The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized an alternative set of generator requirements applicable to laboratories owned by eligible academic entities, as defined in the final rule. The rule, which establishes a new Subpart K within 40 CFR Part 262, provides a flexible and protective set of regulations that address the specific nature of hazardous waste generation and accumulation in laboratories owned by colleges and universities, and teaching hospitals and non-profit research institutes that are either owned by or formally affiliated with a college or university. In addition, the final rule allows colleges and universities and these other eligible academic entities formally affiliated with a college or university the discretion to determine the most appropriate and effective method of compliance with these requirements by allowing them the choice of managing their hazardous wastes in accordance with the new alternative regulations as set forth in Subpart K or remaining subject to the existing generator regulations.
In establishing Subpart K of 40 CFR Part 262, EPA has established some information collection requirements to ensure that the hazardous wastes at eligible academic entities are managed in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment. EPA believes these requirements are justified because the Subpart K regulations allow eligible academic entities flexibility to tailor their laboratory operations to meet their individual circumstances, and remain protective of human health and the environment. Performance-based standards for the management of hazardous wastes generated in laboratories provide a better opportunity for eligible academic entities to evaluate their overall hazardous waste management program, and tailor it in such a way that facilitates efficient and safe management of hazardous waste and minimizes burden, while at the same time maintaining a high standard of protection of human health and the environment. The alternative approach will help them centralize and coordinate their chemical management practices and achieve sound environmental performance.
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.
2317ss01.doc
Part 2 of 2: State and Local Governments