Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Mercury (Renewal)
Published Date: 1/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA is asking to keep collecting information about mercury pollution rules for a few more years, giving the public 30 extra days to share their thoughts. This affects businesses that handle mercury emissions and helps the EPA keep track of pollution to protect our health. No big changes or costs are expected, just a smooth renewal of the current process through early 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA Continues Mercury Reporting Rules
The EPA is renewing its information collection for the NESHAP for Mercury (40 CFR part 61, subpart E), so owners/operators of mercury ore processors, sludge incinerators, and sludge-drying plants must continue to provide initial notifications, performance tests, periodic reports, and recordkeeping. The ICR lists about 100 respondents, with a total estimated burden of 16,500 hours and total estimated cost of $2,260,000 per year; the current approval runs through January 31, 2026.
Ban on Mercury Emissions for Chlor‑Alkali Plants
Beginning May 6, 2025, any amount of mercury emissions from mercury cell chlor-alkali plants are prohibited under 40 CFR part 63, subpart IIIII. The EPA assumes the one remaining mercury cell chlor-alkali facility will either convert its mercury cell unit to non-mercury technology or close that unit, and therefore that facility is not expected to remain in operation for this ICR.
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