[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: LUMPKIN.THOMAS@ 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]
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