In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is withholding approval at this time. Prior to publication of the final rule, the agency must submit to OMB a summary of all comments related to the information collection contained in the proposed rule and the agency response. The agency should clearly indicate any changes made to the information collection as a result of these comments.
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Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
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0
0
0
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This Information Collection Request (ICR) includes estimates for ambient air monitoring data reporting and recordkeeping activities associated with the 40 CFR part 51 Requirements for Preparation, Adoption and Submittal of Implementation Plans.* These data and information are collected by State and local air quality management agencies and reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This ICR also includes estimates for ambient air dispersion modeling which State and local air quality management agencies may choose to do to meet the requirements under the proposed Data Requirements Rule (RIN 2060-AR19).
The EPA is proposing a rule directing state, local, and tribal air quality management agencies to provide data to characterize current air quality in areas with large sources of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions for use in the NAAQS designations process.
The EPA is proposing that states characterize ambient air quality around sources with emissions greater than 1,000 tons per year which are located within any Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA) having 1,000,000 or more persons; and around sources with emissions greater than 2,000 tons per year located outside CBSAs having 1,000,000 or more persons. Based upon 2011 emissions data and 2013 census estimates, the proposed action would identify 443 SO2 sources nationwide, which account for 75 percent of the total SO2 emissions inventory.
The proposed rule describes criteria for identifying the source areas where air agencies would need to characterize SO2 air quality. It also describes a process and timetables by which air quality management agencies would characterize air quality in source areas through ambient monitoring and/or air quality modeling techniques and submit such data to the EPA. The air quality data developed by the states in accordance with this rule would be used by the EPA in future rounds of area designations for the 1-hour SO2 NAAQS.
For those air quality management agencies electing to monitor to provide necessary air quality data, the EPA anticipates that they may take varied approaches to identify where and how many SO2 monitors are appropriate. Those approaches likely include the following: 1) conduct new modeling to aid in monitoring site placement; 2) conduct exploratory monitoring to inform permanent monitor placement; and 3) take advantage of existing emissions data, existing monitoring data, and existing modeling, where possible, to aid in determining permanent monitoring site placement.
This ICR is showing two options which could result in a burden to state and local air monitoring agencies. In order to satisfy the requirements of the rule, agencies can choose to either perform monitoring or modeling. Two different ICs are included.
$776,005
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Courtney Kerwin 202-566-1669
Reginfo record details
No
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.
SO2 Data Requirements Rule ICR SS.pdf
SO2 Data Requirements Rule (Modeling Option)