[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 193 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53066-53070]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21536]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 193 / Friday, October 4, 2019 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 53066]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 955

RIN 1903-AA11


Elemental Mercury Storage Fees

AGENCY: Office of Environmental Management, U.S. Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy publishes a proposed rule to 
establish a fee for long-term management and storage of elemental 
mercury in accordance with the Mercury Export Ban Act.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before October 25, 2019. See section IV, ``Public 
Participation,'' for details.

ADDRESSES: Please direct comments to: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    Email: Send comments to David Haught at [email protected]. 
Please submit comments in MicrosoftTM Word, or PDF file 
format, and avoid the use of encryption.
    Mail: Send to the following address: David Haught, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Office of Environmental Management, Office of Waste Disposal 
(EM-4.22), 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Haught, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Environmental Management, Office of Waste Disposal 
(EM-4.22), 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, 
Telephone: (202) 586-5000, Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
II. Discussion of Fee Basis
III. Regulatory Review
IV. Public Participation
V. Approval of the Secretary of Energy

I. Background

    Section 5(a)(1) of the Mercury Export Ban Act, as amended (MEBA), 
42 U.S.C. 6939f(a)(1), provides that the Department of Energy (DOE) 
shall designate a facility for the purpose of long-term management and 
storage of elemental mercury generated within the United States.\1\ 
MEBA section 5(b)(1), 42 U.S.C. 6939f(b)(1), further provides that DOE 
shall assess and collect a fee at the time of delivery for providing 
such management and storage based on the pro rata cost of long-term 
management and storage of elemental mercury delivered to the facility. 
MEBA provides that the fee shall be made publicly available by October 
1, 2018. MEBA section 5(b)(1)(B)(i), 42 U.S.C. 6939f(b)(1)(B)(i). The 
fee may be adjusted annually, and shall be set in an amount sufficient 
to cover costs described in MEBA section 5(b)(2), 42 U.S.C. 
6939f(b)(2), subject to certain adjustments. MEBA section 
5(b)(1)(B)(ii)-(iv), 42 U.S.C. 6939f(b)(1) (B)(ii)-(iv).
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    \1\ Elemental mercury stored at the facility will be classified 
as a hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery 
Act and its implementing regulations. MEBA Section 3 prohibits the 
sale, distribution or transfer of elemental mercury stored by DOE, 
and MEBA Sections 5(d)(1) and 5(g)(2)(B) require that the elemental 
mercury be stored at facilities having permits to manage RCRA 
hazardous waste (with the exception of waste elemental mercury 
generated by certain generators, and which is destined for the long-
term storage facility as allowed by 42 U.S.C. 6939f(g)(2)(D)). Based 
on the description of elemental mercury that is destined for and 
stored at the DOE long-term storage facility, the RCRA hazardous 
waste code U151 applies (see 40 CFR 261.33(f)).
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    In accordance with MEBA section 5(b), 42 U.S.C. 6939f(b), DOE 
proposes to establish this fee after consultation with persons who are 
likely to deliver elemental mercury to a designated facility, and with 
other interested persons. DOE convened teleconferences during the 
summer of 2018 and held a meeting on August 1-2, 2018, in Washington, 
DC to discuss considerations for the basis of the fee for long-term 
management and storage of elemental mercury including length of time in 
storage, the cost of eventual treatment and disposal technology and 
different operational scenarios. Participants included representatives 
of generators producing elemental mercury incidentally from the 
beneficiation or processing of ore, or related pollution control 
activities. DOE also consulted with members of the Environmental 
Technology Council, a private organization whose members include 
persons likely to deliver elemental mercury to the designated DOE 
storage facility, on January 23, 2019. Through this proposed rule and 
request for comments, DOE requests further input in support of the 
requirement that DOE consult with persons who are likely to deliver 
elemental mercury to a designated facility, and with other interested 
persons.
    This proposed rule would establish the fee for long-term management 
and storage of elemental mercury at the designated DOE storage facility 
as $55,100 per metric ton (MT) \2\ plus a $3,250 fixed fee per 
shipment. In accordance with MEBA section 5(b)(1)(B)(ii), 42 U.S.C. 
6939f(b)(1)(b)(ii), this fee may be adjusted annually according to the 
factors described in Section II, Discussion of Fee Basis.
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    \2\ One metric ton is 2,204.62 lbs.
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II. Discussion of Fee Basis

    The proposed fee is based on the present value of (1) elementary 
mercury storage for a finite period of time; (2) the cost of 
transporting elemental mercury from the storage facility to a treatment 
and disposal facility; and (3) the cost of treatment and disposal. 
While there is no current regulatory framework to treat and dispose of 
elemental mercury in the U.S., DOE is assuming a scenario in which 
there is treatment and disposal capacity for high-concentration 
elemental mercury waste in the future.
    The proposed fee for long-term management and storage of elemental 
mercury is based on a scenario in which the elemental mercury is 
assumed to be stored for fifteen years and then transported in year 
sixteen to a treatment and disposal operation for disposal. The annual 
storage cost per metric ton-year is $810 \3\/MT. This annual storage 
cost is increased by 3.5% each fiscal year for fifteen years to give a 
total cost per metric ton of $15,600. There is also a receiving charge 
of $3,250 per shipment charged by the storage facility upon receipt. 
There is a removal charge of $376/MT. This covers the administrative 
cost of removing

[[Page 53067]]

elemental mercury from the storage facility, which is calculated based 
on the receiving charge, increased by 3.5% each fiscal year for sixteen 
years. The removal charge is then allocated on a pro rata basis using a 
15 MT shipment capacity. These costs are all based on pricing from U.S. 
commercial vendors. The 3.5% escalation each fiscal year is based on 
pricing from a solicited offer to DOE by a U.S. commercial vendor. The 
proposed fee also includes the cost of transportation from the storage 
facility to a yet to be determined treatment and disposal operation 
($1,230/MT) and eventual treatment and disposal ($37,900/MT). The cost 
of transportation is based on information received from entities 
responsible for the transportation of elemental mercury to long-term 
storage facilities and is representative of cost DOE could expect to 
incur for transportation of elemental mercury to a treatment facility. 
This cost is also escalated at 3.5% each fiscal year for sixteen years. 
The transportation cost is based on the current transportation cost of 
elemental mercury from generators' sites in Nevada to long-term RCRA-
permitted storage facilities. DOE is using this information as a basis 
for developing its cost estimate assuming a transportation scenario 
that uses a similar number of miles traveled. The cost of treatment and 
disposal of elemental mercury is based on preliminary pricing from a 
U.S. commercial vendor and includes all DOE costs associated with 
treatment and disposal. This pricing includes DOE's cost for treatment, 
DOE's cost for transportation to a disposal site and DOE's cost for 
disposal. The transportation, treatment and disposal costs are 
escalated using the OMB Circular A-94 5 year real rate (1.3%). The cost 
of transportation, treatment and disposal are subject to adjustment 
using actual pricing when such pricing becomes available. The resulting 
cost per metric ton is $55,100/MT, plus the aforementioned $3,250 per 
shipment receiving charge.
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    \3\ This annual cost is comprised of the following cost 
elements: storage/management cost, dedicated storage area lease 
cost, state taxes, and periodic audits by DOE.
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    In accordance with 42 U.S.C. 6939f(b)(1)(B), because the designated 
facility was not operational on January 1, 2019, the fee ultimately 
adopted by DOE after consideration of public comment shall be adjusted 
to subtract the cost of the temporary accumulation for those generators 
accumulating elemental mercury in a facility pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 
6939f(g)(2)(B) and (D)(iv) during the period in which the designated 
facility is not operational. The subtraction will occur after receipt 
and approval of invoices outlining acceptable costs.
    In accordance with 42 U.S.C. 6939f(b)(1)(B)(ii), the fee ultimately 
adopted by DOE after consideration of public comment may be adjusted 
annually. DOE will adjust the fee by adjusting the parameters used in 
calculating the fee. The parameters subject to adjustment are as 
follows:
     Annual cost to store 1 MT of elemental mercury.
     Number of years that elemental mercury will reside in 
storage at the DOE designated facility.
     Receiving charge.
     Removal charge.
     Cost of shipment from the elemental mercury storage 
facility to a treatment facility, and cost of shipment from a treatment 
facility to a disposal facility.
     Cost of treatment of elemental mercury, and disposal of 
the treated waste form.

III. Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    This proposed rule has been determined to be a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning 
and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993), as amended by Executive 
Order 13258, 67 FR 9385 (February 26, 2002). Accordingly, this action 
was subject to review under that Executive Order by the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) of the Office of Management 
and Budget.

B. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act

    In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality 
regulations and the DOE regulations implementing NEPA, DOE prepared the 
following documents analyzing the potential environmental impacts of 
long-term management and storage of elemental mercury: Long-Term 
Management and Storage of Elemental Mercury Environmental Impact 
Statement (DOE/EIS-0423, January 2011); Long-Term Management and 
Storage of Elemental Mercury Supplemental Environmental Impact 
Statement (DOE/EIS-0423-S1, September 2013); and Supplement Analysis of 
the Final Long-Term Management and Storage of Elemental Mercury 
Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/EIS-423-SA-01). The environmental 
impact statement (and the supplemental environmental impact statement) 
noted the relevant statutory provision regarding assessment and 
collection of a fee. The assessment and collection of the fee is part 
of the implementation of the proposed action.

C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires 
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis for any rule 
that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the agency 
certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. As required 
by Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in 
Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE published 
procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that the 
potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly 
considered during the rulemaking process (68 FR 7990). DOE has made its 
procedures and policies available on the Office of General Counsel's 
website: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/gcprod/documents/eo13272.pdf.
    DOE has reviewed this proposed rule under the provisions of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on 
February 19, 2003. DOE has determined that this proposed rule, if 
adopted, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. In 2019, DOE published Supplement Analysis of 
the Final Long-Term Management and Storage of Elemental Mercury 
Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/EIS-423-SA-01) that updated the 
expected inventory during the next 40 years to 6,800 MT. DOE expects 
approximately 35--50 entities to pay the fee. DOE expects that the 
majority of the fees paid will be paid by less than 10 of these 
entities. The Nevada Mining Association (NMA) membership includes the 
generators of elemental mercury that are expected to deliver the 
majority of elemental mercury to the DOE facility. DOE contacted NMA 
for information to help determine how many of its membership qualify as 
small entities under NAICS codes 212221, 212222, 212234 and 212299. The 
information received showed that there are 31 entities that fall below 
the small business standards versus 2 entities that exceeded the 
standard. DOE has determined, however, that the rule will not result in 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of these small 
entities. DOE estimates that the largest impact would be to entities 
engaged in mining that do not qualify as small entities under NAICS 
codes. This impact will vary based on ore grade and

[[Page 53068]]

price fluctuations in the precious metals market. Another impact would 
be to entities that have accepted elemental mercury for long-term 
storage awaiting the start of operations at the DOE facility. The 
largest of these impacts are likely be a one-time expense shortly after 
the start of operations at the DOE facility. DOE estimates that the 
impact would range from $55,100 up to as high as $4.7 million for two 
to three entities. A mining entity shipping approximately 15 MT per 
year would experience an impact of approximately $830,000 annually. As 
a result of MEBA, generators of elemental mercury have limited 
disposition options. Generators can either send elemental mercury that 
is being discarded to the DOE designated facility for long term 
management and storage or export for environmentally sound disposal 
those mercury compounds identified in or by 15 U.S.C. 2611(c)(7)(A)-(B) 
consistent with 15 U.S.C. 2611(c)(7)(D). However, export of mercury 
compounds for environmentally sound disposal in another country may 
also be subject to that country's obligations under the Basel 
Convention, if applicable, and that country's applicable domestic laws 
and regulations. Nonfederal generators may also consider domestic sales 
of elemental mercury; \4\ however, international sales are prohibited 
by MEBA's export ban, 42 U.S.C. 2611(c)(1). Although domestic sale of 
elemental mercury is an alternative without a negative economic impact, 
it is likely that the supply would exceed demand and thus that option 
may not be viable for some nonfederal generators. As stated above, for 
those nonfederal generators for whom sale is not a viable option, the 
available options are sending the elemental mercury to the DOE 
designated facility or environmentally sound disposal of certain 
mercury compounds in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 2611(c)(7)(D). Since the 
cost of treatment and disposal in member countries of the OECD is 
comparable to the fee in this proposed rule, and generators choose this 
option if it is more cost effective for them, DOE has determined that 
this proposed rule does not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
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    \4\ MEBA provides that ``no Federal agency shall convey, sell, 
or distribute . . . any elemental mercury under the control or 
jurisdiction of the Federal agency.'' 15 U.S.C. 2605(f). MEBA 
provides an exception for ``a transfer between Federal agencies of 
elemental mercury under the control or jurisdiction of the Federal 
agency.'' Id. at 2605(f)(2)(A).
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D. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rulemaking would impose no new information or recordkeeping 
requirements. Accordingly, OMB clearance is not required under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number.

E. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-
4) requires each Federal agency to prepare a written assessment of the 
effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final agency regulation 
that may result in the expenditure by States, tribal or local 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million in any one year. The Act also requires Federal agencies to 
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected 
officials of State, tribal, or local governments on a proposed 
significant intergovernmental mandate, and requires an agency plan for 
giving notice and opportunity to provide timely input to potentially 
affected small governments before establishing any requirements that 
might significantly or uniquely affect small governments. DOE has 
determined that this proposed rule does not contain any Federal 
mandates exceeding $100 million in any one year affecting States, 
tribal, or local governments, or the private sector, and, thus, no 
assessment or analysis is required under the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995.

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    With respect to the review of existing regulations and the 
promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, 
``Civil Justice Reform'' 61 FR 4779 (February 7, 1996), imposes on 
Federal agencies the general duty to adhere to the following 
requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write 
regulations to minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard 
for affected conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote 
simplification and burden reduction. With regard to the review required 
by section 3(a), section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988, specifically 
requires that Federal agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure 
that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if 
any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or 
regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct 
while promoting simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the 
retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) 
addresses other important issues affecting the clarity and general 
draftsmanship under guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 
3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires executive agencies to review 
regulations in light of applicable standards in section 3(a) and 
section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to 
meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and 
determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this proposed rule 
meets the relevant standards of Executive Order 12988.

G. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 10, 
1999) imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and 
implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that 
have federalism implications. Agencies are required to examine the 
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would 
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess 
the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order also requires 
agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely 
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory 
policies that have federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE 
published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental 
consultation process it will follow in the development of such 
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this proposed rule and has 
determined that it would not preempt State law and would not have 
substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibility among the various levels of government. No further 
action is required by Executive Order 13132.

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family 
Policymaking Assessment for any proposed rule that may affect family 
well-being. This proposed rule would

[[Page 53069]]

have no impact on the autonomy or integrity of the family as an 
institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not necessary to 
prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.

I. Review Under Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy, Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 
28355 (May 22, 2001) requires preparation and submission to OMB of a 
Statement of Energy Effects for any significant energy action. A 
``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an agency 
that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final 
rule, and that: (1)(i) Is a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (ii) is likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy; or (2) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a 
significant energy action. For any significant energy action, the 
agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on energy 
supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, and of 
reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected benefits on 
energy supply, distribution, and use. DOE has determined that this 
proposed rule would not have a significant adverse effect on the 
supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of OIRA has 
also not determined that this proposed rule is a significant energy 
action. Thus, the requirement to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects 
does not apply.

J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
2001

    The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (44 
U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most dissemination of 
information to the public under guidelines established by each agency 
pursuant to general guidelines issued by OMB. OMB guidelines were 
published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and DOE guidelines were 
published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed this proposed 
rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines, and has concluded that it is 
consistent with applicable policies in those guidelines.

K. Review Under Executive Orders 13771

    This proposed rule is not subject to the requirements of E.O. 13771 
(82 FR 9339, February 3, 2017) because this proposed rule is considered 
to be a ``transfer rule.''

IV. Public Participation

Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested partied to submit in writing by October 
25, 2019 comments and information regarding this proposed rule.
    Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and 
contact information prior to submitting comments. Your contact 
information will be viewable to DOE Building Technologies staff only. 
Your contact information will not be publicly viewable except for your 
first and last names, organization name (if any), and submitter 
representative name (if any). If your comment is not processed properly 
because of technical difficulties, DOE will use this information to 
contact you. If DOE cannot read your comment due to technical 
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, DOE may not be 
able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. 
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not 
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your 
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, 
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any 
documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to http://www.regulations.gov information for which 
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and 
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as 
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through 
http://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received 
through the website will waive any CBI claims for the information 
submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential 
Business Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through http://www.regulations.gov 
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of 
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being 
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to 
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that http://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your 
comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and 
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be 
posted to http://www.regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal 
contact information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your 
comment or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact 
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email 
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover 
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any 
comments.
    Include contact information in your cover letter each time you 
submit comments, data, documents, and other information to DOE. If you 
submit via mail or hand delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if 
feasible. It is not necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles 
(faxes) will be accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses. 
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: one copy 
of the document marked confidential including all the information 
believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked non-
confidential with the information believed to be confidential deleted. 
Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make 
its own determination about the confidential status of the information 
and treat it according to its determination.
    Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat 
submitted information as confidential include (1) a description of the 
items, (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as 
confidential within the industry, (3) whether the information is

[[Page 53070]]

generally known by or available from other sources, (4) whether the 
information has previously been made available to others without 
obligation concerning its confidentiality, (5) an explanation of the 
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from 
public disclosure, (6) when such information might lose its 
confidential character due to the passage of time, and (7) why 
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).

V. Approval of the Secretary of Energy

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this proposed 
rule.

List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 955

    Elemental mercury, Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and 
disposal, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on September 26, 2019.
Dan Brouillette,
Deputy Secretary of Energy.

0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Department of Energy 
proposes to add part 955 to title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
to read as follows:

PART 955--FEE FOR LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT AND STORAGE OF ELEMENTAL 
MERCURY UNDER THE MERCURY EXPORT BAN ACT OF 2008, AS AMENDED

Sec.
955.1 Purpose.
955.2 Scope and applicability.
955.3 Definitions.
955.4 Payment of fees.
955.5 Schedule of fees.

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 6939f(b).


Sec.  955.1  Purpose.

    This part establishes a fee for long-term management and storage of 
elemental mercury in accordance with the Mercury Export Ban Act of 
2008, as amended, section 5(b), (42 U.S.C. 6939f(b)).


Sec.  955.2  Scope and applicability.

    This part applies to persons who deliver elemental mercury to the 
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) designated facility for long-term 
management and storage.


Sec.  955.3  Definitions.

    The following definitions are provided for purposes of this part:
    DOE means the U.S. Department of Energy.
    Elemental mercury means the element with the chemical symbol Hg and 
atomic number 80 in its liquid form. The form acceptable to DOE is at 
least 99.5% elemental mercury by volume. DOE will not accept elemental 
mercury in environmental media or consumer products (fluorescent lamps, 
batteries, etc.) or elemental mercury in manufactured items 
(manometers, thermometers, switches, etc.).
    Metric ton means 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,204 lbs.).


Sec.  955.4  Payment of fees.

    Fees are payable upon delivery of elemental mercury to the DOE 
facility. All fee payments are to be made payable to the U.S. 
Department of Energy. The payments are to be made in U.S. funds by 
electronic funds transfer such as ACH (Automated Clearing House) using 
E.D.I. (Electronic Data Interchange), check, draft, money order, or 
credit card.


Sec.  955.5  Schedule of fees.

    (a) Persons delivering elemental mercury to the DOE facility for 
long-term management and storage of elemental mercury shall pay fees in 
accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) The sum of the receiving charge, the cost of storage per metric 
ton for the number of years escalating costs according to the published 
escalation rate in storage, the cost per metric ton to transport 
elemental mercury to a treatment facility in the year following the 
number of years stored and cost per metric ton to treat and dispose of 
elemental mercury in the year following the number of years stored. 
These values may be updated annually. These values are posted to the 
DOE Long-Term Management and Storage of Elemental Mercury website 
(https://www.energy.gov/em/services/waste-management/waste-and-materials-disposition-information/long-term-management-and). DOE will 
publish notice in the Federal Register when the values are updated to 
inform the public of the updates.

[FR Doc. 2019-21536 Filed 10-3-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P