Proposed Rules. Proposed rule; extension of comment period
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/register/2006/12/20/06-9798A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S 71 244 Wednesday, December 20, 2006 Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 7 CFR Part 301 [Docket No. APHIS-2006-0002] RIN 0579-AB91 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period. SUMMARY: We are extending the comment period for our proposed rule that would establish domestic boll weevil regulations that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated areas in commercial cotton-producing States.
This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before February 1, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • *Federal eRulemaking Portal:* Go to *http://www.regulations.gov* , select “Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service” from the agency drop-down menu, then click “Submit.” In the Docket ID column, select APHIS-2006-0002 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.
Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site's “User Tips” link. • *Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery:* Please send four copies of your comment (an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS-2006-0002, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No.
APHIS-2006-0002. *Reading Room:* You may read any comments that we receive on Docket No. APHIS-2006-0002 in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call
(202)690-2817 before coming. *Other Information:* Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at *http://www.aphis.usda.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. William Grefenstette, National Coordinator, Boll Weevil Eradication Program, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 138, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236;
(301)734-8676. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 31, 2006, we published in the **Federal Register** (71 FR 63707-63717, Docket No. APHIS-2006-0002) a proposal to establish domestic boll weevil regulations that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated areas in commercial cotton-producing States. The proposed regulations would help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated. Comments on the proposed rule were required to be received on or before January 2, 2007. We are extending the comment period on Docket No. APHIS-2006-0002 for an additional 30 days. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701-7772 and 7781-7786; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Section 301.75-15 issued under Sec. 204, Title II, Public Law 106-113, 113 Stat. 1501A-293; sections 301.75-15 and 301.75-16 issued under Sec. 203, Title II, Public Law 106-224, 114 Stat. 400 (7 U.S.C. 1421 note). Done in Washington, DC, this 14th day of December 2006. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. E6-21676 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-34-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 1, 21, 43, and 45 [Docket Nos. FAA-2006-25877 and 25882; Notice No. 06-18] RIN 2120-AI78 Production and Airworthiness Approvals; Extension of Comment Period AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); extension of comment period. SUMMARY: This action extends by 30 days the comment period for an NPRM that was published on October 5, 2006. In that document, the FAA proposed changes to its certification procedures and identification requirements for aeronautical products and parts. This extension is a result of requests from the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, the Aerospace Industries Association, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. DATES: Send your comments on or before February 5, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may send comments identified by Docket Number FAA-2006-25877 using any of the following methods: • *DOT Docket Web site:* Go to *http://dms.dot.gov* and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • *Government-wide rulemaking Web site:* Go to *http://www.regulations.gov* and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • *Mail:* Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001. • *Fax:* 1-202-493-2251. • *Hand Delivery:* Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For more information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. *Privacy:* We will post all comments we receive, without change, to *http://dms.dot.gov* , including any personal information you provide. For more information, see the Privacy Act discussion in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. *Docket:* To read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time or to Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Capron, Production Certification Branch, AIR-220, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone
(202)267-3343. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written comments. We will file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. The docket is available for public inspection before and after the comment closing date. If you wish to review the docket in person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section of this preamble between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also review the docket using the Internet at the Web address in the ADDRESSES section. *Privacy Act:* Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, including the name of the individual sending the comment (or signing the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. If you want the FAA to acknowledge receipt of your comments on this proposal, include with your comments a pre-addressed, stamped postcard on which the docket number appears. We will stamp the date on the postcard and mail it to you. Readers should note that the FAA has posted on its Web site ( *http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs* ) four draft Advisory Circulars (ACs). These ACs describe ways to comply with the requirements of this NPRM. We are also extending by 30 days the comment period on the ACs. Send your comments to reach us by February 5, 2007 using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM. Note that the docket for AC comments (FAA-2006-25882) is different from the docket for NPRM comments. Availability of Rulemaking Documents You can get an electronic copy using the Internet by:
(1)Searching the Department of Transportation's electronic Docket Management System
(DMS)Web page ( *http://dms.dot.gov/search* );
(2)Visiting the Office of Rulemaking's Web page at *http://www.faa.gov/avr/arm/index.cfm* ; or
(3)Accessing the Government Printing Office's Web page at *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.* You can also get a copy by sending a request to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling
(202)267-9680. Make sure to identify the docket number, notice number, or amendment number of this rulemaking. Proprietary or Confidential Business Information Do not file in the docket information that you consider to be proprietary or confidential business information. Send or deliver this information directly to the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. You must mark the information that you consider proprietary or confidential. If you send the information on a disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM and also identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is proprietary or confidential. Under 14 CFR 11.35(b), when we are aware of proprietary information filed with a comment, we do not place it in the docket. We hold it in a separate file to which the public does not have access, and place a note in the docket that we have received it. If we receive a request to examine or copy this information, we treat it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). We process such a request under the DOT procedures found in 49 CFR part 7. Background On October 5, 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA)issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM)entitled, Production and Airworthiness Approvals, Part Marking, and Miscellaneous Proposals (71 FR 58915). Comments on that document were due on or before January 3, 2007. By letter dated December 5, 2006, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association
(ARSA)asked FAA to extend the comment period for 90 days. ARSA believes the need for an extended comment period arises from the scope and extent of the changes proposed in the NPRM, the timing of its release, and the impact it will have on small businesses. ARSA also asked that we extend the comment period on the draft ACs for 90 days. By letter dated December 6, 2006, the Aerospace Industries Association
(AIA)and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association
(GAMA)asked FAA to extend the comment period for 45 days. AIA and GAMA cited several factors that, in their view, necessitate the extension, including the length of time since the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee recommendation was submitted to FAA, the scope and impact of the proposal, and the effective shortening of the comment period by observance of the holidays. While we concur with the petitioners' requests for an extension of the comment period, we believe that a 45-day or 90-day extension is not warranted. We have already provided a 90-day comment period. An additional 90 days would result in a comment period extending for six full months. Although we agree that additional time for comments may be needed, this need must be balanced against the need to proceed expeditiously with a rulemaking that first involved industry input through an Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee in 1993. We believe an additional 30 days allows adequate time for interested parties to provide meaningful comments. Absent unusual circumstances, we do not anticipate any further extension of the comment period for this rulemaking. Extension of Comment Period In accordance with § 11.47(c) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the FAA has reviewed the petitions made by ARSA, AIA, and GAMA for extension of the comment period on the Production and Airworthiness Approvals NPRM. The petitioners have shown a substantive interest in the proposed rule and good cause for the extension. The FAA also has determined that extension of the comment period is consistent with the public interest, and that good cause exists for taking this action. Accordingly, we are extending the comment period for 30 days until February 5, 2007. Issued in Washington, DC, December 13, 2006. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Director, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-21657 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary 14 CFR Parts 217, 241, 250, 291, and 298 [Docket No. OST 2006-26053] RIN 2139-AA11 Submitting Airline Data Via the Internet AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: The Department of Transportation proposes that U.S. and foreign air carriers submit their required recurrent financial, traffic, operational and consumer reports via the internet (e-filing). The proposed action would enhance security of the data, eliminate air carriers' mailing costs, eliminate the need for the Department to keypunch hardcopy data, and provide reporting air carriers with immediate notification and a receipt from the Department that the report was received. DATES: Written comments should be submitted on or before February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, identified by Docket Number OST-2006-26053, using any of the following methods: *DOT Docket Web site: http://dms.dot.gov* and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. *Government-wide rulemaking Web site: http://www.regulations.gov* and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. *Mail:* Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001. *Fax:* 1-202-493-2251. *Hand Delivery:* Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. DOT will post all comments that we receive, without change, to *http//dms.dot.gov* , including any personal information you provide. For more information, see the Privacy Act discussion in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. If you want DOT to acknowledge receipt of your comments, include with your comments a pre-addressed, stamped postcard on which the docket number appears. We will stamp the date on the postcard and mail it to you. *Docket:* To read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.gov* at any time or to Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bernie Stankus, Office of Airline Information, RTS-42, Room 4125, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001, Telephone Number
(202)366-4387, Fax Number
(202)366-3383 or e-mail *bernard.stankus@dot.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOT invites air carriers and other interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments or views. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. Privacy Act: Using the search function of DOT docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, including the name of the individual sending the comment. You may review DOT's Privacy Act Statement that was published in the **Federal Register** on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19475-19570) or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Background Receiving and processing aviation data is an essential business process for the Department of Transportation (DOT). To increase efficiency and reduce costs of the filing process to both the air carriers and the government, DOT proposes that all aviation data that is collected by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
(BTS)be transmitted via the internet (e-filing). Our proposed e-filing is designed to be user friendly. Automated, built-in data edits would alert filers of incomplete information, thus reducing filing errors and the need for corrective re-processing. E-filing is more secure than attaching files to e-mails. E-filing does not have the size limit constraints encountered by attachment to e-mail submissions. E-filing provides the submitters with immediate confirmation that the filing has been received by BTS. E-filing should eliminate the need for BTS to key punch hard copy records into its various data bases. The DOT proposes to phase-in e-filing for the following schedules, forms and reports: T-8—Report of All-Cargo Operations; T-100—U.S. Air Carrier Traffic and Capacity Data by Nonstop Segment and On-Flight Market; T-100(f)—Air Carrier Traffic Data by Nonstop Segment and on-Flight Market; Form 41 Schedules A Certification, B-1 and B-1.1 Balance Sheet, B-7 Airframe and Aircraft Engine Acquisitions and Retirements, B-12 Statement of Changes in Financial Position, B-43 Inventory of Airframes and Aircraft Engines, P-1.1 and P-1.2 Statement of Operations, P-1(a) Interim Operations Report, P-2 Notes to BTS Form 41 Report, P-5.1 and P-5.2 Aircraft Operating Expenses, P-6 Operating Expenses by Objective Groupings, P-7 Operating Expenses by Functional Groupings—Group III Air Carriers, P-10 Employment Statistics by Labor Category, P-12(a) Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity; Form 183—Report of Extension of Credit to Political Candidates; Form 251—Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed Space; Form 291—A Statement of Operations for Section 41103 Operations; Form 298-C, Schedules F-1 Report of Financial Data, and F-2 Report of Aircraft Operating; Part 234—On-Time Flight Performance Report; Part 234.6—Baggage Handling Statistics; and Part 241—The Passenger-Origin Destination Survey Report. Selected Alaskan carriers are participating in an e-filing pilot program for submitting their T-100 traffic data. After resolving several initial system problems, the pilot project has progressed smoothly and the participating carriers appear satisfied with the pilot project. The carriers are allowed to log on to our Web site and electronically submit T-100 market and/or segment data. The Web application performs an initial check on the client site, uploads the files to an isolated secure location on a Pilot Test Server, logs the receipt, and sends an acknowledgement to the submitter. Depending on the form, a submitter would attach a file or complete an on-line form to meet its reporting obligation. Because of the size of the Passenger Origin-Destination Survey Report, the T-100 U.S. Air Carrier Traffic and Capacity Data by Nonstop Segment and On-Flight Market and the Part 234 On-Time Flight Performance Report, carriers would be required to attach a comma delimited file. For BTS Schedules B-12 Statement of Changes in Financial Position and P-2 Notes to BTS Form 41 Report, which are “free form” reports, carriers would attach an MS Word document or a text file to meet their reporting burden. The T-100 and T-100(f) would be the initial reports selected for e-filing. Carriers would receive 60-days notice via an Office of Airline Information
(OAI)Accounting and Reporting Directive before implementing the requirement to submit other forms or schedules by e-filing. The Web form would allow carriers to log on to the secure Web site and submit various data they are required to file with OAI. The Web form performs user authentication, validates filer information and basics of the data to be uploaded, uploads the files to an isolated secure location, logs the receipt, and sends an acknowledgement. The URL of the BTS E-Filing Center is *http://www.efile.rita.dot.gov.* The URL will automatically redirect the user to a secured portal (https). Statutory and Executive Order Reviews A. Executive Order No. 12866: Regulatory and Planning Review Under Executive Order No 12866, (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) the Agency must determine whether the regulatory action is “significant” and therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the Executive Order. The Order defines “significant regulatory action” as one that is likely to result in a rule that may
(1)Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities;
(2)create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency;
(3)materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or
(4)raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in the Executive Order. It has been determined that this proposed action is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order No 12866. Therefore, it has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under that order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation
(DOT)(44 FR 11040, February 26, 1979). Because this rule merely proposes a change in the reporting process and not the underlying reporting requirements it would have minimal economic impacts. The proposal would only involve minimal transitional costs and would not place any additional reporting burden on air carriers. We estimate that this proposal may lessen the long-term compliance costs for air carriers by reducing their mailing costs. In addition, the proposed action would enhance data security and save government costs by eliminating the need for the BTS to keypunch hardcopy data submissions. Finally, the proposal would provide air carriers immediate submission notification and a receipt that the BTS has received the data. B. Paperwork Reduction Act BTS tentatively finds that this proposed action would not change the current reporting burden on air carriers for the purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act. BTS requests comments on any aspects of this proposal, including:
(1)An estimate on any cost savings;
(2)ways to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and
(3)ways to minimize the collection burden without reducing the quality of the information collected, including additional use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. To submit comments to BTS on theses issues, please follow the instructions that appear in the ADDRESSES section of this document. You may also send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725-17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention RITA Desk Officer. If after evaluating the public comments, the agency believes that the agency action will result in reduction of the reporting burden hours for the reporting air carriers, the agency will notify OMB of the change in burden hours for the applicable information collection activities (OMB Control Numbers—2139-0001, 2138-0009, 2138-0013, 2138-0018, 2138-0040 and 2138-0041) and make the appropriate adjustment(s) in the agency's paperwork inventory. C. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposal will not, if adopted, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. D. Executive Order 12612 This rule has been analyzed in accordance to the principles and criteria in Executive Order 12612 (“Federalism”) and DOT has determined the proposed rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. E. Regulation Identifier Number A regulation identifier number
(RIN)is assigned to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda each April and October. The RIN Number 2139-AA11 contained in the heading of this document can be used to cross reference this action with the Unified Agenda. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Parts 217, 241, 250, 291, and 298 Administrative practice and procedures, Air carriers, Air taxis, Consumer protection, Freight, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and Uniform system of accounts. Accordingly, the Department of Transportation proposes to amend 14 CFR Chapter II as follows: PART 217—[AMENDED] 1. The authority of part 217 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 329 and chapters 401, 413, 417. 2. Section 217.3(e) is proposed to be revised as follows: § 217.3 Reporting requirements.
(e)Schedule T-100(f) shall be filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics using an e-filing portal. The URL of the BTS E-Filing Center is *http://www.efile.rita.dot.gov.* The URL will automatically redirect the user to a secured portal (https). PART 241—[AMENDED] 3. The authority of part 241 continues to read as follows Authority: 49 U.S.C. 329 and chapters 401, 411, 417. 4. Section 19-1
(c)is proposed to be revised as follows: § 19-1 Applicability.
(c)Each U.S. carrier shall submit using an e-filing portal its Form 41 Schedule T-100 U.S. Air Carrier Traffic and Capacity data by Nonstop Segment and On-flight Market. The URL of the BTS E-Filing Center is *http://www.efile.rita.dot.gov.* The URL will automatically redirect the user to a secured portal (https). 5. Section 19-7(b) is proposed to be revised as follows: § 19-7 Passenger origin-destination survey.
(b)Reports required by this section shall be submitted to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics using an e-filing portal. The URL of BTS E-Filing Center is *http://www.efile.rita.dot.gov.* The URL will automatically redirect the user to a secured port (https). PART 250—[AMENDED] 6. The authority of part 250 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 329 and chapters 401, 411, 413, 417. 7. We propose to designate the existing text as paragraph
(a)and add a paragraph
(b)to § 250.10 as follows: § 250.10 Report of passengers denied confirmed space.
(b)Reports required by this section shall be submitted to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics using an e-filing portal. The URL of the BTS E-Filing Center is *http://www.efile.rita.dot.gov.* The URL will automatically redirect the user to a secured port (https). PART 291—[AMENDED] 8. The authority of part 291 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 329 and chapters 411 and 417. 9. Section 291.42(a)(2) is proposed to be revised as follows: § 291.42 Section 41103 financial and traffic reporting.
(a)* * *
(2)Reports required by this section shall be submitted to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics using an e-filing portal. The URL of the BTS E-Filing Center is *http://www.efile.rita.dot.gov.* The URL will automatically redirect the user to a secured port (https). PART 298—[AMENDED] 10. The authority of part 298 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 329 and chapters 401, 411, 417. 11. We propose to revise § 298.60(c) and remove paragraphs
(d)and (e): § 298.60 General reporting instructions.
(c)Reports required by this section shall be submitted to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics using an e-filing portal. The URL of the BTS E-Filing Center is *http://www.efile.rita.dot.gov.* The URL will automatically redirect the user to a secured port (https). The URL of BTS E-Filing Center is *http://www.efile.rita.dot.gov.* Issued in Washington, DC, on December 13, 2006. Donald Bright, Assistant Director, Airline Information, Bureau of Transportation Statistics. [FR Doc. E6-21599 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-HY-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 33 CFR Part 402 [Docket No. SLSDC 2006-26584] RIN 2135-AA25 Tariff of Tolls AGENCY: Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Tariff of Tolls in their respective jurisdictions. The Tariff sets forth the level of tolls assessed on all commodities and vessels transiting the facilities operated by the SLSDC and the SLSMC. The SLSDC is revising its regulations to reflect the fees and charges levied by the SLSMC in Canada starting in the 2007 navigation season, which are effective only in Canada. An amendment to increase the minimum charge per lock for those vessels that are not pleasure craft or subject in Canada to tolls under items 1 and 2 of the Tariff for full or partial transit of the Seaway will apply in the U.S. Also, the SLSDC is proposing to change the toll charged per pleasure craft using the U.S. locks from $25 U.S. or $30 Canadian to $30 U.S. or $30 Canadian. Several minor editorial corrections are being made in section 402.3, “Interpretation.” and section 402.6, “Description and weight of cargo.” (See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION .) DATES: Any party wishing to present views on the proposed amendment may file comments with the Corporation on or before January 19, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by DOT DMS Docket Number SLSDC 2006-26584] by any of the following methods: • Web Site: *http://dms.dot.gov.* Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. • Fax: 1-202-493-2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001. • Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to *http://www.regulations.gov.* Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. *Instructions:* All submissions must include the agency name and docket number or Regulatory Identification Number
(RIN)for this rulemaking. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to *http://dms.dot.gov* , including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading under Regulatory Notices. *Docket:* For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time or to Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig H. Middlebrook, Acting Chief Counsel, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590,
(202)366-0091. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Tariff of Tolls (Schedule of Fees and Charges in Canada) in their respective jurisdictions. The Tariff sets forth the level of tolls assessed on all commodities and vessels transiting the facilities operated by the SLSDC and the SLSMC. The SLSDC is proposing to revise 33 CFR 402.8, “Schedule of tolls”, to reflect the fees and charges levied by the SLSMC in Canada beginning in the 2007 navigation season. With one exception, the changes affect the tolls for commercial vessels and are applicable only in Canada. The collection of tolls by the SLSDC on commercial vessels transiting the U.S. locks is waived by law (33 U.S.C. 988a(a)). Accordingly, no notice or comment is necessary on these amendments. The SLSDC is proposing to amend 33 CFR 402.8, “Schedule of tolls”, to increase the minimum charge per vessel per lock for full or partial transit of the Seaway from $20.40 to $25.00. This charge is for vessels that are not pleasure craft or subject in Canada to the tolls under items 1 and 2 of the Tariff. This increase is due to higher operating costs at the locks. The SLSDC is proposing to modify its practice regarding the collection of pleasure craft tolls by allowing pleasure craft operators to pay the toll for transiting the U.S. locks, Eisenhower and Snell, in either $30 U.S. or $30 Canadian. Currently the toll is payable in $25 U.S. or $30 Canadian, however this has resulted in confusion to pleasure craft operators when transiting both Canadian and U.S. locks. With almost eighty
(80)percent of the tolls for pleasure crafts being paid in Canadian dollars and little disparity between the U.S. and Canadian exchange rates, the SLSDC is streamlining the pleasure craft toll collection process by allowing for payment in either $30 U.S. or $30 Canadian. Additionally, the SLSDC is proposing to make several minor editorial changes to 33 CFR 402.3 and 33 CFR 402.5 *Regulatory Notices: Privacy Act:* Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Regulatory Evaluation This proposed regulation involves a foreign affairs function of the United States and therefore Executive Order 12866 does not apply and evaluation under the Department of Transportation's Regulatory Policies and Procedures is not required. Regulatory Flexibility Act Determination I certify this proposed regulation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The St. Lawrence Seaway Tariff of Tolls primarily relate to commercial users of the Seaway, the vast majority of whom are foreign vessel operators. Therefore, any resulting costs will be borne mostly by foreign vessels. Environmental Impact This proposed regulation does not require an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act (49 U.S.C. 4321, *et seq.* ) because it is not a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Federalism The Corporation has analyzed this proposed rule under the principles and criteria in Executive Order 13132, dated August 4, 1999, and has determined that this proposal does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant a federalism assessment. Unfunded Mandates The Corporation has analyzed this proposed rule under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4, 109 Stat. 48) and determined that it does not impose unfunded mandates on State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector requiring a written statement of economic and regulatory alternatives. Paperwork Reduction Act This proposed regulation has been analyzed under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and does not contain new or modified information collection requirements subject to the Office of Management and Budget review. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 402 Vessels, Waterways. Accordingly, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation proposes to amend 33 CFR part 402, Tariff of Tolls, as follows: PART 402—TARIFF OF TOLLS 1. The authority citation for part 402 continues to read as follows: Authority: 33 U.S.C. 983(a), 984(a)(4) and 988, as amended; 49 CFR 1.52. 2. Section 402.3 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(5), (b)(1), and
(f)to read as follows § 402.3 Interpretation.
(a)* * *
(5)Ores and minerals (crude, screened, sized or concentrated, but not otherwise processed) loose or in sacks, including alumina, bauxite, gravel, phosphate rock, sand, stone and sulphur;
(b)* * *
(1)Empty containers or the tare weight of loaded containers;
(f)*General cargo* means goods other than bulk cargo, grain, government aid cargo, steel slabs and coal. 3. Section 402.5 is amended by revising paragraph
(b)to read as follows: § 402.5 Description and weight of cargo.
(b)The cargo tonnage shall be rounded to the nearest 1,000 kilograms (2,204.62 pounds.) 4. Section 402.8 is revised to read as follows: § 402.8 Schedule of tolls. Item Column 1 Description of charges Column 2 Rate ($) Montreal to or from Lake Ontario (5 locks) Column 3 Rate ($) Welland Canal—Lake Ontario to or from Lake Erie (8 locks) 1. Subject to item 3, for complete transit of the Seaway, a composite toll, comprising:
(1)a charge per gross registered ton of the ship, applicable whether the ship is wholly or partially laden, or is in ballast, and the gross registered tonnage being calculated according to prescribed rules for measurement or under the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, as amended from time to time 0.0966 0.1568
(2)a charge per metric ton of cargo as certified on the ship's manifest or other document, as follows: ( *a* ) bulk cargo 1.0012 0.6634 ( *b* ) general cargo 2.4124 1.0616 ( *c* ) steel slab 2.1833 0.7600 ( *d* ) containerized cargo 1.0012 0.6634 ( *e* ) government aid cargo n/a n/a ( *f* ) grain 0.6151 0.6634 ( *g* ) coal 0.5911 0.6634
(3)a charge per passenger per lock 1.4233 1.4233
(4)a charge per lock for transit of the Welland Canal in either direction by cargo ships: ( *a* ) loaded n/a 529.79 ( *b* ) in ballast n/a 391.43 2. Subject to item 3, for partial transit of the Seaway 20 percent perlock of the applicable charge under items 1(1) and
(2)plus the applicable charge under items 1(3) and
(4)13 percent per lock of the applicable charge under items 1(1) and
(2)plus the applicable charge under items 1(3) and (4). 3. Minimum charge per ship per lock transited for full or partial transit of the Seaway 25.00 25.00 4. A rebate applicable to the rates of item 1 to 3 n/a n/a 5. A charge per pleasure craft per lock transited for full or partial transit of the Seaway, including applicable federal taxes 1 25.00 25.00 6. Subject to item 3, in lieu of item 1(4), for vessel carrying new cargo on the Welland Canal or returning ballast after carrying new cargo on the Welland Canal, a charge per gross registered ton of the ship, the gross registered tonnage being calculated according to item 1(1):
(a)loaded n/a 0.1561
(b)in ballast n/a 0.1144 7. Subject to item 3, in lieu of item 1(1), for vessel carrying new cargo on the MLO section or returning ballast after carrying new cargo on the MLO Section, a charge per gross registered ton of the ship, the gross registered tonnage being calculated according to item 1(1) 0.0000 n/a 1 The applicable charge at the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation's locks (Eisenhower, Snell) for pleasure craft is $30 U.S. or $30 Canadian per lock. The applicable charge under item 3 at the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation's locks (Eisenhower, Snell) will be collected in U.S. dollars. The other amounts are in Canadian dollars and are for the Canadian Share of tolls. The collection of the U.S. portion of tolls for commercial vessels is waived by law (33 U.S.C. 988a(a)). Issued at Washington, DC, on December 11, 2006. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Collister Johnson, Jr., Administrator. [FR Doc. E6-21743 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-61-P POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 20 International Product and Pricing Initiatives AGENCY: Postal Service. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: The Postal Service TM is proposing a major redesign of its international products including changes in prices and mail classifications. There are two main features of this redesign. First, we propose to more closely align our international products with their domestic counterparts for ease of use and added value to customers. This will be accomplished by merging eight current options into four alternatives by combining products with overlapping service standards and prices. We propose to rename the international products to mirror comparable domestic product names. Proposed enhancements to our international products would include increasing customer convenience through the use of domestic packaging supplies, offering the popular flat-rate envelope option in Express Mail International and adding the flat-rate box option to Priority Mail International. We would also offer more specific delivery time and tracking information to major destinations. The second main feature of the redesign includes a proposal to increase international product prices an average of 13 percent necessitated by cost increases that occurred during a price freeze from January 2001 through January 2006. The price increase also addresses changes in market dynamics while remaining below the cumulative change in the Consumer Price Index. If adopted, the product redesign and prices that we propose in this notice would become effective when we change our domestic prices (that proposal is currently before the Postal Rate Commission in Docket No. R2006-1). DATES: Submit comments on or before January 19, 2007. ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., RM 3436, Washington, DC 20260-3436. You may also fax written comments to 202-268-4955. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Postal Service Headquarters Library, 11th Floor North, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obataiye B. Akinwole, 202-268-7262; Thomas P. Philson, 202-268-7355; or Janet Mitchell, 202-268-7522. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service is proposing a major redesign of its international products including changes in prices and mail classifications. The proposed changes are the first since January 2001 to include structural changes and a realignment of our services. Currently, customers can send letters and packages using one of eight different mailing options. Our proposal will simplify the international product offering from eight products to four products which closely mirror the domestic products that so many individual and small business customers are familiar with. This will be accomplished by combining existing air services and surface products. In addition to simplifying the product line, we will provide more specific service standards for each of our products. Table 1 outlines our product restructuring and proposed features. Table 1 Current products Proposed products Proposed features Global Express® Guaranteed (documents) Global Express Guaranteed ▪ 1-3 days. Global Express Guaranteed (non-document) ▪ Track and trace. ▪ Money-back delivery guarantee*. ▪ Insurance included. Global Express Mail® Express Mail International. ▪ 3-5 days. ▪ Tracking to major destinations. ▪ Service guarantee to Australia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. ▪ Insurance included. ▪ Flat-rate envelope. Airmail Parcel Post Priority Mail International. ▪ 5-8 days. Economy Parcel Post ▪ Tracking to major destinations. Global Priority Mail® ▪ Insurance available. ▪ Flat-rate envelopes for letters and flat rate boxes for parcels. Airmail Letter Post First-Class Mail International ▪ 4-7 days. Economy Letter Post ▪ Registered service available. *Some restrictions apply—Refer to terms and conditions on the back of mailing label for details. Customers will be able to use the familiar expedited domestic supplies for their expedited international shipping. We are also proposing adding the popular flat-rate envelope as an option in Express Mail International, and maintaining the flat-rate envelope option and adding the flat-rate box option to Priority Mail International using the existing domestic supplies. Customers can continue to use existing international packaging while supplies are available. We propose to increase prices of international products by an average of 13 percent. International prices were essentially frozen from January 2001 to January 2006. This freeze was followed by a 5.9 percent increase on January 7, 2006. Since 2001, our costs have been increasing and alternative carriers have been making yearly increases to their prices. This has resulted in international prices lagging behind both the Consumer Price Index
(CPI)and the prices offered by alternative carriers on comparable products. Even with the proposed changes, our comparable services will still be priced lower than those of other international carriers. Customers who purchase postage using Click-N-Ship, at *http://www.usps.com* , or through an authorized online provider, will receive discounts of 10 percent on Global Express Guaranteed shipments, 8 percent on Express Mail International shipments, and 5 percent on Priority Mail International shipments. As with our domestic price change proposal ( *http://www.usps.com/ratecase* ), the proposal for international mail reflects changes in operations and in the marketplace. Both our domestic and international proposals will enhance efficiency, offer attractive choices, and ensure that all types of mail cover their costs. The following sections describe the realignment of international products. Global Express Guaranteed ® Global Express Guaranteed ®
(GXG)® service is an international expedited delivery service provided through an alliance with FedEx Express. GXG provides reliable, high-speed, date-certain service with money-back delivery guarantee to over 190 countries. We propose to simplify the pricing structure of Global Express Guaranteed by combining the existing document and non-document price structure into one. We are proposing an average price increase of 10.1 percent for GXG. Express Mail International The Postal Service is proposing Global Express Mail be renamed Express Mail International. The renamed Express Mail International would continue to provide reliable, high speed service to over 190 countries with money back delivery guarantee to select destinations. Document reconstruction insurance and merchandise insurance up to $100 are provided at no additional cost. Optional additional merchandise insurance is available for a fee. We are proposing to regroup Express Mail International's destination country rate groups based on geography and market factors. This will consolidate 13 country groups into 10. An additional customer convenience includes offering two flat-rate envelope prices, one for Canada and Mexico, and one for all other countries. We will offer more specific service standards for Express Mail International to help customers decide if this is the right option for them. Average-days-for-delivery information to major destinations will be available via our online postage rate calculator as well as at Post Offices. We are proposing an average price increase of 18.6 percent for Express Mail International. Priority Mail International The Postal Service proposes to combine three overlapping services—air parcel post, Global Priority Mail, and economy parcel post—into a single new service—“Priority Mail International.” Service will be available to over 190 countries. Priority Mail International service will offer the same flat rate packaging as domestic Priority Mail including a flat-rate envelope and two flat-rate box options. Two flat-rate box prices will be offered, one for Canada and Mexico, and one for all other countries. We will offer one flat-rate envelope with two prices, one for Canada and Mexico, and one for all other countries. Letters are not mailable in the flat-rate box but will be allowed in the flat-rate envelope. We propose to regroup countries based on geography and market factors. This will consolidate 14 country groups into the same 10 country groups proposed for Express Mail International. We will provide more specific service standards for Priority Mail International to help customers decide if this is the right option for them. Average-days-for-delivery information to all major destinations will be available via our online postage rate calculator as well as at Post Offices. Additional tracking information and extra services will be available for Priority Mail International. We are proposing an average price increase of 16.7 percent for Priority Mail International. First-Class Mail International The Postal Service proposes to combine three overlapping services—airmail letters, economy letters, and aerogrammes—into a new single service—“First-Class Mail International.” The new service is for letters, postcards, and other items weighing up to 4 pounds. The service standard for First-Class Mail International will be a range of days for delivery and would be priced lower than GXG, Express Mail International, and Priority Mail International. We are proposing an average price increase of 8.6 percent for First-Class Mail International letters and 21.0 percent for postcards. M-bags M-bags, which are direct sacks of printed matter to one addressee. They are priced based on the weight of the bag. We are proposing to combine two overlapping services, Airmail M-bags and Economy M-bags. Under the new service, M-bags will travel by air transportation. We are proposing an average price increase for M-bags of 7.7 percent. International Priority Airmail
(IPA)International Priority Airmail TM (IPA ®) is a bulk air letter service for First-Class Mail International items. Presort, nonpresort, and drop ship discounts are available. Volume discounts are available through the International Customized Mail
(ICM)program for commercial customers who meet minimum program requirements. We are proposing an average price increase of 14.1 percent. International Surface Air Lift The Postal Service is proposing to combine three overlapping services; International Surface Air Lift ® (ISAL ®), Publishers' Periodicals, and Books and Sheet Music. ISAL is a bulk mailing service for First-Class Mail International items. There is a 50-pound minimum per mailing. Presort and drop ship discounts are available. Volume discounts are available through the ICM program for commercial customers who meet minimum program requirements. We are proposing an average price increase of 13.1 percent for International Surface Air Lift. International Surface Air Lift M-bags M-bags (direct sacks of printed matter sent to one addressee) can be sent using ISAL service. We are proposing an average price increase of 2.8 percent for International Surface Air Lift M-bags. Extra Services The structure of international extra services, formerly special services, would remain the same. However, because of a lack of customer demand, we are proposing to eliminate Recorded Delivery, the international equivalent to domestic Certified Mail TM . In fiscal year 2005, revenue was approximately $3,000 on slightly over 1,000 transactions. The alternative for the few customers who currently use Recorded Delivery would be Registered Mail TM . We are proposing to remove other extra services associated with economy mail: Economy Registered and Economy Insured. Fees for international extra services linked to domestic fees are currently under review by the Postal Rate Commission and are outside the scope of this proposal. All other international extra services fees are included in this proposal. Table 2 is a price comparison of current and proposed international extra services. Table 2 Service Current Fee (dollars) Proposed Fee (dollars) Unit Change (dollars) Percent Change (percent) Postal Money Order 3.45 3.85 0.40 11.6 International Reply Coupon 1.85 2.00 0.15 8.1 Business Reply Card 0.84 0.90 0.06 7.1 Business Reply Envelope 1.25 1.40 0.15 12.0 Customs Clearance 4.75 5.35 0.60 12.6 Recorded Delivery 2.40 ( 2 ) ( 2 ) ( 2 ) Priority Mail International Insurance 1 1.95 2.40 0.45 23.1 1 $50 insurance to all other countries. 2 Not applicable. Table 3 provides a list of all available service. Table 3 Extra services linked to domestic fees Extra services not linked to domestic fees Certificate of Mailing Insurance 1 . Express Mail Merchandise Insurance over $100 International Business Reply Mail. Restricted Delivery International Reply Coupons. Return Receipt—Hard copy Customs Clearance and Delivery Fee. Registered Mail Pickup Fee Priority Mail International Insurance 2 1 Insurance fees for Canada are linked to domestic fees. 2 $50 insurance to Canada. Rate Group Assignments The Postal Service proposes to reassign some countries from one rate group to another because of changes in operations and to simplify the rate group structure. We list the country rate group assignments in the table below. Country Listing Country GXG rate group Express mail international rate group Priority mail international rate group First class mail international rate group IPA & ISAL 1 A Afghanistan 6 — 5 5 8 Albania 4 4 4 5 5 Algeria 4 8 8 5 8 Andorra 5 5 5 3 3 Angola 4 7 7 5 8 Anguilla 7 9 9 5 6 Antigua & Barbuda 7 — 9 5 6 Argentina 8 9 9 5 6 Armenia 4 4 4 5 8 Aruba 7 9 9 5 6 Ascension — — — 5 5 Australia 6 3 3 4 9 Austria 5 5 5 3 3 Azerbaijan 4 4 4 5 8 B Bahamas 7 9 9 5 6 Bahrain 6 8 8 5 8 Bangladesh 6 6 6 5 8 Barbados 7 9 9 5 6 Belarus 4 4 4 5 5 Belgium 3 5 5 3 3 Belize 8 9 9 5 6 Benin 4 7 7 5 8 Bermuda 7 9 9 5 6 Bhutan 6 6 6 5 8 Bolivia 8 9 9 5 6 Bosnia-Herzegovina 4 4 4 5 5 Botswana 4 7 7 5 8 Brazil 8 9 9 5 6 British Virgin Islands 7 — 9 5 6 Brunei Darussalam 4 6 6 5 7 Bulgaria 4 4 4 5 5 Burkina Faso 4 7 7 5 8 Burma (Myanmar) — 6 6 5 8 Burundi 4 7 7 5 8 C Cambodia 8 6 6 5 7 Cameroon 4 7 7 5 8 Canada 1 1 1 1 1 Cape Verde 4 7 7 5 8 Cayman Islands 7 9 9 5 6 Central African Republic 4 7 7 5 8 Chad 4 7 7 5 8 Chile 8 9 9 5 6 China 6 3 3 5 7 Colombia 8 9 9 5 6 Comoros — — 7 5 8 Congo, Democratic 4 7 7 5 8 Republic of the Congo, Republic of the 4 7 7 5 8 Costa Rica 8 9 9 5 6 Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) 4 7 7 5 8 Croatia 4 4 4 5 5 Cuba — — — 5 6 Cyprus 6 4 4 5 8 Czech Republic 4 4 4 5 5 D Denmark 5 5 5 3 3 Djibouti 4 7 7 5 8 Dominica 7 9 9 5 6 Dominican Republic 7 9 9 5 6 E Ecuador 8 9 9 5 6 Egypt 6 8 8 5 8 El Salvador 8 9 9 5 6 Equatorial Guinea 4 7 7 5 8 Eritrea 4 7 7 5 8 Estonia 4 4 4 5 5 Ethiopia 4 8 8 5 8 F Falkland Islands — — — 5 6 Faroe Islands 5 5 5 3 5 Fiji 8 6 6 5 7 Finland 5 5 5 3 3 France 3 5 5 3 3 French Guiana 8 9 9 5 6 French Polynesia 4 6 6 5 7 G Gabon 4 7 7 5 8 Gambia 4 — 7 5 8 Georgia, Republic of 4 4 4 5 8 Germany 3 5 5 3 3 Ghana 4 7 7 5 8 Gibraltar 4 — 5 3 3 Great Britain & Northern Ireland 3 5 5 3 3 Greece 5 5 5 3 3 Greenland 5 — 4 3 3 Grenada 7 9 9 5 6 Guadeloupe 7 9 9 5 6 Guatemala 8 9 9 5 6 Guinea 4 7 7 5 8 Guinea-Bissau 4 7 7 5 8 Guyana 8 9 9 5 6 H Haiti 7 9 9 5 6 Honduras 8 9 9 5 6 Hong Kong 3 3 3 5 7 Hungary 4 4 4 5 5 I Iceland 5 5 5 3 3 India 6 6 6 5 8 Indonesia 6 6 6 5 7 Iran — — 8 5 8 Iraq 6 8 8 5 8 Ireland
(Eire)3 5 5 3 3 Israel 6 8 8 3 3 Italy 3 5 5 3 3 J Jamaica 7 9 9 5 6 Japan 3 3 3 4 4 Jordan 6 8 8 5 8 K Kazakhstan 4 6 6 5 8 Kenya 4 7 7 5 8 Kiribati — — 6 5 7 Korea, Democratic People's Republic of (North) — — — 5 7 Korea, Republic of (South) 6 3 3 5 7 Kuwait 6 8 8 5 8 Kyrgyzstan 4 6 6 5 5 L Laos 8 6 6 5 7 Latvia 4 4 4 5 5 Lebanon 6 — 8 5 8 Lesotho 4 7 7 5 8 Liberia 4 7 7 5 8 Libya — — 8 5 8 Liechtenstein 5 5 5 3 3 Lithuania 4 4 4 5 5 Luxembourg 3 5 5 3 3 M Macao 3 6 6 5 5 Macedonia, Republic of 4 4 4 5 5 Madagascar 4 7 7 5 8 Malawi 4 7 7 5 8 Malaysia 6 6 6 5 7 Maldives 6 6 6 5 8 Mali 4 7 7 5 8 Malta 5 5 5 5 8 Marshall Islands 4 10 10 6 3 Martinique 7 9 9 5 6 Mauritania 4 7 7 5 8 Mauritius 4 7 7 5 8 Mexico 2 2 2 2 2 Micronesia, Federated States of 4 10 10 6 3 Moldova 4 4 4 5 8 Mongolia 4 6 6 5 7 Montserrat 7 — 9 5 6 Morocco 4 8 8 5 8 Mozambique 4 7 7 5 8 N Namibia 4 7 7 5 8 Nauru — 6 6 5 7 Nepal 6 6 6 5 7 Netherlands 3 5 5 3 3 Netherlands Antilles 7 9 9 5 6 New Caledonia 8 6 6 5 7 New Zealand 6 6 6 4 4 Nicaragua 8 9 9 5 6 Niger 4 7 7 5 8 Nigeria 4 7 7 5 8 Norway 5 5 5 3 3 O Oman 6 8 8 5 8 P Pakistan 6 6 6 5 8 Panama 8 9 9 5 6 Papua New Guinea 8 6 6 5 7 Paraguay 8 9 9 5 6 Peru 8 9 9 5 6 Philippines 6 6 6 5 7 Pitcairn Island — — 6 5 7 Poland 4 4 4 5 5 Portugal 5 5 5 3 3 Q Qatar 6 8 8 5 8 R Reunion 4 — 9 5 8 Romania 4 4 4 5 5 Russia 4 4 4 5 5 Rwanda 4 7 7 5 8 S St. Christopher (St. Kitts) & Nevis 7 9 9 5 6 Saint Helena — — 7 5 8 Saint Lucia 7 9 9 5 6 Saint Pierre & Miquelon — — 4 5 6 Saint Vincent & Grenadines 7 9 9 5 6 San Marino 3 5 5 3 3 Sao Tome & Principe — — 7 5 5 Saudi Arabia 4 8 8 5 8 Senegal 4 7 7 5 8 Serbia-Montenegro (Yugoslavia) 4 5 5 5 5 Seychelles 4 7 7 5 8 Sierra Leone 4 7 7 5 8 Singapore 3 6 6 5 7 Slovak Republic (Slovakia) 4 5 5 5 5 Slovenia 4 5 5 5 5 Solomon Islands — 6 6 5 7 Somalia — — — — 8 South Africa 4 7 7 5 8 Spain 5 5 5 3 3 Sri Lanka 6 6 6 5 8 Sudan — 7 7 5 8 Suriname 8 — 9 5 6 Swaziland 4 7 7 5 8 Sweden 5 5 5 3 3 Switzerland 5 5 5 3 3 Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) 6 8 8 5 8 T Taiwan 3 6 6 5 7 Tajikistan — 6 6 5 8 Tanzania 4 7 7 5 8 Thailand 6 6 6 5 7 Togo 4 7 7 5 8 Tonga 4 — 6 5 7 Trinidad & Tobago 7 9 9 5 6 Tristan da Cunha — — 7 5 8 Tunisia 4 8 8 5 8 Turkey 6 4 4 5 5 Turkmenistan 4 6 6 5 5 Turks & Caicos Islands 7 — 9 5 6 Tuvalu — — 6 5 7 U Uganda 4 7 7 5 8 Ukraine 4 4 4 5 8 United Arab Emirates 6 8 8 5 8 Uruguay 8 9 9 5 6 Uzbekistan 4 6 6 5 8 V Vanuatu 8 6 6 5 7 Vatican City 3 5 5 3 3 Venezuela 8 9 9 5 6 Vietnam 6 6 6 5 7 W Wallis & Futuna Islands 4 — 6 5 7 Western Samoa 4 6 6 5 7 Y Yemen 6 8 8 5 8 Z Zambia 4 7 7 5 8 Zimbabwe 4 7 7 5 8 Effective Date If adopted, the rates, fees, and conditions for mailing that are proposed in this notice will be effective when we change domestic postage pricing in spring 2007. The Postal Service Board of Governors will set the effective date after the domestic mail proceedings currently before the Postal Rate Commission in Docket No. R2006-1 are concluded. Although the Postal service is exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)] regarding proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), your comments are invited on the following proposed revisions to the *International Mail Manual (IMM)* , incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 20.1. List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20 Foreign Relations, International postal services. PART 20—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 20 continues to read as follows: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 401, 404, 407, 408. 2. Amend the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual
(IMM)to incorporate the following rates and fees: International Rates And Fees Global Express Guaranteed Weight Not Over (Pounds) Rate Group 1 Rate Group 2 Rate Group 3 Rate Group 4 Rate Group 5 Rate Group 6 Rate Group 7 Rate Group 8 0.5 $28.50 $28.75 $37.00 $38.00 $75.00 $52.00 $37.00 $38.00 1 $41.00 $42.50 $49.00 $58.00 $93.00 $65.00 $47.00 $55.00 2 $44.50 $47.50 $56.00 $65.75 $107.75 $80.90 $54.20 $63.45 3 $48.00 $52.50 $63.00 $73.50 $122.50 $96.80 $61.40 $71.90 4 $51.50 $57.50 $70.00 $81.25 $137.25 $112.70 $68.60 $80.35 5 $55.00 $62.50 $77.00 $89.00 $152.00 $128.60 $75.80 $88.80 6 $58.50 $67.50 $84.00 $96.75 $166.75 $144.50 $83.00 $97.25 7 $62.00 $72.50 $91.00 $104.50 $181.50 $160.40 $90.20 $105.70 8 $65.50 $77.50 $98.00 $112.25 $196.25 $176.30 $97.40 $114.15 9 $69.00 $82.50 $105.00 $120.00 $211.00 $192.20 $104.60 $122.60 10 $72.50 $87.50 $112.00 $127.75 $225.75 $208.10 $111.80 $131.05 11 $75.35 $90.65 $116.30 $132.65 $237.00 $218.10 $116.05 $137.45 12 $78.20 $93.80 $120.60 $137.55 $248.25 $228.10 $120.30 $143.85 13 $81.05 $96.95 $124.90 $142.45 $259.50 $238.10 $124.55 $150.25 14 $83.90 $100.10 $129.20 $147.35 $270.75 $248.10 $128.80 $156.65 15 $86.75 $103.25 $133.50 $152.25 $282.00 $258.10 $133.05 $163.05 16 $89.60 $106.40 $137.80 $157.15 $293.25 $268.10 $137.30 $169.45 17 $92.45 $109.55 $142.10 $162.05 $304.50 $278.10 $141.55 $175.85 18 $95.30 $112.70 $146.40 $166.95 $315.75 $288.10 $145.80 $182.25 19 $98.15 $115.85 $150.70 $171.85 $327.00 $298.10 $150.05 $188.65 20 $101.00 $119.00 $155.00 $176.75 $338.25 $308.10 $154.30 $195.05 21 $103.85 $122.15 $159.30 $181.65 $349.50 $318.10 $158.55 $201.45 22 $106.70 $125.30 $163.60 $186.55 $360.75 $328.10 $162.80 $207.85 23 $109.55 $128.45 $167.90 $191.45 $372.00 $338.10 $167.05 $214.25 24 $112.40 $131.60 $172.20 $196.35 $383.25 $348.10 $171.30 $220.65 25 $115.25 $134.75 $176.50 $201.25 $394.50 $358.10 $175.55 $227.05 26 $118.10 $137.90 $180.80 $206.15 $405.75 $368.10 $179.80 $233.45 27 $120.95 $141.05 $185.10 $211.05 $417.00 $378.10 $184.05 $239.85 28 $123.80 $144.20 $189.40 $215.95 $428.25 $388.10 $188.30 $246.25 29 $126.65 $147.35 $193.70 $220.85 $439.50 $398.10 $192.55 $252.65 30 $129.50 $150.50 $198.00 $225.75 $450.75 $408.10 $196.80 $259.05 31 $132.35 $153.65 $202.30 $230.65 $462.00 $418.10 $201.05 $265.45 32 $135.20 $156.80 $206.60 $235.55 $473.25 $428.10 $205.30 $271.85 33 $138.05 $159.95 $210.90 $240.45 $484.50 $438.10 $209.55 $278.25 34 $140.90 $163.10 $215.20 $245.35 $495.75 $448.10 $213.80 $284.65 35 $143.75 $166.25 $219.50 $250.25 $507.00 $458.10 $218.05 $291.05 36 $146.60 $169.40 $223.80 $255.15 $518.25 $468.10 $222.30 $297.45 37 $149.45 $172.55 $228.10 $260.05 $529.50 $478.10 $226.55 $303.85 38 $152.30 $175.70 $232.40 $264.95 $540.75 $488.10 $230.80 $310.25 39 $155.15 $178.85 $236.70 $269.85 $552.00 $498.10 $235.05 $316.65 40 $158.00 $182.00 $241.00 $274.75 $563.25 $508.10 $239.30 $323.05 41 $160.10 $184.10 $245.30 $279.55 $571.50 $516.60 $243.45 $329.20 42 $162.20 $186.20 $249.60 $284.35 $579.75 $525.10 $247.60 $335.35 43 $164.30 $188.30 $253.90 $289.15 $588.00 $533.60 $251.75 $341.50 44 $166.40 $190.40 $258.20 $293.95 $596.25 $542.10 $255.90 $347.65 45 $168.50 $192.50 $262.50 $298.75 $604.50 $550.60 $260.05 $353.80 46 $170.60 $194.60 $266.80 $303.55 $612.75 $559.10 $264.20 $359.95 47 $172.70 $196.70 $271.10 $308.35 $621.00 $567.60 $268.35 $366.10 48 $174.80 $198.80 $275.40 $313.15 $629.25 $576.10 $272.50 $372.25 49 $176.90 $200.90 $279.70 $317.95 $637.50 $584.60 $276.65 $378.40 50 $179.00 $203.00 $284.00 $322.75 $645.75 $593.10 $280.80 $384.55 51 $181.10 $205.10 $288.30 $327.55 $654.00 $601.60 $284.95 $390.70 52 $183.20 $207.20 $292.60 $332.35 $662.25 $610.10 $289.10 $396.85 53 $185.30 $209.30 $296.90 $337.15 $670.50 $618.60 $293.25 $403.00 54 $187.40 $211.40 $301.20 $341.95 $678.75 $627.10 $297.40 $409.15 55 $189.50 $213.50 $305.50 $346.75 $687.00 $635.60 $301.55 $415.30 56 $191.60 $215.60 $309.80 $351.55 $695.25 $644.10 $305.70 $421.45 57 $193.70 $217.70 $314.10 $356.35 $703.50 $652.60 $309.85 $427.60 58 $195.80 $219.80 $318.40 $361.15 $711.75 $661.10 $314.00 $433.75 59 $197.90 $221.90 $322.70 $365.95 $720.00 $669.60 $318.15 $439.90 60 $200.00 $224.00 $327.00 $370.75 $728.25 $678.10 $322.30 $446.05 61 $202.10 $226.10 $331.30 $375.55 $736.50 $686.60 $326.45 $452.20 62 $204.20 $228.20 $335.60 $380.35 $744.75 $695.10 $330.60 $458.35 63 $206.30 $230.30 $339.90 $385.15 $753.00 $703.60 $334.75 $464.50 64 $208.40 $232.40 $344.20 $389.95 $761.25 $712.10 $338.90 $470.65 65 $210.50 $234.50 $348.50 $394.75 $769.50 $720.60 $343.05 $476.80 66 $212.60 $236.60 $352.80 $399.55 $777.75 $729.10 $347.20 $482.95 67 $214.70 $238.70 $357.10 $404.35 $786.00 $737.60 $351.35 $489.10 68 $216.80 $240.80 $361.40 $409.15 $794.25 $746.10 $355.50 $495.25 69 $218.90 $242.90 $365.70 $413.95 $802.50 $754.60 $359.65 $501.40 70 $221.00 $245.00 $370.00 $418.75 $810.75 $763.10 $363.80 $507.55 Express Mail International Weight Not Over (Pounds) Rate Group 1 Rate Group 2 Rate Group 3 Rate Group 4 Rate Group 5 Rate Group 6 Rate Group 7 Rate Group 8 Rate Group 9 Rate Group 10 0.5 $22.00 $22.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $19.75 1 $23.25 $25.50 $28.00 $27.50 $30.50 $27.00 $32.00 $32.00 $30.00 $22.50 2 $25.00 $30.00 $32.00 $30.50 $34.75 $31.00 $37.00 $36.85 $34.75 $25.25 3 $26.75 $34.50 $36.00 $33.50 $39.00 $35.00 $42.00 $41.70 $39.50 $28.75 4 $28.50 $39.00 $40.00 $36.50 $43.25 $39.00 $47.00 $46.55 $44.25 $32.25 5 $30.25 $43.50 $44.00 $39.50 $47.50 $43.00 $52.00 $51.40 $49.00 $35.50 6 $32.00 $46.10 $47.85 $43.00 $51.25 $47.00 $57.00 $56.40 $53.75 $39.00 7 $33.75 $48.70 $51.70 $46.50 $55.00 $51.00 $62.00 $61.40 $58.50 $42.50 8 $35.50 $51.30 $55.55 $50.00 $58.75 $55.00 $67.00 $66.40 $63.25 $46.00 9 $37.25 $53.90 $59.40 $53.50 $62.50 $59.00 $72.00 $71.40 $68.00 $49.50 10 $39.00 $56.50 $63.25 $57.00 $66.25 $63.00 $77.00 $76.40 $72.75 $52.25 11 $41.50 $59.10 $67.10 $61.10 $70.00 $68.25 $82.35 $81.40 $78.00 $55.75 12 $44.00 $61.70 $70.95 $65.20 $73.75 $73.50 $87.70 $86.40 $83.25 $59.25 13 $46.50 $64.30 $74.80 $69.30 $77.50 $78.75 $93.05 $91.40 $88.50 $62.50 14 $49.00 $66.90 $78.65 $73.40 $81.25 $84.00 $98.40 $96.40 $93.75 $66.00 15 $51.50 $69.50 $82.50 $77.50 $85.00 $89.25 $103.75 $101.40 $99.00 $69.25 16 $54.00 $72.10 $86.35 $81.60 $88.75 $94.50 $109.10 $106.40 $104.25 $72.75 17 $56.50 $74.70 $90.20 $85.70 $92.50 $99.75 $114.45 $111.40 $109.50 $76.00 18 $59.00 $77.30 $94.05 $89.80 $96.25 $105.00 $119.80 $116.40 $114.75 $79.50 19 $61.50 $79.90 $97.90 $93.90 $100.00 $110.25 $125.15 $121.40 $120.00 $82.75 20 $64.00 $82.50 $101.75 $98.00 $103.75 $115.50 $130.50 $126.40 $125.25 $86.25 21 $66.50 $85.10 $105.60 $102.10 $107.50 $120.75 $135.85 $131.40 $130.50 $89.75 22 $69.00 $87.70 $109.45 $106.20 $111.25 $126.00 $141.20 $136.40 $135.75 $93.00 23 $71.50 $90.30 $113.30 $110.30 $115.00 $131.25 $146.55 $141.40 $141.00 $96.50 24 $74.00 $92.90 $117.15 $114.40 $118.75 $136.50 $151.90 $146.40 $146.25 $99.75 25 $76.50 $95.50 $121.00 $118.50 $122.50 $141.75 $157.25 $151.40 $151.50 $103.25 26 $79.00 $98.10 $124.85 $122.60 $126.25 $147.00 $162.60 $156.40 $156.75 $106.50 27 $81.50 $100.70 $128.70 $126.70 $130.00 $152.25 $167.95 $161.40 $162.00 $110.00 28 $84.00 $103.30 $132.55 $130.80 $133.75 $157.50 $173.30 $166.40 $167.25 $113.25 29 $86.50 $105.90 $136.40 $134.90 $137.50 $162.75 $178.65 $171.40 $172.50 $116.75 30 $89.00 $108.50 $140.25 $139.00 $141.25 $168.00 $184.00 $176.40 $177.75 $120.25 31 $91.50 $111.10 $144.10 $143.10 $145.00 $173.25 $189.35 $181.40 $183.00 $123.50 32 $94.00 $113.70 $147.95 $147.20 $148.75 $178.50 $194.70 $186.40 $188.25 $127.00 33 $96.50 $116.30 $151.80 $151.30 $152.50 $183.75 $200.05 $191.40 $193.50 $130.25 34 $99.00 $118.90 $155.65 $155.40 $156.25 $189.00 $205.40 $196.40 $198.75 $133.75 35 $101.50 $121.50 $159.50 $159.50 $160.00 $194.25 $210.75 $201.40 $204.00 $137.00 36 $104.00 $124.10 $163.35 $163.60 $163.75 $199.50 $216.10 $206.40 $209.25 $140.50 37 $106.50 $126.70 $167.20 $167.70 $167.50 $204.75 $221.45 $211.40 $214.50 $144.00 38 $109.00 $129.30 $171.05 $171.80 $171.25 $210.00 $226.80 $216.40 $219.75 $147.25 39 $111.50 $131.90 $174.90 $175.90 $175.00 $215.25 $232.15 $221.40 $225.00 $150.75 40 $114.00 $134.50 $178.75 $180.00 $178.75 $220.50 $237.50 $226.40 $230.25 $154.00 41 $116.50 $137.10 $182.60 $184.10 $182.50 $225.75 $242.85 $231.40 $235.50 $157.50 42 $119.00 $139.70 $186.45 $188.20 $186.25 $231.00 $248.20 $236.40 $240.75 $160.75 43 $121.50 $142.30 $190.30 $192.30 $190.00 $236.25 $253.55 $241.40 $246.00 $164.25 44 $124.00 $144.90 $194.15 $196.40 $193.75 $241.50 $258.90 $246.40 $251.25 $167.50 45 $126.50 $147.50 $198.00 $200.50 $197.50 $246.75 $264.25 $251.40 $256.50 $171.00 46 $129.00 $150.10 $201.85 $204.60 $201.25 $252.00 $269.60 $256.40 $261.75 $174.50 47 $131.50 $152.70 $205.70 $208.70 $205.00 $257.25 $274.95 $261.40 $267.00 $177.75 48 $134.00 $155.30 $209.55 $212.80 $208.75 $262.50 $280.30 $266.40 $272.25 $181.25 49 $136.50 $157.90 $213.40 $216.90 $212.50 $267.75 $285.65 $271.40 $277.50 $184.50 50 $139.00 $160.50 $217.25 $221.00 $216.25 $273.00 $291.00 $276.40 $282.75 $188.00 51 $141.50 $163.10 $221.10 $225.10 $220.00 $278.25 $296.35 $281.40 $288.00 $191.25 52 $144.00 $165.70 $224.95 $229.20 $223.75 $283.50 $301.70 $286.40 $293.25 $194.75 53 $146.50 $168.30 $228.80 $233.30 $227.50 $288.75 $307.05 $291.40 $298.50 $198.00 54 $149.00 $170.90 $232.65 $237.40 $231.25 $294.00 $312.40 $296.40 $303.75 $201.50 55 $151.50 $173.50 $236.50 $241.50 $235.00 $299.25 $317.75 $301.40 $309.00 $205.00 56 $154.00 $176.10 $240.35 $245.60 $238.75 $304.50 $323.10 $306.40 $314.25 $208.25 57 $156.50 $178.70 $244.20 $249.70 $242.50 $309.75 $328.45 $311.40 $319.50 $211.75 58 $159.00 $181.30 $248.05 $253.80 $246.25 $315.00 $333.80 $316.40 $324.75 $215.00 59 $161.50 $183.90 $251.90 $257.90 $250.00 $320.25 $339.15 $321.40 $330.00 $218.50 60 $164.00 $186.50 $255.75 $262.00 $253.75 $325.50 $344.50 $326.40 $335.25 $221.75 61 $166.50 $189.10 $259.60 $266.10 $257.50 $330.75 $349.85 $331.40 $340.50 $225.25 62 $169.00 $191.70 $263.45 $270.20 $261.25 $336.00 $355.20 $336.40 $345.75 $228.75 63 $171.50 $194.30 $267.30 $274.30 $265.00 $341.25 $360.55 $341.40 $351.00 $232.00 64 $174.00 $196.90 $271.15 $278.40 $268.75 $346.50 $365.90 $346.40 $356.25 $235.50 65 $176.50 $199.50 $275.00 $282.50 $272.50 $351.75 $371.25 $351.40 $361.50 $238.75 66 $179.00 $202.10 $278.85 $286.60 $276.25 $357.00 $376.60 $356.40 $366.75 $242.25 67 — — — $290.70 — $362.25 $381.95 $361.40 $372.00 $245.50 68 — — — $294.80 — $367.50 $387.30 $366.40 $377.25 $249.00 69 — — — $298.90 — $372.75 $392.65 $371.40 $382.50 $252.25 70 — — — $303.00 — $378.00 $398.00 $376.40 $387.75 $255.75 Express Mail International—Flat-Rate Envelope Destination country Envelope Canada & Mexico $22.00 All other countries $25.00 Priority Mail International Weight not over (pounds) Rate group 1 Rate group 2 Rate group 3 Rate group 4 Rate group 5 Rate group 6 Rate group 7 Rate group 8 Rate group 9 Rate group 10 1 $16.00 $16.50 $21.00 $18.50 $20.00 $18.50 $21.00 $20.00 $18.00 $10.20 2 $17.30 $19.75 $25.25 $21.75 $24.00 $22.70 $25.50 $24.00 $21.60 $12.10 3 $18.60 $23.00 $29.50 $25.00 $28.00 $26.90 $30.00 $28.00 $25.20 $14.30 4 $19.90 $26.25 $33.75 $28.25 $32.00 $31.10 $34.50 $32.00 $28.80 $16.60 5 $21.20 $29.50 $38.00 $31.50 $36.00 $35.30 $39.00 $36.00 $32.40 $18.70 6 $22.50 $31.80 $41.60 $34.65 $39.30 $39.90 $43.50 $40.35 $35.90 $20.90 7 $23.80 $34.10 $45.20 $37.80 $42.60 $44.50 $48.00 $44.70 $39.40 $23.10 8 $25.10 $36.40 $48.80 $40.95 $45.90 $49.10 $52.50 $49.05 $42.90 $25.40 9 $26.40 $38.70 $52.40 $44.10 $49.20 $53.70 $57.00 $53.40 $46.40 $27.70 10 $27.70 $41.00 $56.00 $47.25 $52.50 $58.30 $61.50 $57.75 $49.90 $29.90 11 $29.10 $43.30 $59.60 $50.85 $55.80 $62.90 $65.85 $62.10 $53.40 $32.20 12 $30.50 $45.60 $63.20 $54.45 $59.10 $67.50 $70.20 $66.45 $56.90 $34.40 13 $31.90 $47.90 $66.80 $58.05 $62.40 $72.10 $74.55 $70.80 $60.40 $36.60 14 $33.30 $50.20 $70.40 $61.65 $65.70 $76.70 $78.90 $75.15 $63.90 $38.70 15 $34.70 $52.50 $74.00 $65.25 $69.00 $81.30 $83.25 $79.50 $67.40 $40.90 16 $36.10 $54.80 $77.60 $68.85 $72.30 $85.90 $87.60 $83.85 $70.90 $42.90 17 $37.50 $57.10 $81.20 $72.45 $75.60 $90.50 $91.95 $88.20 $74.40 $44.85 18 $38.90 $59.40 $84.80 $76.05 $78.90 $95.10 $96.30 $92.55 $77.90 $46.85 19 $40.30 $61.70 $88.40 $79.65 $82.20 $99.70 $100.65 $96.90 $81.40 $48.85 20 $41.70 $64.00 $92.00 $83.25 $85.50 $104.30 $105.00 $101.25 $84.90 $50.80 21 $43.10 $66.30 $95.60 $86.85 $88.80 $108.90 $109.35 $105.60 $88.40 $52.80 22 $44.50 $68.60 $99.20 $90.45 $92.10 $113.50 $113.70 $109.95 $91.90 $54.80 23 $45.90 $70.90 $102.80 $94.05 $95.40 $118.10 $118.05 $114.30 $95.40 $56.75 24 $47.30 $73.20 $106.40 $97.65 $98.70 $122.70 $122.40 $118.65 $98.90 $58.75 25 $48.70 $75.50 $110.00 $101.25 $102.00 $127.30 $126.75 $123.00 $102.40 $60.70 26 $50.10 $77.80 $113.60 $104.85 $105.30 $131.90 $131.10 $127.35 $105.90 $62.65 27 $51.50 $80.10 $117.20 $108.45 $108.60 $136.50 $135.45 $131.70 $109.40 $64.65 28 $52.90 $82.40 $120.80 $112.05 $111.90 $141.10 $139.80 $136.05 $112.90 $66.60 29 $54.30 $84.70 $124.40 $115.65 $115.20 $145.70 $144.15 $140.40 $116.40 $68.55 30 $55.70 $87.00 $128.00 $119.25 $118.50 $150.30 $148.50 $144.75 $119.90 $70.55 31 $57.10 $89.30 $131.60 $122.85 $121.80 $154.90 $152.85 $149.10 $123.40 $72.50 32 $58.50 $91.60 $135.20 $126.45 $125.10 $159.50 $157.20 $153.45 $126.90 $74.45 33 $59.90 $93.90 $138.80 $130.05 $128.40 $164.10 $161.55 $157.80 $130.40 $76.40 34 $61.30 $96.20 $142.40 $133.65 $131.70 $168.70 $165.90 $162.15 $133.90 $78.35 35 $62.70 $98.50 $146.00 $137.25 $135.00 $173.30 $170.25 $166.50 $137.40 $80.30 36 $64.10 $100.80 $149.60 $140.85 $138.30 $177.90 $174.60 $170.85 $140.90 $82.40 37 $65.50 $103.10 $153.20 $144.45 $141.60 $182.50 $178.95 $175.20 $144.40 $84.50 38 $66.90 $105.40 $156.80 $148.05 $144.90 $187.10 $183.30 $179.55 $147.90 $86.65 39 $68.30 $107.70 $160.40 $151.65 $148.20 $191.70 $187.65 $183.90 $151.40 $88.70 40 $69.70 $110.00 $164.00 $155.25 $151.50 $196.30 $192.00 $188.25 $154.90 $90.80 41 $71.10 $112.30 $167.60 $158.85 $154.80 $200.90 $196.35 $192.60 $158.40 $92.85 42 $72.50 $114.60 $171.20 $162.45 $158.10 $205.50 $200.70 $196.95 $161.90 $94.95 43 $73.90 $116.90 $174.80 $166.05 $161.40 $210.10 $205.05 $201.30 $165.40 $97.05 44 $75.30 $119.20 $178.40 $169.65 $164.70 $214.70 $209.40 $205.65 $168.90 $99.10 45 $76.70 — $182.00 $173.25 $168.00 $219.30 $213.75 $210.00 $172.40 $101.20 46 $78.10 — $185.60 $176.85 $171.30 $223.90 $218.10 $214.35 $175.90 $103.25 47 $79.50 — $189.20 $180.45 $174.60 $228.50 $222.45 $218.70 $179.40 $105.35 48 $80.90 — $192.80 $184.05 $177.90 $233.10 $226.80 $223.05 $182.90 $107.45 49 $82.30 — $196.40 $187.65 $181.20 $237.70 $231.15 $227.40 $186.40 $109.50 50 $83.70 — $200.00 $191.25 $184.50 $242.30 $235.50 $231.75 $189.90 $111.55 51 $85.10 — $203.60 $194.85 $187.80 $246.90 $239.85 $236.10 $193.40 $113.65 52 $86.50 — $207.20 $198.45 $191.10 $251.50 $244.20 $240.45 $196.90 $115.70 53 $87.90 — $210.80 $202.05 $194.40 $256.10 $248.55 $244.80 $200.40 $117.85 54 $89.30 — $214.40 $205.65 $197.70 $260.70 $252.90 $249.15 $203.90 $119.90 55 $90.70 — $218.00 $209.25 $201.00 $265.30 $257.25 $253.50 $207.40 $122.00 56 $92.10 — $221.60 $212.85 $204.30 $269.90 $261.60 $257.85 $210.90 $124.05 57 $93.50 — $225.20 $216.45 $207.60 $274.50 $265.95 $262.20 $214.40 $126.15 58 $94.90 — $228.80 $220.05 $210.90 $279.10 $270.30 $266.55 $217.90 $128.20 59 $96.30 — $232.40 $223.65 $214.20 $283.70 $274.65 $270.90 $221.40 $130.30 60 $97.70 — $236.00 $227.25 $217.50 $288.30 $279.00 $275.25 $224.90 $132.35 61 $99.10 — $239.60 $230.85 $220.80 $292.90 $283.35 $279.60 $228.40 $134.45 62 $100.50 — $243.20 $234.45 $224.10 $297.50 $287.70 $283.95 $231.90 $136.50 63 $101.90 — $246.80 $238.05 $227.40 $302.10 $292.05 $288.30 $235.40 $138.65 64 $103.30 — $250.40 $241.65 $230.70 $306.70 $296.40 $292.65 $238.90 $140.70 65 $104.70 — $254.00 $245.25 $234.00 $311.30 $300.75 $297.00 $242.40 $142.80 66 $106.10 — $257.60 $248.85 $237.30 $315.90 $305.10 $301.35 $245.90 $144.85 67 — — — $252.45 $240.60 $320.50 $309.45 $305.70 $249.40 $146.95 68 — — — $256.05 $243.90 $325.10 $313.80 $310.05 $252.90 $149.00 69 — — — $259.65 $247.20 $329.70 $318.15 $314.40 $256.40 $151.10 70 — — — $263.25 $250.50 $334.30 $322.50 $318.75 $259.90 $153.20 Priority Mail International—Flat-rate Envelope 1 Destination country Envelope Canada & Mexico $9.00 All other countries $11.00 1 First-Class Mail International only. Priority Mail International—Flat-rate Box Destination country Box Canada & Mexico $23.00 All other countries $37.00 Online Discounts Service Global Express Guaranteed Express Mail International Priority Mail International Discount 10% 8% 5% First-Class Mail International Weight Not Over (oz.) RATE GROUPS 1 2 3 4 5 6 1.0 $0.69 $0.69 $0.90 $0.90 $0.90 $0.61 2.0 $1.00 $1.12 $1.80 $1.80 $1.80 $1.09 3.0 $1.31 $1.55 $2.70 $2.70 $2.70 $1.57 4.0 $1.62 $1.98 $3.60 $3.60 $3.60 $2.05 5.0 $1.93 $2.41 $4.50 $4.50 $4.50 $2.53 6.0 $2.24 $2.84 $5.40 $5.40 $5.40 $3.01 7.0 $2.55 $3.27 $6.30 $6.30 $6.30 $3.49 8.0 $2.86 $3.70 $7.20 $7.20 $7.20 $3.97 12.0 $3.76 $5.10 $8.80 $8.65 $8.65 $5.15 16.0 $4.66 $6.50 $10.40 $10.10 $10.10 $6.21 20.0 $5.56 $7.90 $12.00 $11.55 $11.55 $7.27 24.0 $6.46 $9.30 $13.60 $13.00 $13.00 $8.33 28.0 $7.36 $10.70 $15.20 $14.45 $14.45 $9.39 32.0 $8.26 $12.10 $16.80 $15.90 $15.90 $10.45 36.0 $9.16 $13.50 $18.40 $17.35 $17.35 $11.51 40.0 $10.06 $14.90 $20.00 $18.80 $18.80 $12.57 44.0 $10.96 $16.30 $21.60 $20.25 $20.25 $13.63 48.0 $11.86 $17.70 $23.20 $21.70 $21.70 $14.69 52.0 $12.76 $19.10 $24.80 $23.15 $23.15 $15.75 56.0 $13.66 $20.50 $26.40 $24.60 $24.60 $16.81 60.0 $14.56 $21.90 $28.00 $26.05 $26.05 $17.87 64.0 $15.46 $23.30 $29.60 $27.50 $27.50 $18.93 Postal Cards and Postcards Destination Country Postage Rate Canada and Mexico $0.69 Marshall Islands and Micronesia $0.52 All Other Countries $0.90 IPA and IPA M-bags RATE GROUPS Per Piece Full Service Per Lb. Regular M-Bag 1 ISC Drop Shipment Per Lb. Regular M-Bag 1 M-Bag 5-10 Lb. Per Lb. Rate RG 1 (Canada) $0.33 $4.55 $2.10 $3.55 $2.00 $0.45 RG 2 (Mexico) $0.15 $6.10 $2.70 $5.10 $2.60 $0.60 RG 3 $0.32 $7.50 $3.60 $6.50 $3.35 $1.00 RG 4 $0.32 $7.70 $5.15 $6.70 $5.00 $1.75 RG 5 $0.15 $6.50 $4.40 $5.50 $4.15 $1.15 RG 6 $0.15 $5.80 $4.20 $4.80 $3.95 $0.80 RG 7 $0.15 $7.50 $4.95 $6.50 $4.70 $1.15 RG 8 $0.12 $8.00 $4.85 $7.00 $4.60 $1.35 RG 9 (Australia) $0.27 $8.25 $6.25 $7.25 $6.00 $1.85 Worldwide $0.25 $8.50 — $7.50 — — 1 ≥11 pound M-Bag rate. ISAL and ISAL M-bags INTERNATIONAL SURFACE AIRLIFT RATE GROUPS Per Piece Rate Full Service Per Lb. Regular M-Bag * Direct Shipment Per Lb. Regular M-Bag * ISC Drop Shipment Per Lb. Regular M-Bag * M-Bag 5-10 Lb. Per Lb. Rate RG 1 (Canada) $0.32 $3.20 $1.60 $2.70 $1.60 $2.20 $1.50 $0.20 RG 2 (Mexico) $0.15 $5.15 $1.70 $4.65 $1.70 $4.15 $1.60 $0.23 RG 3 $0.30 $4.00 $2.00 $3.50 $2.00 $3.00 $1.75 $0.33 RG 4 $0.32 $4.35 $2.80 $3.85 $2.80 $3.35 $2.65 $0.43 RG 5 $0.15 $5.45 $2.35 $4.95 $2.35 $4.45 $2.10 $0.41 RG 6 $0.15 $5.55 $2.35 $5.05 $2.35 $4.55 $2.10 $0.36 RG 7 $0.15 $5.45 $2.60 $4.95 $2.60 $4.45 $2.35 $0.40 RG 8 $0.12 $6.60 $3.25 $6.10 $3.25 $5.60 $3.00 $0.60 RG 9 (Australia) $0.22 $4.45 $2.75 $3.95 $2.75 $3.45 $2.75 $0.43 ≥11 pound M-Bag rate. Extra Services Fees Description Fee 1 International Postal Money Orders $3.85 International Reply Coupons 2.00 International Business Reply Card .90 International Business Reply Envelope (up to 2 oz) 1.40 Customs Clearance and Delivery Fee 5.35 1 Fees not tied to domestic fees. Insurance Insurance Priority Mail International Insurance Not Over Canada All other countries $50 1.65 $2.40 $100 3.00 3.15 $200 3.75 3.90 $300 4.50 4.65 $400 5.25 5.40 $500 6.00 6.15 $600 46.75 6.90 $675 7.50 ( 1 ) $700 ( 1 ) 7.65 Add'l $100 ( 1 ) 0.75 1 Not applicable. 3. Revise the following section of *Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,* International Mail Manual (IMM), as follows: 1 International Mail Services 110 General Information 115 Official Correspondence 115 Communicating With Headquarters 115.13 Transportation and Distribution [ *Revise the first sentence of 115.13 as follows:* ] Correspondence concerning the transportation of international civil and military mail, including the following, should be addressed to: [ *Revise item e as follows:* ] e. Internal conveyance, terminal, and transit charges. 120 Preparation for Mailing 123 Customs Forms 123.1 General [ *Revise the Note for 123.1 as follows:* ] Note: The current edition of PS Forms 2976 is January 2004; the current edition of PS Form 2976-A is January 2006; the current edition of PS Form 2976-E is September 2006. Except as provided in 123.3, mailers must present at the time of mailing a fully completed Sender's Declaration (the Post Office copy of PS Form 2976, which specifies both the sender's name and address and the addressee's name and address. 123.6 Required Usage 123.61 Conditions Exhibited 123.61 Customs Declaration Form Usage [ *Revise Exhibit 123.61 as follows:* ] Mail category Declared value Required form Comment Global Express Guaranteed All values Mailing label (item 11FGG1) Express Mail International All values 2976 or 2976-A unless otherwise specified See Note 3 at the bottom of this exhibit and the Individual Country Listings. First-Class Mail International items that: N/A None A known mailer, as defined in *123.62* , may be exempt from affixing customs forms to nondutiable mailpieces that weigh 16 ounces or more. Weigh less than 16 ounces and do not have potentially dutiable contents Weigh 16 ounces or more, do not have potentially dutiable contents, and are entered by a known mailer First-Class Mail International items and Priority Mail International envelopes that: Weigh less than 16 ounces and do not have potentially dutiable contents Under $400 2976* 2976-A* Weigh 16 ounces or more, regardless of their contents $400 or more regardless of their content 2976-A* Priority Mail International envelopes that: 2976 2976 Do not use PS Form 2976-A on Flat Rate envelopes. Weigh less than 16 ounces and do not have potentially dutiable contents Weigh 16 ounces or more, do not have potentially dutiable contents, and are entered by a known mailer Priority Mail International parcels and flat-rate Box items that: Regardless of value 2976-A with 2976-E Do not use PS Form 2976 (green label) on Priority Mail International flat-rate boxes. Weigh less than 16 ounces and do not have potentially dutiable contents. Weigh 16 ounces or more, do not have potentially dutiable contents, and are entered by a known mailer. Free matter for the blind Under $400 2976 * $400 or more 2976-A* with 2976-E* M-bag Under $400 2976 * (Note: An M-bag requires a customs form when it contains potentially dutiable printed matter, admissible merchandise items as defined in *261.22* or some combination thereof.) $400 or more 2976-A* *Placement of forms: Use PS Form 2976 (green label) for First-Class Mail International items under $400 in value and affix it to the outside of the package. If the value of the contents is $400 or more, affix the upper portion of PS Form 2976 (green label) (cut on dotted line and discard the lower portion) to the outside of the package, complete a separate PS Form 2976-A, and enclose the form set inside the package. Notes: *[Revise notes 1 and 3 as follows:]* 1. See 233.3 for the customs form requirements that specifically pertain to Priority Mail International items. 3. Express Mail International shipments that contain nondutiable correspondence, documents, or commercial papers are subject to the following customs form requirements: a. When an Express Mail International shipment weighs less than 16 ounces, the determination as to whether or not to affix PS Form 2976 depends on the conditions of the destination country. Some countries require that a customs form be affixed to Express Mail International shipments regardless of the weight or contents. Other countries require that a “BUSINESS PAPERS” endorsement be applied to the package. See the Individual Country Listings for each country's specification. b. When the Express Mail International shipment weighs 16 ounces or more, PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A is required. 123.72 PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note—CP 72 123.721 Sender's Preparation of PS Form 2976-A o. Affix PS Form 2976-A according to the class of mail, as follows: *[Revise item o
(1)as follows:]*
(1)For Priority Mail International, first allow the Postal Service employee to complete PS Form 2976-A as described in *123.722* and then place the form set inside PS Form 2976-E (plastic envelope) and affix it to the outside of the package. Do not use PS Form 2976-A for the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope. Use PS Form 2976. *[Revise item o
(2)as follows]*
(2)For a First-Class Mail International item valued at $400 or more, or if you do not want to list the contents on the outside wrapper of a First-Class Mail International item, affix the upper portion of PS Form 2976 (green label) (cut on dotted line and discard the lower portion) to the address side of the package, complete PS Form 2976-A, and enclose the form set inside the package. 123.722 Postal Service Employee's Acceptance of PS Form 2976-A *[Delete item e and renumber current items f and g as items e and f.]* 130 Mailability 134 Valuable Articles 134.1 List of Articles *[Revise 134.1 as follows:]* The following valuable articles may be sent only by registered First-Class Mail International, or by insured Priority Mail International shipments and are not mailable in Express Mail International or ordinary Priority Mail International shipments (see 221.2 and 237): 135 Mailable Dangerous Goods 135.1 Biological Substances 135.11 General Conditions *[Revise 135.11 as follows:]* Infectious substances are acceptable in the international mail subject to the provisions of DMM 601 and under the additional conditions specified in subsections below. 135.2 Authorization 135.22 Requests for Authorization *[Revise the first sentence of 135.22 to as follows:]* Qualifying institutions wishing to mail packages containing biological substances must submit a written request on their organizational letterhead to the following address: 135.4 Marking 135.41 Infectious Biological Substances *[Revise the first sentence of 135.41 as follows:]* Items that contain infectious biological substances should be identified by a black and white diamond-shaped label with the division number 6.2 in the bottom, in addition to the Etiologic Agents/Biohazard Material label. * * * 135.42 Noninfectious Biological Substances *[Revise the first sentence of 135.42 as follows:]* Items that contain noninfectious biological substances must be identified by a violet-colored label bearing the prescribed symbol and French wording for perishable biological materials: “MATIERES BIOLOGIQUES PERISSABLES.” 135.44 Shipper's Declaration *[Revise 135.42 as follows:]* First-Class Mail International items that contain perishable biological substances must be given careful yet expeditious handling from receipt through dispatch. 135.5 Handling and Dispatch 135.51 Biological Substances *[Revise 135.51 as follows:]* Items that contain perishable biological substances must be given careful yet expeditious handling from receipt through dispatch. 135.6 Radioactive Materials *[Revise item a as follows:]* a. Shipments may be sent only by registered First-Class Mail International. 139 Perishable Matter 139.1 Animals c. Parasites and predators of injurious insects, if the following conditions are met: *[Revise item c(4) as follows:]*
(4)They are sent by First-Class Mail International in letter packages or small packets. 139.3 Eggs 139.31 Restrictions *[Revise 139.31 as follows:]* Eggs may be sent only by Priority Mail International. * * * 140 International Mail Categories 141 Definitions 141.1 General *[Revise 141.1 as follows:]* There are four principal categories of international mail that are primarily differentiated from one another by speed of service. They are Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG)®, Express Mail International service, First-Class Mail International service, and Priority Mail International. *[Revise the title and text of 141.3 as follows:]* 141.3 Express Mail International The next level of service, in terms of speed and value-added features, is Express Mail International. Express Mail International is an expedited mail service that can be used to send documents and merchandise to most of the country locations that are individually listed in this publication. Express Mail International insurance coverage against loss, damage, or rifling, up to a maximum of $100, is provided at no additional charge. Additional merchandise insurance coverage up to $5,000 may be purchased at the sender's option. However, document reconstruction insurance coverage is limited to a maximum of $100 per shipment. Return receipt service is available upon request, at no additional charge, for Express Mail International shipments that are sent to a limited number of countries. See *221.4.* Country-specific maximum weight limits range from 22 pounds to 70 pounds. See the Individual Country Listings. Although Express Mail International shipments are supposed to receive the most expeditious handling available in the destination country, they are not subject to a postage refund guarantee if a delivery delay occurs. Express Mail International with Guarantee service—which offers a date-certain, money-back guarantee—is available to select destinations; see IMM *220* and the Individual Country Listings to determine the availability of such service. *[Revise the title and text of 141.4 as follows:]* 141.4 First-Class Mail International First-Class Mail International is a service that provides customers with a reliable and economical means of sending correspondence, documents, and lightweight merchandise to foreign destinations that are listed in 231.4. First-Class Mail International items must not exceed 4 pounds and they are subject to the provisions of the Universal Postal Union letter-post Convention. First-Class Mail International items may contain any mailable matter that is not prohibited by the destination country. At the sender's option, extra services, such as registry and return receipt may be added on a country-specific basis. *[Revise 141.5 as follows:]* 141.5 Priority Mail International Priority Mail International is governed by the parcels provisions of the UPU Convention and the Parcels Regulations. That classification is primarily designed to accommodate larger and heavier shipments, whose size and/or weight transcend the established limitations for First-Class Mail International. It also affords senders the opportunity to obtain optional mailing services, such as insurance coverage and return receipt, which would otherwise be unavailable. [Delete 141.6.] 143 Official Mail 143.4 General Secretariat of the Organization of American States
(OAS)*[Revise items a and b as follows:]* a. Unregistered First-Class Mail International items bearing the return address of the OAS General Secretariat and weighing not more than 4 pounds are accepted without postage when addressed to the OAS member countries listed in *143.4c.* b. Airmail service for items other than First-Class Mail International with extra services may not be provided for OAS General Secretariat official mail without the prepayment of postage or the fee for the extra service requested. 143.5 Pan American Sanitary Bureau Mail *[Revise items a and b as follows:]* a. Unregistered First-Class Mail International items bearing the return address of the bureau and weighing not more than 4 pounds, are accepted without postage affixed when addressed to an OAS member country listed in *143.4c* or to Cuba. b. Items with the bureau return address that are sent other than First-Class Mail International or that request extra services must prepay all postage and fees. 150 Postage 152 Payment Methods 152.2 Stamps *[Delete item c, and re-letter current item d as new item c.]* 152.3 Permit Imprint 152.31 Conditions of Use *[Revise 152.31 as follows:]* Postage may be paid by permit imprint, subject to the general conditions stated in DMM 124, 604, and 705. Postage charges are computed on PS Form 3700. This postage payment method may be used for postage and extra service fees for First-Class Mail International and Priority Mail International. 2 Conditions for Mailing 210 Global Express Guaranteed 211 Description *[Revise the title of 211.2 as follows:]* 211.2 Eligibility *[Insert new 211.3 as follows:]* 211.3 Global Express Guaranteed Service Global Express Guaranteed
(GXG)service may be used for shipments that contain documents and general correspondence for which no duty is assessed by the customs authority of the destinating country, or for shipments that contain non-documents or other merchandise for which duty may be assessed by the customs authority of the destinating country. Document packages are sealed against inspection by the Postal Service or other U.S. agencies and authorities. Shipments that contain non-documents or other merchandise for which duty may be assessed by the customs authority of the destinating country are not sealed against inspection under 39 U.S.C. 3623(d). These shipments are also subject to inspection by the Postal Service and its designated agents for purposes of aviation
(air)security, and to determine that the contents are eligible for mailing and that the contents are adequately declared on the Global Express Guaranteed Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice to permit expedited customs clearance. All shipments (documents and non-documents) may also be subject to inspection in the destinating country for purposes of compliance with the customs requirements of the destinating country. See the listing of destinating countries in 213 for specific availability. *[Delete current 212.2.]* *[Insert current 216 title as new 212 title, and revise as follows:]* 212 Postage Rates *[Insert current 216.1 (with new rates and rate groups) as new 212.1, and change title to “Global Express Guaranteed Service Rates/Groups”.]* *[Delete current 216.2 in its entirety.]* *[Insert current 216.3 in its entirety as new 212.2.]* *[Revise new 212.252 (current 216.352 item a by changing “$13.25” to “$14.25.”]* *[Revise title of new 212.261(current 216.361) to “Global Express Guaranteed with Standard Web Discount” (Discounts apply only to customers who pay for postage online.) New table includes new prices and rate groups.]* *[Delete current 216.362 in its entirety.]* *[Change title in new 212.262 (current 216.363) to “Global Express Guaranteed With 5-Piece Web Discount (Discounts apply only to customers who pay for postage online.) New table includes new prices and rate groups.]* *[Delete current 216.364 in its entirety.]* *[Change title in new 212.263 (current 216.365) to “Global Express Guaranteed With 12-Piece Web Discount (Discounts apply only to customers who pay for postage online.) New table includes new prices and rate groups.]* *[Delete current 216.366 in its entirety.]* *[Change title in new 212.264 (current 216.367) to “Global Express Guaranteed With 20-Piece Web Discount (Discounts apply only to customers who pay for postage online.) New table includes new prices and rate groups.]* *[Delete current 216.368 in its entirety.]* *[Insert current 216.4 in its entirety as new 212.4.]* 213 Service Areas 213.2 Destinating Countries and Rate Groups *[In the table, Delete the “Non-Document Service Rate Group” column and revise the title of the “Document Service Rate Group” column to be “GXG Rate Group”.]* *[Revise the introductory text before the last group of countries in 213.2 as follows:]* Only documents (211.3) may be sent to the following countries: 213.3 Pickup Service *[Revise the first sentence of 213.3 as follows:]* On-call and scheduled pickup services are available for an added charge of $14.25 for each pickup stop, regardless of the number of pieces picked up. 214 Service Guarantee *[Revise the title and text of 214.2 as follows:]* 214.2 Transit Days for Shipments Containing Non-Documents Total transit days for Global Express Guaranteed service for non-document items, may be affected by general customs delays, specific customs commodity delays, holidays observed in the destinating country, and other factors beyond the Postal Service's control. See the Terms and Conditions on the Global Express Guaranteed Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice or in Publication 141 for details. 215 Inquiries, Postage Refunds, and Indemnity Claims 215.3 Indemnity Claims *[Delete the titles for 215.31 and 215.32 and revise the text for 215.3 as follows:]* If a shipment is lost or damaged, the sender may file a claim for document reconstruction costs (for document items), or for the declared value of the shipment costs (for non-document items). All claims must be initiated within 30 days of the shipment date by contacting a customer service representative at 800-222-1811. The representative will provide more details on how to file a claim. The original receipt of the Global Express Guaranteed Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice must be included when filing a claim. Consult Publication 141 for limitations and restrictions on indemnity payments for Global Express Guaranteed items. The Global Express Guaranteed customer service office will adjudicate refunds for Global Express Guaranteed. The Global Express Guaranteed customer service office can be contacted at 800-222-1811. Final approval and payment will be made by the Postal Service. 215.4 Extent of Postal Service Liability for Lost or Damaged Contents *[Delete the titles for 215.41 and 215.42 and revise the text for 215.4 as follows:]* For almost all network destinations, liability for a lost or damaged Global Express Guaranteed shipment is limited to the lowest of the following: a. $100 or the amount of additional optional insurance purchased. b. The actual amount of the loss or damage. c. The actual value of the contents. “Actual value” means the lowest cost of replacing, reconstructing or reconstituting the allowable contents of the shipment (determined at the time and place of acceptance). 215.5 Insurance *[Revise the title and text of 215.51 as follows:]* 215.51 Insurance for Global Express Guaranteed For almost all network destinations, document reconstruction insurance (the reasonable costs incurred in reconstructing duplicates of nonnegotiable documents mailed), and non-document insurance for loss or damage up to $100 per shipment, is included at no additional charge. For almost all network destinations, additional insurance may be purchased for document shipments, as outlined in section 215.52, not to exceed the total cost of reconstruction, $2,499, or a lesser amount as limited by country, content, or value. Coverage, terms, and limitations are subject to change. *[Delete 215.52, and renumber current 215.53 as 215.52.]* *[Delete current 216. Renumber current 217 and 218 as 216 and 217.]* 216.3 Sizes and Weights 216.3 Dimensional Weight *[Revise 216.3 as follows:]* Postage for Global Express Guaranteed is charged based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight (as calculated in 216.3.1 or 216.3.2), whichever is greater. The equation for determining dimensional weight is as follows: 216.31 Determining Dimensional Weight for a Rectangular Shaped Parcel Follow these steps to determine the dimensional weight for a rectangular shaped parcel: a. Determine the length, width, and height in inches. Round off each measurement down to the nearest whole inch. b. Multiply the length by the width by the height. c. Divide the result by 166 and round up to the next whole number to determine the dimensional weight in pounds. 216.3.2 Determining Dimensional Weight for a Nonrectangular Shaped Parcel Follow these steps to determine the dimensional weight for a nonrectangular-shaped parcel: a. Determine the length, width, and height in inches. Measure the length, width, and height at their extreme dimensions. Round off each measurement down to the nearest whole inch. b. Multiply the length by the width by the height. c. Multiply the result by an adjustment factor of 0.785. d. Divide the result by 166 and round up to the next whole number to determine the dimensional weight in pounds. *[Revise the title and text of 220 as follows:]* 220 Express Mail International *[Throughout 220, change “Global Express Mail,” “Global Express Mail (EMS),” and “EMS” to “Express Mail International.”]* 221 Description *[Revise the title of 221.2 as follows:]* 221.2 Eligibility 222 Postage 222.1 Rates 222.13 Online Rates—General *[Revise 222.13 as follows:]* Discounted rates apply to Express Mail International customers who prepare and pay for Express Mail International shipments online at usps.com or by using an approved USPS PC Postage vendor. 222.132 Online Discounts *[Revise 222.132 as follows:]* Express Mail International published rates will be reduced by 8 percent for all payments at USPS.com or made through an approved USPS PC Postage vendor. The discount applies only to the postage portion of Express Mail International rates. It does not apply to the pickup service charge, additional insurance fees, or shipments made under an International Customized Mail agreement. *[Revise the title of 223 as follows:]* 223 Physical Characteristics *[Revise the title of 223.2 as follows:]* 223.2 Dimensions *[Revise the title of 224 as follows:]* 224 Mail Preparations *[Revise the title of 230 as follows:]* 230 Priority Mail International *[Throughout 230 change the term “Global Priority Mail,” “Global Priority Mail (GPM)” and “GPM” to “Priority Mail International.”]* 231 Description 231.1 General *[Revise 231.1 as follows:]* With the exception of the flat rate envelope, Priority Mail International is a parcel service. *[Revise the title and text of 231.2 as follows:]* 231.2 Eligibility Personal correspondence may only be mailed in a Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope. Merchandise is permitted. Refer to the “Country Conditions of Mailing” in the Individual Country Listings for individual country prohibitions. *[Delete 231.3 and 231.4, (including Exhibits 231.4a and b).]* *[Revise the title of 232 as follows:]* 232 Postage Rates and Fees *[Delete the title of 232.1. Renumber current 232.11 as 232.1, and revise the title and text as follows:]* 232.1 Flat-Rate Container There are two flat-rate prices, one for Canada and Mexico and one for all other countries. The price does not depend on the weight of the item. Postage is required for each piece. (See Individual Country Listings for maximum weights.) Customers must use USPS provided and marked containers. *[Delete the exhibit previously numbered 232.11.]* *[Renumber current 232.12 as 232.2, and revise the title and text as follows:]* 232.2 Parcels For parcels not using a flat-rate box, prices vary by weight and country rate group. (See Individual Country Listings for maximum weight.) *[Renumber 232.2 as 232.3.]* 232.3 Payment of Postage *[Delete the title of new 232.31 (current 232.21) and move text as new 232.3.]* *[Renumber new 232.32 (current 232.22) and 232.33 (current 232.23) as new 232.4 and 232.5.]* *[Add new 232.6 as follows:]* 232.6 Online Rates—General Discounted rates apply to Priority Mail International customers who prepare and pay for Priority Mail International shipments online at usps.com or by using an approved USPS PC Postage vendor. *[Add new 232.7 as follows:]* 232.7 Online Discounts Priority Mail International published rates will be reduced by 5 percent for all payments at usps.com or made through an approved USPS PC Postage vendor. The discount applies only to the postage portion of Priority Mail International rates. It does not apply to the pickup service charge, additional insurance fees, or shipments made under an International Customized Mail agreement. *[Revise the title of 233 as follows:]* 233 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece 233.1 Addressing *[Revise 233.1 as follows:* ] All items must bear the complete delivery address of the addressee and the full name (no abbreviations) of the destination country. The name and address of the sender and addressee should also be recorded on a separate slip enclosed in the parcel. See 122. *[Revise the title and text of 233.2 as follows:]* 233.2 Marking Priority Mail International packages must be marked “AIRMAIL” or “PAR AVION” or bear one of the two prescribed airmail labels ( *i.e.* , either PS Label 19-A or PS Label 19-B). The marking or label should be placed below and to the left of the delivery address. *[Revise the title of 233.3 as follows:]* 233.3 Customs Form *[Replace introductory text and Exhibit 233.3 with text from current 284.45.]* *[Revise the title of 234 as follows:]* 234 Physical Characteristics *[Renumber current 234.1 as new 234.2. Renumber current 234.2 as new 234.1.]* *[Revise the title of new 234.1 as follows:]* 234.1 Weight Limits *[Delete current text and replace with text from 283]* *[Revise the title of new 234.2 (current 234.1) as follows:]* 234.2 Dimensions *[Delete new 234.22 through 234.24 (current 234.12 through 234.14). Renumber current 283.21 through 283.23 as new 234.22 through 234.24.]* 234.24 Exceptional Size Limits *[Revise the text of new item b (current 283.23) by deleting the introductory text in item c and combining the countries listed in item c with those listed in item b.]* *[Renumber current 235 as new 235.3.]* *[Renumber current 236 as new 235. Revise the title of new 235 as follows:]* 235 Mail Preparation *[Delete new 235.1 (current 236.1). Renumber new 235.2 (current 236.2) as new 236. Renumber new 235.3 (current 236.3) as new 232.6.]* *[Renumber 284.4 in its entirety as new 235.1.]* 235.1 Packaging *[Renumber current 284.3 in its entirety as new 235.2.]* *[Add new 236 as follows:]* 236 Enter and Deposit *[Renumber text in current 236.2 as 236 and revise as follows:]* Priority Mail International flat-rate containers should be presented to a retail employee at a Post Office counter; handed to a letter carrier; deposited into a street collection box if the mailpiece weighs less than 16 ounces; or pick-up requested by telephone at 800-222-1811 to be picked up at the customer's premises. Priority Mail International that bears a permit imprint must be deposited at a business mail entry unit or other acceptance point that is authorized by the postmaster. Priority Mail International that bears a meter stamp or impression must be deposited at a location that is under the jurisdiction of the licensing Post Office facility, except as permitted under DMM 604. *[Add new 238 as follows:]* 238 Extra Services Insurance is available for Priority Mail International parcels only (see 320). *[Revise the title of 240 as follows:]* 240 First-Class Mail International *[Throughout 240 change the term “letter-post” to First-Class Mail International.]* 241 Description *[Revise the title and text of 241.1 as follows:]* 241.1 General The First-Class Mail International classification encompasses the classes of international mail that were formerly categorized as airmail letter-post and economy letter-post, post and postal cards, printed matter and small packets that were formerly categorized as LC, (letters and cards), and AO (other articles). 242 Postage 242.1 Rates *[Revise the introductory text of 242.1 as follows:]* The country-specific rate group designations that apply to First-Class Mail International and airmail M-bags (see 260) are as follows: *[Revise the note as follows:]* Note: See the Individual Country Listings for the First-Class Mail International postage rates that are applicable to specific destination countries and territorial possessions. 242.2 Payment of Postage *[Revise the text of 242.2 as follows:]* A mailer of a First-Class Mail International item may pay postage with a postage stamps, a postage meter stamps, a postage validation imprinter
(PVI)label, or a permit imprint. *[Revise the title of 243 as follows:]* 243 Physical Characteristics *[Revise the title of 243.2 as follows:]* 243.2 Dimensions 243.24 Nonmachinable Surcharge [ *Revise the introductory text of 243.24 as follows:* ] A $0.20 per-piece surcharge is applied to a First-Class Mail International item that weighs 1 ounce or less, if it has one or more of the following characteristics: [ *Revise the title of 244 as follows:* ] 244 Mail Preparation 244.2 Marking [ *Revise items a and b by replacing “Letter-post” with “First-Class Mail International;” revise item d by replacing “Economy (surface)” with “First-Class Mail International”; delete item c and re-letter items d and e as items c and d.* ] 244.5 Customs Forms Required 244.51 Dutiable Merchandise [ *Revise the title of 250 as follows:* ] 250 Postcards and Postal Cards 251 Description [ *Delete the title of 251.1. Renumber current 251.11 and 251.12 as new 251.1 and 251.11.* ] 251.1 General [ *Revise the text of new 251.1 as follows:* ] Postcards and postal cards consist of single cards sent without a wrapper or envelope. Folded (double) cards must be mailed in envelopes at the First-Class Mail International rate of postage. [ *Delete 251.2 and 251.3 in their entireties.* ] [ *Revise the title of 252 as follows:* ] 252 Postage Rates and Fees [ *Revise 252 by deleting reference to Aerogrammes as follows:* ] Postcards and Postal Cards Canada and Mexico $0.69 Marshall Islands and Micronesia $0.52 All other countries $0.90 [ *Revise the title and text of 253.2 as follows (deleting the titles and texts of 253.21 and 253.22:* ] 253.2 Dimensions Each card claimed at a card rate must be: a. Rectangular. b. Not less than 3 1/2 inches high, 5 1/2 inches long, and 0.007 inch thick. c. Not more than 4 1/4 inches high, 6 inches long, and 0.016 inch thick. Note: See 243.23 for larger cards. [ *Revise the title of 254 as follows:* ] 254 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece [ *Revise the title of 254.2 as follows:* ] 254.2 Marking 254.21 Airmail [ *Replace current text of 254.21 with text from 251.14. Delete current title of 251.14.* ] [ *Delete the current 254.3 in its entirety. Renumber current 254.22 and new 254.23 as 254.3 and 254.4.* ] [ *Renumber current 251.15 and 251.16 as new 254.5 and 254.6.* ] 260 Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (M-Bags) [ *Revise the title of 261 as follows:* ] 261 Description [ *Revise the title of 261.1 as follows:* ] 261.1 General Direct sacks of printed matter to a single foreign addressee, which are also known as M-bags, are available to all destinations that are referenced in the “Individual Country Listings.” [ *Revise the title of 261.2 as follows:* ] 261.2 Eligibility 261.22 Merchandise [ *Delete item e.* ] [ *Revise the title of 262 as follows:* ] 262 Postage Rates and Fees [ *Delete the title of 262.1. Renumber current 262.11 as new 262.1.* ] [ *Delete 262.12. Delete the title of 262.2. Renumber current 262.13 as new 262.2.* ] [ *Renumber current 262.21 and 262.22 as new 262.3 and 262.4.* ] [ *Revise the title of 263 as follows:* ] 263 Physical Characteristics 263.1 Weight Limits [ *Revise the text in 263.1 as follows:* ] There is no minimum weight requirement for the entry of airmail M-bags or International Surface
(ISAL)M-bags. The maximum weight limit for M-bags is 66 pounds, which includes the tare weight of the sack. Customers who tender M-bags that weigh less than 11 pounds are required to pay the minimum “11-pound bag charge” that is applicable to the country of destination where the sack and its contents are to be delivered. [ *Revise the title and text of 263.2 as follows:* ] 263.2 Dimensions There are no defined size limits for mailpieces placed in an M-bag, so long as the items being sent can be enclosed in the mailbag. [ *Revise the title of 264 as follows:* ] 264 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece [ *Add new 265, Mail Preparation. Renumber current 264.2 as new 265.1. Renumber current 264.21 through 264.24 as new 265.11 through 265.14. Renumber current 264.3 as new 265.2.* ] [ *Add title and text for 265.3 as follows:* ].] 265.3 Extra Services Certificate of mailing is available. Return receipts, restricted delivery, registry service and insurance are not available with M-bags. [ *Revise the title of 270 as follows:* ] 270 Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons 271 Description [ *Revise 271 as follows:* ] 271.1 General Subject to the standards below and DMM 703, matter may be entered free of postage if mailed by or for the use of blind or other persons who cannot read or use conventionally printed materials due to a physical handicap. 271.2 Eligibility Eligible participants must be residents of the United States, including the several states, territories, insular possessions, and the District of Columbia, or American citizens domiciled abroad. 271.3 Matter Sent to or by Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons Acceptable matter and the conditions for mailing such matter that may be sent free under this standard are limited to the items described in 270 and DMM 703. [ *Revise the title and text in 272 as follows:* ] 272 Postage Rates and Fees The postage rate for an eligible item mailed as matter for the blind is: a. Free when sent as First-Class Mail International. b. The applicable rate based on the weight of the mailpiece if any level of service other than First-Class Mail International is desired. [ *Revise the title of 273 as follows:* ] 273 Physical Characteristics [ *Revise the title of 273.2 as follows:* ] 273.2 Dimensions [ *Revise the title of 274 as follows:* ] 274 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece 274.2 Marking [ *Revise 274.2 as follows (deleting the titles and text for 274.21 and 274.22:* ] First-Class Mail International accepted as free matter must be marked “Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped” in the upper right-hand corner of the address side of the mailpiece. [ *Delete 274.3 and 274.4. Add 275 as follows:* ] 275 Mail Preparation 275.1 Packaging 275.11 Postal Inspection Matter for the blind or physically handicapped is subject to postal inspection (see ASM 274), and must be prepared in such a way that the contents are protected but inspection of the contents is not hindered. [ *Insert title and text from old 274.42 as new 275.12.* ] [ *Add new 276 as follows:* ] 276 Extra Services Registered Mail and Insurance are the only extra services that can be added to mail sent as free matter for the blind or handicapped. [ *Reserve 280.* ] 290 Commercial Services 291 (Reserved) 292 International Priority Airmail Service [ *Change “letter-post” to “First-Class Mail International” throughout 292.* ] 292.1 Description 292.12 Qualifying Mail [ *Revise the first sentence as follows:* ] Any item of the First-Class Mail International classification, as defined in 141.5 and 141.6, qualifies, including postcards. * * * 292.14 Dutiable Items [ *Revise 292.14 by changing “Parcel post (CP)” to “Priority Mail International (CP).”* ] 293 International Surface Air Lift
(ISAL)Service [ *Change “letter-post” to “First-Class Mail International” throughout 293.* ] 293.1 Definition [ *Revise the second sentence to read as follows:* ] * * * The cost is lower than First-Class Mail International. * * * 293.9 Preparation Requirements [ *Delete 293.92. Renumber 293.93, 293.94, and 293.95 as 293.92, 293.93, and 293.94* ] [ *Revise the title of 294 as follows and delete all text previously in 294:* ] 294 (Reserved) [ *Revise the title of 295 as follows and delete all text previously in 295:* ] 295 (Reserved) 297 International Customized Mail [ *Change “letter-post” to “First-Class Mail International” and change “Global Priority Mail” to “Priority Mail International” throughout 297.* ] [ *Revise the heading of 3 as follows:* ] 3 Extra Services 310 Certificate of Mailing 312 Availability [ *Revise 312 by deleting the words “letter-post,” “parcel post” and “recorded delivery” as follows:* ] Customers can purchase a certificate of mailing when they send unregistered First-Class Mail International, post/postal cards, free matter for the blind and uninsured Priority Mail International parcels. To obtain an additional certificate after mailing, the mailer must present the original certificate and an additional certificate endorsed “Duplicate” or a copy showing the original dates of mailing. The additional certificate must be postmarked to show the current date. A certificate of mailing cannot be obtained in combination with registered mail, insured parcels, or bulk mailings of 200 pieces or more that bear a permit imprint. 313 Fees 313.1 Individual Pieces [ *Revise 313.1 by changing “letter-post” to “First-Class Mail International” and “parcel post” to “Priority Mail International,” and reference that fees are linked to Domestic Case as follows:* ] The fee for certificates of mailing for ordinary First-Class Mail International items and ordinary Priority Mail International parcels is $4.75 (fee is linked to domestic case currently under review by the Postal Rate Commission
(PRC)per piece whether the item is listed individually on a PS Form 3817, *Certificate of Mailing* , or on firm mailing bills. Additional copies of PS Form 3817, or firm mailing bills, are available for $0.95 (fee is linked to domestic case currently under review by the PRC) per page. The fee is $0.95 (fee is linked to domestic case currently under review by the PRC) per article. 313.2 Bulk Pieces [ *Revise 312.2 by changing “letter-post” to “First-Class Mail International,” and reference that fees are linked to Domestic Case as follows:* ] PS Form 3606, *Certificate of Bulk Mailing* , is used to specify the total number of identical pieces of ordinary First-Class Mail International that are paid for with regular postage stamps, precanceled stamps, or meter stamps. The following certificate of mailing fees apply: Up to 1,000 pieces Fee is linked to domestic case currently under review by the PRC. Each additional 1,000 pieces or fraction Fee is linked to domestic case currently under review by the PRC. Duplicate copy Fee is linked to domestic case currently under review by the PRC. 320 Insurance 321 Description [ *Revise 321 as follows:* ] Insurance is provided against loss, damage, or rifling for Priority Mail International parcels. Compensation varies according to the amount of insurance coverage. For parcels delivered to the addressee in damaged condition or with missing contents, payment is made to the addressee unless the addressee waives payment, in writing, in favor of the sender. Insurance is not available for the Priority Mail International envelope. 322 Availability [ *Revise 322 as follows:* ] Insurance is available only for Priority Mail International parcels and only to certain countries. See Individual Country Listings. Insurance is not available for First-Class Mail International items or for the Priority Mail International envelope. 324 Processing Requests 324.1 Mailing Receipt and Insurance Number 324.11 General Use [ *Revise 324.11 as follows:* ] All insured international parcels must be numbered. PS Form 3813-P, *Insured Mail Receipt* , provides a numbered insurance label for the parcel and an identically numbered mailing receipt for the sender. The receipt is issued to the sender as proof of mailing and proof of payment of an insurance fee. Volume mailers may use PS Form 3877, Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail, as the sender's receipt. Only labels printed by the Postal Service may be used on international insured mail. 324.13 Sender's Responsibility [ *Revise 324.13 as follows:* ] Sender should enter the name and address of the addressee on the mailing receipt and retain it. The receipt must be submitted if the sender wishes to file a claim. (See Chapter 9). 324.5 Return Receipt [ *Revise 324.5 as follows:* ] Return receipts may be purchased for insured parcels mailed to some countries. See individual country listings for availability. 325 Indemnity Claims and Payments [ *Revise 325 as follows:* ] The sender must submit the original mailing receipt to file a claim (see Chapter 9). 330 Registered Mail 331 Description [ *Revise 331 by deleting the words “and do not extend uniformly to damage or rifling of contents.”* ] 332 Availability [ *Revise the text to read as follows:* ] Customers can purchase registered mail service only when they send First-Class Mail International items, post/postal cards, and free matter for the blind items. Registered items may weigh up to 4 pounds. Registered Mail Service is not available in combination with Priority Mail International parcels, or M-bags to one addressee. See Individual Country Listings for country-specific prohibitions and restrictions. 333 Fees and Indemnity Limits 333.1 Registration Fees [ *Revise 333.1 to indicate that the registered fee is linked to the domestic case as follows:* ] The registry fee for all countries is $11.95 (fee is linked to domestic case currently under review by the PRC). 333.2 Indemnity Limit *[Revise 333.2 to reflect the 2007 indemnity limit as follows:]* Regardless of the declared value of a registered item, the maximum amount of indemnity payable for loss, damage, or rifling is $43.73. 334 Processing Requests 334.1 Mailing Receipt and Registration Number 334.12 Sender's Responsibility *[Revise item c as follows:]* c. The sender should retain the receipt and must submit it if he or she wishes to file a claim for the registered item (see Chapter 9). 334.13 Accepting Clerk's Responsibility Accepting clerk must: *[Revise item a as follows:]* a. Affix Label 200, Registered Mail, to the item in the upper left side of the address side, below the return address, and enter the number in ink on the mailing receipt. 334.14 Preparation *[Revise 334.14 as follows:]* Items bearing an address in pencil or any other erasable format must not be accepted for registered mail service. 334.4 Sealing 334.41 Sender's Responsibility *[Revise the first sentence of 334.41 as follows:]* Senders must securely seal all items presented for registration. *[Revise title of 334.42 as follows:]* 334.42 Registered Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons 336 Preparation *[Delete 336 in its entirety.]* 340 Return Receipt 341 Description *[Revise 341 as follows:]* PS Form 2865, *Return Receipt for International Mail (Avis de Reception),* is a pink card that is attached to a registered item, an insured parcel, or an Express Mail International item to certain countries (see 221.4), at the time of mailing, and which is removed and signed at the point of delivery and returned to the sender. Return Receipt service provides the sender with evidence of delivery. Return receipts are completed in the country of destination in accordance with its internal regulations, which may not require the addressee's signature except under special circumstances. These receipts are returned to the sender by airmail. 342 Availability *[Revise 342 by deleting the words “recorded delivery” to read as follows:]* Return receipts can be purchased only at the time of mailing and are available *only* for registered items and insured parcels. Exception: return receipts are also available to a limited number of countries for Express Mail International (see 221.4). Some countries do not allow return receipts or restrict them to registered mail. See Individual Country Listings. 343 Fee *[Revise 343 to reflect that fee is linked to domestic case as follows:]* The fee for a return receipt is $2.15 (fee is linked to domestic case currently under review by the PRC.) This fee must be paid in addition to postage and other applicable charges. Return receipt service is available at no charge for Express Mail International to certain countries. Note: Include the weight of the return receipt when determining the postage for mailing the item. 344 Processing Requests 344.1 Form 344.11 Sender's Responsibility *[Revise 344.11 as follows:]* Sender must enter the return address on the return receipt. 344.12 Accepting Clerk's Responsibility *[Revise 344.12 as follows:]* Accepting clerk must: a. Record the return receipt fee on the insured or registered mailing receipt. b. Enter the address of the addressee on the return receipt. c. Attach the return receipt to the item. d. Affix and cancel postage equal to the sum of the return receipt fee, postage, and other applicable fees. *[Delete 344.3 in its entirety.]* 344.4 Return Receipt Improperly Completed or Not Received [Revise 344.4 read as follows:] If the sender does not receive a return receipt for which a fee was paid, or if the sender receives an improperly completed return receipt, an inquiry may be filed. (See 920 for inquiry procedures.) 350 Restricted Delivery 352 Availability *[Revise item b by deleting “recorded delivery” as follows:]* b. For registered items. *[Delete 360, Recorded Delivery, in its entirety.]* 370 Supplemental Services 371 International Money Orders 371.1 Description 371.11 General *[Revise 371.11 by changing “Global Express Mail service (EMS)” to “Express Mail International.”]* 372 International Reply Coupons 372.3 Selling Price and Rate of Exchange *[Revise item b by deleting “(including aerogrammes).”]* 4 Treatment of Outbound Mail 420 Shortpaid and Unpaid Mail *[Change “letter-post” to “First-Class Mail International” and “Global Express Mail” to “Express Mail International” throughout 420.]* 5 Nonpostal Export Regulations *[Change “letter-post” to “First-Class Mail International” and “parcel post” to “Priority Mail International” throughout 5.]* 6 Special Programs 610 Postal Qualified Wholesaler Program 613 Qualifying as a Wholesaler 613.1 Letter of Request *[Revise the address in 613.1 as follows:]* MANAGER INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTS, U.S. POSTAL SERVICE 475 L'ENFANT PLZ., SW., RM. 5726, WASHINGTON, DC 20260-5726. 7 Treatment of Inbound Mail 730 Shortpaid Mail to the United States 731 Computation of Postage Due *[Revise the handling charge in the example to correspond with the text in 731b. Center T and x within equation as in current IMM as follows:]* b. The receiving exchange office in the United States multiplies the T fraction by the U.S. international letter rate to determine the short paid amount in U.S. currency. This amount, plus a $0.50 handling charge, accounts for the postage-due amount to be collected on delivery. The postage-due formula is: T *shortpaid amount* X U.S. int'l letter rate surface letter rate of postage to U.S. * * * + $0.50 handling charge * * * = Postage due amount *[Revise the title of 750 as follows:]* 750 Extra Services 754 Restricted Delivery 754.1 Inbound Registered Mail *[Revise 754.1 as follows:]* Inbound registered mail, accompanied by a return receipt and bearing the notation A Remettre en Main Propre or Restricted Delivery, should be delivered only to the addressee or their authorized agent. *[Delete 755, Recorded Delivery, in its entirety.]* 760 Forwarding 762.2 Undeliverable Domestic Mail Bearing U.S. Postage and a Foreign Return Address *[Revise the text of item 762.2 c as follows:]* c. First-Class Mail containing merchandise, Standard Mail items, or Package Services parcels, which bear a foreign return address, must be held at the Post Office of the addressee, while a request for instructions is sent to International Claims, St. Louis ASC, P.O. Box 80146, St. Louis, MO 63180-0146: Requests must include the following information:
(1)Names and addresses of sender and addressee.
(2)Weight of the item and any special services.
(3)Nature and value of contents if known. The International Claims Office will contact the sender for disposition instructions, completion of the required customs forms, and payment of additional postage. 764 Mail of Foreign Origin 764.2 Forwarding to another Country 764.23 Parcels *[Add new 764.232 as follows:]* *[Renumber current 764.232 as new 764.233.]* 764.232 Delivery to an Alternate Addressee If the addressee has moved to a third country or if the sender has included instructions for delivery to an alternate addressee in a third country, the Post Office facility must hold the parcel and request instructions from International Claims, St. Louis ASC, P.O. Box 80146, St. Louis, MO 63180-0146. Requests should include the following information: a. Names and addresses of sender and addressee, or alternate addressee. b. Weight of the parcel. c. Whether the parcel is insured. d. Nature and value of the contents as shown on the customs declaration. 770 Undeliverable Mail 771 Mail of Domestic Origin *[Revise the title of 771.5 as follows:]* 771.5 Return Charges for First-Class Mail International 771.51 General Procedure *[Revise 771.51 by changing “letter-post” to “First-Class Mail International.”]* *[Revise item a as follows.]* a. First-Class Mail International. *[Revise item d as follows:]* d. First-Class Mail International M-bag. *[Delete items e, f, and g.]* 771.52 Exceptions *[Revise items a and b by changing “letter post” to “First-Class Mail International.”]* *[Revise the title of 771.6 as follows:]* 771.6 Return Charges for Priority Mail International 771.7 Handling of Returned Parcels 771.71 Refused by Sender *[Revise 771.71 by changing “parcel post” to “Priority Mail International.”]* *[Add new 771.73 as follows:]* 771.73 Sender Has Moved to another Country If the sender has moved to another country, the Post Office facility must hold the parcel and request instructions from International Claims, St. Louis ASC, P.O. Box 80146, St. Louis, MO 63180-0146. Requests should include the following information: a. New address of the sender. b. Amount of return charges due on the parcel. c. Weight of the parcel. d. Whether the parcel is insured. e. Nature and value of the contents as shown on the customs declaration. 780 Items Mailed Abroad by or on Behalf of Senders in the United States 783 Advance Payment Required 783.1 Sample Mailpiece *[Revise 783.1 to change room number in address to RM 5726.]* 9 Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds 920 Inquiries and Claims 921 Inquiries 921.2 Initiating an Inquiry *[Revise the first two sentences in 921.2 as follows:]* Inquiries can be initiated for Global Express Guaranteed
(GXG)items, Express Mail International items, registered items, and insured and ordinary parcels. Inquiries are not accepted for ordinary letters, or M-bags.* * * Exhibit 921.2—Time Limits for Inquiries *[Revise the product or Extra Services column and the note in Exhibit 921.2 as follows:]* Product Who When (from mailing date) No sooner than . . . No later than . . . Global Express Guaranteed U.S. Sender Only 3 days 30 days. Express Mail International U.S. Sender Only 3 days 90 days. Express Mail International with Guarantee U.S. Sender Only 3 days 30 days. Registered items, insured or ordinary parcels Sender or Addressee 7 days 6 months. Sender or Addressee 30 days 6 months. * Inquires are not accepted on ordinary letters or M-bags. 921.3 How to Initiate *[Revise the text and change item d as follows:]* Customers must call the International Inquiry Center at 800-222-1811 within the time limits listed in Exhibit 921.2 to initiate an inquiry. Customers will be asked to provide the following minimal information: a. Mailing receipt number or barcode number of the article. b. Names and addresses of the mailer and the addressee. c. Date of mailing. d. Description of contents. 921.4 Inquiry Process *[Revise the text of 921.4 as follows:]* After the Postal Service customer provides the International Inquiry Center with the relevant mailing information, the International Inquiry Center will correspond with the appropriate foreign post and advise the customer of the results of the inquiry. Customers must allow foreign posts approximately 60 days to research and respond to the International Inquiry Center for inquiries on registered items, and insured and ordinary parcels. When there is a determination that an item has been lost, the International Inquiry Center will mail a claim packet to the customer. The packet will include a letter of instruction on how to complete and submit the claim. 921.5 General Procedures 921.51 Nondelivery *[Revise the text of 921.51 as follows:* The U.S. Postal Service will initiate an inquiry within the time frames specified in 921.2 with the destination postal administration in any case involving a GXG, Express Mail International, registered item, or insured or ordinary parcel that has not been delivered. Inquiries are not accepted for ordinary letters or M-bags. 921.52 Return Receipts Improperly Completed or Not Received *[Revise the text of 921.52 to read as follows:]* If the sender receives an improperly completed return receipt or a return receipt is not received, the sender may file an inquiry about the delivery of the article by calling 800-222-1811. 921.53 Rifled Parcels *[Revise title and text of 921.53 as follows:]* 921.53 Damaged or Rifled Parcels, Registered Mail, and Express Mail International Customer must go to a Post Office to report instances of damaged or rifled items. Postal personnel should complete PS Form 673, Report of Rifled Parcel, in accordance with POM 169.3. Form 2856, *Damage Report of Insured Parcel and Contents,* should also be completed in accordance with POM 146.112 for all international insured and ordinary parcels, registered mail, and Express Mail International. 922 Claims 922.1 General Description *[Revise the first sentence in 922.1 as follows:]* A claim is a request by a U.S. Postal Service customer for an indemnity payment that resulted in the loss, damage, or rifling of a GXG, Express Mail International, registered item, or insured or ordinary parcel. See 221.3, 237, 320, 330, and country listings for information on indemnity limits.* * * 922.2 Filing a Claim *[Revise 922.2 as follows:]* Claims may be filed for GXG, Express Mail International, registered items, and insured and ordinary parcels as noted in Exhibit 922.2. Claims may not be filed for ordinary letters or M-bags. Claims for registered items, and insured and ordinary parcels may not be filed until after an inquiry has been completed in accordance with the procedures in 921. Claims for rifled or damaged articles should be filed immediately. Claims for registered items, insured, and ordinary parcels delivered to the addressee in damaged condition or with missing contents are payable only to the addressee, unless the addressee waives their right to payment, in writing, in favor of the sender. All claims for inbound international registered items and insured and ordinary parcels received in damaged condition or with missing contents, must be supported by Form 2856. If the addressee does not accept delivery and the item is returned to the sender, the sender will be the payee. Filing Claims *[Revise the Product and Who column and the note in Exhibit 922.2 as follows:]* Product Who How Lost Article Damaged/Rifled GXG and Express Mail International U.S. Sender Only 800-222-1811 1-800-222-1811 GXG and Express Mail International (article returned to sender) U.S. Sender Only N/A Any Post Office* (PS Form 2855) Registered item, insured parcel, ordinary parcel U.S. Sender or Addressee 800-222-1811 Any Post Office* (PS Form 2855) * Must present the article, mailing container, wrapping, packaging, and any other contents received in damaged condition or with missing contents to a post office immediately. 922.3 Claims Process 922.31 Proof of Mailing *[Revise text of 922.31 and items a (2), (3), and
(4)to read as follows:]* Indemnity claims for GXG, Express Mail International, registered mail, and insured and ordinary parcels must be supported as follows: a. If mailed in the United States:
(1)For Global Express Guaranteed items, the original receipt of the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice.
(2)For Express Mail International items, PS Form 2861, *Express Mail International Service Inquiry,* received from the International Inquiry Center.
(3)For registered items and insured parcels, the original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing. Copies are not acceptable.
(4)For ordinary parcels, the customer copy of PS Form 2976-A, *Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note—CP 72.* *[Add a new note after item b as follows:]* b. If mailed from a foreign country: The original mailing receipt if available, the customs label, the wrapper, and any other markings or endorsements on the mailing container that indicate how it was sent. Note: Mailing particulars must also be verified with the country of origin before a claim can be settled. 922.4 Processing Claims for Rifled or Damages Articles 922.42 Postal Service *[Revise the text of 922.42b and delete the last sentence “There is no fee for processing a claim.” to read as follows:]* Postal Service personnel must: a. Complete sections III and IV of PS Form 2855. b. Prepare a damage report on Form 2856, *Damage Report of Insured Parcel and Contents,* detailing the condition of the item at the time of delivery, and indicate whether or not the item was properly packaged to withstand normal handling in international mail. c. Attach the damage report and the documentation described in 922.3 to the claim. d. Send PS Form 2855 and related documents, including the customs label and the wrapper, if appropriate, to: International Claims, St. Louis ASC, PO Box 80146, St. Louis, MO 63180-0146. 923 Disposition of Damaged Mail *[Revise the introductory sentence of 923 and item b to read as follows:]* Dispose of damaged registered mail, insured parcels, and ordinary parcels for which claims have been filed as follows: b. International insured parcels, ordinary parcels, and Canadian registered mail: 930 Indemnity Payments 931 Adjudication and Approval 931.2 International Claims *[Revise title and text of 931.21 by changing “Parcel Post” to “Parcels”, and text as follows:]* 931.21 Indemnity Claims for International Registered Mail, Insured Parcels, and Ordinary Parcels of U.S. and Foreign Origin Indemnity Claims relating to international registered mail, insured and ordinary parcels of both U.S. and foreign origin are adjudicated by the St. Louis Accounting Service Center. 931.22 Country of Origin Pays Indemnity *[Revise 931.22 as follows:]* Payment is made as follows: a. Express Mail claims are paid by the country of origin to the sender. Payments to U.S. senders will by made by the U.S. Postal Service. b. Indemnity for the loss of registered mail, insured parcels and ordinary parcels is paid by the country of origin to the sender. Payments to U.S. senders will be made by the U.S. Postal Service. The sender may waive their right to payment, in writing, in favor of the addressee. Payment in such cases will be made by the destination administration. c. Claims for items delivered in damaged condition or with missing contents may be made to the addressee by the destination administration. If the addressee waives their right to payment, in writing, in favor of the U.S. sender, payment will be made to the sender by the U.S. Postal Service. d. Claims for items mailed in foreign administrations that are delivered in damaged condition or with missing contents may be paid to the addressee. Payments will be made to the U.S. addressee by the U.S. Postal Service. The addressee may waive their right to payment in favor of the sender. Payment in such cases will be made by the origin administration. *[Revise title of 932 as follows:]* 932 General Exceptions to Payment—Registered Mail, and Insured Parcels, and Ordinary Parcels *[Revise title of 933 by changing “Parcel Post” to “Parcels.”]* 933 Payments for Insured Parcels and Ordinary Parcels 933.1 General Provisions *[Revise title and text of 933.11 as follows:]* 933.11 Insured Parcels Indemnity may be paid for loss, rifling, or damage, based on the actual value of articles at the time and place of mailing. 933.12 Indemnity Will Not Be Paid *[Revise third sentence of item d(3) to read as follows:]* In addition to the general exceptions to payment described in 932, indemnity will not be paid: d. For parcels that:
(3)Were not posted in the manner prescribed. In the event of loss, rifling, or damage of mail erroneously accepted for insurance to other countries, limited indemnity may be paid as if it had been addressed to a domestic destination, *i.e.* on the basis of the indemnity limits for domestic insured mail. If postage was erroneously collected at other than a parcel rate, but the parcel was otherwise properly accepted for insurance, indemnity may be paid pursuant to the general provisions of this section and the special provisions of 933.2. *[Revise titles of 933.13 and 933.14 by changing “Parcel Post” to “Parcels.”]* 933.13 Ordinary Parcel Post—Indemnity Limitations 933.14 Ordinary Parcel Post—Exceptions to Indemnity 934 Payments for Registered Mail *[Revise title and text of 934.12 as follows:]* 934.1 General Provisions 934.12 Parcel Post Erroneously Accepted 934.12 Parcels Erroneously Accepted as Registered Mail If a parcel is accepted in error as registered mail, indemnity may be paid under the conditions in 934.2. 934.13 Indemnity Will Not Be Paid *[Revise item b to read as follows:]* b. To anyone in the United States, other than the addressee, for items delivered in damaged condition or with missing contents. The addressee may waive payment, in writing, in favor of the sender. 934.2 Special Provisions *[Revise amount payable in 934.2 to “$43.73.”]* *[Revise 935 by changing “Global Express Mail” and “Global Express Mail (EMS)” to “Express Mail International” throughout.] * 940 Postage Refunds *[Revise 941 by changing “letter-post” and “parcel post” to “First-Class Mail International” and Priority Mail International” throughout.] * *[Revise 942 by changing “Global Express Mail” and “EMS” to “Express Mail International” throughout.] * 942 Postage Refunds for Express Mail International Items 942.5 Unallowable Refund—Express Mail International With No Service Guarantee 942.53 Consequential Damages *[Add new last sentence to 942.53 as follows:]* See DMM 609 and 503, and IMM 221.3 and 935.2 for limitations of indemnity coverage. 943 Processing Refund Applications 943.1 Items Originating in the United States *[Revise first sentence 943.1 as follows:]* Requests for refunds for ordinary letters, registered mail, insured parcels, and ordinary parcels originating in the United States, and Express Mail International with Guarantee are handled as follows:* * * *[Revise item b by deleting “Recorded Delivery” and changing “parcel post” to “parcel.”] * *[Revise item c by changing “EMS” to “Express Mail International.”]* We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 20 to reflect these changes if our proposal is adopted. Neva R. Watson, Attorney, Legislative. [FR Doc. E6-21750 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR PART 261 [EPA-R07-RCRA-2006-0923; FRL-8258-7] Hazardous Waste Management System; Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste Proposed Exclusion AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule and request for comment. SUMMARY: The EPA (also, “the Agency” or “we” in this preamble) is proposing to grant a petition to exclude or “delist” wastewater treatment sludge from conversion coating on aluminum generated by the Ford Motor Company
(Ford)Kansas City Assembly Plant
(KCAP)in Claycomo, Missouri from the requirements of hazardous waste regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This proposed exclusion, if finalized, conditionally excludes the petitioned waste from the requirements of hazardous waste regulations under RCRA. This petition was evaluated in a manner similar to the expedited process developed as a special project in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ)for delisting similar wastes generated by a similar manufacturing process. See 76 FR 10341, March 7, 2002. Based on an evaluation of waste-specific information provided by Ford, we have tentatively concluded that the petitioned waste from KCAP is nonhazardous with respect to the original listing criteria and that there are no other factors which would cause the waste to be hazardous. This exclusion, if finalized, would be valid only when the sludge is disposed of in a Subtitle D landfill which is permitted, licensed, or registered by a State to manage industrial solid waste. DATES: We will accept public comments on this proposed rule until February 5, 2007. We will stamp comments postmarked after the close of the comment period as “late.” These “late” comments may not be considered in formulating a final decision. Any person may request a hearing on this proposed decision by filing a request with Carol Kather, Acting Director, Air, RCRA and Toxics Division, Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, 901 N. 5th St., Kansas City, Kansas, 66208. Your request for a hearing must reach EPA by January 4, 2007. The request must contain the information prescribed in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) 260.20(d). ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R07-RCRA-2006-0923, by one of the following methods: 1. *http://www.regulations.gov:* Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. 2. *E-mail: herstowski.ken@epa.gov* 3. *Mail:* Ken Herstowski, Environmental Protection Agency, RCRA Corrective Action and Permit Branch, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101. 4. *Hand Delivery or Courier.* Deliver your comments to: Ken Herstowski, Environmental Protection Agency, RCRA Corrective Action and Permit Branch, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101. *Instructions:* Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R07-RCRA-2006-0923. 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 *http://www.regulations.gov* or e-mail. The *http://www.regulations.gov* Web site 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 *www.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 electronic docket are listed in the *http://www.regulations.gov* index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., 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 in *http://www.regulations.gov* or in hard copy at the Environmental Protection Agency, RCRA Corrective Action and Permits Branch, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. The hard copy RCRA regulatory docket for this proposed rule, EPA-R07-RCRA-2006-0923, is available for viewing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. The public may copy material from the regulatory docket at $0.15 per page. EPA requests that you contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to schedule your inspection. The interested persons wanting to examine these documents should make an appointment with the office at least 24 hours in advance. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further technical information concerning this document or for appointments to view the docket, contact Kenneth Herstowski at the Environmental Protection Agency, RCRA Corrective Action and Permit Branch, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101, by calling 913-551-7631 or by e-mail at *herstowski.ken@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information in this section is organized as follows: I. Background A. What is a delisting petition? B. What regulations allow a waste to be delisted? II. Ford's Petition To Delist Waste From the Kansas City Assembly Plant A. How is the petitioned waste generated? B. What is the process for delisting F019 from zinc phosphating operations at automobile and light truck assembly plants? C. What information did Ford submit in support of its petition? III. EPA's Evaluation of This Petition A. How did EPA evaluate the information submitted? B. What did EPA conclude about this waste? IV. Proposal To Delist Waste From Kansas City Assembly Plant A. What is EPA proposing? B. What are the terms of this exclusion? C. What are the maximum allowable concentrations of hazardous constituents in the waste? V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. Background Throughout this document whenever “we,” “us,” or “our” is used, we mean EPA. A. What is a delisting petition? A delisting petition is a request from a generator to exclude waste from the list of hazardous wastes under RCRA regulations. In a delisting petition, the petitioner must show that waste generated at a particular facility does not meet any of the criteria for which EPA listed the waste as set forth in 40 CFR 261.11 and the background document for the waste. In addition, a petitioner must demonstrate that the waste does not exhibit any of the hazardous waste characteristics (that is, ignitability, reactivity, corrosivity, and toxicity) and must present sufficient information for us to decide whether factors other than those for which the waste was listed warrant retaining it as a hazardous waste. (See 40 CFR 260.22, 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 6921(f) and the background document for a listed waste.) A generator remains obligated under RCRA to confirm that its waste remains nonhazardous based on the hazardous waste characteristics even if EPA has “delisted” the waste and to ensure that future generated waste meets the conditions set. B. What regulations allow a waste to be delisted? Under 40 CFR 260.20, 260.22, and 42 U.S.C. 6921(f), a facility may petition the EPA to remove its waste from the lists of hazardous wastes contained in 40 CFR 261.31 and 261.32. Specifically, 40 CFR 260.20 allows any person to petition the Administrator to modify or revoke any provision of parts 260 through 266, 268, and 273 of 40 CFR. II. Ford's Petition To Delist Waste From the Kansas City Assembly Plant A. How is the petitioned wasted generated? Ford is petitioning to exclude wastewater treatment sludge resulting from a conversion coating process on truck bodies which have aluminum components. The truck bodies are immersed in a zinc phosphate bath which applies a conversion coating on the surface of the metal. The rinses and overflows from the conversion coating process comingle with wastewaters from cleaning and rinsing operations which may include alkaline cleaners, surfactants, organic detergents and rinse conditioners. After the zinc phosphating bath, the truck bodies are subjected to an electrocoating process and spray painting. Overflows and rinse water from the electrocoating process and from the paint booths combine with the wastewater from the conversion coating before entering the wastewater treatment plant. When treated, the wastewater from the conversion coating on aluminum causes all the sludge generated from these wastewaters to be a listed waste, F019. In the wastewater treatment plant, large particles are screened out and the wastewater is sent to various thickeners and clarifier tanks where water and solids are further separated. The pH of the wastewater may be adjusted and flocculents and coagulants may be added to facilitate the thickening process. The solids which settle in the thickeners and clarifiers are dewatered in a filter press and the resultant F019 filter cake drops into a roll off box for disposal. The zinc phosphating process used today does not contain hexavalent chromium or cyanide for which F019 was originally listed, but trivalent chromium, nickel, and zinc may be present in the wastewater and in the sludge. Other hazardous constituents such as organic solvents, formaldehyde or additional metals could also be in the waste stream. Before a waste can be delisted, the petitioner must demonstrate that there are no hazardous constituents in the sludge from other operations in the plant at levels of concern and that there are no other factors that might cause the waste to be hazardous. Ford believes that its sludge does not contain the constituents for which F019 was listed and that there are no other constituents or factors that would cause the waste to remain hazardous. B. What is the process for delisting F019 from zinc phospating operations at automobile and light truck assembly plants? The zinc phosphating process used by Ford at KCAP is substantially similar to the process used at most automobile and light truck assembly plants in conversion coating steel and aluminum. A number of automobile and light truck assembly plants have been granted hazardous waste exclusions as a result of a special expedited delisting project established in a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU)between EPA Region 5 and MDEQ (67 FR 10341, March 7, 2002, and 68 FR 44652, July 30, 2003). These facilities were able to take advantage of a common sampling approach and expedited rulemaking procedure mainly due to the similarity of the wastes and processes generating the waste. Ford certified that the process generating the filter cake at KCAP is consistent with the process described in the MOU for expedited delistings. Using available historical data and other information, the expedited process identified 70 constituents which might be of concern in the F019 waste generated at automobile and light truck assembly plants, and a Sampling and Analysis Plan was developed specifically for testing this waste. EPA agreed to allow Ford to use the same Sampling and Analysis Plan and the same list of constituents of concern to demonstrate that the levels of constituents in the waste at KCAP are below the levels of concern that could pose a threat to human health or the environment when the waste is disposed in a nonhazardous landfill. C. What information did Ford submit in support of its petition? To support its exclusion demonstration, Ford collected six samples representing waste generated at KCAP over six weeks. All sampling was done in accordance with the Sampling and Analysis Plan developed for the expedited delisting project but modified to eliminate multiple sampling events or long term storage of full roll-off boxes. A representative amount of sludge was collected each week for six weeks starting with the week of November 1, 2005 and continuing through the week of December 12, 2005. The sludge for each week was placed in a separate 55 gallon drum, and on December 19, 2005, composite and grab samples were collected from all drums. In accordance with the Sampling and Analysis Plan, each sample was analyzed for:
(1)Total volatile organic compound
(VOC)analysis using SW-846 8260B with formaldehyde analysis using SW-846 8315A, semivolatile organic compound
(SVOC)analysis using SW-846 8270C;
(2)Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), Method 1311 in Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods (SW-846) for the inorganic, VOC and SVOC constituents of concern;
(3)oil and grease analysis using SW-846 1664,
(4)total metals using SW-846 6010B or 6020 with mercury analysis using SW-846 7471A;
(5)total constituent analysis for sulfide, SW-846 Method 9034 and reactive analysis for sulfide, SW-846 Section 7.3; and
(6)total constituent analysis for cyanide, SW-846 Method 9012A and reactive analysis for cyanide, SW-846 Section 7.3. In addition, the pH of each sample was measured using SW-846 Method 9045C and a determination was made that the waste was not ignitable, corrosive or reactive (see 40 CFR 261.21-261.23). The data submitted included the appropriate quality assurance/quality control information and was validated by an independent third party as required in the Sampling and Analysis Plan. The maximum values of constituents detected in any sample of the wastewater treatment sludge or in a TCLP extract of that sludge are summarized in the table below. Constituent Maximum concentration observed Total (mg/kg) TCLP (mg/l) Maximum allowable delisting level (2,000 cubic yards) Total (mg/kg) TCLP (mg/l) Barium 220 <0.05 NA 1.00x10 2 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate 18 0.0036 NA 3.65x10 − 1 Chromium 40 <0.18 7.60x10 5 5.00x10 0 Cresol, p- 8.2 0.4 NA 1.14x10 1 Cyanide 0.86 <0.05 NA 1.15x10 1 Dinitrotoluene, 2,4- <0.001 0.00028 2.29x10 5 1.30x10 − 1 Ethylbenzene 1.6 0.06 NA 4.26x10 1 Formaldehyde 4.9 0.24 6.88x10 3 3.43x10 2 Mercury 0.2 <0.0007 1.04x10 1 1.55x10 − 1 Napthalene <0.001 0.011 NA 7.28x10 − 1 Nickel 3000 8.7 NA 9.05x10 1 Sulfides 230 NA NA NA Thallium 21 <0.02 1.16x10 5 2.82x10 − 1 Tin 120 3.1 NA 7.21x10 2 Toluene <0.001 0.0025 NA 6.08x10 1 Xylenes (total) 7.9 0.33 NA 1.89x10 1 Zinc 7900 0.74 NA 8.98x10 2 <—Not detected at the specified concentration. NA—The DRAS program did not calculate a delisting level for this constituent, or the delisting level was higher than those levels expected to be found in the waste. In the event high levels are discovered later, the constituent will be evaluated and a delisting level set in accordance with the methodology used to set delisting levels for the other constituents. mg/kg—milligrams per kilogram. mg/l—milligrams per liter. These levels represent the highest constituent concentration found in any one sample and do not necessarily represent the specific levels found in a single sample. III. EPA's Evaluation of This Petition A. How did EPA evaluate the information submitted? In developing this proposal, we considered the original listing criteria and evaluated additional factors required by the Hazardous and Solid Wastes Amendments of 1984 (HSWA). See section 222 of HSWA, 42 U.S.C. 6921(f), and 40 CFR 260.22(d)(2)-(4). We evaluated the petitioned waste against the listing criteria and factors cited in 40 CFR 261.11(a)(2) and (3). These factors include:
(1)Whether the waste is considered acutely toxic;
(2)the toxicity of the constituents;
(3)the concentration of the constituents in the waste;
(4)the tendency of the hazardous constituents to migrate and to bioaccumulate;
(5)persistence of these constituents in the environment once released from the waste;
(6)plausible and specific types of management of the petitioned waste;
(7)the quantity of waste produced; and
(8)waste variability. EPA identified plausible exposure routes (ground water, surface water, air) for hazardous constituents released from the waste in an improperly managed Subtitle D landfill. To evaluate the waste, we used the Delisting Risk Assessment Software program (DRAS), a Windows based software tool, to estimate the potential release of hazardous constituents from the waste and to predict the risk associated with those releases. For a detailed description of the DRAS program and revisions see: 65 FR 58015, September 27, 2000; 65 FR 75637, December 4, 2000; 65 FR 75897, December 5, 2000; and 67 FR 10341, March 7, 2002. B. What did EPA conclude about this waste? EPA compared the analytical results submitted by KCAP to the maximum allowable levels calculated by the DRAS for an annual volume of 2,000 cubic yards. The maximum allowable levels for constituents detected in the waste or the waste leachate are summarized in the table above. All constituents compared favorably to the allowable levels. The table also includes the maximum allowable levels in groundwater at a potential receptor well, as evaluated by DRAS. These levels are the more conservative of either the Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Level
(MCL)or the health-based value calculated by DRAS based on the target cancer risk level of 1×10 − 6 or the target hazard quotient of one. EPA also used the DRAS program to estimate the aggregate cancer risk and hazard index for constituents detected in the waste. The aggregate cancer risk is the cumulative total of all individual constituent cancer risks. The hazard index is a similar cumulative total of non-cancer effects. The target aggregate cancer risk is 1×10 − 5 and the target hazard index is one. The wastewater treatment sludge at KCAP met both of these criteria. IV. Proposal To Delist Waste From Kansas City Assembly A. What is EPA proposing? Today the EPA is proposing to conditionally exclude or delist 2,000 cubic yards annually of wastewater treatment sludge generated at KCAP from conversion coating on aluminum. B. What are the terms of this exclusion? Ford must dispose of the KCAP waste in a lined Subtitle D landfill which is permitted, licensed, or registered by a state to manage industrial waste. Ford must verify on a quarterly basis that the concentrations of the constituents of concern in the KCAP sludge do not exceed the allowable levels set forth in this exclusion. The list of constituents for verification is based on the concentration and frequency of occurrence of constituents of concern in Ford's KCAP sludge and in wastes generated by the majority of facilities participating in the expedited process to delist F019. This exclusion applies only to a maximum annual volume of 2,000 cubic yards and is effective only if all conditions contained in this rule are satisfied. C. What are the maximum allowable concentrations of hazardous constituents in the waste? Concentrations of the following constituents measured in the TCLP (or OWEP, where appropriate) extract of the waste must not exceed the following levels (mg/L): barium—100; chromium—5; mercury—0.155; nickel—90; thallium—0.282; zinc—898; cyanides—11.5; ethyl benzene—42.6; toluene—60.8; total xylenes—18.9; bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate—0.365; p-cresol—11.4; 2,4-dinitrotoluene—0.13; formaldehyde—343; and napthalene—0.728. The total concentrations in the waste of the following constituents must not exceed the following levels (mg/kg): chromium 760000; mercury—10.4; thallium—116000; 2,4-dinitrotoluene—100000; and formaldehyde—6880. V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under Executive Order 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review” (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), the Agency must determine whether the regulatory action is “significant” and therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the Executive Order. It has been determined that this rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under the terms of Executive Order 12866 and therefore is not a regulatory action subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This rule does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) because it applies to a particular facility only. Because this rule is of particular applicability relating to a particular facility and does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, it is not subject to the regulatory flexibility provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This rule is not subject to sections 202, 203, 204, and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(UMRA)(Pub. L. 104-4) because this rule will affect only a particular facility. Therefore, EPA has determined that this rule does not contain a Federal mandate that may result in expenditures of $100 million or more for State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector in any one year. Because this rule will affect only a particular facility, this final rule does not have federalism implications. It will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, “Federalism,” (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this rule. Similarly, because this rule will affect only a particular facility, this final rule does not have tribal implications, as specified in Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments” (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule. This rule also is not subject to Executive Order 13045,“Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks” (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because it is not economically significant as defined in Executive Order 12866, and because the Agency does not have reason to believe the environmental health or safety risks addressed by this action present a disproportionate risk to children. The basis for this belief is that the Agency used the DRAS program, which considers health and safety risks to infants and children, to calculate the maximum allowable concentrations for this rule. This rule 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 rule 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. As required by section 3 of Executive Order 12988, “Civil Justice Reform,” (61 FR 4729, February 7, 1996), in issuing this rule, EPA has taken the necessary steps to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, minimize potential litigation, and provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 261 Environmental protection, Hazardous waste, Recycling, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authority: Sec. 3001(f) RCRA, 42 U.S.C. 6921(f). Authority for this action has been delegated to the Regional Administrator (61 FR 32798, June 25, 1996). Dated: November 16, 2006. John B. Askew, Regional Administrator, Region 7. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 40 CFR part 261 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 261—IDENTIFICATION AND LISTING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE 1. The authority citation for part 261 continues to read as follows: Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6905, 6912(a), 6921, 6922, and 6938. 2. In Table 1 of Appendix IX of part 261 the following wastestream is added in alphabetical order by facility to read as follows: Appendix IX to Part 261—Wastes Excluded Under §§ 260.20 and 260.22 Table 1.—Wastes Excluded From Non-Specific Sources Facility Address Waste description * * * * * * * Ford Motor Company Kansas City Assembly Plant Claycomo, Missouri Wastewater treatment sludge, F019, that is generated at the Ford Motor Company
(Ford)Kansas City Assembly Plant
(KCAP)at a maximum annual rate of 2,000 cubic yards per year. The sludge must be disposed of in a lined landfill with leachate collection, which is licensed, permitted, or otherwise authorized to accept the delisted wastewater treatment sludge in accordance with 40 CFR part 258. The exclusion becomes effective as of (insert final publication date). 1. Delisting Levels:
(a)The concentrations in a TCLP extract of the waste measured in any sample may not exceed the following levels (mg/L): barium—100; chromium—5; mercury—0.155; nickel—90; thallium—0.282; zinc—898; cyanides—11.5; ethyl benzene—42.6; toluene—60.8; total xylenes—18.9; bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate—0.365; p-cresol—11.4; 2,4-dinitrotoluene—0.13; formaldehyde—343; and napthalene—.728;
(b)The total concentrations measured in any sample may not exceed the following levels (mg/kg): chromium 760000; mercury—10.4; thallium—116000; 2,4-dinitrotoluene—100000; and formaldehyde—6880. 2. Quarterly Verification Testing: To verify that the waste does not exceed the specified delisting levels, Ford must collect and analyze one representative sample of KCAP's sludge on a quarterly basis. 3. Changes in Operating Conditions: Ford must notify the EPA in writing if the manufacturing process, the chemicals used in the manufacturing process, the treatment process, or the chemicals used in the treatment process at KCAP significantly change. Ford must handle wastes generated at KCAP after the process change as hazardous until it has demonstrated that the waste continues to meet the delisting levels and that no new hazardous constituents listed in appendix VIII of part 261 have been introduced and Ford has received written approval from EPA. 4. Data Submittals: Ford must submit the data obtained through verification testing at KCAP or as required by other conditions of this rule to EPA Region 7, Air, RCRA and Toxics Division, 901 N. 5th, Kansas City, Kansas, 66208. The quarterly verification data and certification of proper disposal must be submitted annually upon the anniversary of the effective date of this exclusion. Ford must compile, summarize, and maintain at KCAP records of operating conditions and analytical data for a minimum of five years. Ford must make these records available for inspection. All data must be accompanied by a signed copy of the certification statement in 40 CFR 260.22(i)(12). 5. Reopener Language—(a) If, anytime after disposal of the delisted waste, Ford possesses or is otherwise made aware of any data (including but not limited to leachate data or groundwater monitoring data) relevant to the delisted waste at KCAP indicating that any constituent is at a level in the leachate higher than the specified delisting level, or is in the groundwater at a concentration higher than the maximum allowable groundwater concentration in paragraph (e), then Ford must report such data in writing to the Regional Administrator within 10 days of first possessing or being made aware of that data.
(b)Based on the information described in paragraph
(a)and any other information received from any source, the Regional Administrator will make a preliminary determination as to whether the reported information requires Agency action to protect human health or the environment. Further action may include suspending, or revoking the exclusion, or other appropriate response necessary to protect human health and the environment.
(c)If the Regional Administrator determines that the reported information does require Agency action, the Regional Administrator will notify Ford in writing of the actions the Regional Administrator believes are necessary to protect human health and the environment. The notice shall include a statement of the proposed action and a statement providing Ford with an opportunity to present information as to why the proposed Agency action is not necessary or to suggest an alternative action. Ford shall have 30 days from the date of the Regional Administrator's notice to present the information.
(d)If after 30 days Ford presents no further information, the Regional Administrator will issue a final written determination describing the Agency actions that are necessary to protect human health or the environment. Any required action described in the Regional Administrator's determination shall become effective immediately, unless the Regional Administrator provides otherwise. * * * * * * * [FR Doc. E6-21603 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency 44 CFR Part 67 [Docket No. FEMA-D-7680] Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: Technical information or comments are requested on the proposed Base (1% annual chance) Flood Elevations
(BFEs)and proposed BFEs modifications for the communities listed below. The BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). DATES: The comment period is ninety
(90)days following the second publication of this proposed rule in a newspaper of local circulation in each community. ADDRESSES: The proposed BFEs for each community are available for inspection at the office of the Chief Executive Officer of each community. The respective addresses are listed in the table below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William R. Blanton, Jr., Engineering Management Section, Mitigation Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472,
(202)646-3151. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA)proposes to make determinations of BFEs and modified BFEs for each community listed below, in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR 67.4(a). These proposed BFEs and modified BFEs, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own, or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State or regional entities. These proposed elevations are used to meet the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP and are also used to calculate the appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings built after these elevations are made final, and for the contents in these buildings. *National Environmental Policy Act.* This proposed rule is categorically excluded from the requirements of 44 CFR part 10, Environmental Consideration. An environmental impact assessment has not been prepared. *Regulatory Flexibility Act.* As flood elevation determinations are not within the scope of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. *Regulatory Classification.* This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under the criteria of section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993, Regulatory Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735. *Executive Order 13132, Federalism.* This proposed rule involves no policies that have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. *Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform.* This proposed rule meets the applicable standards of Executive Order 12988. List of Subjects in 44 CFR Part 67 Administrative practice and procedure, Flood insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Accordingly, 44 CFR part 67 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 67—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 67 continues to read as follows: Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4001 *et seq.* ; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978, 3 CFR, 1978 Comp., p. 329; E.O. 12127, 44 FR 19367, 3 CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 376. § 67.4 [Amended] 2. The tables published under the authority of § 67.4 are proposed to be amended as follows: Flooding source(s) Location of referenced elevation * Elevation in feet
(NGVD)+ Elevation in feet
(NAVD)# Depth in feet above ground Effective Modified Communities affected Lee County, Florida, and Incorporated Areas Bayshore Creek Approximately 600 feet downstream of Jamestown Circle +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). At Nalle Grade Road None +23 Bedman Creek/Dog Canal Approximately 700 feet downstream of Palm Beach Boulevard +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 2.6 miles upstream of Weir S-D-2 None +26 Billy Creek At upstream side of Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Fort Myers. Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Oritz Circle None +17 Caloosahatchee River At intersection of Cohn Road and Marsh Cove Lane +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Cape Coral, City of Fort Myers. Approximately 0.4 mile south of intersection of Tarpon Estates Boulevard and Tarpon Estates Court +10 +11 Carrell Canal Approximately 900 feet upstream of confluence with Caloosahatchee River None +7 City of Fort Myers. Approximately 375 feet upstream of Evans Avenue None +13 Chapel Branch Creek Approximately 600 feet downstream of Samville Road +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 650 feet upstream of Rich Road None +20 Charlotte Harbor At intersection of Kismet Parkway and Burnt Stove Road +7 +6 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Cape Coral. Approximately 0.7 mile west from Old Burnt Stove Road and 48th Terrace intersection (follow Yucca Creek) +11 +10 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Cypress Creek Approximately 800 feet downstream of North River Road +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 3.0 miles upstream of North River Road None +18 Daughtrey Creek Approximately 0.4 mile downstream of Bayshore Road +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of Nalle Grade Road None +24 East Branch At downstream side of Bayshore Road +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Daughtrey Creek At Nalle Grade Road None +23 East Branch Approximately 0.2 mile downstream of Pine Island Road None +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Cape Coral. Yellow Fever Creek At upstream side of U.S. 41 Culvert +17 +18 Estero Bay Approximately 0.3 mile west of intersection of Baybridge Boulevard and Bridge Run Court +10 +11 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Bonita Springs, Town of Fort Myers Beach. Approximately 0.5 mile west of intersection of Redfish Street and Spring Creek Drive +13 +15 Estero River Approximately 0.4 mile downstream of South Tamiami Trail +10 +11 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of I-75 None +21 Fichter Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of the confluence with Caloosahatchee River None +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 50 feet upstream of Fichters Creek Lane None +15 Ford Street Canal At upstream side of Gallee Way None +9 City of Fort Myers. Approximately 200 feet downstream of Hanson Street None +18 Gulf of Mexico Approximately 1,000 feet west of the Pelican Pass and Charlotte Harbor Mouth (Cayo Costa Island) +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Bonita Springs, City of Sanibel, Town of Fort Myers Beach. Approximately 500 feet west of intersection of Estero Boulevard and Hickory Boulevard +18 +20 Halfway Creek Approximately 0.6 mile downstream of U.S. Route 41 +10 +11 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 100 feet upstream of Railroad None +16 Halls Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of North River Road None +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of North River Road None +13 Hancock Creek Approximately 100 feet upstream of Barrett Road None +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Cape Coral. Approximately 100 feet upstream of Diplomat Parkway None +11 Hickey Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of Palm Beach Boulevard +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). At the confluence of Hickey Creek Drainageway +9 +10 Hickey Creek At confluence of Hickey Creek +9 +10 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). (upstream of Hickey Creek Drainageway) Approximately 0.8 mile downstream of Bateman Road +11 +10 Hickey Creek Drainageway At the confluence with Hickey Creek +9 +10 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of 17th Street None +22 Kickapoo Creek At upstream side of Bayshore Road +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 0.2 mile upstream of Old Bayshore Road +12 +8 L-3 Canal At the confluence with L Canal None +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Fort Myers. Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Fowler Street None +14 Leitner Creek Approximately 800 feet upstream of Terry Street +10 +12 City of Bonita Springs. Approximately 0.3 mile upstream of I-75 None +14 Manuels Branch At upstream side of McGregor Boulevard None +7 City of Fort Myers. Approximately 975 feet upstream of Evans Avenue None +12 Marsh Point Creek At upstream side of Bayshore Road +10 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). At upstream side of Tucker Lane +16 +15 Matlacha Pass Approximately 0.5 mile east of intersection of Game Bird Lane and Ficus Tree Lane +7 +6 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Cape Coral. Approximately 0.7 mile east of intersection of Tropical Point Drive and Cove Street +8 +11 Mullock Creek Approximately 300 feet downstream of Constitution Circle None +10 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). At Oriole Road None +15 Mullock Creek Tributary Approximately 0.2 mile downstream of South Tamiami Trail +10 +11 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 150 feet upstream of South Tamiami Trail None +13 North Colonial Waterway At the confluence with Ten Mile Canal None +17 City of Fort Myers. Approximately 400 feet upstream of Milan Drive None +17 Oak Creek At Imperial Street +10 +11 City of Bonita Springs. Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of Imperial Street +10 +11 Orange River Approximately 2.5 miles upstream of Palm Beach Boulevard +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 2.5 miles upstream of Buckingham Road None +17 Owl Creek Approximately 1,000 feet downstream of North River Road +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 0.2 mile upstream of Shirley Lane None +20 Palm Creek At downstream side of Bayshore Road +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 50 feet downstream of Sharon Drive None +22 Pine Island Sound Approximately 500 feet west of intersection of State Route 767 and Helen Road +7 +6 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Sanibel. At intersection of Seair Lane and Sol Vista Drive on Captiva Island +10 +12 Popash Creek Approximately 0.3 mile upstream of Bayshore Road +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). At County boundary +26 +25 Powell Bypass At Weir Valencia +14 +12 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 2.0 miles upstream of Mellow Drive None +20 Powell Creek Approximately 0.3 mile upstream of Brooks Road +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). At Weir Valencia +14 +12 Powell Creek At confluence with Powell Creek +11 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Tributary No. 1 Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Powell Creek +11 +10 San Carlos Bay At intersection of Sanibel Boulevard and Bay View Avenue +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Cape Coral, City of Sanibel, Town of Fort Myers Beach. Approximately 500 feet south of intersection of Punta Rassa Road and McGregor Boulevard +17 +20 Six Mile Cypress At confluence with Ten Mile Canal None +13 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Fort Myers. Slough At State Route 82 None +22 South Branch At confluence with Estero River None +14 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). At upstream side of I-75 None +17 Spanish Canal At confluence with Spanish Creek None +13 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of confluence with Spanish Creek None +18 Spanish Creek Approximately 900 feet upstream of confluence with Caloosahatchee River +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 0.2 mile upstream of Persimmon Ridge Road None +19 Spring Creek Approximately 500 feet downstream of Railroad +10 +11 City of Bonita Springs. Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Railroad None +13 Stricklin Gully At confluence with Trout Creek/Curry Lake Canal None +13 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of confluence with Trout Creek/Curry Lake Canal None +18 Stroud Creek Approximately 100 feet upstream of Bayshore Road +8 +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 0.2 mile upstream of St. Paul Road None +23 Telegraph Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of confluence with Caloosahatchee River +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of Telegraph Creek Lane None +18 Ten Mile Canal Approximately 1,500 feet downstream of Briarcliff Road +10 +11 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Fort Myers. At Hanson Street None +17 Trout Creek/Curry Lake Canal At downstream side of North River Road +7 +8 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas). At County boundary None +23 Winkler Canal Approximately 700 feet upstream of the confluence with Caloosahatchee River None +7 City of Fort Myers. Approximately 125 feet upstream of Evans Avenue None +14 Yellow Fever Creek Approximately 1,000 feet downstream of Pine Island Road None +7 Lee County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Cape Coral. Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Littleton Road None +11 * National Geodetic Vertical Datum. # Depth in feet above ground. + North American Vertical Datum. ADDRESSES City of Bonita Springs Maps are available for inspection at the City of Bonita Springs Administration Office, 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, Florida. Send comments to The Honorable Jay Arend, Mayor of the City of Bonita Springs, 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135. City of Cape Coral Maps are available for inspection at the City of Cape Coral Community Development Department, 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral, Florida. Send comments to The Honorable Eric Feichthaler, Mayor of the City of Cape Coral, P.O. Box 150027, Cape Coral, Florida 33915-0027. City of Fort Myers Maps are available for inspection at the City of Fort Myers Community Development Department, 1825 Hendry Street, Suite 101, Fort Myers, Florida. Send comments to Mr. Anthony Shoemaker, Fort Myers City Manager, P.O. Box 2217, Fort Myers, Florida 33902. Town of Fort Myers Beach Maps are available for inspection at the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council Chambers, 2523 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Send comments to The Honorable Dennis Boback, Mayor of the Town of Fort Myers Beach, 2523 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931. City of Sanibel Maps are available for inspection at the Sanibel City Hall, Planning Department, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, Florida. Send comments to The Honorable Carla Johnston, Mayor of the City of Sanibel, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, Florida 33957. Lee County (Unincorporated Areas) Maps are available for inspection at the Lee County Community Development Department, 1500 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Fort Myers, Florida. Send comments to Ms. Tammy Hall, Chairperson for the Lee County Board of Commissioners, P.O. Box 398, Fort Myers, Florida 33902-0398. Burke County, North Carolina and Incorporated Areas Dye Branch At the confluence with McGalliard Creek None +1,078 Burke County (Unincorporated Areas), Town of Valdese. Approximately 655 feet upstream of Praley Street None +1,193 Sandy Run Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of the confluence with Hunting Creek None +1,113 Burke County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 2.4 miles upstream of the confluence with Hunting Creek None +1,156 * National Geodetic Vertical Datum. # Depth in feet above ground. + North American Vertical Datum. ADDRESSES Burke County (Unincorporated Areas) Maps are available for inspection at the Burke County Planning and Development Department, 110 North Green Street, Morganton, North Carolina. Send comments to Mr. Ron Lewis, Burke County Manager, P.O. Box 219, Morganton, North Carolina 28680. Town of Valdese Maps are available for inspection at the Valdese Town Hall, 121 Faet Street, Valdese, North Carolina. Send comments to The Honorable James Hatley, Mayor of the Town of Valdese, P.O. Box 339, Valdese, North Carolina 28690. Catawba County, North Carolina and Incorporated Areas Cline Creek Tributary 2 At the confluence with Cline Creek None +898 Catawba County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Conover. Approximately 1,300 feet upstream of I-40 None +911 Dellinger Creek At the confluence with Elk Shoal Creek +850 +851 Catawba County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 725 feet upstream of Rest Home Road None +960 Elk Shoal Creek Approximately 2,750 feet upstream of the confluence with Catawba River +848 +849 Catawba County (Unincorporated Areas). Approximately 2,000 feet upstream of Rest Home Road +942 +943 East Tributary At the confluence with McLin Creek None +943 Catawba County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Conover. McLin Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of Keisler Road Southeast None +982 Geitner Branch At the confluence with Henry Fork +887 +890 Catawba County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Hickory. Approximately 1,900 feet upstream of 7th Avenue Southwest None +1,080 Long Creek At the confluence with McLin Creek +861 +860 Catawba County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Claremont, City of Conover. Approximately 1,400 feet upstream of Railroad None +988 Mull Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of the confluence with Lyle Creek +820 +819 Catawba County (Unincorporated Areas), City of Claremont, City of Conover. Approximately 500 feet upstream of 9th Avenue Northeast None +1,002 * National Geodetic Vertical Datum. # Depth in feet above ground. + North American Vertical Datum. ADDRESSES Catawba County (Unincorporated Areas) Maps are available for inspection at the Catawba County Planning and Zoning Department, 100 A Southwest Boulevard, Newton, North Carolina. Send comments to Mr. Tom Lundy, Catawba County Manager, P.O. Box 389, Catawba, North Carolina 28658. City of Claremont Maps are available for inspection at the City of Claremont Planning Department, 3288 East Main Street, Claremont, North Carolina. Send comments to The Honorable Glenn A. Morrison, Mayor of the City of Claremont, 3288 East Main Street, Claremont, North Carolina 28610. City of Conover Maps are available for inspection at the Conover City Hall, 101 First Street East, Conover, North Carolina. Send comments to The Honorable Bruce Eckard, Mayor of the City of Conover, P.O. Box 549, Conover, North Carolina 28613. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 83.100, “Flood Insurance.”) Dated: December 13, 2006. David I. Maurstad, Director, Mitigation Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E6-21681 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-12-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Parts 222 and 223 [061107292-6292-01;110306A] RIN 0648-AU81 Sea Turtle Conservation; Observer Requirement for Fisheries AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule, request for comments. SUMMARY: NMFS proposes a regulation to require vessels in state and federal fisheries operating in the territorial seas or exclusive economic zone of the United States that are identified through the annual determination process specified in the rule to take observers upon NMFS request. NMFS proposes this measure to learn more about sea turtle interactions with fishing operations, to evaluate existing measures to reduce sea turtle takes, and to determine whether additional measures to address sea turtle takes may be necessary. NMFS will pay the direct costs of the observer. NMFS also proposes to extend the number of days from 30 to 180 that the agency may place observers in response to an appropriate determination by the Assistant Administrator under its existing regulations. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments on this proposed rule and requests for copies of the Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Impact Review (EA/RIR) should be addressed to the Chief, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tanya Dobrzynski,
(301)713-2322. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* , NMFS is authorized to implement programs to conserve marine life listed as endangered or threatened. All sea turtles that occur in U.S. waters are listed as either endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* . The Kemp's ridley ( *Lepidochelys kempii* ), leatherback ( *Dermochelys coriacea* ), and hawksbill ( *Eretmochelys imbricata* ) sea turtles are listed as endangered. Loggerhead ( *Caretta caretta* ), green ( *Chelonia mydas* ), and olive ridley ( *Lepidochelys olivacea* ) sea turtles are listed as threatened, except for breeding colony populations of green sea turtles in Florida and on the Pacific coast of Mexico and breeding colony populations of olive ridleys on the Pacific coast of Mexico, which are listed as endangered. While some sea turtle populations have shown signs of recovery, many populations continue to decline. Incidental take, or bycatch, in fishing gear is one of the main sources of sea turtle injury and mortality nationwide. Section 9 of the ESA prohibits the take (including killing, injuring, capturing, harming and harassing), even incidental take, of endangered sea turtles. Pursuant to section 4(d) of the ESA, NMFS has issued regulations extending the prohibition of take, with exceptions, to threatened sea turtles. 50 CFR 223.306. NMFS may grant exceptions to the take prohibitions with an incidental take statement or an incidental take permit issued pursuant to section 7 or 10, respectively, of the ESA. To do so, NMFS must determine that the activity that will result in incidental take is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the affected listed species. In some cases, NMFS has been able to make this determination because the fishery is conducted with a modified gear or modified fishing practice that NMFS has been able to evaluate. However, for some Federal fisheries and most state fisheries, NMFS has not granted an exception primarily because we lack information about fishery-turtle interactions. Therefore, any incidental take of sea turtles in those fisheries remains unauthorized. The most effective way for NMFS to learn more about sea turtle-fishery interactions is to place observers aboard fishing vessels. NMFS is proposing this regulation to establish procedures under which each year NMFS will identify, pursuant to specified criteria and after notice and opportunity for comment, those fisheries in which the agency intends to place observers. NMFS will pay the direct costs (e.g., salary, insurance) for the observer. Once selected, a fishery will be eligible to be observed for five years without further action by NMFS. This will enable NMFS to develop an appropriate sampling protocol to determine whether incidental takes are occurring, to evaluate whether existing measures are minimizing or preventing interactions, and to determine whether additional measures are needed to conserve turtles. Other Procedures for Observer Placement NMFS has established a regulatory procedure to place observers on vessels contingent upon a determination by the NMFS Assistant Administrator that the unauthorized take of sea turtles may be likely to jeopardize their continued existence. 50 CFR 223.206(d) (4). In this regulation, NMFS limited observer coverage requirements within a fishery to 30 days. NMFS has used this procedure to address immediate observer needs when fishery activity and relatively high sea turtle strandings have occurred simultaneously in a particular area. However, these temporary observer requirements are designed to respond to acute problems, and not for the design and implementation of monitoring programs that yield statistically valid information, which is the purpose of the observer requirements contained in this proposed rule. Further, because 30 days does not always provide the opportunity to investigate the cause of an event, such as elevated sea turtle strandings, NMFS is also proposing that observer coverage requirements under 50 CFR 223.206(d)(4) may remain effective for 180 days, with a possible 60-day extension. The combined 240 days is consistent with the emergency regulatory provision in section 4(b)(7) of the ESA. As a condition of authorizing incidental take in certain fisheries, NMFS has also implemented observer coverage requirements under the authority of the ESA on a fishery-by-fishery basis, such as in the shrimp trawl, summer flounder trawl, and Virginia pound net fisheries. These requirements have been implemented only after data from strandings, temporary observer coverage, or other sources indicated that prohibited sea turtle takes were occurring, and as part of a regulatory program to address the sea turtle takes in that fishery. NMFS has also placed observers on federally-managed vessels under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended in 1996 (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as amended in 1994 (MMPA), to document fish bycatch and incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals, respectively. The Magnuson-Stevens Act allows NMFS to require observers on fisheries managed under a Federal fishery management plan, while the MMPA allows NMFS to require observers in both Federal and non-federal fisheries depending on the determined level of interaction between fisheries and marine mammals. Secondary to collecting information on fish and marine mammal bycatch through placement of observers on fishing vessels via the Magnuson-Stevens Act and MMPA, NMFS has also collected data on sea turtle interactions in fisheries. However, there are several limitations and restrictions to using the MMPA or Magnuson-Stevens Act to place observers to monitor potential sea turtle interactions. The Magnuson-Stevens Act only provides NMFS authority to require observers on vessels in fisheries managed under a Federal fishery management plan. Thus, the authority primarily covers fisheries operating in Federal waters. The MMPA only allows NMFS to require observers on fisheries that have been listed on the annual List of Fisheries as Category I (where incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals is considered “frequent”) and Category II (where incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals is considered “occasional”) (16 U.S.C. 1387(c)), but not Category III (where there is a remote likelihood of or no known incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals), under which the majority of fisheries are listed. Given that some state and Category III fisheries may be a concern for sea turtle takes, neither the MSA nor the MMPA provides broad enough authority to monitor fisheries that are likely to incidentally take sea turtles. Additionally, because NMFS has largely relied on the MMPA to monitor non-federal fisheries, many monitoring programs are designed primarily to monitor marine mammal bycatch in fishing gear and not necessarily to optimize observation of sea turtle takes. For instance, the sampling regime for marine mammals may not adequately cover times and areas where sea turtle interactions are most likely to occur. Due to observer sampling designs that focus on marine mammal takes, the use of MMPA authority to monitor fisheries for sea turtle bycatch is not optimal. To obtain statistically representative data on sea turtle takes in various fisheries, NMFS must design sampling programs based on sea turtle distribution and abundance and directed toward those gear types and fisheries that are a priority concern for sea turtle recovery. NMFS has also relied on using voluntary observer coverage to obtain data in several non-federally managed fisheries. For example, from November 1 - 20, 1999, 56 dead sea turtles washed ashore in a small area of Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, in the vicinity of Hatteras and Ocracoke Inlets. Thirty-five of the sea turtles were Kemp's ridleys, the most endangered species of sea turtle. Many sink gillnet fishing vessels were operating in the vicinity. North Carolina state observers were placed on a limited number of the gillnet boats to monitor sea turtle interactions. Because both state and NMFS' observer placement was voluntary, many of the fishermen elected not to carry observers, which resulted in limited coverage in areas where sea turtle interactions were believed most likely to occur. Adequate sampling occurred only after North Carolina received an ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) incidental take permit (67 FR 67150, November 4, 2002) and observer coverage was a requirement of the permit. These events in North Carolina highlight that a voluntary observer program limits the extent of coverage and hinders the collection of reliable data. Sea Turtle/Fisheries Interactions Numerous gear types have been implicated in takes of sea turtles along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific coasts. Because the issue of incidental takes is largely due to the type of fishing gear used, commercial and recreational fisheries in state and federal waters may take sea turtles. Data available on the extent of sea turtle interactions vary by gear type, area, and season. Nonetheless, certain types of gear are more prone to incidentally capturing sea turtles than others, depending on the way the gear is fished and the time and area within which it is fished. Fisheries that use, for example, trawls, gillnets, seines, pound nets, traps, pots, dredges, longlines, and hook and line are potential sources of sea turtle take. Incidental take has been documented in these gear types where the distribution of sea turtles and fisheries overlaps. For example, NMFS has used alternative monitoring platforms to observe the VA pound net fishery. This monitoring revealed that sea turtle takes are a concern in the VA pound net fishery. As a result, NMFS has implemented management measures aimed at reducing sea turtle interactions in pound net leaders in the southern portion of the Chesapeake Bay from May 6-July 15 of each year, when sea turtles are known to be present (69 FR 24997, May 5, 2004). NMFS conducted an ESA section 7 consultation on the pound net fishery and determined that the fishery with the management measures was not likely to jeopardize sea turtles and the agency was then able to authorize incidental take in the fishery. While these measures may be reducing the number of sea turtle takes in pound nets, sea turtle strandings in the area have continued despite the management measures. Other fisheries, such as inshore gillnet and purse seine fisheries in the area, may also be contributing to the problem and need to be further evaluated. There are similar examples in other areas around the United States where more comprehensive and targeted observer coverage on fishing vessels is needed to better grasp and address the problem of sea turtle takes incidental to fishing activities, such as the shrimp fishery in the state and federal waters of the southeast United States and the Gulf of Mexico. This proposed rule would enable NMFS to monitor gear types, such as try nets and skimmer trawls, used in this fishery, which are not currently required to use turtle excluder devices but that have been documented to interact with sea turtles. Pot/trap and gillnet fisheries in the state waters of the U.S. have also been documented to interact with sea turtles; therefore, more information is needed on potential sea turtle interactions in these gear types/fisheries to better evaluate them. In addition, long-term, comprehensive coverage is needed to fill information gaps on sea turtle takes. Thus, NMFS proposes to amend the ESA regulations to specify that NMFS may place observers on recreational or commercial fishing vessels. Consistent, regular monitoring via placement of observers on fishing vessels is needed to gather useful data on sea turtle takes and, where necessary, to evaluate existing measures and develop new management measures to reduce sea turtle take in certain gear types. This proposed action, issued under the authority of the ESA, is necessary to implement the prohibitions of take of listed species and to conserve sea turtles listed as threatened or endangered. Observer Program Design The design of any observer program implemented under this rule, including how observers would be allocated to individual vessels, would vary among fisheries, fishing sectors, gear types, and geographic regions and would ultimately be determined by the individual NMFS Regional Office, Science Center, and/or observer program. During the program design, NMFS would be guided by the following standards in the distribution and placement of observers among fisheries identified in annual determinations and vessels in those particular fisheries:
(1)The requirements to obtain the best available scientific information;
(2)The requirement that assignment of observers is fair and equitable among fisheries and among vessels in a fishery;
(3)The requirement that no individual person or vessel, or group of persons or vessels, be subject to inappropriate, excessive observer coverage; and
(4)The need to minimize costs and avoid duplication, where practicable. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1881(b), vessels where the facilities for accommodating an observer or carrying out observer functions are so inadequate or unsafe (due to size or quality of equipment, for example) that the health or safety of the observer or the safe operation of the vessel would be jeopardized, would not be required to take observers under this rule. Observer programs designed or carried out in accordance with this regulation would be required to be consistent with existing observer-related NOAA policies and regulations, such as those under the Fair Labor and Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 201 *et seq.* ), the Service Contract Act (41 U.S.C. 351 *et seq.* ), Observer Health and Safety regulations (50 CFR part 600), and other relevant policies. Annual Determination Process The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
(AA)will make an annual proposed and final determination identifying which fisheries may require observer coverage to monitor potential interactions with sea turtles. The determination will be based on the best available scientific, commercial, or other information regarding sea turtle-fishery interactions; sea turtle distribution; sea turtle strandings; fishing techniques, gears used, target species, seasons and areas fished; or qualitative data from logbooks or fisher reports. The AA will use the most recent version of the annually published MMPA List of Fisheries
(LOF)as the universe of commercial fisheries for consideration in addition to known information on non-commercial fisheries in a given area. The LOF includes all known state and federal commercial fisheries that occur in U.S. waters. The categorization scheme of fisheries on the LOF would not be relevant to this process; all fisheries in the LOF would be used as the universe of state and federal commercial fisheries to be considered for monitoring under this proposed rule. Unlike the LOF process, recreational fisheries likely to interact with sea turtles on the basis of the best available information may also be included in the determination of fisheries to be monitored under this rule. On an annual basis, the AA, in consultation with Regional Administrators and Science Center Directors, will determine which fisheries NMFS intends to monitor. The fisheries considered for monitoring under this proposed rule will be published as both a proposed and final determination in the **Federal Register** . Notice of the proposed determination will also be made in writing to individuals permitted for each fishery identified for monitoring. NMFS will also notify state agencies and provide notification through publication in local newspapers, radio broadcasts, and any other means as appropriate. Once included in the final determination, a fishery will remain eligible for observer coverage for five years to enable the design of an appropriate sampling program and to ensure collection of sufficient scientific data for analysis. If NMFS determines that more than five years is needed to obtain sufficient scientific data, NMFS must include the fishery in the AA's annual proposed determination again prior to the end of the fifth year. As part of its annual determination, NMFS will include, to the extent practicable, information on the fisheries or gear types to be sampled, geographic and seasonal scope of coverage, or any other relevant information. A 30-day delay in effective date for implementing observer coverage will follow the annual determination, except for those fisheries included in earlier annual determinations within the previous five years. The timing of this process should be coordinated to the extent possible with the annual LOF publication process, as specified in 50 CFR 229.8. Classification The AA has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the ESA and with other applicable law. This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. The AA prepared an environmental assessment for this proposed rule. A copy of the EA is available (see ADDRESSES ). The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule would not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for this certification is as follows: For the purpose of this certification, all fishermen affected by this rule will be considered individual small entities. Given the nature of sampling programs and limited NMFS resources, this rule will likely affect less than one hundred fishermen at any given time. Individual small entities will incur no direct costs for complying with this observer requirement as NMFS will pay the direct costs associated with observer coverage (e.g., observer and related expenses). Potential indirect costs to individual small entities required to take observers under this rule may include: lost space on deck for catch, lost bunk space, and lost fishing time due to time needed to process bycatch data. For all these potential indirect costs, it is important to note that, due to limited resources and sampling protocols, effective monitoring will rotate observers among a limited number of vessels in a fishery at any given time. Thus, the potential indirect costs to individual small entities further described below are expected to be minimal since observer coverage would only be required for a small percentage of an individual's total annual fishing time. Lost space on deck for catch is a potential indirect cost to small entities. The indirect costs would potentially be less room to store catch or to house another active fishermen. However, in accordance with Observer Health and Safety standards, vessels too small to accommodate an observer will not be required to take an observer under this rule. Thus, the individuals most likely to be affected by this indirect cost, will not likely be required to accommodate an observer. Lost bunk space is a potential cost in that a vessel may need to limit the number of working fishermen onboard to accommodate an observer for overnight trips. While this could result in lost fishing effort, and therefore lost catch, this would only be a potential cost to that subset of fishing vessels for which overnight fishing trips are a regular occurrence. Furthermore, given that larger vessels are usually used for fishing involving multi-day trips, the circumstances in which an observer would significantly displace fishing effort due to lost bunk space are not expected to occur with frequency. Thus, for this and the reasons stated above, the potential indirect cost of lost bunk space to individual small entities resulting from this rule is expected to be minimal. Lost fishing time due to time needed to process sea turtle bycatch data is another potential indirect cost to fishermen of this observer requirement. However, while individually significant, sea turtle bycatch events are generally rare occurrences. Thus, the need to process such data is not expected to occur on a frequent basis, rendering this an insignificant impact on individual fishermen. This rule proposes an annual notification process whereby the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries
(AA)would make an annual determination identifying which fisheries require observer coverage for the purpose of monitoring potential sea turtle takes. The determination will be based on the best available commercial and biological data and will be published in the **Federal Register** as both proposed and final notices to the public that the AA is implementing the requirements specified in this section. A 30-day delay in effective date for implementing observer coverage will follow the annual notification, except for those fisheries that were listed in the preceding annual notification or where the AA has determined that there is good cause to make the rule effective without a 30-day delay. Annual notification will include, but not be limited to, information on the fisheries to be sampled, geographic and seasonal scope, and level of coverage. For the reasons stated herein, the proposed rule to establish mandatory observer coverage is not likely to impose a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposed rule does not contain a collection-of-information requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. This proposed rule contains policies with federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Accordingly, the Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs will provide notice of the proposed action to the appropriate officials of affected state, local, and/or tribal governments to solicit their input on the development of the observer program in this proposed rule. List of Subjects *50 CFR Part 222* Administrative Practice and Procedure, Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Marine mammals. *50 CFR Part 223* Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Transportation. Dated: December 14, 2006. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 222 and 223 are proposed to be amended as follows: PART 222—GENERAL ENDANGERED AND THREATENED MARINE SPECIES 1. The authority citation for part 222 is amended by deleting Section 222.403 also issued under 16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ; 16 U.S.C. 742a *et seq.* 2. New subpart D is added to read as follows: Subpart D—Observer Requirement Sec. 222.401 Observer requirement. 222.402 Annual determination of fisheries to be observed; notice and comment. 222.403 Duration of selection; effective date. 222.404 Observer program sampling. Subpart D Observer Requirement § 222.401 Observer requirement. Any commercial or recreational fishing vessel which operates within the territorial seas or exclusive economic zone of the United States in a fishery that is identified through the annual determination process specified in § 222.402 must carry aboard a NMFS-approved observer upon request by the NMFS Assistant Administrator or a NMFS Regional Administrator. NMFS will pay direct costs for the observer. Owners and operators must comply with observer safety requirements specified at 50 CFR 600.745 and the terms and conditions specified in the written notification. § 222.402 Annual determination of fisheries to be observed; notice and comment.
(a)The Assistant Administrator, in consultation with Regional Administrators and Science Center Directors, will make an annual determination identifying which fisheries the agency intends to observe. This determination will be based on the following criteria:
(1)The extent to which the fishery operates in the same waters and at the same time as sea turtles are present;
(2)The extent to which:
(i)The fishery operates at the same time or prior to elevated sea turtle strandings; or
(ii)The fishery uses a gear or technique that is known or likely to result in incidental take of sea turtles based on documented or reported takes in the same or similar fisheries; and
(3)The extent to which NMFS intends to monitor the fishery and anticipates that it will have the funds to do so.
(b)The Assistant Administrator shall publish the proposed determination in the **Federal Register** notice and seek comment from the public. In addition, a written notification of the proposed determination will be sent to the address specified for the vessel in either the NMFS or state fishing permit application, or to the address specified for registration or documentation purposes, or upon written notification otherwise served on the owners or operator of the vessel. Additionally, NMFS will notify state agencies and provide notification through publication in local newspapers, radio broadcasts, and any other means as appropriate. The proposed and final determinations will include, to the extent practicable, information on fishing sector, targeted gear type, target fishery, temporal and geographic scope of coverage, or other information, as appropriate.
(c)Fisheries listed on the most recent annual Marine Mammal Protection Act List of Fisheries in any given year, in accordance with 16 U.S.C. 1387, will serve as the universe of commercial fisheries to be considered for inclusion in the annual determination. Select recreational fisheries suspected of interacting with sea turtles may also be included in the annual determination.
(d)Publication of the proposed and final determinations should be coordinated to the extent possible with the annual Marine Mammal Protection Act List of Fisheries process as specified at 50 CFR 229.8.
(e)Inclusion of a fishery included in a proposed or final determination does not constitute a conclusion by NMFS that those participating in the fishery are illegally taking sea turtles. § 222.403 Duration of selection; effective date.
(a)Fisheries included in the final annual determination in a given year will remain eligible for observer coverage under this rule for five years, without need for NMFS to include the fishery in the intervening proposed annual determinations, to enable the design of an appropriate sampling program and to ensure collection of scientific data. If NMFS wishes to continue observations beyond the fifth year, NMFS must include the fishery in the proposed annual determination and seek comment, prior to the expiration of the fifth year.
(b)A 30-day delay in effective date for implementing observer coverage will follow the annual notification, except for those fisheries that were included in a previous determination within the preceding five years. § 222.404 Observer program sampling.
(a)During the program design, NMFS would be guided by the following standards in the distribution and placement of observers among fisheries and vessels in a particular fishery:
(1)The requirements to obtain the best available scientific information;
(2)The requirement that assignment of observers is fair and equitable among fisheries and among vessels in a fishery;
(3)The requirement that no individual person or vessel, or group of persons or vessels, be subject to inappropriate, excessive observer coverage; and
(4)The need to minimize costs and avoid duplication, where practicable.
(b)Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1881(b), vessels where the facilities for accommodating an observer or carrying out observer functions are so inadequate or unsafe (due to size or quality of equipment, for example) that the health or safety of the observer or the safe operation of the vessel would be jeopardized, would not be required to take observers under this rule. PART 223—THREATENED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES 1. The authority citation for part 223 continues to read as follows: Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; subpart B, § 223.12 also issued under 16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ; 16 U.S.C. 5503(d) for § 223.206(d)(9). 2. In § 223.206, the second sentence of paragraph (d)(4)(iv) is revised to read as follows: § 223.206 Exceptions to prohibitions relating to sea turtles.
(d)* * *
(4)* * *
(iv)*Procedures* . * * * An emergency notification will be effective for a period of up to 30 days and may be renewed for additional periods of up to 30 days each, except that emergency placement of observers will be effective for a period of up to 180 days and may be renewed for an additional period of 60 days.* * * [FR Doc. E6-21739 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 660 [I.D.120806A] RIN 0648-AV07 Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Amendment 15 to Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability of FMP amendment; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) requests public comments on Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fisheries Management Plan
(Plan)in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This action is intended to provide management flexibility in times of low Klamath River fall-run Chinook
(KRFC)abundance, while preserving the long-term productive capacity of the stock and thereby ensuring it continues to contribute meaningfully to ocean and river fisheries in the future. The plan amendment would allow the Council to implement de minimis fisheries in years of low abundance, which: permit an ocean impact rate of no more than 10 percent on age-4 Klamath River fall Chinook, if the projected natural spawning escapement associated with a 10 percent age-4 ocean impact rate, including river recreational and tribal impacts, is between 22,000 and 35,000. If the projected natural escapement associated with a 10 percent age-4 ocean impact rate is less than 22,000, the Council would further reduce the allowable age-4 ocean impact rate to reflect the status of the stock. DATES: Comments on Amendments 15 must be received on or before February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by I.D. 120806C by an of the following methods: • E-mail: *salmon2006amend15@noaa.gov* • Federal eRulemaking Portal: *http://www.regulations.gov* . Follow the instructions for submitting comments, and include I.D. 120806C in the subject line of the message. • Mail: D. Robert Lohn, Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Seattle, WA 98115-0070; or to Rodney R. McInnis, Administrator, Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213. • Fax: 206-526-6426 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah McAvinchey by phone at 206-526-4323, e-mail at *sarah.mcavinchey@noaa.gov* , or fax at 206-526-6736, Eric Chavez by phone at 508-980-4064, e-mail at *eric.chavez@noaa.gov* , or fax at 508-980-4047, or the Pacific Fishery Management Council at 503-326-6352. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that each Regional Fishery Management Council submit any fishery management plan
(FMP)or plan amendment it prepares to the Secretary for review and approval, disapproval, or partial approval. The Magnuson-Stevens Act also requires that the Secretary, upon receiving an FMP or amendment, immediately publish a notice that the FMP or amendment is available for public review and comment. The Secretary will consider the public comments received during the comment period in determining whether to approve the FMP or amendment. Amendment 15 would allow the Council in the case of Klamath River fall Chinook, to implement de minimis fisheries, which would: permit an ocean impact rate of no more than 10 percent on age-4 Klamath River fall Chinook, if the projected natural spawning escapement associated with a 10 percent age-4 ocean impact rate, including river recreational and tribal impacts, is between 22,000 and 35,000. If the projected natural escapement associated with a 10 percent age-4 ocean impact rate is less than 22,000, the Council shall further reduce the allowable age-4 ocean impact rate to reflect the status of the stock. During the preseason planning process to set an allowable age-4 ocean impact rate the Council shall consider the following:
(a)Critically low natural spawner abundance, including the risk of Klamath Basin substocks dropping below crucial genetic thresholds;
(b)A series of low spawner abundance in recent years;
(c)The status of co-mingled stocks;
(d)El Nino or other adverse environmental conditions;
(e)Endangered Species Act considerations; and
(f)Other considerations as appropriate. When considering these items, the Council shall determine that the final ocean impact rate will not jeopardize the capacity of the fishery to produce the maximum sustainable yield on a continuing basis. Implementation of de minimis fisheries will depend on year specific estimates of ocean abundance and age composition, which will be determined by the Salmon Technical Team
(STT)prior to the March Council meeting. Ocean fishery impacts to the returning brood incurred during the previous fall/winter fisheries will be counted against the allowable age-4 ocean impact rate. Annual estimates of fishery catches, spawner escapements, spawner age composition and coded wire tag contributions are usually available by early to mid-January each year for use by the Salmon Technical Team STT and the Klamath River Technical Advisory Team in updating KRFC fishery resource estimates, models, and forecasts. Amendment 15 does not require that a de minimis fishery be implemented if the natural spawner floor is not met. The provisions of Amendment 15 allow the Council to consider implementing a de minimis fishery that would be limited to no more than 10 percent age-4 ocean impact rate based on the above described criteria. NMFS welcomes comments on the proposed FMP amendment through the end of the comment period. NMFS will consider the public comments received during the comment period in determining whether to approve the proposed amendment. A proposed rule to implement Amendment 15 to the Salmon FMP has been submitted for Secretarial review and approval. NMFS expects to publish and request public review and comment on this rule in the near future. Public comments on the proposed rule must be received by the end of the comment period on the amendment to be considered in the approval/disapproval decision on the amendment. All comments received by the end of the comment period for the amendment, whether specifically directed to the amendment or the proposed rule, will be considered in the approval/disapproval decision on the amendment. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* Dated: December 14, 2006. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-21742 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S 71 244 Wednesday, December 20, 2006 Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request December 14, 2006. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding
(a)whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected;
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), *OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV* or fax
(202)395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling
(202)720-8958. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Farm Service Agency *Title:* Rate Quotation for Transportation Services. *OMB Control Number:* 0560-0235. *Summary of Collection:* The Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC)through the Kansas City Commodity Office
(KCCO)solicits bids from approved Motor Carriers and Intermodal Marketing Companies for the purpose of providing transportation of agricultural commodities. 49 U.S.C. 13712 authorizes USDA to receive freight rate quotes from approved Motor Carriers and Intermodal Marketing Companies that are compliant with USDA requirements to haul agricultural products for USDA. The Farm Service Agency
(FSA)will collect information using form KC-5, Rate Quotation for Transportation Services. *Need and Use of the Information:* The information collected will be used by KCCO to:
(1)Establish the lowest cost of movement via Motor Carriers or Intemodal Marketing Companies,
(2)determine whether the transportation needs of USDA, FSA, and KCCO are being met, and
(3)ensure that Motor Carriers and Intermodal Marketing Companies, providing transportation services have both the willingness and the capability to meet these needs. *Description of Respondents:* Business or other-for-profit. *Number of Respondents:* 164. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: On occasion; Other (as needed). *Total Burden Hours:* 1,681. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6-21677 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-05-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request December 14, 2006 The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding
(a)whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected;
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), *OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV* or fax
(202)395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling
(202)720-8681. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Rural Housing Service *Title:* 7 CFR 1980-D, Rural Housing Loans. *OMB Control Number:* 0575-0078. *Summary of Collection:* The Rural Housing Service
(RHS)is a credit agency for rural development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Section 517(d) of title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended,
(Act)provides the authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to issue loan guarantees for the acquisition of new or existing dwellings and related facilities to provide decent, safe, and sanitary living conditions and other structures in rural areas. The Act also authorizes the Secretary to pay the holder of a guaranteed loan the difference between the rate of interest paid by the borrower and the market rate of interest. *Need and Use of the Information:* Information collected is used to determine if borrowers qualify for all assistance. Eligibility for this program includes very low, low, and moderate-income families or persons whose income does not exceed 115% of the median income for the area. The information requested by RHS includes borrower financial information such as household income, assets and liabilities, and monthly expenses. Information requested on lenders is required to ensure lenders are eligible to participate in the GRH program and are in compliance with OMB Circular A-129. If the information was collected less frequently or not at all, the agency could not effectively monitor lenders and assess the program. *Description of Respondents:* Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; State, Local or Tribal Government. *Number of Respondents:* 5,869. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: Monthly; On occasion. *Total Burden Hours:* 120,392. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6-21678 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration A-570-831 Fresh Garlic from the People's Republic of China: Extension of Time Limits for the Preliminary Results of the New Shipper Reviews AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 20, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Javier Barrientos, AD/CVD Operations, Office 9, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20230; telephone:
(202)482-2243. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On July 7, 2006, the Department published a notice of initiation of a review of fresh garlic from the People's Republic of China (“PRC”), covering the period November 1, 2005, through April 30, 2006. *See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Requests for Revocation in Part* , 71 FR 38607 (July 7, 2006). The preliminary results are currently due on December 24, 2006. The Department issued supplemental questionnaires to all four new shippers. However, due to a substantial amount of information regarding the production and processing of the merchandise under consideration, the Department requires more time to issue additional supplemental questionnaires to the new shippers. Therefore, pursuant to section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”) and 19 CFR 351.214(h)(i)(2), we are extending the preliminary results of this new shipper review. Extension of Time Limit of Preliminary Results The Department determines that it would be extraordinarily complicated to complete the preliminary results of these reviews within the current statutory time period. This new shipper review covers four companies, and to conduct the sales and factor analyses for each requires the Department to gather and analyze a significant amount of information pertaining to each company's sales practices and manufacturing methods. The four new shipper reviews involve extraordinarily complicated methodological issues such as the use of intermediate input methodology, potential affiliation issues and the examination of importer information. Additionally, the Department requires more time to evaluate the *bona fide* nature of each company's sales. Therefore, given the number and complexity of issues in this case, and in accordance with section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act, we are extending the time period for issuing the preliminary results of review by 120 days until April 23, 2007. The final results continue to be due 90 days after the publication of the preliminary results. This notice is published pursuant to section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.214(h)(i)(2). Dated: December 14, 2006. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-21758 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] Billing Code: 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration (A-507-502) Certain In-Shell Raw Pistachios from Iran: Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (the Department) is rescinding its administrative review of the antidumping duty order on certain in-shell raw pistachios from Iran for the period July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 20, 2006. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Angelica Mendoza or John Drury, AD/CVD Operations, Office 7, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone:
(202)482-3019 and
(202)482-0195, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On July 3, 2006, the Department published in the **Federal Register** its notice of opportunity to request an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on certain in-shell raw pistachios (pistachios) from Iran. *See Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity to Request Administrative Review* , 71 FR 37890 (July 3, 2006). In response, on July 31, 2006, Cal Pure Pistachios, Inc. (Cal Pure), a domestic interested party, requested an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on pistachios from Iran for the period of review
(POR)of July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006, with respect to entries of merchandise exported or shipped by Tehran Negah Nima Trading Company (Nima). Respondent Nima did not request an administrative review. On August 25, 2006, the Department initiated an administrative review of Nima. *See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Requests for Revocation in Part* , 71 FR 51573 (August 30, 2006). On September 18, 2006, the Department issued its antidumping duty questionnaire to Nima. On October 4, 2006, Nima's representative informed the Department that it would not be filing responses to the Department's questionnaire as it did not export or ship subject merchandise during the POR. See Memorandum to the File from Angelica L. Mendoza, Tehran Negah Nima Trading Company - No Shipments of Certain In-Shell Raw Pistachios from Iran, dated October 5, 2006. On October 20, 2006, the Department issued a “No Shipment Inquiry” to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP)to confirm that there were no shipments or entries of pistachios from Iran exported by Nima during the POR of the instant administrative review. On November 7, 2006, the Department confirmed, based on its internal review of CBP data and the results of its CBP inquiry, there were no entries of merchandise exported or shipped by Nima during the POR. See Memorandum to the File from Angelica L. Mendoza, through Richard O. Weible, Office Director, Tehran Negah Nima Trading Company
(Nima)- No Shipments of Certain In-Shell Raw Pistachios from Iran Per CBP Inquiry, dated November 7, 2006. On November 8, 2006, Cal Pure submitted a letter withdrawing its request for an administrative review of shipments or entries of pistachios from Iran exported by Nima. See Letter from Cal Pure dated November 8, 2006. Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review 19 C.F.R. 351.213(d)(1) provides that the Department will rescind an administrative review if the party that requested the review withdraws its request for review within 90 days of the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the requested review, or withdraws at a later date if the Department determines it is reasonable to extend the time limit for withdrawing the request. In response to Cal Pure's timely withdrawal of its request for an administrative review as well as the fact that Nima had no shipments during the POR pursuant to 19 C.F.R. ¶351.213(d)(3), the Department hereby rescinds the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on pistachios from Iran for the period July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006. The Department intends to issue appropriate assessment instructions directly to CBP 15 days after the date of the publication of this notice. The Department will direct CBP to assess antidumping duties for Nima at the cash deposit rate in effect on the date of entry for entries during the period July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006. Notification to Importers This notice serves as a final reminder to importers of their responsibility under 19 C.F.R. ¶351.402(f) to file a certificate regarding the reimbursement of antidumping duties prior to liquidation of the relevant entries during this review period. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in the Secretary's assumption that reimbursement of antidumping duties occurred and the subsequent assessment of double antidumping duties. This notice also serves as a reminder to parties subject to administrative protective order
(APO)of their responsibility concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 C.F.R. ¶351.305(a)(3). Timely written notification of the return/destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and the terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation. This notice is published in accordance with section 777(i)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and 19 C.F.R. ¶351.213(d)(4). Dated: December 14, 2006. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-21764 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] Billing Code: 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration A-570-890 Wooden Bedroom Furniture from the People's Republic of China: Notice of Initiation and Preliminary Results of Changed Circumstances Review, and Intent to Revoke Order in Part AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 20, 2006. SUMMARY: On October 26, 2006 the Department of Commerce (the “Department”) received a request on behalf of the petitioners, the American Furniture Manufacturers Committee for Legal Trade and its individual members (the “AFMC”) for a changed circumstances review and a request to revoke in part the antidumping duty (“AD”) order on wooden bedroom furniture from the People's Republic of China with respect to completely upholstered beds that have exposed wooden feet of no more than nine inches in height from the floor. In its October 26, 2006, submission, AFMC stated that it no longer has any interest in antidumping relief from imports of such upholstered beds with respect to the subject merchandise defined in the “Scope of the Review” section below. Interested parties are invited to comment on these preliminary results. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Stolz or Robert Bolling, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington DC 20230; telephone
(202)482-4474 and
(202)482-3434, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On January 4, 2005, the Department published the *Notice of Amended Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Antidumping Duty Order on Wooden Bedroom Furniture from the People's Republic of China* , 70 FR 329. On October 26, 2006, AFMC requested revocation in part of the AD order pursuant to sections 751(b)(1) and 782(h) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”), with respect to completely upholstered beds that have exposed wooden feet of no more than nine inches in height from the floor, as described below. Scope of the Order The product covered is wooden bedroom furniture. Wooden bedroom furniture is generally, but not exclusively, designed, manufactured, and offered for sale in coordinated groups, or bedrooms, in which all of the individual pieces are of approximately the same style and approximately the same material and/or finish. The subject merchandise is made substantially of wood products, including both solid wood and also engineered wood products made from wood particles, fibers, or other wooden materials such as plywood, oriented strand board, particle board, and fiberboard, with or without wood veneers, wood overlays, or laminates, with or without non-wood components or trim such as metal, marble, leather, glass, plastic, or other resins, and whether or not assembled, completed, or finished. The subject merchandise includes the following items:
(1)Wooden beds such as loft beds, bunk beds, and other beds;
(2)wooden headboards for beds (whether stand-alone or attached to side rails), wooden footboards for beds, wooden side rails for beds, and wooden canopies for beds;
(3)night tables, night stands, dressers, commodes, bureaus, mule chests, gentlemen's chests, bachelor's chests, lingerie chests, wardrobes, vanities, chessers, chifforobes, and wardrobe-type cabinets;
(4)dressers with framed glass mirrors that are attached to, incorporated in, sit on, or hang over the dresser;
(5)chests-on-chests 1 , highboys 2 , lowboys 3 , chests of drawers 4 , chests 5 , door chests 6 , chiffoniers 7 , hutches 8 , and armoires 9 ;
(6)desks, computer stands, filing cabinets, book cases, or writing tables that are attached to or incorporated in the subject merchandise; and
(7)other bedroom furniture consistent with the above list. 1 A chest-on-chest is typically a tall chest-of-drawers in two or more sections (or appearing to be in two or more sections), with one or two sections mounted (or appearing to be mounted) on a slightly larger chest; also known as a tallboy. 2 A highboy is typically a tall chest of drawers usually composed of a base and a top section with drawers, and supported on four legs or a small chest (often 15 inches or more in height). 3 A lowboy is typically a short chest of drawers, not more than four feet high, normally set on short legs. 4 A chest of drawers is typically a case containing drawers for storing clothing. 5 A chest is typically a case piece taller than it is wide featuring a series of drawers and with or without one or more doors for storing clothing. The piece can either include drawers or be designed as a large box incorporating a lid. 6 A door chest is typically a chest with hinged doors to store clothing, whether or not containing drawers. The piece may also include shelves for televisions and other entertainment electronics. 7 A chiffonier is typically a tall and narrow chest of drawers normally used for storing undergarments and lingerie, often with mirror(s) attached. 8 A hutch is typically an open case of furniture with shelves that typically sits on another piece of furniture and provides storage for clothes. 9 An armoire is typically a tall cabinet or wardrobe (typically 50 inches or taller), with doors, and with one or more drawers (either exterior below or above the doors or interior behind the doors), shelves, and/or garment rods or other apparatus for storing clothes. Bedroom armoires may also be used to hold television receivers and/or other audio-visual entertainment systems. The scope of the order excludes the following items:
(1)seats, chairs, benches, couches, sofas, sofa beds, stools, and other seating furniture;
(2)mattresses, mattress supports (including box springs), infant cribs, water beds, and futon frames;
(3)office furniture, such as desks, stand-up desks, computer cabinets, filing cabinets, credenzas, and bookcases;
(4)dining room or kitchen furniture such as dining tables, chairs, servers, sideboards, buffets, corner cabinets, china cabinets, and china hutches;
(5)other non-bedroom furniture, such as television cabinets, cocktail tables, end tables, occasional tables, wall systems, book cases, and entertainment systems;
(6)bedroom furniture made primarily of wicker, cane, osier, bamboo or rattan;
(7)side rails for beds made of metal if sold separately from the headboard and footboard;
(8)bedroom furniture in which bentwood parts predominate 10 ;
(9)jewelry armories 11 ;
(10)cheval mirrors 12
(11)certain metal parts 13
(12)mirrors that do not attach to, incorporate in, sit on, or hang over a dresser if they are not designed and marketed to be sold in conjunction with a dresser as part of a dresser-mirror set. 10 As used herein, bentwood means solid wood made pliable. Bentwood is wood that is brought to a curved shape by bending it while made pliable with moist heat or other agency and then set by cooling or drying. See Customs' Headquarters' Ruling Letter 043859, dated May 17, 1976. 11 Any armoire, cabinet or other accent item for the purpose of storing jewelry, not to exceed 24'' in width, 18'' in depth, and 49'' in height, including a minimum of 5 lined drawers lined with felt or felt-like material, at least one side door lined with felt or felt-like material, with necklace hangers, and a flip-top lid with inset mirror. See Memorandum from Laurel LaCivita to Laurie Parkhill, Office Director, Issues and Decision Memorandum Concerning Jewelry Armoires and Cheval Mirrors in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Wooden Bedroom Furniture from the People's Republic of China, dated August 31, 2004. *See also Wooden Bedroom Furniture from the People's Republic of China: Notice of Final Results of Changed Circumstances Review and Revocation in Part* , (71 FR 38621) (July 7, 2006). 12 Cheval mirrors, *i.e.* , any framed, tiltable mirror with a height in excess of 50” that is mounted on a floor-standing, hinged base. 13 Metal furniture parts and unfinished furniture parts made of wood products (as defined above) that are not otherwise specifically named in this scope ( *i.e.* , wooden headboards for beds, wooden footboards for beds, wooden side rails for beds, and wooden canopies for beds) and that do not possess the essential character of wooden bedroom furniture in an unassembled, incomplete, or unfinished form. Such parts are usually classified under HTSUS subheading 9403.90.7000. Imports of subject merchandise are classified under subheading 9403.50.9040 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) as “wooden...beds” and under subheading 9403.50.9080 of the HTSUS as “other...wooden furniture of a kind used in the bedroom.” In addition, wooden headboards for beds, wooden footboards for beds, wooden side rails for beds, and wooden canopies for beds may also be entered under subheading 9403.50.9040 of the HTSUS as “parts of wood” and framed glass mirrors may also be entered under subheading 7009.92.5000 of the HTSUS as “glass mirrors...framed.” This order covers all wooden bedroom furniture meeting the above description, regardless of tariff classification. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, our written description of the scope of this proceeding is dispositive. Initiation and Preliminary Results of Changed Circumstances Review, and Intent to Revoke Order in Part At the request of AFMC, and in accordance with sections 751(d)(1) and 751(b)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.216, the Department is initiating a changed circumstances review of wooden bedroom furniture from the People's Republic of China to determine whether partial revocation of the AD order is warranted with respect to completely upholstered beds that have exposed wooden feet of no more than nine inches in height from the floor. Section 782(h)(2) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.222(g)(1)(i) provide that the Department may revoke an order (in whole or in part) if it determines that producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product have no further interest in the order, in whole or in part. In addition, in the event the Department determines that expedited action is warranted, 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3)(ii) permits the Department to combine the notices of initiation and preliminary results. In accordance with section 751(b) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.222(g)(l)(i) and 351.221(c)(3), we are initiating this changed circumstances review and have determined that expedited action is warranted. In accordance with 19 CFR 351.216(c), we find that the petitioners' affirmative statement of no interest constitutes good cause for the conduct of this review. Additionally, our decision to expedite this review stems from the domestic industry's lack of interest in applying the AD order to the specific wooden bedroom furniture (i.e., upholstered beds discussed above) covered by this request. Based on the expression of no interest by the petitioners and absent any objection by any other domestic interested parties, we have preliminarily determined that substantially all of the domestic producers of the like product have no interest in the continued application of the AD order on wooden bedroom furniture to the merchandise that is subject to this request. Therefore, we are notifying the public of our intent to revoke, in part, the AD order as it relates to imports of the completely upholstered beds from the People's Republic of China that have exposed wooden feet of no more than nine inches in height from the floor. If the order is revoked with respect to this product, we will add the following language to the list of excluded items included in the scope of the order: “(13) beds that are completely upholstered, *i.e.* , containing filling material and completely covered in sewn genuine leather, synthetic leather, or natural or synthetic decorative fabric. To be excluded, the entire bed (headboards, footboards, and side rails) must be upholstered except for bed feet, which may be of wood, metal, or any other material and which are no more than nine inches in height from the floor.” Public Comment Interested parties are invited to comment on these preliminary results. Written comments may be submitted no later than 14 days after the date of publication of these preliminary results in the **Federal Register** . Rebuttals to written comments, limited to issues raised in such comments, may be filed no later than 21 days after the date of publication. The Department will issue the final results of this changed circumstances review, which will include the results of its analysis raised in any such written comments, no later than 270 days after the date on which this review was initiated, or within 45 days if all parties agree to our preliminary results. *See* 19 CFR 351.216(e). If final revocation occurs, we will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to end the suspension of liquidation for the merchandise covered by the revocation on the effective date of the notice of revocation and to release any cash deposit or bond. *See* 19 CFR 351.222(g)(4). The current requirement for a cash deposit of estimated AD duties on all subject merchandise will continue unless and until it is modified pursuant to the final results of this changed circumstances review. This initiation and preliminary results of review and notice are in accordance with sections 751(b) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.216, 351.221, and 351.222. Dated: December 12, 2006. David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-21765 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] Billing Code: 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Export Trade Certificate of Review ACTION: Notice of Issuance of an Export Trade Certificate of Review, Application No. 06-00002. SUMMARY: On December 14, 2006, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued an Export Trade Certificate of Review to Darah Thomas doing business as Necole Shannon Global Export Services (“NSGES”). This notice summarizes the conduct for which certification has been granted. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey C. Anspacher, Director, Export Trading Company Affairs, International Trade Administration, by telephone at
(202)482-5131 (this is not a toll-free number), or by e-mail at *oetca@ita.doc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title III of the Export Trading Company Act of 1982 (15 U.S.C. Sections 4001-21) authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue Export Trade Certificates of Review. The regulations implementing Title III are found at 15 CFR part 325 (2005). Export Trading Company Affairs (“ETCA”) is issuing this notice pursuant to 15 CFR section 325.6(b), which requires the U.S. Department of Commerce to publish a summary of the certification in the **Federal Register** . Under Section 305(a) of the Act and 15 CFR section 325.11(a), any person aggrieved by the Secretary's determination may, within 30 days of the date of this notice, bring an action in any appropriate district court of the United States to set aside the determination on the ground that the determination is erroneous. Description of Certified Conduct Export Trade 1. Products All products. 2. Services All services. 3. Technology Rights Technology Rights, including, but not limited to, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, that relate to Products and Services. 4. Export Trade Facilitation Services (as They Relate to the Export of Products, Services, and Technology Rights) Export Trade Facilitation Services, including, but not limited to, professional services in the areas of government relations and assistance with state and federal programs; foreign trade and business protocol; consulting; market research and analysis; collection of information on trade opportunities; marketing; negotiations; joint ventures; shipping; export management; export licensing; advertising; documentation and services related to compliance with customs requirements; insurance and financing; trade show exhibitions; organizational development; management and labor strategies; transfer of technology; transportation services; and facilitating the formation of shippers' associations. Export Markets The Export Markets include all parts of the world except the United States (the fifty states of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands). Export Trade Activities and Methods of Operation 1. With respect to the sale of Products and Services, licensing of Technology Rights, and provision of Export Trade Facilitation Services, NSGES, subject to the terms and conditions listed below, may: a. Provide and/or arrange for the provisions of Export Trade Facilitation Services; b. Engage in promotional and marketing activities and collect information on trade opportunities in the Export Markets and distribute such information to clients; c. Enter into exclusive and/or non-exclusive licensing and/or sales agreements with Suppliers for the export of Products, Services, and/or Technology Rights to Export Markets; d. Enter into exclusive and/or non-exclusive agreements with distributors and/or sales representatives in Export Markets; e. Allocate export sales or divide Export Markets among Suppliers for the sale and/or licensing of Products, Services, and/or Technology Rights; f. Allocate export orders among Suppliers; g. Establish the price of Products, Services, and/or Technology Rights for sales and/or licensing in Export Markets; h. Negotiate, enter into, and/or manage licensing agreements for the export of Technology Rights; and i. Enter into contracts for shipping. 2. NSGES and individual Suppliers may regularly exchange information on a one-on-one basis regarding that Supplier's inventories and near-term production schedules in order that the availability of Products for export can be determined and effectively coordinated by NSGES with its distributors in Export Markets. Terms and Conditions of Certificate 1. In engaging in Export Trade Activities and Methods of Operation, NSGES will not intentionally disclose, directly or indirectly, to any Supplier any information about any other Supplier's costs, production, capacity, inventories, domestic prices, domestic sales, or U.S. business plans, strategies, or methods that is not already generally available to the trade or public. 2. NSGES will comply with requests made by the Secretary of Commerce on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce or the Attorney General for information or documents relevant to conduct under the Certificate. The Secretary of Commerce will request such information or documents when either the Attorney General or the Secretary of Commerce believes that the information or documents are required to determine that the Export Trade, Export Trade Activities, and Methods of Operation of a person protected by this Certificate of Review continue to comply with the standards of section 303(a) of the Act. Definition • “Supplier” means a person who produces, provides, or sells Products, Services and/or Technology Rights. Protection Provided by Certificate This Certificate protects NSGES and its employees acting on its behalf from private treble damage actions and government criminal and civil suits under U.S. federal and state antitrust laws for the export conduct specified in the Certificate and carried out during its effective period in compliance with its terms and conditions. Effective Period of Certificate This Certificate continues in effect from the effective date indicated below until it is relinquished, modified, or revoked as provided in the Act and the Regulations. Other Conduct Nothing in this Certificate prohibits NSGES from engaging in conduct not specified in this Certificate, but such conduct is subject to the normal application of the antitrust laws. Disclaimer The issuance of this Certificate of Review to NSGES by the Secretary of Commerce with the concurrence of the Attorney General under the provisions of the Act does not constitute, explicitly or implicitly, an endorsement or opinion by the Secretary of Commerce or by the Attorney General concerning either
(a)the viability or quality of the business plans of NSGES or
(b)the legality of such business plans of NSGES under the laws of the United States (other than as provided in the Act) or under the laws of any foreign country. The application of this Certificate to conduct in export trade where the United States Government is the buyer or where the United States Government bears more than half the cost of the transaction is subject to the limitations set forth in Section V.(D.) of the “Guidelines for the Issuance of Export Trade Certificates of Review (Second Edition),” 50 FR 1786 (January 11, 1985). A copy of the certificate will be kept in the International Trade Administration's Freedom of Information Records Inspection Facility, Room 4100, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Dated: December 14, 2006. Jeffrey Anspacher, Director, Export Trading Company Affairs. [FR Doc. E6-21726 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121406E] Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a public meeting of the Ad Hoc Shrimp Effort Management Advisory Panel (AP). DATES: The Ad Hoc Shrimp Effort Management AP meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2007, recess at 5 p.m., reconvene at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 and adjourn by 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Hilton Houston Hobby Airport, 8181 Airport Blvd., Houston, TX 77061. *Council address* : Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Richard Leard, Deputy Executive Director; telephone:
(813)348-1630. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Ad Hoc Shrimp Effort Management AP will receive brief presentations on current levels of effort and the levels that could optimize yield from the shrimp fishery. The AP will receive similar briefings on the current level of shrimp trawl bycatch of juvenile red snapper and the maximum level of allowable bycatch that will maintain the current targets for rebuilding the red snapper stock in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, the Council has charged the Ad Hoc Shrimp Effort Management AP with the following task: To develop management recommendations for the shrimp fishery to: a. Manage effort to reduce red snapper bycatch mortality in the shrimp fishery by 50% from the 2001-03 base line in 2007. b. Develop additional measures to reach the red snapper bycatch mortality reduction goals for the shrimp fishery established in the red snapper rebuilding plan. The Ad Hoc Shrimp Effort Management AP consists of commercial shrimp fishermen, dealers, processors, and association representatives as voting members, as well as a NMFS scientist, two representatives of environmental non-government organizations, a NOAA enforcement representative, and a representative of the Sea Grant Cooperative Extension Service as nonvoting members. Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the AP for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Actions of the AP will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency. Copies of the agenda can be obtained by calling
(813)348-1630. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Tina Trezza at the Council (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. Dated: December 14, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-21623 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121406F] Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a public meeting of the Ad Hoc Grouper Individual Fishing Quota
(IFQ)Advisory Panel (AHGIFQAP). DATES: The AHGIFQAP meeting will convene at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 and conclude no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2007. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Quorum Hotel Tampa, 700 North Westshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609; telephone:
(813)289-8200. *Council address* : Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stu Kennedy, Fishery Biologist, telephone:
(813)348-1630. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council has begun deliberation of a Dedicated Access Privilege System
(DAP)for the Commercial grouper fishery. The Council has appointed an AHGIFQAP composed of commercial grouper fishermen and others knowledgeable about DAP systems to assist in the development of such a program. The Panel will discuss the scope and the general configuration of an IFQ program for the Gulf of Mexico commercial grouper fishery. Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the AHGIFQAP for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Actions of the AHGIFQAP will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency. Copies of the agenda can be obtained by calling
(813)348-1630. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Tina Trezza at the Council (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. Dated: December 14, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-21624 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121406G] Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP). DATES: The Shrimp AP meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2007. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Hilton Houston Hobby Airport, 8181 Airport Blvd., Houston, TX 77061. *Council address* : Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Richard Leard, Deputy Executive Director; telephone:
(813)348-1630. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Shrimp AP will receive reports from the National Marine Fisheries Service on the status and health of the shrimp stocks as well as a report on the biological and economic aspects of the 2006 Cooperative Shrimp Closure with the state of Texas. The Shrimp AP may make recommendations for a cooperative closure with Texas for 2007. The Shrimp AP will review possible actions for the shrimp fishery as part of Amendment 27 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (FMP)/Amendment 14 to the Shrimp FMP and additional potential actions to limit access and control effort in the shrimp fishery as part of a potential Amendment 15 to the Shrimp FMP. Joint Reef Fish Amendment 27/Shrimp Amendment 14 proposes actions that deal with adjustments to the total allowable catch
(TAC)for red snapper; minimum size limits; bag limits; recreational season dates; and limitations on effort and bycatch for the shrimp fishery. Amendment 15 would potentially reduce effort and bycatch, as well as consider further measures to limit access to the shrimp fishery. The Shrimp AP consists principally of commercial shrimp fishermen, dealers, and association representatives. Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the AP for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Actions of the AP will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency. Copies of the agenda can be obtained by calling
(813)348-1630. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Tina Trezza at the Council (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. Dated: December 14, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-21625 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121406I] Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of closed session Scientific and Statistical Committee
(SSC)Selection Committee conference call. SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its SSC Selection Committee via conference call to select several (2 or 3) of the Standing SSC members to serve on a select committee. The committee members will monitor the actions of the NMFS design and analysis group and report to the Council. DATES: The conference call will be held on Friday, January 5, 2007 from 10 a.m. EDT to 10:30 a.m. EDT. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held via closed session conference call. *Council address* : Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Wayne Swingle, Executive Director, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; telephone:
(813)348-1630. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene its SSC Selection Committee via conference call to select several (2 or 3) of the Standing SSC members to serve on a select committee. The committee members will monitor the actions of the NMFS design and analysis group and report to the Council in a closed session conference call on Friday, January 5, 2007 10 a.m. EDT. The Committee recommendations will be presented to the Council at the January 22 - 26, 2007 Council meeting in Point Clear, AL. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Tina Trezza at the Council (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. Dated: December 14, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-21627 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121406H] New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. SUMMARY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Committee in January, 2007 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: This meeting will be held on Friday, January 19, 2007, at 9 a.m. ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott, 32 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903: telephone:
(401)272-1191; fax:
(401)752-3042. *Council address* : New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul J. Howard, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone:
(978)465-0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee will review and consider final recommendations for Amendment 13 to the Scallop Fishery Management Plan (to re-activate the industry funded observer program). The Committee will also develop initial measures to be considered in Framework 19 to the Scallop Fishery Management Plan (management measures for fishing years 2008 and 2009). The Committee may consider other topics at their discretion. Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Paul J. Howard, Executive Director, at
(978)465-0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* Dated: December 14, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-21626 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121406J] North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a committee meeting. SUMMARY: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet in Anchorage, AK. DATES: The meeting will be held on January 8-9, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel, 500 West 3rd Avenue, Anchorage, AK. *Council address* : North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. 4th Ave., Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501-2252. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Wilson, North Pacific Fishery Management Council; telephone:
(907)271-2809. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The SSLMC will discuss the draft Proposal Ranking Tool (PRT), develop procedures for reviewing proposals with the PRT, and sensitivity test the PRT. The SSLMC will also review a draft report on the PRT which will be provided to the NPFMC's SSC at their February 2007 meeting. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Gail Bendixen,
(907)271-2809, at least 5 working days prior to the meeting date. Dated: December 14, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-21622 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121406D] Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. SUMMARY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Ad Hoc Shoreside Whiting Alternative Group (Ad Hoc Group) will hold a work session via conference call, which is open to the public. DATES: The Ad Hoc Group will meet via conference call on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, from 1 p.m. until business is completed. ADDRESSES: Public listening stations will be available at the following locations: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220-1384, telephone:
(503)820-2280; National Marine Fisheries Service, (room location to be determined, contact the Council office for further information - see ADDRESSES )), 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, telephone:
(206)526-6150; and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Conference Room, 2040 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365, telephone:
(541)867-4741. *Council address* : Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220-1384. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Bozzi, Pacific Fishery Management Council, telephone:
(503)820-2280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The primary purpose of the meeting is to develop an additional analytical alternative in support of the Council's goal to create a regulatory structure that ensures maximum retention of catch and appropriate monitoring for the West Coast shoreside Pacific whiting fishery. This alternative would be a hybrid of alternatives already adopted in November 2006 by the Council for analysis; it will combine elements of the observer-based alternative and the electronic monitoring system-based alternative. The new alternative developed by the Ad Hoc Group is scheduled be considered by the Council at its March 4-9, 2007 meeting in Sacramento, CA. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issues arising after publication of this document that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Ms. Carolyn Porter at
(503)820-2280 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* Dated: December 14, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-21621 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Notice of Sunshine Act Meetings TIME AND DATE: 11 a.m., Friday, January 26, 2007. PLACE: 1155 21st St., NW., Washington, DC, 9th Floor Commission Conference Room. STATUS: Closed. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Surveillance Matters. Contact Person for More Information: Eileen A. Donovan, 202-418-5100. Catherine D. Daniels, Assistant Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 06-9798 Filed 12-18-06; 11:32 am]
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44 references not yet in our index
- 7 CFR 301
- 7 USC 7701-7772
- 7 CFR 2.22
- Pub. L. 106-113
- Pub. L. 106-224
- 114 Stat. 400
- 49 CFR 7
- 33 CFR 402
- 49 USC 4321
- Pub. L. 104-4
- 109 Stat. 48
- 49 CFR 1.52
- 39 CFR 20
- 39 USC 3623(d)
- 40 CFR 261
- 40 CFR 261.11
- 40 CFR 260.22
- 40 CFR 260.20
- 40 CFR 261.31
- 40 CFR 261.21-261
- 40 CFR 260.22(d)(2)
- 40 CFR 261.11(a)(2)
- 40 CFR 258
- 40 CFR 260.22(i)(12)
- 44 CFR 67
- 44 CFR 67.4(a)
- 44 CFR 60.3
- 44 CFR 10
- 5 USC 601-612
- 50 CFR 223.306
- 50 CFR 223.206(d)
- 50 CFR 223.206(d)(4)
- 41 USC 351
- 50 CFR 600
- 50 CFR 229.8
- 50 CFR 222
- 50 CFR 223
- 50 CFR 600.745
- 16 USC 1531-1543
- 50 CFR 660
+ 4 more
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Cite7 USC 7701-7772
Cite7 CFR 2.22
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