[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 121 (Thursday, June 24, 1999)] [Notices] [Pages 33859-33860] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-16095] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-6366-2] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Permit Environmental Data From the Electric Arc Furnace/Steel Mini-Mill, Cement Kiln, and Paper & Pulp Mill Industries AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit the following proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Permit Environmental Data from the Electric Arc Furnace/Steel Mini-Mill, Cement Kiln, and Paper & Pulp Mill Industries, EPA ICR Number 1908.01. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 23, 1999. ADDRESSES: Air & Radiation Division, Region 5, United States Environmental Protection Agency, AR-18J, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604-3590 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kushal Som, Telephone Number: (312) 353-5792, E-Mail: [email protected]. Jennifer Lau, E-Mail: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by [[Page 33860]] this action are state agencies involved with regulating air emissions released during the production of steel, cement, paper, or pulp. Information not obtained from the states will be obtained from the steel, cement, paper, and pulp industries. Title: Permit Environmental Data from the Electric Arc Furnace/ Steel Mini-Mill, Cement Kiln, & Paper and Pulp Mill Industries, EPA ICR No. 1908.01. Abstract: The RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC), found on the Technology Transfer page of the U.S.E.P.A Internet webpage, is administered by the Office of Air Quality & Planning Standards (OAQPS). This database consists of collected air emissions information based on either the Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT), Best Available Control Technology (BACT), or Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER). It is used by State, Local and Federal agencies to compare pending RACT, BACT and LAER determination limits and/or control technologies with existing facilities across the country. While each state agency is requested to regularly update the RBLC, the database has a very limited record of air emission data for each industry. The RBLC database has proven to be an inadequate informational resource for state, local, or federal agencies to develop and review major or minor source permits. Informational permit databases are essential to give permit writers and reviewers the access to necessary information to compare with their pending permit applications. The information collection will be conducted by Region 5 Air and Radiation Division of the U.S. EPA. The information will be requested through telephone calls and can be provided over the telephone or sent to the EPA by e-mail, U.S. Postal Service, or fax. Response to the information collection is voluntary. All the information will be compiled on databases accessible from Region 5's Air and Radiation Division webpage. Also, new information gathered will be submitted for input into the RBLC. The required information consists of emissions data and other information that have been determined 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 (see 40 CFR 2; 41 FR 36902, September 1, 1976; amended by 43 FR 40000, September 8, 1978; 43 FR 42251, September 20, 1978; 44 FR 17674, March 23, 1979). 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 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: This ICR has an estimated respondent burden of 68.1 hours and $6075 for the entire three years it is valid. The EPA estimates that approximately 410 respondents will partake in this information collection, with an average respondent burden of 0.5 hours and cost of $22. Responses will be one-time and voluntary, and no capital or start-up expenses will be required. 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. Dated: June 15, 1999. Stephen H. Rothblatt, Chief, Air Programs Branch. [FR Doc. 99-16095 Filed 6-23-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P