Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. In addition, the PRA also requires Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each new proposed collection, each proposed extension of existing collection of information, and each reinstatement of previously approved information collection before submitting the collection to the OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, we are publishing this notice of a proposed data collection as described below.

The OMB is particularly interested in comments that will help:

1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

4. 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 submissions of responses; and

5. Assess information collection costs.

Proposed Project

One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS) (OMB Control No. 0920-1105, Exp. 11/30/2025)—Revision—National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) that can cause harm to people, animals, or the local ecology. Algal toxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) include some of the most potent natural chemicals; these toxins can contaminate surface water used for recreation and drinking, as well as food sources. HABs pose a threat to both humans and animals. Human and animal illnesses from exposures to HABs in fresh and marine waters have been documented in the United States. Animal illness may be an indicator of bloom toxicity; thus, it is necessary to provide a One Health approach for reporting HAB-associated illnesses and events.

OHHABS was approved for data collection in 2016. The system was launched in June 2016 along with a CDC HAB-associated illnesses website to provide more information for the general public about potential illnesses and to share resources for HAB awareness and OHHABS with public health partners. Since 2016, CDC has provided technical assistance and training to states and territories interested in OHHABs and worked with contractors to implement new features for OHHABS.

CDC estimates the annualized burden hours based on historical data of the actual number of respondents to OHHABS. Specifically, CDC estimates 300 annual environmental reports, 90 human reports, and 130 animal reports, by taking the average number of reports submitted to OHHABS during 2018-2022. CDC had six employees use mock scenarios to complete the forms and then document time to complete the form in order to calculate burden time averages: the environmental form averaged 10 minutes, the human form eight minutes, and the animal form five minutes. Actual response times may vary based on the number of cases associated with an event. Based on these figures, the total estimated annualized burden is 73 hours, and there is no cost to respondents other than their time to participate.