SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR EPA's
                     INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUEST (ICR)
            UNDER TITLE I OF THE MARINE PROTECTION, RESEARCH, AND
                                SANCTUARIES ACT

                                  Prepared by

                        Environmental Protection Agency
                   Oceans, Wetlands and Communities Division
                               Washington, D.C.

                       Working Draft Date  -  09/25/2018
                                Published Draft
                                   TBD 2019

Prepared by Oceans, Wetlands and Communities Division of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds

            SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
            UNDER TITLE I OF THE MARINE PROTECTION, RESEARCH, AND
                                SANCTUARIES ACT
ICR # 0824.06
OMB Control # 2040-0008

Introduction
This document supports EPA's compliance with requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act for the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). The purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (PRA) (P. L. 96-511) and implementing regulations (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) are to: 1) minimize the federal paperwork burden for small businesses, state and local governments, and other individuals; 2) minimize the Federal government's cost of collecting, maintaining, using, and disseminating information; and 3) maximize the usefulness of information collected by federal agencies.

This Information Collection Request (ICR) is made by the Oceans, Wetlands and Communities Division in the Office of Water, EPA Headquarters. The proposed information collection activities are accomplished by the least burdensome and least costly means and are not duplicated by other sources.

EPA administers the MPRSA, as amended. The MPRSA is also referred to as the Ocean Dumping Act. The MPRSA regulates the dumping and transportation for the purpose of dumping of material into ocean waters. The collections of information described in this document derive from EPA's authorities under and responsibilities in implementing the MPRSA.

EPA plays a primary role in protecting and preserving our ocean and coastal resources from dumping at sea. The Oceans, Wetlands and Communities Division in the Office of Water at EPA Headquarters and the seven coastal EPA Regional Offices (Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 10) jointly administer EPA's Ocean Dumping Management Program.  Ocean dumping cannot occur unless a permit is issued under the MPRSA. EPA is responsible for issuing ocean dumping permits for all materials except dredged material. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for issuing ocean dumping permits for dredged material using EPA's ocean dumping criteria. Ocean dumping permits for dredged material (and federal projects involving ocean dumping of dredged material) are subject to EPA review and concurrence. EPA is also responsible for designating and managing ocean disposal sites for the disposal of wastes and other materials, and establishing Site Management and Monitoring Plans (SMMPs) for ocean disposal sites.

EPA regulations establish ocean dumping criteria (hereinafter the "Ocean Dumping Criteria") for the evaluation of MPRSA permit applications. The Ocean Dumping Criteria consider, among other things: the environmental impact of the dumping; the need for the dumping; the effect of the dumping on aesthetic, recreational, or economic values; land-based alternatives to ocean dumping; and the adverse effects of the dumping on other uses of the ocean. The Ocean Dumping Criteria are codified in 40 CFR parts 227-228.

Congress vested EPA with the authority and discretion to issue ocean dumping permits for all materials except dredged material. The other materials for which EPA issues permits, and that are currently dumped in the ocean include human remains, vessels, and fish processing wastes. Section 101 of the MPRSA (33 U.S.C. 1411) prohibits all ocean dumping activities except those activities authorized by a permit. Dumping of some materials is prohibited by the statute and may not be permitted. Under MPRSA section 102, EPA can issue various types of permits: special, general, research (including incineration at sea), or emergency permits. EPA may issue special permits to applicants seeking to dispose of materials in the ocean. EPA may issue a general permit for materials that will have a minimal adverse environmental impact and are generally disposed of in small quantities. EPA may issue research permits for the dumping of materials as part of a research project when it is determined that the scientific merit of the proposed project outweighs the potential environmental or other damage that may result from dumping. EPA may issue emergency permits only in situations where the material to be disposed poses "an unacceptable risk relating to human health and admits of no other feasible solution." "Emergency" refers to situations requiring action with a marked sense of urgency, but is not limited to circumstances requiring immediate action.

While not relevant to this ICR, USACE issues ocean dumping permits for dredged material (and conducts federal projects associated with ocean dumping of dredged material) using the Ocean Dumping Criteria, and dumping under those permits and federal projects are subject to EPA review and concurrence.

The United States is a Contracting Party to the London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972. The United States implements the London Convention through the MPRSA. In compliance with treaty obligations, the United States (through EPA and USACE) provides annual reports to the treaty organization regarding the ocean dumping of materials authorized over the preceding year.

Lastly, EPA works closely with USACE and the U.S. Coast Guard to implement the MPRSA. Compliance and enforcement of the MPRSA are the responsibilities of EPA, USACE, and the U.S. Coast Guard. EPA also works with the other federal agencies, as needed, on particular issues (e.g., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in mapping vessels disposed under the vessel disposal general permit).

Organization of Information Collection Request Statement
This document follows the format for ICR outlined in the Information Collection Review Handbook (Office of Management and Budget, 1989) and the Instructions for Standard Form 83 (revised version dated September 1983). No exceptions to this format are taken. Those topics identified in the Information Collection Review Handbook, which are not relevant to this application, are noted and the basis for this determination stated. EPA's Information Resources Management Policy Manual (July 1987), Regulation Development in EPA (September 1992), and EPA's Instructions for Preparing Information Collection Requests (June 1992) also guided the development of this document.

This ICR is organized into two chapters. Both chapters address activities that are subject to the requirements of the PRA. Chapters 1 and 2 address ocean dumping activities for materials other than dredged material.

 Chapter 1 analyzes activities associated with new MPRSA special, general, research, and emergency permits. In addition to the permits themselves, this chapter also includes reporting requirements associated with dumping of material for an emergency to safeguard life at sea, where no permit is required.

 Chapter 2 analyzes activities associated with the three existing general permits that have applicable collections of information within the meaning of the Paper Work Reduction Act. Currently, there are three existing general permits with applicable collections of information within the meaning of the Paperwork Reduction Act: 1) burial at sea general permit, 2) transportation and disposal of vessels general permit, and 3) disposal of marine mammal carcasses

EPA has taken a conservative approach, specifically to overstate potential burden and costs, throughout this analysis, and all information collection and record keeping requirements are included in this analysis.

This ICR was developed based on program office knowledge of the process, a review of collections of information similar to those being called for under this ICR, a review of EPA regional practices in collecting information, a review of the literature on the ocean dumping program and, ultimately, by an independent review by four likely respondents.

Chapter 1.	Supporting Statement for the Collection of Information for Special, General, Research, and Emergency Ocean Dumping Permits.

SECTION 1:  Identification of the Information Collection
1(a):  Title of the Information Collection
Collection of Information for Special, Research, Emergency, and new General (other than for Burial at Sea and for Vessel Disposal) Ocean Dumping Permits

1(b):  Short Characterization/Abstract
Chapter 1 of this ICR covers collections of information associated with new ocean dumping permits. This chapter is organized by each category of ocean dumping permit according to EPA's regulations:
 Special
 General (other than for burial at sea and for vessel disposal)
 Research
 Emergency

In addition to these permits, this chapter includes the following reporting requirements where no permit is required:
 Emergency to Safeguard Life at Sea

SECTION 2:  Need for and Use of the Collection
2(a):  Need/Authority for the Collection
Section 104(e) of the MPRSA authorizes EPA to collect permit application information. The information collected is codified in 40 CFR 221.1 based on the category of permit sought (special, general, research, and emergency). EPA collects this information to ensure that ocean dumping is appropriately regulated and will not harm human health or the marine environment, based on applying the Ocean Dumping Criteria. To meet United States' reporting obligation under the London Convention, EPA also reports some of this information in the annual United States Ocean Dumping Report.

2(b):  Practical Utility/Users of the Data
EPA uses ocean dumping information to make decisions regarding whether to issue or deny a permit.  This information is also used to develop the conditions in ocean dumping permits issued by EPA in order to ensure consistency with the Ocean Dumping Criteria. EPA uses monitoring and reporting data to assess compliance with ocean dumping permits, including associated monitoring activities.

SECTION 3:  Non-duplication, Public Notice, Consultations, and Other Collection Criteria
3(a):  Non-duplication
All information requested from respondents under this ICR is required to ensure that material proposed for ocean dumping is appropriately regulated and does not harm human health or the marine environment, based on applying the Ocean Dumping Criteria. The information is not generally available from other sources.

3(b):  Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (81 FR 484) on January 06, 2016 during a 60-day comment period. No Comments were received.

3(c):  Consultations
The permits in this chapter occur infrequently and are on a case-by-case basis. No entities were identified for this chapter of the ICR. Burden estimates for this chapter are based on best professional judgement.

3(d):  Effects of Less Frequent Collection
 The application is only filed once in order to obtain the benefit of a permit and less frequent filing (i.e., no application) would preclude EPA from providing the benefit.

3(e):  General Guidelines
The information collection activities discussed in this chapter of the ICR are fully consistent with all guidelines in 5 CFR § 1320.5(d)(2).

3(f):  Confidentiality
To the extent that information collection activities discussed in this chapter of the ICR require the submission of any confidential information, EPA ensures compliance with the Agency's confidentiality regulations. 40 CFR 2.201 et seq.

3(g):  Sensitive Questions
The information collection activities discussed in this chapter of the ICR do not require the submission of any sensitive information.

SECTION 4:  The Respondents and the Information Requested
4(a):  Respondents/SIC Codes
Any private person or entity, or any officer, employee, agent, department, agency, or instrumentality of the federal government, of any state or local unit of government, or of any foreign government may apply for an MPRSA permit. This broad range of potential respondents precludes EPA from identifying particular respondents based on SIC/NAICS Codes.

4(b):  Information Requested
As described above, EPA seeks information necessary to evaluate a permit application, including reporting requirements such as records, reports, and monitoring information that may be prescribed as part of an ocean dumping permit.

Permit Application:
Pursuant to 40 CFR 221.1-221.2, and as part of the initial application, EPA requires all ocean dumping permit applicants to supply the following information:

 Name and address of applicant.
 Name of the person or firm transporting the material for dumping, the name of the person(s) or firm(s) producing or processing all materials to be transported for dumping, and the name or other identification, and usual location, of the conveyance to be used in the transportation and dumping of the material to be dumped, including information on the transporting vessel's communications and navigation equipment.
 Adequate physical and chemical description of material to be dumped, including results of tests necessary to apply the Ocean Dumping Criteria, and the number, size, and physical configuration of any containers to be dumped.
 Quantity of material to be dumped.
 Proposed dates and times of dumping.
 Proposed dump site, and, in the event the proposed dump site is not designated in subchapter H, detailed physical, chemical and biological information relating to the proposed dump site and sufficient to support its designation as a site according to part 228 of subchapter H.
 Proposed method of releasing the material at the dump site and means by which the disposal rate can be controlled, as required.
 Identification of the specific process or activity producing the material,
 Description of the manner in which the type of material proposed to be dumped has been previously disposed of by or on behalf of the person(s) or firm(s) producing such material.
 A statement of the need for the proposed dumping and an evaluation of short- and long- term alternative means of disposal, treatment or recycle of the material. Means of disposal shall include but is not limited to: landfill, well injection, incineration, spread of material over open ground; biological, chemical or physical treatment; recovery and recycle of material, and storage. The statement shall also include an analysis of the availability and environmental impact of such alternatives.
 An assessment of the anticipated environmental impact of the proposed dumping, including but not limited to: the relative duration of the effect of the proposed dumping on the marine environment, navigation, living and non-living marine resource exploitation, scientific study, recreation and other uses of the ocean.

Under 40 CFR 222.2, after EPA notifies an applicant that its permit application is complete, EPA makes a tentative determination whether the proposed ocean dumping activity meets the Ocean Dumping Criteria. A final determination is made after the opportunity for a public hearing or after a hearing is conducted.

EPA manages each ocean dumping permit over the term of the permit. EPA's management role may involve reviewing periodic reports, site visits, and other measures on a permit-by-permit basis in compliance with 40 CFR part 224.

Each permittee must maintain complete records of the following information in compliance with 40 CFR 224.1:

 The physical and chemical characteristics of the material dumped pursuant to the permit.
 The precise times and locations of the dumping.
 Any other information required as a condition of the permit by EPA.

Emergency to Safeguard Life at Sea: Situations involving an emergency to safeguard life at sea are excluded from the ocean dumping regulations under 40 CFR 220.1(c). The exclusion, however, is subject to the reporting requirement contained in 40 CFR 224.2(b). The owner or operator of the vessel or aircraft from which ocean dumping occurred under 40 CFR 220.1(c)(4) must, as soon as feasible:
 Inform the Administrator, Regional Administrator, or nearest Coast Guard district of the incident.
 Within 10 days, file a written report to the Administrator or Regional Administrator with the following information.
 The physical and chemical characteristics of the material dumped.
 The precise times and locations of dumping.
 Any other information required by the Administrator or the Regional Administrator.
 A complete description of the circumstances under which the dumping occurred, including how human life at sea was in danger and how the emergency dumping reduced that danger.
 If the material dumped included containers, the vessel owner or operator shall immediately request the U.S. Coast Guard to publish in the local Notice to Mariners the dumping location, the type of container, and whether the contents are toxic or explosive.
 Notify the Food and Drug Administration, Shellfish Sanitation Branch, Washington, DC 20204, as soon as possible.

SECTION 5:  The Information Collected  --  Agency Activities, Collection Methodology and Information Management
5(a):  Agency Activities
EPA collects the information submitted by applicants as part of an initial ocean dumping permit application under 40 CFR 221.1-221.2. After EPA issues an ocean dumping permit, EPA collects records and reports as described in 40 CFR 224.1-224.2.

5(b):  Collection Methodology and Information Management
EPA's collection activities begin with the receipt of an ocean dumping permit application. Applicants for general, special, emergency, and research permits under section 102 of the MPRSA submit a formal application to either EPA Headquarters or to the appropriate Regional Office, authorized by 40 CFR 220.4 to act on the application. Under 40 CFR 222.2(a), upon receipt of an initial application, the Administrator or the Regional Administrator, has 30 days to notify the applicant in writing whether or not the application is complete or whether additional information is needed.

Pursuant to 40 CFR 222.2(b), and after EPA provides notice that an application is complete, EPA makes a tentative determination to issue or to deny the permit. If EPA proposes to issue the permit, it also provides notice of:
 proposed time limitations, if any;
 proposed rate of discharge from the barge or vessel transporting the material;
 proposed dumping site; and
 a brief description of any other proposed conditions determined to be appropriate for inclusion in the permit.

EPA then develops the terms and conditions of the permit consistent with the ocean dumping regulations and finalizes the permit. Notice of tentative determination is required for every complete application for a general, special, and research permit. In the case of an emergency permit, the Administrator determines that the emergency poses an unacceptable risk relating to human health, that no other feasible solution exists, and that the public interest requires the issuance of an emergency permit as soon as possible. Notice of issuance of the emergency permit is published as soon as practicable after issuance. Upon receipt, and until a final determination to grant or deny a general, special, research or emergency permit, EPA may collect additional information from the applicant to make its decision.

EPA collects information related to ocean dumping permits and monitoring information to determine compliance with permit conditions and to evaluate the impact of the disposal on the marine environment. These permits require the permittee to submit the information to the Administrator or the Regional Administrator. This information also helps EPA manage the dump site. All of the information pertaining to a permit will be stored in a database.

5(c):  Small Entity Flexibility
The collections of information described in this chapter of the ICR will only affect a de minimis number of small entities. Since enactment of the Ocean Dumping Ban Act, amendment prohibiting the ocean dumping of industrial wastes, EPA has received very few ocean dumping permit applications from small entities. The small entities that do dump materials in the ocean are, for the most part, authorized under the general permits for vessel disposal and for burial at sea, neither of which requires an individual application, but instead mere notice. Burial at sea and vessel disposal permits are specifically discussed in chapter 2. Given the lack of interest and inquiries regarding ocean dumping permits from small entities, this ICR is not excessively burdensome on small entities.

5(d):  Collection Schedule
Permit applications for MPRSA special, general, research, and emergency permits occur on infrequent intervals, approximately 1 to 3 of each per every 10 years. The requirements for a permit application are described in 40 CFR part 222. If a permit is issued, or material is dumped for an emergency to safeguard life at sea, records and reporting are required according to 40 CFR 224.1-224.2.

SECTION 6:  Estimating the Burden Hours and Cost of the Collection
6(a):  Estimating Respondent Burden
This section estimates the relative annual burden (time in hours) and burden per response for each permit category, as well as for emergencies to safeguard life at sea.

Information collection burden hours were reviewed by respondents who had previously participated in the permit application process during the ten year period 2008-2017. The estimated burden hours reflect the burden (time in hours) that an individual respondent will require to complete an activity needed for an ocean dumping permit application. The level of effort estimates presented for these tables were reviewed by EPA staff and managers, all of whom have experience in assessing information collection work similar to that described in this chapter of this ICR. An effort has been made to consistently use conservative estimates.

In summary, the estimated burden per respondent to complete an application and reporting requirements is 274 hours for a special permit, 54 hours for a new general permit, 137 hours for a research permit and 597 hours for an emergency permit. The estimated burden per respondent to complete the necessary reporting requirements for an emergency to safeguard life at sea is 7 hours. The total burden per year was calculated by multiplying the burden hours per response by the number of respondents, which corresponds to the number of permit applications the EPA expects per year. This analysis is shown in Tables 2 through 6. See section 6(d) of chapter 1 of this supporting statement for a description of how the respondent numbers (i.e., respondent universe) were estimated.

6(b):  Estimating Respondent Costs
To estimate the labor costs, EPA used labor and cost-rate data listed on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Compensation Cost Trends homepage. The BLS homepage includes links to publications and reports related to labor costs by category. Given the broad range of potential respondents, EPA used average rates for the following three general respondent occupation categories to derive its burden and cost estimates:

 Management occupations (Management)
 Environmental scientists (Technical)
 Office and administrative support occupations (Clerical)

EPA used the hourly figures listed by BLS to approximate the labor burdened hourly rates for the occupational categories contained in this chapter of the ICR. These are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Respondent Labor Costs: Hourly Loaded Wage Estimate of Affected Industry
BLS: Occupational Earnings (May, 2017)
ICR Respondent Job Classification Titles
Hourly Rate (USD)

Benefits Factor

Loaded Hourly Rate (USD)

Management Occupations

                                  Management

                                   $57.65/hr

                                      1.3

                                   $74.95/hr

Environmental Scientists

                                   Technical

                                   $36.64/hr

                                      1.3

                                   $47.63/hr

Office and administrative support occupations

                                   Clerical

                                   $18.24/hr

                                      1.3

                                   $23.71/hr

EPA predicts no respondent capital or start-up costs associated with the activities described in this chapter of the ICR. Non-labor operations and maintenance (O&M) include the cost of contracted services expected to be needed, where the cost is not tied to labor hours for the respondent or EPA. These costs in include costs for photocopying, postage, telephone charges, as well as major activities associated with ocean monitoring or laboratory analyses. O&M expenses listed in Tables 2 through 6 are predominantly internet (including email), printing, photocopy, postage, and related paperwork distribution expenses, as well as contracted services.

Respondent costs are compiled in Tables 2 through 6 for each ocean dumping permit category and for emergencies to safeguard life at sea. In summary, the estimated labor cost per respondent to complete an application and its corresponding reporting requirements is $63,085.93 for special permits, $25,169.69 for a new general permit, $63,085.93 for research permits, and $27,857.27 for emergency permits. The estimated cost per respondent to complete the reporting requirements for an emergency to safeguard life at sea is $3,364.61. Annualized costs are based on the number of permits expected per year and include both labor costs and non-labor O&M costs.

Table 2. Respondent Burden and Cost for Special Permits

               Special Permit - Information Collection Activity
                         Hours and Costs Per Response
                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                     Mgmt.
                                    $74.95/
                                      hr

                                   Technical
                                    $47.63/
                                      hr

                                   Clerical
                                    $23.71/
                                      hr
                                 Total Hours/
                                   Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
                                   Response

                                   O & M
                                     Cost
                                      ($)

                               Number Responses/
                                     Year

                                     Total
                                    Hours/
                                     Year

                                     Total
                                     Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1. Application (40 CFR 221.1)

a. Read regulations/ guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           7.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                           2.00
                                                                        $91.16
b. Plan Activities
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         140.00
                                                                     $6,736.34
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                          28.00
                                                                     $1,347.27
c. Create/obtain new information
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         500.00
                                                                          18.00
                                                                         538.00
                                                                    $25,741.72
                                                                   $300,000.00*
                                                                           0.20
                                                                         107.60
                                                                    $65,148.34
d. Gather existing information
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         120.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                         180.00
                                                                     $8,163.22
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                          36.00
                                                                     $1,632.64
e. Complete application
                                                                          16.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                          60.00
                                                                         176.00
                                                                     $7,385.04
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                          35.20
                                                                     $1,479.01
2. Reporting Requirements (40 CFR 224.1-224.2)

                                                                         $0.00
a. Read permit/ regulations/ guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           7.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                           2.00
                                                                        $91.16
b. Record dumping and monitoring activity information
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         150.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                         210.00
                                                                     $9,592.18
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                          42.00
                                                                     $1,918.44
c. Submit dumping and monitoring reports
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          60.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                         110.00
                                                                     $4,555.85
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                          22.00
                                                                       $913.17
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                         108.00
                                                                        1044.00
                                                                         222.00
                                                                        1374.00
                                                                     $63,085.93
                                                                    $300,020.00
                                                                          0.20*
                                                                         274.80
                                  $72,621.19
*Assumes the cost for five samples of material proposed for dumping to be collected and analyzed based on the ocean dumping regulations (bioassays for toxicity and bioaccumulation, chemical analyses for water quality) procedures in the ocean dumping testing manual.

Table 3. Respondent Burden and Cost for General Permits

               General Permit - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                     Mgmt.
                                    $74.95/
                                      hr

                                   Technical
                                    $47.63/
                                      hr

                                   Clerical
                                    $23.71/
                                      hr
                                     Total
                                     Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                   Cost ($)

                               Number Responses/
Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                  Total Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1. Application (40 CFR 221.1)

a. Read regulations/ guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           7.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           1.00
                                                                        $45.58
b. Plan Activities
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          50.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          70.00
                                                                     $3,368.17
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                    7.00
                                                                       $336.82
c. Create/obtain new information
                                                                          10.00
                                                                         250.00
                                                                           9.00
                                                                         269.00
                                                                    $12,870.86
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          26.90
                                                                     $1,287.09
d. Gather existing information
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          60.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                          90.00
                                                                     $4,081.61
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                    0.10
                                                                           9.00
                                                                       $408.16
e. Complete application
                                                                           8.00
                                                                          50.00
                                                                          30.00
                                                                           88.0
                                                                     $3,692.52
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           8.80
                                                                       $370.25
2. Reporting Requirements (40 CFR 224.1-224.2)

                                                                         $0.00
a. Read permit/ regulations/ guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                           0.00
                                                                           3.00
                                                                       $170.21
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           0.30
                                                                        $17.02
b. Record dumping and monitoring activity information
                                                                           2.00
                                                                           5.00
                                                                           3.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $459.19
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           1.00
                                                                        $45.92
c. Submit dumping and monitoring report(s)
                                                                           0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                        $71.34
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           0.20
                                                                         $8.13
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                          42.00
                                                                         425.00
                                                                          75.00
                                                                         542.00
                                                                     $25,169.69
                                                                         $20.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          54.20
                                                                      $2,518.97

Table 4. Respondent Burden and Cost for Research Permits

               Research Permit - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                     Mgmt.
                                    $74.95/
                                      hr

                                   Technical
                                    $47.63/
                                      hr

                                   Clerical
                                    $23.71/
                                      hr
                                 Total Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                     Cost
                                      ($)

                               Number Responses/
  Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                  Total Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1. Application (40 CFR 221.1)

a. Read regulations/ guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           7.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           1.00
                                                                        $45.58
b. Plan Activities
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         140.00
                                                                     $6,736.34
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          14.00
                                                                       $673.63
c. Create/obtain new information
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         500.00
                                                                          18.00
                                                                         538.00
                                                                    $25,741.72
                                                                 $1,000,000.00*
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          53.80
                                                                   $102,574.17
d. Gather existing information
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         120.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                         180.00
                                                                     $8,163.22
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          18.00
                                                                       $816.32
e. Complete application
                                                                          16.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                          60.00
                                                                         176.00
                                                                     $7,385.04
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          17.60
                                                                       $739.50
2. Reporting Requirements (40 CFR 224.1-224.2)

a. Read permit/ regulations/ guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           7.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           1.00
                                                                        $45.58
b. Record dumping and monitoring activity information
                                                                          20.00
                                                                         150.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                         210.00
                                                                     $9,592.18
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          21.00
                                                                       $959.22
c. Submit dumping and monitoring reports
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          60.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                         110.00
                                                                     $4,555.85
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          11.00
                                                                       $456.59
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                         108.00
                                                                       1,044.00
                                                                         222.00
                                                                        1374.00
                                                                     $63,085.93
                                                                  $1,000,020.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                         137.40
                                                                    $106,310.59
* Assumes the cost for five samples of material proposed for dumping to be collected and analyzed based on the ocean dumping regulations (bioassays for toxicity and bioaccumulation, chemical analyses for water quality) procedures in the ocean dumping testing manual. This also includes assumed environmental oceanographic monitoring during research, including water and sediment sampling with associated chemical and biological testing.

Table 5. Respondent Burden and Cost for Emergency Permits

              Emergency Permit - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                     Mgmt.
                                    $74.95/
                                      hr

                                   Technical
                                    $47.63/
                                      hr

                                   Clerical
                                    $23.71/
                                      hr
                                 Total Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                   Cost ($)

                               Number Responses/
                                     Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                  Total Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1. Application (40 CFR 221.1)

a. Read regulations/ guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           7.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
b. Plan Activities
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          50.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          70.00
                                                                     $3,368.17
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          70.00
                                                                     $3,368.17
c. Create/obtain new information
                                                                          10.00
                                                                         250.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                         269.00
                                                                    $12,894.57
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                         269.00
                                                                    $12,894.57
d. Gather existing information
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          60.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                          90.00
                                                                     $4,081.61
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          90.00
                                                                     $4,081.61
e. Complete application
                                                                           8.00
                                                                          50.00
                                                                          30.00
                                                                          88.00
                                                                     $3,692.52
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          88.00
                                                                     $3,702.52
2. Reporting Requirements (40 CFR 224.1-224.2)

a. Read permit/ regulations/ guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           7.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
b. Record dumping and monitoring activity information
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                     $1,939.21
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                     $1,939.21
c. Submit dumping and monitoring reports
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                       $969.61
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                       $979.61
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                          55.00
                                                                         454.00
                                                                          89.00
                                                                         597.00
                                                                     $27,857.27
                                                                         $20.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                         597.00
                                                                     $27,877.27

Table 6. Respondent Burden and Cost for Emergencies to Safeguard Life at Sea

     Emergency to Safeguard Life at Sea - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                     Mgmt.
                                    $74.95/
                                      hr

                                   Technical
                                    $47.63/
                                      hr

                                   Clerical
                                    $23.71/
                                      hr
                                    Total
                                    Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                     Cost
                                      ($)

                               Number Responses/
Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                  Total Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1. Reporting Requirements

 a. Read regulations/
guidance
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           7.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $455.79
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           1.00
                                                                        $45.58
b. Record dumping and monitoring activity information according to 40 CFR 224.1
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                     $1,939.21
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           4.00
                                                                       $193.92
c. Submit report to EPA under 40 CFR 224.2(b)
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                       $969.61
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           2.00
                                                                        $97.96
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                          16.00
                                                                          37.00
                                                                          17.00
                                                                          70.00
                                                                     $3,364.61
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           7.00
                                                                        $337.46

6(c):  Estimating Agency Burden and Cost
EPA's labor costs data associated with this chapter of the ICR reflect the pay scale rates for GS-9, GS-12, and GS-14 employees. The salary rates for EPA's labor costs apply to the Agency job classifications listed in Table 2 below for:

 GS-14 (Management)
 GS-12 (Technical)
 GS-9  (Clerical)

To arrive at the loaded hourly rates listed in Table 7, hourly rates were multiplied by 160% to reflect a fully loaded (wages + benefits) hourly rate.

Table 7. Agency Labor Costs: Hourly Loaded Agency Wage Estimate
ICR Agency Job Classification
January 2015 Annual GS Salary (Step 1)
Work Hours Per Year Factor
Benefits Factor
Loaded Hourly Rate

Management

                                GS-14, $114,590

                                    2,080

                                     1.6

                                   $88.15/hr

Technical

                                GS-12, $81,584

                                    2,080

                                     1.6

                                   $62.76/hr

Clerical

                                 GS-9, $56,233

                                    2,080

                                     1.6

                                   $43.26/hr

In summary, the estimated EPA burden per respondent for a special permit is 1,100 hours with a labor cost per respondent of $68,113.02. The estimated burden per respondent for a general permit is 500 hours with a labor cost per respondent of $31,967.31. The estimated burden per respondent for a research permit is 930 hours with a labor cost per respondent of $56.233.77. The estimated burden per respondent for an emergency permit is 164 hours with a labor cost per respondent of $10,533.56. The estimated burden per respondent to complete the requirements for an emergency to safeguard life at sea is 24 hours with a labor cost per respondent of $1,541.50. Annualized burden and costs are based on the number of permits expected per year. This analysis is shown in Tables 8 through 12.

Table 8. Agency (EPA) Burden and Cost for Special Permits

               Special Permit - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                Mgmt. $88.15/hr
                              Technical $62.76/hr
                              Clerical $43.26/hr
                                 Total Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                     Cost
                                      ($)

                               Number Responses/
Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                  Total Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1. Application

a. Receive and review application information under 40 CFR 221.1 and issue of permit
                                                                         100.00
                                                                         500.00
                                                                         100.00

                                                                          700.0
                                                                    $44,518.69
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                         140.00
                                                                     $8,905.74
b. Maintain records throughout the application process under 40 CFR Part 222
                                                                          50.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                         150.00

                                                                          300.0
                                                                    $17,171.42
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                          60.00
                                                                     $3,434.28
2. Reporting Requirements

a. Collect reported information and review for consistency with permit / MPRSA requirements
                                                                          20.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                          20.00

                                                                           80.0
                                                                     $5,138.32
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                          16.00
                                                                     $1,029.66
b. Maintain reports and monitoring information for future reviews

                                                                           5.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                           5.00

                                                                           20.0
                                                                     $1,284.58
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                           4.00
                                                                       $256.92

      Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                          175.0
                                                                          650.0
                                                                          275.0

                                                                        1,100.0
                                                                    $68,113.02
                                                                         $20.00
                                                                           0.20
                                                                         220.00
                                                                    $13,626.60

Table 9. Agency (EPA) Burden and Cost for General Permits

               General Permit - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                Mgmt. $88.15/hr
                              Technical $62.76/hr
                              Clerical $43.26/hr
                                 Total Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                   Cost ($)*

                               Number Responses/
                                     Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                    Total
                                     Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1.	Application

a. Receive and review application information under 40 CFR 221.1 and issue permit
                                                                          50.00
                                                                         200.00
                                                                          50.00
                                                                         300.00
                                                                    $19,121.50
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          30.00
                                                                     $1,913.15
b. Maintain records throughout the application process under 40 CFR Part 222
                                                                          25.00
                                                                          50.00
                                                                          25.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                     $6,422.90
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          10.00
                                                                       $642.29
2. Reporting Requirements

a. Collect reported information and review for consistency with permit / MPRSA requirements
                                                                          20.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                          80.00
                                                                     $5,138.32
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           8.00
                                                                       $514.83
b. Maintain reports and monitoring information for future reviews

                                                                           5.00

                                                                          10.00

                                                                           5.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                     $1,284.58

                                                                   $0.00

                                                                           0.10
                                                                           2.00
                                                                       $128.46
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                         100.00
                                                                         300.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                         500.00
                                                                    $31,967.31
                                                                         $20.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          50.00
                                                                     $3,198.73
Table 10. Agency (EPA) Burden and Cost for Research Permits

               Research Permit - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                Mgmt. $88.15/hr
                              Technical $62.76/hr
                              Clerical $43.26/hr
                                 Total Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                     Cost
                                     ($)*

                               Number Responses/
                                     Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                  Total Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1.	Application

a. Receive and review application information under 40 CFR 221.1  and issue permit
                                                                          80.00
                                                                         300.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                         480.00
                                                                    $30,204.38
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          48.00
                                                                     $3,021.44
b. Maintain records throughout the application process under 40 CFR Part 222
                                                                          25.00
                                                                         150.00
                                                                         150.00
                                                                         325.00
                                                                    $18,105.62
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          32.50
                                                                     $1,810.56
2. Reporting Requirements

                                                                         $0.00
a. Collect reported information and review for consistency with permit / MPRSA requirements
                                                                          25.00
                                                                          50.00
                                                                          30.00
                                                                         105.00
                                                                     $6,639.18
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          10.50
                                                                       $664.92
b. Maintain reports and monitoring information for future reviews
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                     $1,284.58
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           2.00
                                                                       $128.46
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                         135.00
                                                                         510.00
                                                                         285.00
                                                                         930.00
                                                                     $56,233.77
                                                                         $20.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          93.00
                                                                      $5,625.38

Table 11. Agency (EPA) Burden and Cost for Emergency Permits

              Emergency Permit - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                Mgmt. $88.15/hr
                              Technical $62.76/hr
                              Clerical $43.26/hr
                                 Total Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                     Cost
                                      ($)

                               Number Responses/
                                     Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                  Total Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1.	Application

a. Receive and review application information under 40 CFR 221.1 and issue permit
                                                                          25.00
                                                                          50.00
                                                                          25.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                     $6,422.90
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                         100.00
                                                                     $6,432.90
b. Maintain records throughout the application process under 40 CFR Part 222
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                     $2,569.16
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          40.00
                                                                     $2,569.16
2. Reporting Requirements

a. Collect reported information and review for consistency with permit / MPRSA requirements
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                     $1,284.58
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                     $1,294.58
b. Maintain reports and monitoring information for future reviews
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           4.00
                                                                       $256.92
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           4.00
                                                                       $256.92
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                          41.00
                                                                          82.00
                                                                          41.00
                                                                         164.00
                                                                     $10,533.56
                                                                         $20.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                         164.00
                                                                     $10,553.56

Table 12. Agency (EPA) Burden and Cost for Emergency to Safeguard Life at Sea

     Emergency to Safeguard Life at Sea - Information Collection Activity

                         Hours and Costs Per Response

                        Total Hours and Costs Per Year

                                Mgmt. $88.15/hr
                              Technical $62.76/hr
                              Clerical $43.26/hr
                                 Total Hours/
Response
                                     Labor
                                     Cost/
Response

                                   O & M
                                     Cost
                                      ($)

                               Number Responses/
                                     Year

                                 Total Hours/
                                     Year

                                    Total
                                     Cost/
                                   Year ($)
1. Reporting Requirements

a. Collect reported information and review for consistency with permit / MPRSA requirements
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          10.00
                                                                           5.00
                                                                          20.00
                                                                     $1,284.58
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           2.00
                                                                       $129.46
b. Maintain reports and monitoring information for future reviews
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           2.00
                                                                           1.00
                                                                           4.00
                                                                       $256.92
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           0.40
                                                                        $25.69
Subtotal (hours and costs)
                                                                           6.00
                                                                          12.00
                                                                           6.00
                                                                          24.00
                                                                      $1,541.50
                                                                         $10.00
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           2.40
                                                                        $155.15

6(d):  Estimating the Respondent Universe
The potential respondent universe consists of any "person," as defined by the MPRSA, interested in applying for a new permit. The estimated number of respondents for the special, general (other than burial at sea and vessel disposal), research, and emergency permits, as well as the reporting requirements for an emergency to safeguard life at sea are based on historical data. Applications for these permits occur infrequently (< 1 per year) and in order for burdens and costs to be annualized, the respondent numbers are represented as a decimal.

The number of respondents for these permits was based on an estimate of permit applications expected per year, based on an average number of each permit issued during a previous ten-year time frame (2008-2017) in which data is available. The burden and cost for the general permit for the transportation and disposal of vessels and general permit for the burial as sea are not included in this section, as they are accounted for separately in chapter 2. There was one new general permit issued during the time frame of interest for marine mammals; therefore, we will assume 1 new general permit will be issued per every 10 years or 0.1 per year. The same assumption is made for emergencies to safeguard life at sea. Three emergency permits were issued during the time frame of interest, creating a frequency of 3 per 10 years or 0.30 per year. There were zero  research or special permits  issued during the ten-year time frame of interest, and we used the frequency of 1 per 10 years or 0.10 per year as a precaution.

6(e):  Total Burden Hours and Cost Tables
The total estimated ocean dumping burdens and costs associated with chapter 1 of the ICR are as follows:

1) Respondent
 Respondents per year: 1.50
 Total hours per year: 1,070.40
 Total labor cost per year: $55,945.07
 Total annual O&M costs: $190,031.00
 Total annual cost: $209,665.48

1) Agency
 Respondents per year: 1.50
 Total hours per year: 529.40
 Total labor cost per year: $33,130.42
 Total annual O&M costs: $29.00
 Total annual cost: $33,159.42

The total estimated ocean dumping burdens associated with chapter 1 are summarized in Tables 13 and 14 for respondents and agencies, respectively.

Table 13. Total Estimated Respondent Burden and Cost* Summary

                                    Permit:

                             Respondents Per Year

                             Total Hours Per Year

                         Total Labor Cost Per Year ($)

                        Total Annual O&M Costs ($)

                             Total Annual Cost ($)

                                                                        Special
                                                                           0.20
                                                                         274.80
                                                                     $18,925.78
                                                                     $90,006.00
                                                                     $72,621.19
                         General (other than burial at sea and vessel disposal)
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          54.20
                                                                      $2,516.97
                                                                          $2.00
                                                                      $2,518.97
                                                                       Research
                                                                           0.10
                                                                         137.40
                                                                      $6,308.59
                                                                    $100,002.00
                                                                    $106,310.59
                                                       Emergency Permit Dumping
                                                                            1.0
                                                                         597.00
                                                                     $27,857.27
                                                                         $20.00
                                                                     $27,877.27
                                                              Emergency Dumping
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           7.00
                                                                        $336.46
                                                                          $1.00
                                                                        $337.46
                                                                          Total
                                                                           1.50
                                                                       1,070.40
                                                                     $55,945.07
                                                                    $190,031.00
                                                                    $209,665.48
* These data are from Tables 2 through 6 of this ICR

Table 14: Total Estimated Agency (EPA) Burden and Cost* Summary

                                    Permit:

                             Respondents Per Year

                             Total Hours Per Year

                         Total Labor Cost Per Year ($)

                        Total Annual O&M Costs ($)

                                 Total Annual
                                   Cost ($)

                                                                        Special
                                                                           0.20
                                                                         220.00
                                                                     $13,622.60
                                                                          $4.00
                                                                     $13,626.60
                         General (other than burial at sea and vessel disposal)
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          50.00
                                                                      $3,196.73
                                                                          $2.00
                                                                      $3,198.73
                                                                       Research
                                                                           0.10
                                                                          93.00
                                                                      $5,623.38
                                                                          $2.00
                                                                      $5,625.38
                                                       Emergency Permit Dumping
                                                                           1.00
                                                                         164.00
                                                                     $10,533.56
                                                                         $20.00
                                                                     $10,553.56
                                                              Emergency Dumping
                                                                           0.10
                                                                           2.40
                                                                        $154.15
                                                                          $1.00
                                                                        $155.15
                                                                          Total
                                                                          1.50
                                                                        529.40
                                                                     $39,941.73
                                                                         $29.00
                                                                     $32,585.23
* These data are from Tables 8 through 12 of this ICR

6(f):  Burden Statement
The annual public reporting and record keeping burden for this collection of information is 1,374.0 hours for a special permit, 542.0 hours for a new general permit, 1,374.0 hours for a research permit, and 597 hours for an emergency permit, per response. The estimated burden per respondent to complete the necessary reporting requirements for an emergency to safeguard life at sea is 70 hours per response. EPA is estimated to average 1,100 hours for a special permit, 500 hours for a general permit, 930 hours for a research permit, and 164 hours for an emergency permit, per response. EPA estimates an average of 24 hours to complete the requirements for an emergency to safeguard life at sea per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a request for information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a request for information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR chapter 15.

To comment on EPA's need for this information, the accuracy of the burden estimates, and suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of automated collection techniques, EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No., which is available for public viewing at the Water Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is<PHONE_NUMBER>, and the telephone number for the Water Docket is<PHONE_NUMBER>. An electronic version of the public docket is available at www.regulations.gov. Use www.regulations.gov to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select "search," then key in the docket ID number identified above. Also, you can send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503, Attention: Desk Office for EPA. Please include the EPA Docket ID Number (OW-2015-0613) and OMB control number (2040-0008) in any correspondence.

Chapter 2.	Supporting Statement for the Collection of Information for General Permits: Burial at Sea and Transportation and Disposal of Vessels
SECTION 1:  Identification of the Information Collection
1(a):  Title of the Information Collection
Collection of Information for General Permits: Burial at Sea, Transportation and Disposal of Vessels and Disposal of Marine Mammal Carcasses

1(b):  Short Characterization/Abstract
Chapter 2 of this ICR covers collections of information associated with two general permits. Specifically, this chapter addresses information collections associated with the general permits for (1) burial at sea, (2) transportation and disposal of vessels and (3) disposal of marine mammal carcasses.

SECTION 2:  Need for and Use of the Collection
2(a):  Need/Authority for the Collection
Section 104(b) of the MPRSA authorizes the Administrator to prescribe reporting requirements for permits "as he [EPA] deems appropriate." The information that EPA collects in the general permits for burial at sea and for vessel disposal ensures that ocean dumping is appropriately regulated and will not harm human health or the marine environment, based on applying the Ocean Dumping Criteria. To meet United States' reporting obligation under the London Convention, EPA also reports some of this information in the annual United States Ocean Dumping Report.

2(b):  Practical Utility/Users of the Data
EPA uses monitoring and reporting data from permittees to assess compliance with ocean dumping permits, including associated monitoring activities.

SECTION 3:  Non-duplication, Public Notice, Consultations, and Other Collection Criteria
3(a):  Non-duplication
All information requested from respondents under this ICR is required to ensure that material proposed for ocean dumping is appropriately regulated and does not harm human health or the marine environment, based on applying the Ocean Dumping Criteria. The information is not generally available from other sources.

3(b):  Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB
Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (81 FR 484) on January 06, 2016 during a 60-day comment period. No Comments were received.

3(c):  Consultations
EPA consulted with four respondents to obtain input on the burden associated with the burial at sea and transportation and disposal of vessels general permits. The consultations for burial at sea were conducted with one representative from the New England Burials at Sea, LLC and one representative from the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary. Both contacts provided estimates of the hourly burden. During the consultations, respondents were also asked to comment on the accuracy of the respondent wage rates. EPA received feedback on the labor rate of the funeral director and, based on the response, increased its initial labor rate estimate accordingly. For the transportation and vessel disposal general permit, EPA consulted with a representative from Cape Cod Bay Scallop Fisheries, Inc. and a boat owner in Gloucester, MA who has disposed of a vessel under this general permit.  EPA consulted with a representative of the EPA Regional office in New York regarding the use of the Marine Mammal general permit.

3(d):  Effects of Less Frequent Collection
The collection of information described in this chapter of the ICR occurs only once per authorization: once after the burial has been conducted under the burial at sea general permit and once each time a general permittee seeks authorization under the general permit for transportation and disposal of vessels. Thus, collections cannot occur on a less frequent basis. The notification required under the burial at sea general permit is necessary to track burials at sea and enable EPA to evaluate impacts on human health or the marine environment. Information collected under the transportation and disposal of vessels general permit is necessary to ensure the dumping does not unreasonably endanger human health or the marine environment, or other uses of the ocean (such as fisheries and navigation), and to ensure the disposal is conducted in a safe manner. Collection of this information less frequently (i.e., not at all) would preclude EPA from accomplishing these purposes.

3(e):  General Guidelines
The information collection activities discussed in this chapter of the ICR are fully consistent with all guidelines in 5 CFR § 1320.5(d)(2).

3(f):  Confidentiality
To the extent that information collection activities discussed in this chapter of the ICR do require the submission of any confidential information, EPA ensures compliance with the Agency's confidentiality regulations 40 CFR 2.201 et seq.

3(g):  Sensitive Questions
The information collection activities discussed in this chapter of the ICR do not require the submission of any sensitive information.

SECTION 4:  The Respondents and the Information Requested
4(a):  Respondents/SIC Codes
 Burial at Sea
Any private person or entity, or any officer, employee, agent, department, agency, or instrumentality of the federal government, of any state or local unit of government, or of any foreign government is eligible to use the burial at sea general permit. Funeral homes, mortuaries, cemeteries, and crematories (SIC 7261/NAICS 812200), and deep-sea passenger transportation (SIC 4481/NAICS 483112) are likely respondents for activities relevant to this chapter of the ICR related to burials at sea.

 Vessel Disposal
Any private person or entity, or any officer, employee, agent, department, agency, or instrumentality of the federal government, of any state or local unit of government, or of any foreign government is eligible to use the disposal of vessels general permit. Navigational services related to shipping (includes cargo salvaging, marine docking and undocking marine vessel services, marine salvaging services, marine vessel traffic reporting services (NAICS 488330)) and towing and tugboat services (SIC 4492/ NAICS 488330) are potential respondents for collections of information as described in this chapter of the ICR related to vessel disposals.

 Disposal of Marine Mammal Carcasses
Any officer, employee, agent, department, agency, or instrumentality of federal, state, tribal, or local unit of government, as well as any Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP) Stranding Agreement Holder, and any Alaskan Native, who already may take a marine mammal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA), is eligible to use the general permit for ocean disposal of marine mammal carcasses.

4(b):  Information Requested:
 Burial at Sea
Information collected by EPA related to the burial at sea general permit includes the following:
(i) Name of the deceased:
:: Full name of the deceased.
(ii) Date of the burial/scatter:
:: Date of the burial/scattering of the remains of the deceased.
 (iii) Type of remains (cremated or whole body):
:: Describe whether the remains of the deceased were either cremated or whole body.
(iv) Latitude of burial/scatter:
:: The approximate latitude of the site at which the burial or scatter took place.
 (v)  Longitude of burial/scatter:
:: The approximate longitude of the site at which the burial/scatter took place.
(vi)  Distance from land:
:: Confirm that the burial at sea was conducted at least 3 nautical miles (nm) from the baseline.
(vii)  Depth of water:
:: The approximate depth of water at which the burial/scatter took place.
(viii)  Vessel point of contact, name/address/phone/email:
:: At least one vessel point of contact, including the contact's name, address, phone number, and e-mail.
(ix)  Port of departure:
:: The port of departure from which the vessel carrying the remains departed.
(x)  Director or person(s) responsible for burial arrangements, name/address/phone/email:
:: Director or responsible person for the burial arrangements (if applicable), including at least one method of contacting this person.
(xi) Whether the remains appear to rapidly sink below the surface:
:: Describe whether the remains of the deceased appeared to rapidly sink below the surface.
(xii) EPA Region from which the vessel carrying the remains departed:
:: Report the EPA Region from which the vessel carrying the remains departed.

2) Transportation and Disposal of Vessels
There are five collections of information in sequential time intervals contained in the transportation and disposal of vessels general permit, though the timing requirement of each need not apply in emergency situations:
(1) No later than 1 month prior to the proposed disposal date, provide written notification to the EPA Regional Administrator of the following under 40 CFR 229.3(a)(1):
 A statement detailing the need for the disposal of the vessel.
 Type and description of vessel to be disposed of and type of cargo normally carried.
 Detailed description of the proposed disposal procedures.
 Information on the potential effect of the vessel disposal on the marine environment.
      v.	Documentation of an adequate evaluation of alternatives to ocean disposal (i.e., scrap, salvage, and reclamation).
(2) Notify EPA and U.S. Coast Guard that the vessel has been cleaned and is available for inspection no later than 10 days prior to the proposed disposal date under § 229.3(a)(4).
(3) Notify EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, and Captain-of-the-Port no later than 48 hours in advance of proposed disposal under § 229.3(a)(8).
(4) Notify EPA and Captain-of-the-Port no later than 12 hours before the vessel's departure from port under § 229.3(a)(8) with such details as:
             the proposed departure time and place;
             disposal site location;
             estimated time of arrival on site; and
             the name and communication capability of the towing vessel.
(5) Notify NOAA in writing within one week of the disposal with the exact coordinates where the vessel disposal took place so that it may be marked on appropriate charts as required by 40 CFR 229.3(a)(9).

3) Disposal of Marine Mammal Carcasses