This change
request covers only the pilot test program to be conducted in
Texas. The agency may resubmit a full information collection
request under this OMB Control Number to include the main test
program without additional Federal Register notices.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
07/31/2010
07/31/2010
07/31/2010
2,412
0
212
1,138
0
488
0
0
0
In response to recommendations from
the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences,
EPA is initiating a systematic data collection to estimate the
fraction of light-duty vehicles with high levels of evaporative
emissions. Data to be collected include vehicle type, recent repair
history and "in-use" or "real-world" evaporative emission rates.
The collection is a test program, to be conducted by the Office of
Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) in the Office of Air and
Radiation (OAR). This study will combine novel, newly developed
test procedures with statistical survey design to estimate the
number of vehicles with high evaporative emissions. The new
procedures will be developed in a pilot study that will precede the
actual test program. Development of new test procedures employing
new technology and test methods promises to substantially reduce
the cost of evaporative emissions measurement as well as improve
the accuracy of these estimates. The test program itself will be
conducted in Region 6, and participation in the program shall be
voluntary. The pilot program shall be conducted in EPA Region 8,
and participation in it shall also be voluntary. Evaporative
emissions will be measured using a variety of methods that will
include Remote Sensing, an infra-red camera specifically designed
to detect fugitive hydrocarbon emissions and a hydrocarbon sniffer
designed for automotive applications. Remote sensing data will be
collected prior to a standard I/M test as the vehicle approaches
the facility. Those owners solicited that agree to participate in
the program shall be provided with a rental car and their vehicle
immediately subjected to the test protocol outlined below as
resources permit. Following quality-assurance and analysis, the
data will be stored in OTAQ's Mobile Source Observation
Database.
This is a new collection in
response to recommendations from the National Research Council of
the National Academy of Sciences. EPA is initiating a systematic
data collection to estimate the fraction of light-duty vehicles
with high levels of evaporative emissions.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.