1028-NEW SS-A Day Michindoh Glacial Aquifer Groundwater Study - 892021

Supporting Statement A

Michindoh Glacial Aquifer Groundwater Study

OMB Control Number 1028-NEW

Terms of Clearance: None

General Instructions

A completed Supporting Statement A must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below, and must contain the information specified below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," then a Supporting Statement B must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.

The USGS is conducting a groundwater study to characterize the glacial deposits that are part of the aquifer system informally known as the “Michindoh aquifer”, a principal source of water to local communities, agriculture, and industry in the region. This project is conducted in support of 43 U.S.C. 31 et seq. The Organic Act of March 3, 1879, that established the Geological Survey, as amended (1962); and restated in annual appropriation acts. This section provides, among others, that the Geological Survey is directed to classify the public lands and examine the geological structure, mineral resources, and products within and outside the national domain.

To support the groundwater study, the USGS will conduct two water level synoptic measurements. Synoptic water level measurements are a type of measurement where data is collected from many wells over a short period of time. As part of the effort to collect synoptic measurements of the Michindoh Aquifer, the USGS is relying on the participation of property owners from across the region. The USGS has prepared documents to gather contact information from interested parties.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection. Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.

The likely respondents to this information collection are property owners. We will collect the necessary information from property owners identified as having a selected well by sending them a postcard. The postcard will have a link to a webform where a property owner can express their interest to take part in the study and provide their contact information. Questions include: 1) name, 2) preferred contact method, 3) email address, 4) phone number, 5) well ID number (we provide this to the property owner; it is included on webform for confirmation purposes). Once we receive a response USGS collects the data and performs the actual study.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.

The USGS will use a direct mail postcard with a link to a webform that will be available on our agency website in fillable format.

An estimated 100% of respondents will submit their response electronically (via webform)

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

There is no duplication. The information requested is site/activity specific and is not otherwise available in the agency.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

This information collection does not impact small businesses or other small entities.”

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

Synoptic measurements are most effective when they are collected at the annual extreme minimum and maximum groundwater level in order to quantify how much water levels can vary temporally. The efficacy of the water level synoptic will be significantly reduced if water levels are not recorded near their minimum elevations, as interpretation of the range of groundwater levels will be poorly constrained. If we cannot conduct the information collection in a timely manner, it will lead to less robust analysis in the resulting USGS products/deliverables.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

* requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

* requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

* requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

* requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;

* in connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

* requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

* that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

* requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information, unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

There are no circumstances that require us to collect the information in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.”

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past three years, and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three years — even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

The 60-day FRN was published 05/24/2021 at 86 FR 27888. The USGS did not receive any comments from the public notice.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

We will not provide payments or gifts to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

No assurance of confidentiality is given to respondents. The application along with the agency name, contact name, phone number, and email addresses collected will be shared only within the USGS program office.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

We do not ask questions of a sensitive nature.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

* Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

* If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

* Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here.

Cost estimate for applicants were determined using a rate of $53.47 per hour for State and local government employee from Bureau of Labor Statistics ‘Employer Costs for Employee Compensation—December 2020’, March 18, 2021.

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/ecec_03182021.pdf

Table 2: Respondent burden

Participant / Activity	Estimated Number of Responses	Estimated Minutes per Response	Estimated Burden Hours	Estimated Dollar Value for Burden Hr
Public individual reads announcement or instructions	250	10	42	$2,245.74
Public individual completes survey	250	5	21	$1,122.87
Subtotal	250	15	63	$3,368.61

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in item 12.)

* The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information (including filing fees paid for form processing). Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

* If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

* Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

We have not identified any non-hour cost burden associated with this collection.”

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.

The 8 hours calculated for the annualized costs to government includes printed and shipping direct mail postcards and organizing responses from the public.

We used the Office of Personnel Management Salary Table 2021-IND to determine the hourly wage rate for a GS-9, step 1. To calculate benefits, we multiplied the hourly rate ($25.82) by 1.6 to account for benefits, resulting in an hourly cost factor of $41.31.

Table 3: Federal Government Expenses

Position	Grade/ Step	Hourly Rate	Annual Hrs	Fully Loaded Hr Rate (x1.6)	Total Labor Value
Hydrologist	9/1	$25.82	8	$41.31	$330.48

Table 4 Other Federal Government Expenses

N/A

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15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

This is a new information collection.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

The results of the information collection will not be published.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

The USGS is not requesting any changes to the display of the expiration date for OMB approval.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

The USGS requests no exceptions to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."