Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Proposed Information Collection Request for the Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines; EPA ICR No. 2368.01, OMB Control No. 2040-NEW, 55837-55839 [E9-25988]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 208 / Thursday, October 29, 2009 / Notices and operation on geology and soils, aquatic, terrestrial, threatened and endangered species, recreation and land use, aesthetic, and cultural and historic resources. Because staff believe the issues that need to be addressed in its EA have been adequately identified, with this notice, we are soliciting comments on our intent to waive scoping for the Slatersville Project. k. The deadline for filing comments is 30 days from the issuance date of this notice. All documents (original and eight copies) should be filed with: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. l. A copy of the application is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission’s Web site at https://www.ferc.gov using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. You may also register online at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–25978 Filed 10–28–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of Membership of Performance Review Board for Senior Executives (PRB) dcolon on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES October 22, 2009. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hereby provides notice of the membership of its Performance Review Board (PRB) for the Commission’s Senior Executive Service (SES) members. The function of this board is to make recommendations relating to the performance of senior executives in the Commission. This action is undertaken in accordance with Title 5, U.S.C., Section 4314(c)(4). VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:20 Oct 28, 2009 Jkt 220001 The Commission’s PRB will remove the following member: Cynthia A. Marlette. The Commission’s PRB will add the following member: Thomas R. Sheets. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–25977 Filed 10–28–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP10–7–000] Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization October 22, 2009. Take notice that on October 14, 2009, Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (Columbia) 5151 San Felipe, Suite 2500, Houston, Texas 77056, filed in Docket No. CP10–7–000, an application pursuant to sections 157.205, 157.208(b) and 157.216(b) of the Commission’s Regulations under the Natural Gas Act (NGA) as amended, to construct, uprate, replace, and abandon certain natural gas facilities near Columbia’s Majorsville compressor station system in Marshall County, West Virginia, under Columbia’s blanket certificate issued in Docket No. CP83–76–000,1 all as more fully set forth in the application which is on file with the Commission and open to the public for inspection. Columbia proposes to uprate the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure on approximately 17 miles of 20-inch diameter pipeline (Line 1758) from 760 psig to 936 psig; construct and extend Line 1758 with approximately 0.7 miles of 20-inch pipeline and appurtenances; construct approximately 2.9 miles of 20-inch diameter pipeline and appurtenances (Line 10365); and abandon approximately 0.04 mile of 20inch diameter pipeline and appurtenances. Columbia also states that the proposed facilities would enable it to transport up to 225 MMcf/ day of natural gas from Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC’s (Chesapeake) and joint venture partner, Statoil Natural Gas LLC, from Chesapeake’s production fields in the Marcellus shale formation to a new MarkWest Liberty Midstream & Resources, L.L.C. processing plant to be built on the grounds of Columbia’s Majorsville compressor station. Columbia further states that the proposed new facilities and 1 22 PO 00000 FERC ¶ 62,029 (1983). Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55837 modifications would cost an estimated $28,200,000 to construct. Any questions concerning this application may be directed to Fredric J. George, Senior Counsel, Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC, P.O. Box 1273, Charleston, West Virginia 25325–1273 or via telephone at (304) 357–2359 or by facsimile (304) 357–3206. This filing is available for review at the Commission or may be viewed on the Commission’s Web site at https:// www.ferc.gov, using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number filed to access the document. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FERC OnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call toll-free at (866) 206–3676, or, for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s Web site under the ‘‘e-Filing’’ link. The Commission strongly encourages intervenors to file electronically. Any person or the Commission’s staff may, within 60 days after issuance of the instant notice by the Commission, file pursuant to Rule 214 of the Commission’s Procedural Rules (18 CFR 385.214) a motion to intervene or notice of intervention and pursuant to Section 157.205 of the regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.205), a protest to the request. If no protest is filed within the time allowed therefore, the proposed activity shall be deemed to be authorized effective the day after the time allowed for filing a protest. If a protest is filed and not withdrawn within 30 days after the allowed time for filing a protest, the instant request shall be treated as an application for authorization pursuant to section 7 of the NGA. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–25980 Filed 10–28–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OW–2009–0819; FRL–8974–8] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Proposed Information Collection Request for the Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines; EPA ICR No. 2368.01, OMB Control No. 2040–NEW AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). E:\FR\FM\29OCN1.SGM 29OCN1 55838 dcolon on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES ACTION: Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 208 / Thursday, October 29, 2009 / Notices Notice. 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 for a new Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Before submitting the ICR 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 December 28, 2009. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OW–2009–0819, by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: OW–Docket@epa.gov, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW– 2009–0819 • Mail: Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2009– 0819. Please include a total of 3 copies. • Hand Delivery: Water Docket, EPA Docket Center, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2009–0819. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation and special arrangements should be made. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2009– 0819. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at https:// 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 https:// www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https://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 https:// 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:20 Oct 28, 2009 Jkt 220001 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 https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Jezebele Alicea-Virella, Engineering and Analysis Division (4303T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202–566– 1755; e-mail address: Alicea.Jezebele@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments? EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–OW–2009–0819, which is available for online viewing at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Water 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 8:30 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 Water Docket is (202) 566–2426. Use https://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 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 Activity or ICR Does This Apply to? Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are approximately 1,200 steam electric power plants that generate electricity using nuclear fuel or fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Title: Proposed Information Collection Request for the Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines. ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2368.01, OMB Control No. 2040–NEW. ICR status: This ICR is for a new information collection activity. 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 E:\FR\FM\29OCN1.SGM 29OCN1 dcolon on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 208 / Thursday, October 29, 2009 / Notices 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: The Clean Water Act (CWA) directs EPA to develop regulations, called effluent guidelines, to limit the amount of pollutants that are discharged to surface waters or to sewage treatment plants. The effluent guidelines for the steam electric power generating point source category apply to steam electric generating units at establishments that are primarily engaged in the generation of electricity for distribution and sale, resulting primarily from a process using nuclear or fossil-type fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas. There are about 1,200 nuclear- and fossil-fueled steam electric power plants nationwide. EPA first identified the industry during its 2005 annual effluent guidelines review when publicly available data indicated that this industry ranked high in discharges of toxic and nonconventional pollutants, relative to other industry sectors. Because of these findings, EPA initiated a more detailed study of the industry and collected data through site visits, wastewater sampling, a limited data request, and secondary data. As part of the detailed study, EPA reviewed available information on environmental effects attributed to intentional permitted discharges to surface waters and other releases of the pollutants present in coal combustion residues. Studies have shown that the pollutants present in discharges from coal-fired power plants can affect aquatic organisms and wildlife, resulting in lasting environmental impacts on local habitats and ecosystems. Peer-reviewed literature has documented the impacts resulting from intentional and accidental surface water discharges of wastewater from coal-fired power plants, as well as environmental impacts from leachate from waste management units (i.e., surface impoundments and landfills) entering the ground water system. EPA’s review of wastewater discharges from power plants, and the treatment technologies available to reduce pollutant discharges, has indicated the need to update the current national effluent guidelines regulations. The current regulations, which were last updated in 1982, do not adequately address the pollutants being discharged VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:20 Oct 28, 2009 Jkt 220001 and have not kept pace with changes that have occurred in the electric power industry over the last three decades. The process to develop and propose new discharge standards will require several years and the first steps to begin this process include an industry questionnaire. EPA is conducting this ICR to support the rulemaking process for revising the steam electric power generating effluent guidelines. The ICR will aid in the collection of information from a wide range of steam electric power generating industry operations to characterize waste streams, understand the processes that generate the wastes, gather environmental data, and assess the availability and affordability of treatment technologies. These data will be used to perform detailed technical and economic analyses that will support EPA’s rulemaking. EPA will seek OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). EPA has identified approximately 1,200 fossil- and nuclear-fueled steam electric power plants that are potentially within scope of the data collection objectives of the ICR. To reduce burden on the industry, EPA intends to distribute the questionnaire to a statistically-sampled subset of these facilities. EPA estimates that this questionnaire will involve 760 respondents. The questionnaire consists of multiple sections which have been tailored to address specific processes, specific data needs, or types of power plants. Part A of the questionnaire will be sent to all questionnaire recipients; the remaining sections will be sent to discrete subpopulations of questionnaire recipients. No plant will be required to complete every section of the questionnaire. The questionnaire will collect general plant information and selected technical information about the plant processes and the electric generating units. The information that will be collected includes economic data and technical information about flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater, ash handling, process equipment cleaning operations, wastewater treatment, surface impoundment and landfill operations, and nuclear operations. The questionnaire will also require certain power plants to collect and analyze samples of leachate from surface impoundments and landfills containing coal combustion residues. EPA intends to submit this information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval to distribute the questionnaire under the authority of section 308 of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. 1318. PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55839 All questionnaire recipients will be required to complete and return the questionnaire to EPA. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 205 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 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: 760. Frequency of response: One occasion. Estimated total average number of hours for each respondent: 205. Estimated total annual burden hours: 156,091. Estimated total annual costs: $8.17 million. This includes an estimated burden cost of $6.45 million for labor and $1.72 million for operations and maintenance. 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. 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 a 30 day opportunity to submit 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: October 23, 2009. Ephraim S. King, Director, Office of Science and Technology. [FR Doc. E9–25988 Filed 10–28–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P E:\FR\FM\29OCN1.SGM 29OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 208 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55837-55839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25988]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819; FRL-8974-8]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Proposed Information Collection Request for the Steam 
Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines; EPA ICR No. 2368.01, OMB 
Control No. 2040-NEW

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

[[Page 55838]]


ACTION: Notice.

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

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 for a new Information Collection Request (ICR) to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Before submitting the ICR 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 December 28, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-
2009-0819, by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: OW-Docket@epa.gov, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OW-2009-0819
     Mail: Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, 
Mailcode: 4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, 
Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819. Please include a total of 
3 copies.
     Hand Delivery: Water Docket, EPA Docket Center, EPA West, 
Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC, Attention 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819. Such deliveries are only accepted 
during the Docket's normal hours of operation and special arrangements 
should be made.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2009-
0819. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in 
the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
https://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 https://www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https://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 https://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 https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Jezebele Alicea-Virella, 
Engineering and Analysis Division (4303T), Environmental Protection 
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone 
number: 202-566-1755; e-mail address: Alicea.Jezebele@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments?

    EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819, which is available for online viewing at 
https://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Water 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 
8:30 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 Water Docket is (202) 566-2426.
    Use https://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 Activity or ICR Does This Apply to?

    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
approximately 1,200 steam electric power plants that generate 
electricity using nuclear fuel or fossil fuels such as coal, oil and 
natural gas.
    Title: Proposed Information Collection Request for the Steam 
Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines.
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2368.01, OMB Control No. 2040-NEW.
    ICR status: This ICR is for a new information collection activity. 
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

[[Page 55839]]

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: The Clean Water Act (CWA) directs EPA to develop 
regulations, called effluent guidelines, to limit the amount of 
pollutants that are discharged to surface waters or to sewage treatment 
plants. The effluent guidelines for the steam electric power generating 
point source category apply to steam electric generating units at 
establishments that are primarily engaged in the generation of 
electricity for distribution and sale, resulting primarily from a 
process using nuclear or fossil-type fuels, such as coal, oil and 
natural gas. There are about 1,200 nuclear- and fossil-fueled steam 
electric power plants nationwide.
    EPA first identified the industry during its 2005 annual effluent 
guidelines review when publicly available data indicated that this 
industry ranked high in discharges of toxic and nonconventional 
pollutants, relative to other industry sectors. Because of these 
findings, EPA initiated a more detailed study of the industry and 
collected data through site visits, wastewater sampling, a limited data 
request, and secondary data.
    As part of the detailed study, EPA reviewed available information 
on environmental effects attributed to intentional permitted discharges 
to surface waters and other releases of the pollutants present in coal 
combustion residues. Studies have shown that the pollutants present in 
discharges from coal-fired power plants can affect aquatic organisms 
and wildlife, resulting in lasting environmental impacts on local 
habitats and ecosystems. Peer-reviewed literature has documented the 
impacts resulting from intentional and accidental surface water 
discharges of wastewater from coal-fired power plants, as well as 
environmental impacts from leachate from waste management units (i.e., 
surface impoundments and landfills) entering the ground water system.
    EPA's review of wastewater discharges from power plants, and the 
treatment technologies available to reduce pollutant discharges, has 
indicated the need to update the current national effluent guidelines 
regulations. The current regulations, which were last updated in 1982, 
do not adequately address the pollutants being discharged and have not 
kept pace with changes that have occurred in the electric power 
industry over the last three decades. The process to develop and 
propose new discharge standards will require several years and the 
first steps to begin this process include an industry questionnaire.
    EPA is conducting this ICR to support the rulemaking process for 
revising the steam electric power generating effluent guidelines. The 
ICR will aid in the collection of information from a wide range of 
steam electric power generating industry operations to characterize 
waste streams, understand the processes that generate the wastes, 
gather environmental data, and assess the availability and 
affordability of treatment technologies. These data will be used to 
perform detailed technical and economic analyses that will support 
EPA's rulemaking. EPA will seek OMB approval under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA).
    EPA has identified approximately 1,200 fossil- and nuclear-fueled 
steam electric power plants that are potentially within scope of the 
data collection objectives of the ICR. To reduce burden on the 
industry, EPA intends to distribute the questionnaire to a 
statistically-sampled subset of these facilities. EPA estimates that 
this questionnaire will involve 760 respondents. The questionnaire 
consists of multiple sections which have been tailored to address 
specific processes, specific data needs, or types of power plants. Part 
A of the questionnaire will be sent to all questionnaire recipients; 
the remaining sections will be sent to discrete subpopulations of 
questionnaire recipients. No plant will be required to complete every 
section of the questionnaire.
    The questionnaire will collect general plant information and 
selected technical information about the plant processes and the 
electric generating units. The information that will be collected 
includes economic data and technical information about flue gas 
desulfurization (FGD) wastewater, ash handling, process equipment 
cleaning operations, wastewater treatment, surface impoundment and 
landfill operations, and nuclear operations. The questionnaire will 
also require certain power plants to collect and analyze samples of 
leachate from surface impoundments and landfills containing coal 
combustion residues.
    EPA intends to submit this information collection request to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval to distribute the 
questionnaire under the authority of section 308 of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. 
1318. All questionnaire recipients will be required to complete and 
return the questionnaire to EPA.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 205 
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 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: 760.
    Frequency of response: One occasion.
    Estimated total average number of hours for each respondent: 205.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 156,091.
    Estimated total annual costs: $8.17 million. This includes an 
estimated burden cost of $6.45 million for labor and $1.72 million for 
operations and maintenance.

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. 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 a 30 
day opportunity to submit 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: October 23, 2009.
Ephraim S. King,
Director, Office of Science and Technology.
[FR Doc. E9-25988 Filed 10-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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