[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 251 (Monday, December 30, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68742-68743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-33139]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5672-2]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB 
Review; Comment Request; Lead-based Paint Abatement and Repair 
Maintenance Study in Baltimore

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 the following Information 
Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Lead-Based Paint Abatement 
and Repair Maintenance Study in Baltimore (EPA ICR No. 1603.03, OMB 
Control No. 2070-0123). The ICR describes the nature of the information 
collection and its expected burden and cost; where appropriate, it 
includes the actual data collection instrument.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before January 29, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR A COPY CALL: Sandy Farmer at EPA, (202) 260-
2740, and refer to EPA ICR No. 1603.03.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Repair Maintenance Study in 
Baltimore (EPA ICR No.1603.03, OMB Control No. 2070-0123) expiring 1/
31/97. This is a request for an extension of a currently approved 
collection.
    Abstract: The EPA is sponsoring a study of private households in 
Baltimore, Maryland to investigate lead-based paint abatement 
practices. Low-cost practical repair and maintenance approaches to the 
problem of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in U.S. Housing 
will also be examined.
    From each study household EPA is periodically collecting both 
environmental and biological samples as well as questionnaire data over 
a three-year period. EPA is collecting samples of interior surface 
dust, exterior soil, and drinking water from study dwellings for lead 
analysis, as well as collecting blood for lead analysis from children 
living in such dwellings. A structured questionnaire is being used to 
collect relevant data on occupational, behavioral, and housing 
characteristics that can influence lead exposure.
    EPA will use this study to evaluate low-cost lead abatement 
strategies. The study findings will be used by the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in preparing a report to Congress. 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will use the study findings to 
provide guidance to state and local childhood lead poisoning prevention 
programs. The final report may be used directly by state and local 
agencies, private property owners, and managers of public and Indian 
housing to decide on cost-effective methods of addressing lead 
poisoning and lead abatement concerns.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently 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 
Federal Register Notice required under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting 
comments on this collection of information was published on September 
12, 1996 (FR 48152); no comments were received.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 6.5 
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

[[Page 68743]]

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.
    Respondents/Affected Entities: Households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 105.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 683 hours.
    Estimated Total Annualized Cost Burden: $20,941.
    Send comments on the Agency's need for this information, the 
accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods 
for minimizing respondent burden, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques to the following addresses. Please 
refer to EPA ICR No.1603.03 and OMB Control No. 2070-0123 in any 
correspondence.

Ms. Sandy Farmer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, OPPE Regulatory 
Information Division (2137), 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460;
    and
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 
Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for EPA 725 17th Street, NW, 
Washington, DC 20503.

    Dated: December 24, 1996.
Stephen T. Vineski,
Acting Director, Regulatory Information Division.
[FR Doc. 96-33139 Filed 12-27-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P