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.