Improvements in analytical chemistry instrumentation have allowed scientists to detect trace amounts of chemicals that are commonly used in homes in the environment. These so-called "emerging contaminants" are chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, detergents and even endogenous hormones, which are either excreted from or washed off the body, and enter the wastewater treatment system. Wastewater treatment is not designed to specifically remove these chemicals, so a portion of the chemicals remain in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. WWTP effluents are commonly released into surface waters. Natural processes such as photolysis, sorption, volatilization, degradation, and simple dilution further attenuate the concentrations of emerging contaminants. However, if a Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) intake is located downstream of a WWTP effluent outfall, there is a potential for these chemicals to be present in finished drinking water.
The EPA's Office of Research and Development, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), is conducting a sampling program at up to 50 DWTPs to determine the presence of emerging contaminants in both the source water and finished drinking water. To better interpret the results of the sampling program, detailed information concerning the operation of the DWTP at the time of sampling is required. This information can only be gathered through a questionnaire that is completed concurrent to the collection event.
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.