[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 155 (Friday, August 10, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47835-47838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19719]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-SFUND-2004-0008; FRL-9715-4]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Consolidated Superfund Information Collection Request 
(Renewal)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to 
submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection 
Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As part of 
this renewal, EPA is consolidating the following ICRs: OMB Control 
Number 2050-0179 (Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts 
for Superfund Response Actions), OMB Control Number 2050-0095 
(Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System), and OMB Control 
Number 2050-0096 (National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution 
Contingency Plan (NCP)). The first ICR (OMB Control Number 2050-0179) 
is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2013. 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 October 9, 2012.

[[Page 47836]]


ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
SFUND-2004-0008, by one of the following methods:
     www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
     Email: [email protected].
     Fax: (202) 566-9744.
     Mail: Superfund Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, 
Mailcode: 28221 T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460.
     Hand Delivery: Docket Coordinator, Headquarters; U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency; CERCLA Docket Office; 1301 
Constitution Avenue NW.; EPA West, Room 3334, Washington, DC 20004. 
Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of 
operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of 
boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-SFUND-
2004-0008. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, 
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to 
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or email. The 
www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, which 
means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you 
provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment 
directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov your email 
address will be automatically captured and included as part of the 
comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the 
Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you 
include your name and other contact information in the body of your 
comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic 
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of 
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional 
information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center 
homepage at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Knudsen, Office of Solid Waste 
and Emergency Response, Assessment and Remediation Division, (5204 P), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 703-603-8861; fax number: 703-
603-9102; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

How can I access the docket and/or submit comments?

    EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-SFUND-2004-0008, which is available for online viewing at 
www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Superfund Docket in 
the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution 
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20004. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open 
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-1744, 
and the telephone number for the Superfund Docket is 202-566-0276.
    Use www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft collection of 
information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing 
of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the 
public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, 
select ``search,'' then key in the docket ID number identified in this 
document.

What information is EPA particularly interested in?

    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically 
solicits comments and information to enable it 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. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from 
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of 
specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork 
burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.

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 and provide specific 
examples.
    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. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
    6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified 
under DATES.
    7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page 
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation.

For the Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for 
Superfund Response Actions ICR

    Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
states, federally-recognized Indian tribes and tribal consortia, and 
political subdivisions which apply to EPA for financial assistance 
under a Superfund cooperative agreement or a Superfund State Contract.
    Title: Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for 
Superfund Response Actions (Renewal).
    ICR Numbers: EPA ICR No. 1487.11, OMB Control No. 2050-0179.
    ICR Status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on February 
28, 2013. 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 in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal 
Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed 
either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate 
means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if 
applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA 
regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
    Abstract: This ICR authorizes the collection of information under 
40 CFR part 35, subpart O, which establishes

[[Page 47837]]

the administrative requirements for cooperative agreements funded under 
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability 
Act (CERCLA) for State, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, 
and political subdivision response actions. This regulation also 
codifies the administrative requirements for Superfund State Contracts 
for non-State lead remedial responses. This regulation includes only 
those provisions mandated by CERCLA, required by OMB Circulars, or 
added by EPA to ensure sound and effective financial assistance 
management under this regulation. The information is collected from 
applicants and/or recipients of EPA assistance and is used to make 
awards, pay recipients, and collect information on how federal funds 
are being utilized. EPA requires this information to meet its federal 
stewardship responsibilities. Recipient responses are required to 
obtain a benefit (federal funds) under 40 CFR part 31, ``Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to 
State and Local Governments'' and under 40 CFR part 35, ``State and 
Local Assistance.'' 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 in 40 CFR 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 annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 7.38 
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 which have subsequently changed; 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 the Agency's estimate, 
which is only briefly summarized here:
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 568.
    Frequency of response: On occasion.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 
1.7.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 4,189.
    Estimated total annual costs: $128,467. (This includes only the 
estimated burden cost of $128,467 and no costs for capital investment 
or maintenance and operational costs.)

For the Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System ICR

    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 
(Renewal).
    ICR Numbers: EPA ICR No. 1488.08, OMB Control No. 2050-0095.
    ICR Status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on January 
31, 2015.
    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.
    EPA regional offices work with states to determine those sites for 
which the state will conduct the Superfund site evaluation activities 
and the HRS scoring. The states are reimbursed 100 percent of their 
costs, except for record maintenance.
    Under this ICR, the states will apply the HRS by identifying and 
classifying those releases or sites 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 conducting 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.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and record keeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 
213.85 hours per response. EPA estimates 60 states, Indian tribes, and 
U.S. territories will likely respond, each averaging 9-10 actions per 
year. The total burden for all respondents is estimated at 121,681 
hours and approximately $11,238,970 each year (based on historic data 
on estimated costs per site assessment activity).
    The current ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's 
estimate, which is only briefly summarized here:
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 60.
    Frequency of response: On occasion.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 
9.5.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 121,681 hours.
    Estimated total annual costs: $11,238,970. This includes an 
estimated burden cost of $11,238,970 and an estimated cost of $0 for 
capital investment or maintenance and operational costs.

For the National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan 
(NCP) ICR

    Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
state/tribal governments and individual community members who 
voluntarily participate in

[[Page 47838]]

the remedial phase of the Superfund program and in associated community 
involvement activities throughout the Superfund process.
    Title: National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency 
Plan (NCP) (Renewal).
    ICR Numbers: EPA ICR No. 1463.08, OMB Control No. 2050-0096.
    ICR Status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on August 31, 
2015.
    Abstract: This Information Collection Request is a renewal ICR that 
covers the remedial portion of the Superfund program, as specified in 
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability 
Act of 1980 as amended (CERCLA) and the National Oil and Hazardous 
Substance Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). All remedial actions 
covered by this ICR (e.g., remedial investigations/feasibility studies) 
are stipulated in the statute (CERCLA) and are instrumental in the 
process of cleaning up National Priorities List (NPL) sites to be 
protective of human health and the environment. Some community 
involvement activities covered by this ICR are not required at every 
site (e.g., Technical Assistance Grants) and depend very much on the 
community and the nature of the site and cleanup. All community 
activities seek to involve the public in the cleanup of the sites, gain 
the input of community members, and include the community's perspective 
on the potential future reuse of Superfund NPL sites. Community 
involvement activities can enhance the remedial process and increase 
community acceptance and the potential for productive and beneficial 
reuse of the sites.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 13.84 
hours per response.
    The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate, 
which is only briefly summarized here:
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 11,659.
    Frequency of response: On occasion.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: As 
required.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 179,615 hours.
    Estimated total annual costs: $813,440. This includes an estimated 
burden cost of $261,440 for states and an estimated cost of $552,000 
for communities.

Are there changes in the estimates from the last approval?

    There is no change in the total estimated respondent burden 
compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB.

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. At that time, 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.

    Dated: August 6, 2012.
Bruce Means,
Acting Director, Assessment and Remediation Division, Office of 
Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation.
[FR Doc. 2012-19719 Filed 8-9-12; 8:45 am]
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