United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA
August 2006
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Air Quality Policy Division
New Source Review Group
August, 2003
INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUEST FOR CHANGES TO PREVENTION OF SIGNIFICANT DETERIORATION AND NONATTAINMENT NEW SOURCE REVIEW: EMISSIONS TEST FOR ELECTRIC GENERATING UNITS
E
EPA # 1230.19
Executive Summary
Under Option 1, we are proposing to compare the maximum hourly emissions rate at that unit during the past 5 years to the maximum hourly emissions rate at that unit after the change to determine whether an emissions increase would occur. If so, the change would qualify as a “modification” and would be subject to the requirements of the major NSR program.
The proposed regulations under Option 1 would simplify applicability determinations for sources and Reviewing Authorities (RAs). It would eliminate the burden of projecting future annual emissions and distinguishing between annual emissions increases caused by the change and those due solely to demand growth, because any increase in the emissions under the hourly emissions test would be logically attributed to the change. It would reduce recordkeeping and reporting burdens on sources because compliance would no longer rely on synthesizing emissions data into rolling average emissions. It would improve compliance by making the rules more understandable, which would correspondingly reduce the RAs’ compliance and enforcement burden.
Under Option 2, an existing EGU would first be subject to the same hourly emissions test that applies under Option 1. If the change qualifies as a modification under the hourly emissions test, the unit would then be subject to the existing actual-to-projected-actual annual emissions test to determine whether the change would result in a significant net emissions increase. If so, the change would qualify as a “major modification” and would be subject to the requirements of the major NSR program. We expect no change in burden currently imposed on industry sources for each permit action under Option 2. This is because the information used in computing the hourly emissions would be used in computing the annual emissions.
Under Option 3, an existing EGU would be subject only to the actual-to-projected-actual annual emissions test to determine whether the change would result in a significant net emissions increase. If so, the change would qualify as a “major modification” and would be subject to the requirements of the major NSR program. The proposed rules under this option would differ from the current rules for EGUs in only one respect—the look-back period for the unit’s baseline actual emissions would be 10 years instead of the 5 years that currently applies. This would make the look-back period for EGUs the same as currently applies to non-EGUs under the existing rules. Because Option 3 entails only a relatively small change from the existing rules, the burden for each permit action would not change under Option 3.
We believe that none of the three proposed rule options would change the number of major NSR permit actions for existing sources compared to the actual-to-projected-actual methodology that currently applies to utilities under the major NSR program. This is because all three options and the existing rule are based on the hourly emissions test and/or the actual-to-projected-actual annual emissions test. Both of these methodologies allow increases in production up to the amount that the source can achieve at its current capacity. That is, both emissions tests allow sources to use existing capacity.
Under all three options, the proposed regulations would promote the safety, reliability, and efficiency of EGUs. Consistent with the primary purpose of the major NSR program, the proposed regulations balance the economic need of sources to utilize their existing physical and operating capacity with the environmental benefit of regulating those emissions increases related to a change.
The overall effect of proposed Option 1 would be a relaxation of the burden currently imposed on industry sources for each permit action. We also anticipate that proposed Option 1 would have a corresponding effect on the burden imposed on the RAs due to reduced effort needed for review of data submissions and preparation of submissions for processing. However, RAs would be required to submit changes to their existing SIP programs or demonstrate that their existing programs are at least equivalent to EPA’s new requirements, resulting in a small one-time burden to them in the short term.
The overall effect of proposed Options 2 and 3 would be no change in the burden currently imposed on industry sources for each permit action. We also anticipate that proposed Options 2 and 3 would have no effect on the burden imposed on the RAs to process each permit. As with Option 1, RAs under Options 2 and 3 would be required to submit changes to their existing SIP programs or demonstrate that their existing programs are at least equivalent to EPA’s new requirements, resulting in a small one-time burden to them in the short term. Table E.1 summarizes the estimated change in burden resulting from proposed Option 1. Table E.2 summarizes the estimated change in burden resulting from proposed Options 2 and 3.
Table E.1 Average Annual Change in Burden and Cost for Option 1 a, b
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Change |
Average Number of Affected Entities per Year |
Average Annual Burden Hours |
Average Annualized Cost ($1,000) |
Average Cost per Entity ($1,000) |
SOURCES |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
6.33c |
4,440 |
$472 |
$74 |
Option 1 |
6.33c |
4,182 |
$450 |
$71 |
Change |
|
-259 |
-$22 |
-$3 |
RAs |
|
|
|
|
Permit Actions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
6.33c |
1,179 |
$52 |
$8.2 |
Option 1 |
6.33c |
1,139 |
$50 |
$7.9 |
Change |
0 |
-40 |
-$2 |
-$0.3 |
SIP Revisions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
37.33d |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Option 1 |
37.33d |
747 |
$33 |
$0.9 |
Change |
0 |
747 |
$33 |
$0.9 |
Overall Change |
|
707 |
$31 |
|
FEDERAL |
|
|
|
|
Permit Actions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
1e |
85 |
$3.7 |
$3.7 |
Option 1 |
1e |
79 |
$3.5 |
$3.5 |
Change |
0 |
-6 |
-$0.3 |
-$0.3 |
SIP Revisions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
1f |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Option 1 |
1f |
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
Change |
0 |
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
Overall Change |
|
181 |
$7.9 |
$7.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
a Costs are in 2005 dollars.
b Any discrepancies are the result of rounding error.
c Total number of affected entities over 3 years is 19; annual average number affected is 193 = 6.33. See Section 6.4.1 of this document for how we determined the number of affected entities.
d Burden incurred in year 2 only. Total number of affected RAs is 112; annual average number affected is 1123 = 37.33.
e EPA is the only affected Federal entity. Over 3 years, EPA would review 19 affected permits issued by RAs (annual average of 6.33).
f EPA is the only affected Federal entity. Burden to review 112 SIP revisions submitted by RAs incurred in year 3 only (annual average over 3 years of 37.33).
Table E.2 Average Annual Change in Burden and Cost for Options 2 and 3 a, b
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Change |
Average Number of Affected Entities per Year |
Average Annual Burden Hours |
Average Annualized Cost ($1,000) |
Average Cost per Entity ($1,000) |
SOURCES |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
6.33c |
4,440 |
$472 |
$74 |
Option 1 |
6.33c |
4,440 |
$472 |
$74 |
Change |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
RAs |
|
|
|
|
Permit Actions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
6.33c |
1,179 |
$52 |
$8.2 |
Option 1 |
6.33c |
1,179 |
$52 |
$8.2 |
Change |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SIP Revisions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
37.33d |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Option 1 |
37.33d |
747 |
$33 |
$0.9 |
Change |
0 |
747 |
$33 |
$0.9 |
Overall Change |
|
747 |
$33 |
|
FEDERAL |
|
|
|
|
Permit Actions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
1e |
85 |
$3.7 |
$3.7 |
Option 1 |
1e |
85 |
$3.7 |
$3.7 |
Change |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SIP Revisions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
1f |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Option 1 |
1f |
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
Change |
0 |
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
Overall Change |
|
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
a Costs are in 2005 dollars.
b Any discrepancies are the result of rounding error.
c Total number of affected entities over 3 years is 19; annual average number affected is 193 = 6.33. See Section 6.4.1 of this document for how we determined the number of affected entities.
d Burden incurred in year 2 only. Total number of affected RAs is 112; annual average number affected is 1123 = 37.33.
e EPA is the only affected Federal entity. Over 3 years, EPA would review 19 affected permits issued by RAs (annual average of 6.33).
f EPA is the only affected Federal entity. Burden to review 112 SIP revisions submitted by RAs incurred in year 3 only (annual average over 3 years of 37.33).
Since the aggregate long-term effect of the individual parts of this rulemaking constitute a reduction in the burden imposed by the Federal government on sources and State and local environmental management organizations, this rulemaking is consistent with the Office of Management and Budget=s (OMB=s) guidance for the reduction of burden when and wherever possible. 1
CONCLUSION:
This rulemaking represents a
POTENTIAL DECREASE IN BURDEN to sources and Reviewing Authorities
related to permit actions.
This rulemaking represents a
ONE-TIME INCREASE IN BURDEN to States and other Reviewing
Authorities to revise SIPS.
Because this rulemaking represents
a decrease in burden on sources, the Agency determined this
rulemaking represents
NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A
SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF SMALL ENTITIES.
CAVEAT: Nothing in this analysis should be construed as constituting the full effect of any of the program elements discussed. This analysis pertains to only a subset of the full effect - to those affected sources located in areas attaining the appropriate air quality standard and that are also Federally managed. The full effect of these programs, while discussed briefly in this analysis, lags the promulgation of this rulemaking due to the time needed for States to modify their SIPs.
1 Identification of the
Information Collection
formation Collection 1.1 Title
TRACKING NUMBER: 1230.19
This
document fulfills the Agency's requirements under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA) with regard to determining the regulatory burden
associated with the proposal of a new emissions test for
modifications at sources subject to parts C and D of title I of the
Clean Air Act (the Act, or CAA), Prevention of Significant
Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New
Source Review (NSR). It has been assigned EPA tracking number
1230.19. The title of this Information Collection Request (ICR) is
“Information Collection Request for Changes to Prevention of
Significant Deterioration and Nonattainment New Source Review:
Emissions Test for Electric Generating Units.”
OMD1.2 Description
1.2 Description
The program called the “major NSR program” under authority of parts C and D of Title I of the Act is a preconstruction review and permitting program applicable to new or modified major stationary sources of air pollutants. In areas not meeting National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and in ozone transport regions (OTR), the program is the "nonattainment" NSR program, implemented under the requirements of part D of title I of the Act. In attainment areas (areas meeting NAAQS) or in areas where there is insufficient information to determine whether they meet the NAAQS ("unclassifiable" areas), the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program is implemented under the requirements of part C of Title I of the Act. Applicability of the major NSR program must be determined in advance of construction and is pollutant-specific. When a source triggers major NSR in attainment areas, it must install best available control technology (BACT) and conduct modeling and monitoring as necessary. If the source is located in a nonattainment area, it must install technology that meets the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER), secure emission reductions to offset any increases above baseline emission levels, and perform other analyses.
Before 1970, the CAA existed primarily as a mechanism for funding research grants and State air pollution control agencies. Congress added substantive provisions to the CAA for the first time in 1970, including emission standards for new stationary sources. This program, known as the NSPS program, applies to EGUs and other stationary sources of criteria pollutants, which are SO2, NOx, particulate matter (PM), CO, ozone, and lead. Preconstruction permitting for EGUs and other new stationary sources of criteria pollutants was considered in 1970, but not added to the CAA until it was amended again in 1977. The preconstruction program for major stationary sources is commonly called the major NSR program. The NSPS and major NSR programs ensure that no new sources of pollution – whether from new sources or modifications to existing sources – can be constructed unless the source complies with new source requirements.
We are proposing to revise the emissions test for existing EGUs under the major NSR program. We are proposing three alternatives that we designate as Options 1, 2, and 3.
Under Option 1, we are proposing to determine whether a physical or operational change to an existing EGU would cause an emissions increase by comparing the maximum hourly emissions rate at the unit during the past 5 years to the maximum hourly emissions rate at that unit after the change. If the change would cause an increase in hourly emissions, the change would qualify as a “modification” and would be subject to the requirements of the major NSR program. Major NSR is a preconstruction permitting program, so the analysis must be conducted before a modification occurs. The owner/operator may select the hourly emissions rate at that unit at any time during the 5 years prior to the change. Thus, EGU owner/operators may select the hourly rate that is representative of the unit’s maximum emissions in the past 5 years.
Under Option 2, an existing EGU would first be subject to the same hourly emissions test that applies under Option 1. If the change qualifies as a modification under the hourly emissions test, the unit would then be subject to the existing actual-to-projected-actual annual emissions test to determine whether the change would result in a significant net emissions increase. If so, the change would qualify as a “major modification” and would be subject to the requirements of the major NSR program.
Under Option 3, an existing EGU would be subject only to the actual-to-projected-actual annual emissions test to determine whether the change would result in a significant net emissions increase. If so, the change would qualify as a “major modification” and would be subject to the requirements of the major NSR program. The proposed rules under this option would differ from the current rules for EGUs in only one respect—the look-back period for the unit’s baseline actual emissions would be 10 years instead of the 5 years that currently applies. This would make the look-back period for EGUs the same as currently applies to non-EGUs under the existing rules.
We are proposing these rule revisions only for existing EGUs. Specifically, the revised emissions test is available only for existing units as defined in the regulations governing the major NSR programs at 40 CFR 51.165, 51.166, or 52.21, and Appendix S of part 51. That is, the EGU must have existed for more than 2 years from the date that it first operated. The revised emissions test for major NSR is not available to greenfield sources or to new emissions units.
We are proposing to define EGU as fossil-fuel fired boilers and turbines serving an electric generator with a nameplate capacity greater than 25 megawatts (MW) producing electricity for sale. Fossil fuel is described as natural gas, petroleum, coal, or any form of solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel derived from such material. The term "fossil fuel-fired" with regard to a unit means combusting fossil fuel, alone or in combination with any amount of other fuel or material. This definition of EGU is broader than the definition of electric utility steam generating unit (EUSGU) currently found in the NSR regulations. The EGU definition includes simple cycle gas turbines that would not qualify under EUSGU definition. That is, the revised emissions test would apply to EUSGUs (including cogeneration units) and simple cycle gas turbines.
Title I of the Act authorizes EPA to collect this information. Through the NSR program it requires owners or operators of emissions units that emit air pollutants to submit an application for a permit to construct, modify, or significantly alter the operations of each source of criteria pollutants.
2 Need and Use of the Collection
2.1 Need / Authority for the
Collection
2.2 Practical Utility / Users of
the Data
2.3 Caveats and Considerations
Throughout this ICR, the reader will observe estimated values that show accuracy to the single hour or dollar. However, reporting values at the single unit level can be misleading. In most situations, the proper way to present estimated data would be to determine an appropriate level of precision and truncate values accordingly, usually in terms of thousands or millions of units. For instance, a spreadsheet generated estimation of $5,456,295 could be presented in the text as $5.5 (millions) or $5,456 (thousands). One problem with such an approach is the loss of data richness when the report contains a mixture of very large and very small numbers. Such was the case with this ICR, where source values are consistently in the millions and federal and State values in the tens of thousands. Consequently, to avoid the loss of information through rounding, this ICR reports all values at the most meaningful unit level for the range of values being presented and reminds the reader that there is no implied precision inherent in this style of reporting.
For approval of a proposed ICR, the Agency must ensure that it has taken every reasonable step to avoid duplication in its paperwork requirements in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.9. Although the RAs will be required to revise a State’s SIP, the proposed action imposes no new paperwork requirements.
3 Non-Duplication, Consultation,
and Other Collection Criteria
3.1 Non-Duplication
3.2 Public Notice Requirements
For any existing rule, § 3507(g) of the PRA limits how long a Director may take to approve a collection of information to 3 years. The ICR for the 40 CFR Part 51 and 52 Prevention of Significant Deterioration and New Source Review Program was renewed last in October 2004. This ICR analysis presents an update to that renewal, based upon programmatic changes completed since then.
A 60-day public comment period will be provided after proposal, during which all affected parties will be given the opportunity to comment on the proposed charges. All received comments will be considered, and some may be reflected in the development of the final regulatory language.
3.3 Consultations
3.4 Less Frequent Collection
The Act defines the rate of reporting by sources, States, and local entities. Consequently, less frequent collection is not possible.
3.5 General Guidelines
OMB's general guidelines for information collections must be adhered to by all Federal Agencies for approval of any rulemaking's collection methodology. In accordance with the requirements of 5 CFR 1320.5, the Agency believes:
1. The NSR regulations do not require periodic reporting more frequently than semi-annually.
2. The NSR regulations do not require respondents to participate in any statistical survey.
3. Written responses to Agency inquiries are not required to be submitted in less than thirty days.
4. Special consideration has been given in the design of the NSR program to ensure that the requirements are, to the greatest extent possible, the same for Federal requirements and those RAs who already have NSR construction permitting programs in place.
5. Confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information necessary for the completeness of the respondent's permit are protected from disclosure under the requirements of §503(e) and §114(c) of the Act.
6. The NSR regulations do not require more than one original and two copies of the permit application, update, or revision to be submitted to the Agency.
7. Respondents do not receive remuneration for the preparation of reports required by the Act or parts 51 or 52.
8. To the greatest extent possible, the Agency has taken advantage of automated methods of reporting.
9. The Agency believes the impact of NSR regulations on small entities to be insignificant and not disproportionate.
The recordkeeping and reporting requirements contained in the current NSR program and the changes proposed in this rulemaking do not exceed any of the Paperwork Reduction Act guidelines contained in 5 CFR 1320.5, except for the guideline which limits retention of records by respondents to 3 years. The Act requires both respondents and State or local agencies to retain records for a period of 5 years. The justification for this exception is found in 28 U.S.C. 2462, which specifies 5 years as the general statute of limitations for Federal claims in response to violations by regulated entities. The decision in U.S. v. Conoco, Inc., No. 83-1916-E (W.D. Okla., January 23, 1984) found that the 5-year general statute of limitations applied to the Clean Air Act.
3.6 Confidentiality
Confidentiality is not an issue for this rulemaking. In accordance with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the monitoring information to be submitted by sources as a part of their major NSR permit application is a matter of public record. To the extent that the information required is proprietary, confidential, or of a nature that could impair the ability of the source to maintain its market position, that information is collected and handled subject to the requirements of §503(e) and §114(c) of the Act. Information received and identified by owners or operators as confidential business information (CBI) and approved as CBI by EPA, in accordance with Title 40, Chapter 1, Part 2, Subpart B, shall be maintained appropriately (see 40 CFR 2; 41 FR 36902, September 1, 1976; amended by 43 FR 39999, September 8, 1978; 43 FR 42251, September 28, 1978; 44 FR 17674, March 23, 1979).
3.7 Sensitive
Questions
3.8 Environmental Justice
Considerations
The proposed emissions tests applies only to existing EGUs. The industry classifications affected by the proposed rule are presented in Table 4.1.
4 The Respondents and the
Information Requested
4.1 Respondents/SIC and NAICS
Codes
Table 4.1 Potentially Affected Entities
Industry Group |
SIC |
NAICS |
Electric Services |
491 |
221111, 221112, 221113, 221119, 221121, 221122 |
Eventually, this rulemaking will affect all States, territories, and possessions of the United States, as well as all local and Tribal governments, but for the first 3-year period of this rulemaking (the period covered by this ICR), most States will not be affected by this regulation due to the regulatory lag necessary for SIP review, revision, and approval. During the first 2 years that this ICR covers, the only entities potentially affected by this final action will be located in areas where the Federal government has direct regulatory authority. These “Federally controlled areas” include, but are not limited to, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; Washington D.C.; Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and South Dakota. The Federal government also has authority in Texas and Washington State, but only for one source category in each SIP, so this analysis will treat Texas and Washington State as though their SIPs were fully approved.
For our analysis of the number of respondents in each year of the 3-year period, see Section 6.4.1 of this document.
4.2 Information Requested
http://www.epa.gov/docs/epacfr40/chapt-I.info/subch-C.htm
Respondent data and information requirements can be found in the current ICR for the PSD/NSR program (EPA Tracking Number 1230.17, Appendix A, October 2004), including appropriate references in 40 CFR part 51 for the data and information requirements that govern the way States implement NSR programs.
5 The Information Collected -
Agency
Activities, Collection Methodologies, and Information Management
5.1 Agency Activities
Table 5.1 Permitting Agency Data and Information Requirements
Requirement |
Regulation Reference |
Early FLM notification and opportunity to participate in meetings |
40 CFR 51.166(p)(1)(ii) |
Submission of all permit applications to EPA |
40 CFR 51.166(q)(1) |
Submission of notice of application, preliminary determination, degree of increment consumption, and opportunity for public comment |
40 CFR 51.166(q)(2)(iv) |
Submission to FLM of permit applications |
40 CFR 51.166(p)(1) |
Submission of written request to exempt sources from review |
40 CFR 52.21(i)(4)(vi) |
Written request for use of innovative control technology |
40 CFR 51.166(s) |
Establishing and operating a permitting program for all new sources |
40 CFR 51.160 |
Provide notice to EPA of all permits |
40 CFR 51.161(d) |
Provide for public comment for all NSR permits |
40 CFR 51.161 |
5.2 Collection
Methodology and Management
• The Agency believes the time necessary to perform a task is independent of the origins of its labor. In other words, if a source would employ 20 hours of burden to fully perform a function, then a contractor hired by the source would also take 20 hours to perform that same task. Furthermore, the Agency assumes no economies or diseconomies of scale. The linear combination of any amount of contractor and source effort will also sum to 20. Therefore, the burden estimates in this ICR act as an accurate assessment of the total burden to affected sources and RAs, given the affected entity does not employ contracted labor.
• For some burden categories, the Agency believes the hours assigned to them will be divided between the source and outside contractors. For these categories, the Agency established a composite cost per hour by developing a weighted average of the source and contractor wages, with the weight defined by the percentage of total effort each burden source applied. Consequently, the cost developed in this ICR should be interpreted as an upper bound on the actual cost of administration by the source or RA. The methodology for determining cost per hour can be found in greater detail in section 6.2, below.
The owners or operators of new or modified major stationary sources affected by the major NSR regulations must submit construction permit applications to the RA, who logs in the permit applications, stores applications in a central filing location, notifies the Federal Land Manager (FLM) of the permit, and provides a copy of the application (if applicable) to the FLM and transmits copies of each application to EPA. Upon permit approval, the RA submits control technology information to EPA's RBLC database.
The RA reviews the permit application and checks the quality of data submitted by the applicant on a case-by-case basis. The applicant will be required to submit information on how the data were obtained (e.g., indicate whether emissions data were obtained through the use of emissions factors or test data) and how the calculations were performed. The RA personnel will check data quality by reviewing test data and checking engineering calculations, and by reviewing control technology determinations for similar sources. The RBLC and other sources will be reviewed for information on control technology determinations made for sources similar to the sources included in the permit application. Confidential information submitted by the applicant will be handled by the RA’s confidential information handling procedures. The public will be provided the opportunity to review a permit application and other materials relevant to the RA’s decision on issuing the permit, including FLM findings, by obtaining a copy from the permit reviewing authority or by attending the public hearing. The NSR regulations will not require information through any type of survey.
5.3 Small Entity
Flexibility
A Regulatory Flexibility Act Screening Analysis (RFASA) developed as part of a 1994 draft Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) and incorporated into the September 1995 ICR renewal analysis reported an initial regulatory flexibility screening analysis showed that the changes to the NSR program due to the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments would not have an adverse impact on small entities.3 This analysis encompassed the entire universe of applicable major sources that were likely to also be small-businesses. The Agency estimates there are approximately 50 “small business” major sources.4 Because the administrative burden of the NSR program 16 the primary source of the NSR program’s regulatory costs, the analysis estimated a negligible “cost to sales” (regulatory cost divided by the business category mean revenue) ratio for this source group. Currently, there is no economic basis for a different conclusion at this time.
We believe that today’s proposed Option 1 will relieve the regulatory burden associated with the major NSR program for all EGUs, including any EGU that are small businesses. This is because Option 1 would simplify applicability determinations, eliminate the burden of projecting future annual emissions and distinguishing between emissions increases caused by the change from those due solely to demand growth, and reduce recordkeeping and reporting burdens. We believe that proposed Options 2 and 3 will not affect the major NSR regulatory burden for any EGUs. As a result, the program changes provided in the proposed rule are not expected to result in any increases in expenditure by any small entity. We have therefore concluded that, depending on the option ultimately selected, today’s proposed rule either would have no effect on the regulatory burden for all small entities, or would relieve regulatory burden for all small entities.
5.3.1 Measures to Avert Impacts
on Small Entities
The Agency may not, as a general rule, exempt a major source of air pollution. Since the impacts of NSR regulations which may impact small entities occur predominantly at major sources, little room exists for regulatory flexibility to avert the impact of the proposed rulemaking on small entities through exemption. However, even though the Title V program does not have an adverse impact on a significant number of small businesses, EPA takes measures to assist sources in affected small entities through the implementation of small business stationary source technical and environmental compliance assistance programs, as called for in section 507 of the Act. These programs can reduce the reporting burden of small entities which are subject to major NSR and may significantly alleviate the economic burden on small sources by establishing programs to assist small businesses with determining what Act requirements apply to their sources and when they apply, and guidance on alternative control technology and pollution prevention for small businesses.
5.3.2 Measures to Mitigate
Impacts on Small Entities
We believe that today’s proposed Option 1 will relieve the regulatory burden associated with the major NSR program for all EGU, including any EGU that are small businesses. This is because Option 1 would simplify applicability determinations, eliminate the burden of projecting future annual emissions and distinguishing between emissions increases caused by the change from those due solely to demand growth, and reduce recordkeeping and reporting burdens. Proposed Options 2 and 3 would not affect the major NSR regulatory burden. As a result, the program changes provided in the proposed rule are not expected to result in any increases in expenditure by any small entity.
We have therefore concluded that, depending on the option ultimately selected, today’s proposed rule either would have no effect on the regulatory burden for all small entities, or would relieve regulatory burden for all small entities.
5.4 Collection Schedule
6 Estimating the Burden and Cost
of the Collection
Burden means the total time, effort, of financial resources expended by person to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This include the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. The burden estimate should be composed of (1) a total capital and start-up cost component annualized over its useful life; (2) a total operation, maintenance and purchases of services component. Each component should be divided into burden borne directly by the respondent and any services that are contracted out.
6.1 Estimating Respondent Burden
The proposed Option 1 emissions test would simplify applicability determinations for sources and reviewing authorities. It would eliminate the burden of projecting future annual emissions and distinguishing between emissions increases caused by the change from those due solely to demand growth, because any increase in the emissions under the maximum achievable emissions test would be logically attributed to the change. It would reduce recordkeeping and reporting burdens on sources because compliance would no longer rely on synthesizing emissions data into rolling total emissions. It would improve compliance by making the rules more understandable, which would correspondingly reduces the RAs’ compliance and enforcement burden.
Specifically, we believe that proposed Option 1 would reduce the industry’s burden related to determination of compliance requirements and preparation and submittal of permit applications. Accordingly, in estimating the respondent burden for Option 1 for this ICR, we have reduced the labor hour burden of certain activities by 20 percent to account for the reduced burden of a given permit action. We based the 20 percent reduction on engineering judgment and experience in reviewing major NSR permit actions.
Under Option 1, the RAs will see a corresponding reduced burden for logging in and reviewing data submissions, as well as preparing completed permit applications for processing. As discussed further in section 6.3, Federal authorities will see a reduced burden for reviewing and verifying applicability determinations under Option 1.
Because they retain an annual emissions test, proposed Options 2 and 3 are not expected to reduce the per-permit hourly burden experienced by industrial respondents or State and local RA respondents. As a result, we believe that the baseline burden estimates from the 2004 ICR renewal will continue to apply under these options.
Table 6.1 presents the average burden by activity for industrial respondents for the baseline case, Option 1, and Options 2 and 3. This burden consists of the activities required to obtain a major NSR construction permit, differentiated according to whether the permit is issued pursuant to Part C of the Act (PSD permits) or Part D of the Act (nonattainment major NSR permits).
Table 6.2 presents the average burden by activity for the RAs for the baseline case, Option 1, and Options 2 and 3. These activities are for issuing major NSR construction permits.
Table 6.1 Industrial Respondent (Source) Per-Permit Burden
Activity |
Baseline Hours per Permit |
Option 1 Hours per Permit |
Options 2 and 3 Hours per Permit |
|
I. Part C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Preparation and Planning |
|
|
|
|
Determination of Compliance Requirements |
170 |
136 |
170 |
|
Obtain guidance on Data Needs |
120 |
120 |
120 |
|
Preparation of BACT Engineering Analysis |
85 |
85 |
85 |
|
B. Data Collection and Analysis |
|
|
|
|
Air Quality Modeling |
200 |
200 |
200 |
|
Determination of Impact on Air Quality Related Values |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
Post-construction Air Quality Monitoring |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
C. Permit Application |
|
|
|
|
Preparation and Submittal of Permit Application |
50 |
40 |
50 |
|
Public Hearings |
24 |
24 |
24 |
|
Revisions to Permit |
40 |
40 |
40 |
|
D. Total |
839 |
795 |
839 |
II. Part D (nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Preparation and Planning |
|
|
|
|
Determination of Compliance Requirements |
150 |
120 |
150 |
|
Obtain Guidance on Data Needs |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
B. Data Collection and Analysis |
|
|
|
|
Preparation of LAER Engineering Analysis |
40 |
10 |
40 |
|
Demonstrate Offsets |
40 |
10 |
40 |
|
Prepare Analysis of Alternative Sites, Processes, etc. |
60 |
60 |
60 |
|
Air Quality Modeling |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
C. Permit Application |
|
|
|
|
Preparation and Submittal of Permit Application |
38 |
30 |
38 |
|
Public Hearings |
25 |
25 |
25 |
|
Revisions to Permit |
24 |
24 |
24 |
|
D. Total |
577 |
539 |
577 |
Table 6.2 State and Local RA Respondent Per-Permit Burden
Activity |
Baseline Hours per Permit |
Option 1 Hours per Permit |
Options 2 and 3 Hours per Permit |
|
I. |
PART C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
A. Attend Pre-application Meetings |
36 |
36 |
36 |
|
B. Answer Respondent Questions |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
C. Log In and Review Data Submissions |
16 |
13 |
16 |
|
D. Request Additional Information |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
E. Analyze for and Provide Confidentiality Protection |
24 |
24 |
24 |
|
F. Prepare Completed Applications for Processing |
32 |
26 |
32 |
|
G. File and Transmit Copies |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
H. Prepare Preliminary Determination |
24 |
24 |
24 |
|
I. Prepare Notices for and Attend Public Hearings |
40 |
40 |
40 |
|
J. Application Approval |
40 |
40 |
40 |
|
K. Notification of Applicant of RA Determination |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
L. Submittal of Information on BACT / LAER to RBLC |
16 |
16 |
16 |
|
M. Total |
272 |
263 |
272 |
II. |
Part D (Nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
A. Attend Pre-application Meetings |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
B. Answer Respondent Questions |
10 |
10 |
10 |
|
C. Log In and Review Data Submissions |
8 |
6 |
8 |
|
D. Request Additional Information |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
E. Analyze for and Provide Confidentiality Protection |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
F. Prepare Completed Applications for Processing |
12 |
10 |
12 |
|
G. File and Transmit Copies |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
H. Prepare Preliminary Determination |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
I. Prepare notices for and Attend Public Hearings |
18 |
18 |
18 |
|
J. Application Approval |
16 |
16 |
16 |
|
K. Notification of Applicant Determination |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
L. Submittal of Information on BACT/LAER to RBLC |
16 |
16 |
16 |
|
M. Total |
109 |
105 |
109 |
In addition to issuing permits, the RAs must ensure that their NSR programs meet the requirements that EPA specifies for such programs pursuant to Parts C and D. The proposed rule would revise the applicability requirements for EGUs. Therefore the RAs must incorporate these changes into their SIPs or demonstrate that an alternative approach is at least equivalent to the revised requirements.
This rulemaking results in a small increase in the burden imposed upon RAs in the short term. Each RA must submit changes to their existing SIP programs or demonstrate that their existing programs are at least equivalent to EPA’s new requirements. Because the changes needed for updating SIPs are small and the State requirements for SIP development differ from State to State, the EPA assumed it would take no more than 20 hours for each RA to fully incorporate this rulemaking into its plan. This assumption includes legislative review, public comment, and all legal and legislative processes necessary for all of the above components. We expect this burden to occur in year 2 of the period covered by this ICR.
6.2 Estimating Respondent Costs
6.2.1 Estimating Labor Costs
T
6.2.1.1 In-house Labor Rates
Table 6.3 Calculated In-house Hourly Labor Rates
Labor Type |
Base Salary, Hourly Ratea |
Benefit Hourly Rateb |
Overhead Hourly Rate c |
Adjusted Hourly Rate |
In-house Weighting (%) |
In-house Hourly Rate |
Management |
46.29 |
17.76 |
32.03 |
96.10 |
5% |
4.81 |
Technical |
36.22 |
13.91 |
25.06 |
75.19 |
85% |
63.91 |
Clerical |
16.77 |
6.44 |
11.60 |
34.81 |
10% |
3.48 |
Total |
|
|
|
|
100% |
$ 72.20 |
a Dept of Labor: Bureau of Labor and Statistics http://www.bls.gov/oes. Data for May 2005. Accessed August 2006 |
||||||
b Benefits are 38.4% of Base Salary Hourly Rate based on 2nd Quarter 2005 data from the Dept of Labor: Bureau of Labor and Statistics http://data.bls.gov. |
||||||
c Overhead rate is 50% of Base Salary Hourly Rate plus Benefit Hourly Rate. |
T
6.2.1.2 Industrial
Respondent Labor Rates
Following the same assumptions as the 2004 ICR renewal, approximately 13 percent of PSD sources submitting Part C (PSD) permit applications will conduct pre-construction ambient air quality monitoring. The average cost for this activity is estimated to be $280,343, which is calculated using the same 3 year adjustment factor (1.16) as the previous ICRs and adding an additional growth of 10.66% (2/3 of 16%) for 2004 and 2005. We have assumed that one of the 9 PSD permits submitted during the 3-year period covered by this ICR would be required to do this monitoring.
T
6.2.1.3 State and Local
Respondent Labor Rates
Table 6.4 Determination of Federal and State Wage Rates
Annual Salary of Permit Staff, GS 11 Step 3 (FY 05 Schedule)* |
|
$48,255.00 |
Annual Cost of Supervisory Staff, GS 13 Step 3 (FY 05 Schedule)* |
$68,776.00 |
|
Factor (1/11) |
0.09 |
|
|
|
$6,189.84 |
Annual Cost of Support Staff, GS 6 Step 6 (FY 05 Schedule)* Factor (1/8) |
$32,092.00 |
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
|
$4,171.96 |
Annual Applicable Salary of Permit Staff |
|
$58,616.80 |
Benefits (at 16%) |
|
$9,378.69 |
Sick Leave / Vacation (at 10%) |
|
$5,861.68 |
General Overhead |
|
$17,413.37 |
Total Cost Per FTE |
|
$91,270.54 |
Total Hourly Cost (Total Per FTE divided by 2,080 hours per year) |
|
$43.88 |
a http://www.opm.gov/oca/05tables/html/gs.asp August 2006
6.2.2 Estimating
Capital and Operations and Maintenance Costs including Purchase of
Services
The EPA has conservatively estimated that 13 percent of PSD permit applicants have to conduct pre-construction ambient monitoring for the impacts analyses and that monitoring is conducted for approximately 4 months. As a practical matter, sources would probably contract this type of activity since it would generally be a one-time exercise. Consequently, EPA believes this cost is most often a direct cost associated with preparing permit applications. Based on this assumption, cost of capital equipment for pre-construction monitoring is negligible. To account for this cost in the ICR, EPA has added a line item direct cost to the total annual cost based on a contracted service cost of $280,343 per permit where pre-construction monitoring is required. This cost, although not a fixed-capital cost, is nonetheless considered a start-up cost and is reported as such in the OMB form for this ICR. As a result, the total estimated direct cost would be $280,343 for the one PSD permit assumed to require ambient monitoring during the ICR period.
Since the purchase of capital equipment is believed to be an insignificant factor in permit application preparation, the EPA assumes the operation, maintenance, or services for same are negligible. Further, once a permit is issued, there is no operations and maintenance cost associated with it. It remains unaltered unless the source or the permitting authority discovers specific reasons to reexamine it and change any conditions or specifications. If purely administrative, the changes are handled exclusively by the permitting authority. If changes have the potential for environmental consequences, the action may be significant enough to be counted as a separate and new application, to which a new burden and cost may be ascribed.
6.2.3 Capital/Start-up
Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Costs
6.2.4 Annualized
Capital Costs
6.3 Estimating Agency Burden and
Cost
As described in section 6.2.1.3, we calculated Federal labor rates using the weighting developed in the 1997 ICR renewal and described in the November 2002 parts 51 and 52 ICR update. The estimated labor rate is $43.88/hr based on data for 2005.
In addition, there will be Agency burden resulting from these changes to review SIPs to verify that their changes fully meet the requirements of the program. Due to the nature of the changes needed, the Agency expects that, when the rule is fully in effect, that each SIP will require about 5 hours of review. We expect this burden to occur in year 3 of the period covered by this ICR.
Table 6.5 Federal Per-Permit Burden
Activity |
Baseline Hours per Permit |
Option 1 Hours per Permit |
Options 2 and 3 Hours per Permit |
|
I. |
PART C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
A. Review and Verify Applicability Determination |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
B. Review Control Technology Determination |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
C. Evaluate Air Quality Monitoring |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
D. Evaluate Alternative and Secondary Impact Analysis |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
E. Evaluate Class I Area Analysis |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
F. Administrative Tasks |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
G. Total |
14 |
13 |
14 |
II. |
Part D (nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
A. Review and Verify Applicability Determination |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
B. Review Control Technology Determination |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
C. Evaluate Offsets |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
D. Evaluate Air Quality Monitoring |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
E. Evaluate Alternative and Secondary Impact Analysis |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
F. Administrative Tasks |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
G. Total |
13 |
12 |
13 |
6.4 Estimating the Respondent
Universe and Total Burden and Cost
For the purpose of estimating burden in this ICR, the respondent universe is defined by the annual number of permit applications prepared by existing EGUs that would be subject to the proposed rules and the number of such permit applications processed by State and local RAs. It also includes the number of RAs that will have to revise their SIPs.
6.4.1 Estimating the Number of
Respondents
In the third year of the period covered by this ICR, when the rule is fully implemented in all areas, we estimate that 15 permit actions would be subject to the proposed rule. During the first 2 years of the period covered by this ICR, while RAs are revising their SIPs for their SIP-approved Part C (PSD) and Part D (nonattainment major NSR) programs, only those PSD permit actions that occur in the States described in Section 4.1 (where the federal government has direct regulatory authority for PSD permits) would be subject to the proposed rule. Using the same survey of the RBLC database mentioned above, we estimate that there will be two PSD permit actions per year in such States that would be subject to the proposed rule. The other 13 major NSR permit actions expected in each of the first 2 years covered by this ICR would not be subject to the proposed rule because they would be Part D (nonattainment major NSR) permits or Part C (PSD) permits that occur in States not subject to the Federal PSD regulations.
Since the activities to prepare permit applications for Part C (PSD) and Part D (nonattainment major NSR) differ, we estimated the number of major modification EGU permit actions that would fall into each category. To estimate this number, we used data provided in the 2004 ICR renewal (1230.17), which show the percentage of major NSR sources preparing permit applications under each part (about 35 percent under Part C (PSD) and 65 percent under Part D (nonattainment major NSR)).8 We assumed that the EGU permit actions would follow the same breakdown. Therefore, of the 15 major modification EGU permit actions annually when fully implemented in the third year, 5 would be under Part C (PSD) and 10 would be under Part D (nonattainment major NSR). As noted above, in each of the first 2 years, two PSD permits would be subject to the proposed rule. Thus, in aggregate over the 3 years covered by this ICR, we estimate a total of 19 major NSR permit actions subject to the proposed rule (9 Part C permits and 10 Part D permits).
As noted above in Section 6.2.2, we have estimated that 13 percent of PSD permit applicants have to conduct pre-construction ambient monitoring. Using this factor, we estimate that one of the nine Part C (PSD) permits subject to the proposed rule that would be issued during the 3 years covered by this ICR would require such monitoring. As a result, the applicant for this permit would incur an estimated direct cost of $280,343 for contracted services to conduct the required ambient monitoring.
For the number of respondent RAs associated with major NSR permit actions that are subject to the proposed rule, we use the number of subject permit actions discussed above. That is, in each of the first 2 years, we estimate two RAs issuing subject Part C permits. (We are assuming that these permit actions occur in States where we have delegated the Federal PSD program to the State and local RAs.) In the third year, we estimate 5 RAs issuing subject Part C permits and 10 issuing subject Part D permits.
For the number of respondent RAs associated with SIP revisions, we use the 112 RA count used by other permitting ICRs for one-time tasks of this type. We estimated that all RAs will have changes to their SIPs in place for the proposed rule by the third year of the period covered by this ICR.
6.4.2 Estimating Total Respondent
Burden and Cost
Table 6.6 Burden for Industrial Respondents for Years 1 – 3 (Aggregate Total) –
Baseline and Options 2 and 3
|
Activity |
Number of Sources |
Hours per Source |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
I. Part C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Preparation and Planning |
|
|
|
|
|
Determination of Compliance Requirements |
9 |
170 |
1,530 |
$130,356 |
|
Obtain guidance on Data Needs |
9 |
120 |
1,080 |
$92,016 |
|
Preparation of BACT Engineering Analysis |
9 |
85 |
765 |
$65,178 |
|
B. Data Collection and Analysis |
|
|
|
|
|
Air Quality Modeling |
9 |
200 |
1,800 |
$153,360 |
|
Determination of Impact on Air Quality Related Values |
9 |
100 |
900 |
$76,680 |
|
Post-construction Air Quality Monitoring |
9 |
50 |
450 |
$38,340 |
|
C. Permit Application |
|
|
|
|
|
Preparation and Submittal of Permit Application |
9 |
50 |
450 |
$38,340 |
|
Public Hearings |
9 |
24 |
216 |
$18,403 |
|
Revisions to Permit |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$30,672 |
|
D. Subtotal burden |
|
839 |
7,551 |
$643,345 |
|
E. Direct cost for Pre-construction Air Quality Monitoring |
1 |
|
|
$280,343 |
|
F. Total cost |
|
|
|
$923,688 |
II. Part D (nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Preparation and Planning |
|
|
|
|
|
Determination of Compliance Requirements |
10 |
150 |
1,500 |
$127,800 |
|
Obtain Guidance on Data Needs |
10 |
100 |
1,000 |
$85,200 |
|
B. Data Collection and Analysis |
|
|
|
|
|
Preparation of LAER Engineering Analysis |
10 |
40 |
400 |
$34,080 |
|
Demonstrate Offsets |
10 |
40 |
400 |
$34,080 |
|
Prepare Analysis of Alternative Sites, Processes, etc. |
10 |
60 |
600 |
$51,120 |
|
Air Quality Modeling |
10 |
100 |
1,000 |
$85,200 |
|
C. Permit Application |
|
|
|
|
|
Preparation and Submittal of Permit Application |
10 |
38 |
380 |
$32,376 |
|
Public Hearings |
10 |
25 |
250 |
$21,300 |
|
Revisions to Permit |
10 |
24 |
240 |
$20,448 |
|
D. Total |
|
577 |
5,770 |
$491,604 |
III. |
Grand Total |
19 |
|
13,321 |
$1,415,292 |
IV. |
Annual Average (Grand Total 3) |
6.33 |
|
4,440 |
$471,764 |
Table 6.7 Burden for Industrial Respondents for Years 1 – 3 (Aggregate Total) – Option 1
|
Activity |
Number of Sources |
Hours per Source |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
I. Part C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Preparation and Planning |
|
|
|
|
|
Determination of Compliance Requirements |
9 |
136 |
1,224 |
$104,285 |
|
Obtain guidance on Data Needs |
9 |
120 |
1,080 |
$92,016 |
|
Preparation of BACT Engineering Analysis |
9 |
85 |
765 |
$65,178 |
|
B. Data Collection and Analysis |
|
|
|
|
|
Air Quality Modeling |
9 |
200 |
1,800 |
$153,360 |
|
Determination of Impact on Air Quality Related Values |
9 |
100 |
900 |
$76,680 |
|
Post-construction Air Quality Monitoring |
9 |
50 |
450 |
$38,340 |
|
C. Permit Application |
|
|
|
|
|
Preparation and Submittal of Permit Application |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$30,672 |
|
Public Hearings |
9 |
24 |
216 |
$18,403 |
|
Revisions to Permit |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$30,672 |
|
D. Subtotal burden |
|
795 |
7,155 |
$609,606 |
|
E. Direct cost for Pre-construction Air Quality Monitoring |
1 |
|
|
$280,343 |
|
F. Total cost |
|
|
|
$889,949 |
II. Part D (nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Preparation and Planning |
|
|
|
|
|
Determination of Compliance Requirements |
10 |
120 |
1,200 |
$102,240 |
|
Obtain Guidance on Data Needs |
10 |
100 |
1,000 |
$85,200 |
|
B. Data Collection and Analysis |
|
|
|
|
|
Preparation of LAER Engineering Analysis |
10 |
40 |
400 |
$34,080 |
|
Demonstrate Offsets |
10 |
40 |
400 |
$34,080 |
|
Prepare Analysis of Alternative Sites, Processes, etc. |
10 |
60 |
600 |
$51,120 |
|
Air Quality Modeling |
10 |
100 |
1,000 |
$85,200 |
|
C. Permit Application |
|
|
|
|
|
Preparation and Submittal of Permit Application |
10 |
30 |
300 |
$25,560 |
|
Public Hearings |
10 |
25 |
250 |
$21,300 |
|
Revisions to Permit |
10 |
24 |
240 |
$20,448 |
|
D. Total |
|
539 |
5,390 |
$459,228 |
III. |
Grand Total |
19 |
|
12,545 |
$1,349,177 |
IV. |
Annual Average (Grand Total 3) |
6.33 |
|
4,182 |
$449,726 |
Table 6.8 Burden for RA Respondents for Years 1 – 3 (Aggregate Total) – Baseline
MAJOR NSR PERMITTING |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours Per RA |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
I. |
PART C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Attend Pre-application Meetings |
9 |
36 |
324 |
$14,217 |
|
B. Answer Respondent Questions |
9 |
20 |
180 |
$7,898 |
|
C. Log In and Review Data Submissions |
9 |
16 |
144 |
$6,319 |
|
D. Request Additional Information |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
E. Analyze for and Provide Confidentiality Protection |
9 |
24 |
216 |
$9,478 |
|
F. Prepare Completed Applications for Processing |
9 |
32 |
288 |
$12,637 |
|
G. File and Transmit Copies |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
H. Prepare Preliminary Determination |
9 |
24 |
216 |
$9,478 |
|
I. Prepare Notices for and Attend Public Hearings |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$15,797 |
|
J. Application Approval |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$15,797 |
|
K. Notification of Applicant of RA Determination |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
L. Submittal of Information on BACT / LAER to RBLC |
9 |
16 |
144 |
$6,319 |
|
M. Total |
|
272 |
2448 |
$107,418 |
II. |
Part D (Nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Attend Preapplication Meetings |
10 |
7 |
70 |
$3,072 |
|
B. Answer Respondent Questions |
10 |
10 |
100 |
$4,388 |
|
C. Log In and Review Data Submissions |
10 |
8 |
80 |
$3,510 |
|
D. Request Additional Information |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
E. Analyze for and Provide Confidentiality Protection |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
F. Prepare Completed Applications for Processing |
10 |
12 |
120 |
$5,266 |
|
G. File and Transmit Copies |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
H. Prepare Preliminary Determination |
10 |
8 |
80 |
$3,510 |
|
I. Prepare notices for and Attend Public Hearings |
10 |
18 |
180 |
$7,898 |
|
J. Application Approval |
10 |
16 |
160 |
$7,021 |
|
K. Notification of Applicant Determination |
10 |
2 |
20 |
$878 |
|
L. Submittal of Information on BACT/LAER to RBLC |
10 |
16 |
160 |
$7,021 |
|
M. Total |
|
109 |
1,090 |
$47,829 |
III. |
Grand Total for Permits |
19 |
|
3,538 |
$155,247 |
IV. |
Annual Average for Permits (Grand Total 3) |
6.33 |
|
1,179 |
$51,749 |
SIP REVISIONS |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours per Revision |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
V. |
Total for SIP Revisions (No SIP Revisions Required) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
VI. |
Annual Average for SIP Revisions (Total 3) |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
Table 6.9 Burden for RA Respondents for Years 1 – 3 (Aggregate Total) – Option 1
MAJOR NSR PERMITTING |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours Per RA |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
I. |
PART C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Attend Pre-application Meetings |
9 |
36 |
324 |
$14,217 |
|
B. Answer Respondent Questions |
9 |
20 |
180 |
$7,898 |
|
C. Log In and Review Data Submissions |
9 |
13 |
117 |
$5,134 |
|
D. Request Additional Information |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
E. Analyze for and Provide Confidentiality Protection |
9 |
24 |
216 |
$9,478 |
|
F. Prepare Completed Applications for Processing |
9 |
26 |
234 |
$10,268 |
|
G. File and Transmit Copies |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
H. Prepare Preliminary Determination |
9 |
24 |
216 |
$9,478 |
|
I. Prepare Notices for and Attend Public Hearings |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$15,797 |
|
J. Application Approval |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$15,797 |
|
K. Notification of Applicant of RA Determination |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
L. Submittal of Information on BACT / LAER to RBLC |
9 |
16 |
144 |
$6,319 |
|
M. Total |
|
263 |
2,367 |
$103,864 |
II. |
Part D (Nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Attend Preapplication Meetings |
10 |
7 |
70 |
$3,072 |
|
B. Answer Respondent Questions |
10 |
10 |
100 |
$4,388 |
|
C. Log In and Review Data Submissions |
10 |
6 |
60 |
$2,633 |
|
D. Request Additional Information |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
E. Analyze for and Provide Confidentiality Protection |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
F. Prepare Completed Applications for Processing |
10 |
10 |
100 |
$4,388 |
|
G. File and Transmit Copies |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
H. Prepare Preliminary Determination |
10 |
8 |
80 |
$3,510 |
|
I. Prepare notices for and Attend Public Hearings |
10 |
18 |
180 |
$7,898 |
|
J. Application Approval |
10 |
16 |
160 |
$7,021 |
|
K. Notification of Applicant Determination |
10 |
2 |
20 |
$878 |
|
L. Submittal of Information on BACT/LAER to RBLC |
10 |
16 |
160 |
$7,021 |
|
M. Total |
|
105 |
1,050 |
$46,074 |
III. |
Grand Total for Permits |
19 |
|
3,417 |
$149,938 |
IV. |
Annual Average for Permits (Grand Total 3) |
6.33 |
|
1,139 |
$49,979 |
SIP REVISIONS |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours per Revision |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
V. |
Total for SIP Revisions |
112 |
20 |
2,240 |
$98,291 |
VI. |
Annual Average for SIP Revisions (Total 3) |
37.33 |
|
747 |
$32,764 |
Table 6.10 Burden for RA Respondents for Years 1 – 3 (Aggregate Total) – Options 2 and 3
MAJOR NSR PERMITTING (Same as Baseline) |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours Per RA |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
I. |
PART C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Attend Pre-application Meetings |
9 |
36 |
324 |
$14,217 |
|
B. Answer Respondent Questions |
9 |
20 |
180 |
$7,898 |
|
C. Log In and Review Data Submissions |
9 |
16 |
144 |
$6,319 |
|
D. Request Additional Information |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
E. Analyze for and Provide Confidentiality Protection |
9 |
24 |
216 |
$9,478 |
|
F. Prepare Completed Applications for Processing |
9 |
32 |
288 |
$12,637 |
|
G. File and Transmit Copies |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
H. Prepare Preliminary Determination |
9 |
24 |
216 |
$9,478 |
|
I. Prepare Notices for and Attend Public Hearings |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$15,797 |
|
J. Application Approval |
9 |
40 |
360 |
$15,797 |
|
K. Notification of Applicant of RA Determination |
9 |
8 |
72 |
$3,159 |
|
L. Submittal of Information on BACT / LAER to RBLC |
9 |
16 |
144 |
$6,319 |
|
M. Total |
|
272 |
2448 |
$107,418 |
II. |
Part D (Nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Attend Preapplication Meetings |
10 |
7 |
70 |
$3,072 |
|
B. Answer Respondent Questions |
10 |
10 |
100 |
$4,388 |
|
C. Log In and Review Data Submissions |
10 |
8 |
80 |
$3,510 |
|
D. Request Additional Information |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
E. Analyze for and Provide Confidentiality Protection |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
F. Prepare Completed Applications for Processing |
10 |
12 |
120 |
$5,266 |
|
G. File and Transmit Copies |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
H. Prepare Preliminary Determination |
10 |
8 |
80 |
$3,510 |
|
I. Prepare notices for and Attend Public Hearings |
10 |
18 |
180 |
$7,898 |
|
J. Application Approval |
10 |
16 |
160 |
$7,021 |
|
K. Notification of Applicant Determination |
10 |
2 |
20 |
$878 |
|
L. Submittal of Information on BACT/LAER to RBLC |
10 |
16 |
160 |
$7,021 |
|
M. Total |
|
109 |
1,090 |
$47,829 |
III. |
Grand Total for Permits |
19 |
|
3,538 |
$155,247 |
IV. |
Annual Average for Permits (Grand Total 3) |
6.33 |
|
1,179 |
$51,749 |
SIP REVISIONS (Same as Option 1) |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours per Revision |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
V. |
Total for SIP Revisions |
112 |
20 |
2,240 |
$98,291 |
VI. |
Annual Average for SIP Revisions (Total 3) |
37.33 |
|
747 |
$32,764 |
Based on the estimates presented above for the Federal hourly burden for each activity, the Federal labor rate, and the number of permits and SIP revisions, we have estimated the total Federal burden and cost for the baseline case and proposed Options 1, 2, and 3. Tables 6.11, 6.12, and 6.13 present these totals aggregated across the 3 years covered by this ICR for the baseline case, Option 1, and Options 2 and 3, respectively.
6.4.3 Estimating Total Federal
Burden and Cost
Table 6.11 Federal Burden for Years 1 – 3 (Aggregate Total) – Baseline
MAJOR NSR PERMITTING |
|||||
|
Activity |
Permits |
Hours Per Permit |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
I. |
PART C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Review and Verify Applicability Determination |
9 |
2 |
18 |
$790 |
|
B. Review Control Technology Determination |
9 |
3 |
27 |
$1,185 |
|
C. Evaluate Air Quality Monitoring |
9 |
4 |
36 |
$1,580 |
|
D. Evaluate Alternative and Secondary Impact Analysis |
9 |
2 |
18 |
$790 |
|
E. Evaluate Class I Area Analysis |
9 |
2 |
18 |
$790 |
|
F. Administrative Tasks |
9 |
1 |
9 |
$395 |
|
G. Total |
9 |
14 |
126 |
$5,529 |
II. |
Part D (nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Review and Verify Applicability Determination |
10 |
2 |
20 |
$878 |
|
B. Review Control Technology Determination |
10 |
3 |
30 |
$1,316 |
|
C. Evaluate Offsets |
10 |
1 |
10 |
$439 |
|
D. Evaluate Air Quality Monitoring |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
E. Evaluate Alternative and Secondary Impact Analysis |
10 |
2 |
20 |
$878 |
|
F. Administrative Tasks |
10 |
1 |
10 |
$439 |
|
G. Total |
|
13 |
130 |
$5,704 |
III. |
Grand Total for Permits |
19 |
|
256 |
$11,233 |
IV. |
Annual Average for Permits (Grand Total 3) |
6.33 |
|
85 |
$3,744 |
SIP REVISIONS |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours per Review |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
V. |
Total for SIP Revisions (No SIP Revisions Required) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
VI. |
Annual Average for SIP Revisions (Total 3) |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
Table 6.12 Federal Burden for Years 1 – 3 (Aggregate Total) – Option 1
MAJOR NSR PERMITTING |
|||||
|
Activity |
Permits |
Hours Per Permit |
Annual Hours |
Annual Cost |
I. |
PART C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Review and Verify Applicability Determination |
9 |
1 |
9 |
$395 |
|
B. Review Control Technology Determination |
9 |
3 |
27 |
$1,185 |
|
C. Evaluate Air Quality Monitoring |
9 |
4 |
36 |
$1,580 |
|
D. Evaluate Alternative and Secondary Impact Analysis |
9 |
2 |
18 |
$790 |
|
E. Evaluate Class I Area Analysis |
9 |
2 |
18 |
$790 |
|
F. Administrative Tasks |
9 |
1 |
9 |
$395 |
|
G. Total |
9 |
13 |
117 |
$5,134 |
II. |
Part D (nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Review and Verify Applicability Determination |
10 |
1 |
10 |
$439 |
|
B. Review Control Technology Determination |
10 |
3 |
30 |
$1,316 |
|
C. Evaluate Offsets |
10 |
1 |
10 |
$439 |
|
D. Evaluate Air Quality Monitoring |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
E. Evaluate Alternative and Secondary Impact Analysis |
10 |
2 |
20 |
$878 |
|
F. Administrative Tasks |
10 |
1 |
10 |
$439 |
|
G. Total |
|
12 |
120 |
$5,266 |
III. |
Grand Total for Permitting |
19 |
|
237 |
$10,400 |
IV. |
Annual Average for Permits (Grand Total 3) |
6.33 |
|
79 |
$3,467 |
SIP REVISIONS |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours per Revision |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
V. |
Total for SIP Revisions |
112 |
5 |
560 |
$24,573 |
VI. |
Annual Average for SIP Revisions (Total 3) |
37.33 |
|
187 |
$8,191 |
Table 6.13 Federal Burden for Years 1 – 3 (Aggregate Total) – Options 2 and 3
MAJOR NSR PERMITTING (Same as Baseline) |
|||||
|
Activity |
Permits |
Hours Per Permit |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
I. |
PART C (PSD) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Review and Verify Applicability Determination |
9 |
2 |
18 |
$790 |
|
B. Review Control Technology Determination |
9 |
3 |
27 |
$1,185 |
|
C. Evaluate Air Quality Monitoring |
9 |
4 |
36 |
$1,580 |
|
D. Evaluate Alternative and Secondary Impact Analysis |
9 |
2 |
18 |
$790 |
|
E. Evaluate Class I Area Analysis |
9 |
2 |
18 |
$790 |
|
F. Administrative Tasks |
9 |
1 |
9 |
$395 |
|
G. Total |
9 |
14 |
126 |
$5,529 |
II. |
Part D (nonattainment) |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Review and Verify Applicability Determination |
10 |
2 |
20 |
$878 |
|
B. Review Control Technology Determination |
10 |
3 |
30 |
$1,316 |
|
C. Evaluate Offsets |
10 |
1 |
10 |
$439 |
|
D. Evaluate Air Quality Monitoring |
10 |
4 |
40 |
$1,755 |
|
E. Evaluate Alternative and Secondary Impact Analysis |
10 |
2 |
20 |
$878 |
|
F. Administrative Tasks |
10 |
1 |
10 |
$439 |
|
G. Total |
|
13 |
130 |
$5,704 |
III. |
Grand Total for Permits |
19 |
|
256 |
$11,233 |
IV. |
Annual Average for Permits (Grand Total 3) |
6.33 |
|
85 |
$3,744 |
SIP REVISIONS (Same as Option 1) |
|||||
|
Activity |
Affected RAs |
Hours per Review |
Total Hours |
Total Cost |
V. |
Total for SIP Revisions (No SIP Revisions Required) |
112 |
5 |
560 |
$24,573 |
VI. |
Annual Average for SIP Revisions (Total 3) |
37.33 |
|
187 |
$8,191 |
6.5 Bottom Line Burden and Cost
Table 6.14 displays the change in annual burden and costs for sources, reviewing authorities, and the Federal government under proposed Option 1. The second column of Table 6.14 lists the number of entities affected, based upon the methodologies and assumptions discussed above in each section. The third column displays the average change in hours per year. The fourth column gives the average change in costs per year, and the fifth column gives the average change in cost per affected entity. In the third, fourth, and fifth columns, negative numbers indicate a reduction in burden or cost, zero indicates no change, and a positive value indicates an increased burden or cost. Table 6.15 displays the same information for proposed Options 2 and 3.
Table 6.14 Average Annual Change in Burden and Cost for Option 1 a, b
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Change |
Average Number of Affected Entities per Year |
Average Annual Burden Hours |
Average Annualized Cost ($1,000) |
Average Cost per Entity ($1,000) |
SOURCES |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
6.33c |
4,440 |
$472 |
$74 |
Option 1 |
6.33c |
4,182 |
$450 |
$71 |
Change |
|
-259 |
-$22 |
-$3 |
RAs |
|
|
|
|
Permit Actions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
6.33c |
1,179 |
$52 |
$8.2 |
Option 1 |
6.33c |
1,139 |
$50 |
$7.9 |
Change |
0 |
-40 |
-$2 |
-$0.3 |
SIP Revisions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
37.33d |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Option 1 |
37.33d |
747 |
$33 |
$0.9 |
Change |
0 |
747 |
$33 |
$0.9 |
Overall Change |
|
707 |
$31 |
|
FEDERAL |
|
|
|
|
Permit Actions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
1e |
85 |
$3.7 |
$3.7 |
Option 1 |
1e |
79 |
$3.5 |
$3.5 |
Change |
0 |
-6 |
-$0.3 |
-$0.3 |
SIP Revisions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
1f |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Option 1 |
1f |
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
Change |
0 |
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
Overall Change |
|
181 |
$7.9 |
$7.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
a Costs are in 2005 dollars.
b Any discrepancies are the result of rounding error.
c Total number of affected entities over 3 years is 19; annual average number affected is 193 = 6.33. See Section 6.4.1 of this document for how we determined the number of affected entities.
d Burden incurred in year 2 only. Total number of affected RAs is 112; annual average number affected is 1123 = 37.33.
e EPA is the only affected Federal entity. Over 3 years, EPA would review 19 affected permits issued by RAs (annual average of 6.33).
f EPA is the only affected Federal entity. Burden to review 112 SIP revisions submitted by RAs incurred in year 3 only (annual average over 3 years of 37.33).
Table 6.15 Average Annual Change in Burden and Cost for Options 2 and 3 a, b
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Change |
Average Number of Affected Entities per Year |
Average Annual Burden Hours |
Average Annualized Cost ($1,000) |
Average Cost per Entity ($1,000) |
SOURCES |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
6.33c |
4,440 |
$472 |
$74 |
Option 1 |
6.33c |
4,440 |
$472 |
$74 |
Change |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
RAs |
|
|
|
|
Permit Actions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
6.33c |
1,179 |
$52 |
$8.2 |
Option 1 |
6.33c |
1,179 |
$52 |
$8.2 |
Change |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SIP Revisions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
37.33d |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Option 1 |
37.33d |
747 |
$33 |
$0.9 |
Change |
0 |
747 |
$33 |
$0.9 |
Overall Change |
|
747 |
$33 |
|
FEDERAL |
|
|
|
|
Permit Actions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
1e |
85 |
$3.7 |
$3.7 |
Option 1 |
1e |
85 |
$3.7 |
$3.7 |
Change |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SIP Revisions |
|
|
|
|
Baseline |
1f |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Option 1 |
1f |
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
Change |
0 |
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
Overall Change |
|
187 |
$8.2 |
$8.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
a Costs are in 2005 dollars.
b Any discrepancies are the result of rounding error.
c Total number of affected entities over 3 years is 19; annual average number affected is 193 = 6.33. See Section 6.4.1 of this document for how we determined the number of affected entities.
d Burden incurred in year 2 only. Total number of affected RAs is 112; annual average number affected is 1123 = 37.33.
e EPA is the only affected Federal entity. Over 3 years, EPA would review 19 affected permits issued by RAs (annual average of 6.33).
f EPA is the only affected Federal entity. Burden to review 112 SIP revisions submitted by RAs incurred in year 3 only (annual average over 3 years of 37.33).
6.6 Reasons for Change in Burden
6.7 Burden Statement
To comment on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of automated collection techniques, EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0160, which is available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and Radiation Docket and Information Cetner in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. The EPA Docket Center 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 Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center is (202) 566-1927. An electronic version of the public docket is available at www.regulations.gov. This site can be used to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. When in the system, select “search,” then key in the Docket ID Number identified above. Also, you can send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20503, Attention: Desk Officer for EPA. Please include the EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0160 and OMB Control Number 2060-0003 in any correspondence.
NOTE: The EPA Docket Center suffered damage due to flooding during the last week of June 2006. The Docket Center is continuing to operate. However, during the cleanup, there will be temporary changes to Docket Center telephone numbers, addresses, and hours of operation for people who wish to visit the Public Reading Room to view documents. Consult EPA's Federal Register notice at 71 FR 38147 (July 5, 2006) or the EPA website at www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm for current information on docket status, locations and telephone numbers.”
1Office of the President of the United States, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs; April 2002; Managing Information Collection and Dissemination; http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/inforeg/paperwork_policy_report_final.pdf
2The term “reviewing authority” is synonymous with the term “permitting authority” used in previous permit-related analyses. The reader should consider these terms interchangeable for comparison purposes.
3“Economic Assessment of the Impacts of Part C and D Regulatory Changes,” June 2, 1994.
4The definition for “small business” employed for all SIC categories in this analysis was any business employing fewer than 500 employees.
5 U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Bureau of Labor Statistics Data. http://data.bls.gov. Data for 2nd Quarter 2005. Accessed August 2006.
6 U.S., Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Draft Information Collection Request For Changes To The 40 CFR Part 51 And 52 Prevention Of Significant Deterioration And New Source Review Applicability Requirements For Modifications To Existing Sources, November 2002, p. 29.
7 Information Collection Request for Changes to the 40 CFR Parts 51 and 52 PSD and NSR Applicability Requirements for Modifications to Existing Sources. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC. November 2002. p. 19.
8 A. Rios and J. Santiago. Information Collection Request for 40 CFR Part 51 and 52 Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Nonattainment New Source Review. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC. October 2004. p. 14.
File Type | application/msword |
File Title | United States Environmental Protection Agency |
Author | Robin Barrows |
Last Modified By | ckerwin |
File Modified | 2006-09-29 |
File Created | 2006-09-26 |