SUPPORTING STATEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

1. Identification of the Information Collection

1(a) Title of the Information Collection

NSPS for Magnetic Tape Coating Facilities (40 CFR part 60, subpart SSS) (Renewal),

EPA ICR Number 1135.10, OMB Control Number 2060-0171

1(b) Short Characterization/Abstract

The New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the Magnetic Tape Coating Facilities 

(40 CFR part 60, subpart SSS) were proposed on January 22, 1986, and promulgated on October 

3, 1988. These standards apply to each coating operation and each piece of coating mix 

preparation equipment commencing construction, modification or reconstruction after the date of 

proposal. This information is being collected to assure compliance with these regulations.

Approximately six sources are currently subject to the standard, and it is estimated that no 

additional sources will become subject to the regulation in the next three years. It is further 

assumed that two coating lines per year are to be constructed at existing sources over the next 

three years. There is a reduction in the number of sources due to industry consolidation.

The current ICR is based on the most recently approved Information Collection Request 

(ICR). All reports are sent to the delegated State, or local authority. In the event that there is no 

such delegated authority, the reports are sent directly to the EPA Regional Office.

OMB approved the currently active ICR without any “Terms of Clearance”.

2. Need for and Use of the Collection

2(a) Need/Authority for the Collection

The EPA is charged under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), as amended, to 

establish standards of performance for new stationary sources that reflect: 

. . . application of the best technological system of continuous 

emissions reduction which (taking into consideration the cost of 

achieving such emissions reduction, or any non-air quality health 

and environmental impact and energy requirements) the 

Administrator determines has been adequately demonstrated. 

Section 111(a)(l).

The Agency refers to this charge as selecting the best demonstrated technology (BDT). Section 

111 also requires that the Administrator review and, if appropriate, revise such standards every

four years.
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In addition, Section 114(a) states that the Administrator may require any owner or 

operator subject to any requirement of this Act to: 

(A) Establish and maintain such records; (B) make such reports; 

(C) install, use, and maintain such monitoring equipment, and use 

such audit procedures, or methods; (D) sample such emissions (in 

accordance with such procedures or methods, at such locations, at 

such intervals, during such periods, and in such manner as the 

Administrator shall prescribe); (E) keep records on control 

equipment parameters, production variables or other indirect data 

when direct monitoring of emissions is impractical; (F) submit 

compliance certifications in accordance with Section 114(a)(3); 

and (G) provide such other information as the Administrator may

reasonably require.

In the Administrator's judgment, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from 

magnetic tape manufacturing either cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be 

anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Therefore, the NSPS were promulgated for this 

source category at 40 CFR part 60, subpart SSS.

2(b) Practical Utility/Users of the Data

The control of emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from magnetic tape 

manufacturing requires not only the installation of properly designed equipment, but also the 

operation and maintenance of that equipment. Emissions of VOCs from magnetic tape 

manufacturing are the result of the operation of coating equipment, and the operation of coating 

mix preparation equipment. The subject standards are achieved by the recovery, or destruction of 

VOC emissions by control devices. 

The recordkeeping and reporting requirements in the standard ensures compliance with 

the applicable regulations which where promulgated in accordance with the Clean Air Act. The 

collected information is also used for targeting inspections and as evidence in legal proceedings.

Performance tests are required in order to determine an affected facility’s initial capability

to comply with the emission standard. Continuous emission monitors are used to ensure 

compliance with the standard at all times.

The notifications required in the standard are used to inform the Agency or delegated 

authority when a source becomes subject to the requirements of the regulations. The reviewing 

authority may then inspect the source to check if the pollution control devices are properly

installed and operated and the standards are being met. The performance test may also be 

observed. 

3. Non-duplication, Consultations, and Other Collection Criteria
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The requested recordkeeping and reporting are required under 40 CFR part 60, 

subpart SSS.

3(a) Non-duplication

If the subject standards have not been delegated, the information is sent directly to the 

appropriate EPA regional office. Otherwise, the information is sent directly to the delegated 

state, or local agency. If a state or local agency has adopted its own similar standards to 

implement the Federal standards, a copy of the report submitted to the state, or local agency can 

be sent to the Administrator in lieu of the report required by the Federal standards. Therefore, no 

duplication exists.

3(b) Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB

An announcement of a public comment period for the renewal of this ICR was published 

in the Federal Register on July 8, 2009 (74 FR 32581). No comments were received on the 

burden published in the Federal Register.

3(c) Consultations

For this information collection, the previous ICR renewal was used to obtain burden 

estimates since this ICR renewal was processed under the “Expedited Approach” option provided 

in May 1, 2008 guidance. Per this guidance, all data and assumptions from the previous ICR 

renewal were used as the basis for estimating the hourly and cost burdens associated with this 

renewal.

It is our policy to respond after a thorough review of comments received since the last 

ICR renewal as well as those submitted in response to the first Federal Register notice. In this 

case, no comments were received. 

3(d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection

Less frequent information collection would decrease the margin of assurance that 

facilities are continuing to meet the standards. Requirements for information gathering and 

recordkeeping are useful techniques to ensure that good operation and maintenance practices are 

applied and emission limitations are met. If the information required by these standards was 

collected less frequently, the proper operation and maintenance of control equipment and the 

possibility of detecting violations would be less likely.

3(e) General Guidelines

None of these reporting or recordkeeping requirements violates any of the regulations 

established by OMB at 5 CFR Part 1320, Section 1320.5.

3(f) Confidentiality
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Any information submitted to the Agency for which a claim of confidentiality is made 

will be safeguarded according to the Agency policies set forth in Title 40, Chapter 1, Part 2, 

Subpart B - Confidentiality of Business Information (CBI) (see 40 CFR 2; 41 FR 36902, 

September 1, 1976; amended by 43 FR 40000, September 8, 1978; 43 FR 42251, September 20, 

1978; 44 FR 17674, March 23, 1979).

3(g) Sensitive Questions

The reporting or recordkeeping requirements in the standard do not include sensitive 

questions.

4. The Respondents and the Information Requested

4(a) Respondents/SIC and NAICS Codes

The respondents to the recordkeeping and reporting requirements are magnetic tape 

manufacturers. The SIC code for the respondents affected by the standards is SIC (United States 

Standard Industrial Classification) 3695 which corresponds to the NAICS (The North American 

Industry Classification System) 334613 for magnetic and optical recording media manufacturing.

4(b) Information Requested

(i) Data Items

All data in this ICR that is recorded and/or reported is required by 40 CFR part 60, subpart SSS.

A source must make the following reports:

Notifications

Construction/reconstruction 60.7(a)(1)

Actual startup 60.7(a)(3)

Initial performance test results 60.8(a)

Initial performance test 60.8(d)

Demonstration of continuous monitoring system 60.7(a)(5) 

Physical or operational change 60.7(a)(4)

A source must keep the following records:

Recordkeeping
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Recordkeeping

Startups, shutdowns, malfunctions, periods where the continuous 

monitoring system is inoperative

60.7(b) 

Records are required to be retained for two years. Records must be 

kept onsite.

60.717

Electronic Reporting

Currently, sources are using monitoring equipment that provides parameter data in an 

automated way, e.g., inlet and outlet concentrations when determining percent efficiency. 

Although personnel at the source still need to evaluate the data, this type of monitoring 

equipment has significantly reduced the burden associated with monitoring and recordkeeping. 

In addition, some regulatory agencies are setting up electronic reporting systems to allow sources 

to report electronically which is reducing the reporting burden. However, electronic reporting 

systems are still not widely used by the regulatory agencies. It is estimated that approximately 10 

percent of the respondents use electronic reporting.

ii. Respondent Activities

Respondent Activities

Read instructions.

Install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a device to indicate cumulative VOC recovered (when 

monthly liquid balance is to be performed) [40 CFR, Section 60.713(b)(1)].

Monthly liquid material balance [40 CFR, Section 60.714(b)].

Maintain records of projected, and actual solvent consumption [40 CFR, Section 60.714(a), 

40 CFR, Section 60.717(b), (c)].

Install, calibrate, maintain, and operate monitoring devices to track control system parameters 

[40 CFR, Section 60.714(c) through (g)].

Maintain records of periods when control device not operating [40 CFR, Section 60.714(h)].

Monthly determination of average VOC content of coatings [40 CFR, Section 60.714(j)].

Reports of projected and actual solvent consumption [40 CFR, Section 60.717(b)].

Semiannual reports when no quarterly reports required [40 CFR, Section 60.717(e)].

Quarterly reports of monitoring 40 CFR, Section 60.717(d) exceedances and periods of 

noncompliance recorded under (40 CFR, Section 60.714).
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Respondent Activities

Write the notifications and reports listed above.

Enter information required to be recorded above.

Submit the required reports developing, acquiring, installing, and utilizing technology and 

systems for the purpose of collecting, validating, and verifying information.

Develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of processing and 

maintaining information.

Develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of disclosing and 

providing information.

Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information.

Transmit, or otherwise disclose the information.

5. The Information Collected -- Agency Activities, Collection Methodology, and 

Information Management

5(a) Agency Activities

EPA conducts the following activities in connection with the acquisition, analysis, 

storage, and distribution of the required information.

Agency Activities

Observe initial performance tests and repeat performance tests if necessary.

Review notifications and reports, including performance test reports, and excess emissions 

reports, required to be submitted by industry.

Audit facility records.

Input, analyze, and maintain data in the Air Facility System (AFS).

5(b) Collection Methodology and Management

Following notification of startup, the reviewing authority might inspect the source to 

determine whether the pollution control devices are properly installed and operated. 

Performance test reports are used by the Agency to discern a source’s initial capability to comply

with the emission standard, and note the operating conditions under which compliance was 

achieved. Data and records maintained by the respondents are tabulated and published for use in 
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compliance and enforcement programs. 

Information contained in the reports is entered into the AFS which is operated and 

maintained by EPA’s Office of Compliance. AFS is EPA’s database for the collection, 

maintenance, and retrieval of compliance data for approximately 125,000 industrial and 

government-owned facilities. EPA uses the AFS for tracking air pollution compliance and 

enforcement by local and state regulatory agencies, EPA regional offices and EPA headquarters. 

EPA and its delegated Authorities can edit, store, retrieve and analyze the data.

The records required by this regulation must be retained by the owner or operator for 

two years.

5(c) Small Entity Flexibility

There are no small businesses affected by this regulation at present, and no small 

businesses are expected to become subject to the regulation in the next three years.

5(d) Collection Schedule

The specific frequency for each information collection activity within this request is 

shown below in Table 1: Annual Respondent Burden and Cost for NSPS for Magnetic Tape 

Coating Facilities (40 CFR part 60, subpart SSS) (Renewal).

6. Estimating the Burden and Cost of the Collection

Table 1 documents the computation of individual burdens for the recordkeeping and 

reporting requirements applicable to the industry for the subpart included in this ICR. The 

individual burdens are expressed under standardized headings believed to be consistent with the 

concept of burden under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Where appropriate, specific tasks and 

major assumptions have been identified. Responses to this information collection are mandatory.

The Agency may not conduct, or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 

collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

6(a) Estimating Respondent Burden

The average annual burden to industry over the next three years from these recordkeeping 

and reporting requirements is estimated to be 2,017 (Total Labor Hours from Table 1 below). 

The recordkeeping hours shown in Table 1 are 1,051.8. The reporting requirement hours shown 

in Table 1 are 965.6. These hours are based on Agency studies and background documents from 

the development of the regulation, Agency knowledge and experience with the NSPS program, 

the previously approved ICR, and any comments received.

6(b) Estimating Respondent Costs
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(i) Estimating Labor Costs

This ICR uses the following labor rates: 

Managerial $114.49 ($54.52 + 110%) 

Technical $98.20 ($46.76 + 110%)

Clerical $48.53 ($23.11 + 110%)

These rates are from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 

September 2009, “Table 2. Civilian Workers, by occupational and industry group.” The rates are 

from column 1, “Total compensation.” The rates have been increased by 110 percent to account 

for the benefit packages available to those employed by private industry.

(ii) Estimating Capital and Operations and Maintenance Costs

The type of industry costs associated with the information collection activity in the 

standards are both labor costs which are addressed elsewhere in this ICR and the costs associated 

with continuous monitoring. The capital/startup costs are one time costs when a new line

becomes subject to the standard. The annual operations and maintenance costs are the ongoing 

costs to maintain the monitor(s) and other costs such as photocopying and postage

(iii) Capital/Startup vs. Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Costs

Capital/Startup vs. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Costs

(A)

Continuous 

Monitoring 

Device

(B)

Capital/Startup 

Cost for One 

Respondent

(C)

Number of 

New

Respondents 

(D)

Total 

Capital/Startup 

Cost,

(B X C)

(E)

Annual 

O&M Costs 

for One 

Respondent

(F)

Number of 

Respondents 

with O&M

(G)

Total 

O&M,

(E X F)

CEM $29,000 1 $29,000 $2,100 4 (60% of 

sources)

$4,800

Thermocouple $2,300 2 $4,600 $8,000 6 $48,000

The total capital/startup costs for this ICR are $33,600. This is the total of column D in 

the above table. 

The total operation and maintenance costs for this ICR are $52,800. This is the total of 

column G. 

The total respondent costs have been calculated as the addition of the capital/startup 

costs, and the annual operation and maintenance costs. The average annual cost for 
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capital/startup and operation and maintenance costs to industry over the next three years of the 

ICR is estimated to be $86,400. The continuous monitoring costs that are included in this section 

consist only of those capital/startup and O&M costs that a source incurs as a result of the 

standard. Some continuous monitoring costs may not be included in this section. For instance, 

if a particular industry typically utilizes a control device that must have a continuous monitor 

(e.g., temperature, pressure drop, etc.) to function properly, and the recordation of additional 

measurements beyond the minimum are required by the standard, then there is no capital/startup 

or O&M cost, but there is a labor cost to record the additional readings. Such a cost would not 

appear in this section, but in the industry burden Section 6(d) below.

6(c) Estimating Agency Burden and Cost

The only costs to the Agency are those costs associated with analysis of the reported 

information. EPA's overall compliance and enforcement program includes activities such as the 

examination of records maintained by the respondents, periodic inspection of sources of 

emissions, and the publication and distribution of collected information.

The average annual Agency cost during the three years of the ICR is estimated to be $6,892. 

This cost is based on the average hourly labor rate as follows:

Managerial $62.27 (GS-13, Step 5, $38.92 + 60%) 

Technical $46.21 (GS-12, Step 1, $28.88 + 60%)

Clerical $25.01 (GS-6, Step 3, $15.63 + 60%)

These rates are from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 2010 General Schedule, which 

excludes locality rates of pay. The rates have been increased by 60 percent to account for the 

benefit packages available to government employees. Details upon which this estimate is based 

appear below in Table 2: Annual Agency Burden and Cost for NSPS for Magnetic Tape Coating 

Facilities (40 CFR part 60, subpart SSS) (Renewal).

6(d) Estimating the Respondent Universe and Total Burden and Costs

Based on our research for this ICR, approximately six (6) existing sources currently are 

subject to the standard. It is estimated that an additional zero sources per year will become 

subject to the regulation in the next three years. It is further assumed that two coating lines per 

year are to be constructed at existing sources over the next three years.

Number of respondents is calculated using the following table which addresses the three 

years covered by this ICR.
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Number of Respondents

Respondents That Submit Reports Respondents That Do 

Not Submit Any Reports

Year

(A)

Number of 

New

Respondents 

(B)

Number of 

Existing 

Respondents

(C)

Number of Existing 

Respondents That 

Keep Records but Do 

Not Submit Reports

(D)

Number of Existing 

Respondents That 

Are Also New 

Respondents

(E)

Number of 

Respondents

(E=A+B+C-D)

1 2 6 0 2 6

2 2 6 0 2 6

3 2 6 0 2 6

Average 2 6 0 2 6

To avoid double-counting respondents, column D is subtracted. As shown above, the average 

Number of Respondents over the three-year period of this ICR is six (6). 

The total number of annual responses per year is calculated using the following table:

Total Annual Responses

(A)

Number of New 

Respondents

(B)

Number of 

Reports for 

New 

Respondents

(C)

Number of 

Existing 

Respondents

(D)

Number of 

Reports for 

Existing 

Respondents

(F)

Number of Existing 

Respondents That 

Keep Records but Do 

Not Submit Reports

(E)

Total Annual Responses 

E=(AxB)+(CxD)+F

2 4 6 2.5 0 23

The number of Total Annual Responses is 23. 

The total annual labor costs are $190,824. Details regarding these estimates may be 

found below in Table 1: Annual Respondent Burden and Cost for NSPS for Magnetic Tape 

Coating Facilities (40 CFR part 60, subpart SSS) (Renewal).

Note that the total annual capital and O&M costs to the regulated entity are $86,400. 

These costs are detailed in Section 6(b)(iii), Capital/Startup vs. Operation and Maintenance 

(O&M) Costs.

6(e) Bottom Line Burden Hours and Cost Tables

The bottom line burden hours and cost tables for both the Agency and the respondents are 

attached. The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of 

information is estimated to average 88 hours per response.
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6(f) Reasons for Change in Burden

There is no change in the labor hours to the respondents in this ICR compared to the 

previous ICR because the regulations have not changed over the past three years and are not 

anticipated to change over the next three years. Since this ICR renewal was approved to be 

processed under the “Expedited Approach” option, EPA has maintained the same estimate for the 

number of sources currently subject to this standard as indicated in the most recently approved 

ICR. Therefore, the labor hours figures in the previous ICR reflect the current burden to the 

respondents and are reiterated in this ICR. However, there is a decrease number of respondents

currently identified in the OMB Inventory of Approved ICR Burdens. This decrease was due to 

the number of respondents being incorrectly assigned in the Information Collection Request, 

Review, and Approval System (ICRAS).

6(g) Burden Statement

The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information 

is estimated to average 88 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial 

resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information 

to, or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, 

acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and 

verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing 

information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and 

requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data 

sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose 

the information.

An agency may not conduct, or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 

collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The OMB control 

numbers for EPA’s regulations are listed at 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR chapter 15.

To comment on the Agency’s need for this information, the accuracy of the provided 

burden estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the 

use of automated collection techniques, EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under 

Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OECA-2009-0419. An electronic version of the public docket is 

available at http://www.regulations.gov/ which may be used to obtain a copy of the draft 

collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the 

contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available 

electronically. When in the system, select “search,” then key in the docket ID number identified 

in this document. The documents are also available for public viewing at the Enforcement and 

Compliance Docket and Information Center in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, 

Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public 

Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 

holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone 
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number for the Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information Center Docket is (202) 

566-1752. Also, comments can be sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 

Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503, Attention: 

Desk Officer for EPA. Please include the EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OECA-2009-0419

and OMB Control Number 2060-0171 in any correspondence.

Part B of the Supporting Statement

This part is not applicable because no statistical methods were used in collecting this 

information.