Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides-Health Criteria, 58600-58601 [2017-26893]

Download as PDF sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 58600 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 13, 2017 / Notices Submissions, and Exemptions from Testing Requirements’’ and identified by EPA ICR No. 1139.11, OMB Control No. 2070–0033. The ICR, which is available in the docket along with other related materials, provides a detailed explanation of the collection activities and the burden estimate that is only briefly summarized in this document. EPA has addressed the comments received in response to the previously provided public review opportunity issued in the Federal Register on March 15, 2016 (81 FR 13790). With this submission, EPA is providing an additional 30 days for public review. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 12, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID number EPA– HQ–OPPT–2015–0436, to both EPA and OMB as follows: • To EPA online using https:// www.regulations.gov (our preferred method) or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460, and • To OMB via email to oira_ submission@omb.eop.gov. Address comments to OMB Desk Officer for EPA. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI), or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Lintner, 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; email address: TSCAHotline@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Docket: Supporting documents, including the ICR that explains in detail the information collection activities and the related burden and cost estimates that are summarized in this document, are available in the docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is (202) 566–1744. For additional information about EPA’s public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets. ICR status: OMB approval for this ICR expired on September 1, 2016, due to VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:53 Dec 12, 2017 Jkt 244001 administrative error. This action is a request to reinstate OMB approval for the information collection activities outlined in this document. Under PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., 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 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 for certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. Abstract: Section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is designed to assure that chemicals that may pose serious risks to human health or the environment undergo testing by manufacturers or processors, and that the results of such testing are made available to EPA. EPA uses the information collected under the authority of TSCA section 4 to assess risks associated with the manufacture, processing, distribution, use or disposal of a chemical, and to support any necessary regulatory action with respect to that chemical. EPA must assure that appropriate tests are performed on a chemical if it decides: (1) That a chemical being considered under TSCA section 4(a) may pose an ‘‘unreasonable risk’’ or is produced in ‘‘substantial’’ quantities that may result in substantial or significant human exposure or substantial environmental release of the chemical; (2) that additional data are needed to determine or predict the impacts of the chemical’s manufacture, processing, distribution, use or disposal; and (3) that testing is needed to develop such data. Rules and consent orders under TSCA section 4 require that one manufacturer or processor of a subject chemical perform the specified testing and report the results of that testing to EPA. TSCA section 4 also allows a manufacturer or processor of a subject chemical to apply for an exemption from the testing requirement if that testing will be or has been performed by another party. This information collection applies to reporting and recordkeeping activities associated with the information that EPA requires industry to provide in response to TSCA section 4 test rules, consent orders, test rule exemptions and other data submissions. Respondents/affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this ICR are manufacturers, processors, importers, users, distributors or disposers of one or more specified chemical substances. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Respondent’s obligation to respond: Mandatory (see 40 CFR part 790). Estimated number of respondents: 15 (total). Frequency of response: On occasion. Total estimated burden: 3,127 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b). Total estimated cost: $9,232,952 (per year), includes $9,010,065 annualized capital investment or maintenance and operational costs. Changes in the estimates: There is a decrease of 626,766 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. This decrease reflects EPA’s corrections to the previous renewal of this collection, plus reduced levels of activity in test rules, methodological corrections and updates, and requirements for electronic reporting of information. This change is both the result of a program change (electronic reporting) and an adjustment (all other factors). Courtney Kerwin, Director, Regulatory Support Division. [FR Doc. 2017–26777 Filed 12–12–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–2013–0357; FRL–9971–90–ORD] Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides—Health Criteria Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: EPA is announcing the availability of a final document titled, ‘‘Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides—Health Criteria’’ (EPA/ 600/R–17/451). The document was prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) as part of the review of the primary (health-based) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for sulfur oxides (SOX). This Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) provides a comprehensive review, synthesis, and evaluation of the most policy-relevant science to serve as the scientific foundation for EPA’s review of the current primary NAAQS for SOX.1 EPA is developing a separate ISA as part of an independent review for the SUMMARY: 1 Sulfur dioxide (SO ) is the indicator for the 2 current primary NAAQS, so it is also commonly referred to as the primary SO2 NAAQS. E:\FR\FM\13DEN1.SGM 13DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 13, 2017 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES secondary (welfare-based) NAAQS for oxides of nitrogen and sulfur. DATES: The ‘‘Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides—Health Criteria’’ will be available on or before December 14, 2017. ADDRESSES: The ‘‘Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides—Health Criteria’’ will be available primarily via the internet on EPA’s Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides (Health Criteria) home page at https:// www2.epa.gov/isa/integrated-scienceassessment-isa-sulfur-dioxide-healthcriteria or the public docket at https:// www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA– HQ–ORD–2013–0357. A limited number of CD–ROM copies will be available. Contact Ms. Marieka Boyd by phone: 919–541–0031; fax: 919–541–5078; or email: boyd.marieka@epa.gov to request a CD–ROM, and please provide your name, your mailing address, and the document title, ‘‘Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides—Health Criteria’’ to facilitate processing of your request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information, contact Dr. Tom Long, NCEA; phone: 919–541–1880; fax: 919–541–1818; or email: long.tom@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Information About the Document Section 108(a) of the Clean Air Act directs the Administrator to identify certain pollutants which, among other things, ‘‘cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare’’ and to issue air quality criteria for them. These air quality criteria are to ‘‘accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge useful in indicating the kind and extent of all identifiable effects on public health or welfare which may be expected from the presence of [a] pollutant in the ambient air . . . .’’ Under section 109 of the Act, EPA is then to establish NAAQS for each pollutant for which EPA has issued criteria. Section 109(d) of the Act subsequently requires periodic review and, if appropriate, revision of existing air quality criteria to reflect advances in scientific knowledge on the effects of the pollutant on public health or welfare. EPA is also required to periodically review and, if appropriate, revise the NAAQS, based on the revised air quality criteria (for more information on the NAAQS review process, see https://www.epa.gov/naaqs). Sulfur oxides are one of six criteria pollutants for which EPA has established NAAQS. Periodically, EPA reviews the scientific basis for these VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:53 Dec 12, 2017 Jkt 244001 standards by preparing an ISA (formerly called an Air Quality Criteria Document). The ISA provides a comprehensive review, synthesis, and evaluation of the most policy-relevant science to serve as the scientific foundation for EPA’s review of the current primary NAAQS for SOX. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), an independent science advisory committee whose review and advisory functions are mandated by Section 109(d)(2) of the Clean Air Act, is charged (among other things) with independent scientific review of the EPA’s air quality criteria. On May 10, 2013 (78 FR 27387), EPA formally initiated its current review of the air quality criteria for the health effects of sulfur oxides and the primary (health-based) NAAQS for SOX, requesting the submission of recent scientific information on specified topics. EPA held a workshop on June 12–13, 2013, to gather input from invited scientific experts, both internal and external to EPA, as well as from the public, regarding key science and policy issues relevant to the review of the health effects of sulfur oxides and the primary NAAQS for SOX (78 FR 27387). These science and policy issues were incorporated in EPA’s ‘‘Integrated Review Plan for the Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Dioxide’’ (EPA–452/R–14–007), which was finalized in October 2014 (79 FR 66721) with a prior draft available for public comment (79 FR 14035) and discussion by the CASAC via publicly accessible teleconference consultations (79 FR 16325, 79 FR 30137, 79 FR 34739). On June 23–24, 2014, EPA held a workshop to discuss, with invited internal and external scientific experts, initial draft materials prepared in the development of the ISA (79 FR 33750). EPA considered comments on these draft materials in preparing the first external review draft of the ISA, which was released on November 24, 2015 (80 FR 73183). The first draft ISA was discussed at a public CASAC meeting on January 27–28, 2016 (80 FR 79330). Subsequently, on April 15, 2016, the CASAC provided a consensus letter to the EPA Administrator summarizing their review (https://yosemite.epa.gov/ sab/sabproduct.nsf/4620a620d0120f 93852572410080d786/8DEC36 A7E2A54BA485257F9600667D81/$File/ EPA-CASAC+2016-002+Unsigned.pdf). The second draft ISA was then developed with consideration of comments from the CASAC and the public, and includes consideration of scientific studies published through September 2016 (81 FR 89097). The PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58601 CASAC panel met at a public meeting on March 20–21, 2017, to review the second draft ISA (82 FR 11449). Subsequently, on June 30, 2017, the CASAC provided a consensus letter for their review to the EPA Administrator (https://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/ sabproduct.nsf/4620a620d0120f938 52572410080d786/88CD26BC35A8C86 88525814F004D86EC/$File/EPA-CASAC -17-003.pdf). The letters from CASAC, as well as public comments received on the ISA drafts, can be found in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–2013–0357. EPA has considered comments by the CASAC panel and by the public in preparing this final ISA. Dated: November 29, 2017. Tina Bahadori, Director, National Center for Environmental Assessment. [FR Doc. 2017–26893 Filed 12–12–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FLR–9971–99–Region 10] Proposed Re-Issuance of a General NPDES Permit (GP) for Small Suction Dredges in Idaho Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10. ACTION: Proposed reissuance of a general permit. AGENCY: The EPA is proposing to reissue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit (IDG370000) for small suction dredge operations in Idaho (intake nozzle size of 5 inches in diameter or a diametric equivalent or less and with equipment rated at 15 horsepower or less). The current permit established effluent limitations, standards, prohibitions and other conditions on discharges from covered facilities. These conditions are based on existing national effluent guidelines, the state of Idaho’s Water Quality Standards and material contained in the administrative record. The EPA is proposing to retain most conditions of the current General Permit. A description of the basis for the conditions and requirements of the proposed general permit is given in the Fact Sheet. This is also notice of the draft Section 401 Certification provided by the state of Idaho. DATES: Interested persons may submit comments on the proposed reissuance of the general permit to EPA, Region 10 at the address below. Comments must be postmarked by January 29, 2018. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13DEN1.SGM 13DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 13, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58600-58601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26893]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0357; FRL-9971-90-ORD]


Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--Health Criteria

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: EPA is announcing the availability of a final document titled, 
``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--Health Criteria'' 
(EPA/600/R-17/451). The document was prepared by the National Center 
for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA's Office of Research and 
Development (ORD) as part of the review of the primary (health-based) 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for sulfur oxides 
(SOX). This Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) provides a 
comprehensive review, synthesis, and evaluation of the most policy-
relevant science to serve as the scientific foundation for EPA's review 
of the current primary NAAQS for SOX.\1\ EPA is developing a 
separate ISA as part of an independent review for the

[[Page 58601]]

secondary (welfare-based) NAAQS for oxides of nitrogen and sulfur.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is the indicator for the 
current primary NAAQS, so it is also commonly referred to as the 
primary SO2 NAAQS.

DATES: The ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--Health 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria'' will be available on or before December 14, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--
Health Criteria'' will be available primarily via the internet on EPA's 
Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides (Health Criteria) home 
page at https://www2.epa.gov/isa/integrated-science-assessment-isa-sulfur-dioxide-health-criteria or the public docket at https://www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0357. A limited number 
of CD-ROM copies will be available. Contact Ms. Marieka Boyd by phone: 
919-541-0031; fax: 919-541-5078; or email: [email protected] to 
request a CD-ROM, and please provide your name, your mailing address, 
and the document title, ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur 
Oxides--Health Criteria'' to facilitate processing of your request.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information, contact Dr. 
Tom Long, NCEA; phone: 919-541-1880; fax: 919-541-1818; or email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Information About the Document

    Section 108(a) of the Clean Air Act directs the Administrator to 
identify certain pollutants which, among other things, ``cause or 
contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to 
endanger public health or welfare'' and to issue air quality criteria 
for them. These air quality criteria are to ``accurately reflect the 
latest scientific knowledge useful in indicating the kind and extent of 
all identifiable effects on public health or welfare which may be 
expected from the presence of [a] pollutant in the ambient air . . . 
.'' Under section 109 of the Act, EPA is then to establish NAAQS for 
each pollutant for which EPA has issued criteria. Section 109(d) of the 
Act subsequently requires periodic review and, if appropriate, revision 
of existing air quality criteria to reflect advances in scientific 
knowledge on the effects of the pollutant on public health or welfare. 
EPA is also required to periodically review and, if appropriate, revise 
the NAAQS, based on the revised air quality criteria (for more 
information on the NAAQS review process, see https://www.epa.gov/naaqs).
    Sulfur oxides are one of six criteria pollutants for which EPA has 
established NAAQS. Periodically, EPA reviews the scientific basis for 
these standards by preparing an ISA (formerly called an Air Quality 
Criteria Document). The ISA provides a comprehensive review, synthesis, 
and evaluation of the most policy-relevant science to serve as the 
scientific foundation for EPA's review of the current primary NAAQS for 
SOX. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), an 
independent science advisory committee whose review and advisory 
functions are mandated by Section 109(d)(2) of the Clean Air Act, is 
charged (among other things) with independent scientific review of the 
EPA's air quality criteria.
    On May 10, 2013 (78 FR 27387), EPA formally initiated its current 
review of the air quality criteria for the health effects of sulfur 
oxides and the primary (health-based) NAAQS for SOX, 
requesting the submission of recent scientific information on specified 
topics. EPA held a workshop on June 12-13, 2013, to gather input from 
invited scientific experts, both internal and external to EPA, as well 
as from the public, regarding key science and policy issues relevant to 
the review of the health effects of sulfur oxides and the primary NAAQS 
for SOX (78 FR 27387). These science and policy issues were 
incorporated in EPA's ``Integrated Review Plan for the Primary National 
Ambient Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Dioxide'' (EPA-452/R-14-007), 
which was finalized in October 2014 (79 FR 66721) with a prior draft 
available for public comment (79 FR 14035) and discussion by the CASAC 
via publicly accessible teleconference consultations (79 FR 16325, 79 
FR 30137, 79 FR 34739). On June 23-24, 2014, EPA held a workshop to 
discuss, with invited internal and external scientific experts, initial 
draft materials prepared in the development of the ISA (79 FR 33750). 
EPA considered comments on these draft materials in preparing the first 
external review draft of the ISA, which was released on November 24, 
2015 (80 FR 73183). The first draft ISA was discussed at a public CASAC 
meeting on January 27-28, 2016 (80 FR 79330). Subsequently, on April 
15, 2016, the CASAC provided a consensus letter to the EPA 
Administrator summarizing their review (https://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/
sabproduct.nsf/4620a620d0120f93852572410080d786/
8DEC36A7E2A54BA485257F9600667D81/$File/EPA-CASAC+2016-
002+Unsigned.pdf). The second draft ISA was then developed with 
consideration of comments from the CASAC and the public, and includes 
consideration of scientific studies published through September 2016 
(81 FR 89097). The CASAC panel met at a public meeting on March 20-21, 
2017, to review the second draft ISA (82 FR 11449). Subsequently, on 
June 30, 2017, the CASAC provided a consensus letter for their review 
to the EPA Administrator (https://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/
4620a620d0120f93852572410080d786/88CD26BC35A8C8688525814F004D86EC/
$File/EPA-CASAC-17-003.pdf). The letters from CASAC, as well as public 
comments received on the ISA drafts, can be found in Docket ID No. EPA-
HQ-ORD-2013-0357.
    EPA has considered comments by the CASAC panel and by the public in 
preparing this final ISA.

    Dated: November 29, 2017.
Tina Bahadori,
Director, National Center for Environmental Assessment.
[FR Doc. 2017-26893 Filed 12-12-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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