In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2022
36 Months From Approved
05/31/2019
16
0
21
1,880
0
3,778
328,000
0
320,600
On December 15, 1989, pursuant to Section 112 of the Clean Air Act as amended in 1977 (42 USC 1857), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated NESHAPs to control radionuclide emissions from several source categories. The regulations were published in 54 FR 51653, and are codified at 40 CFR Part 61. Of the seven subparts (B, H, I, K, R, T and W) included in the 1989 rule, as currently amended four apply to privately-operated facilities. In addition to requiring operational practices that limit emissions, Subparts B, K, R, and W impose radionuclide dose and emission limits to the following source categories:
Subpart B--Underground Uranium Mines 10 mrem/yr due to Rn-222
Subpart K--Elemental Phosphorous Plants 2 curies/yr of Po-210
Subpart R--Phosphogypsum Stacks 20 pCi/m2/s of Rn-222
Subpart W--Uranium Mill Tailings 20 pCi/m2/s of Rn-222
Information collected is used by EPA to ensure that public health continues to be protected from the hazards of airborne radionuclides by compliance with these standards. Compliance is demonstrated through emissions testing and dose calculation when appropriate.
There is a decrease of 1,898 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB. This decrease is due to a combination of factors. Fewer facilities, particularly uranium mines, are currently active. The only operating elemental phosphorus plant has obtained a waiver from annual testing and reporting. The current calculation is based on fewer radon flux tests for phosphogypsum stacks, while still conservatively overestimating the need for these tests. Total costs remained similar due to inflation.
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.
1100ss16.doc
NESHAP for Radionuclides (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart B, K, R, and W) (Renewal)