This ICR is approved through August 2001. EPA has stated that it has been unable to promulgate a final rule to reduce burden under EPCRA Sections 311 and 312 due to competing priorities under the Clean Air Act, which should be completed in August 2000. OMB encourages the Agency to submit a final rule to address EPCRA Sections 311 and 312 as soon thereafter as possible. As mentioned in the terms of clearance for the previous ICR, OMB understands that EPA will incorporate as much burden reduction as the Agency deems consistent with the purposes and requirements of Sections 311 and 312. OMB is particularly interested in efforts to raise reporting thresholds for certain industries (e.g., motor pools), various technical adjustments to the format and content of required reports, and a reduction in requirements that overlap with the UST program.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2001
08/31/2001
02/29/2000
563,460
0
803,682
1,873,800
0
2,377,229
6,404,000
0
4,268,000
Section 311 requires that the owner or operator of any facility, which is required to prepare or have available material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for a hazardous chemical under OSHA regulations, shall submit an MSDS for each chemical or a list of chemicals to the LEPC, SERC, and local fire department. This submittal allows both local emergency planners/responders and the community to have information regarding the hazards of chemicals used at the facility. Section 312 requires the same owners and operators to annually report the inventories of the chemicals reported under section 311.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Community Right-to-Know Reporting Requirements under Sections 311 and 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)