Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection, 30167-30168 [E8-11611]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 101 / Friday, May 23, 2008 / Notices The BOP is seeking to expand the facilities that currently exist at BOP’s USP Hazelton facility due to a growing population of federal inmates and an increased demand in the Mid-Atlantic region for facilities to house the growing inmate population. dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with NOTICES Background Information Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Council of Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500– 1508), BOP has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for a medium-security FCI to house approximately 1,200 adult male inmates in Hazelton, West Virginia. USP Hazelton occupies 915 acres and is currently comprised of a high-security penitentiary housing approximately 1,608 male inmates, a Secured Female Facility (SFF) housing approximately 623 female inmates and a Federal Prison Camp (FPC) housing approximately 124 low-security inmates. Environmental studies were conducted before the construction of the USP Hazelton and the FPC in 1999, and the SFF in 2000. It is the intent of the BOP to construct the FCI on a portion of the existing 915 acres currently owned by BOP. The EA was prepared in accordance with NEPA and published on February 29, 2008 for a 30-day comment period. Project Information The proposed action in Hazelton, West Virginia, is part of the BOP’s comprehensive expansion effort to accommodate an increasing federal inmate population and reduce systemwide inmate crowding. The proposed action would consist of construction and operation of a medium-security FCI at the existing USP Hazelton facility. The principal function of the correctional facility would be to provide a safe, secure and humane environment for the care and custody of federal inmates, primarily from the MidAtlantic region of the country. Upon activation, the facility would have a staff of approximately 250 full-time employees who would provide 24-hour supervision. Development of the proposed facility will occur on 250 acres of the 915 acres comprising the existing USP Hazelton facilities. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared for the original development of the 915-acre site in 1999, and additional environmental studies were prepared for further development of the site in 2000. The current EA was undertaken to evaluate current environmental, cultural and socioeconomic resources and potential impacts of the proposed FCI. The VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:34 May 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 previous NEPA documents included the area currently being evaluated in this EA. The impacts of the proposed build alternatives were considered in an EA published on February 29, 2008. The EA evaluated the effects of the development of the FCI Hazelton site. Review of the EA with the necessary mitigation has led to a FONSI, as that phrase is defined pursuant to NEPA. The proposed build alternative would result in negligible impacts to environmental resources within the community. There would be no significant adverse impacts to surrounding land uses, utility systems, traffic patterns or other community considerations. No significant adverse on-site impacts as defined pursuant to NEPA are anticipated as a result of the Action alternative. After review of the comments received from interested agencies and local citizens concerning the EA, the BOP signed the FONSI for the Action alternative. Notice of Availability The BOP provided written notices of the availability of the EA in three local newspapers and the Federal Register. The BOP also distributed approximately 135 copies of the EA to federal and state agencies, state and local governments, elected officials, interested organizations, and individuals. Availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact The FONSI along with the Final EA and other information regarding this project are available upon request. To request a copy of the Finding of No Significant Impact, please contact: Pamela J. Chandler, Chief, or Issac J. Gaston, Site Selection Specialist, Site Selection and Environmental Review Branch, Federal Bureau of Prisons, 320 First Street, NW., Washington, DC 20534, Tel: 202–514–6470, Fax: 202– 616–6024/E-mail: pchandler@bop.gov or igaston@bop.gov. Copies of the Finding of No Significant Impact and the Final Environmental Assessment are available for public viewing at: Preston County Courthouse, 101 West Main Street, Room 101, Kingwood, WV 26537. Kingwood Public Library, 205 West Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537. Terra Alta Public Library, 701B East State Avenue, Terra Alta, WV 26764. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela J. Chandler, or Issac J. Gaston, Federal Bureau of Prisons. PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30167 Dated: May 12, 2008. Issac J. Gaston, Site Specialist, Site Selection and Environmental Review Branch. [FR Doc. E8–11123 Filed 5–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–05–P MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection AGENCY: Merit Systems Protection Board. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) announces that an Information Collection Request (ICR) is to be forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. This is a request for a new collection. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost. On March 6, 2008 (Federal Register Volume 73, Number 45, page 12220), MSPB sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). MSPB received only one comment. DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 23, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to the Office of Management and the Budget, care of Brenda Aguilar at baguilar@omb.eop.gov or by fax at (202) 395–6974. You may also submit comments to the MSPB via e-mail to sharon.roth@mspb.gov (please include Employee Surveys in the subject line). You also may mail or fax comments to Sharon Roth, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Suite 500, 1615 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20419. Fax: (202) 653–7211. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Roth by phone on 202–653– 6772, ext. 1340, by FAX on 202–653– 7211, or by e-mail at sharon.roth@mspb.gov. You may contact Ms. Roth via V/TDD at 1–800– 877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed Project: Disciplinary Process within Agencies. As part of its purpose, MSPB is responsible for conducting studies of the Federal civil service to ensure that all Federal government agencies follow merit systems practices and avoid prohibited personnel practices. To support this research agenda, MSPB E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with NOTICES 30168 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 101 / Friday, May 23, 2008 / Notices periodically conducts surveys of samples of Federal employees on a variety of topics. To obtain insight into the perspectives of management and management advisors regarding Federal disciplinary processes, MSPB is requesting OMB approval to conduct surveys of two groups. All surveys will be completed within two years. MSPB originally proposed sending surveys to (1) proposing officials for discipline, (2) deciding officials for discipline, and (3) human resources advisors on disciplinary actions. However, as discussed below, MSPB has determined that a survey for human resources advisors for this topic will not be an efficient use of resources. The surveys of proposing and deciding officials will ask respondents to share their experiences conducting suspensions of 14 days or less and removal actions, including their level of involvement in decisions made, their use of alternative discipline, the nature of the conduct that led to the action, the role of performance in conduct based actions, and the quality of related training they received. Respondents will be selected based upon disciplinary and adverse actions recorded in the Central Personnel Data File (CPDF). The single commenter recommended that the MSPB include a survey of agency legal counselors, as these individuals interact with proposing officials, deciding officials, and human resources advisors. We agree that agency legal advisors may frequently play an important role in the process of disciplining employees. Human resources advisors also play an important role. For this reason, both the proposing and deciding official surveys will include questions regarding the respondent’s interactions with human resources as well as interactions with a legal advisor when such an advisor was used. However, as the focus of this study is the experience of the proposing and deciding officials, we have determined that surveying human resources and legal advisors would not be an optimal use of resources. In past studies on similar topics, such as agencies’ use of the probationary period, the MSPB has used focus groups of human resources specialists to obtain additional insight into management activities beyond that provided by the supervisors who respond to the survey. If MSPB determines it is warranted for this study, one or more focus groups of human resources specialists, attorney advisors, or both, may be utilized. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:34 May 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 estimated to average 0.50 hours per respondent. Respondents/Affected Entities: Participants will be randomly drawn from multiple agencies that conducted a large number of removal actions in the years preceding the sample being drawn. Both removal actions and suspensions of 14 days or less will be the subject of the surveys. For each personnel action, there will be two respondents (the proposing official and the deciding official). Estimated Number of Respondents: 5400. Frequency of Response: Once for most respondents. (If a party was involved in implementing multiple disciplinary or adverse actions, there is a potential to receive more than one survey.) Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 2,700. William D. Spencer, Clerk of the Board. [FR Doc. E8–11611 Filed 5–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7400–01–P FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meetings May 12, 2008. TIME AND DATE: 10 a.m., Thursday, June 5, 2008. The Richard V. Backley Hearing Room, 9th Floor, 601 New Jersey Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. PLACE: STATUS: Open. The Commission will hear oral argument in the matter of Secretary of Labor v. Twentymile Coal Company, Docket No. WEST 2007–892–E. (Issues include whether the Secretary properly interpreted the breathable air provisions of section 316 of the Mine Act and whether the MSHA District Manager erred in refusing to approve the operator’s emergency response plan unless it provided for a refuge chamber in the main entry.) Any person attending this oral argument who requires special accessibility features and/or auxiliary aids, such as sign language interpreters, must inform the Commission in advance of those needs. Subject to 29 CFR 2706.150(a)(3) and 2706.160(d). MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Jean Ellen (202) 434–9950/(202) 708–9300 CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFO: PO 00000 Frm 00129 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 for TDD Relay/1–800–877–8339 for toll free. Jean H. Ellen, Chief Docket Clerk. [FR Doc. E8–11545 Filed 5–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6735–01–M NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (CEOSE); Notice of Meeting In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463, as amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following meeting: Name: Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (1173). Dates/Time: June 16, 2008, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and June 17, 2008, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Place: National Science Foundation (NSF), 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. Building entry badges must be obtained at the above address; the meeting will be held in Room 1235 of the National Science Foundation Building located at 4201 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Dr. Margaret E.M. Tolber, Senior Advisor and Executive Liaison, CEOSE Office of Integrative Activities, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. Telephone Number: (703) 292–8040. mtolbert@nsf.gov. Minutes: May be obtained from the Executive Liaison at the above address. Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice and recommendations concerning broadening participation in science and engineering. Agenda Monday, June 16, 2008 Welcome and Opening Statement by the CEOSE Chair Introductions Presentations and Discussions:  The American Community Survey  Reports on NSF Advisory Committee Meetings by CEOSE Liaisons  Broadening Participation in the CISE (Computer and Information Science and Engineering) Community  Concurrent Meetings of the CEOSE Ad Hoc Subcommittees  Discussion with the Director of the National Science Foundation  Report of the CEOSE Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Accountability, Evaluation, and Communications  Report of the CEOSE Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Broadening Participation Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Opening Statement by the CEOSE Chair Presentations and Discussions:  Report of the CEOSE Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Strategic Planning E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 101 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30167-30168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11611]


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MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection

AGENCY: Merit Systems Protection Board.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), the U.S. 
Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) announces that an Information 
Collection Request (ICR) is to be forwarded to the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the 
procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. This is a request for a new 
collection. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection 
and its estimated burden and cost. On March 6, 2008 (Federal Register 
Volume 73, Number 45, page 12220), MSPB sought comments on this ICR 
pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). MSPB received only one comment.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 23, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
the Office of Management and the Budget, care of Brenda Aguilar at 
baguilar@omb.eop.gov or by fax at (202) 395-6974. You may also submit 
comments to the MSPB via e-mail to sharon.roth@mspb.gov (please include 
Employee Surveys in the subject line). You also may mail or fax 
comments to Sharon Roth, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Suite 
500, 1615 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20419. Fax: (202) 653-7211.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Roth by phone on 202-653-6772, 
ext. 1340, by FAX on 202-653-7211, or by e-mail at 
sharon.roth@mspb.gov. You may contact Ms. Roth via V/TDD at 1-800-877-
8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed Project: Disciplinary Process 
within Agencies. As part of its purpose, MSPB is responsible for 
conducting studies of the Federal civil service to ensure that all 
Federal government agencies follow merit systems practices and avoid 
prohibited personnel practices. To support this research agenda, MSPB

[[Page 30168]]

periodically conducts surveys of samples of Federal employees on a 
variety of topics. To obtain insight into the perspectives of 
management and management advisors regarding Federal disciplinary 
processes, MSPB is requesting OMB approval to conduct surveys of two 
groups. All surveys will be completed within two years.
    MSPB originally proposed sending surveys to (1) proposing officials 
for discipline, (2) deciding officials for discipline, and (3) human 
resources advisors on disciplinary actions. However, as discussed 
below, MSPB has determined that a survey for human resources advisors 
for this topic will not be an efficient use of resources. The surveys 
of proposing and deciding officials will ask respondents to share their 
experiences conducting suspensions of 14 days or less and removal 
actions, including their level of involvement in decisions made, their 
use of alternative discipline, the nature of the conduct that led to 
the action, the role of performance in conduct based actions, and the 
quality of related training they received. Respondents will be selected 
based upon disciplinary and adverse actions recorded in the Central 
Personnel Data File (CPDF).
    The single commenter recommended that the MSPB include a survey of 
agency legal counselors, as these individuals interact with proposing 
officials, deciding officials, and human resources advisors. We agree 
that agency legal advisors may frequently play an important role in the 
process of disciplining employees. Human resources advisors also play 
an important role. For this reason, both the proposing and deciding 
official surveys will include questions regarding the respondent's 
interactions with human resources as well as interactions with a legal 
advisor when such an advisor was used. However, as the focus of this 
study is the experience of the proposing and deciding officials, we 
have determined that surveying human resources and legal advisors would 
not be an optimal use of resources. In past studies on similar topics, 
such as agencies' use of the probationary period, the MSPB has used 
focus groups of human resources specialists to obtain additional 
insight into management activities beyond that provided by the 
supervisors who respond to the survey. If MSPB determines it is 
warranted for this study, one or more focus groups of human resources 
specialists, attorney advisors, or both, may be utilized.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.50 
hours per respondent.
    Respondents/Affected Entities: Participants will be randomly drawn 
from multiple agencies that conducted a large number of removal actions 
in the years preceding the sample being drawn. Both removal actions and 
suspensions of 14 days or less will be the subject of the surveys. For 
each personnel action, there will be two respondents (the proposing 
official and the deciding official).
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 5400.
    Frequency of Response: Once for most respondents. (If a party was 
involved in implementing multiple disciplinary or adverse actions, 
there is a potential to receive more than one survey.)
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 2,700.

William D. Spencer,
Clerk of the Board.
 [FR Doc. E8-11611 Filed 5-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7400-01-P
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