Change Requests

Key Information

Previous ICR	202109-0648-019

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This request is for a revision and extension of a currently approved information collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Ocean Program (COP) now known as the Competitive Research Program (CRP) under the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science provides direct financial assistance through grants and cooperative agreements for research supporting the management of coastal ecosystems and the NOAA Restore Science Program. The statutory authority for COP is P.L. 102-567, Section 201 (Coastal Ocean Program). NOAA was authorized to establish and administer the Restore Science Program, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, by the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) of the Gulf States Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-141, Section 1604). Identified in the RESTORE Act as the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology Program, the Program is commonly known as the NOAA RESTORE Science Program (RSP). In addition to standard government application requirements, applicants for financial assistance for both programs are required to submit a project summary form, current and pending form, and a Data Management form template. The Data Management form template is a new addition to the application package. Data Management is a required element of the application package and the use of this form the will reduce the public burden by providing a specific format instead of requiring each applicant to create their own format. The Key Contacts form has been removed from the collection. CRP recipients are required to file annual progress reports and a project final report using CRP formats. The RSP recipients are required to file semiannual progress reports, a final report and a Gantt chart showing project milestones using RSP formats. All of these requirements are needed for better evaluation of proposals and monitoring of awards.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202012-2060-011

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for NSPS for Electric Utility Steam Generating Units (40 CFR Part 60 Subpart Da) were proposed on September 18, 1978, promulgated on June 11, 1979, and amended on November 19, 2014 and April 6, 2016. These regulations apply to new and existing electric utility steam generating units capable of combusting more than 73 megawatts (MW) heat input of fossil fuel. New facilities include those that commenced construction, modification, or reconstruction after the date of proposal. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart Da. In general, all NSPS standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance and are required of all affected facilities subject to NSPS.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202108-1004-006

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Various Federal and Indian mineral leasing statutes authorize the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to grant and manage onshore oil and gas leases on Federal and Indian (except Osage Tribe) lands. In order to fulfill its responsibilities under these statutes, the BLM needs to perform the information collection (IC) activities set forth in the regulations at 43 CFR parts 3170. This OMB control number is currently scheduled to expire January 31, 2025. The BLM requests that OMB renew this OMB control number for an additional three (3) years.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Peace Corps must determine if any incoming federal employees, political appointees, contractors, or interns have an immediate professional affiliation with the Intelligence Community, as this would be a conflict of interest. This form asks additional questions as part of the hiring process for consideration. This form will only be used if the applicant answers yes on the Intelligence Background Questionnaire (OMB 0420-0551).

Key Information

Previous ICR	202106-1018-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

A valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) is an annual licensing requirement for all migratory bird hunters. Artwork for the stamp is chosen by a panel of judges during an annual art contest. The Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp contests encourage the public to engage in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation mission. In support of directives in SO 3347, the Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp programs actively engage Americans of all ages to better understand the biological requirements and conservation management of waterfowl and wetlands. Contestants portray their understanding of the anatomy and ecology of waterfowl as well as the importance of wildlife conservation and the waterfowl hunting heritage in order to successfully compete. Contest entry forms are necessary to enable the Service to track contestants’ artwork during the contest judging process, verify age and unique artwork requirements, and return artwork.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202111-0648-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) proposes to revise and extend a current information collection designed to assess the extent of hook and line interactions between recreational anglers on piers and other shore-based fishing locations and sea turtles. The collection comprises an Angler Intercept Survey, a Fishing Site Characterization Form, and a Survey Cover Sheet. The Angler Intercept Survey will be verbally administered on piers and shore-based fishing locations within NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region and Southeast Region, and will be administered to approximately 20,000 individual recreational fishermen. The respondents will be verbally asked a series of questions about their fishing practices and observations of sea turtles and the interviewer will record their answers. The survey will also assess the feasibility of an intercept survey for this purpose in terms of response rates and data collection. The Fishing Site Characterization Form will be completed by the survey administrator at each fishing location and collects information on the structure and operation of the pier or shore-based fishing location. The Site Characterization Sheet will be completed by the survey administrator during each survey period and collects information on the environmental conditions for that particular day, the number of anglers fishing, number of lines in the water, and the number of surveys completed. The collection previously included a Sea Turtle Incidental Capture Form. This form will be removed from this collection and is now included in the National Sea Turtle Stranding & Salvage Network Stranding & Gear Interaction Data Collection (0648-0496). Collection of data on sea turtle interactions in the shore-based recreational fishing sector is necessary to fulfill statutory requirements of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq.). This collection will allow NOAA Fisheries obtain specific information about recreational piers (defined here to include piers and other shore-based structures), the anglers that fish on piers, the nature of interactions between pier-based anglers and sea turtles, as well as to determine specific factors that may influence the rate of interactions. NOAA Fisheries can use the information collected to evaluate the impact of these interactions on sea turtle populations and determine conservation measures that can be implemented to reduce interactions and support the conservation and recovery of endangered and threatened sea turtle populations.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202208-0648-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This request is for the renewal and extension of a currently approved information collection. This information collection consists of tracking IBQ allocation trading among individuals with Atlantic Tunas Longline category vessel permits. An online system managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will track allocations and allocation trades, and reconcile trades with landings for bluefin tuna quota monitoring. The information collected through this program is essential for the United States to implement the IBQ program implemented by Amendment 7, and modified under Amendment 13, to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and to meet its reporting obligations to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) by ensuring that the catch of bluefin tuna remains within ICCAT required quotas and landings limits.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202107-2025-001

Federal Register Notices

Abstract

Under the U.S. EPA National Environmental Information Exchange Network (NEIEN) Grant Program, EPA collects information from the NEIEN grantees on assistance agreements that EPA has awarded. Specifically, for each project, EPA proposes to have grantees submit semi-annual reports on the progress and current status of each goal and output, completion dates for outputs, and any problems encountered. This information will help EPA ensure projects are on schedule to meet their goals and produce high quality environmental results. New award recipients will complete one Quality Assurance Reporting Form for each award. This form provides a simple means for grant recipients to describe how quality will be addressed throughout their projects. Additionally, the Quality Assurance Reporting Form is derived from guidelines provided in the NEIEN 2018 Grant Solicitation Notice.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202109-0648-009

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This request is for extension of a current information collection. In order to respond to obligations under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, the IWC, and the Whaling Convention Act, anyone retrieving a dead whale is also required to report. Captains must place a distinctive permanent identification mark on any harpoon, lance, or explosive dart used, as well as provide information on the mark and self-identification information. The relevant and/or affect whaling organization receives the reports, compiles them, and submits the information to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce. The information is used to monitor the hunt and to ensure that quotas are not exceeded. The information is also provided to the IWC, which uses it to monitor compliance with its requirements. Information to be submitted under this collection is needed to comply with U.S. obligations under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. Reports from Native American whaling captains engaging in aboriginal subsistence whaling managed by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) help ensure that quotas are not exceeded and contribute information to monitoring of harvested species, like bowhead whales.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202107-2030-002

Federal Register Notices

Abstract

This information collection request (ICR) applies to background checks for specified contractor employees working in sensitive locations or sensitive projects who are not otherwise covered by a background check in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12). The EPA uses contractors to perform services throughout the nation with regard to environmental emergencies involving the release, or threatened release, of oil, radioactive materials or hazardous chemicals that may potentially affect communities and the surrounding environment. Releases may be accidental, deliberate, or may be caused by natural disasters. The information is collected for each employee who will be working at sensitive sites or in sensitive positions which could involve law enforcement activities, indoor cleanups (including occupied household residences), drug lab cleanups, and emergency response actions at geographically sensitive locations such as military installations and Government buildings.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202004-2060-010

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Gold Mine Ore Processing (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart EEEEEEE) were proposed on April 28, 2010; and promulgated on February 17, 2011. These regulations apply to both existing and new gold mine ore processing and production facilities that are area sources and use ore pretreatment, carbon processes with mercury retorts, carbon processes without mercury retorts, and non-carbon concentrate processes. The regulation sets mercury emission limits for each of the affected processes at both new and existing facilities. New facilities include those that either commenced construction or reconstruction after the date of proposal. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart EEEEEEE. In general, all NESHAP standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all affected facilities subject to NESHAP. In general, all NESHAP standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all affected facilities subject to NESHAP.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202105-1405-004

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This online form collects information from individuals seeking employment in the Foreign Service by registering them to take the Foreign Service Officer Test and assessing their qualifications for the position of Foreign Service Officer. Information collected will be in accordance with relevant Federal policies and practices.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202405-2040-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The EPA is finalizing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). The EPA is finalizing Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for PFOA and PFOS at zero and the enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 0.0000040 mg/L or 4.0 ppt for each of these contaminants. The EPA is also finalizing individual MCLGs and is promulgating individual MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA and HFPO-DA at 10 ppt. Lastly, the EPA is finalizing a Hazard Index (HI) of 1 (unitless) as the MCLG and MCL for any mixture containing two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA and PFBS.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202112-1205-010

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This information collection's purpose is to maintain a process for state governors for requesting advances and repaying advances through their correspondence with the Secretary of Labor.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202106-2020-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Section 1414(c)(3)(A) of the Safe Drinking Water Act requires that each state that has primary enforcement authority under the Act shall prepare, make readily available to the public, and submit to the Administrator of EPA, an annual report of violations of national primary drinking water regulations in the state. The states' reports are to include violations of maximum contaminant levels, treatment requirements, variances and exemptions, and monitoring requirements determined to be significant by the Administrator after consultation with the states. To minimize a States burden in preparing its annual statutorily-required report, EPA issued guidance that explains what Section 1414(c)(3)(A) requires and provides model language and reporting templates. EPA also annually makes available to the States a computer query that generates for each State (from information States are already separately required to submit to EPAs national database on a quarterly basis) the required violations information in a table consistent with the reporting template in EPAs guidance.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202203-3220-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Under Section 2(e)(3) of the Railroad Retirement Act, an annuity is not payable or is reduced for any month in which the beneficiary works for a railroad or earns more than the prescribed amounts. The collection obtains earnings information needed by the Railroad Retirement Board to determine possible reductions in annuities because of earnings.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202001-2060-006

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Beryllium (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart C)apply to all extraction plants, ceramic plants, foundries, incinerators, and propellant plants which process beryllium ore, beryllium, beryllium oxides, beryllium alloys, or beryllium-containing waste. All sources known to have either caused, or to have the potential to cause, dangerous levels of beryllium in the ambient air are covered by this standard. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart C. In general, all NESHAP standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all affected facilities subject to NESHAP.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202007-0648-008

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This request is for extension of a current information collection. The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 16 U.S.C. 1451–1465, provides for the designation of estuarine research reserves representative of various regions and estuarine types in the United States to provide opportunities for long-term research, education and interpretation. During the site selection and designation process, information is collected from states in order to prepare a management plan and environmental impact statement. Designated reserves apply annually for operations funds by submitting a work plan; subsequently progress reports are required every six months for the duration of the award. Each reserve compiles an ecological characterization or site profile to describe the biological and physical environment of the reserve, research to date and research gaps. Reserves revise their management plans every five years. A competitive fellowship program supports opportunities for graduate students to conduct research at each reserve. This information is required to ensure that reserves are adhering to regulations and that the reserves are in keeping with the purpose for which they were designated.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202107-2030-001

Federal Register Notices

Abstract

This ICR applies to a contractor who performs response services at sensitive sites with serious security concerns where the Agency and public interest would best be protected through drug testing of contractor employees. The contractor will test employees for the use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and any other controlled substances. Only contractor employees who have been tested within the previous 90 calendar days and have passing drug test results may be directly engaged in on-site response work and/or on-site related activities at designated sites with significant security concerns. The Agency may request contractors responding to any of these types of incidents to conduct drug testing and apply Government-established suitability criteria in Title 5 CFR Administrative Personnel 731.104 Appointments Subject to Investigation, 732.201 Sensitivity Level Designations and Investigative Requirements, and 736.102 Notice to Investigative Sources when determining whether employees are acceptable to perform on given sites or on specific projects.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202109-3220-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Section 7(c)(2) of the Railroad Retirement Act requires a financial interchange between the OASDHI trust funds and the railroad retirement account. The collection obtains gross earnings of railway employees on a 1% basis. The information is used to determine the amount which would place the OASDHI trust funds in the position they would have been if railroad service had been covered by the Social Security and FIC Acts.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202106-3220-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Under Section 7(b)(3) of the Railroad Retirement Act and Section 5(c) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, a person aggrieved by a decision on his or her application for an annuity or other benefit has the right to appeal to the RRB. The collection provides the means for the appeal action.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202110-2060-007

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Section 609 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Act) provides general guidelines for motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) refrigerant handling and MVAC servicing. In 1992, EPA developed regulations under Section 609 that were published in 57 FR 31242 and codified at 40 CFR Subpart B (82.30 et seq.). This ICR authorizes the collection of information from any establishment that may service or maintain motor vehicle air conditioners, as well as independent standards testing organizations and organizations with technician certification programs.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202108-2070-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

As directed in the June 2016 Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., EPA is required to assist in the preparation and publication in the Federal Register of an inventory of mercury supply, use, and trade in the United States. 15 U.S.C. 2607(b)(10)(B) and (D). Based on the inventory of information collected through this ICR, the Agency is directed to identify any manufacturing processes or products that intentionally add mercury and recommend actions, including proposed revisions of Federal law or regulations, to achieve further reductions in mercury use. 15 U.S.C. 2607(b)(10)(C). The primary purpose of this ICR is to support the development of that inventory. In turn, the inventory will help the Agency identify uses of mercury and recommend means to achieve further reductions of such uses in commerce. In addition, the Agency seeks to obtain the information necessary to achieve its goal to further reduce the use of mercury in products and certain manufacturing processes in order to prevent future releases to the environment, as well as assist the United States in reporting implementation under the Minamata Convention. EPA seeks to enhance its current information on how much mercury is used, in which products and manufacturing processes, and whether certain products are manufactured domestically, imported, or exported. Reporting is required from any person who manufactures (including imports) mercury or mercury-added products, as well as any person who otherwise intentionally uses mercury in a manufacturing process under TSCA section 8(b). The Agency promulgated reporting requirements at 40 CFR part 713. To avoid duplication, EPA coordinated the reporting with the Interstate Mercury Education and Reduction Clearinghouse (IMERC).

Key Information

Previous ICR	202012-2050-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

EPA promulgated regulations at 40 CFR Parts 260, 261, 264, 265, 266, and 270 covering boilers and industrial furnaces (BIFs) that burn hazardous waste. Specifically, 40 CFR Part 266, Subpart H establishes standards for the burning of hazardous waste in BIFs. Owners and operators of BIF facilities must comply with these regulations in addition to those regulations applicable to all hazardous waste facilities.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202108-3150-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

10 CFR part 54 establishes license renewal requirements for commercial nuclear power plants and describes the information that licensees must submit to the NRC when applying for a license renewal. The application must contain information on how the licensee will manage the detrimental effects of age-related degradation on certain plant systems, structures, and components to continue the plant’s safe operation during the renewal term. The NRC needs this information to determine whether the licensee’s actions will be effective in assuring the plants’ continued safe operation during the period of extended operation. Holders of renewed licenses must retain in an auditable and retrievable form, for the term of the renewed operating license, all information and documentation required to document compliance with 10 CFR part 54. The NRC needs access to this information for continuing effective regulatory oversight. Holders of renewed licenses must retain in an auditable and retrievable form, for the term of the renewed operating license, all information and documentation required to document compliance with 10 CFR Part 54. The NRC needs access to this information for continuing effective regulatory oversight.