______________________________________________________________________________

Supporting Statement

Data Requirements Rule for the 1-Hour Sulfur Dioxide Primary National Ambient Air 

Quality Standard (NAAQS) 

EPA ICR #2495.01

PART A

1. Identification of the Information Collection

 (a) Title of the Information Collection

 “Data Requirements Rule for the 1-Hour Sulfur Dioxide Primary National Ambient Air 

Quality Standard (NAAQS) - Proposal”

(b) Short Characterization/Abstract

This Information Collection Request (ICR) includes estimates for ambient air monitoring 

data reporting and recordkeeping activities associated with the 40 CFR part 51 Requirements for 

Preparation, Adoption and Submittal of Implementation Plans.1 These data and information are 

collected by State and local air quality management agencies and reported to the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This ICR also includes estimates for ambient air 

dispersion modeling which State and local air quality management agencies may choose to do to 

meet the requirements under the proposed Data Requirements Rule (RIN 2060-AR19).

The EPA is proposing a rule directing state, local, and tribal air quality management 

agencies to provide data to characterize current air quality in areas with large sources of sulfur 

dioxide (SO2) emissions for use in the NAAQS designations process. 

The EPA is proposing that states characterize ambient air quality around sources with 

emissions greater than 1,000 tons per year which are located within any Core Based Statistical 

Area (CBSA) having 1,000,000 or more persons; and around sources with emissions greater than 

2,000 tons per year located outside CBSAs having 1,000,000 or more persons. Based upon 2011 

emissions data and 2013 census estimates, the proposed action would identify 443 SO2 sources 

nationwide, which account for 75 percent of the total SO2 emissions inventory.

The proposed rule describes criteria for identifying the source areas where air agencies 

would need to characterize SO2 air quality. It also describes a process and timetables by which 

air quality management agencies would characterize air quality in source areas through ambient 

monitoring and/or air quality modeling techniques and submit such data to the EPA. The air 

quality data developed by the states in accordance with this rule would be used by the EPA in 

future rounds of area designations for the 1-hour SO2 NAAQS. 

 

1 Subpart J of Part 51: Ambient Air Quality Surveillance refers back to CFR 40 Part 58; throughout the rest of this 

ICR, reference will be made to Part 58 for monitoring requirements
2

For those air quality management agencies electing to conduct ambient monitoring to 

provide necessary air quality data, the EPA anticipates that they may take varied approaches to 

identify where and how many SO2 monitors are appropriate. Those approaches likely include the 

following: 1) conduct new modeling to aid in monitoring site placement; 2) conduct exploratory 

monitoring to inform permanent monitor placement; and 3) take advantage of existing emissions 

data, existing monitoring data, and existing modeling, where possible, to aid in determining

permanent monitoring site placement. 

The State and local air quality management agencies with responsibility for reporting 

ambient air quality data and information as requested in this ICR submit these data electronically 

to the EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS) and voluntary databases. Quality assurance/quality 

control records and monitoring network documentation are also maintained by each State and 

local agency, in AQS electronic format where possible. 

Although the State and local air quality management agencies are responsible for the 

operation of this air monitoring network, they may have opportunities to work with industry to 

help support modeling exercises and/or monitor network installation, operations, and 

maintenance. There are two cost estimates shown in this ICR: 1) total estimated costs for the 

modeling option regardless of the source of the funding, and 2) total estimated costs incurred for 

the monitoring option regardless of the source of the funding.

(1) Modeling Option. Modeling can be used to designate an area around a source as 

attainment or nonattainment of the NAAQS. It is anticipated that electing to model to produce 

air quality data for designations purposes will use EPA’s preferred near-field dispersion model, 

the AERMOD modeling system.2 The use of AERMOD will include the following regulatory 

components:

 AERMOD dispersion model

 AERMAP terrain processor

 AERMET meteorological processor

Other components can be used with AERMOD, depending on the application, including:

 BPIPPRIME building processor (for downwash)

 AERMINUTE 1-minute ASOS winds pre-processor for input into AERMET

 AERSURFACE surface characteristics pre-processor for input into AERMET

 AERSCREEN, a screening version of AERMOD.

The dispersion modeling that will be used for SO2 designations under the Data Requirements 

Rule requires:

 Source characterization information and emissions inputs for modeled sources

 Representative meteorological data of the area

 

2 EPA’s preferred near-field dispersion model is AERMOD, the American 

Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model. See 40 CFR Part 

51 Appendix W for more information. 
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 Terrain data to generate elevations for sources and receptor

 Receptor locations

 Background concentrations, and 

 Building data for sources that will be affected by downwash. 

Each modeling application is unique and the following inputs can require analyses that affect 

modeling costs:

 Determining the appropriate size of the modeling domain to capture potential modeled 

NAAQS violations

 Determining sources to model explicitly in the modeling, and sources to characterize in 

the modeling via background concentrations

 Estimating time-varying emissions for modeled sources

 Obtaining stack parameters for modeled sources

 Obtaining building information for sources subject to downwash effects

 Determination of the receptor grid and creating the elevations in the receptor grid via 

AERMAP

 Determining the representative meteorological surface and upper air stations for the 

model domain, downloading the meteorological and land use data for input into 

AERMINUTE, AERMET and AERSURFACE

 Calculating the appropriate background concentrations

Once these inputs have been generated and processed through the appropriate programs, 

AERMOD can be run and post-processed to generate design values to compare against the 

NAAQS. The level of post-processing (charts, tables, maps, etc.) can affect modeling costs as 

well.

Based on market research, stakeholder feedback, and the assumptions of the use of modeling 

for designations, an estimate of modeling costs is $30,000 for a single modeling run centered on 

an identified source. If the air quality around all 443 sources expected to exceed the threshold in 

the proposed rulemaking was to be characterized through modeling, total national costs are 

estimated at $13,300,000. If these costs were incurred over the course of three years, then the 

approximate annual cost for each year over that period would be $4,433,333.

(2) Ambient Monitoring Option. Ambient monitoring costs are estimated under the 

assumption that each anticipated SO2 source around which air quality is to be characterized will 

be done through monitoring (443 sources). Estimates are provided for a three year period and 

include a calculation for equipment amortization over seven years (as is typically done in 

monitoring-related ICRs). For the period of 2016, 2017, and 2018 (the SO2 requirement begins 

in 2016), the total approximate average annual monitoring cost, including a calculation for 

equipment amortization is $9,308,824 (total capital, and labor and non-labor operation and 

maintenance) with a total burden of 110,543 hours. The annual labor costs associated with these

hours is $7,608,287. Included in the $9,308,824 total are other annual costs of non-labor 

operations and maintenance of $760,011 and equipment and contract costs of $940,526. For 
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reference purposes, an estimate for initial establishment of a new SO2 monitoring station is 

$92,614 (does not include equipment amortization). In addition to the costs at the State and local

air quality management agencies, there is a burden to EPA of total of 52,717 hours and 

$776,005.

2. Need for and Use of the Collection

(a) Need/Authority for the Collection

The information requirements included within this ICR are necessary to provide the EPA 

with ambient air quality surveillance data and/or modeling data to determine the United States air 

quality status, to make attainment decisions with respect to the NAAQS, to assist in developing 

necessary control strategies to ensure attainment of the NAAQS, to assess national trends in air 

pollution, to inform the public of air quality, and to determine the population’s exposure to 

various ambient air pollutants. The EPA’s goal of attaining the NAAQS in all areas of the 

United States is directly dependent upon the availability of ambient air quality data and/or 

modeling data requested in this information collection. Additionally, the EPA, State, and local

air quality management agencies, environmental groups, industrial groups, and academic 

organizations use these data to study atmospheric chemistry, e.g., the formation and fate of SO2, 

to determine the most appropriate and effective control strategies necessary to reduce air 

pollution.

The principal legal authority for this information collection is the Clean Air Act, 42 

U.S.C. 7403, 7410, and 7511a, from which the 40 CFR part 51 regulations were promulgated.

Under 7403(c), the Administrator is required to conduct a program of research, testing, 

and development of methods for sampling, measurement, monitoring, analysis, and modeling of 

air pollutants, specifically including a requirement to establish a national network to monitor, 

collect, and compile data with quantification of certainty in the status and trends of air emissions 

and air quality. This program will also include the development of improved methods and 

technologies to increase understanding of the sources of nitrogen oxides, its formation, transport, 

regional influences and trends, and interactions with other pollutants. 

Section 7410 (a) and (k) contain the SIP requirements, which include a requirement that 

each State submit a SIP that: 1) provides for the establishment and operation of appropriate 

devices, methods, systems, and procedures necessary to monitor, compile, analyze, and make 

available to the Administrator data on ambient air quality and 20 provides for the performance of 

such air quality modeling as the Administrator may prescribe for the purpose of predicting the 

effect on ambient air quality of any emissions of any air pollutant for which the Administrator 

has established a national ambient air quality standard, and the submission, upon request, of data 

related to such air quality modeling to the designee as stipulated in the proposal.

2(b) Practical Utility/Users of the Data
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The EPA would use the ambient air quality data and/or the modeling data submitted 

pursuant to this collection to make area designation decisions with respect to the SO2 NAAQS. 

For those areas that are determined to not attain the SO2 NAAQS, the EPA intends to move 

forward with area designations. The affected State or local air quality management agency will 

work to develop an appropriate SIP for any area designated as nonattainment in order to improve 

air quality in the area such that it meets the applicable NAAQS expeditiously. 

To identify how the nation is progressing in improving air quality, the OAQPS prepares 

annually the National Air Quality and Emissions Trends report (http://www.epa.gov/airtrends) 

using the ambient air quality data collected through monitoring-related ICRs. The State and 

local air quality management agencies use these data for multiple purposes including tracking 

their progress toward achieving and maintaining air quality within the established NAAQS and 

any statewide standards they have established. 

3. NON-DUPLICATION, CONSULTATIONS, AND OTHER COLLECTION CRITERIA

3(a) Non-duplication

This collection is not unnecessarily duplicative of information otherwise reasonably 

accessible to the agency. The AQS and AIRNow systems, which contain information based 

solely on this collection, are the only national air quality data repositories available to the EPA. 

The ambient air quality surveillance data and related information collected through this 

information collection are not otherwise reasonably accessible to the EPA.

A few State and local air quality management agencies have their own data storage 

systems (e.g., the California Air Resources Board); however, most State and local air quality 

management agencies use the AQS and AIRNow as their primary repositories for all air quality 

data.

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

The 1995 Paperwork Reduction Act requires that any agency developing a non-rule 

related ICR must solicit public comments for a 60-day period prior to submitting the ICR to 

OMB. This section is not applicable to this ICR because this is a rule-related ICR and we are 

accepting public comments on this proposed rule and will address them in the final rulemaking.

3(c) Consultations

Through the course of planning, monitoring, and improving upon this collection and its 

associated regulation, the EPA regularly consults with affected State and local air quality 

management agencies through various methods including the regulatory process, regular 

meetings, and training courses. The EPA conducts workshops and training on the AQS reporting 

system. The EPA Regional Offices conduct annual ambient air monitoring meetings with their 
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affected State and local air quality management agencies to assist these affected agencies with 

this collection and its associated regulation. The EPA’s OAQPS also meets regularly with 

leading State and local air monitoring managers to discuss the Nation’s ambient air monitoring 

program and this collection, via large monthly phone calls and smaller in person meeting two or 

three times per year. Prior to this proposal, EPA conducted several stakeholder meetings to 

discuss issues associated with implementation of the SO2 standard. In addition, EPA developed 

two Technical Assistance Documents for Monitoring and Modeling. These documents provide 

technical advice on the use of modeling and monitoring to determine if an area meets the 2010 

SO2 air quality standard. 

3(d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection

State and local air quality management agencies would collect and report ambient air 

quality data without the 40 CFR 51 regulations associated with this collection. Sanctions do not 

automatically accrue to State or local air quality management agencies that fail to meet these 

requirements. The 40 CFR part 58 regulations and this associated collection do provide for a 

consistent system for reporting and record keeping that would not exist without these 

requirements. The effects of less frequent collection include:

• A national database that is not consistently updated and available for public 

consumption;

• Less timely attainment designations with respect to the NAAQS;

• More difficulty in identifying and repairing problems with an ambient air monitor--

i.e., data are used as to check a monitor’s operating condition, and reporting data less 

frequently would delay a State or local agency’s ability to recognize a problem with a 

monitor or a laboratory procedure; and

• The EPA would not be able to consistently answer questions from the public in a 

timely fashion regarding air quality in various areas of the country.

3(e) General Guidelines

All of the OMB’s general guidelines for information collections in 5 CFR 1320.6 are met 

by this ICR. None of the guidelines are exceeded.

• Monitoring data reporting would be required on a quarterly basis. Nearly all 

respondents voluntarily report on a monthly basis. If the modeling option is chosen

for some areas, one initial dispersion modeling run would be required. 

• Record retention is for no more than 3 years (most records are kept by the EPA data 

repository, not the affected State and local air quality management agencies)

• Monitoring information is maintained and reported in the standardized electronic AQS 

format.
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3(f) Confidentiality

Information that is considered personal, private, proprietary, or confidential is not 

required for this collection. One purpose of collecting ambient air data through AQS and 

AIRNow is to inform the public of general air quality in ambient air (air considered generally 

accessible to the public), and as such, does not present a need for maintaining a confidential 

nature. Security measures are taken to prevent tampering with the AQS electronic database by 

limiting the access to the AQS mainframe only to authorized users

3(g) Sensitive Questions

This section is not applicable to this ICR because no information involving matters of a 

sensitive nature is collected.

4. THE RESPONDENTS AND THE INFORMATION REQUESTED

4(a) Respondents/SIC Codes

This ICR affects State and local governments (SIC code 951, Administration of 

Environmental Quality Program) that are currently operating and maintaining established 

ambient air quality networks. The 40 CFR part 51 regulations associated with this request 

require that State and local air quality management agencies conduct either modeling or the 

ambient air quality surveillance and report the data to the EPA. Although industrial, 

environmental, and research organizations may use the data available through the AQS, they are 

not required to report any information for this information collection. Monitoring data submittal 

to AIRNow is voluntary for all organizations, but most State and local agencies reporting to AQS 

also report to AIRNow.

4(b) Information Requested For Areas Where Monitoring Option is Implemented

(i) Data items, including record keeping requirements

These data items are submitted electronically to EPA’s AQS as required by 40 CFR part 

58. These data are stored electronically within the EPA’s AQS, and separate records kept by the 

State or local air quality management agency are not required.

• Hourly and sub-hourly (5-minute) ambient air pollutant concentrations of SO2

collected at SLAMS sites or any third party monitoring sites identified and eligible to 

satisfy proposed requirements of the data requirements rule.

• Precision and accuracy data for all SLAMS sites, Special Purpose Monitors (SPM), 

and any third party monitor identified as eligible to satisfy proposed requirements of 

the data requirements rule.
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• Monitoring network description information, including the site AQS identification 

number, site location, sampling and analysis method, operating schedule, monitoring 

objective, site’s scale of representation, identity of the urban area represented, and 

quality assurance plan.

• Results of the annual ambient air monitoring network and quality assurance plan 

review.

• Annual SLAMS summary report which includes the location, date, pollution source, 

and duration of each incident of air pollution during which ambient levels of a 

pollutant reached or exceeded the significant harm levels as defined in 40 CFR 

51.151, the certification of the report’s accuracy by a designated State air pollution 

control officer, and various other summary statistics as provided by the AQS system.

(ii) Respondent Activities

A typical respondent would engage in the following activities to comply with this 

information request:

• Read the 40 CFR part 51 regulatory provisions and other EPA guidance (for example, 

please reference our Internet site at www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic.)

• Plan ambient air monitoring activities, such as developing a quality assurance plan 

for the network operation and maintenance, developing and reviewing the ambient air 

quality surveillance network design, planning where to locate sites, plan how to 

maintain and operate each site, develop a data reporting and validation plan.

• Write the quality assurance plan for network operation and maintenance, the ambient 

air quality surveillance network plan, and the data reporting and validation plan. 

Submit these plans to the EPA Regional or Headquarters office for review, and 

approval if appropriate.

• Obtain on-site leases or agreements to locate ambient air quality surveillance 

equipment.

• Investigate vendors, and procure equipment necessary to meet the ambient air quality 

network plan.

• Receive training for site operation and maintenance, quality assurance procedures, 

and data processing and reporting.

• Make arrangements for appropriate utility hookups for each ambient air quality 

surveillance site, i.e., electricity, telephones, data lines for electronic submission of 

concentrations from automated analyzers.
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• Install ambient air quality surveillance equipment and equipment shelter. Ensure 

security of the site.

• Conduct or otherwise provide oversight to ambient air quality monitoring, 

incorporating all appropriate quality assurance procedures such as calibrations, 

precision and accuracy checks, and, if necessary, concurrent monitoring.

• Validate the ambient air data for quality assurance considerations.

• Electronically submit the complete and validated ambient air data to AQS. 

• Prepare and submit to EPA annually the SLAMS sites summary report. 

Each of these activities are conducted using existing reporting and recordkeeping 

practices, including electronic submittal to the AQS. 

5. THE INFORMATION COLLECTED--AGENCY ACTIVITIES, COLLECTION

METHODOLOGY, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

5(a) Agency Activities

The EPA conducts the following activities to implement the monitoring option of this 

ICR and associated regulation:

• Periodically review the 40 CFR part 58 regulations to update the information 

collection and monitoring requirements in light of new technological developments 

or new air pollutant standards. Develop revisions to the regulations in response to 

legislative action and program changes.

• Establish, maintain, and support the AQS national repository for all State and local

air quality management agency ambient air quality data and monitoring information. 

Periodically evaluate and improve upon this system as new technologies, and new 

regulatory requirements would dictate.

• Answer respondent (generally State and local air quality management agencies, but 

also industrial organizations, environmental groups, and others) questions about 

ambient air monitoring, the 40 CFR part 58 regulatory requirements, and AQS. This 

includes the establishment of the Ambient Monitoring Technology Information 

Center bulletin board, the AQS toll-free hotline, and other written or verbal 

communication.

• Support the quality assurance program by working within the EPA and with the 

respondents to evaluate precision and accuracy data, oversee the National 
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Performance Audit Program, participate in systems audits, and conduct data 

validation checks on the AQS data submittal.

• Provide within the AQS mechanisms for statistical calculations, such as the number 

of times a particular ambient air quality monitoring site exceeds the NAAQS. 

Distribute the AQS data in various ways including upon written request, by Freedom 

of Information Act request, by press release, and in the annual National Air Quality 

and Emissions Trends Report. 

• Provide adequate electronic storage space within the AQS for all ambient air quality 

surveillance data and information.

5(b) Collection Methodology and Management

All State and local ambient air monitoring networks have access to and use wellestablished quality assurance procedures as defined in the Quality Assurance Handbook for Air 

Pollution Measurement Systems, Volumes I and II, EPA/600/R-94/038a & b. These documents 

ensure that all ambient air quality data are accurate and reliable. 

The EPA has provided and will continue to provide resources for the maintenance and 

operation of AQS. All monitoring data required by this collection are submitted electronically to 

reduce the burden of the collection and to improve data quality, agency efficiency, and 

responsiveness to the public. Various statistical and graphical summaries are also provided by 

AQS which enhance the utility of the information for consumption by the public and all affected 

State and local air quality management agencies. In submitting ambient air data into AQS, we 

ensure that the data are publicly available, electronically stored, and electronically retrievable. 

State and local air quality management agencies and the EPA have been submitting data to the 

AQS since its inception in 1987.

5(c) Small Entity Flexibility

This collection contains a minimum amount of information in order to manage the air 

quality program for the United States. The smallest entities affected by this collection are local 

air quality management agencies, typically consisting of the governing agencies for a county or 

group of counties, or a smaller metropolitan area (e.g., cities with a population of 50,000). This 

collection reduces to the extent practicable and appropriate the burden on entities that provide 

ambient air quality data and information to or for the EPA, including with respect to small 

entities, as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601(6)), the use of such 

techniques as:

• Establishing differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that 

account for the resources available to those who are to respond (e.g., the monitoring 

and reporting requirements decrease as the population of an area decreases, and 

various timetables for deploying ambient air monitoring stations are negotiated 

between the affected State or local air quality management agency and the EPA with 

consideration of the respondent’s resources); 
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• Clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting 

requirements (e.g., by establishing, maintaining, and improving as needed the AQS 

and AIRNow national repositories for ambient air quality data and information);

• Exemption from coverage of the collection of information, or any part thereof (e.g., 

the EPA negotiates with State and local air quality management agencies to 

determine the most effective and most efficient ambient air quality networks with 

respect to the monitoring needs, technical abilities, and resources available to each 

affected agency).

5(d) Collection Schedule for Monitoring Data

Ambient air quality surveillance data and precision and accuracy data for criteria air 

pollutants are submitted according to the schedule defined in 40 CFR 58.16. These current 

regulations require that State and local air quality management agencies report their data within 

90 days after the end of the quarter during which the data were collected. 

The annual SLAMS report is submitted by May 1 of each year for data collected from 

January 1 through December 31 of the previous year in accordance with 40 CFR 58.15. This 

certification applies to all SLAMS and all SPM monitoring data that have been submitted by 

May 1. 

The annual air quality surveillance network reviews are conducted and reports are 

submitted to the EPA on a schedule that is determined by the affected State or local air quality 

management agency and the EPA Regional Office. 

Ambient air quality data and information are made available to the public at any time in 

various ways, including:

• Upon request to the appropriate EPA Regional office, or to the OAQPS;

• By Freedom of Information Act Request to the appropriate EPA Regional Office or 

the OAQPS;

• From the State or local air quality management agency responsible for collecting the 

ambient air quality data and information; 

• By obtaining access, through appropriate EPA channels, to AQS; 

• Through EPA public reports, such as the annual “National Air Quality and Emissions 

Trends Report“; or

• Through AQI reporting mechanisms which include newspaper, television, Internet 

and other publicly available notices (see www.epa.gov/airnow).
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6. ESTIMATING THE BURDEN AND COST OF THE COLLECTION FOR THE 

MONITORING OPTION

6(a) Estimating Respondent Burden

All activities listed with section 4 (b) (ii) of this ICR Supporting Statement are presented 

in Worksheet 1. The detailed burden and cost estimates for the different types of monitors are 

based on information provided in the version of Guidance for Estimating Ambient Air 

Monitoring Costs for Criteria Pollutants and Selected Air Toxic Pollutants (prepared by Desert 

Research Institute for the EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality 

Assessment Division, Ambient Air Monitoring Group, January 2005). The monitoring cost 

estimates presented in this guidance document were based on existing literature and direct 

monitoring experience. The costs for equipment and supplies were verified with vendors. The 

monitoring costs were based on vendor quotes for the monitor type that EPA expects respondents 

to use to comply with the requirements. Costs for level of effort estimates were verified with 

selected State and local agencies. 

For use in preparing the burden estimates for the monitoring option of this ICR, costs for 

the monitoring requirements were inflated to 2016, 2017 and 2018. The cost escalation factors 

were estimated based on the appropriate Gross Domestic Product (GDP) price indices. Tables 

showing the detailed burden estimate calculations are presented below. A summary of the 

average annual respondent burden costs follows.

Worksheet 1: Annual Average Respondent Burden Estimates

Collection

Activities

Total Labor Hours

Per Respondent Per Year

(113 respondents)

1. Network design 5.4

2. Site installation 11.3

3. Sampling & analysis 313.6

4. Maintenance & repairs 177.7

5. Data management 101.9

6. Quality assurance 203.6

7. Supervision 164.7

TOTAL 978.2
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6(b) Estimating Respondent Costs

All activities listed with section 4 (b) (ii) of this ICR Supporting Statement are included 

in the Worksheet 2. A summary of the average annual respondent burden costs follows.

Worksheet 2: Annual Average Respondent Cost Estimates

Collection

Activities

Total Labor Cost 

Per Respondent Per Year 

(113 respondents)

1. Network design $415.1

2. Site installation $697.7

3. Sampling & analysis $22,038.1

4. Maintenance & repairs $11,613.2

5. Data management $6,826.6

6. Quality assurance $13,992.4

7. Supervision $11,746.9

TOTAL $67,330.0

6(c) Estimating Agency Burden and Cost

We estimated the Agency burden and cost by using current burden and cost of the 

ambient air monitoring program related to this collection. We included burden and cost for the 

OAQPS, the ten Regional Offices, and associated contract activities. The in-house activities for 

this collection are completed by a variety of individuals with a variety of salaries; therefore, we 

used the actual salary as an average for computing the program costs. Actual contractor 

expenses were used for those activities completed using extramural resources. We estimated a 

total of 52,717 hours and $776,005 total agency burden.

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

Worksheet 3 shows the total respondent hourly burdens and costs which was taken from 

section 6(b) above for the estimated 113 respondents. The total labor burden for the respondents 

was estimated to be 110,543 hours at a total cost of $7,608,287.
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Worksheet 3: Annual Total Respondent Labor Burden/Cost Estimates

Collection

Activities

Total Labor Hours

Per Year

Total Labor Cost

Per Year

1. Network design 613 $46,908

2. Site installation 1,278 $78,845

3. Sampling & analysis 35,440 $2,490,302

4. Maintenance & repairs 20,082 $1,312,286

5. Data management 11,518 $771,411

6. Quality assurance 23,004 $1,581,140

7. Supervision 18,606 $1,327,396

TOTAL 110,543 $7,608,287

6(e) Bottom Line Burden Hours and Cost Tables

(i) Respondent Tally

Respondent Total Annual Burden =110,543 hours

Respondent Total Annual Labor Cost for O & M = $7,608,287

Respondent Total Annual Cost for Non-labor O & M = $760,011

Respondent Total Equipment/Contract = $940,526

(ii) The Agency Tally

Agency Total Annual Burden = 52,717 hours

Agency Total Annual Cost = $776,005

(iii) Variations In The Annual Bottom Line.

We do not expect any significant variations in the annual bottom line for the ambient air 

monitoring networks for the clearance period requested.

6(f) Reasons for Change in Burden
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The new burden requested in this ICR results from the requirements under the Proposed 

SO2 Data Requirements Rule. 

6(g) Burden Statement

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

is estimated to average 978 hours per respondent under the monitoring option. 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 currently 

valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 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-OAR-2013-0711, which is available for online viewing at 

www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air Docket in the EPA Docket Center 

(EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 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 number for the Air Docket is (202) 566-1742. An electronic version of 

the public docket is available at www.regulations.gov. This site can be used to submit or view 

public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public 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 above. Also, you can send 

comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 

Budget, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20503, Attention: Desk Officer for EPA. Please 

include the EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0711 and OMB Control Number 

2060-NEW in any correspondence.

PART B OF SUPPORTING STATEMENT

This section is not applicable to this ICR because statistical methods are not used in the 

data collection associated with the rule amendments.