SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR
EPA RENEWAL OF INFORMATION COLLECTION
“VOLUNTARY ALUMINUM INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIP”
April 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION 1
1(a) TITLE AND NUMBER OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION 1
1(b) SHORT CHARACTERIZATION / ABSTRACT 1
2. NEED FOR AND USE OF THE COLLECTION 1
2(a) NEED / AUTHORITY FOR THE COLLECTION 1
2(b) PRACTICAL UTILITY/USERS OF THE DATA 2
3. NONDUPLICATION, CONSULTATIONS, AND OTHER COLLECTION CRITERIA 2
3(a) NONDUPLICATION 2
3(b) PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ICR SUBMISSION TO OMB 2
3(c) CONSULTATIONS 2
3(d) EFFECTS OF LESS FREQUENT COLLECTION 2
3(e) GENERAL GUIDELINES 3
3(f) CONFIDENTIALITY 3
3(g) SENSITIVE QUESTIONS 3
4. THE RESPONDENTS AND THE INFORMATION REQUESTED 3
4(a) RESPONDENTS/SIC CODES 3
4(b) INFORMATION REQUESTED 3
5. THE INFORMATION COLLECTED--AGENCY ACTIVITIES, COLLECTION METHODOLOGY, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 5
5(a) AGENCY ACTIVITIES 5
5(b) COLLECTION METHODOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT 6
5(c) SMALL ENTITY FLEXIBILITY 6
5(d) COLLECTION SCHEDULE 7
6. ESTIMATING THE BURDEN AND COST OF THE COLLECTION 7
6(a) ESTIMATING RESPONDENT BURDEN 7
6(b) ESTIMATING RESPONDENT COSTS 7
6(c) ESTIMATING AGENCY BURDEN AND COST 7
6(d) ESTIMATING THE RESPONSIBLE UNIVERSE AND TOTAL BURDEN AND COSTS 10
6(e) BOTTOM LINE BURDEN HOURS AND COSTS 10
6(f) REASONS FOR CHANGE IN BURDEN 11
6(g) BURDEN STATEMENT 11
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION
1(a) Title and Number of the Information Collection
This ICR is entitled "Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP)," ICR number 1867.05, OMB Control Number 2060-0411.
1(b) Characterization of the Information Collection
VAIP is an EPA-sponsored, voluntary program that encourages primary aluminum producers to adopt cost effective methods for reducing emissions of perfluorocarbon (PFC) and direct CO2 from carbon anode consumption. It is administered through EPA’s Climate Change Division (CCD). VAIP Partners agree to implement technically feasible and cost effective management and technological upgrades.
Participation in the program begins with the completion and submittal to EPA of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines responsibilities of the VAIP Partner and EPA. VAIP Partners commit to a PFC and direct CO2 emissions reduction goal and track other process elements that are determined on a company-specific basis. Partners also agree to share non confidential information on the implementation of technologies and practices that reduce direct emissions. The program was initiated in 1995 with an emission reduction goal of reducing PFC and direct CO2 emissions by 57% percent from 1990 levels by the year 2010. This goal was achieved and the program has been extended to work toward achieving global emission benchmarks for all technology types – Søderberg and Prebake.
Partners are encouraged to publicize their membership for the enhancement and acceptance of the program, and EPA aids in the generation of that publicity. EPA and the Partners also agree to pursue a better scientific understanding of the process through which PFCs and CO2 are generated. This agreement can be terminated by the VAIP Partner or EPA with no notice or penalties.
NEED FOR AND USE OF THE COLLECTION
2(a) Need/Authority for the Collection
EPA’s Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP) was initiated in 1995 and is an important voluntary program contributing to the overall reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases. This program focuses on reducing direct1 carbon (perfluorocarbon (PFC) and direct CO2) emissions from the production of primary aluminum. Six of the seven current U.S. producers of primary aluminum participate in this program. PFCs are very potent greenhouse gases with global warming potentials several thousand times that of carbon dioxide and they persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years. EPA has developed this ICR to renew authorization to collect information from companies in the VAIP. Participants voluntarily agree to the following: designating a VAIP liaison; setting an emission reduction goal: undertaking technically feasible and cost-effective actions to reduce PFC emissions; and reporting to EPA actions taken and progress on an annual basis. The information contained in the annual reports of VAIP members is used by EPA to assess the success of the program in achieving its goals. The information contained in the annual reports may be considered confidential business information and is maintained as such. EPA has developed this ICR to obtain authorization to collect information from VAIP Partners and to ensure the Partners are meeting company-specific goals.
EPA needs to collect initial information in the MOU to formally establish participation in the VAIP, to document the Partner’s company-specific PFC emissions reduction goal, and to obtain general information. By agreeing to participate in the VAIP, the Partner agrees to the terms of various information collections specified by EPA in the MOU. All participating companies have signed an MOU.
EPA needs to collect information in the Progress Report to evaluate a Partner's progress and performance, and assess overall program results. The information provided in the Progress Report also allows EPA to further its research of the methods for measuring PFCs, the relationship between PFC generation and process and design variables, and the development of emission factors for PFCs. By agreeing to participate in the VAIP, the Partner agrees to complete and submit an annual Progress Report.
2(b) Practical Utility/Users of the Data
EPA uses information submitted to characterize the operations at each smelter and establish each Partner’s baseline emission levels in its data base containing information on VAIP Partners. The data base serves as a source of general information and a mailing list. EPA uses information submitted in the Progress Report to monitor the progress of Partners in reducing emissions. EPA enters report information into a Tracking System. EPA also uses the information to provide technical and other assistance, where appropriate.
3. NONDUPLICATION, CONSULTATIONS, AND OTHER COLLECTION CRITERIA
3(a) Nonduplication
The information to be obtained under this ICR has not been collected by EPA or any other Federal agency, nor is it available from any other source.
On October 30, 2009, EPA issued the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule (74 FR 56260) which requires reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) data and other relevant information from large sources and suppliers in the United States. The regulation includes primary aluminum production and because emissions reporting shifted from a voluntary to a mandatory activity, companies are no longer required to track, assess and submit emissions data under the VAIP.
3(b) Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, EPA solicited public comments on the ICR through an announcement in the Federal Register (77 FR 9233, February 16, 2012). The comment period closed on April 16, 2012. No comments were received.
3(c) Consultations
EPA consulted with the VAIP participating companies and the Aluminum Association to obtain their views on this method of information collection and obtained their input on the burden estimate. Member companies are:
Alcan Primary Metals Group;
Alcoa Inc.;
Century Aluminum of Kentucky;
Century Aluminum of West Virginia;
Columbia Falls Aluminum Company; and
Noranda Aluminum.
3(d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection
The completion and submittal of the MOU is a one-time activity for companies that voluntarily choose to become a partner in the Voluntary Aluminum Industry Partnership. Partners prepare and submit an Annual Report while participating in the program. EPA believes that any reduction in the frequency of this information collection would impede efforts by EPA to evaluate results of the program.
3(e) General Guidelines
This information collection request was prepared in compliance with OMB’s implementing regulations in 5 CFR 1320.5 and EPA’s guidelines for ICR renewal preparation.
3(f) Confidentiality
Participation in the VAIP is voluntary. VAIP Partners may designate information submitted under this ICR as confidential business information. EPA will treat all such information as confidential business information and will not make the company or agency-specific information collected under this ICR available to the general public in accordance with the Clean Air Act.
3(g) Sensitive Questions
No questions of a sensitive nature are asked in the MOU or the Progress Report.
4. THE RESPONDENTS AND THE INFORMATION REQUESTED
4(a) Respondents/SIC Codes
The following is a list of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and associated industries that may be affected by information collection requirements covered under this ICR:
3334 Primary Production of Aluminum
4(b) Information Requested
EPA's VAIP specifies some requirements for all Partners and works with each company to establish a company-specific Partner Program. All VAIP Partners must develop and submit an MOU with the Agency upon agreeing to participate in the program. Partners also submit a Progress Report to the Agency. The Progress Report documents what has been accomplished in the past year, based on the established, company-specific Partner Program. The Partners also conduct additional activities as needed, which includes a meeting of Partners and EPA approximately once per year.
Memorandum of Understanding
VAIP Partners are required to submit to EPA an MOU that describes the terms of participation in the program.
(i) Respondent data items:
The name, title, address, and telephone and facsimile number of a VAIP Liaison;
The name, address, and telephone number of the Partner’s CEO, President, or Chairman, if applicable; and
The details of the company-specific PFC reduction program, which may address:
-- Anode effect frequency;
-- Anode effect duration; and
-- An established relationship between anode effect behavior and PFC emissions.
(ii) Respondent MOU activities:
In finalizing the MOU, Partners must perform the following activities:
Review and complete the MOU; and
Sign and submit it to EPA.
Progress Report
Partners must complete and submit a VAIP Progress Report annually while participating in the program.
(i) Data items:
The Partner must submit the following information in the Progress Report:
PFC and direct CO2 emissions data;
The corresponding relevant, non-proprietary process and cell design parameter information; and
Other information as specified in the company’s Partner Program.
(ii) Respondent activities:
Partners must conduct the following activities in preparing the Progress Report:
Review the requirements and previous report(s);
Gather the requested data and other information for the report;
Complete the report; and
Sign and submit the report to EPA.
Additional Activities
During participation in the program, Partners may be requested to participate in meetings or review partnership materials or analysis, and are required to notify EPA of any change in MOU status, such as a change in VAIP Liaison.
(i) Data items:
Participate in meeting of VAIP Partners and EPA representatives; and
Provide EPA with new information, or revisions to historical data.
(ii) Respondent activities:
Participate in meeting of Partners and EPA; and
Notify EPA of any process changes, such as the VAIP Liaison.
5. THE INFORMATION COLLECTED--AGENCY ACTIVITIES, COLLECTION METHODOLOGY, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
5(a) Agency Activities
The VAIP requires EPA to perform activities after a Partner submits the MOU and Progress Report.
Memorandum of Understanding
EPA must perform the following activities following the submittal of an MOU:
Review the MOU to ensure completeness and accuracy, and follow up, if necessary;
Sign the MOU;
Send cover letter and original MOU back to Partner;
File copies of cover letters and MOUs; and
Enter MOU information into a database.
Progress Report
EPA must perform the following activities after the submittal of a Progress Report:
Review the report to ensure completeness and accuracy, and follow-up, if necessary;
Enter information into the Tracking System; and
File copies of the report.
Additional Activities
EPA also may be required to perform the following additional activities:
Participate in meetings with VAIP Partners representatives (generally conference calls or held in Washington, D.C.); and
Enter any changes in Partner's information, such as the name of a new VAIP Liaison, into a database.
5(b) Collection Methodology and Management
In collecting and analyzing the information associated with this ICR, EPA uses a state-of-the-art telephone system, personal computers, and applicable database and modeling software. EPA will ensure the accuracy and completeness of collected information by reviewing each submittal. EPA will enter the information obtained from the MOU and Progress Reports into a database and Tracking System, and will monitor the progress of Partners in reducing PFCs.
5(c) Small Entity Flexibility
EPA expects that one or more VAIP Partners will be small entities (having fewer than 1,000 employees). EPA has designed its program to minimize respondent burden while obtaining sufficient and accurate information. In addition, the burden associated with the VAIP is inherently reduced since the initial agreement to participate is voluntary.
5(d) Collection Schedule
EPA collects initial information in the MOU, which is completed and submitted by each Partner upon agreement to participate in the program. EPA collects information annually in the Progress Report to monitor emission reduction progress. Finally, EPA may collect other program information on a periodic basis or as the information is submitted; these items include notification of changes in VAIP Liaison and notification of changes in a Partner's operations.
6. ESTIMATING THE BURDEN AND COST OF THE COLLECTION
6(a) Estimating Respondent Burden
In order to obtain accurate hourly burden and cost estimates, EPA consulted the participating companies and received no comments. Exhibit 1 presents the estimated annual respondent burden for information collection activities associated with the VAIP.
6(b) Estimating Respondent Costs
EPA used a national average hourly labor rate including an hourly rate plus 110% overhead of $178 for legal staff, $109 for managerial staff, $84 for technical staff, and $47 for clerical staff. In developing these estimates, EPA used U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and consulted with VAIP Partners. To develop respondent capital and O & M cost estimates, EPA again consulted with VAIP Partners. EPA does not expect any capital costs with this program because the information management systems are already in place. O & M costs are expected to be zero or minimal. Exhibit 1 presents the estimated annual cost for information collection activities to be $3,778 per respondent and a Program total of $22,668.
6(c) Estimating Agency Burden and Cost
Exhibit 2 presents the estimated annual Agency burden for the information collection activities associated with this ICR. EPA estimates an average hourly labor cost (labor plus overhead) of $76 for legal staff, $71 for managerial staff, $52 for technical staff, and $21 for clerical staff. To derive these estimates, EPA used the 2010-DCB Federal Pay Schedule salary figures. For purposes of this ICR, EPA assigned staff the following government service levels:
Legal Staff GS-15, Step 1
Managerial Staff GS-14, Step 4
Technical Staff GS-12, Step 5
Clerical Staff GS-5, Step 1
To derive hourly estimates, EPA divided annual compensation estimates by 2,080, which is the number of hours in the Federal work-year. EPA then multiplied hourly rates by the standard government overhead factor of 1.6 to estimate salary plus benefits. The total annual burden to the Agency is approximately 58 hours, at a cost of approximately $3,088 per year.
6(d) Estimating the Responsible Universe and Total Burden and Costs
Currently, there are six VAIP participants, representing over 90 percent of production capacity (TPY) of the seven U.S. primary aluminum production companies. EPA does not anticipate that any additional companies will initiate production of primary aluminum in the period covered by this ICR.
Memorandum of Understanding
Each partner must complete and submit an MOU to participate in the program. All six companies have submitted a MOU and no revisions to the existing MOU are expected in the period covered by this ICR.
Progress Report
All six participating companies complete and submit a Progress Report annually.
Most of the costs for respondents (labor) are associated with this activity.
Additional Activities
It is anticipated that each Partner will travel to no more than one meeting per year at an estimated cost of $1,500 for each respondent per trip. EPA also expects that some additional information submittals may be required of some Partners. EPA’s experience with other voluntary programs indicates that approximately 10 percent of all Partners experience a change, such as in their VAIP Liaison, each year. Thus, EPA estimates that one Partner (6 x .1= 0.6) will notify EPA of a change annually.
6(e) Bottom Line Burden Hours and Costs
Exhibits 1 and 2 show the aggregate annual burden and cost to respondents and the government, respectively, for the information collection activities covered under this ICR. The bottom line burden for respondents collectively is approximately 240 (40 x 6) hours per year with an annual cost of approximately $22,668. Almost all of the costs for respondents are associated with progress report activities or participating in an annual meeting. The annual bottom line burden to the Agency is approximately 58 hours, at a cost of approximately $3,088 per year.
6(f) Reasons for Change in Burden
On October 30, 2009, EPA issued the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule (74 FR 56260) which requires reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) data and other relevant information from large sources and suppliers in the United States. The regulation includes primary aluminum production and because emissions reporting shifted from a voluntary to a mandatory activity, companies are no longer required to track, assess and submit emissions data under the VAIP. The reduction in burden for this ICR is 50 hours per year per respondent.
Since the last ICR, Northwest Goldendale Aluminum has ceased production of primary aluminum and is no longer a partner company. This reduced the number of participating companies from seven to six.
This program has been existence for over 10 years and has resulted in significant success in the development and adoption best practices and has resulted in significant reductions in emissions. Given this success, the level of effort and associated burden of participating in the VAIP has declined and is estimated to be reduced by 10 hours per year per respondent.
6(g) Burden Statement
The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR chapter 15.
To comment on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of automated collection techniques, EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0034, which is available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air and Radiation Docket is (202) 566-1742. An electronic version of the public docket is available at www.regulations.gov. This site can be used to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. When in the system, select “search,” then key in the Docket ID Number identified above. Also, you can send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20503, Attention: Desk Officer for EPA. Please include the EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0034 and OMB Control Number 2060-0411 in any correspondence.
1 Indirect CO2 emissions result from energy consumption versus direct emissions which result from the production process.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| File Title | SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR |
| Author | EPA US_EPA |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-01-30 |