[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 83 (Wednesday, April 30, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 23445-23446] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-11160] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-5819-2] Agency Information Collection Activities up for Renewal; Collection of Economic and Regulatory Impact Support Data Under RCRA ICR No. 1641.01 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 continuing Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Collection of Economic and Regulatory Impact Support Data Under RCRA: Request for Generic Clearance 1641.01, OMB Control Number 2050-0136, expiration date 10/31/97. 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 June 30, 1997. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Washington at EPA, (703) 308- 0497, and refer to EPA ICR No. 1641.01. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are those which are classified as hazardous waste generators, scientist, industry experts, and treatment storage and disposal facilities. Title: Collection of Economic and Regulatory Support Data Under RCRA (OMB Control No. 2050-0136; EPA ICR No.1641.01) expiring 10/31/97 . Abstract: EPA's Office of Solid Waste (OSW) is requesting approval for a generic clearance to collect economic and regulatory impact data through surveys, interviews, or focus group meetings with industry or other parties in support of the Resource Conservation [[Page 23446]] and Recovery Act (RCRA) rulemaking actions. RCRA, as amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments, requires EPA to establish a national regulatory program to ensure that hazardous waste is managed in a manner protective of human health and the environment. EPA is authorized under section 2002 and 3007 of RCRA to collect information from industry and other parties when necessary to carry out its regulatory responsibilities. The information collected will be used to assess the costs and benefits of various potential regulatory and nonregulatory actions. 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. Executive Order 12866 specifies that all administrative decisions shall be based on adequate information concerning the need for and consequences of prosed government action. To this end, Executive Order No. 12866 requires the preparation and evaluation of an assessment of costs and benefits for all proposed regulatory actions determined to be significant. This generic clearance simplifies the authorization process to develop and administer surveys, interviews and focus group meetings and provides OSW with the flexibility needed to conduct information collection in a rapid and efficient manner. An important element in preparing an Economic Impact Analysis (EIA) may include the administration of surveys, interview and focus group meetings to obtain data from the regulated community and other interested parties. OSW often needs to collect such information and perform analysis over a short time frame. It is for this reason that the Agency is currently requesting renewal of this Information Collection Request (ICR). 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 accuracy of 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, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Burden Statement: The public reporting burden for this generic collection is estimated to average 13.5 hours per response. This estimate includes all aspects of the information collection including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection information. 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. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1000. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 15,000 hours. Frequency of Collection: On Occasion. Dated: April 2, 1997. Matthew Hale, Acting Director, Office of Solid Waste. [FR Doc. 97-11160 Filed 4-29-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P