OMB understands
that EPA plans to use the survey results, in conjunction with other
information, to assess the need for expanded federal programs to
protect water quality at local beaches. Because the survey is
voluntary, OMB is concerned that it may not provide an adequate
basis for for statistically valid quantitative conclusions, and may
not produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to
the universe of study, as required by 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2)(v). OMB is
thus approving the survey on a pilot basis for two years. As part
oa any request for renewal of this approval, EPA should prepare a
report presenting basic information on response rate, summary
statistics, and any conclusions based on the survey. EPA is
encouraged to consult with OMB in the preparation of this report.
In light of public comment questioning the adequacy of the burden
estimate, EPA should also reevaluate this estimate and present its
findings in the report. OMB also understands that the public
release of information from this survey is to be used primarily to
provide the public with site-specific information on water quality
monitoring and advisory programs at local beaches. In order to
ensure that the data has practical utility, as required by 5 CFR
1320.9(a), it is important that any public release of it be
accurately characterized. Because much of the information collected
through this survey will relate to the previous rather than the
current year, care should be taken in explanatory or promotional
materials accompanying the data not to suggest that it provides
information on the safety of local beaches. Rather, it should be
presented as providing information on the programs conducted by
state and local authorities to monitor and protect beach safety.
Prior to the public release of the data, OMB would like to be
afforded an opportunity to comment on any explanatory and
promotional materials that will accompany the data release. OMB
would also like to be kept informed of the results of the survey
(eg, how many were mailed, how many returned, etc).
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/29/2000
02/29/2000
2,000
0
0
4,160
0
0
0
0
0
Bacterial and other microbiological
contaminants continue to pose potentially serious human health
problems for the Nations recreational waters, including bathings
beaches. They are directly related to such Clean Water Act
responsibilities as water quality and to the Agency's efforts to
ensure that the waters of the United States are "fishable" and
"swimmable." EPA believes there is a need to improve the overall
quality and availability of public information about health
protection activities at beaches, which include, but are not
limited to, water quality standards, monitoring, and assessment
activities.
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.
National Health Protection Survey of Beaches