In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years. However, as terms of clearance, the Agency is required to ensure that the supporting statement for this collection accurately reflects the modes of collection and the associated burdens.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2023
36 Months From Approved
03/31/2020
59
0
59
3,718,130
0
3,740,017
0
0
0
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires States to identify and rank waters which cannot meet water quality standards (WQS) following the implementation of technology-based controls. Under Section 303(d), States are also required to establish total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for listed waters not meeting standards as a result of pollutant discharges. In developing the Section 303(d) lists, States are required to consider various sources of water-quality related data and information, including the Section 305(b) State water quality reports. The State Section 305(b) reports contain information on the extent of water quality degradation, the pollutants and sources affecting water quality, and State progress in controlling water pollution. EPA's Assessment and Watershed Protection Division (AWPD) works with its Regional counterparts to review and approve or disapprove State Section 303(d) lists and TMDLs from 56 respondents (the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the five Territories). Section 303(d) specifically requires States to develop lists and TMDLs "from time to time" and EPA to review and approve or disapprove the lists and the TMDLs. EPA also collects State 305(b) reports from 59 respondents (the 50 States, the District of Columbia, five Territories, and 3 River Basin commissions).
The total annual respondent hour burden for 303(d) and 305(b) reporting is estimated to decrease from the previous ICR. In general, using the SWQMWM responses may result in an overestimate of respondent burden because the responses represent estimates of State need to fulfill program activities, rather than actual spending. However, for the three-year period of this ICR, we estimate that respondent burden hours will be decreased by 10% in year one, 15% in year two and by 20% in year three in specific tasks. For agency burden hours, taking into account decrease in workload, we estimated a range of 20%-50% reduction in specific program activities.
The total annual respondent hour burden associated with TMDL development has not changed from the previous ICR.The changes associated with 303(d)/305(b) reporting and TMDL development have been in cost due to rising wage rates from 2018 to 2022. Burden changes that will occur because of the implementation of the Water Quality Framework are estimated based on adoption rates of the new system. Burden estimates will be further clarified after the completion of the first complete cycle using ATTAINS, along with an updated model estimating overall burden and will be included in the next ICR.
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.
1560ss12.docx
National Water Quality Inventory Reports - State, Territorial & River Basin Commissions