Consolidated Superfund Information Collection Request (Renewal)
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved without change
11/15/2024
01/31/2023
Proposed terms of clearance: In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, this information collection request is being approved with condition that all future submissions will follow template and documentation requirements outlined in ICR guidelines.
As a reminder EPA is required to include the following information in its submission for information collection request review and approval: (1) supporting statements to show compliance with requirements and other associated laws; (2) a description of the regulatory text applicable to the ICR including submission specifications; (3) a clear description of the data elements being collected under the ICR; (4) copies of the data collection instrument and/or screen shots of the electronic portal where the reporting requirements are submitted to EPA (with the control number and burden statement included); (5) a detailed discussion of how information is submitted and the extent to which electronic reporting is available; (6) evidence of consultation with respondents (by actively reaching out to stakeholders as permitted by the PRA) to ensure the supporting statement's accuracy on availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, accuracy of burden estimate, relevance of data elements, and similar PRA matters; and (7) discussion of how EPA addressed substantive concerns raised by respondents and other stakeholders during consultation and in response to comments received on FR notices. In addition, supporting statement A should use the standard 18 question SS-A format. Additional information on formatting and compliance can be found at https://pra.digital.gov.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
11/30/2027
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2024
14,100
0
14,059
175,583
0
196,557
0
0
0
This ICR covers the following: (1) the collection of information under 40 CFR part 35, subpart O, which establishes the administrative requirements for cooperative agreements funded under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) for state, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and political subdivision response actions; (2) the application of the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) by states as outlined by CERCLA section 105 that amends the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) to include criteria prioritizing releases throughout the United States before undertaking remedial action at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites; and (3) the remedial portion of the Superfund program as specified in CERCLA and the NCP. For cooperative agreements and Superfund state contracts for Superfund response actions, the information is collected from applicants and/or recipients of EPA assistance and is used to make awards, pay recipients, and collect information on how federal funds are being utilized. EPA requires this information to meet its federal stewardship responsibilities. Recipient responses are required to obtain a benefit (federal funds) under 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards to Non-Federal Entities and under 40 CFR part 35, State and Local Assistance. For the Superfund site evaluation and the Hazard Ranking System, the states will apply the HRS by identifying and classifying those releases or sites that warrant further investigation. The HRS score is crucial since it is the primary mechanism used to determine whether a site is eligible to be included on the National Priorities List (NPL). Only sites on the NPL are eligible for Superfund-financed remedial actions. For the NCP information collection, some community involvement activities covered by this ICR are not required at every site (e.g., Technical Assistance Grants) and depend very much on the community and the nature of the site and cleanup. All community activities seek to involve the public in the cleanup of the sites, gain the input of community members, and include the community's perspective on the potential future reuse of Superfund NPL sites. Community involvement activities can enhance the remedial process and increase community acceptance and the potential for productive and beneficial reuse of the sites.
There is decrease of 20,974 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB. This decrease is due to an overall decrease in the number of respondents and responses for the Superfund Site Evaluation and Hazard Ranking System, Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions, and for the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.
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.