This ICR estimates the burden and costs associated with modifications and variances made to NPDES permits and to National Sewage Sludge Management Program permit requirements. Prior to permit issuance, a NPDES permit applicant may request a variance from the conditions that would normally be imposed on the applicant's discharge. Although any interested party may request a variance, such requests are usually made by the applicant. An applicant must submit information so the permitting authority can assess whether the facility is eligible for a variance, and what deviation is necessary. Once a NPDES or sludge -only permit is issued, a facility is subject to the permit limits and conditions for the life of the permit. However, events may occur during this period that would render the permit limits or conditions inappropriate. Some of these events are beyond the permittee's control; others may be directly related to the permittee's actions. For example, State water quality standards may be revised and so affect the effluent limitations established in the permit. Alternatively, a permittee may expand its operation procedures or change its raw materials, altering the character of its discharge or the quality of the sewage sludge it generates. Responding to such events may require a modification of the NPDES or sewage sludge management permit conditions. The causes that can lead to permit modifications are established in 40 CFR 122.62 and 122.63. The regulations specify information a facility must report in order for EPA to determine whether a permit modification is warranted. Each provision requires similar information
This change is primarily the result of (1) changes and adjustments in the number and types of permits administered by the states and EPA under the NPDES program. Non-NPDES authorized states continue to apply for NPDES program authorization. (2) EPAÂs continuous effort to improve the quality of data in its PCS database. This change may reflect more accurate data rather than a significant change in the number of permits actually administered. (3) EPA does not anticipate Variance Requests for Fundamentally Different Factors.
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.
0029ss09.doc
NPDES Modification and Variance Requests: Public Sector