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