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.

Abstract: Title V of the Clean Air Act (Act) requires states to develop and implement a program for issuing operating permits to all sources that fall under any Act definition of “major” and certain other non-major sources that are subject to federal air quality regulations. The Act further requires the EPA to develop regulations that establish the minimum requirements for those state operating permits programs and to oversee implementation of the state programs. The EPA regulations setting forth requirements for the state operating permit program are found at 40 CFR part 70. The part 70 program is designed to be implemented primarily by state, local and tribal permitting authorities in all areas where they have jurisdiction.

In order to receive an operating permit for a major or other source subject to the permitting program, the applicant must conduct the necessary research, perform the appropriate analyses and prepare the permit application with documentation to demonstrate that its facility meets all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Specific activities and requirements are listed and described in the Supporting Statement for the 40 CFR part 70 ICR.

Under 40 CFR part 70, state, local and tribal permitting authorities review permit applications, provide for public review of proposed permits, issue permits based on consideration of all technical factors and public input and review information submittals required of sources during the term of the permit. Also, under 40 CFR part 70, the EPA reviews certain actions of the permitting authorities and provides oversight of the programs to ensure that they are being adequately implemented and enforced. Consequently, information prepared and submitted by sources is essential for sources to receive permits, and for federal, state, local and tribal permitting authorities to adequately review the permit applications and thereby properly administer and manage the program.

Information that is collected is handled according to the EPA's policies set forth in title 40, chapter 1, part 2, subpart B—Confidentiality of Business Information ( see40 CFR part 2). See also section 114(c) of the Act.

Form Numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: Industrial plants (sources); state, local and tribal permitting authorities.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory ( see40 CFR part 70).

Estimated number of respondents: 14,201 sources and 117 state, local and tribal permitting authorities.

Frequency of response: On occasion.

Total estimated burden: 4,756,110 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $345,079,951 (per year). There are no annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs. ( printed page 17084)

Changes in Estimates: There is an increase of 17,186 hours per year for the estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB. This increase is due to updated estimates of the number of sources and permits subject to the part 70 program, rather than any change in federal mandates.

87 FR 17083