[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 28, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77707-77708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-28386]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

December 22, 2004
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (a) whether the 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 burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) way to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to 
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 should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [email protected] or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental 
Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-
7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured 
of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this 
notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 
(202) 720-8681.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service

    Title: Update of the Nursery Stock Regulations.
    OMB Control Number: 0579-0190.
    Summary of Collection: The Plant Protection and Quarantine, a 
program within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
is responsible for implementing the Plant Protection Act (PPA) (7 
U.S.C. 7701-7772). Regulations authorized by the PPA concerning the 
importation of nursery stock, plants, roots, bulbs, seeds, and other 
plant products are contained in Title 7 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, ``Nursery Stock,'' 319.37 through 319.34-14. Implementing 
the nursery stock regulations requires APHIS to collect

[[Page 77708]]

information from a variety of individuals who are involved in growing, 
exporting, and importing nursery stock.
    Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information to 
ensure that plant pest are not introduced into the United States. The 
information APHIS collects serves as the supporting documentation 
needed to issue required PPQ forms and documents that allow importation 
of nursery stock.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, 
local or tribal government; Individuals or households; Farms.
    Number of Respondents: 20.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 10.

Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service

    Title: Environmental Monitoring Form.
    OMB Control Number: 0579-0117.
    Summary of Collection: The mission of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service (APHIS) is to provide leadership in ensuring the 
health and care of animals and plants, to improve the agricultural 
productivity and competitiveness, and to contribute to the national 
economy and the public health. The National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq, and the regulations of the Council on 
Environmental Quality, which implements the procedural aspects of NEPA 
(40 CFR 1500-1508) requires APHIS to implement environmental monitoring 
for certain activities conducted for pest and disease, control and 
eradication programs. APHIS form 2060, Environmental Monitoring Form, 
will be used to collect information concerning the effects of pesticide 
used in sensitive habitats.
    Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information on 
the number of collected samples, description of the samples, the 
environmental conditions at the collection site including wind speed 
and direction, temperature, humidity of rainfall, and topography. The 
supporting information contained on the APHIS form 2060 is vital for 
interpreting the laboratory tests APHIS conducts on its collected 
samples. Failure to collect this information would prevent APHIS from 
actively monitoring the effects of pesticides in areas where the 
inappropriate use of these chemicals could eventually produce 
disastrous results for vulnerable habitats and species.
    Description of Respondents: State, local or tribal government; 
Individuals or households; Farms.
    Number of Respondents: 150.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,500.

Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 04-28386 Filed 12-27-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-M