Notices. Notice of pending NRC action to submit an information collection request to OMB and solicitation of public comment
3,924 words·~18 min read·
/register/2006/05/26/06-4889A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). ACTION: Notice of pending NRC action to submit an information collection request to OMB and solicitation of public comment. SUMMARY: The NRC is preparing a submittal to OMB for review of continued approval of information collections under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35). Information pertaining to the requirement to be submitted: 1. *The title of the information collection:* NRC Form 398, “Personal Qualification Statement—Licensee.” 2. *Current OMB approval number:* 3150-0090. 3. *How often the collection is required:* On occasion and every six years (at renewal). 4. *Who is required or asked to report:* Individuals requiring a license to operate the controls at a nuclear reactor. 5. *The number of annual respondents:* 1,350 (600 new, 50 re-applications, 600 renewals and 100 waivers). 6. *The number of hours needed annually to complete the requirement or request:* 3,250 (2.4 hours per response). 7. *Abstract:* NRC Form 398 requests detailed information that should be submitted by a licensing applicant and facility licensee when applying for a new or renewal license to operate the controls at a nuclear reactor facility.
This information, once collected, would be used for licensing actions and for generating reports on the Operator Licensing Program. Submit, by July 25, 2006, comments that address the following questions: 1. Is the proposed collection of information necessary for the NRC to properly perform its functions? Does the information have practical utility? 2. Is the burden estimate accurate? 3. Is there a way to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected? 4.
How can the burden of the information collection be minimized, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology? A copy of the draft supporting statement may be viewed free of charge at the NRC Public Document Room, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Room O-1 F21, Rockville, MD 20852. OMB clearance requests are available at the NRC worldwide Web site: *http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/doc-comment/omb/index.html.* The document will be available on the NRC home page site for 60 days after the signature date of this notice.
Comments and questions about the information collection requirements may be directed to the NRC Clearance Officer, Brenda Jo. Shelton (T-5 F52), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, by telephone at 301-415-7233, or by Internet electronic mail to *INFOCOLLECTS@NRC.GOV.* Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 22nd day of May 2006. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Brenda Jo. Shelton, NRC Clearance Officer, Office of Information Services. [FR Doc. E6-8113 Filed 5-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 70-143] Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc., Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Proposed Extension of Deadline for Inventory of Special Nuclear Material AGENCY:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin M. Ramsey, Project Manager, Fuel Cycle Facilities Branch, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Mail Stop T-8F42, Rockville, MD. 20555-0001, Telephone
(301)415-7887; fax
(301)415-5955; e-mail *kmr@nrc.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Introduction The Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC)staff is considering the issuance of a license amendment to Materials License SNM-124, to Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc.
(NFS)(the licensee), to grant a one-time exemption from the May 2006 inventory results for strategic special nuclear material in the Blended Low-Enriched Uranium Preparation Facility (BPF). The NRC has prepared an Environmental Assessment
(EA)in support of this amendment in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR part 51. Based on the EA, the NRC has concluded that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS)will not be prepared. II. Environmental Assessment Background The NFS facility in Erwin, Tennessee is authorized, under License SNM-124 to manufacture high-enriched nuclear reactor fuel. In addition, NFS is authorized to blend highly enriched uranium
(HEU)with natural uranium and manufacture low-enriched nuclear reactor fuel. Currently, BPF is in a safe-shutdown mode, in accordance with Confirmatory Action Letter
(CAL)No. 02-06-003 dated March 18, 2006. Operations in BPF were shut down without the usual material processing/clean-out that is required to be undertaken as part of a measured physical inventory. NFS is currently in the process of conducting an operational readiness review
(ORR)which must be reviewed and approved by NRC before operations are restarted. This is expected to occur on or before June 20, 2006. After operations are authorized, the BPF must be operated for a minimum of two weeks to process the material to a form suitable for a measurable physical inventory. NFS requests that the inventory reporting date be extended until 45 days after the completion of the ORR and the processing/inventory process clean out resumes, the date of which is not now specifically known. Review Scope The purpose of this EA is to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed license amendment. It does not approve the request. This EA is limited to the proposed exemption and any cumulative impacts on existing plant operations. The existing conditions and operations for the Erwin facility were evaluated by the NRC for environmental impacts in a 1999 EA related to the renewal of the NFS license (Ref. 1) and a 2002 EA related to the first amendment for the Blended Low-Enriched Uranium
(BLEU)Project (Ref. 2). The 2002 EA assessed the impact of the entire BLEU Project, using information available at that time. A 2003 EA (Ref. 3) and a 2004 EA (Ref. 4), related to additional BLEU Project amendments, confirmed the FONSI issued in 2002. This assessment presents information and analysis for determining that the issuance of a FONSI is appropriate and that an EIS will not be prepared. Proposed Action The proposed action is to amend NRC Materials License SNM-124 to grant a one-time exemption from the physical inventory deadline for strategic special nuclear material in the BPF. The exemption would authorize NFS to submit the physical inventory results after NRC has authorized the restart of operations in the BPF and NFS has had an opportunity to process the material and complete the inventory. The proposed action is limited to the reporting deadline only. No change to processing, packaging, or storage operations is requested, and no construction of new facilities is requested. Need for Proposed Action The proposed action is being requested because NFS had to secure operations in the BPF to investigate an upset condition. NFS has committed to maintain the BPF in a safe-shutdown mode until NRC authorizes restart of operations. Regulations in 10 CFR 74.59(f)(1) require a physical inventory of strategic special nuclear material every six months. To comply with this regulation, the material must be processed into a form that can be inventoried. Material in the BPF process is not in a form that can be inventoried and it cannot be processed into the proper form until the restart of operations is authorized. Alternatives The alternatives available to NRC are: 1. Approve the license amendment as described; or 2. No action (i.e., deny the request). Affected Environment The affected environment for the proposed action and the no action alternative is the NFS site. The NFS facility is located in Unicoi County, Tennessee, about 32 km (20 mi) southwest of Johnson City, Tennessee. The facility is about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) southwest of the Erwin city limits. The affected environment is identical to the affected environment assessed in the 2002 EA related to the first amendment for the BLEU Project (Ref. 2). A full description of the site and its characteristics are given in the 2002 EA. Additional information can be found in the 1999 EA related to the renewal of the NFS license (Ref. 1). The site occupies about 28 hectares (70 acres). The site is bounded to the northwest by the CSX Corporation
(CSX)railroad property and the Nolichucky River, and by Martin Creek to the northeast. The plant elevation is about 9 m (30 ft) above the nearest point on the Nolichucky River. The area adjacent to the site consists primarily of residential, industrial, and commercial areas, with a limited amount of farming to the northwest. Privately owned residences are located to the east and south of the facility. Tract size is relatively large, leading to a low housing density in the areas adjacent to the facility. The CSX railroad right-of-way is parallel to the western boundary of the site. Industrial development is located adjacent to the railroad on the opposite side of the right-of-way. The site is bounded by Martin Creek to the north, with privately owned, vacant property and low-density residences. Environmental Impacts of Proposed Action and Alternatives 1. Occupational and Public Health *Proposed Action.* The occupation and public health impacts from the proposed action are essentially the same as those considered in the environmental assessment for operation of the BPF (Ref. 3). Maintaining the BPF in a safe-shutdown mode will reduce the emissions from normal operations and reduce the risk of accidents. However, the reductions would be so small that the differences would be negligible. *No Action.* Denying this amendment request would not result in any significant difference in the occupational and public health impacts. If this amendment request is denied, the licensee may be cited for failing to submit a required report. However, the material cannot be inventoried until it is processed into an appropriate form. The facility will continue to implement NRC-approved radiation safety procedures for storing and handling radioactive materials. Thus, the impacts under the “no action” alternative will remain within acceptable regulatory limits. 2. Effluent Releases, Environmental Monitoring, Water Resources, Geology, Soils, Air Quality, Demography, Biota, Cultural and Historic Resources *Proposed Action.* The NRC staff has determined that the approval of the proposed amendment will not impact effluent releases, environmental monitoring, water resources, geology, soils, air quality, demography, biota, or cultural or historic resources at or near the NFS site. *No Action.* The NRC staff has determined that denial of the proposed amendment will not impact effluent releases, environmental monitoring, water resources, geology, soils, air quality, demography, biota, or cultural or historic resources at or near the NFS site. Conclusion Based on its review, the NRC has concluded that the environmental impacts associated with the proposed action are not significant and, therefore, do not warrant denial of the proposed license amendment. The NRC has determined that the proposed action, approval of the license amendment as described, is the appropriate alternative for selection. Based on an evaluation of the environmental impacts of the proposed license amendment, the NRC has determined that the proper action is to issue a FONSI. Agencies and Persons Contacted On May 11, 2006, the NRC staff contacted the Deputy Director of the Division of Radiological Health in the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
(TDEC)concerning this EA. On May 12, 2006, the Deputy Director responded that TDEC reviewed the draft EA and had no comments (Ref. 6). The NRC staff has determined that the proposed action will not affect listed species or critical habitat. Therefore, no consultation is required under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Likewise, the NRC staff has determined that the proposed action is not the type of activity that has the potential to cause effects on historic properties. Therefore, no consultation is required under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. References 1. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “Environmental Assessment for Renewal of Special Nuclear Material License No. SNM-124,” January 1999, ADAMS No. ML031150418. 2. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “Environmental Assessment for Proposed License Amendments to Special Nuclear Material License No. SNM-124 Regarding Downblending and Oxide Conversion of Surplus High-Enriched Uranium,” June 2002, ADAMS No. ML021790068. 3. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the BLEU Preparation Facility,” September 2003, ADAMS No. ML032390428. 4. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Oxide Conversion Building and the Effluent Processing Building at the BLEU Complex,” June 2004, ADAMS No. ML041470176. 5. Nuclear Fuel Services, “Request for One-Time Exemption,” April 13, 2006, ADAMS No. ML061150255. 6. D. Shults, Tennessee Division of Radiological Health, e-mail to K. Ramsey, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “EA for NFS Exemption,” May 12, 2006, ADAMS No. ML061350156. III. Finding of No Significant Impact: Pursuant to 10 CFR part 51, the NRC staff has considered the environmental consequences of amending NRC Materials License SNM-124 to grant a one-time exemption from the physical inventory deadline for strategic special nuclear material in the BPF. On the basis of this EA, the NRC has concluded that there are no significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed amendment and has determined not to prepare an EIS for the proposed amendment. IV. Further Information The documents referenced in this notice may be made available to interested parties pursuant to a protective order and subject to applicable security requirements upon a showing that the party has an interest that may be affected by the proposed action. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 22nd day of May 2006. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Gary S. Janosko, Chief, Fuel Cycle Facilities Branch, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. [FR Doc. E6-8112 Filed 5-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Charter Renewal of the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA); Request for Nominations AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice of renewal of the charter and request for nominations. SUMMARY: On March 27, 2006, the United States Trade Representative
(USTR)renewed the charter of the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA), for a four-year term to expire on March 27, 2010. The TACA advises the USTR on trade and development policy matters with respect to the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. There are currently opportunities for membership on this Committee. DATES: In order to receive full consideration, nominations for current vacancies should be received not later than June 25, 2006. Nominations will be accepted after June 25 until the expiration of the charter term on March 27, 2010, for appointments made on a rolling basis as vacancies arise. ADDRESSES: Submission by electronic mail: *FR0616@ustr.eop.gov.* Submissions by facsimile: Lois Stith, Program Assistant, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs & Public Liaison, at
(202)395-4827. The public is strongly encouraged to submit documents electronically rather than by facsimile. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Constance Hamilton, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for African Affairs,
(202)395-9514. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. appendix 2), section 135 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2155), and section 14 of the AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004, the United States Trade Representative
(USTR)has renewed the charter of the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa. Background Section 135 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2155), established a private-sector trade advisory system to ensure that U.S. trade policy and trade negotiation objectives adequately reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. Section 135(a)(2) directs the President to: seek information and advice from representative elements of the private sector and the non-Federal governmental sector with respect to
(A)Negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into a trade agreement under [title I of the Trade Act of 1974 and section 2103 of the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002];
(B)The operation of any trade agreement once entered into, including preparation for dispute settlement panel proceedings to which the United States is a party; and
(C)Other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States* * * Section 135(c)(1) of the 1974 Trade Act provides that: [t]he President may establish individual general policy advisory committees for industry, labor, agriculture, services, investment, defense, and other interests, as appropriate, to provide general policy advice on matters referred to in subsection
(a)of this section. Such committees shall, insofar as is practicable, be representative of all industry, labor, agricultural, service, investment, defense, and other interests, respectively, including small business interests, and shall be organized by the United States Trade Representative and the Secretaries of Commerce, Defense, Labor, Agriculture, the Treasury, or other executive departments, as appropriate. The members of such committees shall be appointed by the United States Trade Representative in consultation with such Secretaries. Section 14 of the AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004 directs the President to convene the TACA “in order to facilitate the goals and objectives of the African Growth and Opportunity Act and this Act, and to maintain ongoing discussions with African trade and agricultural ministries and private sector organizations on issues of mutual concern, including regional and international trade concerns and World Trade Organization issues.” Pursuant to these provisions, the United States Trade Representative
(USTR)renewed the charter of the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa
(TACA)on March 27, 2006. Functions The duties of the TACA are to provide the President, through the USTR, with policy advice on issues involving trade and development in sub-Saharan Africa. The TACA is expected to meet an average of two to three times a year in Washington, DC. Membership Members serve without compensation and are responsible for all expenses incurred to attend the meetings. TACA members are appointed by the USTR. Appointments are made at the chartering of the TACA and periodically throughout the four-year charter term. Members serve at the discretion of the USTR. Appointments to the TACA expire at the end of the TACA's charter term, in this case, March 27, 2010. Eligibility Eligibility for membership on the TACA is limited to U.S. citizens who are not full-time employees of a governmental entity and are not registered with the Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Members will represent a U.S. entity engaged in issues relevant to trade and development in sub-Saharan Africa that
(a)is directly engaged in the import or export of goods or that sells its services abroad, or
(b)is an association of such entities. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a “U.S. entity” is an organization
(1)incorporated in the United States (or, if unincorporated, having its headquarters or principal place of business in the United States), and
(2)controlled by U.S. citizens or by another U.S. entity. An entity is not a U.S. entity if 50 percent plus one share of its stock (if a corporation, or a similar ownership interest of an unincorporated entity) is controlled, directly or indirectly, by non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. entities. If the nominee is to represent an entity or corporation with ten percent or greater non-U.S. ownership, the nominee must demonstrate at the time of nomination that this ownership interest does not constitute control and will not adversely affect his or her ability to serve as a trade advisor to the United States government. In addition to the industry representatives, the TACA may include representatives of nongovermental organizations involved in trade and development issues regarding sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa trade and development experts must represent a U.S. entity engaged in issues relevant to the work of the TACA. A nongovernmental organization is a “U.S. entity” if the organization is
(1)incorporated in the United States (or, if unincorporated, having its headquarters in the United States),
(2)at least 50 percent of the organization's annual revenue is attributable to nongovernmental U.S. sources; and
(3)more than 50 percent of its Board of Directors or membership is made up of U.S. citizens. If the nominee is to represent an organization more than ten percent of whose Board of Directors or membership is made up of non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. entities, the nominee must be prepared to demonstrate at the time of nomination that this non-U.S. interest does not constitute control and will not adversely affect his or her ability to serve as a trade advisor to the United States. Members are selected to represent their respective sponsoring U.S. entity's interests on sub-Saharan African trade matters, and thus nominees are considered foremost based upon their ability to carry out the goals of section 135(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. Other criteria are the nominee's knowledge of and expertise in international trade issues as relevant to the work of the TACA and that representation on the TACA is balanced in terms of sectors, demographics, and other interests. Additionally, USTR may appoint members expert in a relevant subject matter to serve in an individual capacity. Appointments to the TACA are made without regard to political affiliation. *All TACA members must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.* Application Procedures In order to facilitate the prompt processing of submissions, USTR strongly urges and prefers electronic (e-mail) submissions to *FR0616@ustr.eop.gov* in response to this notice. In the event that an e-mail submission is impossible, submissions should be made by facsimile. Persons making submissions by e-mail should use the following subject line: “Trade Advisory Committee for Africa Nomination”. Documents should be submitted as WordPerfect, MSWord, or text (.TXT) files. Persons who make submissions by e-mail should not provide separate cover letters; information that might appear in a cover letter should be included in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent possible, any attachments to the submission should be included in the same file as the submission itself, and not as separate files. For consideration, a nominee should send
(1)a sponsor letter,
(2)a résume, with demonstrated knowledge of international trade and development issues with respect to sub-Saharan Africa, and
(3)company or organization information to the e-mail address or facsimile number indicated above. Sponsor letters must be on the company or organization letterhead. Company or organization information must address the activities, products, or services of the U.S. entity to be represented and certify that the entity is a U.S. entity as defined in the Eligibility section above. Florizelle Liser, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for African Affairs. [FR Doc. E6-8086 Filed 5-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3190-W6-P RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board
(RRB)has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval. Summary of Proposal(s)
(1)*Collection title:* Statement of Claimant or Other Person.
(2)*Form(s) submitted:* G-93.
(3)*OMB Number:* 3220-0183.
(4)*Expiration date of current OMB clearance:* 09/30/2006.
(5)*Type of request:* Extension of a currently approved collection.
(6)*Respondents:* Individuals or households, Business or other for-profit.
(7)*Estimated annual number of respondents:* 900.
(8)*Total annual responses:* 900.
(9)*Total annual reporting hours:* 225.
(10)*Collection description:* Under Section 2 of the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, pertinent information and proofs must be submitted by an applicant so that the Railroad Retirement Board can determine his or her entitlement to benefits. The collection obtains information supplementing or changing information previously provided by an applicant. *Additional Information or Comments:* Copies of the forms and supporting documents can be obtained from Charles Mierzwa, the agency clearance officer at (312-751-3363) or *Charles.Mierzwa@rrb.gov.* Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60611-2092 or *Ronald.Hodapp@rrb.gov* and to the OMB Desk Officer for the RRB, at the Office of Management and Budget, Room 10230, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503. Charles Mierzwa, Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 06-4889 Filed 5-25-06; 8:45 am]
Connectionstraces to 2
Traces to 2 documents
1 reference not yet in our index
- 10 CFR 51
Citation graph
cites case law
Notices
Notice of pending NRC action to submit an information collection request to OMB and solicitation of public comment
Cite10 CFR 51
Cites 3Cited by 0 across 0 sources