EPA is to be commended for its efforts to update and refine its estimate of the burden associated with this information collection. However, when significant changes to burden estimates are made that do not reflect underlying program changes, both the basis and the quantitative effect of each changed assumption or calculation needs to be documented. The documentation provided with this ICR did not allow an itemization of changed assumptions and their effects. Some qualitative explanation of the reasons for the change were provided, but this explanation did not account for a significant fraction of the total change. The revised estimate suggests that there may be significant areas where burden has previously been eitehr overstated or understated. When this information collection is submitted for renewal in 3 years, EPA should reassess whether it is appropriate to recalculate burden, and if so, provide the appropriate documentation with the revised estimates. In the mean time, however, this ICR is being approved with no change in burden. Since all changes in the underlying program requirements that affect burden (eg, EPA's 1996 Guidance on Performance Based Monitoring Reductions) had already been accounted for in the existing burden estimate, it is appropriate to carry this estimate forward unchanged until a reassessment, including appropriate documentation of any changes, has been completed.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2001
09/30/2001
09/30/1998
611,205
0
1,011,592
13,333,396
0
13,333,396
0
0
0
This ICR estimates the current monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping burden and cost associated with submitting and reviewing Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs), sewage sludge monitoring reports, and other monitoring reports under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) NPDES Program. The NPDES program regulations, codified at 40 CFR parts 122 through 125, require permitted municipal and non-municipal point source discharges to collect, analyze, and submit data on their wastewater discharges.
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.
Discharge Monitoring Report for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Sewage Sludge Monitoring Reports