Notification of Chemical Exports - TSCA Section 12(b); Request for Comment on Renewal of Information Collection Activities, 67697-67700 [05-22253]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 8, 2005 / Notices marginal resource for transactions in the wholesale energy market. The specific market used in this analysis is the MidColumbia trading hub in the State of Washington. The Market Price Forecast is used for two purposes in BPA’s rate case. First, it is the basis for approximating the prices BPA may experience when selling to or buying from the wholesale power market. The Market Price Forecast estimates are therefore used to inform, but not directly set, the price used in BPA’s surplus or net secondary revenue forecast. Second, the Market Price Forecast represents BPA’s marginal cost in acquiring new energy, or the opportunity cost BPA may see in selling wholesale energy. The Market Price Forecast is therefore used in rate design and to send market-based price signals. The Market Price Forecast uses a production cost model, AURORA, to estimate a market clearing price for wholesale energy. The fundamental assumption underlying AURORA modeling is the existence of a competitive wholesale energy pricing structure in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council Region. The model dispatches resources in a least cost order to meet a specified demand. Short-term prices are set at the variable cost of the marginal generator. Longterm capital investment decisions are based on economic profitability in an unregulated environment. The study will also forecast independent marketprice forecasts used for IOU and DSI benefits. 4. Risk Analysis Study The Risk Analysis Study focuses upon two types of risks and their impacts on BPA’s revenues and expenses. The first class of risks is comprised of operating risks such as variations in economic conditions, load, and generation resource capability. These operating risks include the impacts of water supply conditions, alternative hydro operations, and market prices on net revenues. These operating risks are modeled in the Risk Analysis Model (RiskMod). The second class of risks comprises non-operating risks—all the risks included in the rate case risk modeling other than operating risks. This class of non-operating risks also includes uncertainty in achieving cost reductions identified in the Power Function Review. These risks are modeled in the Non-Operating Risk Model (NORM). The outputs from RiskMod and NORM are combined to develop the distribution of net revenues and cash flows that are required as input by the ToolKit Model. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:11 Nov 07, 2005 Jkt 208001 BPA subsequently evaluates the impact that different risk mitigation measures have on reducing net revenue risk by calculating the TPP. The ToolKit Model assesses the impact that the net revenue deviations have on cash reserve levels, calculates the probability that BPA will make each Treasury payment on time and in full. If the TPP is below BPA’s three-year 92.6 percent TPP standard, analysts change the combination of risk mitigation tools (e.g., Cost Recovery Adjustment Clauses, Planned Net Revenues for Risk, Dividend Distribution Clause, etc.) to meet the TPP standard. The amount of PNRR calculated in the ToolKit Model is included in revenue requirements and, thus, affects the level of the rates calculated in the rates analysis model below. 5. Wholesale Power Rate Development Study The Wholesale Power Rate Development Study (WPRDS) is the primary source for details concerning BPA’s power rates. It reflects the results of all of the other studies, documents the Rates Analysis Model, and documents the development of rates for BPA’s wholesale power products and services. The WPRDS documents the allocation and recovery of Federal power costs, development of the Slice cost table; the development and forecast of inter-business line revenues and expenses (including Generation Input of Ancillary Services, segmentation of COE/Reclamation Transmission Facilities and GTA Delivery Charge), the development of charges for demand, load variance, unauthorized increase usage, excess load factoring, numerous rate provisions (e.g. the low-density discount, conservation and renewable discount, and rate mitigation), and the development of diurnal energy charges. Notably, one chapter of the WPRDS discusses BPA’s risk mitigation package (i.e., the CRAC, NFB Adjustment, and DDC). The results of the WPRDS are the wholesale power rate schedules. 6. Section 7(b)(2) Rate Test Study Section 7(b)(2) of the Northwest Power Act directs BPA to assure that the wholesale power rates effective after July 1, 1985, to be charged its public body, cooperative, and Federal agency customers (the 7(b)(2) Customers) for their general requirements for the rate period, plus the ensuing four years (in total, this is known as the test period), are no higher than the costs of power would be to those customers for the same time period if specified assumptions are made. The effect of the rate test is to protect the 7(b)(2) PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 67697 Customers’ wholesale firm power rates from certain costs resulting from provisions of the Northwest Power Act. The rate test can result in a reallocation of costs from the 7(b)(2) Customers to other rate classes. The Section 7(b)(2) Rate Test Study describes the application and results of the Section 7(b)(2) Implementation Methodology. The Section 7(b)(2) rate test triggers in this proposal, causing costs to be reallocated in the test period. The PF Preference rate applied to the general requirements of the 7(b)(2) Customers has been partially reduced by the 7(b)(2) amount. Other rates, including the PF Exchange Program rate applied to customers purchasing under the REP and the IP rate to be charged to any DSI taking direct service from BPA during the rate period, have been increased by an allocation of the 7(b)(2) amount. Because, after allocation of the 7(b)(2) amount, there are no REP loads, no power sales to IOUs, and no direct power sales to DSIs, remaining 7(b)(2) amount costs were allocated to the PF Preference rate. This is required by Section 7(a)(1) of the Northwest Power Act, which provides that BPA’s power rates must recover BPA’s power costs. V. 2007 Wholesale Power Rate Schedules and General Rate Schedule Provisions (GRSPs) BPA’s proposed 2007 Wholesale Power Rate Schedules and GRSPs are available for viewing and downloading on PBL’s Web site at www.bpa.gov/ power/ratecase. A copy of the proposed rate schedules and GRSPs are also available for viewing in BPA’s Public Reference Room at the BPA Headquarters, 1st Floor, 905 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR. Issued this 26th day of October, 2005. Stephen J. Wright, Administrator and Chief Executive Officer. [FR Doc. 05–22233 Filed 11–7–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [OPPT–2005–0050; FRL–7740–5] Notification of Chemical Exports TSCA Section 12(b); Request for Comment on Renewal of Information Collection Activities Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) EPA is seeking E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 67698 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 8, 2005 / Notices public comment on the following Information Collection Request (ICR): Notification of Chemical Exports - Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 12(b) (EPA ICR No. 0795.12, OMB Control No. 2070–0030). This ICR involves a collection activity that is currently approved and scheduled to expire on August 31, 2006. The information collected under this ICR relates to reporting requirements found at 40 CFR part 707, subpart D, with respect to companies exporting certain chemicals from the United States to foreign countries. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval under the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the collection. DATES: Written comments, identified by the docket identification (ID) number OPPT–2005–0050, must be received on or before January 9, 2006. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: Colby Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division (7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (202) 554–1404; e-mail address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov. For technical information contact: Greg Schweer, Chemical Control Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460– 0001; telephone number: (202) 564– 8469; fax number: (202) 564–4775; email address: schweer.greg@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you are a company that exports or engages in wholesale sales of chemical substances or mixtures. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to: • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325), e.g., basic chemical manufacturing; resin, synthetic rubber and artificial and synthetic fibers and filaments manufacturing; pesticide, fertilizer, and other agricultural chemical manufacturing; paint, coating, and adhesive manufacturing; soap, VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:11 Nov 07, 2005 Jkt 208001 cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing, etc. • Petroleum refineries (NAICS 32411), e.g., crude oil refining, diesel fuels manufacturing, fuel oils manufacturing, jet fuel manufacturing, kerosene manufacturing, petroleum distillation, etc. This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information? 1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket ID number OPPT–2005– 0050. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received, and other information related to this action. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the EPA Docket Center, Rm. B102-Reading Room, EPA West, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The EPA Docket Center Reading Room telephone number is (202) 566–1744 and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket, which is located in the EPA Docket Center, is (202) 566–0280. 2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA’s electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at https://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Although not all docket materials may PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in the appropriate docket ID number. Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA Dockets. Information claimed as CBI and other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute, which is not included in the official public docket, will not be available for public viewing in EPA’s electronic public docket. EPA’s policy is that copyrighted material will not be placed in EPA’s electronic public docket but will be available only in printed, paper form in the official public docket. To the extent feasible, publicly available docket materials will be made available in EPA’s electronic public docket. When a document is selected from the index list in EPA Dockets, the system will identify whether the document is available for viewing in EPA’s electronic public docket. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. EPA intends to work towards providing electronic access to all of the publicly available docket materials through EPA’s electronic public docket. For public commenters, it is important to note that EPA’s policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing in EPA’s electronic public docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that material in the version of the comment that is placed in EPA’s electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, including the copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket. Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA’s electronic public docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be scanned and placed in EPA’s electronic public docket. Where practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph will be placed in EPA’s electronic public docket along with a brief description written by the docket staff. E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 8, 2005 / Notices C. How and to Whom Do I Submit the Comments? You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket ID number in the subject line on the first page of your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked ‘‘late.’’ EPA is not required to consider these late comments. If you wish to submit CBI or information that is otherwise protected by statute, please follow the instructions in Unit I.D. Do not use EPA Dockets or e-mail to submit CBI or information protected by statute. 1. Electronically. If you submit an electronic comment as prescribed in this unit, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing address, and an email address or other contact information in the body of your comment. Also include this contact information on the outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties or needs further information on the substance of your comment. EPA’s policy is that EPA will not edit your comment, and any identifying or contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA’s electronic public docket. 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. i. EPA Dockets. Your use of EPA’s electronic public docket to submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA’s preferred method for receiving comments. Go directly to EPA Dockets at https://www.epa.gov/edocket/, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ and then key in docket ID number OPPT–2005–0050. The system is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. ii. E-mail. Comments may be sent by e-mail to oppt.ncic@epa.gov, Attention: Docket ID Number OPPT–2005–0050. In contrast to EPA’s electronic public docket, EPA’s e-mail system is not an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system. If you VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:11 Nov 07, 2005 Jkt 208001 send an e-mail comment directly to the docket without going through EPA’s electronic public docket, EPA’s e-mail system automatically captures your email address. E-mail addresses that are automatically captured by EPA’s e-mail system are included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA’s electronic public docket. iii. Disk or CD ROM. You may submit comments on a disk or CD ROM that you mail to the mailing address identified in Unit I.C.2. These electronic submissions will be accepted in WordPerfect or ASCII file format. Avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption. 2. By mail. Send your comments to: Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460– 0001. 3. By hand delivery or courier. Deliver your comments to: OPPT Document Control Office (DCO) in EPA East Bldg., Rm. 6428, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Attention: Docket ID Number OPPT–2005–0050. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the DCO is (202) 564–8930. D. How Should I Submit CBI to the Agency? Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI electronically through EPA’s electronic public docket or by e-mail. You may claim information that you submit to EPA as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as CBI (if you submit CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is CBI). Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket and EPA’s electronic public docket. If you submit the copy that does not contain CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM clearly that it does not contain CBI. Information not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and EPA’s electronic public docket without prior notice. If you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult the technical person PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 67699 listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. E. 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. 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. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns. 6. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity. 7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this notice. 8. 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. F. 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: 1. Evaluate whether the proposed collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility. 2. Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency’s estimates of the burdens of the proposed collections of information. 3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. 4. Minimize the burden of the collections of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated or electronic collection technologies or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. II. What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does this Action Apply to? EPA is seeking comments on the following ICR: Title: Notification of Chemical Exports - TSCA Section 12(b). ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 0795.12, OMB Control No. 2070–0030. ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on August 31, 2006. E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 67700 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 8, 2005 / Notices 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, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, and included on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. Abstract: Section 12(b)(2) of TSCA requires that any person who exports or intends to export to a foreign country a chemical substance or mixture that is regulated under TSCA sections 4, 5, 6, and/or 7 submit to EPA notification of such export or intent to export. Upon receipt of notification, EPA will advise the government of the importing country of the U.S. regulatory action with respect to that substance. EPA uses the information obtained from the submitter via this collection to advise the government of the importing country. Responses to the collection of information are mandatory (see 40 CFR part 707). Respondents may claim all or part of a notice confidential. EPA will disclose information that is covered by a claim of confidentiality only to the extent permitted by, and in accordance with, the procedures in TSCA section 14 and 40 CFR part 2. III. What are EPA’s Burden and Cost Estimates for this ICR? Under PRA, ‘‘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. For this collection it 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. The ICR provides a detailed explanation of this estimate, which is only briefly summarized in this notice. The annual public burden for this collection of information is estimated to be about 0.878 hours per response. The following is a summary of the estimates taken from the ICR: Respondents/affected entities: Companies that export from the United States to foreign countries or that engage VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:11 Nov 07, 2005 Jkt 208001 in wholesale sales of chemical substances or mixtures. Estimated total number of potential respondents: 350. Frequency of response: Annually. Estimated total/average number of responses for each respondent: 25. Estimated total annual burden hours: 7,550 hours. Estimated total annual burden costs: $382,130. IV. Are There Changes in the Estimates from the Last Approval? There is an increase of 100 hours (from 7,450 hours to 7,550 hours) in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the information collection request most recently approved by OMB. This increase represents the net effect of an increase in the estimated number of notices sent to EPA and a decrease in the number of firms sending notices, based on EPA’s recent experiences with TSCA section 12(b) notices. This increase is an adjustment. V. What is the Next Step in the Process for this ICR? EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. 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. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: October 18, 2005. Susan B. Hazen, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. [FR Doc. 05–22253 Filed 11–7–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [OPPT–2005–0054; FRL–7744–2] Endocrine Disruptor Methods Validation Advisory Committee (EDMVAC); Notice of Public Meeting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SUMMARY: There will be a meeting of the Endocrine Disruptor Methods Validation Advisory Committee (EDMVAC) on November 30 through December 2, 2005, in Raleigh, NC. This meeting, as with all EDMVAC meetings, is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come basis. The purpose of the meeting is to receive advice and input from the EDMVAC on: EPA’s Applied Approach to Validation, OECD Uterotrophic Peer Review Report, Steroidogenesis Using the H295R Cell Line, Avian Studies, and an update on the Pubertal Assays. DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, December 1, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday, December 2, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, eastern standard time. Request to attend and/or make public comments in the meeting must be received by EPA on or before November 28, 2005. Individuals requiring special accommodations at the meeting, including wheelchair access, should contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Brownstone Hotel and Conference Center, 1707 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27605; telephone number: (919) 828–0811; e-mail:https:// www.brownstonehotel.com Requests to attend and/or make public comments in the meeting may be submitted by e-mail, telephone, fax, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Comments may be submitted electronically, by fax, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Smith, Designated Federal Official (DFO), Office of Science Coordination and Policy (7203M), Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460– 0001; telephone number: (202) 564– 8476; fax number: (202) 564–8482; email address: smith.jane-scott@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general. This action may, however, be of interest if you produce, manufacture, E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 8, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67697-67700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22253]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPPT-2005-0050; FRL-7740-5]


Notification of Chemical Exports - TSCA Section 12(b); Request 
for Comment on Renewal of Information Collection Activities

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) EPA is seeking

[[Page 67698]]

public comment on the following Information Collection Request (ICR): 
Notification of Chemical Exports - Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) 
Section 12(b) (EPA ICR No. 0795.12, OMB Control No. 2070-0030). This 
ICR involves a collection activity that is currently approved and 
scheduled to expire on August 31, 2006. The information collected under 
this ICR relates to reporting requirements found at 40 CFR part 707, 
subpart D, with respect to companies exporting certain chemicals from 
the United States to foreign countries. Before submitting this ICR to 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval under 
the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the 
collection.

DATES: Written comments, identified by the docket identification (ID) 
number OPPT-2005-0050, must be received on or before January 9, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or 
through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as 
provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: Colby 
Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division 
(7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: (202) 554-1404; e-mail address: TSCA-
Hotline@epa.gov.
    For technical information contact: Greg Schweer, Chemical Control 
Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 564-8469; fax 
number: (202) 564-4775; e-mail address: schweer.greg@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are a company 
that exports or engages in wholesale sales of chemical substances or 
mixtures. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not 
limited to:
     Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325), e.g., basic chemical 
manufacturing; resin, synthetic rubber and artificial and synthetic 
fibers and filaments manufacturing; pesticide, fertilizer, and other 
agricultural chemical manufacturing; paint, coating, and adhesive 
manufacturing; soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation 
manufacturing, etc.
     Petroleum refineries (NAICS 32411), e.g., crude oil 
refining, diesel fuels manufacturing, fuel oils manufacturing, jet fuel 
manufacturing, kerosene manufacturing, petroleum distillation, etc.
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any 
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
entity, consult the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this 
action under docket ID number OPPT-2005-0050. The official public 
docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this 
action, any public comments received, and other information related to 
this action. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket 
does not include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official 
public docket is the collection of materials that is available for 
public viewing at the EPA Docket Center, Rm. B102-Reading Room, EPA 
West, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket 
Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
excluding legal holidays. The EPA Docket Center Reading Room telephone 
number is (202) 566-1744 and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket, 
which is located in the EPA Docket Center, is (202) 566-0280.
    2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
    An electronic version of the public docket is available through 
EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may 
use EPA Dockets at https://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public 
comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official 
public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that 
are available electronically. Although not all docket materials may be 
available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly 
available docket materials through the docket facility identified in 
Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select ``search,'' then key in the 
appropriate docket ID number.
    Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA Dockets. 
Information claimed as CBI and other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute, which is not included in the official public 
docket, will not be available for public viewing in EPA's electronic 
public docket. EPA's policy is that copyrighted material will not be 
placed in EPA's electronic public docket but will be available only in 
printed, paper form in the official public docket. To the extent 
feasible, publicly available docket materials will be made available in 
EPA's electronic public docket. When a document is selected from the 
index list in EPA Dockets, the system will identify whether the 
document is available for viewing in EPA's electronic public docket. 
Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you 
may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through 
the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. EPA intends to work 
towards providing electronic access to all of the publicly available 
docket materials through EPA's electronic public docket.
    For public commenters, it is important to note that EPA's policy is 
that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, 
will be made available for public viewing in EPA's electronic public 
docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment 
contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment 
containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that 
material in the version of the comment that is placed in EPA's 
electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, including the 
copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket.
    Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or 
delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA's electronic public 
docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the docket will 
be scanned and placed in EPA's electronic public docket. Where 
practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph 
will be placed in EPA's electronic public docket along with a brief 
description written by the docket staff.

[[Page 67699]]

C. How and to Whom Do I Submit the Comments?

    You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand 
delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the 
appropriate docket ID number in the subject line on the first page of 
your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the 
specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the 
comment period will be marked ``late.'' EPA is not required to consider 
these late comments. If you wish to submit CBI or information that is 
otherwise protected by statute, please follow the instructions in Unit 
I.D. Do not use EPA Dockets or e-mail to submit CBI or information 
protected by statute.
    1. Electronically. If you submit an electronic comment as 
prescribed in this unit, EPA recommends that you include your name, 
mailing address, and an e-mail address or other contact information in 
the body of your comment. Also include this contact information on the 
outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter 
accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be 
identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact 
you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties 
or needs further information on the substance of your comment. EPA's 
policy is that EPA will not edit your comment, and any identifying or 
contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included 
as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, 
and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. 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.
    i. EPA Dockets. Your use of EPA's electronic public docket to 
submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA's preferred method for 
receiving comments. Go directly to EPA Dockets at https://www.epa.gov/
edocket/, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. 
Once in the system, select ``search,'' and then key in docket ID number 
OPPT-2005-0050. The system is an ``anonymous access'' system, which 
means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact 
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment.
    ii. E-mail. Comments may be sent by e-mail to oppt.ncic@epa.gov, 
Attention: Docket ID Number OPPT-2005-0050. In contrast to EPA's 
electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system is not an ``anonymous 
access'' system. If you send an e-mail comment directly to the docket 
without going through EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail 
system automatically captures your e-mail address. E-mail addresses 
that are automatically captured by EPA's e-mail system are included as 
part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and 
made available in EPA's electronic public docket.
    iii. Disk or CD ROM. You may submit comments on a disk or CD ROM 
that you mail to the mailing address identified in Unit I.C.2. These 
electronic submissions will be accepted in WordPerfect or ASCII file 
format. Avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption.
    2. By mail. Send your comments to: Document Control Office (7407M), 
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001.
    3. By hand delivery or courier. Deliver your comments to: OPPT 
Document Control Office (DCO) in EPA East Bldg., Rm. 6428, 1201 
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Attention: Docket ID Number 
OPPT-2005-0050. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the DCO is 
(202) 564-8930.

D. How Should I Submit CBI to the Agency?

    Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI 
electronically through EPA's electronic public docket or by e-mail. You 
may claim information that you submit to EPA as CBI by marking any part 
or all of that information as CBI (if you submit CBI on disk or CD ROM, 
mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify 
electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that 
is CBI). Information so marked will not be disclosed except in 
accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes 
any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not 
contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion 
in the public docket and EPA's electronic public docket. If you submit 
the copy that does not contain CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside 
of the disk or CD ROM clearly that it does not contain CBI. Information 
not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and EPA's 
electronic public docket without prior notice. If you have any 
questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult 
the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

E. 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.
    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. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
    6. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
    7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this 
notice.
    8. 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.

F. 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:
    1. Evaluate whether the proposed collections of information are 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility.
    2. Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimates of the burdens 
of the proposed collections of information.
    3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected.
    4. Minimize the burden of the collections of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
or electronic collection technologies or other forms of information 
technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

II. What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does this Action Apply 
to?

    EPA is seeking comments on the following ICR:
    Title: Notification of Chemical Exports - TSCA Section 12(b).
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 0795.12, OMB Control No. 2070-0030.
    ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on August 31, 
2006.

[[Page 67700]]

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, are 
listed in 40 CFR part 9, and included on the related collection 
instrument or form, if applicable.
    Abstract: Section 12(b)(2) of TSCA requires that any person who 
exports or intends to export to a foreign country a chemical substance 
or mixture that is regulated under TSCA sections 4, 5, 6, and/or 7 
submit to EPA notification of such export or intent to export. Upon 
receipt of notification, EPA will advise the government of the 
importing country of the U.S. regulatory action with respect to that 
substance. EPA uses the information obtained from the submitter via 
this collection to advise the government of the importing country.
    Responses to the collection of information are mandatory (see 40 
CFR part 707). Respondents may claim all or part of a notice 
confidential. EPA will disclose information that is covered by a claim 
of confidentiality only to the extent permitted by, and in accordance 
with, the procedures in TSCA section 14 and 40 CFR part 2.

III. What are EPA's Burden and Cost Estimates for this ICR?

    Under PRA, ``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. For this 
collection it 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.
    The ICR provides a detailed explanation of this estimate, which is 
only briefly summarized in this notice. The annual public burden for 
this collection of information is estimated to be about 0.878 hours per 
response. The following is a summary of the estimates taken from the 
ICR:
    Respondents/affected entities: Companies that export from the 
United States to foreign countries or that engage in wholesale sales of 
chemical substances or mixtures.
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 350.
    Frequency of response: Annually.
    Estimated total/average number of responses for each respondent: 
25.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 7,550 hours.
    Estimated total annual burden costs: $382,130.

IV. Are There Changes in the Estimates from the Last Approval?

    There is an increase of 100 hours (from 7,450 hours to 7,550 hours) 
in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified 
in the information collection request most recently approved by OMB. 
This increase represents the net effect of an increase in the estimated 
number of notices sent to EPA and a decrease in the number of firms 
sending notices, based on EPA's recent experiences with TSCA section 
12(b) notices. This increase is an adjustment.

V. What is the Next Step in the Process for this ICR?

    EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as 
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for 
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. 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.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.


    Dated: October 18, 2005.
Susan B. Hazen,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and 
Toxic Substances.

[FR Doc. 05-22253 Filed 11-7-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
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