[Federal Register: September 26, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 186)]
[Notices]
[Page 54654-54656]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26se07-63]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2004-0058 and EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0904; FRL-8473-6]
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collections;
Request for Comment on Two Proposed Information Collection Requests
(ICRs)
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to
submit a request to renew two existing approved Information Collection
Requests (ICRs) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These
ICRs are schedule to expire January 31, 2008. Before submitting these
ICRs to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on
specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described
below.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before November 26, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by the Docket ID numbers
provided for each item in the text, by one of the following methods:
http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for
submitting comments.
E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov
Fax: (202) 566-9744
Mail: Air Docket, Environmental Protection Agency,
Mailcode: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
Hand Delivery: Docket Center, (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room
3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. Such
deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of
operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of
boxed information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to the Docket ID Numbers
identified for each item in the text. EPA's policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public docket without change and may
be made available online at http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal
information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed
to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information
that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through
http://www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an
``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your
identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of
your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without
going through http://www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be
automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is
placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you
submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name
and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any
disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA
may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid
the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of
any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public
docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nydia Yanira Reyes-Morales,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail
Code 6403J, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-343-9264; fax
number: 202-343-2804; e-mail address: reyes-morales.nydia@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments?
EPA has established a public docket for each of the ICRs identified
in this document (see the Docket ID numbers for each ICR that are
provided in the text), which is available for online viewing at
http://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air Docket in the EPA
Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave.,
NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 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
[[Page 54655]]
number for the Air Docket is 202-566-1742.
Use http://www.regulations.gov 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 to access those documents in the
public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system,
select ``search,'' then key in the Docket ID number identified in this
document.
What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in?
Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically
solicits comments and information to enable it to:
(i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
(ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
to be collected; and
(iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of
specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork
burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.
What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA?
You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your
comments:
1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific
examples.
2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used
that support your views.
4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified
under DATES.
7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal
Register citation.
What Information Collection Activities or ICRs Does This Apply to?
Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0904
Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by these actions
are manufacturers of marine spark-ignition engines.
Title: Emission Certification and Compliance Requirements for
Marine Spark-ignition Engines.
ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1722.05, OMB Control No. 2060-0321.
ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on January
31, 2008. 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 in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal
Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed
either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate
means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if
applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA
regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
Abstract: Under Title II of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521 et
seq.; CAA), EPA is charged with issuing certificates of conformity for
certain spark-ignition (SI) engines used to propel marine vessels that
comply with applicable emission standards. Such a certificate must be
issued before engines may be legally introduced into commerce. To apply
for a certificate of conformity, manufacturers are required to submit
descriptions of their planned production line, including descriptions
of the emission control system, and engine emission test data. This
information is organized by ``engine family.'' An engine family is a
group of engines expected to have similar emission characteristics.
There are also record-keeping requirements. Under the regulations
governing marine SI engines, manufacturers must use the Averaging,
Banking and Trading Program (ABT) and must submit information regarding
the calculation, actual generation and usage of emission credits in a
certification application, an end-of-the-year report, and final report.
These reports are used for certification and enforcement purposes. The
Act also mandates EPA to verify that manufacturers have successfully
translated their certified prototype engines into mass produced
engines, and that these engines comply with emission standards
throughout their useful lives. Under the Production-line Testing (PLT)
Program, manufacturers are required to test a sample of engines as they
leave the assembly line. This self-audit program increases efficiency
and reduces cost of correcting mis-builts and other errors made in the
assembly line. Under the In-use Testing Program (In-use), manufacturers
are required to test engines after a number of years of use to verify
that they comply with emission standards throughout their useful lives.
Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 4,029
hours per respondent. 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 which have subsequently changed; 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.
The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate,
which is only briefly summarized here:
Estimated total number of potential respondents: 10.
Frequency of response: Annual, quarterly and on occasion.
Estimated total average number of responses for each
respondent: 22.
Estimated total annual burden hours: 40,293.
Estimated total annual costs: $2,240,870. This includes an
estimated burden cost of $200,966 for operation and maintenance costs.
Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?
To date, there are no changes in the number of hours in the total
estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR
currently approved by OMB. However, EPA is still evaluating information
that may lead to a change in the estimates.
[[Page 54656]]
Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OAR-2004-0058
Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are
manufacturers of nonroad compression ignition engines and equipment.
Title: Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers.
ICR Numbers: EPA ICR No. 1826.04, OMB Control No. 2060-0369.
ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on January
31, 2008. 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 in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal
Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed
either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate
means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if
applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA
regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
Abstract: When EPA establishes new regulations with tighter engine
emission standards, engine manufacturers often need to change the
design of their engines to achieve the emissions reductions required by
the new standards. Consequently, original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) may also need to redesign their products to accommodate these
engine design changes. Sometimes, OEMs have trouble making the
necessary adjustments by the effective date of the regulations. In an
effort to provide OEMs with some flexibility in complying with the
regulations, EPA created the Transition Program for Equipment
Manufacturers (TPEM). Under the program, OEMs are allowed to delay
compliance with the new standards for up to seven years as long as they
comply with certain limitations. Participation in the program is
voluntary. Participating OEMs and engine manufacturers who provide the
noncompliant engines are required to keep records and submit reports of
their activities under the program.
Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 80.5
hours per equipment manufacturer and 74.5 hours per engine
manufacturer. 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 which have subsequently changed; 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.
The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate,
which is only briefly summarized here:
Estimated total number of potential respondents: 213.
Frequency of response: Annual.
Estimated total average number of responses for each
respondent: 1.
Estimated total annual burden hours: 17,069.
Estimated total annual costs: $848,582. This includes an
estimated burden cost of $5,829 for operation and maintenance costs.
Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?
To date, there are no changes in the number of hours in the total
estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR
currently approved by OMB. However, EPA is still evaluating information
that may lead to a change in the estimates.
What Is the Next Step in the Process for These ICRs?
EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICRs as
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will
issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR
1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any
questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Dated: September 17, 2007.
Karl Simon,
Director, Compliance and Innovative Solutions Division, Office of
Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. E7-18961 Filed 9-25-07; 8:45 am]
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