FR 2025-07257

The document in question involves a request from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the information collection requirements under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) specifically for facilities involved in solvent extraction for vegetable oil production. The EPA has submitted this proposal to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval and has opened the floor for public comments until May 28, 2025.

General Summary

This notice details an extension of an existing information collection request, which aims to maintain stringent controls and recordkeeping mandates on facilities that emit substantial amounts of hazardous air pollutants during their operations. The proposed standards are not new; they have been in force and are only being renewed. Facilities that fall under this category are required to comply with a series of obligations that include initial notifications, performance tests, and continuous record maintenance to ensure adherence to the relevant environmental guidelines. The expected administrative burden on these facilities is significant, with a projected commitment of 33,000 hours annually and associated costs of $4,520,000 each year.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A notable issue within this document is the lack of a detailed breakdown of the estimated costs, which stand at $4,520,000 annually. Without clear itemization, there could be concerns about potential inefficiencies and transparency in public expenditure. Additionally, the mention of $0 costs associated with annualized capital or operation and maintenance also raises questions about the accuracy of these projections.

Another notable point is the reduction in estimated respondent burden, which is credited to a decrease in the number of sources. However, the document provides no further explanation about this decrease or specifics about which sources are involved and the reasons behind this reduction. This lack of detail might be seen as insufficient transparency.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the most immediate concern would be related to environmental and health outcomes. Regulation of hazardous emissions from industrial entities, such as those involved in oil production, is crucial for maintaining air quality and public health. By ensuring these facilities adhere to national standards, negative impacts on the environment and subsequent health risks could be minimized.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders, including the owners and operators of the affected facilities, the document implies continuous regulatory compliance costs and an administrative burden, which may impact their operational bottom line. On the positive side, maintaining compliance assures these stakeholders avoid potential penalties and aligns with broader corporate responsibility goals, particularly in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

For regulatory authorities, the oversight and recordkeeping facilitated by this document provide a structured framework to monitor emissions standards compliance effectively, though concerns about the completeness and clarity of provided details could be improved in future iterations. More clarity on terminologies such as 'startup, shutdown, or malfunction' within regulatory text could aid operators in fulfilling these obligations without ambiguity.

Overall, while the regulatory continuation aligns well with efforts to protect environmental and public health, addressing concerns regarding data transparency and clarity in communication would enhance stakeholder comprehension and compliance efforts.

The document addresses the submission of an information collection request (ICR) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking to extend the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regarding solvent extraction for vegetable oil production. The financial aspects of this request are presented briefly in the document.

Financial Summary

The total estimated annual cost for this ICR is $4,520,000 per year. This figure stands out prominently as it represents the financial implications for the facilities involved in the vegetable oil production process that fall under the NESHAP standards. The document indicates that this total cost also includes $0 annualized capital or operation and maintenance costs. While these two aspects are generally significant contributors to any financial estimate, their absence is notable.

Financial Allocations and Identified Issues

One issue identified in the document pertains to the lack of transparency concerning the financial estimate of $4,520,000 per year. There is no detailed breakdown provided to explain how this total cost was determined. For stakeholders and the public alike, understanding the specific allocations within this sum could provide reassurance that funds are used efficiently and not subject to unnecessary or wasteful spending.

Moreover, the statement regarding the $0 annualized capital or operation and maintenance costs is not justified or explained within the document. This absence of costs might appear unusual since facilities typically incur some operation and maintenance expenses. The absence of any such allocation might raise questions about whether these costs are being overlooked or absorbed through other means not disclosed in the document.

The document also mentions a decrease of 1,100 hours in the total estimated respondent burden due to a decrease in the number of sources. However, further details about which sources have decreased and the reasons for these changes are not provided. Understanding such changes could also impact the financial expectations and allocations for the facilities involved, as a change in the number of sources might correspond to a change in compliance costs.

Overall, while the document provides a basic financial estimate for the ICR, it lacks further breakdown and justification for the costs involved, leading to potential concerns about clarity and transparency in financial reporting for this regulatory activity.