This ICR is
approved through 1/2000. EPA should continue efforts to reexamine
and seek public comment on the burden estimates contained in this
ICR. Specifically, EPA should refine its estimate of the burden for
Tier II filers by differentiating those filers that file identical
information each year from those that provide revised, new or
complex information. We encourage EPA to actively consider means of
reducing the burden of this ICR, particularly by raising reporting
thresholds to relieve certain sectors, such as retail gas stations
(which account for approximately 25% of current respondents).
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2000
01/31/2000
03/31/1997
868,527
0
0
2,963,209
0
2,956,401
5,463,000
0
0
Section 311 requires that the owners
or operator of any facility, which is prepared to have available
material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for a hazardous chemical under
OSHA regulations, shall submit an MSDS for such chemical or a list
of chemicals to the LEPC, SERC, and local fire department. This
submittal allows both local emergency planners/respondents and the
community to have information regarding the hazards of chemicals
used at the facility. Section 312 requires the same owners and
operators to annually report the inventories of the chemicals
reported under section 311. EPA published two "formats" required
under EPCRA.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.