This request is approved for three years. Prior to resubmission of this request for extension, the Agency should reassess estimates of burden taking into account recent experience with the program.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
11/30/2016
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2013
1,224
0
1,224
207,662
0
207,662
4,073,352
0
4,073,352
The EPA finalized the network design requirements for the oxides of sulfur (SOX), specifically sulfur dioxide (SO2), to support the revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for SO2.
The requirements to require monitors in CBSAs where there is an increased coincidence of population and SO2 emissions. The final network design corresponds to the proposal of the new NAAQS based on peak 1-hour daily maximum concentrations, or 1-hour NAAQS, and the associated level of 75 parts per billion (ppb). The introduction of the 1-hour NAAQS and the range of levels are intended to protect against peak, shorter term exposure risks.
In the final SO2 monitoring network design, EPA finalized minimum SO2 monitoring requirements which call for monitors in CBSA based on a Population Weighted Emissions Index (PWEI) that uses population and emissions inventory data at the CBSA level to assign required monitoring for a given CBSA (population and emissions being obvious relevant factors in prioritizing numbers of required monitors). The PWEI for a particular CBSA is calculated by multiplying the population (using the latest Census Bureau estimates) of a CBSA by the total amount of SO2 emissions in that CBSA. The CBSA emission value is in tons per year, and is calculated by aggregating the county level emissions for each county in a CBSA as maintained in the latest edition of the National Emissions Inventory. We then divide the resulting product of CBSA population and CBSA SO2 emissions by 1,000,000 to provide a PWEI value, the units of which are millions of people-tons per year. Those CBSAs with a PWEI value of 1,000,000 or more are required to operate three monitors within that CBSA. Those CBSAs with a PWEI value between 1,000,000 and 100,000 are required to operate two monitors within that CBSA. Those CBSAs with a PWEI value between 100,000 and 5,000 are required to operate one monitor within that CBSA. In summary, EPA estimates that this final SO2 network design will require 163 monitoring sites in 131 CBSAs, and that a large majority of existing SO2 sites will satisfy these minimum monitoring requirements.
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.
ICR2013 Renewal Costs.xlsx
2370ss03.docx
Ambient Oxides of Sulfur Monitoring Requirements: Revisions to Network Design Requirements