U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Information Collection Request
The New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Primary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Process Furnaces (Subpart N) were proposed on June 11, 1973; promulgated on March 8, 1974; and amended on October 17, 2000. These regulations apply to each basic oxygen process furnace (BOPF) in an iron and steel plant that commenced construction, modification, or reconstruction after the date of proposal. An opacity limit was promulgated on April 13, 1978, as a supplement to the mass standard. On January 20, 1983, amendments to the Standards of Performance for Primary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Process Furnaces merged with Standards of Performance for Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Process Steelmaking Facilities (Subpart Na). Subpart Na is applicable to any top‑blown BOPF, and hot metal transfer station or skimming stations used with bottom-blown or top-blown BOPF’s for which construction, reconstruction, or modification commenced after January 20, 1983. Subpart Na was promulgated on January 2, 1986. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na.
In general, all NSPS standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all affected facilities subject to NSPS.
Any owner/operator subject to the provisions of this part shall maintain a file of these measurements and retain the file for at least two years following the date of such measurements, maintenance reports, and records. All reports required to be submitted electronically are submitted through the EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX), using the Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI), where the delegated state or local authority can review them. In the event that there is no such delegated authority, the EPA regional office can review them. All other reports are sent to the delegated state or local authority. In the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are sent directly to the EPA regional offices. The use of the term "Designated Administrator" throughout this document refers to the U.S. EPA or a delegated authority such as a state agency. The term "Administrator" alone refers to the U.S. EPA Administrator.
The “Affected Public” are iron and steel plants that utilize basic oxygen furnaces. The burden to the “Affected Public” may be found in Table 1: Annual Respondent Burden and Cost – NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) (Renewal). The burden to the “Federal Government” burden is attributed entirely to work performed by federal employees or government contractors and may be found in Table 2: Average Annual EPA Burden and Cost – NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) (Renewal). There are approximately two basic oxygen furnace facilities, which are owned and operated by the iron and steel industry. Neither of the two facilities in the United States are owned by state, local, tribal or the Federal government. They are all owned and operated by privately-owned, for-profit businesses. We assume that they will all respond.
Based on our consultations with industry representatives, there is an average of one affected facility at each plant site and each plant site has only one respondent (i.e., the owner/operator of the plant site).
Over the next three years, approximately two respondents per year will be subject to the standard, and no additional respondents per year will become subject to the standard.
The active (previous) ICR has the following Terms of Clearance (TOC):
“In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years. As terms of clearance, upon renewal of this collection, EPA is required to include the following in its supporting statement for this and other NESHAP ICRs: (1) a description of the regulatory text applicable to the ICR including submission specifications; (2) a clear description of the data elements being collected under the ICR; (3) screen shots of the electronic portal where the reporting requirements are submitted to EPA (with the control number and burden statement); (4) a detailed discussion of how information is submitted and the extent to which electronic reporting is available; (5) evidence of consultation with respondents (by actively reaching out to stakeholders as permitted by the PRA) to ensure the supporting statement's accuracy on availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, accuracy of burden estimate, relevance of data elements, and similar PRA matters; and (6) discussion of how EPA addressed substantive concerns raised by respondents and other stakeholders during consultation and in response to comments received on FR notices. In addition, please convert the supporting statement to the standard 18 question SS-A format upon renewal.”
The relevant regulatory text is referenced in section 4(b) of this document. We have created a supplementary document including the regulatory text that describes the ICR requirements, which includes a description of the data elements being collected under the ICR, as identified in section 4(b)(i) of this document. This NSPS does not require electronic reporting, and the Agency has not developed specific reporting forms for this subpart for use within CEDRI. The list of rules and required reports available in CEDRI are available at https://www.epa.gov/electronic-reporting-air-emissions/cedri. The notifications and reports required of respondents may be submitted to the authority by any appropriate method such as paper letter or electronic data file. A description of the EPA’s consultation with respondents and how EPA responded to any concerns raised by respondents or other stakeholders is discussed in sections 3(b) and 3(c) of this document.
Supporting Statement A
Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.
The EPA is charged under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), as amended, to establish standards of performance for new stationary sources that reflect:
. . . application of the best technological system of continuous emissions reduction which (taking into consideration the cost of achieving such emissions reduction, or any non-air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements) the Administrator determines has been adequately demonstrated. Section 111(a)(l).
The Agency refers to this charge as selecting the best demonstrated technology (BDT). Section 111 also requires that the Administrator review and, if appropriate, revise such standards every eight years.
In addition, section 114(a) states that the Administrator may require any owner/operator subject to any requirement of this Act to:
(A) Establish and maintain such records; (B) make such reports; (C) install, use, and maintain such monitoring equipment, and use such audit procedures, or methods; (D) sample such emissions (in accordance with such procedures or methods, at such locations, at such intervals, during such periods, and in such manner as the Administrator shall prescribe); (E) keep records on control equipment parameters, production variables or other indirect data when direct monitoring of emissions is impractical; (F) submit compliance certifications in accordance with Section 114(a)(3); and (G) provide such other information as the Administrator may reasonably require.
In the Administrator's judgment, particulate matter emissions from BOPFs at iron and steel plants either cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Therefore, the NSPS were promulgated for this source category at 40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na.
Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.
The recordkeeping and reporting requirements in these standards ensure compliance with the applicable regulations which were promulgated in accordance with the Clean Air Act. The collected information is also used for targeting inspections and as evidence in legal proceedings.
Performance tests are required in order to determine an affected facility’s initial capability to comply with these emission standards. Continuous emission monitors are used to ensure compliance with these standards at all times.
The notifications required in these standards are used to inform the Agency or delegated authority when a source becomes subject to the requirements of the regulations. The reviewing authority may then inspect the source to check if the pollution control devices are properly installed and operated, leaks are being detected and repaired, and the standards are being met. The performance test may also be observed.
The required semiannual reports are used to determine periods of excess emissions, identify problems at the facility, verify operation/maintenance procedures and for compliance determinations.
Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
Some of the respondents are using monitoring equipment that automatically records parameter data. Although personnel at the affected facility must still evaluate the data, internal automation has significantly reduced the burden associated with monitoring and recordkeeping at a plant site.
Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.
For reports required to be submitted electronically, the information is sent through the EPA's CDX, using CEDRI, where the appropriate EPA regional office can review it, as well as state and local agencies that have been delegated authority. If a state or local agency has adopted under its own authority its own standards for reporting or data collection, adherence to those non-Federal requirements does not constitute duplication.
For all other reports, if the subject standards have not been delegated, the information is sent directly to the appropriate EPA regional office. Otherwise, the information is sent directly to the delegated state or local agency. If a state or local agency has adopted its own standards to implement the Federal standards, a copy of the report submitted to the state or local agency can be sent to the Administrator in lieu of the report required by the Federal standards. Therefore, duplication does not exist.
If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
The majority of the respondents are large entities (i.e., large businesses). However, the impact on small entities (i.e., small businesses) was taken into consideration during the development of these regulations. Due to technical considerations involving the process operations and the types of control equipment employed, the recordkeeping and reporting requirements are the same for both small and large entities. The Agency considers these to be the minimum requirements needed to ensure compliance and, therefore, cannot reduce them further for small entities. To the extent that larger businesses can use economies of scale to reduce their burden, the overall burden will be reduced.
Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
Less frequent information collection would decrease the margin of assurance that facilities are continuing to meet the standards. Requirements for information gathering and recordkeeping are useful techniques to ensure that good operation and maintenance practices are applied and emission limitations are met. If the information required by these standards was collected less frequently, the proper operation and maintenance of control equipment and the possibility of detecting violations would be less likely.
Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with PRA Guidelines at 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2).
With the following exception, these reporting or recordkeeping requirements do not violate any of the regulations promulgated by OMB under 5 CFR Part 1320, Section 1320.5.
If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the Agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the Agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.
An announcement of a public comment period for the renewal of this ICR was published in the Federal Register (88 FR 31748) on May 18, 2023. No comments were received on the burden published in the Federal Register for this renewal.
Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the Agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported. Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years - even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.
The Agency has consulted industry experts and internal data sources to project the number of affected facilities and industry growth over the next three years. The primary source of information as reported by industry, in compliance with the recordkeeping and reporting provisions in the standard, is the Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS). ICIS is EPA’s database for the collection, maintenance, and retrieval of compliance data for industrial and government-owned facilities. The growth rate for the industry is based on our consultations with the Agency’s internal industry experts. Approximately two respondents will be subject to the standard over the three-year period covered by this ICR.
Industry trade association(s) and other interested parties were provided an opportunity to comment on the burden associated with the standard as it was being developed and the standard has been previously reviewed to determine the minimum information needed for compliance purposes. In developing this ICR, we contacted both the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) at (202) 452-7100 and the North Start BlueScope Steel at (419) 822-2200. In this case, no comments were received.
It is our policy to respond after a thorough review of comments received since the last ICR renewal as well as those submitted in response to the first Federal Register notice. In this case, no comments were received.
Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
The Agency does not intend to provide payments or gifts to respondents as part of this collection.
Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or Agency policy. If the collection requires a systems of records notice (SORN) or privacy impact assessment (PIA), those should be cited and described here.
Any information submitted to the Agency for which a claim of confidentiality is made will be safeguarded according to the Agency policies set forth in Title 40, chapter 1, part 2, subpart B - Confidentiality of Business Information (see 40 CFR 2; 41 FR 36902, September 1, 1976; amended by 43 FR 40000, September 8, 1978; 43 FR 42251, September 20, 1978; 44 FR 17674, March 23, 1979).
Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the Agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
The reporting or recordkeeping requirements in the standard do not include sensitive questions.
Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:
Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated.
If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and the aggregate the hour burdens.
Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included as O&M costs under non-labor costs covered under question 13.
The respondents to the recordkeeping and reporting requirements are BOPFs at iron and steel plants. The United States Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code for the respondents affected by these standards and the corresponding North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes are listed in the table below:
Standard (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) |
SIC Codes |
NAICS Codes |
Iron and Steel Mills Ferroalloy Manufacturing |
3312, 3313, 3399 |
331110 |
Steel Wire Drawing |
3315 |
331222 |
Rolled Steel Shape Manufacturing |
3312, 3316, 3399 |
331221 |
Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel |
3317 |
331210 |
Based on our research for this ICR, on average over the next three years, approximately two existing respondents will be subject to the standard. It is estimated that no additional respondents per year will become subject. The overall average number of respondents, as shown in the table below, is two per year.
The number of respondents is calculated using the following table that addresses the three years covered by this ICR.
Number of Respondents |
|||||
|
Respondents That Submit Reports |
Respondents That Do Not Submit Any Reports |
|
||
Year |
(A) Number of New Respondents a |
(B) Number of Existing Respondents |
(C) Number of Existing Respondents that keep records but do not submit reports |
(D) Number of Existing Respondents That Are Also New Respondents |
(E) Number of Respondents (E=A+B+C-D) |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
Average |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
a New respondents include sources with constructed, reconstructed and modified affected facilities.
Column D is subtracted to avoid double-counting respondents. As shown above, the average Number of Respondents over the three-year period of this ICR is two.
The total number of annual responses per year is calculated using the following table:
Total Annual Responses |
||||
(A) Information Collection Activity |
(B) Number of Respondents |
(C) Number of Responses |
(D) Number of Existing Respondents That Keep Records But Do Not Submit Reports |
(E) Total Annual Responses E=(BxC)+D |
Notification of construction or modification |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Notification of performance test |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Report results of performance test |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Semiannual report |
2 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
|
|
|
Total |
4 |
The number of Total Annual Responses is four.
In this ICR, all the data that are recorded or reported is required by the NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na).
A source must make the following reports:
Notifications |
|
Notification of construction/reconstruction |
§60.7(a)(1) |
Notification of actual startup |
§60.7(a)(3) |
Notification of physical or operational change |
§60.7(a)(4) |
Notification of monitoring system performance commencement |
§60.7(a)(5) |
Performance test results |
§60.8(a) |
Notification of performance test |
§60.8(d) |
Demonstration of continuous monitoring system |
§60.7(a)(5) |
Reports |
|
Semiannual compliance reports of all measurements over any 3-hour period that average more than 10 percent below the average level maintained during the most recent performance test in which the facility demonstrated compliance with the standard |
§§60.7(c), 60.143(c), 60.143a(d)-(e) |
A source must keep the following records:
Recordkeeping |
|
Maintain records of startup, shutdown, or malfunction period where the continuous monitoring system is inoperative |
§60.7(b) |
Emission test results, continuous monitoring system data, performance test results and other data needed to determine compliance with mass and visible emission limits |
§§60.7(f), 60.145a |
Time and duration of each steel production cycle |
§60.143(a) |
Record the time and duration of the rates or levels of any diversion of exhaust gases from the main stack servicing the BOPF |
§60.143(a) |
Record the various rates or levels of exhaust ventilation at each phase of the cycle through each duct of the secondary emission capture system |
§60.143a(a)-(b) |
Record of time and duration of the visible emission data sets |
§60.145a(d) |
Record the particulate matter concentration (i.e., opacity levels) exiting the control device and discharge into the atmosphere |
§60.142(a)-(b) |
Record the pressure loss through the venture constriction of the scrubber continuously |
§60.143(b)(1) |
Record the water supply pressure to the venture scrubber control equipment continuously |
§60.143(b)(2) |
Records are required to be retained for 2 years |
§60.7(f) |
Respondent Activities |
Familiarization with the regulatory requirements. |
Install, calibrate, maintain, and operate CMS for opacity, or for pressure drop and liquid supply pressure for venturi scrubber. |
Perform initial performance test, Reference Method 5, 9, and 2 tests, and repeat performance tests if necessary. |
Write the notifications and reports listed above. |
Enter information required to be recorded above. |
Submit the required reports developing, acquiring, installing, and utilizing technology and systems for collecting, validating, and verifying information. |
Develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for processing and maintaining information. |
Develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for disclosing and providing information. |
Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information. |
Transmit, or otherwise disclose the information. |
The specific frequency for each information collection activity within this request is shown at the end of this document in Table 1: Annual Respondent Burden and Cost – NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) (Renewal).
The average annual burden to industry over the next three years from these recordkeeping and reporting requirements is estimated to be 628 (Total Labor Hours from Table 1). These hours are based on Agency studies and background documents from the development of the regulation, Agency knowledge and experience with the NSPS program, the previously approved ICR, and any comments received.
This ICR uses the following labor rates:
Managerial $163.17 ($77.70 + 110%)
Technical $130.28 ($62.04 + 110%)
Clerical $65.71 ($31.29 + 110%)
These rates are from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2022, “Table 2. Civilian workers by occupational and industry group.” The rates are from column 1, “Total compensation.” The rates have been increased by 110 percent to account for varying industry wage rates and the additional overhead business costs of employing workers beyond their wages and benefits, including business expenses associated with hiring, training, and equipping their employees.
The total annual labor hours are 628. Details regarding these estimates may be found in Table 1: Annual Respondent Burden and Cost – NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) (Renewal).
We assume that burdens for managerial tasks take 5% of the time required for technical tasks because the typical tasks for managers are to review and approve reports. Clerical burdens are assumed to take 10% of the time required for technical tasks because the typical duties of clerical staff are to proofread the reports, make copies and maintain records.
Furthermore, the annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 157 hours per response.
Provide an estimate for the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected on the burden worksheet).
The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should consider costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling, and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.
If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collections services should be a part of this cost burden estimate.
Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.
The type of industry costs associated with the information collection activities in the subject standard(s) are both labor costs which are addressed elsewhere in this ICR and the costs associated with continuous monitoring. The capital/startup costs are one-time costs when a facility becomes subject to the regulation. The annual operation and maintenance costs are the ongoing costs to maintain the monitor(s) and other costs such as photocopying and postage.
Capital/Startup vs. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Costs |
||||||
(A) Continuous Monitoring Device |
(B) Capital/Startup Cost for One Respondent b |
(C) Number of New Respondents |
(D) Total Capital/Startup Cost, (B X C) |
(E) Annual O&M Costs for One Respondent b |
(F) Number of Respondents with O&M |
(G) Total O&M, (E X F) |
Flow meters to measure exhaust gas flow rate |
$25,527 |
0 |
$0 |
$1,276 |
2 |
$2,553 |
Flow meters to measure pressure flow rate |
$0 |
0 |
$0 |
$1,276 |
1 |
$1,276 |
Totals (rounded) a |
|
|
$0 |
|
|
$3,830 |
a Totals have been rounded to 3 significant figures. Figures may not add exactly due to rounding.
b Costs have been increased from 2008 to 2022 $ using the CEPCI Equipment Cost Index.
The total capital/startup costs for this ICR are $0. This is the total of column D in the above table.
The total operation and maintenance (O&M) costs for this ICR are $3,830. This is the total of column G.
The average annual cost for capital/startup and operation and maintenance costs to industry over the next three years of the ICR is estimated to be $3,830. These are recordkeeping costs.
The total annual capital/startup and O&M costs to the regulated entity are $3,830. The cost calculations are detailed in Section 6(b)(iii), Capital/Startup vs. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Costs.
Provide estimates of annualized costs to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.
EPA conducts the following activities in connection with the acquisition, analysis, storage, and distribution of the required information.
Agency Activities |
Review notifications and reports, including performance test reports, and excess emissions reports, required to be submitted by industry. |
Audit facility records. |
Input, analyze, and maintain data in the Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) and ICIS. |
Following notification of startup, the reviewing authority could inspect the source to determine whether the pollution control devices are properly installed and operated. Performance test reports are used by the Agency to discern a source’s initial capability to comply with the emission standard and note the operating conditions under which compliance was achieved. Data and records maintained by the respondents are tabulated and published for use in compliance and enforcement programs. The semiannual reports are used for problem identification, as a check on source operation and maintenance, and for compliance determinations.
Information contained in the reports is reported by state and local governments in the ICIS Air database, which is operated and maintained by EPA's Office of Compliance. EPA uses ICIS for tracking air pollution compliance and enforcement by local and state regulatory agencies, EPA regional offices and EPA headquarters. EPA and its delegated Authorities can edit, store, retrieve and analyze the data.
The records required by this regulation must be retained by the owner/operator for two years.
Estimating Agency Burden and Cost
The only costs to the Agency are those costs associated with analysis of the reported information. EPA's overall compliance and enforcement program includes activities such as the examination of records maintained by the respondents, periodic inspection of sources of emissions, and the publication and distribution of collected information.
The average annual Agency cost during the three years of the ICR is estimated to be $1,220.
This cost is based on the average hourly labor rate as follows:
Managerial $73.46 (GS-13, Step 5, $45.91 + 60%)
Technical $54.51 (GS-12, Step 1, $34.07 + 60%)
Clerical $29.50 (GS-6, Step 3, $18.44 + 60%)
These rates are from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 2023 General Schedule, which excludes locality rates of pay. The rates have been increased by 60 percent to account for the benefit packages available to government employees. Details upon which this estimate is based appear at the end of this document in Table 2: Average Annual EPA Burden and Cost – NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) (Renewal).
The average annual Agency burden and cost over next three years is estimated to be 23 labor hours at a cost of $1,220. See Table 2: Average Annual EPA Burden and Cost – NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) (Renewal).
We assume that burdens for managerial tasks take 5% of the time required for technical tasks because the typical tasks for managers are to review and approve reports. Clerical burdens are assumed to take 10% of the time required for technical tasks because the typical duties of clerical staff are to proofread the reports, make copies and maintain records.
There are no anticipated non-labor costs for the Agency.
Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in the burden or capital/O&M cost estimates.
The decrease in burden from the most recently approved ICR is an adjustment due to a decrease in the number of sources. The previous ICR included sources that were constructed, reconstructed, or modified before the date of promulgation of Subpart N. These sources have been removed from the burden and cost calculations of this renewal. Additionally, the Capital/Startup and O&M costs have decreased due to the decrease in number of sources.
For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
Although this rule does not require electronic reporting, respondents could choose to submit notifications or reports electronically. All non-CBI data submitted electronically to the Agency through CEDRI are available to the public for review and printing and are accessible using WebFIRE. Electronically submitted emissions data from performance testing or performance evaluations using the Electronic Reporting Tool or templates attached to CEDRI, as well as data from reports from regulations with electronic templates, are tabulated; data submitted as portable document format (PDF) files attached to CEDRI are neither tabulated nor subject to complex analytical techniques. Electronically submitted emissions data used to develop emissions factors undergo complex analytical techniques and the draft emissions factors are available on the Clearinghouse for Inventories and Emission Factors listserv at https://www.epa.gov/chief/chief-listserv for public review and printing. Electronically submitted emissions data, as well as other data, obtained from one-time or sporadic information collection requests often undergo complex analytical techniques; results of those activities are included in individual rulemaking dockets and are available at https://www.regulations.gov/ for public review and printing.
If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
The Agency plans to display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection on all instruments.
Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions.”
This information collection complies with all provisions of the Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions.
Table 1: Annual Respondent Burden and Cost – NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) (Renewal).
Burden Item |
(A) |
(B) |
(C) |
(D) |
(E) |
(F) |
(G) |
(H) |
1. Applications |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. Survey and Studies |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. Reporting requirements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Familiarization with rule requirementsc |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
$290.02 |
B. Required activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance tests d |
194 |
1 |
194 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Repeat of performance test e |
194 |
1 |
194 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Daily monitoring of emissions and operations |
See 4E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Create information |
See 3B and 4E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Gather existing information |
See 3B and 4E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Write Report |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notification of reconstruction or modification |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Notification of performance test |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Performance test results |
32 |
1 |
32 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Semiannual report of excess emissions f |
10 |
2 |
20 |
2 |
40 |
2 |
4 |
$5,800.38 |
Subtotal for Reporting Requirements |
|
|
|
|
48 |
$6,090 |
||
4. Recordkeeping requirements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Familiarization with rule requirements |
See 3A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. Plan activities |
See 3B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Implement Activities |
See 3B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Develop record system |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Time to enter information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Records of operating parameters |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Exhaust ventilation rate g |
0.25 |
365 |
91.25 |
2 |
182.5 |
9.125 |
18.25 |
$26,464.23 |
- Across the venture scrubber (i.e., pressure drop and water supply pressure) h |
0.25 |
365 |
91.25 |
1 |
91.25 |
4.5625 |
9.125 |
$13,232.12 |
Records of performance test |
See 3B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Records of duration of each steel production cycle, and time and duration of any diversion of exhaust gases from the main stack serving the BOPF i |
0.25 |
365 |
91.25 |
2 |
182.5 |
9.125 |
18.25 |
$26,464.23 |
Recalibrate and check monitoring devices j |
8 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
16 |
0.8 |
1.6 |
$2,320.15 |
F. Time to train personnel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Certification of opacity observer k |
8 |
2 |
16 |
2 |
32 |
1.6 |
3.2 |
$4,640.30 |
Subtotal for Recordkeeping Requirements |
|
580 |
$73,121 |
|||||
Total Labor Burden and Costs (rounded) l |
|
628 |
$79,200 |
|||||
Total Capital and O&M Cost (rounded) l |
|
$3,830 |
||||||
GRAND TOTAL (rounded) l |
|
$83,000 |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a We have assumed that there are approximately two respondents (i.e., BOPF shops) that are subject to the regulation, with no additional new or reconstructed sources becoming subject to the rule over the next three years. |
||||||||
b This ICR uses the following labor rates: $163.17 per hour for Executive, Administrative, and Managerial labor; $130.28 per hour for Technical labor, and $65.71 per hour for Clerical labor. These rates are from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2022, Table 2. Civilian Workers, by Occupational and Industry groups. The rates are from column 1, Total Compensation. The rates have been increased by 110 percent to account for varying industry wage rates and the additional overhead business costs of employing workers beyond their wages and benefits, including business expenses associated with hiring, training, and equipping their employees. |
||||||||
c We have assumed that it will take one hour for each respondent to familiarize with rule requirements. |
||||||||
d We have assumed that it will take 194 hours for each respondent to complete a performance test. This is a one time requirement. |
||||||||
e We have assumed that it will take 10 percent of respondents to repeat performance test due to failures. This is a one time requirement. |
||||||||
f We have assumed that it will take 10 hours twice per year for each respondent to write the semiannual reports if excess emission. |
||||||||
g We have assumed that it will take each of the two respondent 0.25 hours, 365 times per year, to record the exhaust ventilation rate. |
||||||||
h We have assumed one of the existing respondents will use venturi scrubbers as primary emission control systems. We have assumed that it will take the respondent 0.25 hours, 365 times per year, to enter information on records of CMS operating parameters across the venturi scrubber. |
||||||||
i We have assumed that it will take each respondent 0.25 hours, 365 days per year, to record the duration of each steel production cycle. |
||||||||
j We have assumed that it will take each respondent eight hours once per year to recalibrate and check monitoring devices. |
||||||||
k We have assumed that it will take each respondent eight hours twice per year to train personnel on certification of opacity observer. |
||||||||
l Totals have been rounded to 3 significant figures. Figures may not add exactly due to rounding. |
||||||||
Table 2: Average Annual EPA Burden and Cost – NSPS for Primary and Secondary Emissions from Basic Oxygen Furnaces (40 CFR Part 60, Subparts N and Na) (Renewal)
Burden item |
(A) |
(B) |
(C) |
(D) |
(E) |
(F) |
(G) |
(H) |
New facility |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notification of performance test c |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Report of performance test results d |
8 |
1 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Notification of reconstruction/modification e |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Review reports: Existing and new sources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semiannual reports of excess emissions and monitoring systems performance f |
5 |
2 |
10 |
2 |
20 |
1 |
2 |
$1,222.66 |
TOTAL (rounded) g |
|
23 |
$1,220 |
|||||
|
||||||||
Assumptions: |
||||||||
a We have assumed that there are approximately two respondents (i.e., BOPF shops) that are subject to the regulation, with no additional new or reconstructed sources becoming subject to the rule over the next three years. |
||||||||
b This cost is based on the average hourly labor rate as follows: Managerial $73.46 (GS-13, Step 5, $45.91 + 60%); Technical $54.51 (GS-12, Step 1, $34.07 + 60%); and Clerical $29.50 (GS-6, Step 3, $18.44 + 60%). This ICR assumes that Managerial hours are 5 percent of Technical hours, and Clerical hours are 10 percent of Technical hours. These rates are from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 2023 General Schedule, which excludes locality, rates of pay. The rates have been increased by 60 percent to account for the benefit packages available to government employees. |
||||||||
c We have assumed that it will take two hours once per year for each respondent to perform the performance test. This is a one-time requirement. |
||||||||
d We have assumed that it will take eight hours once per year for each respondent to report the performance test results. This is a one-time requirement. |
||||||||
e We have assumed that it will take two hours once per year for each respondent to comply with the notification requirements of the rule. This is a one-time requirement. |
||||||||
f We have assumed that it will take five hours twice per year for each respondent to submit semiannual reports of excess emissions and monitoring systems with all measurements over any three hour period (e.g., of low pressure) that average more than 10 percent below the averages during the most recent performance test. |
||||||||
g Totals have been rounded to 3 significant figures. Figures may not add exactly due to rounding. |
||||||||
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| File Title | 18Q Supporting Statement Instructions_draft |
| Author | McGrath, Daniel |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2025-03-02 |