FR 2025-03252

The document from the Federal Register focuses on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) submission of an information collection request (ICR) concerning the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) specific to vinyl chloride. This ICR, identified by EPA ICR Number 0186.17 and OMB Control Number 2060-0071, seeks extension approval and is open for public comment until March 31, 2025. The request revolves around collecting data from facilities involved in producing ethylene dichloride (EDC), vinyl chloride (VC), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

General Summary

The EPA is seeking to renew an existing data collection initiative that monitors hazardous air pollutants associated with vinyl chloride. The proposal includes detailed requirements for these materials' industrial producers, emphasizing compliance with regulations first proposed in 1975 and since amended. The ICR extension reflects updated information about the number of active sources producing these materials, which has increased, thus expanding the estimated cost and data collection burden.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A significant concern with this notice is the lack of initial definitions for key acronyms that are necessary to fully understand the document, such as ICR, OMB, NESHAP, EDC, PVC, and VC. Individuals unfamiliar with these terms might find the document difficult to follow.

Additionally, the text mentions an economic adjustment using the CEPCI CE Index from 2008 dollars to 2022 dollars without explaining what this Index is, potentially causing confusion. The reason behind the increased burden of 3,670 hours due to nine new sources is not thoroughly detailed, leaving readers wondering about these additional sources.

There is also a mention of Courtney Kerwin within the document, lacking context about her specific role or relevance to this notice, potentially leading to questions about her involvement in this process.

Impact on the Public

The document's impact on the public will likely be minimal on a day-to-day basis. However, those living near facilities that produce EDC, VC, or PVC may benefit from stricter oversight and compliance with air quality standards. The public's ability to comment on the extension allows for some engagement, although the methods for submitting comments may not be clearly prioritized or explained, creating potential barriers to participation.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders within the plastics and chemical manufacturing industries, this notice represents increased compliance and reporting obligations. The increase in the estimated number of respondents reflects heightened scrutiny and possibly more rigorous enforcement actions, which could lead to additional operational costs.

Conversely, environmental advocacy groups might view the additional data collection efforts positively, as they could lead to stricter regulatory enforcement and improved air quality outcomes. The extension signifies the EPA's continued commitment to monitoring hazardous emissions, aligning with broader environmental protection goals.

These stakeholders, along with municipalities surrounding these industrial facilities, stand to experience both positive and negative impacts, depending on the balance between regulatory compliance costs and the environmental benefits achieved through stringent oversight.

The document outlines financial allocations related to the Environmental Protection Agency's information collection activities under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Vinyl Chloride. These financial references are critical components of the agency's efforts to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Summary of Financial Allocations

The document highlights that the total estimated cost for the ongoing initiative is $2,890,000 per year. This amount includes $1,600,000 allocated annually for either capital expenses or operation and maintenance costs. This financial commitment reflects the resources required to manage and enforce compliance standards for facilities that produce ethylene dichloride (EDC) by reaction, vinyl chloride (VC), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Contextual Considerations

While the financial allocations are outlined in the document, there are some underlying issues related to these figures:

1. Acronyms Without Definition: The document frequently uses industry-specific acronyms such as EDC, VC, and PVC without clarification. While the financial allocation provides insight into the scope of the compliance efforts, understanding which facilities or processes these funds specifically impact requires knowledge of these terms.

2. Data Adjustment Explanation: The document mentions that operation and maintenance (O&M) costs are adjusted from 2008 dollars to 2022 dollars using the CEPCI CE Index. However, it does not provide a straightforward explanation for what the CEPCI CE Index is. This lack of clarity can make the adjustment and its impact on the financial reference less accessible to readers unfamiliar with economic indices.

3. Respondent Burden Increase: An increase in the estimated respondent burden by 3,670 hours is attributed to an expansion in the number of sources involved. Despite the financial implications of such an increase, the nature or type of these additional sources is not explained, making it challenging to assess whether the financial allocations address the corresponding rise in workload effectively.

Overall, while the document provides crucial financial data critical for understanding the EPA's compliance initiatives, the lack of detailed explanations for certain terms and adjustments can obscure the full context and implications of these financial references. Providing more detailed explanations and definitions would help make the financial aspects more accessible to the general public.