FR 2025-06592

The document in question is a notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its intention to renew an information collection request, specifically focused on the notification of episodic releases of oil and hazardous substances. This initiative falls under the jurisdiction of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA). The notice outlines the procedures for collecting public comments on the information collection process as mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).

General Summary

The EPA is moving forward with renewing an information collection practice that requires facilities and vessels to report any substantial release of oil or hazardous substances. This notification process is essential for the federal government to decide if federal intervention is required to avert harm to public health or the environment. The document serves as an invitation for public input on the effectiveness and necessity of this data collection, aiming to ensure the process is efficient and its burden minimized.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several concerns arise from the document. First, it lacks detailed criteria for evaluating the burden and cost estimates during the proposed 60-day comment period. Without clarity on this process, stakeholders may find it difficult to contribute meaningful feedback. Furthermore, the document does not specify how public comments will be addressed in the final review, creating uncertainty about the impact of stakeholder input.

Additionally, references to "appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques" for minimizing information collection burdens are vague, leaving respondents unclear about how to implement these techniques effectively. The absence of form numbers in the document is also notable and could imply confusion regarding report submission methods.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document indicates the ongoing responsibility of tracking and responding to environmental hazards, emphasizing public health and safety. The transparency of hazardous incidents, facilitated by information collection, allows public access to data concerning local environmental threats and actions taken in response.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Facilities and Vessel Operators: They are directly affected by the EPA's information collection request as they are obligated to report any hazardous releases. The financial and administrative burden for compliance might be a concern, as reflected in the estimated costs.

Government Bodies: State and local governments could potentially benefit from improved emergency response planning facilitated by access to release data from the federal level.

Environmental Groups and the Public: They may view this initiative positively, as it ensures environmental protection measures are transparently reported and managed. The availability of this data supports greater accountability for environmental stewardship.

The document's contents and its broader implications signal the EPA's commitment to maintaining a balance between regulatory oversight and practical compliance, aiming for a more efficient response to environmental hazards. Enhanced stakeholder engagement during the review process could further refine and strengthen the program, ensuring it fulfills its intended purpose while addressing any concerns measureably.

The document pertaining to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) information collection request (ICR) for the "Notification of Episodic Releases of Oil and Hazardous Substances" contains specific financial references that outline the estimated costs associated with this regulatory requirement.

Financial Summary

The document estimates the total annual cost for compliance with this ICR to be $1,486,297. This figure is noted as encompassing no capital or operation and maintenance costs, suggesting that the amount pertains largely to administrative or procedural expenses incurred by the respondents, i.e., facilities and vessels that may have releases of hazardous substances or oil above a reportable quantity (RQ).

Analysis of Financial References

The provided cost estimation raises several concerns and opportunities for greater clarity, especially in relation to stakeholders who are required to comply with these regulations:

1. Lack of Cost Breakdown: While a specific annual cost has been cited, the document does not offer a detailed breakdown of this amount. Stakeholders may benefit from a clearer understanding of what this $1,486,297 covers. For instance, are these costs primarily related to labor for reporting, technology systems, or administrative overhead?

2. Relation to Stakeholder Burden: It is mentioned that any potential changes in burden or cost during the 60-day OMB review will be described later. However, the absence of a current breakdown makes it difficult for stakeholders to provide informed comments on whether these calculations seem reasonable or in need of adjustment.

3. Compliance and Cost: The cost is indicative of the financial responsibility placed on respondents under a mandatory obligation dictated by CERCLA section 103(a). However, for those unfamiliar with CERCLA, further explanation of what constitutes these obligations could help elucidate why these costs arise and how they relate to ensuring public safety and environmental health.

4. Public Feedback Integration: There is an opportunity missed in explaining how financial concerns raised by the public during the comment period will be integrated or addressed. Stakeholders might find it reassuring to know that their financial concerns have tangible pathways for consideration in shaping the final ICR.

In conclusion, while the document provides a concrete figure for the estimated financial impact, greater transparency and detail regarding the components of this cost would empower stakeholders to better comprehend and engage with the cost implications of the EPA's proposed information collection requirements.