[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P