80 FR 9454 - Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Transportation Conformity Determinations for Federally Funded and Approved Transportation Plans, Programs and Projects
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 35 (February 23, 2015)
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 35 (February 23, 2015)
| Page Range | 9454-9456 | |
| FR Document | 2015-03577 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 9454-9456] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-03577] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0269; FRL-9923-38-OAR] Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Transportation Conformity Determinations for Federally Funded and Approved Transportation Plans, Programs and Projects AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Transportation Conformity Determinations for Federally Funded and Approved Transportation Plans, Programs, and Projects'' (EPA ICR No. 2130.05, OMB Control No. 2060-0561) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before April 24, 2015. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR- 2007-0269 online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method) or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 [[Page 9455]] Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Astrid Larsen, Transportation and Climate Division, State Measures and Transportation Planning Center, Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; telephone number: 734-214-4812; fax number: 734-214-4052; email address: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit www.epa.gov/dockets. Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. Abstract: Transportation conformity is required under Clean Air Act section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7506(c)) to ensure that federally supported transportation activities are consistent with (``conform to'') the purpose of the state air quality implementation plan (SIP). Transportation activities include transportation plans, transportation improvement programs (TIPs), and federally funded or approved highway or transit projects. Conformity to the purpose of the SIP means that transportation activities will not cause or contribute to new air quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment of the relevant national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS or ``standards'') or interim milestones. Transportation conformity applies under EPA's conformity regulations at 40 CFR part 93, subpart A, to areas that are designated nonattainment, and those redesignated to attainment after 1990 (``maintenance areas'' with plans developed under Clean Air Act section 175A) for the following transportation-related criteria pollutants: ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10 ), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ). The EPA published the original transportation conformity rule on November 24, 1993 (58 FR 62188), and subsequently published several revisions. EPA develops the conformity regulations in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Transportation conformity determinations are required before federal approval or funding is given to certain types of transportation planning documents as well as non-exempt highway and transit projects.\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Some projects are exempt from all or certain conformity requirements; see 40 CFR 93.126, 93.127, and 93.128. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EPA considered the following in renewing the existing ICR:Burden estimates for transportation conformity determinations (including both regional and project-level) in current nonattainment and maintenance areas for the ozone, PM 2.5 , PM10 , CO, and NO2 NAAQS;Federal burden associated with EPA's adequacy review process for submitted SIP motor vehicle emissions budgets that are to be used in conformity determinations; Efficiencies in areas making conformity determinations for multiple NAAQS; Differences in conformity resource needs in large and small metropolitan areas and isolated rural areas; Burden estimates for the transition from MOVES2010 to MOVES2014: Reduced burden as a result of areas no longer determining conformity for the 1997 ozone NAAQS due to revocation \2\ anticipated in early 2015; and, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ See 78 FR 34178 (June 3, 2013). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reduced burden as a result of areas completing 20 years of maintenance for the PM 10 and CO NAAQS, at which time transportation conformity is no longer required. This ICR does not include burden associated with the general development of transportation planning and air quality planning documents for meeting other federal requirements. Form numbers: None. Respondents/affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are metropolitan planning organizations, local transit agencies, state departments of transportation, and state and local air quality agencies. Federal agencies potentially affected by this action include FHWA, FTA, and EPA. Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory pursuant to Clean Air Act section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7506(c)) and 40 CFR part 51 and 93. Estimated number of respondents: EPA estimates that 126 MPOs will be subject to conformity requirements during the period covered by this ICR and that EPA Regional Offices, the FHWA, and FTA will be involved in interagency consultation, and review of transportation-related conformity determinations performed by MPOs during this process. EPA also estimates that similar consultation will occur for projects in isolated rural areas. Frequency of response: The information collections described in this ICR must be completed before a transportation plan, TIP, or project conformity determination is made. The Clean Air Act requires conformity to be determined for transportation plans and TIPs every four years. Conformity determinations on projects in metropolitan and isolated rural areas are required on as as-needed bases. Total estimated burden: 63,237 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b). Total estimated cost: $3,768,668 (per year), includes zero annualized capital or operation and maintenance costs. Changes in estimates: There is a decrease of 136,200 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB. This decrease is due to less burden associated with decreased conformity analysis for PM10, CO and 1997 ozone NAAQS, the transition from MOVES2010 to MOVES2014, decreased [[Page 9456]] project-level conformity analyses, and decreased EPA adequacy findings. Dated: February 12, 2015. Karl Simon, Director, Transportation and Climate Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality. [FR Doc. 2015-03577 Filed 2-20-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![9454 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 35 / Monday, February 23, 2015 / Notices
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Washington, DC 20460; telephone to obtain or retain a benefit (40 CFR
AGENCY number: 703–308–5477; fax number: parts 266 and 279).
703–308–8433; email address: Estimated number of respondents:
[EPA–HQ–RCRA–2014–0694; FRL—9922–
vyas.peggy@epa.gov. 134,280.
67–OEI]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Frequency of response: Occasionally.
Information Collection Request Supporting documents, which explain Total estimated burden: 679,354
Submitted to OMB for Review and in detail the information that the EPA hours per year. Burden is defined at 5
Approval; Comment Request; will be collecting, are available in the CFR 1320.03(b)
Requirements and Exemptions for public docket for this ICR. The docket Total estimated cost: $44,737,952 (per
Specific RCRA Wastes (Renewal) can be viewed online at year), includes $10,015,823 annualized
www.regulations.gov or in person at the capital or operation & maintenance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection EPA Docket Center, EPA WJC, Room costs.
Agency (EPA). 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Changes in the Estimates: There is an
ACTION: Notice. Washington, DC. The telephone number increase of 28,189 hours in the total
for the Docket Center is 202–566–1744. estimated respondent burden compared
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection with the ICR currently approved by
For additional information about EPA’s
Agency has submitted an information OMB. This increase is due to updating
public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/
collection request (ICR), ‘‘Requirements the current Universe and Mixed Waste
dockets.
and Exemptions for Specific RCRA estimates.
Abstract: In 1995, EPA promulgated
Wastes (Renewal)’’ (EPA ICR No.
regulations at 40 CFR part 273 that Courtney Kerwin,
1597.11, OMB Control No. 2050–0145)
govern the collection and management Acting Director, Collection Strategies
to the Office of Management and Budget
of widely-generated hazardous wastes Division.
(OMB) for review and approval in
known as ‘‘Universal Wastes.’’ Part 273 [FR Doc. 2015–03541 Filed 2–20–15; 8:45 am]
accordance with the Paperwork
regulations are designed to ensure
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
facilities collect and properly manage
This is a proposed extension of the ICR,
these wastes. EPA needs to collect
which is currently approved through
notifications of Universal Waste ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
February 28, 2015. Public comments
management to obtain general AGENCY
were previously requested via the
information on handlers and to facilitate
Federal Register (79 FR 65652) on [EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0269; FRL–9923–38–
enforcement of the part 273 regulations,
November 5, 2014 during a 60-day OAR]
to ensure that Universal Waste is being
comment period. This notice allows for
accumulated responsibly, to collect Proposed Information Collection
an additional 30 days for public
information on illegal Universal Waste Request; Comment Request;
comments. A fuller description of the
shipments, and lastly to help ensure Transportation Conformity
ICR is given below, including its
that Universal Waste is being properly Determinations for Federally Funded
estimated burden and cost to the public.
treated, recycled, and/or disposed. In and Approved Transportation Plans,
An Agency may not conduct or sponsor
2001, EPA promulgated regulations in Programs and Projects
and a person is not required to respond
40 CFR part 266 that provide increased
to a collection of information unless it AGENCY: Environmental Protection
flexibility to facilities managing wastes
displays a currently valid OMB control Agency (EPA).
commonly known as ‘‘Mixed Waste.’’
number.
Section 266.345(a) requires that ACTION: Notice.
DATES: Additional comments may be generators or treaters notify EPA or the
submitted on or before March 25, 2015. Authorized State that they are claiming SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, the Transportation and Disposal Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an
referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– Conditional Exemption prior to the information collection request (ICR),
RCRA–2014–0694, to (1) EPA online initial shipment of a waste to a LLRW ‘‘Transportation Conformity
using www.regulations.gov (our disposal facility. Finally, the regulations Determinations for Federally Funded
preferred method), by email to rcra- at 40 CFR part 279 establish streamlined and Approved Transportation Plans,
docket@epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA procedures for notification, testing, Programs, and Projects’’ (EPA ICR No.
Docket Center, Environmental labeling, and recordkeeping including 2130.05, OMB Control No. 2060–0561)
Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, an approach for tracking off-site to the Office of Management and Budget
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., shipments that allow used oil handlers (OMB) for review and approval in
Washington, DC 20460, and (2) OMB via to use standard business practices (e.g., accordance with the Paperwork
email to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov. invoices, bill of lading). Used oil Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Address comments to OMB Desk Officer transporters must comply with all Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public
for EPA. applicable packaging, labeling, and comments on specific aspects of the
EPA’s policy is that all comments placarding requirements of 49 CFR parts proposed information collection as
received will be included in the public 173, 178, and 179. In addition, used oil described below. This is a proposed
docket without change including any transporters must report discharges of extension of the ICR.
personal information provided, unless used oil according to existing 49 CFR DATES: Comments must be submitted on
the comment includes profanity, threats, part 171 and 33 CFR part 153 or before April 24, 2015.
Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
information claimed to be Confidential requirements. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
Business Information (CBI) or other Form Numbers: None. referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
information whose disclosure is Respondents/affected entities: Private OAR–2007–0269 online using
restricted by statute. Sector and State, Local, or Tribal www.regulations.gov (our preferred
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Governments. method) or by mail to: EPA Docket
Peggy Vyas, Environmental Protection Respondent’s obligation to respond: Center, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Mandatory (40 CFR part 273), required Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200
VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:19 Feb 20, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_9489/page/1.svg)
![9456 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 35 / Monday, February 23, 2015 / Notices
project-level conformity analyses, and Federal Register, pursuant to section the petitioner in accordance with a
decreased EPA adequacy findings. 307(b) of the Act. settlement agreement reached on
Dated: February 12, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may review copies of January 22, 2015 between the Petitioner
Karl Simon, the final Orders, the petitions, and other and the EPA.
supporting information at EPA Region 6, The claims are described in detail in
Director, Transportation and Climate
Division, Office of Transportation and Air 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202– Section IV of the Order. In summary, the
Quality. 2733. issues raised are that: (1) the
[FR Doc. 2015–03577 Filed 2–20–15; 8:45 am] For Information: Please contact Brad Compliance Assurance Monitoring
Toups at (214) 665–7258, email address: (CAM) provisions in the Martin Lake,
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
toups.brad@epa.gov or the above EPA, Monticello and Big Brown permits do
Region 6 address, to view copies of the not assure compliance with the
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION final Orders, petitions, and other applicable particulate matter (PM)
AGENCY supporting information. You may view emission limit during periods of startup,
the hard copies Monday through Friday, shutdown, maintenance and
[FRL–9923–16–Region 6] from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding malfunction; (2) the record supporting
Federal holidays. If you wish to the CAM opacity indicator ranges for
Clean Air Act Operating Permit examine these documents, you should PM for Monticello Units 1, 2 and 3 is
Program; Petitions for Objection to make an appointment at least 24 hours deficient and not based on reliable data;
State Operating Permits for Luminant before the visiting day. Additionally, the and (3) the Big Brown permit must be
Generating Company, LLC Steam final January 23, 2015 Order is available revised to ensure that any credible
Electric Generating Stations Martin electronically at: http://www.epa.gov/ evidence may be used to demonstrate
Lake, Monticello, and Big Brown in region07/air/title5/petitiondb/petitions/ noncompliance with applicable
Texas luminant_response2014.pdf. requirements.
AGENCY: Environmental Protection SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The CAA Due to significant overlap in the
Agency (EPA). affords the EPA a 45-day period to issues raised in the Petitions and the
review, and object, as appropriate, to a similarity of the relevant permit
ACTION: Notice of final action.
title V operating permit proposed by a conditions in each of the three permits,
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Clean Air Act state permitting authority. Section the EPA is responding to the identified
(CAA) Section 505(b)(2) and 40 CFR 505(b)(2) of the CAA authorizes any portion of all three Petitions in this
70.8(d), the EPA Administrator signed person to petition the EPA Order on January 23, 2015. The EPA’s
an Order, dated January 23, 2015, Administrator, within 60 days after the rationale for denying the addressed
denying in part three petitions asking expiration of this review period, to claims is described in the Order.
the EPA to object to operating permits object to a title V operating permit if the Dated: February 9, 2015.
issued by the Texas Commission on EPA has not done so. Petitions must be Ron Curry,
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to based only on objections to the permit Regional Administrator, Region 6.
Luminant Generating Company, LLC that were raised with reasonable [FR Doc. 2015–03583 Filed 2–20–15; 8:45 am]
(Luminant) relating to three coal fired specificity during the public comment BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
steam electric generating stations (SES) period provided by the state, unless the
located in East and Northeast Texas. petitioner demonstrates that it was
Title V operating permit number O53 impracticable to raise these issues ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
was issued by the TCEQ to Luminant for during the comment period or unless AGENCY
the Martin Lake SES located in Rusk the grounds for the issue arose after this
County, Texas. Title V operating permit period. [FRL–9923–31–Region 2]
number O64 was issued to Luminant for The EPA received three petitions from
Clean Water Act Section 303(d):
the Monticello SES located in Titus the Petitioners, one dated February 26,
Availability of List Decisions
County, Texas, while title V operating 2014 for the Martin Lake permit, and
permit number O65 was issued to one each dated March 3, 2014 for the AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Luminant for the Big Brown SES located Monticello and Big Brown permits, to Agency (EPA).
in Freestone County, Texas. The EPA’s object to operating permits issued to ACTION: Notice and request for
January 23, 2015 Order responds to the Luminant Generating Company, LLC comments.
three petitions submitted by the relating respectively to facilities located
Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) in Rusk, Titus, and Freestone counties, SUMMARY: This notice announces EPA’s
representing themselves and on behalf Texas. decision to identify certain water
of Sierra Club (collectively, the The Order issued on January 23, 2015 quality limited waters and the
Petitioners): the petition addressing the responds to claim V.A of the Martin associated pollutant to be listed
Martin Lake permit was received on Lake Petition (pp. 5–9), the Monticello pursuant to the Clean Water Act Section
February 26, 2014, while the petitions Petition (pp. 5–11) and the Big Brown 303(d)(2) on New York’s list of impaired
addressing the Monticello permit and Petition (pp. 7–14) raised by EIP, the waters, and requests public comment.
Big Brown permit were both received on Sierra Club having withdrawn all of Section 303(d)(2) requires that States
March 4, 2014. Sections 307(b) and their objections prior to the issuance of submit, and EPA approve or disapprove,
505(b)(2) of the Act provide that a the order. The EIP requested that the lists of waters for which existing
Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
petitioner may ask for judicial review of Administrator object to the proposed technology-based pollution controls are
those portions of the Orders that deny operating permits issued by the TCEQ to not stringent enough to attain or
objections raised in the petitions by the Luminant on several bases. The three maintain State water quality standards
United States Court of Appeals for the petitions did not raise identical claims; and for which total maximum daily
appropriate circuit. Any petition for however, three common claims are loads (TMDLs) must be prepared.
review shall be filed within 60 days addressed in the issued order. The On January 13, 2015, EPA
from the date this notice appears in the remaining issues are to be withdrawn by disapproved New York’s decision to
VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:19 Feb 20, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_9489/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-18 13:28:28
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 13:28:28
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | Comments must be submitted on or before April 24, 2015. | |
| Contact | Astrid Larsen, Transportation and Climate Division, State Measures and Transportation Planning Center, Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; telephone number: 734-214-4812; fax number: 734-214-4052; email | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 9454 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR