EPA is to be
commended for the detailed report that was submitted along with
this ICR outlining its experience with this survey over the past
two years. The agency is making progresss in increasing response
rates and expects to continue doing so in future years. OMB
understands that EPA is working with various state agencies to
enlist state support in encouraging local public health and beach
watch officials to complete the survey and agrees that this is a
sound approach for increasing response rate. However, dissemination
of the data could be improved in several ways. Specifically, the
agency should emphasize in its written materials and on its web
page that the individual beach closing information is not current,
but represents the beach's experience during the calendar year
prior to distribution of the survey. Thus, the published
information is anywhere from one to two years old, depending on the
time in the annual survey cycle. Also, the information needs to be
disseminated in a way that will allow the public to view summary
statistics and trends rather than only information on individual
beaches. OMB understands that EPA already has plans to address this
need.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
11/30/2003
11/30/2003
02/29/2000
533
0
2,000
1,280
0
4,160
1,000
0
0
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, and beach closures. Many organizations share
responsibility for these activities. Consequently, EPA's Office of
Water will conduct an annual "beach" survey. The survey will be
sent to environmental health officials from State, tribal, county,
and city agencies, as well as representatives from various interest
groups.
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.