[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 60 (Friday, March 28, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 14904]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-7950]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-5804-1]
Collection of Quality Assurance Data on Acid Precipitation Sample
Collection Sites in the NADP/NTN Networks; Agency Information
Collection Activities: Proposed Collection of Environmental Data;
Comment Request
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.), this notice announces that EPA is planning to submit the
following proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB): Collection of Quality Assurance Data on
Acid Precipitation Sample Collection Sites in the NADP/NTN Networks for
the EPA funded project entitled: Conduct Systems and Performance
Surveys of Acid Precipitation Collection Sites in the NADP/NTN Networks
(EPA ICR Number: 1798.01). 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 May 27, 1997.
ADDRESSES: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Exposure Research
Division/Field Operations Branch, Mail Drop 76, Research Triangle Park,
NC 27711. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the ICR without
charge by contacting the hereinafter named person.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas A. Lumpkin, 919-541-3611;
facsimile number: 919-541-3451; E-Mail: [email protected] EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are
those agencies or organizations which operate sample collection sites
or sponsor operation of the sites in the NADP/NTN.
Title: Collection of Quality Assurance Data on Acid Precipitation
Sample Collection Sites in the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/
National Trends Network (NADP/NTN) (EPA ICR No. 1798.01).
Abstract: The following three reports will be used to gather and
report information on site operations. 1) The Site Survey Report Form
addresses the following eight areas of site operation: Site
information, siting criteria, sample handling at the field site, the
sample collector, the rain gauge, sample processing and documentation,
conductivity and pH measurements, and recommendations and actions
taken. 2) The Exit Report summarizes the areas listed for item 1, but
in a much more concise form, and is left with the site operator. 3) The
Systems and Performance Survey Questionnaire collects information about
the area surrounding the site and the sample handling and maintenance
procedures used by the operator. The information gathered on these
forms will be provided to the NADP/NTN Quality Assurance Coordinator to
document that network protocols are being followed. The information
will also be used to produce an annual summary quality assurance
report. Responses to the collection of information are voluntary. An
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a current
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 agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed
collection 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.
Burden Statement: The effort is estimated to cost $200,000 per year
to cover labor costs (initiate survey, gather information, and
equipment QA), capital/startup costs (purchase monitoring equipment and
training), and operating and maintenance costs (reports, maintain
records, equipment up-keep, and travel expenses). An average annual
reporting burden of 2000 hours will be required. Approximately 100
responses per year are anticipated with an average burden of 20 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.
Dated: March 5, 1997.
Gary J. Foley,
Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 97-7950 Filed 3-27-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
