This ICR is
approved. However, EPA has received a number of comments
questioning some of the details of the certification requirements
and expressing concern that if the requirements are overly
stringent, there may not be sufficient certified lab capacity to
meet the needs associated with the upcoming Long Term 2 Surface
Water Treatment Rule. Systems are already beginning cryptosporidium
monitoring in order to facilitate compliance and take advantage of
the grandfathering provisions that are expected to be included in
the rule. Therefore, EPA should include in the preamble to the
proposed rule a discussion of the issues that have been raised with
respect to the lab certification program and ask for comment on
whether systems are experiencing difficulty in finding qualified
labs to conduct approved cryptosporidium analysis and whether any
of the specific certification requirements should be revisited to
improve the certification process. In this context, the discussion
should specifically acknowledge the concerns that have been raised
regarding the analyst qualification requirements. EPA should brief
OMB on significant comments received regarding this issue and any
proposals for addressing them within six months following
publication of the proposed rule.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2006
05/31/2006
10/31/2002
60
0
60
4,347
0
4,347
123,000
0
12,000
The US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is proposing a Laboratory Quality Evaluation Program for
Analysis of Cryptosporidium Under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This
voluntary program applies to public and private laboratories that
analyze water samples for Cryptosporidium.
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.