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