Federal Register Date: 2026-04-06
Original Source: Read Full Notice
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is initiating the process of renewing its Information Collection Request (ICR) concerning the establishment of No-Discharge Zones (NDZs) under Section 312 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This action is undertaken in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), necessitating the EPA to seek public comments on specific facets of the proposed information collection before submitting it to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The current ICR, identified as EPA ICR Number 1937.10 and OMB Control Number 2040-0187, is approved until September 30, 2026. This notice serves as an invitation for the public to provide input over a 60-day comment period.
The ICR pertains to the information-gathering activities associated with the designation of NDZs. Section 312 of the CWA addresses the discharge of sewage from vessels. It allows states to petition the EPA to establish NDZs, areas where the discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from vessels is prohibited. This regulatory mechanism aims to protect water quality and sensitive aquatic ecosystems. The information collection encompasses the data and documentation required from states seeking NDZ designations, as well as any reporting requirements associated with maintaining these zones.
The EPA utilizes the information collected to evaluate the merits of NDZ designation requests, ensuring that the proposed zones meet the statutory and regulatory criteria. This evaluation includes assessing the environmental sensitivity of the area, the potential impacts of vessel sewage discharges, and the availability of adequate pump-out facilities for vessels to manage their sewage. The data also assists the EPA in tracking the effectiveness of NDZs in achieving water quality improvements and protecting aquatic resources.
The renewal of the ICR indicates that the EPA intends to continue collecting this information for the foreseeable future. The agency believes that the data is crucial for the effective implementation of Section 312 of the CWA and the protection of the nation’s waters from vessel sewage pollution. The extension also provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the efficiency and burden of the information collection process.
The EPA is specifically soliciting comments on several aspects of the proposed information collection. These include:
* Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information has practical utility;
* The accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information;
* Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
* Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
The EPA encourages interested parties to carefully review the proposed ICR and provide comments addressing these specific areas. The agency emphasizes that all comments received will be considered in its decision to submit the ICR to OMB for approval. This input will inform any necessary revisions to the information collection process, ensuring that it is both effective and efficient. The ultimate goal is to protect water quality while minimizing the burden on states and other stakeholders.
