Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Focus Groups as Used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal); EPA ICR No. 2205.02, OMB Control No. 2090-0028, 54798-54800 [E8-22243]

Download as PDF jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 54798 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 23, 2008 / Notices data collection is for a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate exposure to and effects of microbial pathogens in marine and fresh recreational waters as part of the EPA’s research program on exposure and health effects of microbial pathogens in recreational waters. Health effects data collection was previously conducted in a pilot study, four freshwater coastal sites, and three marine sites under OMB number 2080–0068. The results will be used to help inform the development of new national water quality and monitoring guidelines. The questionnaire health data will be compared with routinely collected water quality measurements. The analysis will focus on determining whether any water quality parameters are associated with increased prevalence of swimming-related health effects. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.25 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. The annual public reporting and record keeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average about fifteen minutes per response. If a single household participant completes all three interviews of the data collection, a total 45 minutes is used. The interview process consists of three interviews; Two Beach Interviews & one Telephone Follow-up: Based on consultation with the individuals listed in Section 3(c) of the ICR, and our experience with similar types of information collection, we estimate that each family will spend an average of 30 minutes completing the beach interview and will require no record keeping. This includes the time for reviewing the information pamphlet and answering the questions. We estimate that each VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:54 Sep 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 family spends an average of 15 minutes completing the home telephone interview. The telephone interviews will require no record keeping. All human health data collection will be recorded utilizing computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI). The telephone interview incorporates the same concept of direct data collection in a desk personal computer (PC) setting. The tablet notebooks and desk PCs are used by interviewers to collect human health data. Screens on these tablets and PCs only display current activated questions. All human health data is stored in secured locations to maintain confidentiality. The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency’s estimate, which is only briefly summarized here: Respondents/Affected Entities: Individuals frequenting fresh and marine water beaches in the United States and territories. Estimated Number of Respondents: 21,000. Frequency of Response: On occasion. Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 15,750. Estimated Total Annual Cost: $236,250. This includes an estimated burden cost of $0 and an estimated cost of $0 for capital investment or maintenance and operational costs. Changes in the Estimates: There is an increase of 10,500 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. This increase is required to provide the science necessary to help inform the development of new public health standards for recreational water. Dated: September 16, 2008. Sara Hisel-McCoy, Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. E8–22204 Filed 9–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OA–2008–0701; FRL–8718–4] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Focus Groups as Used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal); EPA ICR No. 2205.02, OMB Control No. 2090–0028 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 announces that EPA is planning to submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2008. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before November 24, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQOA–2008–0701, by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: oei.docket@epa.gov. • Fax: (202) 566–9744 • Mail: Office of Environmental Information, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OA–2008–0701. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at https:// 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 www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https:// 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 https:// 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. For additional information E:\FR\FM\23SEN1.SGM 23SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 23, 2008 / Notices about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathalie Simon, Office of Policy Economics and Innovation, (MC 1809T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202–566– 2347; fax number: 202–566–2363; e-mail address: simon.nathalie@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments? EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPAHQ-OA–2008–0701 which is available for online viewing at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Office of Environmental Information (OEI) Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202–566–1744, and the telephone number for the OEI Docket is 202–566– 1752. Use https://www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in the docket ID number identified in this document. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in? Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically solicits comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:54 Sep 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. , permitting electronic submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork burden for very small businesses affected by this collection. What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA? You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your comments: 1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific examples. 2. Describe any assumptions that you used. 3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used that support your views. 4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at the estimate that you provide. 5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity. 6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified under DATES. 7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal Register citation. What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to? Docket ID No. EPA EPA-HQ-OA– 2008–0701 Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are members of the general public, although the target population for the focus group discussions will vary by project. Title: Focus Groups as used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal). ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2205.02, OMB Control No. 2090–0028. ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on November 30, 2008. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54799 Abstract: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking renewal of a generic information collection request (ICR) for the conduct of focus groups and protocol interviews (hereafter jointly referred to as focus groups) related to economics projects. Over the next three years, the Agency anticipates embarking on a number of survey development efforts associated with a variety of economics projects including those related to valuation of ecosystems, children’s health risks, improvements to coastal waters, and invasive species to name a few. Focus groups are an important part of any survey development process, allowing researchers to directly gauge what specific issues are important to the public and providing a means for explicitly testing draft survey materials. Through these focus groups, the Agency will be able to gain a more in-depth understanding of the public’s attitudes, beliefs, motivations and feelings regarding specific issues and will provide valuable information regarding the quality of draft survey instruments. The information collected in the focus groups will be used to develop and improve economics-related surveys. To the extent that these surveys are ultimately successfully administered, they will serve to expand the Agencies understanding of benefits and costs of a variety of actions and could provide the means to quantitatively assess the effects of others. Participation in the focus groups will be voluntary and the identity of the participants will be kept confidential. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2.4 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency’s estimate, which is only briefly summarized here: E:\FR\FM\23SEN1.SGM 23SEN1 54800 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 23, 2008 / Notices Estimated total number of potential respondents: 1758. Frequency of response: Once. Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 1. Estimated total annual burden hours: $30,147. Estimated total annual costs: $30,147. This includes estimated burden costs only as there are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval? Burden estimates included here are based on the supporting statement submitted for the original, approved ICR. Burden estimates will be revised to reflect new information and will be made available for public comment at the time the ICR is submitted to OMB for approval. What is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR? EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Dated: September 15, 2008. Brett R. Snyder, Acting Director, National Center for Environmental Economics. [FR Doc. E8–22243 Filed 9–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–RCRA–2008–0244; FRL–8718–8] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Final Authorization for Hazardous Waste Management Programs (Renewal); EPA ICR No. 0969.08, OMB Control No. 2050–0041 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that an Information VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:54 Sep 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before October 23, 2008. Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– RCRA–2008–0244, to (1) EPA, either online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or by e-mail to rcradocket@epa.gov, or by mail to: RCRA Docket (28221T), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; and (2) OMB, by mail to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathy Rafferty, Office of Solid Waste (mail code 5303P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 703–308–0589; fax number: 703–308–8617; e-mail address: rafferty.kathy@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On May 6, 2008 (73 FR 24976), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–RCRA–2008–0244, which is available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/ DC Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the RCRA Docket is (202) 566–0270. Use EPA’s electronic docket and comment system at www.regulations.gov, to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the docket PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘docket search,’’ then key in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA’s policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at www.regulations.gov as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, confidential business information (CBI), or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. For further information about the electronic docket, go to www.regulations.gov. Title: Final Authorization for Hazardous Waste Management Programs (Renewal). ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 0969.08, OMB Control No. 2050–0041. ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on September 30, 2008. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. Abstract: In order for a State to obtain final authorization for a State hazardous waste program or to revise its previously authorized program, it must submit an official application to the EPA Regional office for approval. The purpose of the application is to enable EPA to properly determine whether the State’s program meets the requirements of § 3006 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A State with an approved program may voluntarily transfer program responsibilities to EPA by notifying EPA of the proposed transfer, as required by 40 CFR 271.23. Further, EPA may withdraw a State’s authorized program under 40 CFR 271.23. State program revision may be necessary when the controlling Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority is modified or supplemented. In the event that the State is revising its program by adopting new Federal requirements, the State shall prepare and submit modified revisions of the program description, Attorney General’s E:\FR\FM\23SEN1.SGM 23SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 185 (Tuesday, September 23, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54798-54800]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-22243]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OA-2008-0701; FRL-8718-4]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Focus Groups as Used by EPA for Economics Projects 
(Renewal); EPA ICR No. 2205.02, OMB Control No. 2090-0028

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to 
submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection 
Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is 
scheduled to expire on November 30, 2008. Before submitting the ICR to 
OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific 
aspects of the proposed information collection as described below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before November 24, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OA-
2008-0701, by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: oei.docket@epa.gov.
     Fax: (202) 566-9744
     Mail: Office of Environmental Information, Environmental 
Protection Agency, Mailcode: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OA-2008-
0701. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in 
the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
https://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 www.regulations.gov 
or e-mail. The https://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 https://
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. For additional information

[[Page 54799]]

about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at 
https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathalie Simon, Office of Policy 
Economics and Innovation, (MC 1809T), Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 
202-566-2347; fax number: 202-566-2363; e-mail address: 
simon.nathalie@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments?

    EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OA-2008-0701 which is available for online viewing at http:/
/www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Office of 
Environmental Information (OEI) Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/
DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. 
The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the 
Reading Room is 202-566-1744, and the telephone number for the OEI 
Docket is 202-566-1752.
    Use https://www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft 
collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the 
index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those 
documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once 
in the system, select ``search,'' then key in the docket ID number 
identified in this document.

What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in?

    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically 
solicits comments and information to enable it to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) 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, e.g. , permitting electronic 
submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from 
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of 
specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork 
burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.

What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
comments:
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific 
examples.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used 
that support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
    5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
    6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified 
under DATES.
    7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page 
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation.

What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to?

    Docket ID No. EPA EPA-HQ-OA-2008-0701
    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
members of the general public, although the target population for the 
focus group discussions will vary by project.
    Title: Focus Groups as used by EPA for Economics Projects 
(Renewal).
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2205.02, OMB Control No. 2090-0028.
    ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on November 
30, 2008. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's 
regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal 
Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed 
either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate 
means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if 
applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA 
regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
    Abstract: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking 
renewal of a generic information collection request (ICR) for the 
conduct of focus groups and protocol interviews (hereafter jointly 
referred to as focus groups) related to economics projects. Over the 
next three years, the Agency anticipates embarking on a number of 
survey development efforts associated with a variety of economics 
projects including those related to valuation of ecosystems, children's 
health risks, improvements to coastal waters, and invasive species to 
name a few. Focus groups are an important part of any survey 
development process, allowing researchers to directly gauge what 
specific issues are important to the public and providing a means for 
explicitly testing draft survey materials. Through these focus groups, 
the Agency will be able to gain a more in-depth understanding of the 
public's attitudes, beliefs, motivations and feelings regarding 
specific issues and will provide valuable information regarding the 
quality of draft survey instruments.
    The information collected in the focus groups will be used to 
develop and improve economics-related surveys. To the extent that these 
surveys are ultimately successfully administered, they will serve to 
expand the Agencies understanding of benefits and costs of a variety of 
actions and could provide the means to quantitatively assess the 
effects of others. Participation in the focus groups will be voluntary 
and the identity of the participants will be kept confidential.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2.4 
hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial 
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or 
disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This 
includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, 
install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of 
collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and 
maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; 
adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable 
instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train 
personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search 
data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and 
transmit or otherwise disclose the information.
    The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate, 
which is only briefly summarized here:

[[Page 54800]]

    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 1758.
    Frequency of response: Once.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 1.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: $30,147.
    Estimated total annual costs: $30,147. This includes estimated 
burden costs only as there are no capital costs or operating and 
maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.

Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?

    Burden estimates included here are based on the supporting 
statement submitted for the original, approved ICR. Burden estimates 
will be revised to reflect new information and will be made available 
for public comment at the time the ICR is submitted to OMB for 
approval.

What is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR?

    EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as 
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for 
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will 
issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 
1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the 
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any 
questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the 
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Dated: September 15, 2008.
Brett R. Snyder,
Acting Director, National Center for Environmental Economics.
[FR Doc. E8-22243 Filed 9-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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