E6-12605. Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements: Notice of Request for Extension of a Previously Approved Collection

AGENCY:

Office of the Secretary, DOT.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended) this notice announces the Department of Transportation's (DOT) intention to request an extension of a currently approved information collection. Before submitting this information collection to OMB for renewal, DOT is soliciting comments on whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Comments to this notice must be received by October 3, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web site: http://dms.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: [phone].
• Mail: Docket Management System; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
• Hand Delivery: To the Docket Management System; Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.

Instructions: You must include the agency name and docket number [OST-2006-25550] of this notice at the beginning of your comment. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to http://dms.dot.gov including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act section of this document.

Docket: You may view the public docket through the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management System office at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Bohdan Baczara, Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590; 202-366-3784 (voice), 202-366-3897 (fax), or [e-mail] (e-mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Office of the Secretary, Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance

Title: Procedures for Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.

OMB Control Number: 2105-0529.

Expiration Date: October 31, 2006.

Type of Request: Extension without change of a previously approved collection.

Abstract: Under the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, DOT is required to implement a drug and alcohol testing program in various transportation-related industries. This specific requirement is elaborated in 49 CFR part 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs. Included in this program are the U.S. Department of Transportation Alcohol Testing Form (ATF) and the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form. The ATF includes the employee's name, the type of test taken, the date of the test, and the name of the employer. Custody and control is essential to the basic purpose of the alcohol testing program. Data on each test conducted, including test results, are necessary to document tests conducted and actions taken to ensure safety in the workplace.

The MIS form includes employer specific drug and alcohol testing information such as the reason for the test and the cumulative number of positive, negative and refusal test results. The MIS data is used by each of the affected DOT Agencies (i.e., Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) and the United States Coast Guard when calculating their random testing rates.

Affected Entities: Transportation Industry.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,733,483.

Estimated Total Number Burden on Respondents: The estimated annual burden is 8,053,257. Included in this number are 10,799 burden hours for the MIS form and 267,787 burden hours for the ATF form.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Department's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (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 the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

Authority and Issuance.

Jim Swart,

Deputy Director, Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, United States Department of Transportation.