Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Information Collection Request for Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System, 6782-6784 [2011-2771]

Download as PDF srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES 6782 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 26 / Tuesday, February 8, 2011 / Notices ICR Status: This is a request for OMB approval of a new information collection. 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, and 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: With this information collection request (ICR), we are seeking permission to accept production outlook reports from domestic and foreign renewable fuel producers who are not currently regulated parties under the RFS2 program. The respondents for this ICR are not required to register or report under the RFS2 regulations. Submission of production outlook information to EPA under this ICR will be voluntary. We believe that many parties would wish to submit this information in order to receive better assistance in understanding and preparing to comply with the RFS2 regulations. A typical respondent would be a renewable fuel producer who is in the process of developing plans for, or constructing, a renewable fuel production facility or that is currently opting out of the RFS2 program under 40 CFR 80.1426(c)(3). Such a respondent would not be required to register or report under RFS2 because it is not yet producing renewable fuel subject to the regulation. However, the respondent would likely wish to provide the information in order to receive feedback from EPA and to aid its planning for future compliance with the RFS2 regulations and annual compliance standards. Respondents that voluntarily provide the information requested through this ICR will benefit from doing so. The information that respondents provide will allow EPA to more accurately project cellulosic biofuel volumes for the following calendar year, and these volume projections will form the basis of the percentage standards EPA sets under the RFS2 program. Without information from these respondents, EPA’s volume projections are more likely to fall below actual projection volumes. Under such circumstances, supply for cellulosic biofuel will exceed demand, and the value of cellulosic biofuel Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) will fall. RINs are marketable credits that correspond to a VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:16 Feb 07, 2011 Jkt 223001 given volume of renewable fuel. Since RIN market price directly affects the economic viability of cellulosic biofuel production, low RIN prices could present economic difficulties to producers. Thus, it is in the interests of these respondents to provide this information to EPA, as doing so could ensure that the market price of RINs appropriately reflects the value of their cellulosic biofuel. This information also serves a more general program purpose, because it will assist EPA in setting the annual RFS2 standard more accurately. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 4 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by a person to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information; to process and maintain information; to disclose and provide information; to adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; to train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; to search data sources; to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information. Respondents/Affected Entities: Renewable fuel producers who are expected to fall under the general category of petroleum refineries (324110/2911), ethyl alcohol manufacturers (325193/2869), and/or other basic organic chemical manufacturing (325199/2869). Estimated Number of Respondents: 35. Frequency of Response: Once. Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 140. Estimated Total Annual Cost: $9,940, which includes no capital or O&M costs. Changes in the Estimates: This is a new information collection. Dated: February 1, 2011. John Moses, Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. 2011–2778 Filed 2–7–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–SFUND–2011–0052; FRL–9263–6] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Information Collection Request for Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: 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 an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is scheduled to expire on July 31, 2011. 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 April 11, 2011. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– SFUND–2011–0052 by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: superfund.docket@epa.gov. • Fax: (202) 566–9744. • Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, Superfund Docket, Mail Code: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center—Public Reading Room; EPA West Building, Room 3334; 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20004. 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 Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–SFUND–2011– 0052. 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08FEN1.SGM 08FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 26 / Tuesday, February 8, 2011 / Notices that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in the docket ID number identified in this document. How can I access the docket and/or submit comments? srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES protected through https:// www.regulations.gov or superfund.docket@epa.gov. 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/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Hippen, phone: (703) 603–8829, e-mail: hippen.randy@epa.gov, Site Assessment and Remedy Decisions Branch, Assessment and Remediation Division, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (mail code 5204P), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–SFUND–2011–0052 which is available for online viewing at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Superfund 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 Superfund Docket is 202–566–0276. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:16 Feb 07, 2011 Jkt 223001 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? PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 6783 What information collection activity or ICR does this apply to? Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are those State agencies, Indian Tribes, and U.S. Territories performing Superfund site evaluation activities. Title: Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System (Renewal). ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1488.08, OMB Control No. 2050–0095. ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on July 31, 2011. 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: Section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, 1980 and 1986) amends the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan (NCP) to include criteria prioritizing releases throughout the U.S. before undertaking remedial action at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The Hazard Ranking System (HRS) is a model that is used to evaluate the relative threats to human health and the environment posed by actual or potential releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants. The HRS criteria take into account the population at risk, the hazard potential of the substances, as well as the potential for contamination of drinking water supplies, direct human contact, destruction of sensitive ecosystems, damage to natural resources affecting the human food chain, contamination of surface water used for recreation or potable water consumption, and contamination of ambient air. EPA Regional offices work with States to determine those sites for which the State will conduct the Superfund site evaluation activities and the HRS scoring. The States are reimbursed 100 percent of their costs, except for record maintenance. Under this ICR, the States will apply the HRS by identifying and classifying those releases or sites that warrant further investigation. The HRS score is crucial since it is the primary E:\FR\FM\08FEN1.SGM 08FEN1 srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES 6784 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 26 / Tuesday, February 8, 2011 / Notices mechanism used to determine whether a site is eligible to be included on the National Priorities List (NPL). Only sites on the NPL are eligible for Superfundfinanced remedial actions. HRS scores are derived from the sources described in this information collection, including conducting field reconnaissance, taking samples at the site, and reviewing available reports and documents. States record the collected information on HRS documentation worksheets and include this in the supporting reference package. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and record keeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 226.9 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. EPA estimates 60 States, Indian Tribes, and U.S. Territories will likely respond, each averaging 11 actions per year. The total burden for all respondents is estimated at 148,873 hours and approximately $11,740,260 each year (based on historic data on estimated costs per site assessment activity). The current ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency’s estimate, which is only briefly summarized here: Estimated total number of potential respondents: 60. Frequency of response: On occasion. Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 11. Estimated total annual burden hours: 148,873 hours. Estimated total annual costs: $11,740,260. This includes an estimated burden cost of $11,740,260 and an estimated cost of $0 for capital investment or maintenance and operational costs. Are there changes in the estimates from the last approval? The current estimate of hours in the total estimated respondent burden reflects hours identified in the ICR VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:16 Feb 07, 2011 Jkt 223001 currently approved by OMB. EPA expects a small decrease in total burden and cost for the renewal ICR due to a small decline in the number of assessment activities conducted nationally. 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 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: January 28, 2011. James E. Woolford, Director, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation. [FR Doc. 2011–2771 Filed 2–7–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–9263–7] Science Advisory Board Staff Office; Notification of Two Public Teleconferences of the Science Advisory Board Dioxin Review Panel Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces two public teleconferences of the SAB Dioxin Review Panel to discuss its draft advisory report concerning EPA’s Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and Response to NAS Comments, External Review Draft. DATES: The SAB Dioxin Review Panel will conduct public teleconferences on March 1, 2011 and March 2, 2011. The teleconference on March 1, 2011 will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). The teleconference on March 2, 2011 will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). ADDRESSES: The public teleconferences will be conducted by telephone only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any member of the public wishing to obtain general information concerning the public teleconferences may contact Dr. Thomas Armitage, Designated Federal SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Officer (DFO), EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office (1400R), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; by telephone/ voice mail at (202) 564–2155 or via email at armitage.thomas@epa.gov. General information concerning the EPA Science Advisory Board can be found on the EPA Web site at https:// www.epa.gov/sab. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The SAB was established pursuant to the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. 4365 to provide independent scientific and technical advice to the Administrator on the technical basis for Agency positions and regulations. The SAB is a Federal Advisory Committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C., App. 2. Pursuant to FACA and EPA policy, notice is hereby given that the SAB Dioxin Review Panel will hold two public teleconferences to discuss its draft advisory report concerning EPA’s Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and Response to NAS Comments, External Review Draft. The SAB will comply with the provisions of FACA and all appropriate SAB Staff Office procedural policies. Background: The SAB Dioxin Review Panel previously held a teleconference on June 24, 2010 and face-to-face meetings on July 13–15, 2010 and October 27–29, 2010 to receive EPA briefings and conduct a peer review of EPA’s Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and Response to NAS Comments, External Review Draft (May 2010) [Federal Register Notices dated May 24, 2010 (75 FR 28805–28806) and September 22, 2010 (75 FR 57779– 57780)]. Specifically, the Panel has been asked to evaluate the transparency and clarity in the selection of key data sets for dose-response analysis; the use of toxicokinetics in dose-response modeling for cancer and non-cancer endpoints; the derivation of the chronic reference dose; cancer assessment; and EPA’s comments regarding the feasibility of the quantitative uncertainty analysis. The purpose of the upcoming teleconferences is for the SAB Dioxin Review Panel to discuss its draft advisory report. Teleconference agendas and the draft SAB review report will be posted at the above noted SAB Web site prior to the teleconferences. Availability of Meeting Materials: Agendas and materials in support of the teleconferences will be placed on the SAB Web site at https://www.epa.gov/sab E:\FR\FM\08FEN1.SGM 08FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 26 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6782-6784]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2771]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-SFUND-2011-0052; FRL-9263-6]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Information Collection Request for Superfund Site 
Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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 to renew an existing approved Information Collection 
Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is 
scheduled to expire on July 31, 2011. 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 April 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
SFUND-2011-0052 by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: superfund.docket@epa.gov.
     Fax: (202) 566-9744.
     Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket 
Center, Superfund Docket, Mail Code: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., 
NW., Washington, DC 20460.
     Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center--Public Reading Room; EPA 
West Building, Room 3334; 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20004. 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 Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-SFUND-
2011-0052. 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

[[Page 6783]]

protected through https://www.regulations.gov or 
superfund.docket@epa.gov. 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/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Hippen, phone: (703) 603-8829, 
e-mail: hippen.randy@epa.gov, Site Assessment and Remedy Decisions 
Branch, Assessment and Remediation Division, Office of Superfund 
Remediation and Technology Innovation (mail code 5204P), U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460.

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-SFUND-2011-0052 which is available for online viewing at 
https://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Superfund 
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 Superfund Docket is 202-566-
0276.
    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 
those State agencies, Indian Tribes, and U.S. Territories performing 
Superfund site evaluation activities.
    Title: Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System 
(Renewal).
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1488.08, OMB Control No. 2050-0095.
    ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on July 31, 
2011. 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: Section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, 1980 and 1986) amends the 
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan (NCP) to include 
criteria prioritizing releases throughout the U.S. before undertaking 
remedial action at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The Hazard 
Ranking System (HRS) is a model that is used to evaluate the relative 
threats to human health and the environment posed by actual or 
potential releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and 
contaminants. The HRS criteria take into account the population at 
risk, the hazard potential of the substances, as well as the potential 
for contamination of drinking water supplies, direct human contact, 
destruction of sensitive ecosystems, damage to natural resources 
affecting the human food chain, contamination of surface water used for 
recreation or potable water consumption, and contamination of ambient 
air.
    EPA Regional offices work with States to determine those sites for 
which the State will conduct the Superfund site evaluation activities 
and the HRS scoring. The States are reimbursed 100 percent of their 
costs, except for record maintenance.
    Under this ICR, the States will apply the HRS by identifying and 
classifying those releases or sites that warrant further investigation. 
The HRS score is crucial since it is the primary

[[Page 6784]]

mechanism used to determine whether a site is eligible to be included 
on the National Priorities List (NPL). Only sites on the NPL are 
eligible for Superfund-financed remedial actions.
    HRS scores are derived from the sources described in this 
information collection, including conducting field reconnaissance, 
taking samples at the site, and reviewing available reports and 
documents. States record the collected information on HRS documentation 
worksheets and include this in the supporting reference package.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and record keeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 226.9 
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. EPA estimates 60 
States, Indian Tribes, and U.S. Territories will likely respond, each 
averaging 11 actions per year. The total burden for all respondents is 
estimated at 148,873 hours and approximately $11,740,260 each year 
(based on historic data on estimated costs per site assessment 
activity).
    The current ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's 
estimate, which is only briefly summarized here:
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 60.
    Frequency of response: On occasion.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 
11.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 148,873 hours.
    Estimated total annual costs: $11,740,260. This includes an 
estimated burden cost of $11,740,260 and an estimated cost of $0 for 
capital investment or maintenance and operational costs.

Are there changes in the estimates from the last approval?

    The current estimate of hours in the total estimated respondent 
burden reflects hours identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. 
EPA expects a small decrease in total burden and cost for the renewal 
ICR due to a small decline in the number of assessment activities 
conducted nationally.

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 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: January 28, 2011.
James E. Woolford,
Director, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation.
[FR Doc. 2011-2771 Filed 2-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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