Polluted site cleanups get paperwork extension—comment if you dare
Published Date: 2/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA is asking to keep collecting info about cleaning up polluted sites, making sure the rules stay clear and effective. This affects companies and workers involved in site cleanup, with no new costs but a chance to share thoughts by March 31, 2025. The goal? Keep protecting the air while keeping paperwork manageable!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Which sites and businesses are covered
The rule applies to site remediation activities that clean up materials containing organic hazardous air pollutants (HAP) when those activities are at a facility that is a "major source" of HAP. A major source emits any single HAP at 10 tons or more per year or any combination of HAP at 25 tons or more per year. Businesses explicitly identified as likely affected include organic liquid storage terminals, petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturers, and other manufacturers using organic materials.
Estimated paperwork burden and yearly costs
EPA estimates 104 respondents (facilities) will respond, with a total burden of 47,100 hours per year and a total annual cost of $5,670,000, which includes $256,000 in annualized capital or operation and maintenance costs. Responses are required initially and then semiannually.
Expanded coverage after December 2022 change
A December 22, 2022 amendment removed an exemption for site remediation activities under CERCLA and certain RCRA corrective actions, which increased the number of facilities subject to the rule and increased the estimated respondent burden. EPA notes a decrease in capital cost estimates (assuming initial capital already incurred) and an increase in operation and maintenance (O&M) costs due to more existing facilities conducting O&M activities.
Required notifications, tests, and recordkeeping
Owners/operators of affected facilities must submit initial notifications, conduct performance tests, file periodic reports, and keep records of startup, shutdown, malfunction events, and periods when monitoring systems are inoperative. These activities occur initially and on a semiannual basis under 40 CFR part 63, subpart GGGGG.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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