EPA Seeks Comments on Renewing Wastewater Lab Testing Paperwork
Published Date: 8/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Performance Evaluation Studies on Wastewater Laboratories (EPA ICR Number 0234.15, OMB Control Number 2080-0021) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through August 31, 2026. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on May 21, 2026 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory DMR-QA Participation for Permit Holders
If you are a Major or a selected Minor National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit holder, you must participate in the Discharge Monitoring Report–Quality Assurance (DMR-QA) study program under Clean Water Act Section 308(a). The EPA estimates 5,500 respondents, a total respondent burden of 36,300 hours per year, and total annual costs of $6,632,670 for the program. Major permit holders must participate annually; Minor permit holders must participate if selected by the state or EPA DMR-QA coordinator.
Higher Sample and Labor Costs Cited
The EPA says labor and non-labor costs for obtaining performance evaluation samples increased to account for changes in employee benefits and compensation and inflation. The ICR reports total annual costs of $6,632,670, which includes $4,219,985 in annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.
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