00-3335. Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension

AGENCY:

Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is seeking an extension of the following information collection: Diversions, Return Flow, and Consumptive Use of Colorado River Water in the Lower Colorado River Basin, OMB No. 1006-0015. Before submitting the information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget for approval, Reclamation is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the information collection.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received by April 17, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Address all comments concerning this notice to Information Collection Officer, Bureau of Reclamation, D-7924, P.O. Box 25007, Denver, Colorado 80225-0007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Susan Rush, Information Collection Officer, [phone]; Internet address: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of Reclamation's functions, including whether the information will have practical use; (b) the accuracy of Reclamation's estimated time and cost burdens of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, use, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including increased use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.

Title: Diversions, Return Flow, and Consumptive Use of Colorado River Water in the Lower Colorado River Basin.

OMB No.: 1006-0015.

Abstract: Reclamation delivers Colorado River water to water users for diversion and beneficial consumptive use in the States of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Under Supreme Court order, the United States is required, at least annually, to prepare and maintain complete, detailed, and accurate records of diversions of water, return flow, and consumptive use. This information is needed to ensure that a State or a water user within a State does not exceed its authorized use of Colorado River water. Water users are obligated to provide information on diversions and return flows to Reclamation by provisions in their water delivery contracts. Reclamation determines the consumptive use by subtracting return flow from diversions or by other engineering means. Without the information collected, Reclamation could not comply with the order of the United States Supreme Court to prepare and maintain detailed and accurate records of diversions, return flow, and consumptive use.

Description of respondents: The Lower Basin States (Arizona, California, and Nevada), local and tribal entities, water districts, and individuals that use Colorado River water.

Frequency: Annually, or otherwise as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.

Estimated completion time: An average of 6 hours per respondent.

Annual responses: 54 respondents.

Annual burden hours: 324.

Dated: February 7, 2000.

John E. Redlinger,

Acting Area Manager, Boulder Canyon Operations Office, Lower Colorado Region.