2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Notice is hereby given that the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20008-2598 [Principal Investigator: Charles Potter], has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 764-1703-01.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Commission or CFTC) is proposing to amend its regulations applicable to the filing of Disclosure Documents by commodity pool operators (CPOs) and commodity trading advisors (CTAs) with the National Futures Association (NFA). In response to a petition from NFA, the CFTC is proposing that CPOs and CTAs be required to file their Disclosure Documents electronically with NFA (Proposal).

The Secretary proposes to amend the regulations governing the Department's compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, as amended (FOIA or the Act). The proposed regulations are intended to update the Department's current regulations to reflect the changes in the FOIA over recent years.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing a public workshop entitled ``Sex Differences in the Cardiovascular Device Trials.'' FDA is co-sponsoring the conference with the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). The purpose of the workshop is to facilitate discussion between FDA and other interested parties on the study and analysis of sex and gender differences in cardiovascular medical device trials, in anticipation of issuance of draft guidance on this subject.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive external surface high frequency eddy current inspections to detect cracks in the radius detail of the upper lobe doubler on both sides of the airplane, and applicable corrective action. This proposed AD results from reports of cracks in the radius detail of the upper lobe doublers. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the upper lobe doublers. Such cracks could result in significant degradation of the fuselage structure and reduce its ability to carry flight loads from the vertical stabilizer, which could adversely affect the controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

NMFS is closing directed fishing for yellowfin sole by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2008 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl yellowfin sole fishery category by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the following public meeting: ``Partnerships to Advance the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA).'' Public Meeting Time and Date: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. EST, January 22, 2009. Place: Patriots Plaza, 395 E Street, SW., Conference Room 9000, Washington, DC 20201. Purpose of Meeting: The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) has been structured to engage partners with each other and/or with NIOSH to advance NORA priorities. The NORA Liaison Committee continues to be an opportunity for representatives from organizations with national scope to learn about NORA progress and to suggest possible partnerships based on their organization's mission and contacts. This opportunity is now structured as a public meeting via the internet to attract participation by a larger number of organizations and to further enhance the success of NORA. Some of the types of organizations of national scope that are especially encouraged to participate are employers, unions, trade associations, labor associations, professional associations, and foundations. Others are welcome. This meeting will include updates from NIOSH leadership on NORA as well as updates from approximately half of the Sector Councils on their progress, priorities, and implementation plans to date, including the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Sector; Healthcare and Social Assistance Sector; Mining Sector; MiningOil and Gas Extraction Sub- Sector; and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities Sector. After each update, there will be time to discuss partnership opportunities. Status: The meeting is open to the public, limited only by the capacities of the conference call and conference room facilities. There is limited space available in the meeting room (capacity 34). Therefore, information to allow participation in the meeting through the internet (to see the slides) and a teleconference call (capacity 50) will be provided to registered participants. Participants are encouraged to consider attending by this method. Each participant is requested to register for the free meeting by sending an e-mail to noracoordinator@cdc.gov containing the participant's name, organization name, contact telephone number on the day of the meeting, and preference for participation by Web meeting (requirements include: computer, internet connection, and telephone, preferably with ``mute'' capability) or in person. An e-mail confirming registration will include the details needed to participate in the Web meeting. Non-US citizens are encouraged to participate in the Web meeting. Non-US citizens registering to attend in person after January 8 will not have time to comply with security procedures. Background: NORA is a partnership program to stimulate innovative research in occupational safety and health leading to improved workplace practices. Unveiled in 1996, NORA has become a research framework for the nation. Diverse parties collaborate to identify the most critical issues in workplace safety and health. Partners then work together to develop goals and objectives for addressing those needs and to move the research results into practice. The NIOSH role is facilitator of the process. For more information about NORA, see http:/ /www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora/about.html. Since 2006, NORA has been structured according to industrial sectors. Eight sector groups have been defined using the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). After receiving public input through the Web and town hall meetings, NORA Sector Councils have been working to define sector-specific strategic plans for conducting research and moving the results into widespread practice. During 2008, most of these Councils have posted draft strategic plans for public comment. One has posted its finalized National Sector Agenda after considering comments on its draft. For more information, see the link above and choose ``Sector-based Approach,'' ``NORA Sector Councils,'' ``Sector Agendas'' and ``Comment on Draft Sector Agendas'' from the right-side menu. Contact Person for Technical Information: Sidney C. Soderholm, Ph.D., NORA Coordinator, e-mail noracoordinator@cdc.gov, telephone (202) 245-0665.

The Coast Guard is establishing a Safety Zone east of the Intracoastal Waterway at the Port of Miami, Florida for the Bayfront Park New Year's Eve Ceremony. This temporary zone is intended to restrict vessels from entering waters within the zone unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami, Florida, or a designated representative. This rule is necessary to provide for the safety of life on the navigable waters of the United States, and protect participants, spectators, and mariner traffic from potential hazards associated with launching fireworks over the navigable waters of the United States.

Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, (5 U.S.C. Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102-3.65, the Department of Defense gives notice that it is renewing the charter for the Veterans' Advisory Board on Dose Reconstruction (hereafter referred to as the Board). The Board is a non-discretionary federal advisory committee established by Section 601(c) of Title VI of Public Law 108-183. The Board provides review and oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program, and makes such recommendations on modifications in the mission or procedures of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program as it considers appropriate as a result of the audits conducted under the authority of Section 601(c)(3)(A) of Title VI of Public Law 108-183. Specifically, the Board shall 1. Conduct periodic, random audits of dose reconstructions under the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program and of decisions by the Department of Veterans Affairs on claims for service connection of radiogenic diseases; 2. Assist the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in communicating to veterans information on the mission, procedures, and evidentiary requirements of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program; 3. Carry out such other activities with respect to the review and oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program as the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly specify; and 4. Make recommendations on modifications to the mission and procedures of the Dose Reconstruction Program as the Board considers appropriate as a result of the audits. The Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics) or designee, as well as, the Department of Veterans Affairs may act upon the Board's advice and recommendations. The Board Membership shall be composed of 1. At least one expert in historical dose reconstruction of the type conducted under the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program; 2. At least one expert in radiation health matters; 3. At least one expert in risk communications matters; 4. A representative of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and a representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and 5. At least three veterans, including at least one veteran who is a member of an atomic veterans group. Board Members appointed by the Secretary of Defense, who are not full-time federal officers or employees, shall be appointed as experts and consultants under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109. These individuals, serving as Special Government Employees, shall be appointed on an annual basis by the Secretary of Defense, and shall with the exception of travel and per diem for official travel, shall serve without compensation, unless otherwise authorized by the appointing authority. The Chairperson of the Board shall be selected by the sponsors, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The Board shall be authorized to establish subcommittees, as necessary and consistent with its mission, and these subcommittees or working groups shall operate under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976, and other appropriate federal regulations. Such subcommittees or workgroups shall not work independently of the chartered Veterans' Advisory Board on Dose Reconstruction, and shall report all their recommendations and advice to the Board for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees or workgroups have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the chartered Board nor can they report directly to the Department of Defense or any federal officers or employees who are not Board members.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix as amended), the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102-3.150, and in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of Public Law, the following meeting of the Defense Health Board (DHB) is announced:

The Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to disclose the impacts associated with the following proposed actions: Restricting motor vehicles to designated roads and trails, consistent with the national travel management rule. Changes to the forest transportation system, including the recognition and designation of certain user-created routes for motor vehicle use. The Ranger District currently manages about 1500 miles of motor vehicle routes for public use. The proposed action would recognize and adopt an additional 300 additional miles of existing informal (user-created) roads and trails. Most of these have been in existence for many years, but have not been recognized as a part of the forest transportation system.

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Navy Recruiting Command announces a proposed extension of an approved public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

By letter dated June 12, 2008, Governor Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia requested that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) enter into an Agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia (Commonwealth or Virginia) as authorized by Section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (Act). Under the proposed Agreement, the Commission would relinquish, and the Commonwealth would assume, portions of the Commission's regulatory authority exercised within the Commonwealth. As required by the Act, the NRC is publishing the proposed Agreement for public comment. The NRC is also publishing the summary of an assessment by the NRC staff of the Commonwealth's regulatory program. Comments are requested on the proposed Agreement, especially its effect on public health and safety. Comments are also requested on the NRC staff assessment, the adequacy of the Commonwealth's program, and the Commonwealth's program staff, as discussed in this notice. The proposed Agreement would release (exempt) persons who possess or use certain radioactive materials in the Commonwealth from portions of the Commission's regulatory authority. The Act requires that the NRC publish those exemptions. Notice is hereby given that the pertinent exemptions have been previously published in the Federal Register and are codified in the Commission's regulations as 10 CFR Part 150.

This Notice, pursuant to section 6(f)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., announces that EPA has issued a Notice of Intent to Suspend pursuant to sections 3(c)(2)(B) and 4 of FIFRA. The Notice was issued following issuance of a Section 4 Reregistration Data Requirements Notice by the Agency and the failure of the registrant subject to the Section 4 Reregistration Data Requirements Notice to take appropriate steps to secure the data required to be submitted to the Agency. This Notice includes the text of a Notice of Intent to Suspend, absent specific chemical, product, or factual information. Table 1 of this Notice further identifies the registrant to whom the Notice of Intent to Suspend was issued, the date the Notice of Intent to Suspend was issued, the active ingredient(s) involved, and the EPA registration numbers and names of the registered product(s) which are affected by the Notice of Intent to Suspend. Moreover, Table 2 of this Notice identifies the basis upon which the Notice of Intent to Suspend was issued. Finally, matters pertaining to the timing of requests for hearing are specified in the Notice of Intent to Suspend and are governed by the deadlines specified in section 3(c)(2)(B). As required by section 6(f)(2), the Notice of Intent to Suspend was sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the affected registrant at its address of record. The Notice of Intent to Suspend described in this Notice was received by the registrant and the products have been suspended by operation of law. The Notice of Intent to Suspend has become an effective suspension order.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92- 463, the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development (ORD), gives notice of one meeting of the Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) Executive Committee.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or we) is announcing the availability of, and soliciting public comments for 45 days on, the proposed approval of the radioactive, remote-handled (RH), transuranic (TRU) waste characterization program implemented by the Central Characterization Project (CCP) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This waste is intended for disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico. In accordance with the WIPP Compliance Criteria, EPA evaluated the characterization of RH TRU debris waste from ORNL-CCP during an inspection conducted on June 30July 2, 2008. Using the systems and processes developed as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) program, EPA verified whether DOE could adequately characterize RH TRU waste consistent with the Compliance Criteria. The results of EPA's evaluation of ORNL-CCP's RH program and its proposed approval are described in the Agency's inspection report, which is available for review in the public dockets listed in ADDRESSES. We will consider public comments received on or before the due date mentioned in DATES. This notice summarizes the waste characterization processes evaluated by EPA and EPA's proposed approval. As required by the 40 CFR 194.8, at the end of a 45-day comment period EPA will evaluate public comments received, and if appropriate, finalize the reports responding to the relevant public comments, and issue a final report and approval letter to DOE.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its Community Residential Care regulations to update the standards for VA approval of facilities, including standards that would be adopted for fire safety and heating and cooling systems. This rule would also establish a single 12-month duration for VA approvals and would authorize provisional approval of certain facilities. Finally, this rule would eliminate the VA statement of needed care requirement in current regulations and clarify that it is the care providers at the facility that determine the services needed by a particular veteran. VA intends that the proposed amendments would help ensure that veterans are provided appropriate care at facilities that receive VA referrals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend the dates by which facilities must prepare or amend Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, and implement those Plans. The Agency is also proposing to establish dates for farms to prepare or amend their Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans (SPCC Plans), and implement those Plans. EPA had delayed establishing compliance dates for farms pending revisions to the SPCC rule that would specifically address this sector. Two different extension dates are proposed for farms and production facilities that meet the qualified facilities criteria. Elsewhere in this Federal Register, the Agency is finalizing certain tailored and streamlined requirements for facilities subject to the SPCC requirements.