[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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- H[email protected]. 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: [email protected]. 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: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Type of business SIC codes ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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: ``[email protected],'' 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