SUPPORTING STATEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart FFFFF) (Proposed Rule)
Part A of the Supporting Statement
1. Identification of the Information Collection
1(a) Title of the Information Collection
NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart FFFFF) (Proposed Rule), EPA ICR Number 2050.08, OMB Control Number 2060-0538.
1(b) Short Characterization/Abstract
The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Taconite Iron Ore Processing was proposed on December 18, 2002 and promulgated on October 30, 2003. The NESHAP is codified at 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR. Amendments to the NESHAP are being proposed as a result of the residual risk and technology review (RTR) required under the Clean Air Act (CAA) (as discussed further below). The NESHAP applies to Taconite Iron Ore Processing plants that emit greater than or equal to 10 tons per year (tpy) of any one hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or greater than or equal to 25 tpy of any combination of HAPs. Affected sources include each new or existing ore crushing and handling operation, ore dryer, indurating furnace, and finished pellet handling operation. The pollutants regulated include HAP metals, using particulate matter (PM) as a surrogate. New facilities include those that commenced construction or reconstruction after the date of the original proposal (December 18, 2002). This information collection request (ICR) will help ensure compliance with 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR.
In general, all NESHAP require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. Owners/operators are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any failures to meet applicable standards, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all sources subject to NESHAP. A semiannual report is also required.
Any owner or operator subject to the provisions of this part shall maintain a file of these measurements and retain the file for at least 5 years following the date of such measurements, maintenance reports, and records. All reports are sent to the delegated state or local authority. In the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are sent directly to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regional office.
The proposed RTR amendments to the rule eliminate the startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) exemption; remove the SSM plan requirement; add electronic submittal of notifications, semiannual reports, and performance test reports; remove requirements to conduct quarterly internal inspections of baghouses if the baghouse is equipped with a bag leak detection system; reduce from 2 hours to 1 hour the duration of each PM test run; and make technical and editorial changes. The remaining portions of the NESHAP remain unchanged.
There are 8 major source facilities subject to the standard. These estimates are based on the research conducted by the EPA during the subpart RRRRR RTR rulemaking and consultation with the industry. The EPA is aware of one new major source facilities being built. But due to legal questions concerning mineral rights, availability of financing, and required permit modifications, the time period for this facility to come online is highly uncertain. The facility is in the process of constructing the pelletizing facility and projected it would begin pellet production in 2020 but appears to have missed state-imposed construction deadlines. At this time the startup date is uncertain.
None of the Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities in the United States are owned by state, local, or tribal governments or the Federal government. They are owned and operated by privately owned for-profit businesses.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the currently active ICR without any “Terms of Clearance.”
2. Need for and Use of the Collection
2(a) Need/Authority for the Collection
Section 112 of the CAA requires the EPA to establish NESHAP for major sources of HAP that are listed for regulation under CAA section 112(c). A major source is a stationary source that emits or has the potential to emit more than 10 tpy of any single HAP or more than 25 tpy of any combination of HAP. For major sources, the NESHAP includes technology-based standards that must reflect the maximum degree of emission reductions of HAP achievable (after considering cost, energy requirements, and non-air quality health and environmental impacts). The NESHAP are commonly referred to as maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards. In the Administrator's judgment, HAP emissions from Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Therefore, the NESHAP for this source category were promulgated at 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR in 2003.
Section 112(d)(6) of the CAA requires the EPA to review the technology-based MACT standards and revise them “as necessary (taking into account developments in practices, processes, and control technologies)” no less frequently than every 8 years. In addition, section 112(f) of the CAA requires the EPA to determine whether the MACT emissions limitations provide an ample margin of safety to protect public health. For MACT standards for HAP “classified as a known, probable, or possible human carcinogen" that "do not reduce lifetime excess cancer risks to the individual most exposed to emissions from a source in the category or subcategory to less than 1-in-1 million,” the EPA must promulgate residual risk standards for the source category (or subcategory) as necessary to provide an ample margin of safety to protect public health. In doing so, EPA may adopt standards equal to existing MACT standards, if the EPA determines that the existing standards are sufficiently protective. The EPA must also adopt more stringent standards, if necessary, to prevent an adverse environmental effect, but must consider cost, energy, safety, and other relevant factors in doing so.
Certain records and reports are necessary for the Administrator to confirm the compliance status of sources subject to NESHAP, identify any new or reconstructed sources subject to the standards, and confirm that the standards are being achieved on a continuous basis. These recordkeeping and reporting requirements are specifically authorized by section 114 of the CAA (42 U.S.C. 7414) and set out in the part 63 NESHAP General Provisions (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart A). CAA Section 114(a) states that the Administrator may require any owner or operator subject to any requirement of this Act to:
(A) Establish and maintain such records; (B) make such reports; (C) install, use, and maintain such monitoring equipment, and use such audit procedures, or methods; (D) sample such emissions (in accordance with such procedures or methods, at such locations, at such intervals, during such periods, and in such manner as the Administrator shall prescribe); (E) keep records on control equipment parameters, production variables or other indirect data when direct monitoring of emissions is impractical; (F) submit compliance certifications in accordance with Section 114(a)(3); and (G) provide such other information as the Administrator may reasonably require.
2(b) Practical Utility/Users of the Data
The control of emissions of HAP from Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities requires not only the installation of properly designed equipment, but also the operation and maintenance of that equipment. Emissions of HAP from these sources are the result of operation of the affected sources.
The standards are achieved by the reduction of pollutant emissions using process changes and control technology. The notifications required in the standards are used to inform the Agency or delegated authority when a source becomes subject to the requirements of the regulations. The reviewing authority may then inspect the source to check if the pollution control devices are properly installed and operated, leaks are being detected and repaired, and the standards are being met.
Performance test reports are needed, as these are the Agency’s record of a source’s initial and ongoing capability to comply with the emission standards and serve as a record of the operating conditions under which compliance was achieved. The semiannual reports are used for problem identification, as a check on source operation and maintenance, and for compliance determinations.
The information generated by the monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements described in this ICR is used by the Agency to ensure that facilities affected by the NESHAP continue to operate their control equipment and achieve continuous compliance with the regulation. Adequate monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting are necessary to ensure compliance with these standards, as required by the CAA. The information collected from recordkeeping and reporting requirements is also used for targeting inspections and is of sufficient quality to be used as evidence in court.
3. Nonduplication, Consultations, and Other Collection Criteria
The recordkeeping and reporting requested is required under 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR.
3(a) Nonduplication
If the subject standards have not been delegated, the information is sent directly to the appropriate EPA regional office. Otherwise, the information is sent directly to the delegated state or local agency. If a state or local agency has adopted its own similar standards to implement the Federal standards, a copy of the report submitted to the state or local agency can be sent to the Administrator in lieu of the report required by the Federal standards. Therefore, no duplication exists.
3(b) Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB
This section is not applicable because this is a rule-related ICR. Nevertheless, the ICR will be available for public review during the public comment period following publication of the proposed Subpart RRRRR RTR amendments in the Federal Register.
3(c) Consultations
Stakeholder outreach occurred with industry groups including American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and member companies of this organization. Further stakeholder and public input are expected through public comment following publication of the proposed RTR amendments to Subpart RRRRR in the Federal Register and follow-up meetings with interested stakeholders.
3(d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection
Less frequent information collection would decrease the margin of assurance that facilities are continuing to meet the standards. Requirements for information gathering and recordkeeping are useful techniques to ensure that good operation and maintenance practices are applied and emission limitations are met. If the information required by these standards and the proposed RTR amendments was collected less frequently, the proper operation and maintenance of control equipment and the possibility of detecting violations would be less likely.
3(e) General Guidelines
These reporting or recordkeeping requirements and the proposed RTR amendments do not violate any of the regulations established by OMB under 5 CFR 1320.5.
These standards require the respondents to maintain all records, including reports and notifications for at least 5 years. This is consistent with the General Provisions as applied to these standards. EPA believes that the 5-year records retention requirement is consistent with the Part 70 permit program and the 5-year statute of limitations on which the permit program is based. The retention of records for 5 years allows EPA to establish the compliance history of a source, any pattern of non-compliance and to determine the appropriate level of enforcement action. The EPA has found that the most flagrant violators have violations extending beyond 5 years. In addition, EPA would be prevented from pursuing the violators due to the destruction or nonexistence of essential records in the absence of the 5-year maintenance requirement.
3(f) Confidentiality
Any information submitted to the Agency for which a claim of confidentiality is made will be safeguarded according to the Agency policies set forth in Title 40, Chapter 1, Part 2, Subpart B - Confidentiality of Business Information (CBI) (see 40 CFR 2; 41 FR 36902, September 1, 1976; amended by 43 FR 40000, September 8, 1978; 43 FR 42251, September 20, 1978; 44 FR 17674, March 23, 1979).
3(g) Sensitive Questions
None of the reporting or recordkeeping requirements or the proposed RTR amendments contain sensitive questions.
4. The Respondents and the Information Requested
4(a) Respondents/NAICS Codes
The respondents to the recordkeeping and reporting requirements and the proposed RTR amendments are Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for respondents affected by the standards is listed in the table below.
Standard (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart FFFFF) |
NAICS Codes |
Taconite Iron Ore Processing |
21221 |
4(b) Information Requested
(i) Data Items
All data in this ICR that are recorded and/or reported are required by 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR or would be required under the proposed RTR amendments. Subpart RRRRR references 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart A for several general reporting and recordkeeping requirements that apply for all NESHAP.
A source must make the following notifications and reports:
Requirement |
Regulation Reference (40 CFR Part 63) |
Performance Testing |
|
Initial performance test |
§63.9620(a)-(g) |
Subsequent performance tests |
§63.9630 |
Notifications |
|
Notifications (initial, special compliance requirements, performance testing, CMS, and compliance status) and requests (alternative monitoring methods and extension of compliance) |
§63.9640, §63.9590(c), §63.7(b)-(c), §63.8(f)(4), §63.9(b)-(h) |
Initial notification due date - existing sources |
§63.9640(b), §63.9(b)(2) |
Initial notification due date - new sources |
§63.9640(c), §63.9(b)(3) |
Notification of intent to conduct a performance test due date |
§63.9640(d), §63.7(b)(1) |
Initial notification of compliance status due date |
§63.9640(e), §63.9(h)(2)(ii) |
Notification of request to conduct a performance test to revise the operating limit |
§63.9622(f) |
Reports |
|
Semiannual compliance report due date |
§63.9641(a), §63.8(c)(7)-(8) |
Semiannual compliance report contents |
§63.9641(b), §63.8(c)(7)-(8) |
Part 70 monitoring report |
§63.9641(d) |
Fugitive dust emissions control plan |
§63.9591 |
Operation and maintenance plan |
§63.9600(b) |
Testing Plan for testing representative units |
§63.9620(e)-(g) |
Testing Plan for plants without a Title V permit |
§63.9630(a)-(e) |
Site-specific monitoring plan for controls not listed |
§63.9631(f) |
Site-specific monitoring plan for CPMS |
§63.9632(b) |
Site-specific monitoring plan for baghouses |
§63.9632(a)(5) |
Recordkeeping |
|
Notifications and reports |
§63.9642(a)(1), §63.10(b)(2)(xiv) |
Performance tests |
§63.9642(a)(3)-(6), §63.10(b)(2)(viii) |
Records for COMS |
§63.9642(b), §63.6(h)(7)(i)-(ii), §63.8(d)(3), §63.10(b)(2)(vi) |
Records required to demonstrate continuous compliance |
§63.9642(c), §63.10(b)(2)(vii) |
Electronic Reporting
Currently, sources are using monitoring equipment that provides automated parameter data (e.g., continuous opacity or control device parameter monitoring). Although personnel at the facilities still need to evaluate the data, this type of monitoring equipment has significantly reduced the burden associated with monitoring and recordkeeping. Modern Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities employ distributive controls on their manufacturing process and have integrated many of the compliance recordkeeping and reporting requirements into their systems. In addition, regulatory agencies are setting up electronic reporting systems to allow sources to report electronically, which is reducing the reporting burden. As part of the proposed RTR amendments, respondents would be required to use the EPA’s Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT) to submit performance test reports for test methods supported by the ERT.1 Respondents would also be required to submit notifications and semiannual reports through the EPA’s Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI).
(ii) Respondent Activities
The respondent activities required by Subpart FFFFF are listed in the following table.
Respondent Activities |
Familiarization with the regulatory requirements. |
Install, calibrate, maintain, and operate any: COMS for opacity, or CPMS for secondary voltage and daily average secondary current, for any dry electrostatic precipitator; CPMS for secondary voltage water flow rate, and stack outlet temperature for any wet electrostatic precipitator; bag leak detection system and CPMS for pressure drop for any baghouse; or CPMS for pressure drop and water flow rate for any wet scrubber. |
Conduct performance tests using EPA Reference Methods 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2F, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 5D, 17, and repeat performance tests if necessary. |
Write the notifications and reports listed above. |
Enter information required to be recorded above. |
Submit the required reports developing, acquiring, installing, and utilizing technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating, and verifying information. |
Develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of processing and maintaining information. |
Develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of disclosing and providing information. |
Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information. |
Transmit, or otherwise disclose the information. |
5. The Information Collected: Agency Activities, Collection Methodology, and Information Management
5(a) Agency Activities
The EPA conducts the following activities in connection with the acquisition, analysis, storage, and distribution of the required information.
Agency Activities |
Observe performance tests and repeat performance tests if necessary. |
Review notifications and reports, including performance test reports, and excess emissions reports, required to be submitted by industry. |
Audit facility records. |
Input, analyze, and maintain data in the Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) and Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS). |
5(b) Collection Methodology and Management
Following notification of startup, the reviewing authority could inspect the source to determine whether the pollution control devices are properly installed and operated. Performance test reports are used by the Agency to discern a source’s initial capability to comply with the emission standard and note the operating conditions under which compliance was achieved. Data and records maintained by the respondents are tabulated and published for use in compliance and enforcement programs. The semiannual reports are used for problem identification, as a check on source operation and maintenance, and for compliance determinations.
Information contained in the reports is reported by state and local governments in the ICIS Air database, which is operated and maintained by EPA's Office of Compliance. ICIS is EPA’s database for the collection, maintenance, and retrieval of compliance data for industrial and government-owned facilities. EPA uses ICIS for tracking air pollution compliance and enforcement by local and state regulatory agencies, EPA regional offices and EPA headquarters. EPA and its delegated Authorities can edit, store, retrieve and analyze the data.
The records required by this regulation must be retained by the owner/operator for 5 years.
5(c) Small Entity Flexibility
All the respondents are large entities (i.e., large businesses). There are no small businesses operating Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities.
5(d) Collection Schedule
The specific frequency for each information collection activity within this request is shown below in Table 1: Average Annual Respondent Burden and Cost – NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing Facilities (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR) (Proposed Amendments).
6. Estimating the Burden and Cost of the Collection
Table 1 documents the computation of individual burdens for the recordkeeping and reporting requirements applicable to the industry for the subpart included in this ICR. The individual burdens are expressed under standardized headings believed to be consistent with the concept of burden under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Where appropriate, specific tasks and major assumptions have been identified. Responses to this information collection are mandatory.
The 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.
6(a) Estimating Respondent Burden
The average annual burden to industry over the next 3 years from these recordkeeping and reporting requirements and the proposed RTR amendments is estimated to be 1,000 hours per year (Total Labor Hours from Table 1). These hours are based on Agency studies and background documents from the development of the regulation, Agency knowledge and experience with the NESHAP program, the previously approved ICR for Subpart RRRRR, and any comments received.
6(b) Estimating Respondent Costs
(i) Estimating Labor Costs
This ICR uses the following labor rates:
Civilian Worker Rates |
Labor Rates, $/hr a |
110% Overhead |
Total, $/hr |
Managerial |
$66.49 |
$73.14 |
$139.63 |
Technical |
$56.89 |
$62.58 |
$119.47 |
Clerical |
$27.69 |
$30.46 |
$58.15 |
a http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/print.pl/news.release/ecec.t02.htm
These rates are from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 2018, “Table 2. Civilian Workers, by occupational and industry group.” The rates are from column 1, “Total compensation.” The rates have been increased by 110 percent to account for the benefit packages available to those employed by private industry.
(ii) Estimating Capital/Startup and O&M Costs
The type of industry costs associated with the information collection activities in the subject standard are both labor costs (which are addressed elsewhere in this ICR) and the costs associated with continuous monitoring and other compliance activities. The capital/startup costs are one-time costs when a facility becomes subject to the regulation and include startup cost for continuous monitoring systems (CMS). The annual O&M costs are the ongoing costs to maintain the CMS. No O&M costs are being attributed to industry as a result of this rule because the use of CMS on control devices are necessary to determine whether they are operating properly.
(iii) Capital/Startup vs. O&M Costs
The only type of industry costs associated with the information collection activity I labor cost. There are no capital/startup or O&M costs for this ICR.
6(c) Estimating Agency Burden and Cost
The only costs to the Agency are costs associated with observation of the initial performance tests and analysis of the reported information. Publication and distribution of the information are part of the ECHO program. Examination of records to be maintained by the respondents will occur as part of the periodic inspection of sources, which is part of the EPA’s overall compliance and enforcement program. The average annual Agency cost during the 3 years of the ICR is estimated to be $24,500.
This cost is based on the average hourly labor rate as follows:
Agency Worker Rates |
Labor Rates, $/hr a |
60% Overhead |
Total, $/hr |
Managerial (GS-13, step 5) |
$41.07 |
$24.64 |
$65.71 |
Technical (GS-12, step 1) |
$30.47 |
$18.28 |
$48.75 |
Clerical (GS-6, step 3) |
$16.49 |
$9.89 |
$26.38 |
a https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2019/GS_h.pdf
These rates are from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 2019 General Schedule, which excludes locality rates of pay. The rates have been increased by 60 percent to account for the benefit packages available to government employees. Details upon which this estimate is based appear below in Table 2: Average Annual EPA Burden and Cost – NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing Facilities (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR) (Proposed Amendments).
6(d) Estimating the Respondent Universe and Total Burden and Costs
Based on our research for this ICR, there are 8 existing sources currently subject to the standard, all of which will keep records and submit reports. The average number of respondents is calculated using the following table that addresses the 3 years covered by this ICR.
Number of Respondents |
|||||
|
Respondents That Submit Reports |
Respondents That Do Not Submit Any Reports |
|
||
Year |
(A) Number of New Respondents a |
(B) Number of Existing Respondents |
(C) Number of Existing Respondents that keep records but do not submit reports |
(D) Number of Existing Respondents That Are Also New Respondents |
(E) Number of Respondents (E=A+B+C-D) |
1 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
Average |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
a New respondents include sources with constructed and reconstructed affected facilities.
Column D is subtracted to avoid double-counting respondents. As shown above, the average Number of Respondents over the 3-year period of this ICR is 8.
The total number of annual responses per year is calculated using the following table:
Total Annual Responses |
||||
(A)
Information Collection Activity |
(B)
Number of Respondents |
(C)
Number of Responses |
(D) Number of Existing Respondents That Keep Records But Do Not Submit Reports |
(E) Total Annual Responses E=(BxC)+D |
Notification of applicability |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Notification of compliance status |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Notification of intent to construct a major source and review application |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Notification of actual startup |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Notification of performance test |
8 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
Semiannual compliance reports |
8 |
2 |
0 |
16 |
Report of performance test (through CEDRI using ERT) |
8 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
|
|
|
Total |
32 |
a Notifications and semiannual reports submitted through CEDRI. Report of performance test/retest submitted through ERT.
The number of Total Annual Responses is 32, all of which will be submitted electronically.
The total annual labor costs are $550,000. Details regarding these estimates may be found below in Table 1: Average Annual Respondent Burden and Cost – NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR) (Proposed Amendments).
6(e) Bottom Line Burden Hours and Cost Tables
The detailed bottom line burden hours and cost calculations for the respondents and the Agency are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below, respectively, and summarized below.
(i) Respondent Tally
The total annual labor hours are 1,000 at a cost of $550,000. Details regarding these estimates may be found in Table 1: Average Annual Respondent Burden and Cost – NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR) (Proposed Amendments).
We assume that burdens for managerial tasks take 5 percent of the time required for technical tasks because the typical tasks for managers are to review and approve reports. Clerical burdens are assumed to take 10 percent of the time required for technical tasks because the typical duties of clerical staff are to proofread the reports, make copies, and maintain records.
Furthermore, the annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 31 hours per response.
(ii) The Agency Tally
The average annual Agency burden and cost over the next 3 years are estimated to be 515 labor hours and $24,500. See Table 2: Average Annual EPA Burden and Cost – NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR) (Proposed Amendments).
We assume that burdens for managerial tasks take 5 percent of the time required for technical tasks because the typical tasks for managers are to review and approve reports. Clerical burdens are assumed to take 10 percent of the time required for technical tasks because the typical duties of clerical staff are to proofread the reports, make copies, and maintain records.
6(f) Reasons for Change in Burden
This ICR is prepared for proposed RTR amendments to the NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing facilities (40 CFR, Part 63, Subpart RRRRR). These proposed RTR amendments: (1) adjust references to the Part 63 General Provisions (40 CFR, Part 63, Subpart A) and revise provisions in the NESHAP (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart FFFFF) to remove the SSM exemption and SSM plan requirement; (2) add electronic submittal of notifications, semiannual reports, and performance test reports; and (3) make technical and editorial changes. Where applicable, adjustments for these proposed RTR amendments are reflected in Tables 1 and 2 of this ICR.
Costs per labor hour have increased due to increases in Technical and Clerical labor rates. The burden estimate for familiarizing with regulatory requirements was increased to reflect the actual time it would take industry to review the proposed amendments. Many of the burden items are one-time requirements that would apply only to new respondents and there no new respondents are estimated over the 3-year period of this ICR. Costs charged by testing contractors for Method 5 PM performance tests increase over time. Burden estimates were added for the industry to prepare notifications of performance test/performance evaluation, report the results of the performance tests through the ERT, prepare notification of compliance status, record failures to meet standards and actions taken to minimize emissions, transition to submitting notifications and semiannual reports through CEDRI, and compile data for semiannual reports. Burden estimates were removed for developing SSM plans and submitting periodic SSM reports.
6(g) Burden Statement
The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 31 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 valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Numbers for EPA regulations are listed at 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, the EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0664. An electronic version of the public docket is available at http://www.regulations.gov/, which may be used to obtain a copy of the draft collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and 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 in this document. The documents are also available for public viewing at the EPA Docket Center, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC. 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 docket center is (202) 566-1742. Send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503. Please include the EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0083 and OMB Control Number 2060-0517 in any correspondence.
Part B of the Supporting Statement
This part is not applicable because no statistical methods were used in data collection associated with the rule.
Table 1: Average Annual Respondent Burden and Cost – NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing Facilities (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR) (Proposed Amendments)
Burden item |
(A) |
(B) |
(C) |
(D) |
(E) |
(F) |
(G) |
(H) |
|
|||||
Person hours per occurrence |
No. of occurrences per respondent per year |
Person hours per respondent per year (C=AxB) |
Respondents per yeara |
Technical person hours per year (E=CxD) |
Management person hours per year (Ex0.05) |
Clerical person hours per year (Ex0.1) |
Total Cost Per year b |
|
||||||
1. Applications |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
2. Survey and Studies |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
3. Reporting Requirements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
A. Familiarization with rule requirements |
2 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
16 |
0.8 |
1.6 |
$2,116 |
|
|||||
B. Required activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
i. Method 5 performance test - facility labor c |
40 |
1 |
40 |
2.7 |
107 |
5.3 |
10.7 |
$14,108 |
|
|||||
ii. Method 5 performance test - contractor costs d |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
$438,000 |
|
|||||
iii. SSM Plan |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
C. Create information |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
D. Gather existing information |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
E. Write report |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
i. Initial Notifications e |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
ii. Compliance Extension Request e |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
iv. Site-specific Test Plan e |
40 |
1 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
$0 |
|
|||||
v. Operation and Maintenance Plan e |
40 |
1 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
vi. Fugitive Dust Emission Control Plan e |
20 |
1 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
vii. Site-specific Monitoring Plan e |
80 |
1 |
80 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
viii. Petition for Alternative Monitoring Requirements e |
40 |
1 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
ix. Notification of Performance Test |
4 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
32 |
2 |
3 |
$4,232 |
|
|||||
x. Semiannual compliance reports |
40 |
2 |
80 |
8 |
640 |
32 |
64 |
$84,650 |
|
|||||
x. Report of performance test (through CEDRI using ERT) f |
8 |
1 |
8 |
8 |
64 |
3 |
6 |
$8,465 |
|
|||||
Subtotal for Reporting Requirements |
|
|
|
|
987 |
$551,572 |
|
|||||||
4. Recordkeeping Requirements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
A. Familiarization with rule requirements |
See 3A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
B. Plan activities e |
3 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
C. Develop record system e |
16 |
1 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
D. Time to Enter Information |
See 3E x. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
E. Time to train personnel e |
3 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||
F. Time to Transmit of Disclose Information |
See 3E x. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
G. Time for audits |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal for Recordkeeping Requirements |
|
|
|
|
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||||
TOTAL LABOR BURDEN AND COST (unrounded) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$551,572 |
|
|||||
TOTAL LABOR BURDEN AND COST (rounded) g |
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
$550,000 |
|
|||||||
Assumptions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
a There are approximately 8 existing sources currently subject to this rule. We estimate there will be no additional new source that will become subject to the rule each year over the 3-year period of this ICR. |
|
|
||||||||||||
b This ICR uses the following labor rates: $139.63 per hour for Executive, Administrative, and Managerial labor; $119.47 per hour for Technical labor, and $58.15 per hour for Clerical labor. These rates are from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 2018, “Table 2. Civilian Workers, by Occupational and Industry group.” The rates are from column 1, “Total Compensation.” The rates have been increased by 110% to account for the benefit packages available to those employed by private industry. |
|
|
||||||||||||
c Assumes that 1/3 of all sources will conduct performance test in each of the 3 years. Includes 40 hours per facility per year to set up testing contractor, oversee tests, and review test reports. |
|
|
||||||||||||
d Testing contractor cost are based on the following: (51 indurating furnace Method 5 PM tests, twice/5 yr term @ $10,000/test) + (117 OCH, PH, and Ore dryer Method 5 PM tests, once/5 yr term @ $10,000/test) = $438,000/year. |
|
|
||||||||||||
e These requirements are one-time requirements that apply to new respondents. There are no new respondents estimated over the 3-year period of this ICR. |
|
|
||||||||||||
f Submittal of performance test data through the EPA's CEDRI in ERT format is estimated to require 8 hours annually, includes keeping records of failures to meet the standards and the actions taken to minimize emissions. |
|
|
||||||||||||
g Totals have been rounded to 3 significant figures. Figures may not add exactly due to rounding. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Table 2: Average Annual EPA Burden and Cost – NESHAP for Taconite Iron Ore Processing Facilities (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart RRRRR) (Proposed Amendments)
Activity |
(A) |
(B) |
(C) |
(D) |
(E) |
(F) |
(G) |
(H) |
|
|||||||
EPA person- hours per occurrence |
No. of occurrences per plant per year |
EPA person- hours per plant per year (C=AxB) |
Plants per year a |
Technical person- hours per year (E=CxD) |
Management person-hours per year (Ex0.05) |
Clerical person-hours per year (Ex0.1) |
Cost, $ b |
|
||||||||
New Respondents c |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
i. Notification of compliance status |
4 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||||
ii. Notification of intent to construct a major source and review application |
4 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||||
iii. Notification of start of construction |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||||
iv. Notification of actual startup |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||||
v. Notification of initial performance test and test plan |
4 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||||
Existing Respondents |
|
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
|
|||||||
i. Performance test report for Method 5 d |
8 |
5.5 |
44 |
8 |
352 |
17.6 |
35.2 |
$19,245 |
|
|||||||
ii. Review semiannual compliance reports e |
6 |
2 |
12 |
8 |
96 |
4.8 |
9.6 |
$5,249 |
|
|||||||
Subtotals Labor Burden and Cost |
|
|
|
|
515 |
$24,494 |
|
|||||||||
TOTAL ANNUAL BURDEN AND COST (rounded) f |
|
|
|
|
515 |
$24,500 |
|
|||||||||
Assumptions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
a There are 8 existing sources currently subject to this rule. We expect there will be no additional new source that will become subject to the rule each year over the 3-year period of this ICR. |
||||||||||||||||
b This cost is based on the following labor rates which incorporates a 1.6 benefits multiplication factor to account for government overhead expenses: Managerial rate of $65.71 (GS-13, Step 5, $41.07 + 60%), Technical rate of $48.75 (GS-12, Step 1, $30.47 + 60%), and Clerical rate of $26.38 (GS-6, Step 3, $16.49 + 60%). These rates are from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) “2018 General Schedule” which excludes locality rates of pay. |
||||||||||||||||
c These requirements are one-time requirements that apply to new respondents. There are no new respondents estimated over the 3 year period of this ICR. |
||||||||||||||||
d 51 Indurating furnaces conduct two Method 5 PM test every 5 years for an average of 20.4 tests/yr (51 x 2/5). 117 OCH, PH, and ore dryers conduct one Method 5 PM test every 5 years for an average of 23.4 tests/yr (117/5). That is a total of 43.8 tests/yr (20.4 + 23.4). 43.8 tests/yr distributed over 8 plants is 5.5 tests/yr/plant. |
||||||||||||||||
e Sources are required to submit electronic semiannual compliance reports to CEDRI. |
||||||||||||||||
f Totals have been rounded to 3 significant figures. Figures may not add exactly due to rounding. |
|
|
|
|
|
1 As of 2019, Methods 1, 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2F, 2G, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 17, are the test methods referenced in subpart RRRRR that are included in the ERT. Method 5D for Particulate Matter measurement from positive pressure fabric filter are not yet supported by the ERT. https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ert/ert_info.pdf
File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
File Title | ICR Package Instructions |
Author | rmarshal |
File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
File Created | 2021-01-15 |