In accordance
with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is not approving the information collection at
this time. Prior to publication of the final rule, the agency must
submit to OMB a summary of all comments received on the information
collection and any changes made in response to these comments.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
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The EPA is proposing to revise the
network design requirements for the oxides of sulfur (SOX),
specifically sulfur dioxide (SO2), to support the proposed changes
to the primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for
SO2. Presently, state agencies, and local agencies when delegated
by the state, are required to operate minimum numbers of
EPA-approved SO2 monitors based on (1) the population of each of
their Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSA) and the amount of SO2
emissions within those CBSAs and (2) the amount of SO2 emissions
emitted within each state. EPA is proposing a two-pronged
monitoring network design. The two prongs are designed to: 1)
monitor in CBSAs where there is an increased coincidence of
population and SO2 emissions and 2) to proportionally require
monitors in states corresponding to the amount of SO2 emissions
that state contributes to the national emissions inventory. The
proposed network design corresponds to the proposal of the new
NAAQS based on peak 1-hour daily maximum concentrations, or 1-hour
NAAQS, and the associated proposed range of levels from 50 to 100
parts per billion (ppb). The introduction of the 1-hour NAAQS and
the range of levels are intended to protect against peak, shorter
term exposure risks.
As a result of the proposed
tightening of the NAAQS, particularly through the introduction of a
new 1-hour SO2 standard, the monitoring network must be redesigned
to support the proposed NAAQS. This will be achieved by the
establishment of some new sites and the relocation of some existing
sites so that the monitoring network is arranged to measure peak
ground-level SO2 concentrations that will be used for comparison to
the NAAQS.
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.