[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 81 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20987-20988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10433]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-6968-9]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System

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):
     Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System; ICR 
#1488.05; OMB Control Number: 2050-0095; Expiration Date: September 30, 
2001.
    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 June 25, 2001.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (M/S 5204-G), 1200 
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460. Those interested in 
obtaining a copy of the ICR without charge, including electronic 
access, may contact: Randy Hippen, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., (M/S 5204-G), Washington, DC 
20460, Tel: (703)

[[Page 20988]]

603-8829, or by E-mail [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Hippen, Tel: (703) 603-8829; 
Fax: (703) 603-9104; E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
those state agencies, Indian Tribes, and U.S. Territories performing 
Superfund site evaluation activities.
    Title: Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System; EPA ICR 
No. 1488.05; OMB Control No. 2050-0095; Expiring 9/30/01.
    Abstract: Section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, 1980 and 1986) amends the 
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan (NCP) to include 
criteria prioritizing releases throughout the U.S. before undertaking 
remedial action at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The Hazard 
Ranking System (HRS) is a model that is used to evaluate the relative 
threats to human health and the environment posed by actual or 
potential releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and 
contaminants. The HRS criteria take into account the population at 
risk, the hazard potential of the substances, as well as the potential 
for contamination of drinking water supplies, direct human contact, 
destruction of sensitive ecosystems, damage to natural resources 
affecting the human food chain, contamination of surface water used for 
recreation or potable water consumption, and contamination of ambient 
air.
    Under this ICR, the States will apply the HRS by identifying and 
classifying those releases that warrant further investigation. The HRS 
score is crucial since it is the primary mechanism used to determine 
whether a site is eligible to be included on the National Priorities 
List (NPL). Only sites on the NPL are eligible for Superfund-financed 
remedial actions.
    HRS scores are derived from the sources described in this 
information collection, including field reconnaissance, taking samples 
at the site, and reviewing available reports and documents. States 
record the collected information on HRS documentation worksheets and 
include this in the supporting reference package. States then send the 
package to the EPA region for a completeness and accuracy review, and 
the Region then sends it to EPA Headquarters for a final quality 
assurance review. If the site scores above the NPL designated cutoff 
value, and if it meets the other criteria for listing, it is then 
eligible to be proposed on the NPL.
    Burden Statement: Depending on the number and type of activities 
performed, burden for the collection of site assessment information is 
estimated to range from 10 to 1,900 hours per site. The number of hours 
required to assess a particular site depends on how far a site 
progresses through the site assessment process. Sites where only a pre-
CERCLIS screening action is performed will typically require 
approximately 10 hours, while sites that progress to NPL listing based 
on an integrated assessment approach may require up to 1,900 hours. The 
burden estimates include reporting activities and minimal record 
keeping activities. The States are reimbursed 100 percent of their 
costs, except for record maintenance. The ICR does not impose burden 
for HRS activities on local governments or private businesses.
    Respondents: State agencies performing Superfund site evaluation 
activities.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 60 (States, U.S. Territories, and 
Indian Tribes).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 247,680.
    Frequency of Collection: One time; section 116(b) requires an HRS 
evaluation within four years of the site's entry into the EPA CERCLIS 
database.
    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: EPA estimates 60 States, Indian Tribes, and U.S. 
Territories will likely respond, each averaging 24 actions per year. 
EPA further estimates the average hours per action will require 172 
hours (based on historic data for the type of site assessment 
activities to be conducted). Thus, the burden for all respondents is 
estimated at 247,680 hours and approximately $18,075,686 each year. 
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: April 12, 2001.
Larry G. Reed,
Acting Director, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response.
[FR Doc. 01-10433 Filed 4-25-01; 8:45 am]
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