82 FR 58600 - Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides-Health Criteria
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 238 (December 13, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 238 (December 13, 2017)
| Page Range | 58600-58601 | |
| FR Document | 2017-26893 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 13, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 58600-58601] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-26893] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0357; FRL-9971-90-ORD] Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--Health Criteria AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: EPA is announcing the availability of a final document titled, ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--Health Criteria'' (EPA/600/R-17/451). The document was prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) as part of the review of the primary (health-based) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for sulfur oxides (SOX ). This Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) provides a comprehensive review, synthesis, and evaluation of the most policy- relevant science to serve as the scientific foundation for EPA's review of the current primary NAAQS for SOX .\1\ EPA is developing a separate ISA as part of an independent review for the [[Page 58601]] secondary (welfare-based) NAAQS for oxides of nitrogen and sulfur. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) is the indicator for the current primary NAAQS, so it is also commonly referred to as the primary SO2 NAAQS. DATES: The ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--Health --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Criteria'' will be available on or before December 14, 2017. ADDRESSES: The ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides-- Health Criteria'' will be available primarily via the internet on EPA's Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides (Health Criteria) home page at http://www2.epa.gov/isa/integrated-science-assessment-isa-sulfur-dioxide-health-criteria or the public docket at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0357. A limited number of CD-ROM copies will be available. Contact Ms. Marieka Boyd by phone: 919-541-0031; fax: 919-541-5078; or email: [email protected] to request a CD-ROM, and please provide your name, your mailing address, and the document title, ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--Health Criteria'' to facilitate processing of your request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information, contact Dr. Tom Long, NCEA; phone: 919-541-1880; fax: 919-541-1818; or email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Information About the Document Section 108(a) of the Clean Air Act directs the Administrator to identify certain pollutants which, among other things, ``cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare'' and to issue air quality criteria for them. These air quality criteria are to ``accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge useful in indicating the kind and extent of all identifiable effects on public health or welfare which may be expected from the presence of [a] pollutant in the ambient air . . . .'' Under section 109 of the Act, EPA is then to establish NAAQS for each pollutant for which EPA has issued criteria. Section 109(d) of the Act subsequently requires periodic review and, if appropriate, revision of existing air quality criteria to reflect advances in scientific knowledge on the effects of the pollutant on public health or welfare. EPA is also required to periodically review and, if appropriate, revise the NAAQS, based on the revised air quality criteria (for more information on the NAAQS review process, see https://www.epa.gov/naaqs). Sulfur oxides are one of six criteria pollutants for which EPA has established NAAQS. Periodically, EPA reviews the scientific basis for these standards by preparing an ISA (formerly called an Air Quality Criteria Document). The ISA provides a comprehensive review, synthesis, and evaluation of the most policy-relevant science to serve as the scientific foundation for EPA's review of the current primary NAAQS for SOX . The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), an independent science advisory committee whose review and advisory functions are mandated by Section 109(d)(2) of the Clean Air Act, is charged (among other things) with independent scientific review of the EPA's air quality criteria. On May 10, 2013 (78 FR 27387), EPA formally initiated its current review of the air quality criteria for the health effects of sulfur oxides and the primary (health-based) NAAQS for SOX , requesting the submission of recent scientific information on specified topics. EPA held a workshop on June 12-13, 2013, to gather input from invited scientific experts, both internal and external to EPA, as well as from the public, regarding key science and policy issues relevant to the review of the health effects of sulfur oxides and the primary NAAQS for SOX (78 FR 27387). These science and policy issues were incorporated in EPA's ``Integrated Review Plan for the Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Dioxide'' (EPA-452/R-14-007), which was finalized in October 2014 (79 FR 66721) with a prior draft available for public comment (79 FR 14035) and discussion by the CASAC via publicly accessible teleconference consultations (79 FR 16325, 79 FR 30137, 79 FR 34739). On June 23-24, 2014, EPA held a workshop to discuss, with invited internal and external scientific experts, initial draft materials prepared in the development of the ISA (79 FR 33750). EPA considered comments on these draft materials in preparing the first external review draft of the ISA, which was released on November 24, 2015 (80 FR 73183). The first draft ISA was discussed at a public CASAC meeting on January 27-28, 2016 (80 FR 79330). Subsequently, on April 15, 2016, the CASAC provided a consensus letter to the EPA Administrator summarizing their review (https://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/ sabproduct.nsf/4620a620d0120f93852572410080d786/ 8DEC36A7E2A54BA485257F9600667D81/$File/EPA-CASAC+2016- 002+Unsigned.pdf). The second draft ISA was then developed with consideration of comments from the CASAC and the public, and includes consideration of scientific studies published through September 2016 (81 FR 89097). The CASAC panel met at a public meeting on March 20-21, 2017, to review the second draft ISA (82 FR 11449). Subsequently, on June 30, 2017, the CASAC provided a consensus letter for their review to the EPA Administrator (https://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/ 4620a620d0120f93852572410080d786/88CD26BC35A8C8688525814F004D86EC/ $File/EPA-CASAC-17-003.pdf). The letters from CASAC, as well as public comments received on the ISA drafts, can be found in Docket ID No. EPA- HQ-ORD-2013-0357. EPA has considered comments by the CASAC panel and by the public in preparing this final ISA. Dated: November 29, 2017. Tina Bahadori, Director, National Center for Environmental Assessment. [FR Doc. 2017-26893 Filed 12-12-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![58600 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 13, 2017 / Notices
Submissions, and Exemptions from administrative error. This action is a Respondent’s obligation to respond:
Testing Requirements’’ and identified request to reinstate OMB approval for Mandatory (see 40 CFR part 790).
by EPA ICR No. 1139.11, OMB Control the information collection activities Estimated number of respondents: 15
No. 2070–0033. The ICR, which is outlined in this document. Under PRA, (total).
available in the docket along with other 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., an agency may Frequency of response: On occasion.
related materials, provides a detailed not conduct or sponsor, and a person is Total estimated burden: 3,127 hours
explanation of the collection activities not required to respond to, a collection (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR
and the burden estimate that is only of information, unless it displays a 1320.3(b).
briefly summarized in this document. currently valid OMB control number. Total estimated cost: $9,232,952 (per
EPA has addressed the comments The OMB control numbers are year), includes $9,010,065 annualized
received in response to the previously displayed either by publication in the capital investment or maintenance and
provided public review opportunity Federal Register or by other appropriate operational costs.
issued in the Federal Register on March means, such as on the related collection Changes in the estimates: There is a
15, 2016 (81 FR 13790). With this instrument or form, if applicable. The decrease of 626,766 hours in the total
submission, EPA is providing an display of OMB control numbers for estimated respondent burden compared
additional 30 days for public review. certain EPA regulations is consolidated with that identified in the ICR currently
DATES: Comments must be received on in 40 CFR part 9. approved by OMB. This decrease
or before January 12, 2018. Abstract: Section 4 of the Toxic reflects EPA’s corrections to the
Substances Control Act (TSCA) is previous renewal of this collection, plus
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
designed to assure that chemicals that reduced levels of activity in test rules,
identified by Docket ID number EPA–
may pose serious risks to human health methodological corrections and updates,
HQ–OPPT–2015–0436, to both EPA and
or the environment undergo testing by and requirements for electronic
OMB as follows: manufacturers or processors, and that
• To EPA online using http:// reporting of information. This change is
the results of such testing are made both the result of a program change
www.regulations.gov (our preferred
available to EPA. EPA uses the (electronic reporting) and an adjustment
method) or by mail to: EPA Docket
information collected under the (all other factors).
Center, Environmental Protection
authority of TSCA section 4 to assess
Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Courtney Kerwin,
risks associated with the manufacture,
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
processing, distribution, use or disposal Director, Regulatory Support Division.
20460, and of a chemical, and to support any [FR Doc. 2017–26777 Filed 12–12–17; 8:45 am]
• To OMB via email to oira_
necessary regulatory action with respect BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
submission@omb.eop.gov. Address
to that chemical.
comments to OMB Desk Officer for EPA. EPA must assure that appropriate
EPA’s policy is that all comments
tests are performed on a chemical if it ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
received will be included in the public
decides: (1) That a chemical being AGENCY
docket without change, including any
considered under TSCA section 4(a)
personal information provided, unless may pose an ‘‘unreasonable risk’’ or is [Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–2013–0357;
the comment includes profanity, threats, produced in ‘‘substantial’’ quantities FRL–9971–90–ORD]
information claimed to be Confidential that may result in substantial or
Business Information (CBI), or other Integrated Science Assessment for
significant human exposure or
information whose disclosure is Sulfur Oxides—Health Criteria
substantial environmental release of the
restricted by statute. chemical; (2) that additional data are AGENCY: Environmental Protection
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: needed to determine or predict the Agency (EPA).
Colby Lintner, Environmental impacts of the chemical’s manufacture, ACTION: Notice of availability.
Assistance Division (7408M), Office of processing, distribution, use or disposal;
Pollution Prevention and Toxics, and (3) that testing is needed to develop SUMMARY: EPA is announcing the
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 such data. Rules and consent orders availability of a final document titled,
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC under TSCA section 4 require that one ‘‘Integrated Science Assessment for
20460–0001; telephone number: (202) manufacturer or processor of a subject Sulfur Oxides—Health Criteria’’ (EPA/
554–1404; email address: TSCA- chemical perform the specified testing 600/R–17/451). The document was
Hotline@epa.gov. and report the results of that testing to prepared by the National Center for
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA. TSCA section 4 also allows a Environmental Assessment (NCEA)
Docket: Supporting documents, manufacturer or processor of a subject within EPA’s Office of Research and
including the ICR that explains in detail chemical to apply for an exemption Development (ORD) as part of the
the information collection activities and from the testing requirement if that review of the primary (health-based)
the related burden and cost estimates testing will be or has been performed by National Ambient Air Quality Standards
that are summarized in this document, another party. This information (NAAQS) for sulfur oxides (SOX). This
are available in the docket for this ICR. collection applies to reporting and Integrated Science Assessment (ISA)
The docket can be viewed online at recordkeeping activities associated with provides a comprehensive review,
http://www.regulations.gov or in person the information that EPA requires synthesis, and evaluation of the most
at the EPA Docket Center, West William industry to provide in response to TSCA policy-relevant science to serve as the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 section 4 test rules, consent orders, test scientific foundation for EPA’s review of
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. rule exemptions and other data the current primary NAAQS for SOX.1
The telephone number for the Docket submissions. EPA is developing a separate ISA as part
Center is (202) 566–1744. For additional Respondents/affected entities: Entities of an independent review for the
information about EPA’s public docket, potentially affected by this ICR are
visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets. manufacturers, processors, importers, 1 Sulfur dioxide (SO ) is the indicator for the
2
ICR status: OMB approval for this ICR users, distributors or disposers of one or current primary NAAQS, so it is also commonly
expired on September 1, 2016, due to more specified chemical substances. referred to as the primary SO2 NAAQS.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 13, 2017 / Notices 58601
secondary (welfare-based) NAAQS for standards by preparing an ISA (formerly CASAC panel met at a public meeting
oxides of nitrogen and sulfur. called an Air Quality Criteria on March 20–21, 2017, to review the
DATES: The ‘‘Integrated Science Document). The ISA provides a second draft ISA (82 FR 11449).
Assessment for Sulfur Oxides—Health comprehensive review, synthesis, and Subsequently, on June 30, 2017, the
Criteria’’ will be available on or before evaluation of the most policy-relevant CASAC provided a consensus letter for
December 14, 2017. science to serve as the scientific their review to the EPA Administrator
ADDRESSES: The ‘‘Integrated Science foundation for EPA’s review of the (https://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/
Assessment for Sulfur Oxides—Health current primary NAAQS for SOX. The sabproduct.nsf/4620a620d0120f938
Criteria’’ will be available primarily via Clean Air Scientific Advisory 52572410080d786/88CD26BC35A8C86
the internet on EPA’s Integrated Science Committee (CASAC), an independent 88525814F004D86EC/$File/EPA-CASAC
Assessment for Sulfur Oxides (Health science advisory committee whose -17-003.pdf). The letters from CASAC,
Criteria) home page at http:// review and advisory functions are as well as public comments received on
www2.epa.gov/isa/integrated-science- mandated by Section 109(d)(2) of the the ISA drafts, can be found in Docket
assessment-isa-sulfur-dioxide-health- Clean Air Act, is charged (among other ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–2013–0357.
criteria or the public docket at http:// things) with independent scientific EPA has considered comments by the
www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA– review of the EPA’s air quality criteria. CASAC panel and by the public in
HQ–ORD–2013–0357. A limited number On May 10, 2013 (78 FR 27387), EPA preparing this final ISA.
of CD–ROM copies will be available. formally initiated its current review of Dated: November 29, 2017.
Contact Ms. Marieka Boyd by phone: the air quality criteria for the health Tina Bahadori,
919–541–0031; fax: 919–541–5078; or effects of sulfur oxides and the primary Director, National Center for Environmental
email: boyd.marieka@epa.gov to request (health-based) NAAQS for SOX, Assessment.
a CD–ROM, and please provide your requesting the submission of recent [FR Doc. 2017–26893 Filed 12–12–17; 8:45 am]
name, your mailing address, and the scientific information on specified BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
document title, ‘‘Integrated Science topics. EPA held a workshop on June
Assessment for Sulfur Oxides—Health 12–13, 2013, to gather input from
Criteria’’ to facilitate processing of your invited scientific experts, both internal ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
request. and external to EPA, as well as from the AGENCY
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For public, regarding key science and policy
technical information, contact Dr. Tom issues relevant to the review of the
[FLR–9971–99–Region 10]
Long, NCEA; phone: 919–541–1880; fax: health effects of sulfur oxides and the
919–541–1818; or email: long.tom@ primary NAAQS for SOX (78 FR 27387). Proposed Re-Issuance of a General
epa.gov. These science and policy issues were NPDES Permit (GP) for Small Suction
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: incorporated in EPA’s ‘‘Integrated Dredges in Idaho
Review Plan for the Primary National
I. Information About the Document Ambient Air Quality Standard for Sulfur AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Section 108(a) of the Clean Air Act Dioxide’’ (EPA–452/R–14–007), which Agency, Region 10.
directs the Administrator to identify was finalized in October 2014 (79 FR ACTION: Proposed reissuance of a general
certain pollutants which, among other 66721) with a prior draft available for permit.
things, ‘‘cause or contribute to air public comment (79 FR 14035) and
pollution which may reasonably be discussion by the CASAC via publicly SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to
anticipated to endanger public health or accessible teleconference consultations reissue a National Pollutant Discharge
welfare’’ and to issue air quality criteria (79 FR 16325, 79 FR 30137, 79 FR Elimination System (NPDES) General
for them. These air quality criteria are 34739). On June 23–24, 2014, EPA held Permit (IDG370000) for small suction
to ‘‘accurately reflect the latest scientific a workshop to discuss, with invited dredge operations in Idaho (intake
knowledge useful in indicating the kind internal and external scientific experts, nozzle size of 5 inches in diameter or a
and extent of all identifiable effects on initial draft materials prepared in the diametric equivalent or less and with
public health or welfare which may be development of the ISA (79 FR 33750). equipment rated at 15 horsepower or
expected from the presence of [a] EPA considered comments on these less). The current permit established
pollutant in the ambient air . . . .’’ draft materials in preparing the first effluent limitations, standards,
Under section 109 of the Act, EPA is external review draft of the ISA, which prohibitions and other conditions on
then to establish NAAQS for each was released on November 24, 2015 (80 discharges from covered facilities. These
pollutant for which EPA has issued FR 73183). The first draft ISA was conditions are based on existing
criteria. Section 109(d) of the Act discussed at a public CASAC meeting national effluent guidelines, the state of
subsequently requires periodic review on January 27–28, 2016 (80 FR 79330). Idaho’s Water Quality Standards and
and, if appropriate, revision of existing Subsequently, on April 15, 2016, the material contained in the administrative
air quality criteria to reflect advances in CASAC provided a consensus letter to record. The EPA is proposing to retain
scientific knowledge on the effects of the EPA Administrator summarizing most conditions of the current General
the pollutant on public health or their review (https://yosemite.epa.gov/ Permit. A description of the basis for the
welfare. EPA is also required to sab/sabproduct.nsf/4620a620d0120f conditions and requirements of the
periodically review and, if appropriate, 93852572410080d786/8DEC36 proposed general permit is given in the
A7E2A54BA485257F9600667D81/$File/ Fact Sheet. This is also notice of the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
revise the NAAQS, based on the revised
air quality criteria (for more information EPA-CASAC+2016-002+Unsigned.pdf). draft Section 401 Certification provided
on the NAAQS review process, see The second draft ISA was then by the state of Idaho.
https://www.epa.gov/naaqs). developed with consideration of DATES: Interested persons may submit
Sulfur oxides are one of six criteria comments from the CASAC and the comments on the proposed reissuance
pollutants for which EPA has public, and includes consideration of of the general permit to EPA, Region 10
established NAAQS. Periodically, EPA scientific studies published through at the address below. Comments must
reviews the scientific basis for these September 2016 (81 FR 89097). The be postmarked by January 29, 2018.
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Document Created: 2017-12-13 01:23:44
Document Modified: 2017-12-13 01:23:44
| 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 of availability. | |
| Dates | The ``Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxides--Health | |
| Contact | For technical information, contact Dr. Tom Long, NCEA; phone: 919-541-1880; fax: 919-541-1818; or email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 58600 |
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