[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 111 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 31715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15456]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 111 / Wednesday, June 10, 1998 / 
Notices  

[[Page 31715]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection for 
Mineral Activities in the Smith River National Recreation Area

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service announces its intent to seek extension of the approval 
for the existing information collection required by 36 CFR Part 292, 
Subpart G, for mineral operations in the Smith River National 
Recreation Area. The current information collection will expire 
September 30, 1998.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before August 10, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Director, Minerals and Geology 
Management, mail stop 1126, Forest Service, USDA, P.O. Box 96090, 
Washington, DC 20090-6090.
    The public may inspect comments in the Office of the Director. To 
facilitate entrance into the building, visitors are encouraged to call 
ahead (202) 205-1042.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sam Hotchkiss, Minerals and Geology Management, telephone: (202) 205-
1535.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Description of Information Collection

    Title: Smith River National Recreation Area.
    OMB Number: 0596-0138.
    Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 1998.
    Type of Request: Extension of an existing information collection.
    Abstract: Forest Service regulations at 36 CFR Part 292, Subpart G, 
implement Section 8(d) of the Smith River National Recreation Area Act 
of 1990 and set forth procedures by which the Forest Service regulates 
mineral operations on National Forest System lands within the Smith 
River National Recreation Area. These regulations supplement existing 
Forest Service regulations and are intended to ensure that mineral 
operations are conducted in a manner consistent with the purposes for 
which the Smith River National Recreation Area was established..
    Section 292.63(b) requires an operator to provide information to 
support valid existing rights in addition to plan of operations 
information requirements at Secs. 228.4 and 228.8. Also, as part of a 
plan of operations for the Smith River National Recreation Area, 
Sec. 292.63(c) requires the following information: (1) a copy of the 
authorization or agreement by which operations are to be conducted when 
the operator and mining claim owner are different; (2) the hazardous 
and toxic materials and similar chemical substances to be used during 
mineral operations; (3) the character and composition of mineral wastes 
that will be used or generated; (4) how these materials and substances 
will be disposed; (5) the proposed method or strategy for handling the 
wastes; and (6) how public health and safety will be maintained. 
Section 292.65(b) requires that operator wishing to exercise 
outstanding mineral rights submit an operating plan.
    Estimate of Burden: 20 hours.
    Type of Respondents: Mineral operators.
    Estimate Number of Respondents: 2.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 40.

Comment Is Invited

    The agency invites comments on the following: (a) 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; (b) 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; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including the use of 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.

Use of Comment

    All comments, including name and address when provided, will become 
a matter of public record. Comments received in response to this notice 
will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management 
and Budget approval.

    Dated: June 5, 1998.
Robert Lewis, Jr.,
Acting Associate Chief.
[FR Doc. 98-15456 Filed 6-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M