[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 23, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 71115-71116] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-34046] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-6207-6] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; comment request; National Estuary Program 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): National Estuary Program, EPA ICR Number 1500.03, OMB Control Number 2040-0138, expiring March 31, 1999. Before submitting the renewal ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the information collection as described below. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 22, 1999. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to the Coastal Management Branch; Oceans and Coastal Protection Division (4504F); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; 401 M Street, SW; Washington, DC 20460. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the ICR without charge by contacting the person identified below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darrell Brown at 202/260-6502 (phone); 202/260-9960 (facsimile); [email protected] (E-mail) or Betsy Salter at 202/260-6466 (phone); 202/260-9960 (facsimile); [email protected] (E-mail). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Affected entities: Entities affected by this action are those state or local agencies or nongovernmental organizations that receive grants under section 320 of the Clean Water Act, the National Estuary Program. EPA provides grants to these entities to support 28 National Estuary Programs around the country and in Puerto Rico. Each entity receiving such a grant must submit an annual workplan that describes the projects and activities to be carried out using the section 320 funds and that documents the source of the 25% non-federal matching funds required by section 320. Title: National Estuary Program (ICR #1500; OMB Control Number 2040-0138) expiring March 31, 1999. Abstract: Annual Workplans--The National Estuary Program (NEP) involves collecting information from the state or local agency or nongovernmental organizations that receive funds under section 320 of the Clean Water Act. The regulation requiring this information is found at 40 CFR Part 35. Prospective grant recipients seek funding to develop or oversee and coordinate implementation of comprehensive conservation and management plans (CCMP) for estuaries of national significance. In order to receive funds, grantees must submit an annual workplan to EPA. The workplan consists of two parts: (a) progress on projects funded previously; and (b) new projects proposed with dollar amounts and completion dates. The workplan is reviewed by EPA and also serves as the scope of work for the grant agreement. EPA also uses these workplans to track performance of each of the 28 estuary programs currently in the NEP. Biennial Reviews--EPA provides funding to NEPs to support long-term implementation of CCMPs if such programs pass a biennial review process. Biennial reviews are used to determine progress each NEP is making in implementing its CCMP and achieving environmental results. In addition to evaluating progress, the results are used to identify areas of weakness each NEP should address for long-term success in protecting and restoring their estuaries. EPA will also compile successful tools and approaches as well as lessons learned from all biennial reviews to transfer to the NEPs and other watershed programs. For this ICR cycle, biennial reviews will be required of the first 17 NEPs in FY1999 and the first 21 NEPs in FY2001. Biennial reviews are required in addition to annual workplans. The EPA is requesting comments on: (i) 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) 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) the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) how 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, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Burden Statement: The estimated burden for the 28 NEPs totals about 18,000 hours for Fiscal Years 1999, 2000 and 2001, or about 6,000 hours/year on average. Total hours are based on the following estimates: 100 hours/annual workplan * 28 NEPs = 2,800 hours/year * 3 years = 8,400 hours 250 hours/biennial review * 17 NEPs = 4,250 hours/FY1999 250 hours/biennial review * 21 NEPs = 5,250 hours/FY2001 These estimates include the time needed to review instructions, search existing information sources, gather and maintain information needed, and to analyze the information and prepare the annual workplans or biennial review reports. No person is required to respond to a collection of information unless the request displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are displayed in 40 CFR Part 9. Please send comments regarding these matters, or any other aspect of information collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the address listed above. [[Page 71116]] Dated: December 14, 1998. Robert H. Wayland III, Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. [FR Doc. 98-34046 Filed 12-22-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-U