This ICR
contains a good answer to question (2), although further specific
information on EPA's use of the report would be useful. Also, the
discussion on estimating the burden hours is good, but where is the
burden to collect the data summarized in the report covered under
the Paperwork Reduction Act? . Please submit a letter to the OMB
Desk Officer for Water by January 31 1985 that more thoroughly
explains EPA's use of the report, in particular, how does EPA use
the report to evaluate the effectiveness of the NPDES program, what
offices use the report, what management decisions are/have been
based upon the report, what is "essential" abo collecting "routine
national compliance statistics" (what is the essential routine
use)? Also describe in the letter EPA's efforts to use an automated
system to generate the report. If there are any other computer
systems used to maintain NPDES program data (eg. permit data,
compliance data, etc.) please fully describe them. EPA's effort to
automate the QNCR may be a good example of an agency effort to
improve its management of information and we may be able to use it
as example for other agencies to follow. The last two lines of
question (14) should be deleted. This ICR is approved through April
1985 because it will be combined wi NPDES ICRs by that date.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
04/30/1985
04/30/1985
10/31/1984
180
0
165
6,850
0
8,400
0
0
0
QNCR'S AND SUMMARY REPORTS ARE
PREPARED BY NPDES APPROVED STATES AND EPA REGIONS QUARTERLY TO
IDENTIFY INSTANCES OF NONCOMPLIANCE BY MAJOR DISCHARGERS AND THE
RESPONSES TO THE REGULATORY AGENCIES TO NONCOMPLIANCE. THE REPORT
INFORMS THE PUBLIC AND IS USED BY EPA MANAGEMENT TO EVALUATE
COMPLIANCE/ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.