This ICR revision is approved for 3 months to amend the PSD/NSR Collection of Information to reflect PM2.5 requirements. OMB understands that the PSD/NSR Collection of Information Request renewal is scheduled for submission to OMB for review shortly.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2008
3 Months From Approved
07/31/2008
150,761
0
150,723
5,906,108
0
5,851,126
10,335,678
0
8,613,000
The program called the "major NSR program" under authority of parts C and D of Title I of the Clean Air Act ("the Act") is a preconstruction review and permitting program applicable to new or modified major stationary sources of air pollutants. In attainment areas (areas meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or "NAAQS") or in areas where there is insufficient information to determine whether they meet the NAAQS ("unclassifiable areas"), the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program is implemented under the requirements of part C of Title I of the Act. In areas not meeting the NAAQS and in ozone transport regions (OTR), the program is the "nonattainment" major NSR (NA NSR) program, implemented under the requirements of part D of title I of the Act. The requirements of the Act for major NSR are codified in 40 CFR parts 51 and 52.
This ICR addresses changes to the major NSR program to add a new pollutant, particulate matter with diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), to both PSD and NA NSR. For some sources, this will add to the burden of obtaining major NSR permits because it will add to the number of pollutants that must be addressed in the application process. Similarly, State and local reviewing authorities will incur increased burden to review such permit applications and issue the permits. In addition, reviewing authorities will incur a one-time burden to revise their implementation plans to incorporate the PSD and NA NSR changes.
The burden for the major NSR program will increase as a result of the PM2.5 NSR Implementation rule. This change in the major NSR regulations is necessary under the Clean Air Act because EPA has, in other rulemakings, promulgated NAAQS for PM2.5 to protect the public health and welfare. The rule is a program change to add PM2.5 and its precursors to the major NSR program, but it does not otherwise change the requirements of the program. We expect the rule change to increase the burden associated with applying for and issuing those permits that will now have to address PM2.5 in addition to other pollutants, but we do not expect any change in the number of major NSR permits that must be issued (i.e., no change in the number of source respondents). In addition, reviewing authorities will incur a one-time burden to revise their SIPs to incorporate the major NSR rule changes.
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.
Implementation of NSR Program for PM2.5 IC #1: Minor NSR for sources