This change request covers only the pilot test program to be conducted in Texas. The agency may resubmit a full information collection request under this OMB Control Number to include the main test program without additional Federal Register notices.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
07/31/2010
07/31/2010
07/31/2010
2,412
0
212
1,138
0
488
0
0
0
In response to recommendations from the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, EPA is initiating a systematic data collection to estimate the fraction of light-duty vehicles with high levels of evaporative emissions. Data to be collected include vehicle type, recent repair history and "in-use" or "real-world" evaporative emission rates.
The collection is a test program, to be conducted by the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) in the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). This study will combine novel, newly developed test procedures with statistical survey design to estimate the number of vehicles with high evaporative emissions. The new procedures will be developed in a pilot study that will precede the actual test program. Development of new test procedures employing new technology and test methods promises to substantially reduce the cost of evaporative emissions measurement as well as improve the accuracy of these estimates.
The test program itself will be conducted in Region 6, and participation in the program shall be voluntary. The pilot program shall be conducted in EPA Region 8, and participation in it shall also be voluntary. Evaporative emissions will be measured using a variety of methods that will include Remote Sensing, an infra-red camera specifically designed to detect fugitive hydrocarbon emissions and a hydrocarbon sniffer designed for automotive applications. Remote sensing data will be collected prior to a standard I/M test as the vehicle approaches the facility. Those owners solicited that agree to participate in the program shall be provided with a rental car and their vehicle immediately subjected to the test protocol outlined below as resources permit. Following quality-assurance and analysis, the data will be stored in OTAQ's Mobile Source Observation Database.
This is a new collection in response to recommendations from the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. EPA is initiating a systematic data collection to estimate the fraction of light-duty vehicles with high levels of evaporative emissions.
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.
ICR 2292_01 Part B_10_16_08.doc
Pilot Survey in Non-IM Area