2010-9769. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Management and Oversight of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before June 28, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at [e-mail]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Erica Seiden, [phone] or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA; 16 U.S.C. 1461 et seq.) provides for the designation of estuarine research reserves representative of various regions and estuarine types in the United States to provide opportunities for long-term research, education and interpretation. During the site selection and designation process, information is collected from states in order to prepare a management plan and environmental impact statement. Designated reserves apply annually for operations funds by submitting a work plan; subsequently progress reports are required every six months for the duration of the award. Each reserve compiles an ecological characterization or site profile to describe the biological and physical environment of the reserve, research to date and research gaps. A competitive research program provides an opportunity for two researchers to focus their work at each reserve. The reserves are evaluated every three years, per section 312 of the Act, and revise their management plans every five years. This information is required to ensure that reserves are adhering to regulations and that the purpose for which they were designated is maintained.

II. Method of Collection

Respondents have a choice of either electronic or paper submissions. Methods of submittal include e-mail of electronic forms, and mail or facsimile transmission of paper forms.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0121.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Non-profit institutions; State, local, or tribal government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 85.

Estimated Time per Response: Management Plan, 1,800 hours; Site Profile, 1,800 hours; Award application, 8 hours; Award reports, 5 hours; Designations, 2,000 hours; NEPA documentation, 40 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 14,370.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $2,000 in recordkeeping/reporting costs.

IV. Request for Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

Dated: April 22, 2010.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.