00-31772. Request for Public Comments on Information Collection Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

A request extending the collection of information listed below has been submitted to the Office of management and Budget for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of the proposed collection of information and related forms may be obtained by contacting the USGS Clearance Officer at the phone number listed below. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information collection but may respond after 30 days; therefore, public comments should be submitted to OMB within 30 days in order to assure their maximum consideration. Comments and suggestions on the requirement should be made directly to the Desk Officer for the Interior Department, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 and to the USGS Clearance Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 807 National Center, Reston, VA 20192.

As required by OMB regulations at CFR 1320.8(d)(1), the U.S. Geological Survey solicits specific public comments regarding the proposed information collection as to:

1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the USGS, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. The accuracy of the USGS estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. The utility, quality, and clarity of the information to be collected; and,

4. How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.

Title: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Current OMB approval number: 1028-0059.

Abstract: This information, required by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), will provide the CTBT Technical Secretariat with geographic locations of sites where chemical explosions greater than 300 tons TNT-equivalent have occurred. Respondents to the information collection request are U.S. nonfuel minerals producers.

Bureau form numbers: 9-4040-A.

Frequency: Annual.

Description of respondents: Companies that have conducted in the last calendar year, or that potentially will conduct in the next calendar year, explosions with a total charge size of 300 tons of TNT-equivalent, or greater.

Annual Responses: 3,000.

Annual burden hours: 750.

Bureau clearance officer: John Cordyack, 703-648-7313.

K.W. Mlynarski,

Acting Chief Scientist, Minerals Information Team.