Revisions to the Total Coliform Rule (Final Rule)

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status
1895supp08 - Appendix A.pdf Supplementary Document	2014-01-23
1895ss08.docx Supporting Statement A	2014-01-23

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
23688	Microbial Rules - Public Water Systems	Modified
202045	Microbial Rules - Commercial Air Carriers	Modified
187351	Microbial Rules - Primacy Agencies	Modified

ICR Details

OMB Control No: 2040-0205	ICR Reference No: 201401-2040-006
Status: Historical Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 201204-2040-001
Agency/Subagency: EPA/OW	Agency Tracking No: 1895.08
Title: Revisions to the Total Coliform Rule (Final Rule)
Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved without change	Conclusion Date: 01/23/2014
	Date Received in OIRA: 01/23/2014
Terms of Clearance:

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	08/31/2015	08/31/2015	08/31/2015
Responses	29,092,283	0	28,937,389
Time Burden (Hours)	13,769,940	0	12,930,414
Cost Burden (Dollars)	136,194,171	0	136,194,171

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Abstract: The Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) requires information collection regarding the effectiveness of treatment, the integrity of the distribution system, and the possible presence of fecal contamination. All public water systems (PWSs) are included in this information collection. The RTCR uses total coliforms as an indicator to start an evaluation process that, when necessary, will require the PWS to correct sanitary defects found. Under the RTCR, E. coli will remain a regulated contaminant with a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) of zero and a maximum contaminant level (MCL) based on the presence of total coliforms and/or E. coli. All fecal coliform provisions (including the MCLG and MCL) are removed in the RTCR. Under the RTCR there is no longer an MCL violation for multiple total coliform detections. The intent of the RTCR is to better address the 1989 Total Coliform Rule (TCR) objectives and enhance the multi-barrier approach to protecting public health, especially with respect to smaller ground water PWSs.

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Authorizing Statute(s): PL: Pub.L. 93 - 523 1412-1445 Name of Law: Safe Drinking Water Act
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
2040-AD94	Final or interim final rulemaking	78 FR 10269	02/13/2013

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	75 FR 40926	07/14/2010
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	78 FR 10269	02/13/2013
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 3

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Microbial Rules - Public Water Systems
Microbial Rules - Primacy Agencies
Microbial Rules - Commercial Air Carriers

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	29,092,283	28,937,389	0	154,894	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	13,769,940	12,930,414	0	839,526	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	136,194,171	136,194,171	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Changing Regulations

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: The program changes are due to new regulations that modified the requirements on Public Water Systems and States for conforming to the Total Coliform Rule.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $0

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Is the Supporting Statement intended to be a Privacy Impact Assessment required by the E-Government Act of 2002? No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? Uncollected

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(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;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

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.

Certification Date: 01/23/2014

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