[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]


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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.

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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