FR 2025-03312

The document in question is a notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding a request to extend the collection of information under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) specific to the manufacturing of nutritional yeast. This request has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval and public comments are being solicited until March 31, 2025. The regulations are designed to control emissions of harmful air pollutants from facilities that manufacture nutritional yeast, necessitating initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reporting to ensure compliance.

General Summary

The EPA is seeking to renew its information collection request (ICR) for nutritional yeast manufacturing under NESHAP, extending its approval to gather necessary compliance data. This regulation affects facilities emitting significant levels of hazardous air pollutants (HAP). The public is invited to provide comments on the proposed extension, with submissions allowed through various channels including online, by email, or mail.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues are apparent in the document. Firstly, the document highlights a significant cost estimate of $969,000 per year, which includes capital and maintenance costs. However, it lacks a detailed breakdown, making it challenging to understand or justify these costs fully.

Additionally, the language used to describe the regulatory requirements, including obligations and estimates, could be complex for those unfamiliar with such matters. Simplifying this could improve comprehension among general public stakeholders.

Further, the document indicates that only four facilities are affected, but it does not explain how these facilities were chosen or why this number seems low. Providing clarity on this aspect would enhance transparency and understanding of the regulation's scope.

The document also lacks details on the specific data or types of information collected, which is crucial for understanding how privacy and confidentiality issues are handled.

Lastly, while public feedback is solicited, there is no detailed explanation on how these comments will be used, possibly discouraging public engagement due to perceived inefficacy.

Impact on the Public

This document impacts the public broadly by aiming to maintain environmental standards that control emissions of harmful pollutants, thus potentially enhancing public health. However, the lack of detailed cost explanations might lead to concerns about taxpayer money allocation and could incite public interest in transparent governmental processes.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Facility Operators: The required compliance with these regulations imposes an administrative and financial burden on the facilities involved. Understanding these costs and obligations is crucial for them to adapt accordingly.

General Public: While the document aims to safeguard public health through rigorous pollution control, insufficient clarity regarding stakeholder input and response obligations might limit effective public engagement and advocacy.

Environmental Advocates: This group might find the continuation of this regulation beneficial for environmental practices, though the absence of detailed data collection parameters may raise questions about transparency and effectiveness.

In summary, while the document serves an important function in regulating emissions from nutritional yeast manufacturing, the issues related to cost clarity, communication simplicity, facility transparency, and public engagement could be improved to foster a more informed and involved public discourse.

The document discusses the financial aspects related to compliance with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Manufacturing of Nutritional Yeast. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has outlined the financial implications for the facilities subject to these regulations.

Spending and Financial Allocations

The total estimated cost for compliance with these NESHAP standards is $969,000 per year. This sum includes $776,000 dedicated to annualized capital or operation and maintenance costs. These costs are expected to be incurred by the nutritional yeast manufacturing facilities that fall under the purview of these standards, specifically those emitting hazardous air pollutants above certain thresholds.

Allocation and Related Issues

One primary financial issue identified is the lack of detailed justification or breakdown for the $969,000 annual cost. The document does not elaborate on how this figure was derived or how the costs split between capital expenses and operational or maintenance efforts. Greater transparency in detailing these costs could provide a clearer understanding of financial responsibilities, especially for the facilities impacted by these regulations.

The document notes that there are an estimated four facilities affected by these standards. However, it does not explain why only these facilities are included in the cost estimate, nor how they were selected. Understanding this aspect is crucial, as it directly impacts how financial resources are distributed and whether this allocation accurately reflects the industry's scope and needs.

Given that there is no anticipated change in regulations or industry growth, the costs remain stable. This consistency suggests that the financial planning and resource allocation are based on established requirements. Yet, a more granular breakdown of expenses could offer critical insights into whether funds are efficiently allocated and whether cost management aligns with actual expenditures incurred by the facilities.

Overall, while the document presents a clear overview of the estimated financial burdens, enhancing the detail and justification behind these allocations would likely aid stakeholders in evaluating financial impacts and preparing for compliance more effectively.