99-28217. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Title: Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS); Subject: Environmental Monitoring

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 208 (Thursday, October 28, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 58058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28217]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-6465-8]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Title: Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring 
System (ERAMS); Subject: Environmental Monitoring

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit the 
following continuing Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB): Environmental Radiation Ambient 
Monitoring System (ERAMS); EPA ICR No. 0877.06; OMB Control No. 2060-
0015; expiration date, January 2000. Before submitting the ICR to OMB 
for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects 
of the proposed information collection as described below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before December 27, 1999.

ADDRESSES: National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory, 540 
South Morris Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601. Limited number of 
hard copies available at this address. ICR available electronically at 
www.epa.gov/narel.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles M. Petko: TEL [phone]; 
FAX [phone]; and E-MAIL [e-mail]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Affected entities: Sample collectors.
    Title: Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS); 
OMB Control No. 2060-0015; EPA ICR No. 0877.06; expiration date January 
2000.
    Abstract: The Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System 
(ERAMS) is a national network of stations collecting sampling media 
that include air, precipitation, drinking water, surface water, and 
milk. Samples are sent to EPA's National Air and Radiation Environ-
mental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery, AL, where they are analyzed 
for radioactivity. ERAMS provides emergency response and ambient 
monitoring information regarding levels of environmental radiation 
across the nation. All stations, usually manned by state and local 
personnel, participate in ERAMS voluntarily. Station operators complete 
information forms that accompany the samples. The forms request 
descriptive information related to sample collection, e.g., sample 
type, sample location, length of sampling period, and volume 
represented. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of 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.
    The EPA would like to solicit comments to:
    (i) 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;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collec-tion of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) 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.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and record keeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.37 
hours 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 collection of information; search data sources; complete and review 
the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the 
information.
    Respondents/Affected Entities: Sample collectors, who are usually 
employed by state or, in a few cases, local government.
    Estimated number of respondents: 313.
    Frequency of Response: from twice weekly to four times annually, 
depending upon type of media being sampled.
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 9201.8 hours.
    Estimated Total Annualized Cost Burden: $178,515.20 (total refers 
to labor costs only).

    Dated: October 22, 1999.
John G. Griggs,
Acting Director, NAREL.
[FR Doc. 99-28217 Filed 10-27-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P