[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 25 (Friday, February 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6147-6148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-3047]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[Docket No. 97-129-1]


Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information 
Collection

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment 
request.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's 
intention to request an extension of approval of an information 
collection in support of the Environmental Monitoring Form.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by April 7, 1998 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding the accuracy of burden estimate, 
ways to minimize the burden (such as through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology), or any 
other aspect of this collection of information to: Docket No. 97-129-1, 
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, suite 3C03, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please send an original and 
three copies, and state that your comments refer to Docket 97-129-1. 
Comments received may be inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing 
to inspect comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to 
facilitate entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: For information regarding the Environmental 
Monitoring Form, contact Mr. Ron Berger, Acting Deputy Director of 
Technical and Scientific Services, Biotechnology and Scientific 
Services, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 150, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1236, (301) 734-5105. For copies of more detailed information on the 
information collection, contact Ms. Celeste Sickles, Information 
Collection Coordinator, at (301) 734-7477.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Environmental Monitoring Form.
    OMB Number: 0579-0117.
    Expiration Date of Approval: July 31, 1998.
    Type of Request: Extension of approval of an information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
provides leadership in ensuring the health and welfare of animals and 
plants. The Agency attempts to carry out this mission in a manner that 
promotes and protects the environment.
    In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 
4321) and the regulations that implement this act (contained in 40 CFR 
1500-1508), APHIS engages in environmental monitoring for certain 
activities that we conduct to control or eradicate certain pests and 
diseases. Activities with the greatest potential for harm to the human 
environment and for which mitigation measures have been developed are 
monitored to ensure that the mitigation measures are enforced and 
effective. In many cases monitoring is required where APHIS programs 
are conducted close to habitats of endangered and threatened species. 
This monitoring is developed in coordination with the United States 
Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, in compliance 
with the Endangered Species Act, 50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12.
    APHIS Form 2060, Environmental Monitoring Form, is used by APHIS 
field personnel and State cooperators jointly, to collect information 
concerning the effects of pesticide use in the sensitive habitats. The 
goal of environmental monitoring is to track the potential impact that 
APHIS activities may have on the environment, and to use this knowledge 
in making any necessary adjustments in future program actions.
    We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve 
the continued use of this information collection activity.
    The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public 
(as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. 
We need this outside input to help us:
    (1) 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;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, 
electronic,

[[Page 6148]]

mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., permitting 
electronic submission of responses.
    Estimate of burden: The public reporting burden for this collection 
of information is estimated to average 0.5 hours per response.
    Respondents: Growers/appliers of pesticides, State Department of 
Agriculture personnel.
    Estimated annual number of respondents: 15.
    Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 20.
    Estimated annual number of responses: 300.
    Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 150 hours. (Due to 
rounding, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of 
the annual number of responses multiplied by the average reporting 
burden per response.)
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 2nd day of February 1998.
Craig A. Reed,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 98-3047 Filed 2-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P