    In the Administrator's judgment, VOC emissions from flexible vinyl 
and urethane coating and printing industry cause or contribute to air 
pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health 
or welfare. Therefore, the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) were 
promulgated for this source category. The NSPS for the Flexible Vinyl 
and Urethane Coating and Printing Industry were proposed on January 18, 
1983, and promulgated on June 29, 1984. These standards apply to each 
rotogravure printing line used to print or coat flexible vinyl or 
urethane products, and for which construction, modification or 
reconstruction commenced after the date of proposal. Volatile organic 
compounds (VOCs) are the pollutants regulated under this Subpart. The 
standards restrict the use of inks to those with a weighted average VOC 
content of less than 1.0 kilogram VOC per kilogram of ink solids, 
unless the source can otherwise reduce emissions to the atmosphere by 
85 percent.
    Owners or operators of the affected facilities described must make 
the following one-time-only reports: notification of the date of 
construction or reconstruction (40 CFR 60.7(a)(1)); notification of the 
anticipated and actual dates of startup (40 CFR 60.7(a)(2) and (a)(3); 
notification of any physical or operational change to an existing 
facility which may increase the regulated pollutant emission rate (40 
CFR 60.7(a)(4)); and the notification of

[[Page 45962]]

the date of the initial performance test (40 CFR 60.7 (a)(5) and (d)). 
Owners or operators are also required to maintain records of the 
occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the 
operation of an affected facility (40 CFR 60.7(b), 60.584(d)). These 
notifications, reports and records are required, in general, of all 
sources subject to NSPS.
    Recordkeeping specific to flexible vinyl and urethane coating 
operations include: temperature measurements when a capture system and 
an incinerator are used, the calculation of the daily volume of VOC 
solvent recovered, and the cumulative amount of solvent recovered when 
a capture system is used in combination with a solvent recovery system 
(40 CFR 60.584 (a)). Owners or operators of affected facilities using 
incineration are also required to install, calibrate, and maintain 
temperature measurement devices downstream of the exhaust gases if 
thermal incineration is used, and both upstream and downstream of the 
catalyst bed if catalytic incineration is used (40 CFR 60.584 (b) and 
(c)).
    The owner or operator shall keep a calendar month record of the 
cumulative amount of solvent contained in inks used in the printing and 
coating process (40 CFR 60.583 (b) and (c)). When thermal or catalytic 
incineration is performed, the owner or operator shall keep records of 
each three-hour period during which the incinerator temperature 
averaged more than 28 degrees centigrade below the temperature of the 
most recent performance test (40 CFR 60.584 (b) and (c)). Daily records 
of this information shall be kept at the source for a period of two 
years (40 CFR 60.7(d)).
    Test reporting requirements apply only to the initial performance 
test. A written report must be furnished to the Administrator 
describing the results of the initial performance test (40 CFR 60.8(a), 
60.585(a)). In addition, semiannual reports of excess emissions are 
required, including a semiannual negative declaration if there are no 
excess emissions (40 CFR 60.585(b)).
    All reports are sent to the delegated State or local authority. In 
the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are 
sent directly to the EPA Regional Office. Notifications are used to 
inform the Agency or delegated authority when a source becomes subject 
to the standard. The reviewing authority may then inspect the source to 
check if the pollution control devices are properly installed and 
operated and the standard is being met. Performance test reports are 
needed as these are the Agency's record of a source's initial 
capability to comply with the emission standard. An Agency may not 
conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 
collection or information unless it displays a currently valid OMB 
control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are 
listed in 40 CFR Part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15.
    The EPA would like to solicit comments to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    Burden Statement: The Agency computed the burden for each of the 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements applicable to the industry for 
the currently approved 1994 Information Collection Request (ICR). Where 
appropriate, the Agency identified specific tasks and made assumptions, 
while being consistent with the concept of burden under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act. 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. This 
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.
    This estimate is based on the assumption that there would be one 
new affected facility over the three years of the existing ICR and that 
there were approximately 7 sources in existence at the start of the 
three years covered by the ICR. The annual burden of reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements for facilities subject to Subpart FFF are 
summarized by the following information. The reporting requirements are 
as follows: Read Instructions (1 person-hour), Initial performance test 
(280 person-hours). It is assumed that 20% of tests are repeated due to 
failure. Estimates for report writing are: Notification of 
construction/reconstruction (2 person-hours), Notification of 
anticipated startup (2 person-hours), Notification of actual startup (1 
person-hour), Notification of initial performance test (2 person-
hours), Report of performance test (included in reporting requirements 
listed above), Semiannual report (4 person-hours). Records must be kept 
for a period of two years. The average burden to industry over the 
three years of the current ICR from these recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements was estimated to be 163.2 person hours. The respondent 
costs have been calculated on the basis of $14.50 per hour plus 110 
percent overhead. The average annual burden to industry over that three 
year period of the ICR was estimated to be $4,969.

NSPS Subpart PPP

    Title: Standards of Performance for Wool Fiberglass Insulation 
Manufacturing Plants (OMB Control No. 2060-0114; EPA ICR No. 1160). 
This is a request for extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: The Administrator has judged that particulate matter 
emissions from Wool Fiberglass Insulation Manufacturing Plants cause or 
contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to 
endanger public health or welfare. Owners/operators of Wool Fiberglass 
Insulation Manufacturing Plants must notify EPA of construction, 
modification, startups, shut downs, date and results of initial 
performance test and excess emissions.
    In order to ensure compliance with the standards promulgated to 
protect public health, adequate reporting and recordkeeping is 
necessary. In the absence of such information enforcement personnel 
would be unable to determine whether the standards are being met on a 
continuous basis, as required by the Clean Air Act.
    Owners or operators of the affected facilities described make the 
following one-time only reports: notification of the date of 
construction or reconstruction; notification of the anticipated and 
actual dates of startup; notification of any physical or operational 
change to an existing facility which may increase the

[[Page 45963]]

regulated pollutant emission rate; and the notification of the date of 
the initial performance test. Owner or operators are also required to 
maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, 
shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility. 
These notifications, reports and records are required, in general, of 
all sources subject to NSPS.
    A written report must be furnished to the Administrator describing 
the results of the initial performance test. Recordkeeping and reports 
specific to NSPS subpart PP are listed in 40 CFR section 60.684.
    All reports are sent to the delegated State or local authority. In 
the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are 
sent directly to the EPA Regional Office.
    If the information required by the standards were not collected, 
the Agency would have no means for ensuring that compliance with the 
NSPS is achieved and maintained by new, modified, or reconstructed 
sources subject to the regulations. Under this circumstances, an owner 
or operator could elect to reduce operating expenses by not complying 
with the emission limitations. In the absence of the information 
collection requirements, compliance with the standards could be ensured 
only through continuous on-site inspections by regulatory agency 
personnel. Consequently, not collecting the information would result in 
either greatly increased expenditures of resources, the inability to 
ensure compliance with the standards.
    The information collected from recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements is also used for targeting inspections, and is of 
sufficient quality to be used as evidence in court.
    The Administrator may require owners and operators subject to 
Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) are required to comply with 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements, as specified in Section 
114(a) of CAA.
    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 
regulations are listed in 40 CFR Part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15. The 
Federal Register Notice required under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting 
comments on this collection of information was published on September 
29, 1995.
    The EPA would like to solicit comments to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3,680 
hours per response. 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. This 
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.
    Respondents/Affected Entities: 38.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 38.
    Frequency of Response: 2.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 76.
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 3,680 hours.
    Estimated Total Annualized Cost Burden: $112,056
    Send comments on the Agency's need for this information, the 
accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods 
for minimizing respondent burden, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques to the following addresses. Please 
refer to EPA ICR No. 1160 and OMB Control No. 2060.0114 in any 
correspondence.

NSPS Subpart TTT

    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
those owners or operators of spray booths in which plastic parts for 
business machines receive prime, color, texture, or touch-up coats, and 
for which construction, modification or reconstruction commenced after 
the proposal date.
    Title: New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Surface Coating 
of Plastic Parts for Business Machines, Subpart TTT; OMB No. 2060-0162; 
Agency No. 1093.05.
    Abstract: Owners or operators of the affected facilities described 
make the following one-time only reports: notification of the date of 
construction or reconstruction; notification of the anticipated and 
actual dates of startup; notification of any physical or operational 
change to an existing facility which may increase the regulated 
pollutant emission rate; and the notification of the date of the 
initial performance test. Owner or operators are also required to 
maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, 
shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility. 
These notifications, reports and records are required, in general, of 
all sources subject to NSPS.
    Recordkeeping requirements specific to the surface coating of 
plastic parts for business machines include the records of each monthly 
performance test.
    A written report must be furnished to the Administrator describing 
the results of the initial performance test. Thereafter, quarterly 
reports of noncompliance are required, and semiannual reports shall be 
made when the source is in compliance with the applicable emission 
limitations.
    All reports are sent to the delegated State or local authority. In 
the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are 
sent directly to the EPA Regional Office.
    If the information required by the standards were not collected, 
the Agency would have no means for ensuring that compliance with the 
NSPS is achieved and maintained by new, modified, or reconstructed 
sources subject to the regulations. Under this circumstances, an owner 
or operator could elect to reduce operating expenses by not complying 
with the emission limitations. In the absence of the information 
collection requirements, compliance with the standards could be ensured 
only through continuous on-site inspections by regulatory agency 
personnel. Consequently, not collecting the information would result in 
either greatly increased expenditures of resources, the inability to 
ensure compliance with the standards.
    The information collected from recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements is also used for targeting inspections, and is of 
sufficient quality to be used as evidence in court.

[[Page 45964]]

    The Administrator may require owners and operators subject to 
Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) are require to comply with 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements, as specified in Section 
114(a) of CAA.
    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 
regulations are listed in 40 CFR Part 9. The EPA would like to solicit 
comments to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    Burden Statement: The only type of industry costs associated with 
the information collection activity in the standards are labor costs. 
The average annual burden to industry over the past three years for 
these recordkeeping and reporting requirements were estimated to be 
29,444 person-hours. The respondent costs have been calculated on the 
basis of $14.50 per hour plus 110 percent overhead. The average annual 
cost to industry over the past three years of the ICR was estimated to 
be $896,569. This estimate 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.

    Dated: August 23, 1996.
Bruce R. Weddle,
Acting Director, Office of Compliance.
[FR Doc. 96-22264 Filed 8-29-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P