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§ 3.2000(a) states that authorized programs must use an acceptable electronic document receiving system, as specified by the criteria set forth in § 3.2000(b) and (c), which are described later in this lesson.
§ 3.2000(a) also requires that for any paper document that requires a signature, the corresponding e-document must bear a valid electronic signature. And it also outlines the conditions under which EPA will accept a paper follow on signature or certification as an alternative.
The next portion of this lesson will explain concepts while the remainder of the lesson will address CROMERR requirements for authorized program electronic reporting approaches.
Select Next to learn about standards for an acceptable electronic document receiving system.
Valid Electronic Signature
Valid electronic signature refers to electronic signature on an electronic document that has been created with an electronic signature device. The identified signatory is uniquely entitled to use the signature device for signing that document provided that this device has not been compromised, and where the signatory is an individual who is authorized to sign the document by virtue of his or her legal status and his or her relationship to the entity on whose behalf the signature is executed.
CROMERR states that e-documents must have valid e-signatures if Title 40 requires handwritten signatures on the paper documents they replace unless:
- EPA approves the process by which the system accepts a hand-written signature on separate paper submission; and
- The signatory provides a handwritten signature.
Valid electronic signatures are explained in greater detail later in this lesson.
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