04-28386. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

December 22, 2004

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) way to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) 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 should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service

Title: Update of the Nursery Stock Regulations.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0190.

Summary of Collection: The Plant Protection and Quarantine, a program within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for implementing the Plant Protection Act (PPA) (7 U.S.C. 7701-7772). Regulations authorized by the PPA concerning the importation of nursery stock, plants, roots, bulbs, seeds, and other plant products are contained in Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, “Nursery Stock,” 319.37 through 319.34-14. Implementing the nursery stock regulations requires APHIS to collect information from a variety of individuals who are involved in growing, exporting, and importing nursery stock.

Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information to ensure that plant pest are not introduced into the United States. The information APHIS collects serves as the supporting documentation needed to issue required PPQ forms and documents that allow importation of nursery stock.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, local or tribal government; Individuals or households; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 20.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 10.

Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service

Title: Environmental Monitoring Form.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0117.

Summary of Collection: The mission of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is to provide leadership in ensuring the health and care of animals and plants, to improve the agricultural productivity and competitiveness, and to contribute to the national economy and the public health. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq, and the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality, which implements the procedural aspects of NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508) requires APHIS to implement environmental monitoring for certain activities conducted for pest and disease, control and eradication programs. APHIS form 2060, Environmental Monitoring Form, will be used to collect information concerning the effects of pesticide used in sensitive habitats.

Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information on the number of collected samples, description of the samples, the environmental conditions at the collection site including wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity of rainfall, and topography. The supporting information contained on the APHIS form 2060 is vital for interpreting the laboratory tests APHIS conducts on its collected samples. Failure to collect this information would prevent APHIS from actively monitoring the effects of pesticides in areas where the inappropriate use of these chemicals could eventually produce disastrous results for vulnerable habitats and species.

Description of Respondents: State, local or tribal government; Individuals or households; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 150.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 1,500.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.