Notices. Notice
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/register/2006/03/29/06-2872A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
BILLING CODE 5001-06-M DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy Notice of Availability for Donation as a Museum/Memorial, the Battleships ex-IOWA (BB 61) and ex-WISCONSIN (BB 64) AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DOD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy hereby gives notice of the availability for donation as a museum/memorial the battleship ex-IOWA (BB 61), located at the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, Benecia, CA, and battleship ex-WISCONSIN (BB 64) located adjacent to the Nauticus National Maritime Center/Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Norfolk, VA.
The availability of these battleships for donation is in compliance with Public Law 109-163, the FY06 National Defense Authorization Act, and under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 7306. The Secretary of the Navy requires, as a condition of transfer, that the donee locate ex-IOWA within the State of California and ex-WISCONSIN within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The transfer of ships for donation under 10 U.S.C. 7306 shall be made at no cost to the United States Government. The donee will be required to maintain the ship as a static display in a condition that is satisfactory to the Secretary of the Navy.
In accordance with Public Law 109-163, the 30-day Congressional notification of donation was waived for ex-IOWA and ex-WISCONSIN. It is in the best interests of the Navy to donate these ships as soon as possible. Therefore, a letter of intent will be required within 45 days from the date of this notice and all ship donation applications must be received within six months from the date of this notice. Prospective donees must submit a letter of intent to the Navy Inactive Ship Program Office within 45 days of this **Federal Register** notice.
The letter of intent must: a. Identify the specific ship sought for donation; b. Include a statement of the proposed use for the ship; c. Identify the proposed berthing location; d. If the applicant is not a state, territory or possession of the United States, or a political subdivision or municipal corporation thereof, or the District of Columbia, provide a copy of a determination letter by the Internal Revenue Service that the applicant is exempt from tax under the Internal Revenue Code, or submit evidence that the applicant has filed the appropriate documentation in order to obtain tax exempt status; e.
If the applicant asserts that it is a corporation or association whose charter or articles of agreement denies it the right to operate for profit, provide a properly authenticated copy of the charter, certificate of incorporation, and a copy of the organization's by-laws; f. Provide a notarized copy of the resolution or other action of the applicant's governing board authorizing the person signing the application to represent the organization and to sign on its behalf for the purpose of obtaining a vessel; and g.
Provide written affirmation that the prospective donee can submit a complete ship donation application to the Navy, compliant with the Navy's application requirements, within six months of this **Federal Register** notice. If the applicant is incapable of meeting this deadline, specific rationale must be provided along with identification of the events that must be achieved and the timeline necessary in order to submit a complete ship donation application to the Navy. The Navy reserves the right to provide a reasonable extension for receipt of applications, or to reject a request for extension and to proceed with other applications received within the six-month deadline.
Upon receipt of the letter of intent, the Navy will contact the prospective donees to ensure a full understanding of the application requirements. Qualified organizations in the state of California wishing to apply for ex-IOWA, and qualified organizations in the Commonwealth of Virginia wishing to apply for ex-WISCONSIN, must submit a complete application to the Navy within six months of this notice, comprised of a business/financial plan, a technical plan (includes a towing plan, mooring plan, maintenance plan and environmental plan), a curatorial/museum plan, and a community support plan (includes information concerning support from the community and benefit to the Navy).
The application must address the following areas: a. *Business/Financial Plan:* The Business/Financial Plan must detail the estimated start-up and operating costs, and provide detailed evidence of firm financing adequate to cover these costs. Start-up costs include towing, mooring (this includes but not limited to the cost of acquiring and improving facilities, and dredging if required), ship restoration, museum development, and meeting environmental requirements (including permitting fees and expenses).
Operating costs are those associated with operating and maintaining the vessel as a museum/memorial, including rent, utilities, personnel, insurance, periodic dry-docking, etc. Firm financing means available funding to ensure the first five years of operation and future stability for long-term operation. This can include pledges, loans, gifts, bonds (except revenue bonds), funds on deposit at a financial institution, or any combination of the above. The applicant must also provide income projections from sources such as individual and group admissions, facility rental fees and gift shop revenues sufficient to cover the estimated operating expenses. b. *Technical:* The technical plan is comprised of a Towing Plan, Mooring Plan, Maintenance Plan, and Environmental Plan.
The Towing Plan describes how the ship will be prepared for tow and safely towed from its present location to the permanent display site proposed by the applicant. The Towing Plan must comply with all U.S. Navy Tow Manual requirements, which can be found at *http://www.supsalv.org/pdf/towman.pdf* . The Mooring Plan describes how the ship will be secured at its permanent display site during normal and extreme weather conditions (including the 100-year storm event) to prevent damage to the ship, its mooring system, the pier, and surrounding facilities.
Provide evidence of availability of a facility for permanent mooring of the ship, either by ownership, existing lease, or by letter from the facility owners indicating a statement of intent to utilize such facilities. Address any requirement to obtain site-specific permits and/or municipality approvals required for the facility, to include but not limited to, Port Authority and Army Corps of Engineers approvals/permits, where required. The mooring location must be acceptable to the Navy and not obstruct or interfere with navigation.
The Environmental Plan describes how the applicant will comply with all Federal, state and local environmental and public health & safety regulations and permit requirements. The applicant must also provide information necessary for the Navy to complete an environmental assessment of the donation as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the impact of the donation on the natural and man-made environment, local infrastructure, and evaluation of the socio-economic consequences of the donation.
The Maintenance Plan must describe plans for long-term, short-term, and daily maintenance of the vessel, including preservation and maintenance schedule, underwater hull inspections, emergency response and fire/flood/intrusion control, pest control, security, periodic dry-docking, and qualifications of the maintenance team. c. The Curatorial/Museum Plan includes two parts: A Curatorial Plan and a Historic Management Plan. The Curatorial Plan must describe the qualifications for a professional curator (and curator staff, if necessary).
The plan must also describe how the museum will collect and manage artifacts, including a statement of purpose and description of access, authority, and collection management responsibilities. The Historic Management Plan must describe how the museum will display the vessel and exhibits, including a description of the historical context of the ship, vessel restoration plans, historical subject matter that will be displayed with the ship, and exhibit display plans. d. The Community Support Plan must include evidence of local support.
Evidence of regional support should also be provided. This includes letters of endorsement from adjacent communities and counties, cities or states. Also describe how the location of the ship will encourage public visitation and tourism, become an integral part of the community, and how the ship will enhance community development. The Community Support Plan must also describe the benefit to the Navy, including, but not limited to, addressing how the prospective donee may support Navy recruiting efforts, the connection between the Navy and the proposed berthing location, how veterans associations in the area are willing to support the vessel, how the prospective donee will honor veterans' contributions to the United States, and how the exhibit will commemorate those contributions and showcase Naval traditions.
The relative importance of each area that must be addressed in the donation application is as follows: Business/Financial Plan and Technical Plan are the most important criteria and are equal in importance. Within the Technical Plan, the Mooring Plan is of greatest importance, and the Towing Plan, Maintenance Plan and Environmental Plan are individually of equal importance but of lesser importance to the Mooring Plan. The Curatorial/Museum Plan and Community Support Plan are of equal importance, but of lesser importance than the aforementioned plans.
Evaluation of the application(s) will be performed by the Navy to ensure the application(s) are compliant with the minimum acceptable application criteria and requirements. In the event of multiple compliant applications for the same battleship, the Navy will perform a comparative evaluation of the applications to determine the best-qualified applicant. The adjectival ratings to be used for each criterion include: Outstanding, Good, Satisfactory, Marginal and Unsatisfactory. The Secretary of the Navy or his designee will make the final donation decision.
Additional information concerning the application process and requirements are found on the Navy's Ship Donation Web site, *http://www.navsea.navy.mil/ndp* . The complete application must be submitted in hard copy and electronically on a CD to the Navy Inactive Ship Program Office within six months of this **Federal Register** notice. As stated above, the Navy Reserves the right to provide a reasonable extension for receipt of applications, or to reject a request for extension and to proceed with other applications received within the 6-month deadline. *For Further Information and Submission of Ship Donation Applications, Contact:* Commander, Program Executive Office Ships (PEO SHIPS), PMS333, Navy Inactive Ship Program Office, Ship Donation Program, ATTN:
Ms. Gloria Carvalho (PMS 333G), 300 M Street, SE., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20003, telephone number 202-781-0485. Dated: March 23, 2006. Eric McDonald, Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4557 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests AGENCY: Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of proposed information collection requests.
SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, invites comments on the proposed information collection requests as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: An emergency review has been requested in accordance with the Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 3507 (j)), since public harm is reasonably likely to result if normal clearance procedures are followed. Approval by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)has been requested by April 18, 2006. A regular clearance process is also beginning. Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before May 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the emergency review should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget; 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to
(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Director of OMB provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes this notice containing proposed information collection requests at the beginning of the Departmental review of the information collection. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:
(1)Type of review requested, e.g., new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;
(2)Title;
(3)Summary of the collection;
(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;
(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and
(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. ED invites public comment. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues:
(1)Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department;
(2)will this information be processed and used in a timely manner;
(3)is the estimate of burden accurate;
(4)how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(5)how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on respondents, including through the use of information technology. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of Elementary and Secondary Education *Type of Review:* New. *Title:* Application for the Teacher Incentive Fund. *Abstract:* This application will be used to award grants to local education agencies, state education agencies, or partnerships with a local or state education agency for the purpose of creating a performance-based compensation system for teachers and principals. *Additional Information:* The Department is requesting permission for an emergency clearance to allow more time for State and local entities to prepare their designs for performance-based compensation systems, consult as appropriate or partner with non-profit organizations experienced in this area, and identify State and local resources that can be matched to the Federal investment. In addition, this grant program is extremely important to the administration and will allow grant awards to be made in time. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* State, Local, or Tribal Gov't, SEAs or LEAs; Not-for-profit institutions. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* Responses: 40. Burden Hours: 3,200. Requests for copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov,* by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 3008. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to the Internet address *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov.* Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E6-4520 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to
(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:
(1)Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;
(2)Title;
(3)Summary of the collection;
(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;
(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and
(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of the Chief Financial Officer *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR)Program—Phase II—Grant Application. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* Businesses or other for-profit. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* Responses: 50. Burden Hours: 3,750. *Abstract:* This application package invites small business applicants to submit a Phase II application for the Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR)program. This is in response to Public Law 106-554, the “Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000, H.R. 5667” (the “Act”) enacted on December 21, 2000. The Act requires certain agencies, including the Department of Education (ED), to establish a Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR)program by reserving a statutory percentage of their extramural research and development budgets to be awarded to small business concerns for research or R&D through a uniform, highly competitive, three-phase process each fiscal year. This information collection is being submitted under the Streamlined Clearance Process for Discretionary Grant Information Collections (1890-0001). Therefore, the 30-day public comment period notice will be the only public comment notice published for this information collection. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov,* by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2924. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov.* Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E6-4523 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to
(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:
(1)Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;
(2)Title;
(3)Summary of the collection;
(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;
(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and
(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of the Chief Financial Officer *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR)Program—Phase I—Grant Application Package. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* Businesses or other for-profit. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* Responses: 200. Burden Hours: 9,000. *Abstract:* This application package invites small business concerns to submit a Phase I research application for the Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR)program. This is in response to Public Law 106-554, the “Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000, H.R. 5667” (the “Act”) enacted on December 21, 2000. The Act requires certain agencies, including the Department of Education (ED), to establish a Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR)program by reserving a statutory percentage of their extramural research and development budgets to be awarded to small business concerns for research or research and development (R/R&D) through a uniform, highly competitive, three-phase process each fiscal year. The Act further requires the Small Business Administration
(SBA)to issue policy directives for the general conduct of the SBIR programs within the Federal government. This information collection is being submitted under the Streamlined Clearance Process for Discretionary Grant Information Collections (1890-0001). Therefore, the 30-day public comment period notice will be the only public comment notice published for this information collection. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2919. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments “ to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov.* Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E6-4524 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to
(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:
(1)Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;
(2)Title;
(3)Summary of the collection;
(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;
(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and
(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Federal Student Aid *Type of Review:* Extension. *Title:* Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan and Perkins Loan Total Permanent Disability Discharge Form. *Frequency:* On Occasion. *Affected Public:* Individuals or household. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* Responses: 15,000. Burden Hours: 7,500. *Abstract:* This form will serve as the means of collecting the information to determine whether a FFEL, Direct Loan, or Perkins Loan borrower qualifies for a discharge of his or her loan(s) due to total and permanent disability. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov,* by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2972. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov.* Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E6-4525 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to
(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:
(1)Type of review requested, *e.g.* new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;
(2)Title;
(3)Summary of the collection;
(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;
(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and
(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Annual Protection & Advocacy of Individual Rights
(PAIR)Program Performance Report. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local, or Tribal Gov't, SEAs or LEAs. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* Responses: 57. Burden Hours: 912. *Abstract:* Form RSA-509 will be used to analyze and evaluate the Protection & Advocacy of Individual Rights
(PAIR)Program administered by eligible systems in states. These systems provide services to eligible individuals with disabilities to protect their legal and human rights. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2976. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments “ to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* . Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E6-4559 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to
(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:
(1)Type of review requested, *e.g.* new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;
(2)Title;
(3)Summary of the collection;
(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;
(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and
(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of Postsecondary Education *Type of Review:* Extension. *Title:* FIPSE: Brazil, North America, EU-U.S. Consolidated Grants.gov Application Forms. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* Not-for-profit institutions. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* Responses: 110. Burden Hours: 780. *Abstract:* These three special focus international programs promote multilateral, international curricular development, student recruitment and exchange, credit recognition, and tuition reciprocity in a wide range of academic disciplines for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2973. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* . Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E6-4560 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to
(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:
(1)Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;
(2)Title;
(3)Summary of the collection;
(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;
(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and
(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Annual Client Assistance Program
(CAP)Report. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local, or Tribal Gov't, SEAs or LEAs. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* Responses: 56. Burden Hours: 896. *Abstract:* Form RSA-227 is used to analyze and evaluate the Client Assistance Program
(CAP)administered by designated CAP agencies. These agencies provide services to individuals seeking or receiving services from programs authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Data also are reported on information and referral services provided to any individual with a disability. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2944. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments “ to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov.* Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E6-4561 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to
(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:
(1)Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;
(2)Title;
(3)Summary of the collection;
(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;
(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and
(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Section 704 Annual Performance Report (Parts I and II). Frequency: Annually. *Affected Public:* State, Local, or Tribal Gov't, SEAs or LEAs; Not-for-profit institutions. Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: *Responses:* 392. *Burden Hours:* 13,720. *Abstract:* Section 706(d), 721(b)(3), and 725(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
(Act)and corresponding program regulations in 34 CFR parts 364, 365, and 366 require centers for independent living, Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs) and Designated State Units
(DSUs)supported under Parts B and C of Chapter 1 of Title VII of the Act to submit to the Secretary of Education (Secretary) annual performance information and identify training and technical assistance needs. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov,* by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2974. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov.* Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E6-4562 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OECA-2005-0019; FRL-8050-7] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Asbestos (Renewal); OMB Number 2060-0101; EPA ICR Number 0111.11 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA)(44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ), this document announces that an Information Request
(ICR)has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and costs. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing docket ID number EPA-HQ-OECA-2005-0019, to
(1)EPA online using *www.regulations.gov* (our preferred method), by e-mail to *docket.oeca@epa.gov,* or by mail to: EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Environmental Protection Agency, Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information Center, mail code 2201T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, and
(2)OMB by mail to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: María Malavé, Compliance Assessment and Media Programs Division (Mail Code 2223A), Office of Compliance, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:
(202)564-7027; fax number:
(202)564-0050; e-mail address: *malave.maria@epa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On May 6, 2005 (70 FR 24020), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under docket ID number EPA-HQ-OECA-2005-0019, which is available for online viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov,* or in person viewing at the Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information Center in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is
(202)566-1744, and the telephone number for the Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information Center Docket is
(202)566-1752. Use EPA's electronic docket and comment system at *www.regulations.gov,* to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “docket search,” then key in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov,* as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, Confidential Business Information, or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. For further information about the electronic docket, go to *http://www.regulations.gov.* *Title:* NESHAP for Asbestos (Renewal). *ICR Numbers:* EPA ICR Number 0111.11; OMB Control Number 2060-0101. *ICR Status:* This ICR is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2006. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the **Federal Register** when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the **Federal Register** or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. *Abstract:* The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Asbestos standards were proposed on January 10, 1989, and promulgated on November 20, 1990. The standards apply to the following affected facilities: demolition and renovation of facilities; the disposal of asbestos waste; asbestos milling, manufacturing and fabricating; the use of asbestos on roadways; asbestos waste conversion facilities; and the use of asbestos insulation and sprayed-on materials. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR part 61, subpart M. The monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements outlined in these rules are similar to those required for other NESHAP regulations. Consistent with the NESHAP General Provisions (40 CFR part 63, subpart A), respondents are required to submit initial notifications, conduct performance tests, and submit semiannual reports. They are also required to maintain records of applicability determinations; performance test results; exceedances; periods of startup, shutdown, or malfunction; monitoring records; and all other information needed to determine compliance with the applicable standard, such as records of visible emissions monitoring at potential sources of asbestos and of inspection records of air cleaning devices to ensure proper operation. An owner or operator subject to the provisions of this part shall maintain a file of these measurements, and retain the file for at least five years following the date of such measurements, maintenance reports, and records. Records and reports must be retained for a total of two years. The files may be maintained on microfilm, on a computer or floppy disks, on magnetic tape disks, or on microfiche. All reports are sent to the delegated state or local authority. In the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are sent directly to the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)regional office. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR chapter 15, and are identified on the form and/or instrument, if applicable. *Burden Statement:* The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. *Respondents/Affected Entities:* Owners or operators of asbestos milling, manufacturing, fabricating, waste disposal, and waste conversion facilities. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 9,432. *Frequency of Response:* Initially, on occasion, and semiannually. *Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden:* 229,381 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $18,514,228, which includes $0 annualized capital/startup costs, $0 annual O&M costs, and $18,514,228 annual labor costs. *Changes in the Estimates:* There is a decrease of 112,868 hours in the total estimated burden currently identified in the OMB Inventory of Approved ICR Burdens. The decrease in burden from the most recently approved ICR is due to a reduction in the total number of respondents subject to this ICR from 9,848 to 9,394. Dated: March 21, 2006. Oscar Morales, Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. E6-4564 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OECA-2005-0033; FRL-8050-6] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Fabrication EPA ICR Number 2027.03, OMB Number 2060-0516 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA)(44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ), this document announces that an Information Request
(ICR)has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and costs. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OECA-2005-0033, to
(1)EPA online using *http://www.regulations.gov* (our preferred method), by e-mail to *docket.oeca@epa.gov,* or by mail to: EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Environmental Protection Agency, Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information Center, Mail Code 2201T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, and
(2)OMB by mail to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Learia Williams, Compliance Assessment and Media Programs Division (CAMPD), Office of Compliance, (Mail Code 2223A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:
(202)564-4113; fax number:
(202)564-0050; e-mail address: *williams.learia@epa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On May 6, 2005 (70 FR 24020), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OECA-2005-0033, which is available for online viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov,* or in person viewing at the Enforcement and Compliance Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is
(202)566-1744, and the telephone number for the Enforcement and Compliance Docket is
(202)566-1752. Use EPA's electronic docket and comment system at * http:// www.regulations.gov, * to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the docket that are available electronically. When in the system, select “docket search,” then key in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov,* as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, Confidential Business Information (CBI), or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. For further information about the electronic docket, go to *http://www.regulations.gov.* *Title:* NESHAP for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Fabrication (Renewal). *ICR Status:* This ICR is scheduled to expire on May 31, 2006. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the **Federal Register** when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, and displayed either by publication in the **Federal Register** or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. *Abstract:* The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for flexible polyurethane foam fabrication were proposed on August 8, 2001 (66 FR 41729), and promulgated on April 14, 2003 (68 FR 18070). These standards apply to each existing, new, or reconstructed flexible polyurethane foam fabrication. For the purpose of the rule, flexible polyurethane foam fabrication is divided in the following two subcategories:
(1)Loop slitter adhesive use, and
(2)flame lamination. Owners or operators of the affected facilities must make the following notification:
(1)Initial notification,
(2)notification of compliance status, and
(3)notification of intent to conduct a performance test (flame lamination only). Affected sources must submit compliance reports, and a startup, shutdown, malfunction report. Owners or operators are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction (flame lamination only). Annual compliance reports are only required for loop slitter facilities and semiannual compliance reports for flame lamination facilities. Any owner or operator subject to the provisions of this subpart must maintain a file of these measurements, and retain the file for at least five years following the collection of such measurements, maintenance reports, and records. All reports are sent to the delegated state or local authority. In the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are sent directly to the EPA regional office. *Burden Statement:* The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 89 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; to adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; to train personnel to respond to a collection of information; to search data sources; to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information. *Respondents/Affected Entities:* Owner or operator of each flexible polyurethane foam fabrication facility. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 11. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion, annually, semiannually and initially. *Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden:* 12,303. *Estimated Total Annual Costs:* $1,004,834, which includes $997 annualized capital/startup costs, $1,674 annual O&M costs, and $1,002,163 annual labor costs. *Changes in the Estimates:* There was an increase of 11,092 hours in the total estimated burden currently identified in the OMB Inventory of Approved ICR Burdens. The increase in burden hours from the most recently approved ICR is due, in part, to an increase of new sources. However, most of the burden increase is due to accounting for full compliance with the standard by all existing respondents. There is also an increase in the annual cost, which is due to the revised hourly rates from the United States Department of Labor. There are no changes in the capital/startup and operations and maintenance costs from the previous ICR. Dated: March 21, 2006. Oscar Morales, Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. E6-4566 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OARM-2005-0003; FRL-8050-5] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Contractor Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation (Renewal), EPA ICR Number 0246.09, OMB Control Number 2030-0016 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA)(44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ), this document announces that an Information Collection Request
(ICR)has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OARM-2005-0003 for Contractor Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation (Renewal), EPA ICR Number 0246.09, OMB Control Number 2030-0016, to
(1)EPA online using *http://www.regulations.gov* (our preferred method), by e-mail to *oei.docket@epa.gov,* or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Information Docket (OEI), Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, and
(2)OMB by mail to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nikki Burley, Policy and Oversight Service Center, Office of Acquisition Management, Mail Code 3802R, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:
(202)564-9723 ; fax number:
(202)565-2552; e-mail address: *burley.nikki@epa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On October 20, 2005 (70 FR 61124), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA has established a public dockets for this ICR under Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OARM-2005-0003, which is available for public viewing at the OEI Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-1744, and the telephone number for the OEI Docket is 202-566-1752. An electronic version of the public docket is available for online viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov.* Use EPA's electronic docket and comment system at *http://www.regulations.gov* , to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “docket search,” then key in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov* as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. For further information about the electronic docket, go to *http://www.regulations.gov* . *Title:* Contractor Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation (Renewal). *ICR Numbers:* EPA ICR No. 0246.09, OMB Control No. 2030-0016. *ICR Status:* This ICR is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2006. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the **Federal Register** when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the **Federal Register** or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. *Abstract:* At the completion of a cost reimbursement contract, contractors will report final costs incurred, including direct labor, materials, supplies, equipment, other direct charges, subcontracting, consultant fees, indirect costs, and fixed fee. Contractors will report this information on EPA Form 1900-10. EPA will use this information to reconcile the contractor's costs. Establishment of the final costs and fixed fee is necessary to close out the contract. Responses to the information collection are mandatory for those contractors completing work under a cost reimbursement contract, and are required to receive final payment. Information submitted is protected from public release in accordance with the Agency's confidentiality regulation, 40 CFR 2.201 *et seq.* *Burden Statement:* The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 minutes per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. *Respondents/Affected Entities:* All contractors who have completed an EPA cost reimbursement type contract will be required to submit EPA Form 1900-10. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 47. *Frequency of Response:* At contract completion. *Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden:* 32. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $3,500, which includes $0 annual capital/startup costs, $500 annual O&M costs, and $3,000 annual labor costs. *Changes in the Estimates:* In the last OMB clearance, respondent burden hours were estimated at 163 hours per year. The current estimate is 32 hours per year for an overall decrease of 131 hours. The decrease in burden from the previous approval is due to the fact that EPA had a large backlog of expired contracts that the Agency actively closed out during that time, thus increasing the need for submitting the EPA form 1900-10. The requested burden estimate is consistent with EPA's normal business activity for requiring the contractor's cumulative claim and reconciliation. The time required to prepare each information collection has not changed since the last clearance. Dated: March 21, 2006. Oscar Morales, Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. E6-4567 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-8051-3] Guidelines for the Award of Monitoring Initiative Funds Under Section 106 Grants to States, Interstate Agencies, and Tribes AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: These guidelines describe the formula necessary for EPA to allot Clean Water Act
(CWA)Section 106 water pollution control program grant funds that have been targeted in EPA's appropriation process to support enhanced monitoring efforts by states, interstate agencies, and tribes for FY 2006 and beyond. These guidelines also describe the specific activities that states, interstate agencies, and tribes must carry out under the monitoring initiative in order to receive the funds. These activities will improve state and tribal capacity to monitor and report on water quality, and include two components: implementation of comprehensive monitoring strategies, including building capacity for state-scale statistically-valid surveys of water condition, and collaboration on statistically-valid surveys of the nation's waters. DATES: The guidelines are effective on March 29, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Warren, Office of Water, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, 4503T, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:
(202)566-1215; e-mail address: *warren.joan@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information *Regulated Entities:* States, Interstate agencies, and Tribes that are eligible to receive grants under section 106 of the CWA. II. Background Numerous reports have identified the need for improved water quality monitoring and analysis at local, state, or national scales. In 2000, the General Accounting Office reported that EPA and states cannot make statistically-valid assessments of water quality and lack the data to support key management decisions. In 2001, the National Research Council recommended that EPA and states promote a uniform, consistent approach to ambient monitoring and data collection to support core water quality programs. In 2002, the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment found that water quality data are inadequate for reporting on fresh water, coastal and ocean water quality indicators at a nationwide scale. The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy issued similar conclusions in 2004. The National Academy of Public Administration
(NAPA)stated that improved water quality monitoring is necessary to help states make more effective use of limited resources. EPA's Report on the Environment 2003 found that there is not sufficient information to provide a national answer, with confidence and scientific credibility, to the question, “What is the condition of U.S. waters and watersheds?” EPA has been working with Federal, state, and other partners to develop and promote the use of a variety of monitoring tools to most efficiently answer water quality management questions at multiple geographic scales. Statistically-based surveys, predictive models, remote sensing and targeted monitoring are examples of these tools. Used in combination, these tools can help focus and prioritize site-specific monitoring activities to identify and address problem areas, as well as achieve comprehensive assessments of water quality. Incorporating these tools into state and tribal monitoring strategies and into their monitoring program designs should help them meet multiple state and national monitoring objectives cost-effectively. In partial response to these critiques and the need for credible reports on water quality status and trends nationwide, the President's FY 2005 and FY 2006 budgets specifically requested increases in CWA section 106 funds to enhance monitoring activities, including funds for maintaining and improving statistically-valid water quality monitoring programs to provide information for decision makers and the public. The FY 2006 Conference Report, which accompanied EPA's FY 2006 appropriation, designated a separate portion of the total 106 funds to be targeted for this monitoring initiative. On January 3, 2006, EPA published a revision to its CWA Section 106 grant regulations (40 CFR 35.162(d)) that provides the Agency with the flexibility to allot separately funds such as these which have been targeted for specific water pollution control elements (71 FR 17, January 3, 2006). In this situation, such allotment can occur only after EPA establishes an allotment formula after consultation with states and interstate agencies. These guidelines include this allotment formula, as well as further details regarding the use of and accountability for these funds. III. Guidelines for the Award of Monitoring Initiative Funds Under Section 106 Grants to States, Interstate Agencies, and Tribes These guidelines describe the formula necessary for EPA to allot Clean Water Act
(CWA)section 106 water pollution control program grant funds that have been targeted in EPA's appropriation process to support enhanced monitoring efforts by states, interstate agencies, and tribes for FY 2006 and beyond. These guidelines also describe the specific activities that states, interstate agencies, and tribes must implement to receive the monitoring initiative funds. These activities will improve state and tribal capacity to monitor and report on water quality through the two components of the monitoring initiative: Implementation of comprehensive monitoring strategies, including building capacity for state-scale statistically-valid surveys of water condition, and collaboration on statistically-valid surveys of the nation's waters. The first component will strengthen state and tribal programs consistent with priorities contained in their comprehensive monitoring strategies. The second component may serve state and tribal programs and produce a statistically-valid survey of water condition at nationwide and regional scales. Data gathered through the national/regional scale surveys could be used to support water quality criteria development and to identify the extent to which emerging pollutants may be of concern. Survey data may potentially be used for developing state-scale predictive tools, documenting the performance of monitoring methods, and assessing the comparability of data. EPA consulted with states and interstate organizations in the development of these guidelines beginning in March 2004. EPA reached an understanding with the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA) on the distribution of the monitoring initiative increment in the FY 2005 section 106 grant funds. EPA continued discussions with ASIWPCA about the monitoring increment grant funds, including use of the FY 2006 increment for statistically-valid surveys of the nation's waters. EPA also consulted with state environmental commissioners through the Environmental Council of the States. A. Formula for Allocation of Monitoring Initiative Funds To be eligible to receive monitoring initiative funds, states, interstate agencies, and tribes must apply for the funds by preparing a workplan that details planned actions for carrying out both components of the monitoring initiative: implementation of comprehensive monitoring strategies and collaboration on statistically-valid surveys of the nation's waters. States may request in-kind assistance from EPA under the grant to complete the survey for the sites located within its jurisdiction. If a state does not apply for funds or meet the workplan criteria in these guidelines to implement its strategy and/or complete the survey, including requesting in-kind assistance, EPA may withhold the funds allotted for this purpose and award the funds to any eligible recipient in the region, including another agency of the same State or an Indian Tribe/Tribal consortium for the same environmental program (40 CFR 35.117). For Fiscal Year 2006 $18.23 million will be distributed in the following manner:* * EPA will use this numerical formula to determine the monitoring allotments for FY 2007 and beyond based on the amount of EPA's final annual budget targeted for these purposes. 1. Allocate $9.77 million of these funds as follows for implementing monitoring strategies and building monitoring program capacity— $169,900 for each state, $84,950 for each Territory and the District of Columbia, $240,410 to be distributed among interstate agencies, and $528,506 to be distributed among the tribes, in accordance with the Section 106 grant formula for tribes. 2. Allocate $8.45 million for surveying water quality condition nationwide. Grant recipients will use this portion of the monitoring initiative funds for statistically-valid surveys of water body condition repeated over time to determine status and trends in water condition. The distribution of these funds will be tailored based on the water body type being surveyed, i.e., coastal waters, streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and the number of sample sites needed. EPA will work with states, interstate agencies, and tribes to define the target population (size and type of water body) for each survey. After this consultation, EPA will develop a list of randomly selected sites to be sampled for the survey. For each survey, approximately 1,000 sites in the contiguous 48 states will be sampled. A state or tribe in the contiguous 48 states will receive $8,000 for each sampling site falling within its jurisdiction. A separate fund of $450,000 will be used to support survey work in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the trust territories. If a grant recipient is able to sample the sites needed for its participation in a nationwide survey for less than the $8,000 per site, the remaining funds must be used for implementation of its monitoring strategy and to build capacity for state-scale statistically-valid surveys. B. Supplemental Workplans for Monitoring Initiative Activities These guidelines describe the types of commitments grant recipients must include in a separate workplan covering the monitoring initiative portion of their section 106 grant. Because these funds have to be tracked separately, EPA will negotiate specific annual activities to be included in these workplans that must address how recipients will
(1)implement the state, interstate agency, or tribal monitoring strategy, including building capacity for state-scale statistically-valid surveys of water condition, and
(2)collaborate on statistically-valid surveys of the nation's waters. 1. Implementing Monitoring Strategies Why Strategies Are Important An important objective for state, interstate agency, and tribal monitoring strategies is to help maximize the efficiency of monitoring and assessment resources to help to increase the amount of waters monitored or assessed; provide the information needed to allow decisionmakers and the public to set priorities; develop and apply controls; and determine the effectiveness of our investments in water quality protection and restoration. EPA agrees with the NAPA finding that investing in efficient monitoring and assessment programs will result in social cost savings by ensuring that the resources invested in environmental protection activities are addressing the greatest needs and are achieving performance objectives. In addition, the successful use of market-based approaches, such as trading for water quality protection and restoration, depends on the availability of adequate monitoring data and information. State Water Monitoring and Assessment Strategies In March 2003, EPA issued the *Elements of State Water Monitoring and Assessment Program* guidance to provide a framework for strengthening state monitoring programs by the end of FY 2014. This guidance describes 10 elements of a water monitoring and assessment program. The elements provide a basic framework that may be tailored to the specific needs of states or other organizations. A brief description of each element is provided below. Monitoring Program Strategy The comprehensive monitoring program strategy is a long-term plan that describes how the state implements a monitoring program that serves water quality decision needs for all its waters, including streams, rivers, lakes, the Great Lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal waters, wetlands, and ground water. The strategy should describe how the state addresses each of the other nine elements of the guidance. It should reflect the input of the full range of monitoring partners within the state. Monitoring Objectives Monitoring objectives drive the state's implementation of monitoring activities. The state's objectives should reflect the needs of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act and other water management activities. Monitoring Design The monitoring design explains how monitoring sites are selected to meet monitoring objectives. To meet decision needs most efficiently, states may integrate several monitoring designs (e.g., fixed station, intensive and screening-level monitoring, rotating basin, judgmental and probability design). Nearly half of the states are implementing statistically-valid surveys as a component of their monitoring network. As states implement their state monitoring strategies, EPA expects them to build capacity for state-scale statistically-valid surveys of water condition. EPA encourages states to leverage the national/regional scale surveys to support these state-scale statistically-valid surveys. Monitoring designs may also incorporate predictive tools such as landscape and water quality modeling, remote sensing and deployed data sondes. Core and Supplemental Water Quality Indicators A core set of monitoring indicators (e.g., water quality parameters) includes physical/habitat, chemical/toxicological, and biological/ecological endpoints selected to assess attainment with applicable water quality standards throughout the state. The core indicators should be supplemented, as appropriate, to meet the full range of monitoring objectives. Supplemental indicators should be monitored when there is a reasonable expectation that a specific pollutant may be present in a watershed, or to support a special study such as screening for potential pollutants of concern. Quality Assurance A state must have a quality assurance program to ensure the scientific validity of monitoring data and of sampling and laboratory activities. Data of documented quality are critical to support decision making and resource allocation. Data Management Timely access to data of documented quality is another key element of a state monitoring program. All states are expected to use an electronic data system to manage water quality, fish tissue, toxicity, sediment chemistry, habitat, and biological data. The state data management strategy should address timely data entry, follow appropriate metadata and state/federal geo-locational standards, and allow public access. In the future, EPA will require states to directly or indirectly use the new Water Quality Exchange/STORET-compatible system to facilitate public access to data of documented quality. Data Analysis/Assessment A state's assessment methodology describes how water quality data are evaluated to determine whether waters are attaining water quality standards. The assessment methodology addresses how states collect data from various monitoring sources (including federal, state and local governments, volunteer monitors, academia, permitted dischargers under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), drinking water utilities, etc.), what types and quality of data are needed to support different levels of decisions, and how data are reviewed, analyzed and compared to water quality standards. Reporting A monitoring program must ensure timely submission of water quality reports and lists, such as those required under sections 106, 303(d), 305(b), 314 and 319 of the Clean Water Act and section 406 of the Beaches Act. EPA encourages states to streamline reporting activities by consolidating reports and using electronic data management and reporting systems. EPA's “ *2002 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report Guidance* ” called for integration and consistency in the development and submission of section 305(b) water quality reports and section 303(d) impaired waters lists. To accomplish this integration, EPA expects that all states will use EPA's Assessment Database
(ADB)or a compatible electronic format to record their water quality assessment decisions. Programmatic Evaluation The state, in consultation with EPA, should conduct periodic reviews of its monitoring program to determine how well it serves water quality decision needs for all waters of the state. This involves evaluating each aspect of the monitoring program to determine how well each of the elements listed here are being implemented to serve water resource management activities and to identify needed changes and additions for future monitoring cycles. General Support and Infrastructure Planning The state monitoring strategy should identify current and future resource needs to fully implement its monitoring program. This planning activity should describe funding, staff, training, laboratory and information management resources and needs. Tribal Monitoring Strategies EPA will issue guidelines in 2006 for tribes on the use of Section 106 grants for building Clean Water Act program capabilities, including monitoring and reporting on water conditions. The Tribal Section 106 Guidance will require that tribes develop monitoring strategies appropriate to their capabilities and needs. The specifics of implementing the tribal strategies will be included in the tribe's annual Section 106 workplan. Using Section 106 Monitoring Initiative Funds To Implement Monitoring Strategies EPA expects states, territories, interstate organizations and tribes to use the first component of the monitoring initiative to assist in implementation of their monitoring strategies in keeping with schedules set out in the strategies, including building capacity for state-scale statistically-valid surveys of water condition. The funds should be accounted for in separate section 106 workplans and should be used to help states and tribes build program capacity to enhance water monitoring activities. Funds should not be used for ongoing or routine monitoring activities. They could be used to develop or augment a state's monitoring network design. For example, activities could include implementing a state-scale statistically-valid survey, expanding coverage, adding waterbody types, increasing intensive monitoring (e.g., watersheds); developing or refining core and supplemental indicators, including biological assessment programs; enhancing data analysis and management; increasing lab capability; and hiring new staff or purchasing equipment. EPA Regional monitoring and section 106 staff will work with each section 106 grant recipient to ensure that the workplan reflects these monitoring activities and that the state or tribe is making progress in implementing the priorities and milestones set out in its monitoring strategy. EPA and the state monitoring strategies have identified the following activities, among others, as priorities for enhancing monitoring programs: • Leveraging resources through partnerships to improve data management to facilitate data sharing and reduce redundancy of sample collection; • Developing predictive tools to extend use of monitoring data; • Using statistically-valid monitoring designs and assessment methodologies to represent the condition of all state or tribal waters with statistically-valid (probability-based) surveys and account for variability in water quality and uncertainty in sampling methods; and • Improving the rigor of biological condition assessment to take advantage of its ability to integrate the effects of multiple stressors, provide a more accurate assessment of ecological effects, and improve diagnostic ability to identify causes of degradation. 2. Collaborating on Statistically-Valid Surveys of the Nation's Waters Supplemental workplans must also address activities that state and tribes will implement as part of their participation in the statistically-valid surveys of the nation's waters. A key element of improving the credibility of reports on the condition of the nation's waters as called for under CWA section 305(b) is the use of a statistically-valid survey design. The *Elements of a State Water Monitoring and Assessment Program* recommends that monitoring strategies include the use of probability-based networks that support statistically-valid inferences about the extent of waters that support the goals of the CWA and achieve state water quality standards. EPA's 1997 *Guidelines for Preparation of the Comprehensive State Water Quality Assessments (305(b) Reports) and Electronic Updates* , written with state participation, also recommended the use of probabilistic monitoring or statistically-valid surveys as a cost-effective and reliable means for assessing water quality status and trends. Why Surveys Are Important Statistically-valid surveys are an efficient way to determine the extent to which waters support healthy aquatic communities. Detailed information collected about the health of aquatic communities in a random sample of a specific water body type (streams, coastal waters, lakes, rivers, and wetlands) can be used to make inferences, with documented confidence, about the condition of the larger universe of similar waters—most of which are currently unassessed (only 19% of streams and rivers, 43% of lakes, and less than 2% of wetlands were assessed for the 2002 reporting cycle). This design can be implemented at a national, regional, state, or local level to provide a benchmark about how much of the resource needs protection or restoration. The short-term objective for water quality surveys is to achieve comprehensive assessments of water quality. Over the long-term, statistical surveys are a cost-effective means of determining trends over time and evaluating the effectiveness of water quality protection and restoration efforts. Statistically-valid surveys provide data that serve other water quality management needs ranging from additional information about each monitoring site to contributing to the development of water quality standards. They can be used with other datasets to develop predictive tools that help prioritize site-specific monitoring and identify problem areas. Basic Activities for Implementing Statistically-Valid Surveys These CWA section 106 monitoring initiative guidelines require states and tribes to collaborate on statistically-valid surveys to assess water condition in coastal waters, streams, lakes, rivers and wetlands. Many states are already implementing or participating in statistically-valid designs for monitoring the condition of coastal waters, rivers and streams, and lakes. EPA intends that these national/regional scale surveys complement existing state efforts using survey designs and methods that generate comparable assessment results. The collaborative assessments will build upon and continue the success of national, regional, state, tribal, and local partnerships such as the National Coastal Assessment, the Wadeable Streams Assessment and Assessment of Western Rivers and Streams, the National Lake Fish Tissue Study, the Mid-Atlantic Integrated Assessment, and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. The guidelines generally address the roles and responsibilities of EPA, states, and tribes in generating cost-effective comparable assessments of water resources. As EPA, states, and tribes collaborate on the survey for each water resource type, EPA will issue clarifying guidance for the specific activities involved in planning and implementing the survey. The clarifying guidance will contain information on number and location of sampling sites, indicators, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols, field data collection and lab methods, and timelines for carrying out survey activities. The basic activities involved in statistical surveys are described below. Monitoring Objectives The basic objective of these surveys is to generate statistically-valid estimates of the extent of water resources that support healthy aquatic communities and human activities and to assess the relative importance of key stressors on water quality. The surveys will produce estimates of the condition of various water body types, i.e., coastal waters, streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, at both regional and national scales. States are encouraged to leverage these surveys to help support their own state-scale surveys. EPA will host meetings to bring together states and other experts to shape the planning and implementation of each survey, including detailed definitions of the survey objectives, design and indicators, field implementation, and analysis and reporting. Statistically-Valid Design The design, developed in collaboration with states, tribes and other partners, will reflect the input provided through national meetings and other discussions about the definition of the water resources under investigation and the various sub-classes of the resource that need to be characterized by the survey. EPA will generate a statistically-valid representative network design that identifies the primary and alternative random monitoring sites within each eco-region. In addition, EPA will provide interested states with a randomized network design for state-scale or finer characterizations. Indicators The indicators used to describe the condition of water resources and extent of waters will vary depending upon the water body type surveyed. EPA will work with states and other experts to identify the core indicators that will be used to evaluate the ecological condition of water resources, the extent of water resources that support human activities, and the key stressors affecting waters. The indicator measurements will be taken using consistent or comparable procedures at all sites to ensure the results can be compared across the country. States and tribes are encouraged to include additional indicators (as described in the *Elements of a State Water Monitoring and Assessment Program* ) to address specific questions and to generate more robust assessments. Quality Assurance EPA policy and regulations require documentation and implementation of standard operating procedures
(SOPs)and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols for environmental monitoring. After meetings and discussions with states and other experts on the objectives, design and indicators for each survey, EPA will develop a Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP)and SOPs. The QAPP describes the study objectives, the survey design, the data quality objectives it supports, the core indicators or parameters and their related measurement quality objectives, and field and lab protocols including quality control activities, data management, data analysis and reporting. EPA will provide training for field crews and will ensure implementation of the quality control measures defined in the QAPP. States and other partners participating in the survey will either certify that they will implement the EPA QAPP and SOPs or, if the state elects to implement comparable methods, the state will provide its QAPP and SOPs to EPA for review and approval prior to initiating field work. Field Data Collection Field data collection includes site reconnaissance, field data collection, and quality control activities such as repeat sampling. The CWA section 106 grant survey fund will provide resources to states and tribes for the implementation of field data collection activities as well as lab analysis described below. States and other organizations accepting responsibility for site reconnaissance and field data collection will certify that they are adhering to the approved EPA and/or state QAPP and SOPs described above. EPA will provide training in field sampling protocols and oversee implementation of the QA/QC activities. EPA's intent is that the survey fund can offset the costs of state-scale water quality surveys in addition to contributing to national and regional assessments of the condition of the nation's waters. State and tribal water quality programs may direct these resources a number of ways to accomplish the site reconnaissance and field sampling: Implementing site reconnaissance and field sampling directly; providing the funds to other organizations within the state through interagency agreement; issuing grants and/or contracts; and/or requesting EPA provide in-kind services consisting of EPA contractor support to perform the field data collection activities on behalf of the state. Lab Analysis Any laboratory processing the chemical or biological samples collected for the surveys must demonstrate that they can meet the quality standards presented in the QAPP. This includes initial demonstrations of technical capability and performance evaluations. Field samples should be promptly shipped to the approved analytical or processing laboratories as these facilities are generally better geared to properly hold the samples while they await analyses. At the laboratory, samples will be processed in accordance with the lab SOPs, including QA/QC activities. Each participating lab must certify that they are adhering to the approved EPA and/or state QAPP and lab SOPs. Each laboratory is expected to review their final data for completeness, accuracy, and precision to assure that the basic quality criteria are met prior to submitting their final data report. EPA will oversee implementation of the QA/QC activities. The CWA section 106 grant survey fund will provide resources to states and tribes for the implementation of laboratory analysis of field samples. State and tribal water quality programs may direct these resources a number of ways to accomplish the laboratory analysis of field samples: Analyzing samples directly; providing the funds to other organizations within the state through interagency agreement; issuing grants and/or contracts; and/or requesting EPA provide in-kind services consisting of EPA contractor support to perform the lab analysis activities on behalf of the state. Data Management EPA will provide support for data management to facilitate rapid access to data and transfer of data into EPA's Water Quality Exchange or STORET-compatible system. Data Analysis and Interpretation EPA will work with states and tribes to develop general protocol(s) to analyze and interpret the survey results. The data analysis protocols will build on existing efforts of states, tribes, EPA, USGS, and other organizations to develop statistically-valid and environmentally relevant thresholds for interpreting the physical, chemical and biological integrity of water resources, including the Tiered Aquatic Life Workgroup's framework for reporting data within a biological condition gradient that is independent of individual state water quality standards. EPA will host national and/or regional meetings to facilitate evaluation and selection of appropriate protocols for data analysis and interpretation. Reporting EPA will work with states and tribes to develop regional and national scale reports that present the results of the surveys and provide information to track the condition of the nation's waters and help guide setting of national, regional and state priorities for water quality protection and restoration. The reports will describe the extent that the water body type surveyed supports healthy aquatic communities and human activities such as fishing and swimming. The reports will also describe key water quality and habitat characteristics associated with healthy and degraded resources. As states continue to implement state-scale surveys, the report will include these results as well as describe additional insights gained from analyzing additional data that states and tribes add to the analysis. EPA will host national and/or regional meetings to provide input to the reports. Using Section 106 Monitoring Initiative Funds for State Activities To Support Surveys of the Nation's Waters The distribution of these funds will ensure states and tribes receive the basic level of funding required to implement the surveys at the minimal scale of regional and national reporting. EPA's intent is that this seed money can be leveraged by states to support implementation of state-scale surveys as states are able to incorporate this tool into their monitoring programs. The initial strategy for distribution of the survey funds is to tailor distribution, based on the water resource type being surveyed, i.e., coastal waters, streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and the number of sample sites needed within each jurisdiction. For example, in the contiguous 48 states, a state or tribe will receive $8,000 for each sampling site falling within its jurisdiction. A separate fund of $450,000 will be used to support survey work in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the trust territories over time. To ensure the success of the surveys, states and tribes must commit annually, in separate state and tribal section 106 workplans, to undertake activities that will be needed as part of the surveys. Grant commitments will address both the timing and scope of these activities, which are described in the previous section and include: • Travel to participate in national and/or regional meetings for planning, scoping, data analysis and interpretation and reporting; • Site reconnaissance to verify that sites meet the definition for inclusion in the survey; • Sample collection and lab analysis in accordance with EPA approved QAPP and SOPs; • Participation in QA/QC activities; and • Provision of final sample results in electronic format. State and tribal water quality programs may use the CWA section 106 survey funds to accomplish these activities in a number of ways including implementing the survey directly, providing the funds to other organizations within the state through interagency agreement, issuing grants and/or contracts, and/or requesting EPA provide in-kind services consisting of EPA contractor support to perform the survey implementation activities on behalf of the state. Schedule for Statistically-Valid Surveys See *http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/repguid.html* to view the schedule for statistically-valid surveys. Conclusion EPA's long-term goal for water quality monitoring is to enhance state and tribal capacity to implement an integrated monitoring framework which uses multiple tools to cost-effectively address the full range of water quality management decision needs, for all water resource types and uses at appropriate scales. EPA and the states will work together to meet this goal through assessing all waters using sound science; strengthening state monitoring and assessment programs, and employing innovations that implement cost-effective monitoring. References Council on Environmental Quality. *U.S. Ocean Action Plan, The Bush Administration's Response to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. http://ocean.ceq.gov/* and *http://ocean.ceq.gov/actionplan.pdf* . General Accounting Office. March 2000. *Water Quality—Key EPA and State Decisions Limited by Inconsistent and Incomplete Data.* GAO/RCED-00-54. H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment. 2002. *The State of the Nation's Ecosystems: Measuring the Lands, Waters and Living Resources of the United States.* Cambridge University Press, New York, NY. National Research Council. 2001. *Assessing the TMDL Approach to Water Quality Management, Committee to Assess the Scientific Basis of the Total Maximum Daily Load Approach to Water Pollution Reduction* . National Academy Press, Washington, DC. National Academy of Public Administration. December 2002. *Understanding What States Need to Protect Water Quality.* Academy Project Number 2001-001. U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. *An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century, Final Report, 2004. http://www.oceancommission.gov/documents/full_color_rpt/welcome.html* . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. *Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology—Toward a Compendium of Best Practices. http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/calm.html* . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2003 *Draft Report on the Environment* . EPA 600-R-03-050. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. *Elements of a State Water Monitoring and Assessment Program.* March 2003. *http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/elements/* . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. * Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program: Integrated Quality Assurance Project Plan for Surface Waters Research Activities. * June 1997. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. *2002 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report Guidance. http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/policy.html.* U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. *Guidance for 2006 Assessment, Listing, and Reporting Requirements Pursuant to Sections 303(d), 305(b), and 314 of the Clean Water Act* , 2005. *http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/2006IRG/* . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. *Guidelines for Preparation of the Comprehensive State Water Quality Assessments (305(b) Reports) and Electronic Updates.* 1997. *http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/guidelines.html* . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. *National Coastal Condition Report 2001, National Coastal Condition Report 2005. http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nccr/* . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. *Summary of EPA's 2006 Budget* —“Goal 2” Section. *http://epa.gov/ocfo/budget/2006/2006bib.pdf* . IV. Additional Supplementary Information The complete text of today's guidelines, located above, is also available at the following EPA Web sites: *http://www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/pollutioncontrol.htm* and *http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring.* V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this action is not a “significant regulatory action” and is therefore not subject to OMB review. Because this grant action is not subject to notice and comment requirements under the Administrative Procedures Act or any other statute, it is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 *et seq.* ) or sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1999
(UMRA)(Pub. L. 104-4). In addition, this action does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Although this action does not generally create new binding legal requirements, where it does, such requirements do not substantially and directly affect tribes under Executive Order 13175 (63 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This action will not have federalism implications, as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, “Actions Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use” (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001), because it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. This action does not involve technical standards; thus, the requirements of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not apply. This action does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ). The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 *et seq.* , generally provides that before certain actions may take affect, the agency promulgating the action must submit a report, which includes a copy of the action, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. Since this final grant action contains legally binding requirements, it is subject to the Congressional Review Act, and EPA will submit this action in its report to Congress under the Act. Dated: March 22, 2006. Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water. [FR Doc. E6-4585 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0233; FRL-7771-1] Endocrine Disruptor Methods Validation Advisory Committee (EDMVAC); Notice of Public Meeting AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: There will be a meeting of the Endocrine Disruptor Methods Validation Advisory Committe (EDMVAC) on April 18 through April 20, 2006, in Washington, DC. This meeting, as with all EDMVAC meetings, is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come basis. The purpose of the meeting is to receive advice and input from the EDMVAC on: Male and Female Pubertals Assay Interlaboratory Studies, EDSP's Applied Approach to Validation, Tier 1 Fish Screen Assay Validation Status, updates on Tier 1 Aromatase Assay, and Tier 1 Steroidogenesis Cell Based H295R Assay. DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, April 19, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 20, 2006, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., eastern standard time. Request to make public comments at the meeting must be received by EPA on or before April 14, 2006. To request accommodation of a disability, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT , preferably at least 10 days prior to the meeting, to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Capital Hilton Hotel and Conference Center, 1001 16th St., NW., Washington, DC 20036; telephone number:
(202)393-1000; e-mail: *http://www.hilton.com.* Requests to make public comments at the meeting may be submitted by e-mail, telephone, fax, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION . Comments may be submitted electronically, by fax, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: *For general information or for information on access or services for individuals with disabilities* : William Wooge, Designated Federal Official (DFO), Office of Science Coordination and Policy (7203M), Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(202)564-8476; fax number:
(202)564-8482; e-mail address: *wooge.william@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general. This action may, however, be of interest if you produce, manufacture, use, consume, work with, or import pesticide chemicals and other substances. To determine whether you or your business may have an interest in this notice you should carefully examine section 408(p) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act
(FQPA)of 1996 (Public Law 104-170), 21 U.S.C. 346a(p), and amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA)(Public Law 104-182), 42 U.S.C. 300j-17. Since other entities may also be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be interested in this action. If you have any questions regarding this action, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this Document or Other Related Documents? 1. *Docket* . EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification
(ID)number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0233. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received, and other related information. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that are available for public viewing at the EPA Docket Center, Rm. B102-Reading Room, EPA West, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The EPA Docket Center Reading Room telephone number is
(202)566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket, which is located in the EPA Docket Center, is
(202)566-0282. 2. *Electronic access* . You may access this **Federal Register** document electronically through the EPA Internet under the “ **Federal Register** ” listings at *http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/* . A meeting agenda, a list of EDMVAC members and information from previous EDMVS meetings are available electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at *http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/* . An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at *http://www.regulations.gov/* to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “Advance search,” select “Docket search,” then key in the appropriate docket ID number. C. How Can I Request to Give Comments in Person at the Meeting? You may submit a request to make public comments at the meeting through e-mail, telephone, fax, or hand delivery/courier. We would normally accept requests by mail, but in this time of delays in delivery of government mail due to health and security concerns, we cannot assure your request would arrive in a timely manner. Do not submit any information in your request that is considered CBI. Your request must be received by EPA on or before April 14, 2006. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0233 in the subject line on the first page of your request. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the public is encouraged to submit written comments on the topic of this meeting. The EDMVAC will have a period available during the meeting for public comment. It is the policy of the EDMVAC to accept written public comments of any length, and to accommodate oral public comments whenever possible. The EDMVAC expects that public statements presented at its meeting will be on the meeting topic and not be repetitive of previously submitted oral or written statements. 1. *Electronically* . If you submit an electronic request to make public comments at the meeting or comments as prescribed in this unit, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing address, and an e-mail address or other contact information in the body of your request or comment. Also include this contact information on the outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be identified as the submitter of the request or comment and allows EPA to contact you in case EPA cannot read your request or comment due to technical difficulties or needs further information on the substance of your request or comment. EPA's policy is that EPA will not edit your request or comment, and any identifying or contact information provided in the body of a request or comment will be included as part of the request or comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. If EPA cannot read your request or comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your request or comment. i. *EPA Docket* . You may use EPA's electronic public docket *http://www.regulation.gov/* , and follow the online instructions for submitting materials. Once in the system, select “Advance search,” select “Docket search,”and then key in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0233. The system is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact information unless you provide it in the body of your request. ii. *E-mail* . Requests to make public comments at the meeting or written comments may be sent by e-mail to *oppt.ncic@epa.gov* , Attention: Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0233. In contrast to EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system is not an “anonymous access” system. If you send an e-mail request directly to the docket without going through EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system automatically captures your e-mail address. E-mail addresses that are automatically captured by EPA's e-mail system are included as part of the request that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. iii. *Disk or CD ROM* . You may submit comments on a disk or CD ROM by hand delivery, courier, or package service, such as Federal Express, to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . These electronic submissions will be accepted in WordPerfect or ASCII file format. Avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Do not submit any disk or CD ROM through the mail. Disks and CD ROMs risk being destroyed when handled as Federal Government mail. 2. *Telephone or fax* . Telephone or fax your request to participate at the meeting to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . 3. *By hand delivery or courier* . Deliver your comments to: OPPT Document Control Office
(DCO)in EPA East Bldg., Rm. 6428, 1201 Constitution Ave., Washington, DC. Attention: Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0233. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the DCO is
(202)564-8930. II. Background In 1996, through enactment of FQPA, which amended the FFDCA, Congress directed EPA to develop a screening program, using appropriate validated test systems and other scientifically relevant information, to determine whether certain substances may have an effect in humans that is similar to an effect produced by a naturally occurring estrogen, or such other endocrine effect as the Administrator may designate. In 1996, EPA chartered a scientific advisory committee, the Endocrine Disruptor Screening and Testing Advisory Committee (EDSTAC), under the authority of FACA, to advise it on establishing a program to carry out Congress' directive. EDSTAC recommended a multi-step approach including a series of screens (Tier 1 screens) and tests (Tier 2 tests) for determining whether a chemical substance may have an effect similar to that produced by naturally occurring hormones. EPA adopted almost all of EDSTAC's recommendations in the program that it developed, the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP), to carry out Congress' directive. EPA is in the process of developing and validating the screens and tests that EDSTAC recommended for inclusion in the EDSP. In carrying out this validation exercise, EPA is working closely with the Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Validation of Alternate Methods (ICCVAM) and other validation groups, as appropriate. EPA also is working closely with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's
(OECD)Endocrine Disruptors Testing and Assessment Task Force to validate and harmonize endocrine screening tests of international interest. Finally, to ensure that EPA has the best and most up-to-date advice available regarding the validation of the screens and tests in the EDSP, EPA chartered the Endocrine Disruptor Methods Validation Subcommmittee (EDMVS) of the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). The EDMVS convened nine meetings between October 2001 and December 2003. In 2003, NACEPT recommended EDMVS become an Agency level 1 FACA Committee due to the complexity of the recommendations. The EDMVAC was chartered in 2004. The EDMVAC provides independent advice and counsel to the Agency on scientific and technical issues related to validation of the EDSP Tier 1 screens and Tier 2 tests, including advice on methods for reducing animal use, refining procedures involving animals to make them less stressful, and replacing animals where scientifically appropriate. EDMVAC and previous EDMVS meeting information and corresponding docket numbers are available electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at *http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/* . You may also go to the EPA Docket at *http://www.regulations.gov/* , and follow the online instructions for submitting materials. III. Meeting Objectives for the April 18-20, 2006 Meeting The objectives for the April 18 through April 20, 2006 meeting (docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0233) are to review and discuss: Aromatase Assay Update (Tier 1), Steroidogenesis Cell Based H295R Assay Update (Tier 1), Male and Female Pubertals Assay Interlaboratory Studies, Fish Screen Assay Validation Status (Tier 1), and EPA's Applied Approach to Validation. A list of the EDMVAC members and meeting materials are available at *http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/* and in the public docket. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Endocrine disruptors, Hazardous substances, Health, Safety. Dated: March 21, 2006. Clifford J. Gabriel, Director, Office of Science Coordination and Policy. [FR Doc. E6-4570 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0202; FRL-7770-5] Chloroacetanilide Cumulative Risk Assessment; Notice of Availability AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's cumulative risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide group of pesticides and opens a public comment period on these documents. As required by the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), a cumulative risk assessment, which evaluates exposures based on a common mechanism of toxicity, was conducted to evaluate the risk from food, drinking water, and non-occupational exposure resulting from all registered uses of chloroacetanilide pesticides. The chloroacetanilides group includes the pesticides acetochlor, alachlor and butachlor; however, butachlor was not incorporated into the cumulative assessment because there are no U.S. registrations or established tolerances. The Agency is also releasing the Report on FQPA Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision
(TRED)for Acetochlor concurrent with the release of the chloroacetanilide cumulative assessment. See EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0227 in the Notice section of this issue of the **Federal Register** . DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID)number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0202, by one of the following methods: • *http://www.regulations.gov/* Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • *Mail* . Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. • *Hand Delivery* . Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0202. The docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the docket facility is
(703)305-5805. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. *Instructions* . Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA -HQ-OPP-2006-0202. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available on-line at *http://www.regulations.gov/* , including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-mail. The regulations.gov website is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be captured automatically and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at *http://www.epa.gov/epahome/docket.htm/* . *Docket* . All documents in the docket are listed in the regulation.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov/* or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. The docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the docket facility is
(703)305-5805. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Felicia Fort, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(703)305-7478; fax number:
(703)308-8005; e-mail address: *fort.felicia@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? 1. *Submitting CBI* . Do not submit this information to EPA through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. *Tips for preparing your comments* . When submitting comments, remember to: i. Identify the document by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading, **Federal Register** date and page number). ii. Follow directions. The agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR)part or section number. iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used. v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggest alternatives. vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. Background A. What Action is the Agency Taking? EPA is making available the completed cumulative risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide pesticides. The chloroacetanilides group includes the pesticides, acetochlor, alachlor and butachlor; however, butachlor was not incorporated into the cumulative assessment because there are no U.S. registrations or established tolerances. The Agency developed this risk assessment as part of its public process for making pesticide reregistration eligibility and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that pesticides meet current standards under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by FQPA. A chloroacetanilide cumulative risk assessment was conducted for acetochlor and alachlor exposures based on a common mechanism of toxicity, their ability to cause nasal turbinate tumors. This determination can be found in the chloroacetanilides decision document published in 2001 entitled “The Grouping of a Series of Chloroacetanilide Pesticides Based on a Common Mechanism of Toxicity” ( *http://www.epa.gov/oppfod01/cb/csb_page/updates/commechs.htm* ). The Agency has concluded that the cumulative risk associated with chloroacetanilide pesticides is below the Agency's level of concern. EPA is providing an opportunity, through this notice, for interested parties to provide comments and input on the Agency's completed cumulative risk assessment for the chloracetanilides. Such comments and input could address the Agency's risk assessment methodologies and assumptions as applied to this cumulative assessment. EPA seeks to achieve environmental justice, the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. To help address potential environmental justice issues, the Agency seeks information on any groups or segments of the population who, as a result of their location, cultural practices, or other factors, may have atypical, unusually high exposure to chloroacetanilide pesticides, compared to the general population. EPA is applying the principles of public participation to all pesticides undergoing reregistration and tolerance reassessment. The Agency's Pesticide Tolerance Reassessment and Reregistration; Public Participation Process, published in the **Federal Register** on May 14, 2004, (69 FR 26819) (FRL-7357-9) explains that in conducting these programs, EPA is tailoring its public participation process to be commensurate with the level of risk, extent of use, complexity of issues, and degree of public concern associated with each pesticide. Comments should be limited to issues raised within the risk assessment and associated documents. Failure to comment on any such issues as part of this opportunity will not limit a commenter's opportunity to participate in any later notice and comment processes on this matter. All comments should be submitted using the methods in ADDRESSES , and must be received by EPA on or before the closing date. Comments will become part of the Agency Docket for the chloroacetanilide cumulative risk assessment. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked “late.” EPA is not required to consider these late comments. B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action? Section 4(g)(2)(A) of FIFRA, as amended, requires the Administrator to make “a determination as to the eligibility for reregistration
(i)for all active ingredients subject to reregistration under this section for which tolerances or exemptions from tolerances are required under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 *et seq* .), not later than the last date for tolerance reassessment established under section 408(q)(1)(C) of that Act (21 U.S.C. 346a(q)(1)(C)) * * *” Section 408(q) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to review tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of August 2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review is to be completed by August 3, 2006. A tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2), respectively, if “the Administrator determines the pesticide chemical residue is safe,” i.e., “that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable information.” 21 U.S.C. 346a(b)(2)(A), (c)(2)(A). In making this safety finding, FFDCA requires the Administrator to consider, among other factors, “available information concerning the cumulative effects of such residues and other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity * * *” 21 U.S.C. 346a(b)(2)(D)(v), (c)(2)(B). List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests. Dated: March 21, 2006. Debra Edwards, Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. E6-4505 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0123; FRL-7768-7] Methyl Bromide Revised Risk Assessment for Uses in Enclosures, Chambers and Structural Food Processing/Storage Facilities; Notice of Availability and Solicitation of Risk Reduction Options AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's revised risk assessment for the pesticide methyl bromide's uses in enclosures, chambers and structural food processing/storage facilities. In addition, this notice solicits public comment on risk reduction options for methyl bromide's commodity uses. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision
(RED)for uses in enclosures, chambers and structural food processing/storage facilities of methyl bromide (i.e. uses that result in a food tolerance) through the full, 6-Phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID)number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0123, by one of the following methods: • *http://www.regulations.gov/* . Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • *Mail* : Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. • *Hand Delivery* : Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0123. The docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the docket facility is
(703)305-5805. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. *Instructions* : Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA -HQ-OPP-2005-0123. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available on-line at *http://www.regulations.gov/* , including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-mail. The regulations.gov website is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be captured automatically and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at *http://www.epa.gov/epahome/docket.htm/* . *Docket* : All documents in the docket are listed in the regulation.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov/* or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. The docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the docket facility is
(703)305-5805. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Weiss, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(703)308-8293; fax number: (703)308-8005; e-mail address: *weiss.steven@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? 1. * Submitting CBI* . Do not submit this information to EPA through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. * Tips for preparing your comments* . When submitting comments, remember to: i. Identify the document by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading, **Federal Register** date and page number). ii. Follow directions. The agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR)part or section number. iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used. v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggest alternatives. vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. Background A. What Action is the Agency Taking? EPA is making available the Agency's revised risk assessment for methyl bromide use in enclosures, chambers and structural food processing/storage facilities, initially issued for comment through a **Federal Register** notice published on July 13, 2005, 70 FR 40336, (FRL-7721-3) a response to comments; and related documents for methyl bromide. EPA also is soliciting public comment on risk reduction options for methyl bromide's uses in enclosures, chambers and structural food processing/storage facilities and EPA's initial assessment of the impacts of these risk reduction options. EPA developed the risk assessment for methyl bromide as part of its public process for making pesticide reregistration eligibility and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that pesticides meet current standards under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA). The risk assessment includes methyl bromide uses that have accompaning food residue tolerances such as post-harvest fumigation of food commodities in chambers at ports or specialized structural fumigations at food processing facilities. Although some methyl bromide uses such as fumigation of timber, wood products, and industrial equipment do not require a food residue tolerance, they have been included in this assessment since they are performed in similar facilities and were assessed with similar methods. EPA plans to release a revised assessment (Phase 5) for all other uses of methyl bromide, mainly soil fumigant applications, later this year. The Agency is delaying the soil fumigant component of methyl bromide reregistration in response to stakeholder comments that the risks, benefits, and risk management of soil fumigation uses of methyl bromide and its alternatives should be considered in the same general time frame. Alternatives currently in the reregistration process include metam sodium, dazomet, and chloropicrin. In particular, stakeholders have noted that chloropicrin is frequently applied in conjunction with methyl bromide and thus commenters have asserted that it makes sense to consider risk management strategies jointly for these chemicals. The Agency agrees with this logic and thus has separated the assessments so that risk management decisions can be made as expeditiously as feasible for all uses. EPA estimated the methyl bromide usage in the U.S. for 2004 based on information from the methyl bromide critical use exemption process, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and EPA proprietary sources. Based on these sources EPA estimates there was a total of 23 million pounds of methyl bromide used in the U.S. in 2004 with 3 million pounds used on commodities, food processing facilities, and food quarantine uses, and 20 million pounds used for all other uses, mainly pre-plant soil applications. Application rates for commodity fumigations can range from 1 to 20 lb ai/1000 ft 3 but most are in the 1 to 9 lb ai/1000 ft 3 range. Likewise, structural fumigations are in the 1 to 9 lb ai/1000 ft 3 range. For structural, commodity and other types of applications, an application rate of 9 lb ai/1000 ft 3 was used as the basis for risk assessment purposes. EPA is providing an opportunity, through this notice, for interested parties to provide risk management proposals or otherwise comment on risk management for methyl bromide. Regarding risks to humans from methyl bromide commodity uses, there are no aggregate dietary risks of concern resulting from acute and chronic exposures (food and water only). Risks of concern associated with the use of methyl bromide commodity uses are: 1. Occupational exposures during treatment and aeration processes and; 2. Bystander exposure during treatment and aeration processes. In targeting these risks of concern, the Agency solicits information on effective and practical risk reduction measures. EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs
(OAP)has also estimated the number of UV-related skin cancer incidents and deaths due to ozone depletion caused by methyl bromide's uses in enclosures, chambers, and structural food processing/storage facilities. OAP's assessment is also included in the docket for public comment. The Agency believes it is appropriate to consider these cancer risks as part of the reregistration process because the risks clearly result from use of methyl bromide products registered for use under FIFRA. EPA is applying the principles of public participation to all pesticides undergoing reregistration and tolerance reassessment. The Agency's Pesticide Tolerance Reassessment and Reregistration; Public Participation Process, published in the **Federal Register** on May 14, 2004, (69 FR 26819) (FRL-7357-9) explains that in conducting these programs, EPA is tailoring its public participation process to be commensurate with the level of risk, extent of use, complexity of issues, and degree of public concern associated with each pesticide. Due to its uses, risks, and other factors, methyl bromide is being reviewed through the full 6-Phase public participation process. All comments should be submitted using the methods in ADDRESSES , and must be received by EPA on or before the closing date. Comments and proposals will become part of the Agency Docket for methyl bromide. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked “late.” EPA is not required to consider these late comments. After considering comments received, EPA will develop and issue for comment the methyl bromide RED. B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action? Section 4(g)(2) of FIFRA as amended directs that, after submission of all data concerning a pesticide active ingredient, “the Administrator shall determine whether pesticides containing such active ingredient are eligible for reregistration,”before calling in product specific data on individual end-use products and either reregistering products or taking other “appropriate regulatory action.” Section 408(q) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to review tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of August 2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review is to be completed by August 3, 2006. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests. Dated: March 22, 2006. Debra Edwards, Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. E6-4568 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0227; FRL-7770-6] Acetochlor; Tolerance Reassessment Decision AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Report on Food Quality Protection Act
(FQPA)Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision
(TRED)for the chloroacetanilide pesticide acetochlor. The Agency's risk assessments and other related supporting documents also are available in the acetochlor docket. Through the tolerance reassessment program, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and food safety standards. This decision is being released concurrent with the Notice of Availability of the cumulative risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide pesticides which include acetochlor and alachlor. See EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0202 in the Notice section of this issue of the **Federal Register** . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Felicia Fort, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(703)305-7478; fax number:
(703)308-8005; e-mail address: *fort.felicia@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information? 1. *Docket* . EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket identification number
(ID)[EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0227; FRL-7770-6]. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov* or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket telephone number is
(703)305-5805. 2. *Electronic access* . You may access this **Federal Register** document electronically through the EPA Internet under the “ **Federal Register** ” listings at *http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/* . II. Background A. What Action is the Agency Taking? EPA has assessed risks associated with use of the chloroacetanilide pesticide acetochlor, and reached a tolerance reassessment and risk management decision reassessing 12 existing tolerances or legal residue limits for acetochlor. Acetochlor, 2-chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)acetamide, is a preemergence herbicide used for the control of weeds and is registered for use on field corn and popcorn. Corn fields treated with acetochlor may later be rotated to grain sorghum (milo), soybeans, wheat, and tobacco, according to the currently registered use pattern. Corn and the rotational crops listed above were considered in the risk assessment supporting the acetochlor TRED. There are no risks of concern associated with the use of acetochlor. The Agency is now issuing a Report on Food Quality Protection Act
(FQPA)Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision for acetochlor, known as a TRED, as well as related technical support documents. EPA must review tolerances and tolerance exemptions that were in effect when FQPA was enacted in August 1996, to ensure that these existing pesticide residue limits for food and feed commodities meet the safety standard established by the new law. Tolerances are considered reassessed once the safety finding has been made or a revocation occurs. EPA has reviewed and made the requisite safety finding for the acetochlor tolerances included in this notice. The acetochlor TRED presents the Agency's tolerance reassessment conclusions for acetochlor alone; however, section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) directs the Agency also to consider available information on the cumulative risk from substances sharing a common mechanism of toxicity. Because the chloroacetanilides pesticides share a common mechanism of toxicity, due to their ability to cause nasal turbinate tumors, the Agency evaluated the cumulative risk posed by this group before making its final tolerance reassessment decision on the chloroacetanilide pesticide, acetochlor. EPA has determined that the cumulative risk associated with chloroacetanilide pesticides, which include acetochlor and alachlor, is below the Agency's level of concern. Therefore, the 12 tolerances established for residues of acetochlor in/on raw agricultural commodities are now considered reassessed as safe under section 408(q) of FFDCA, as amended by FQPA. EPA is applying the principles of public participation to all pesticides undergoing reregistration and tolerance reassessment. The Agency's Pesticide Tolerance Reassessment and Reregistration; Public Participation Process, published in the **Federal Register** on May 14, 2004, (69 FR 26819) (FRL-7357-9) explains that in conducting these programs, EPA is tailoring its public participation process to be commensurate with the level of risk, extent of use, complexity of issues, and degree of public concern associated with each pesticide. Due to its uses, risks, and other factors, acetochlor was reviewed through the modified 4-Phase public participation process. Through this process, EPA worked extensively with stakeholders and the public to reach the regulatory decisions for acetochlor. The tolerance reassessment program is being conducted under Congressionally mandated time frames, and EPA recognizes the need both to make timely decisions and to involve the public. Few substantive comments were received during the earlier comment period for this pesticide, and all issues related to this pesticide were resolved through consultations with stakeholders. The Agency therefore is issuing the acetochlor TRED without a comment period. However, the Agency is concurrently issuing the cumulative risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide group of pesticides, which includes acetochlor and alachlor, for public comment (see EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0202 in the Notice section of this issue of the **Federal Register** ). B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action? Section 408(q) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to review tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of August 2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review is to be completed by August 3, 2006. A tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2), respectively, if “the Administrator determines the pesticide chemical residue is safe”, i.e., “that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable information.” 21 U.S.C. §346a(b)(2)(A),(c)(2)(A). In making this safety finding, FFDCA requires the Administrator to consider, among other factors, “available information concerning the cumulative effects of such residues and other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity . . . .” 21 U.S.C. §346a(b)(2)(D)(v), (c)(2)(B). Section 4(g)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended, requires the Administrator to make “a determination as to the eligibility for reregistration
(i)for all active ingredients subject to reregistration under this section for which tolerances or exemptions from tolerances are required under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), not later than the last date for tolerance reassessment established under section 408(q)(1)(C) of that Act (21 U.S.C. 346a(q)(1)(C))....” List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests. Dated: March 21, 2006. Debra Edwards, Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. E6-4503 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0061; FRL-7771-4] Azinphos-methyl; Order to Amend Registrations to Terminate Certain Uses AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the order to amend registrations to terminate certain uses, voluntarily requested by the registrant(s) and accepted by the Agency, of end-use products containing the pesticide azinphos-methyl, pursuant to section 6(f)(1) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. This cancellation order follows an August 17, 2005, **Federal Register** Notice of Receipt of Requests (70 FR 48395) (FRL-7733-3) from the azinphos-methyl registrants to amend their product registrations to terminate certain uses of azinphos-methyl from their product registrations. In the August 17, 2005 Notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 60-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests. The Agency received two comments on the notice. These comments have been reviewed and taken into consideration in the Agency's decision to proceed with this termination order, and a response was sent to each commentor and placed in the public docket. EPA's decision is discussed in Unit III. of this notice. Any distribution, sale, or use of the azinphos-methyl products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. DATES: The cancellations are effective March 29, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Isbell, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(703)308-8154; fax number:
(703)308-8041; e-mail address: *isbell.diane@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information? 1. *Docket* . EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket identification number
(ID)EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0061; FRL-7771-4. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov* or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket telephone number is
(703)305-5805. 2. *Electronic access.* You may access this **Federal Register** document electronically through the EPA Internet under the “ **Federal Register** ” listings at *http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/* . II. What Action is the Agency Taking? In May of 2002, Bayer CropScience, Makheteshim Chemical Works, Gowan Company, and Micro-Flo Corporation signed a Memorandum of Agreement with EPA implementing the provisions of the Azinphos-methyl Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision by dividing the universe of uses into three groups. Group 1 contained 23 crops with little use that were deleted from product labels immediately. Group 2 consists of the seven uses that are the subject of this order, and are scheduled to be phased out in September, 2006. The Group 2 uses included: caneberries, cotton, cranberries, peaches/nectarines, potatoes, and Southern pine seed orchards. Group 3 is comprised of the only 10 remaining uses which have time-limited registrations that are currently in the process of being reevaluated. This Order implements the Agency's decision on the Group 2 uses for azinphos-methyl. Table 1 includes the product registration numbers, the names of the products requested to be terminated and the name of the registrants in sequence by EPA number. **Table 1.— Azinphos-methyl Product Registration Amendments to Terminate Uses** Registration No. Product name Company 264-733 Guthion Solupak 50% Wettable Powder Insecticide Bayer Cropscience 10163-78 10163-138 10163-139 10163-180 Gowan Azinphos-M 50 WSB Gowan Azinphos-M 35 WP Gowan Azinphos-M 35 WSB Gowan Azinphos 50 PVA Gowan Company 11678-53 66222-11 Cotnion-Methyl Azinphos-methyl 50W Makhteshim Chemical Works 51036-164 Azinphos-methyl 50W Microflo Company Table 2 includes the names and addresses of record for the registrants that requested use terminations for their products, in sequence by EPA company number. **Table 2.— Registrants of Amended Azinphos-methyl Products** EPA Company No. Company Name and Address 264 Bayer CropScience 2 T.W. Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 10163 Gowan Company P.O. Box 5569 Yuma, Arizona 85366-5569 11678 66222 Makhteshim Chemical Works 4515 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 300 Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 51036 Micro-Flo Corporation, LLC Oak Court Drive Memphis, Tennessee 38117 III. Summary of Public Comments Received and Agency Response to Comments During the public comment period provided, EPA received two comments in response to the August 17, 2005 **Federal Register** notice announcing the Agency's receipt of the requests to terminate certain uses of azinphos-methyl. The Agency has responded individually to each of those comments and placed copies of the responses in the public docket. IV. Cancellation Order Pursuant to FIFRA section 6(f), EPA hereby approves the requested cancellations and amendments to terminate uses of azinphos-methyl registrations identified in Table 1 of Unit II. Accordingly, the Agency orders that the azinphos-methyl product registrations identified in Table 1 of Unit II. are hereby amended to terminate the affected uses. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products identified in Table 1 of Unit II. in a manner inconsistent with this order, including any of the provisions for disposition of existing stocks set forth below in Unit VI., will be considered a violation of FIFRA. V. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action? Section 6(f)(1) of FIFRA provides that a registrant of a pesticide product may at any time request that any of its pesticide registrations be canceled or amended to terminate one or more uses. FIFRA further provides that, before acting on the request, EPA must publish for public comment a notice of receipt of any such request in the **Federal Register** . Thereafter, following the public comment period, the Administrator may act on such a request. VI. Provisions for Disposition of Existing Stocks Existing stocks are those stocks of registered pesticide products which are currently in the United States and which were packaged, labeled, and released for shipment prior to the effective date of the cancellation action. The Agency proposed to include the following provisions for the treatment of any existing stocks of the azinphos-methyl end-use products identified in Table 1: The distribution or sale of these products is permitted until March 31, 2006. The use of existing stocks of these products in the United States is permitted until September 30, 2006 provided such use is in a manner consistent with the labeling of these products. Section III B 3 of the 2002 Memorandum of Agreement provides for extension of sale and distribution of existing stocks of end-use products by an equal period of time if EPA issues the termination order after August 31, 2005. Distribution or sale of existing stocks of end-use products, is allowed until March 31, 2006. Use of these end-use products is allowed until September 30, 2006, to avoid difficulties and confusion to growers that could result from a mid-use season existing stocks date. The existing stocks dates in this notice for end-use products are compatible with those established for the corresponding manufacturing-use products. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests. Dated: March 23, 2006. Debra Edwards, Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. E6-4569 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0274; FRL-7771-5] Pesticide Product; Registration Applications AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of applications to register pesticide products containing new active ingredients not included in any previously registered products pursuant to the provisions of section 3(c)(4) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 13, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID)number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0274, by one of the following methods: • *http://www.regulations.gov/* . Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • *Mail* . Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. • *Hand Delivery* . Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0274. The docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the docket facility is
(703)305-5805. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. *Instructions* . Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0274. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available on-line at *http://www.regulations.gov/* , including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-mail. The regulations.gov website is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be captured automatically and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at *http://www.epa.gov/epahome/docket.htm/* . *Docket* . All documents in the docket are listed in the regulation.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov/* or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. The docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the docket facility is
(703)305-5805. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew C. Bryceland, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(703)305-6928; e-mail address: *bryceland.andrew@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to: • Crop production (NAICS code 111). • Animal production (NAICS code 112). • Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532). This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? 1. *Submitting CBI* . Do not submit this information to EPA through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. *Tips for preparing your comments* . When submitting comments, remember to: i. Identify the document by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading, **Federal Register** date and page number). ii. Follow directions. The agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR)part or section number. iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used. v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggest alternatives. vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. Registration Application EPA received an application as follows to register a pesticide product containing an active ingredient not included in any previously registered products pursuant to the provision of section 3(c)(4) of FIFRA. Notice of receipt of this application does not imply a decision by the Agency on the applications. Products Containing Active Ingredients not Included in any Previously Registered Products *File Symbol* : 56336-UI. *Applicant* : Suterra, LLC. 213 SW Columbia Street, Bend, OR 97702. *Product Name* : Checkmate WPCM Technical Pheromone. *Type of product* : Pheromone/attractant. *Active ingredient* : (E,Z)-3, 13-Octadecadien-1-ol and (Z,Z)-3,13-Octadecadien-1-ol at 75.08% and 18.37%, respectively. *Proposed classification/Use* : Manufacturing Use. List of Subjects: Environmental protection, Pesticides and pest. Dated: March 24, 2006. Janet L. Andersen, Director, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. E6-4549 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0177; FRL-7766-9] Notice of Filing of Pesticide Petitions for Establishment or Amendment to Regulations for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the initial filing of pesticide petitions proposing the establishment or amendment of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID)number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0177 and pesticide petition numbers
(PPs)4E6878 and 5E6987, by one of the following methods: • *http://www.regulations.gov/* . Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • *Mail* : Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. • *Hand Delivery* : Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0177. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Docket Facility is
(703)305-5805. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. *Instructions* : Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0177. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available on-line at *http://www.regulations.gov/* , including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-mail. The regulations.gov website is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going at regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be captured automatically and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at *http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm/* . *Docket* : All documents in the docket are listed in the regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov* or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number is
(703)305-5805. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shaja R. Brothers, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:
(703)308-3194; e-mail: *brothers.shaja@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to: • Crop production (NAICS code 111). • Animal production (NAICS code 112). • Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532). This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? 1. *Submitting CBI* . Do not submit this information to EPA through regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. *Tips for preparing your comments* . When submitting comments, remember to: i. Identify the document by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading, **Federal Register** date and page number). ii. Follow directions. The Agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR)part or section number. iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used. v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and suggest alternatives. vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. What Action is the Agency Taking? EPA is printing a summary of each pesticide petition received under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a, proposing the establishment or amendment of regulations in 40 CFR part 180 for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various food commodities. EPA has determined that these pesticide petitions contain data or information regarding the elements set forth in FFDCA section 408(d)(2); however, EPA has not fully evaluated the sufficiency of the submitted data at this time or whether the data support granting of these pesticide petitions. Additional data may be needed before EPA rules on these pesticide petitions. Pursuant to 40 CFR 180.7(f), a summary of each petition included in this notice, prepared by the petitioner along with a description of the analytical method available for the detection and measurement of the pesticide chemical residues is available on EPA's Electronic Docket at *http://www.regulations.gov/* . To locate this information on the home page of EPA's Electronic Docket, select “Quick Search” and type the OPP docket ID number. Once the search has located the docket, clicking on the “Docket ID” will bring up a list of all documents in the docket for the pesticide including the petition summary. New Tolerances *PPs 4E6878 and 5E6987.* Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), 681 U.S. Highway #1 South, North Brunswick, NJ 08902-3390, proposes to establish tolerances for residues of the herbicide glyphosate [(N-phosphonomethyl) glycine] sunflower and safflower at 25.0 parts per million
(ppm)(PP 4E6878); vegetable, legume, group 6, except soybean at 8.0 ppm (PP 5E6987); and mulberry, Indian at 0.2 ppm (PP 5E6987). IR-4 further proposes to delete the present entire entries for sunflower, seed at 0.1 ppm; safflower, seed at 0.1 ppm; and vegetable, legume, group 6, except soybean at 6.0, as these tolerances are no longer needed. Adequate enforcement methods are available for analysis of residues of glyphosate in or on plant and livestock commodities. These methods include GLC (Method I in Pesticides Analytical Manual
(PAM)II; the limit of detection is 0.05 ppm) and HPLC with fluorometric detection. Use of the GLC method is discouraged due to the lengthiness of the experimental procedure. The HPLC procedure has undergone successful Agency validation and was recommended for inclusion in PAM II. A GC/MS method for glyphosate in crops has also been validated by EPA's Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL). Thus, adequate analytical methods are available for residue data collection and enforcement of the proposed tolerance changes for glyphosate. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Agricultural commodities, Feed additives, Food additives, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: March 20, 2006. Lois Rossi, Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. E6-4502 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0269; FRL-7771-2] Certain New Chemicals; Receipt and Status Information AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA)requires any person who intends to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) a new chemical (i.e., a chemical not on the TSCA Inventory) to notify EPA and comply with the statutory provisions pertaining to the manufacture of new chemicals. Under sections 5(d)(2) and 5(d)(3) of TSCA, EPA is required to publish a notice of receipt of a premanufacture notice
(PMN)or an application for a test marketing exemption (TME), and to publish periodic status reports on the chemicals under review and the receipt of notices of commencement to manufacture those chemicals. This status report, which covers the period from February 27, 2006 to March 10, 2006, consists of the PMNs and TMEs, both pending or expired, and the notices of commencement to manufacture a new chemical that the Agency has received under TSCA section 5 during this time period. DATES: Comments identified by the specific PMN number or TME number, must be received on or before April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID)no. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0269, by one of the following methods. • *http://www.regulations.gov* . Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • *Mail* : Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. • *Hand Delivery* : OPPT Document Control Office (DCO, EPA East Bldg., Rm. 6428, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Attention: Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0269. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the DCO is
(202)564-8930. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. • *Instructions* : Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT- 2006-0269. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at *http://www.regulations.gov* , including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-mail. The regulations.gov Web site is an “anonymous access” systems, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. *Docket* : All documents in the docket are listed in the regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available electronically through regulations.gov or in hard copy at the OPPT Docket, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is
(202)566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket is
(202)566-0280. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (7408M), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(202)554-1404; e-mail address: *TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general. As such, the Agency has not attempted to describe the specific entities that this action may apply to. Although others may be affected, this action applies directly to the submitter of the premanufacture notices addressed in the action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? 1. *Submitting CBI* . Do not submit this information to EPA through regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed CBI). In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. *Tips for preparing your comments* . When submitting comments, remember to: i. Identify the document by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading, **Federal Register** date and page number). ii. Follow directions - The agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR)part or section number. iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used. v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at the estimate. vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggested alternatives. vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. Why is EPA Taking this Action? Section 5 of TSCA requires any person who intends to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) a new chemical (i.e., a chemical not on the TSCA Inventory to notify EPA and comply with the statutory provisions pertaining to the manufacture of new chemicals. Under sections 5(d)(2) and 5(d)(3) of TSCA, EPA is required to publish a notice of receipt of a PMN or an application for a TME and to publish periodic status reports on the chemicals under review and the receipt of notices of commencement to manufacture those chemicals. This status report, which covers the period from February 27, 2006 to March 10, 2006, consists of the PMNs and TME, both pending or expired, and the notices of commencement to manufacture a new chemical that the Agency has received under TSCA section 5 during this time period. III. Receipt and Status Report for PMNs and TME This status report identifies the PMNs and TME, both pending or expired, and the notices of commencement to manufacture a new chemical that the Agency has received under TSCA section 5 during this time period. If you are interested in information that is not included in the following tables, you may contact EPA as described in Unit II. to access additional non-CBI information that may be available. In Table I of this unit, EPA provides the following information (to the extent that such information is not claimed as CBI) on the PMNs received by EPA during this period: the EPA case number assigned to the PMN; the date the PMN was received by EPA; the projected end date for EPA's review of the PMN; the submitting manufacturer; the potential uses identified by the manufacturer in the PMN; and the chemical identity. **I. 23 Premanufacture Notices Received From: 02/27/06 to 03/10/06** Case No. Received Date Projected Notice End Date Manufacturer/Importer Use Chemical P-06-0323 02/24/06 05/24/06 CBI
(S)Ingredient in fragrance compound
(G)Cyclo alkyl methyl ester P-06-0324 02/24/06 05/24/06 Nissan Chemical America Corporation
(S)Flame retardant in plastic resins
(S)1,3,4,6,7,9,9b-heptaazaphenalene-2,5,8-triamine, compound with n-(4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine and 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine, polyphosphate P-06-0325 02/24/06 05/24/06 CBI
(G)Component of foam
(G)Fatty acid polymer with aliphatic diol and aromatic diacid P-06-0328 02/28/06 05/28/06 CBI
(G)Monomer used to make specialty polymers
(G)Isobenzofurandione, (substituted)oxybis- P-06-0329 03/01/06 05/29/06 CBI
(G)Synthetic lubricant
(G)Fatty acid glycol ester P-06-0330 03/01/06 05/29/06 Macdermid, Incorporated
(G)Photocure polymer, open non-dispersive use
(G)Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with, .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxypoly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], 5-isocyanato-1-[isocyanatomethyl)-1,3,3-trimethylcyclohexane and oxirane, poly(akyl)glycol acrylate-blocked P-06-0331 03/01/06 05/29/06 CBI
(S)Polymeric flattening aid for coatings
(G)Silicone polyether modified polyester polyurethane. P-06-0332 03/02/06 05/30/06 Cytec Industries Inc.
(S)Bonded flame retardant in plastics, particularly synthetic fibers.
(G)Phosphine oxide P-06-0333 03/02/06 05/30/06 CBI
(G)Thickener
(G)2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, polymers with acrylic acid, et acrylate, me methacrylate P-06-0334 03/02/06 05/30/06 CBI
(G)Open non dispersive (use in foams)
(G)Modified polyurethane P-06-0335 03/02/06 05/30/06 CIBA Specialty Chemicals Corporation
(S)Continuous application to cotton fabrics
(G)Naphthalenesulfonic acid azo substituted naphthalenesulfonic acid amino substituted triazine amino phenyl sulfonyl compound P-06-0336 03/03/06 05/31/06 CBI
(G)Photocopying chemical
(G)Azo ferric complex P-06-0337 03/03/06 05/31/06 CBI
(G)Photocopying chemical
(G)Azo ferric complex P-06-0338 03/07/06 06/04/06 CBI
(G)Corrosion inhibitor for metals paint primer for metals
(G)Condensation polymerized silane functionalized aliphatic amine P-06-0339 03/07/06 06/04/06 Cytec surface specialties inc.
(G)Intermediate polymer for coatings
(G)Fatty acids, polymers with substituted acrylates, substituted alkanoic acid, substituted polyglycol and substituted carbomoncyle, peroxide intitiated P-06-0340 03/07/06 06/04/06 Henkel Corporation
(S)Lubricant
(S)Hexanedioic acid, potassium salt P-06-0341 03/07/06 06/04/06 3M Company
(G)Film coating additive
(G)Surface modified ceramic materials and wares, chemicals P-06-0342 03/08/06 06/05/06 CBI
(G)Open, non-dispersive use.
(G)Styrene - acrylic copolymer P-06-0343 03/09/06 06/06/06 BP Products North America, Inc
(S)Recover components for industrial solvent applications
(G)Dialkyl carbocyclo-, reaction products with alkadiene, cyclized, dehydrogenated, isomerized, by-products from, distn. residues P-06-0344 03/08/06 06/05/06 CBI
(G)Coating component
(G)Mixed metal oxide complex P-06-0345 03/09/06 06/06/06 CBI
(G)Additive, open, non-dispersive use
(G)Polymethylalkylsiloxane with reactive alkoxy groups P-06-0346 03/09/06 06/06/06 CBI
(G)Additive, open, non-dispersive use
(G)Urethane modified polyamide P-06-0347 03/09/06 06/06/06 CBI
(G)Additive, open, non-dispersive use
(G)Polyether modified polyamide P-06-0348 03/10/06 06/07/06 CBI
(G)Component of foam
(G)Fatty acid polymer with aliphatic diol and aromatic diacid P-06-0349 03/10/06 06/07/06 CBI
(G)Component of foam
(G)Fatty acid polymer with aliphatic diol and aromatic diacid P-06-0350 03/10/06 06/07/06 CBI
(S)Intermediate
(G)Polyoxyalkylene ether In Table II of this unit, EPA provides the following information (to the extent that such information is not claimed as CBI) on the TMEs received: **II. 1 Test Marketing Exemptions Notice Received From: 02/27/06 to 03/10/06** Case No. Received Date Projected Notice End Date Manufacturer/Importer Use Chemical T-06-0004 03/02/06 04/15/06 Cytec Industries Inc.
(S)Bonded flame retardant in plastics, particularly synthetic fibers.
(G)Phosphine oxide In Table III of this unit, EPA provides the following information (to the extent that such information is not claimed as CBI) on the Notices of Commencement to manufacture received: **III. 13 Notices of Commencement From: 02/27/06 to 03/10/06** Case No. Received Date Commencement Notice End Date Chemical P-04-0435 03/03/06 02/09/06
(G)Polyester of adipic acid P-05-0720 02/24/06 02/03/06
(G)Siloxanes and silicones, di-me, hydroxy alkyl me, me (oxabicyclo alkyl), alkoxylated P-05-0754 03/02/06 02/23/06
(G)Polyurethane resin P-05-0821 03/02/06 02/16/06
(G)Methacrylate amine based polymer P-05-0836 02/27/06 01/20/06
(G)Alkyd resin P-05-0839 02/24/06 02/15/06
(G)Methyl-ethyl-ketoxime blocked polyisocyanate P-06-0022 03/02/06 02/17/06
(G)Fluoroelastomer P-06-0096 03/07/06 02/15/06
(G)Siloxanes and silicones, di-alkyl, 3-hydroxypropyl alkyl, ethers with polyalkylene glycol monocarboxylate P-06-0097 03/07/06 02/15/06
(G)Siloxanes and silicones, di-alkyl, 3-hydroxypropyl alkyl, ethers with polyalkylene glycol, and polyalkylene glycol mono carboxylate P-06-0098 03/07/06 02/15/06
(G)Siloxanes and silicones, di-alkyl, 3-hydroxypropyl alkyl, ethers with polyalkylene glycol and polyalkylene glycol mono alkyl ether P-06-0099 03/07/06 02/15/06
(G)Siloxanes and silicones, di-alkyl, 3-hydroxypropyl alkyl, ethers with polyalkylene glycol and polyalkylene glycol mono alkyl ether P-06-0100 03/07/06 02/15/06
(G)Siloxanes and silicones, di-alkyl, 3-hydroxypropyl alkyl, ethers with polyalkylene glycol and polyalkylene glycol mono carboxylate P-06-0147 03/03/06 02/27/06
(G)Cycloalkenyl ethanone List of Subjects Environmental protection, Chemicals, Premanufacturer notices. Dated: March 20, 2006. Vicki A. Simons, Acting Director, Information Management Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. [FR Doc. E6-4504 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Submitted for Review to the Office of Management and Budget March 17, 2006. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA)of 1995, Public Law 104-13, and as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection(s). An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA)that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning
(a)whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility;
(b)the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA)comments should be submitted on or before April 28, 2006. If you anticipate that you will be submitting PRA comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Direct all Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA)comments to Leslie F. Smith, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-A804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via the Internet to *Leslie.Smith@fcc.gov* or Kristy L. LaLonde, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Room 10236 NEOB, Washington, DC 20503,
(202)395-3087 or via the Internet at *Kristy_L._LaLonde@omb.eop.gov* . If you would like to obtain or view a copy of this revised information collection, you may do so by visiting the FCC PRA Web page at: *http://www.fcc.gov/omd/pra.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies of the information collection(s), contact Leslie F. Smith at
(202)418-0217 or via the Internet at *Leslie.Smith@fcc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *OMB Control Number:* 3060-0687. *Title:* Access to Telecommunications Equipment and Services by Person with Disabilities. *Form Number:* N/A. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities. *Number of Respondents:* 1,268. *Estimated Time per Response:* 0.000277 hours (1 second). *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirements; Third party disclosure. *Total Annual Burden:* 6,282 hours. *Total Annual Cost:* $267,000. *Privacy Impact Assessment:* No impact(s). *Needs and Uses:* 47 CFR 68.224—Notice of non-hearing aid compatibility. Every non-hearing aid compatible telephone offered for sale to the public on or after August 17, 1989, whether previously-registered, newly registered or refurbished shall
(a)contain in a conspicuous location on the surface of its packaging a statement that the telephone is not hearing aid compatible, or if offered for sale without a surrounding package, shall be affixed with a written statement that the telephone is not hearing aid compatible; and
(b)be accompanied by instructions. 47 CFR 68.300—Labeling requirements. As of April 1, 1997, all registered telephones, including cordless telephones, manufactured in the United States (other than for export) or imported for use in the United States, that are hearing aid compatible
(HAC)shall have the letters “HAC” permanently affixed. The information collections for both rules are third party disclosure and labeling requirements. The information is used primarily to inform consumers who purchase and/or use telephone equipment to determine whether the telephone is hearing aid compatible. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 06-2872 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am]
Connectionstraces to 14
Traces to 14 documents
U.S. Code
17 references not yet in our index
- Pub. L. 109-163
- 10 USC 7306
- Pub. L. 106-554
- 5 CFR 1320.12
- 5 CFR 1320.8(d)
- 40 CFR 9
- 40 CFR 61
- 40 CFR 63
- Pub. L. 104-4
- Pub. L. 104-170
- Pub. L. 104-182
- 40 CFR 2
- 40 CFR 180
- 40 CFR 180.7(f)
- Pub. L. 104-13
- 47 CFR 68.224
- 47 CFR 68.300
Citation graph
cites case law
Notices
Notice
Pub. L.Pub. L. 109-163
Cite10 USC 7306
Pub. L.Pub. L. 106-554
Cites 31 · showing 12Cited by 0 across 0 sources