This is a revision of a currently approved ICR to collect data from EPAs Clean Water Act (CWA) Recognition Awards nominees. Awards are for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M), Biosolids Management, Storm Water Management (SW), and Combined Sewer Overflow Controls (CSO) program categories. Information collection approval for the Pretreatment awards category is included in the National Pretreatment Program ICR (OMB Control No. 2040-0009. EPA, ICR No. 0002.12), approved through September 30, 2007. The Awards Program is managed in EPAs Office of Wastewater Management (OWM). By authority of Section 501(e) of the CWA, as amended, the Awards Program recognizes wastewater treatment industries and municipalities which have demonstrated outstanding technological achievements, or innovative processes, methods or devices in their waste treatment and pollution abatement programs. Over 40 first and second place awards are presented at an annual EPA Ceremony for management excellence in the above categories. Occasionally, nominated activities may receive an honorable mention or special award. The wastewater management achievements are summarized in reports, news articles and national publications. The completed questionnaire is returned to the applicant at the end of the year. The collection of information is estimated to include 195 respondents and 2030 burden hours (1160/ 8 hour responses and 870/ 6 hour responses for States), and $85,738 ($49,721 for respondents and $36,017 for States). The cost to the Federal government is $139,983 per year. Participation by respondents is voluntary. No confidential information is requested.
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.