Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Willingness to Pay Survey for Salmon Recovery in the Willamette Watershed (New), 39282-39283 [2013-15754]

Download as PDF 39282 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2013 / Notices Existing rates EXCESS ENERGY RATES mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Energy .......................................... 21:38 Jun 28, 2013 Rate Schedule P–13 (System Peaking) Rate Schedule EE–11 (Excess Energy) $0.0091/kWh Southwestern’s customers and other interested parties may receive copies of the Integrated System Power Repayment Studies and/or Rate Design Study, by submitting a request to Mr. James K. McDonald (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). A Public Information and Comment Forum (Forum) is tentatively scheduled to be held on July 11, 2013, to explain to customers and interested parties the proposed rates and supporting studies and to allow for comment. A chairman, who will be responsible for orderly procedure, will conduct the Forum if a Forum is requested. Questions concerning the rates, studies, and information presented at the Forum will be answered, to the extent possible, at the Forum. Questions not answered at the Forum will be answered in writing. Questions involving voluminous data contained in Southwestern’s records may best be answered by consultation and review of pertinent records at Southwestern’s offices. Persons requesting that a Forum be held should indicate in writing to the Southwestern Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) by letter, email, or facsimile transmission (918–595– 6656) by July 8, 2013, their request for such a Forum. If no request is received, no such Forum will be held. Persons interested in speaking at the Forum, if held, should submit a request to Mr. James K. McDonald, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Southwestern, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the Forum so that a list of forum participants can be developed. The chairman may allow others to speak if time permits. A transcript of the Forum, if held, will be made. Copies of the transcript and all documents introduced will be available for review at Southwestern’s offices (see ADDRESSES) during normal business hours. Copies of the transcript and all documents introduced may also be obtained, for a fee, from the transcribing service. All written comments or an electronic copy in MS Word on the proposed Integrated System Rates are due on or before August 30, 2013. Comments VerDate Mar<15>2010 Proposed rates Rate Schedule P–11 (System Peaking) GENERATION RATES Jkt 229001 Rate Schedule EE–13 (Excess Energy) $0.0094/kWh. should be submitted to Mr. James K. McDonald, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Southwestern, (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Following review of the oral and written comments and the information gathered in the course of the proceeding, the Administrator will submit the finalized Integrated System Power Repayment Studies and Rate Design Study in support of the proposed rates to the Deputy Secretary of Energy for confirmation and approval on an interim basis, and subsequently to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for confirmation and approval on a final basis. The Commission will allow the public an opportunity to provide written comments on the proposed rate increase before making a final decision. Dated: June 24, 2013. Christopher M. Turner, Administrator . [FR Doc. 2013–15685 Filed 6–28–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–ORD–2013–0448; FRL—9825–4] Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Willingness to Pay Survey for Salmon Recovery in the Willamette Watershed (New) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ‘‘Willingness to Pay Survey for Salmon Recovery in the Willamette Watershed’’ (EPA ICR No. 2489.01, OMB Control No. 2080–NEW) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a request for approval of a new collection. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 30, 2013. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– ORD–2013–0448 online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Papenfus, Environmental Protection Agency, Western Ecology Division, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR, 97333; telephone number: 541– 754–4703; fax number: 541–754–4799; email address: papenfus.michael@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202–566–1744. For additional information about EPA’s public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/ dockets. Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting 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 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2013 / Notices 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. 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. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. Abstract: The USEPA Office of Research and Development is investigating public values for Chinook salmon and Winter steelhead recovery in the Willamette basin of Oregon. These values will be estimated via a willingness to pay mail survey instrument. There are two effluent-dominated perennial reaches considered in the survey. The primary goal of conducting economic valuation studies should be to improve the way in which communities frame choices regarding the allocation of scarce resources and to clarify the trade-offs between alternative outcomes. This problem is particularly relevant to salmon conservation efforts in the Pacific Northwest. Despite the deep cultural importance of salmon to the citizens of the Pacific Northwest, there is a remarkable lack of valid empirical economic studies quantifying this importance to the general public. This survey will estimate the benefits of salmon and steelhead recovery in the Willamette basin as outlined in the Upper Willamette River Conservation and Recovery Plan. The public benefits associated with several recovery options will be estimated in this survey. The first option is labeled ’minimum recovery’ and represents a permanent increase in the number of wild origin Chinook salmon and steelhead that return annually to the Willamette basin watershed. The increase in fish abundance is also associated with a reduction in the risk of extinction that is great enough to ’de-list’ these species from the endangered species list. The second recovery status evaluated in the survey is labeled ’broadsense recovery’. This recovery option also represents a reduction in extinction risk great enough to remove both species form the VerDate Mar<15>2010 22:39 Jun 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 endangered species list but also represents an even larger increase in wild origin fish than under the ‘minimal recovery’ option. In addition to the different recovery options, public preferences for the time to recovery will be evaluated. For the survey, a choice experiment framework is used with statistically designed tradeoff questions. Recovery options for wild origin Chinook salmon and steelhead and time to recovery are posed as increases in a yearly household tax for the next 25 years. Each choice question allows a zero cost ‘‘opt out’’ option. A few additional questions to further understand respondent choice motivations, their river-related recreation behavior, and their attitudes towards wild origin versus hatchery origin fish are also included. Several pages of background introduce the issue to respondents. A small number of sociodemographic questions are included to gauge how well the sample respondents represent the target population. A sample from across the state of Oregon will receive the survey. The survey will target three subpopulations of Oregon to be studied—the urban population of the Willamette valley, the rural population within the Willamette valley, and the population residing outside the Willamette valley. The primary reason for the survey is public value research. All survey responses will be kept confidential. Form Numbers: None. Respondents/affected entities: The target respondents for this survey are representatives 18 yrs or older of households across the state of Oregon. A sample of household representatives 18 yrs or older will be contacted by mail following the multiple contact protocol in Dillman (2009). A response rate of 30% will be targeted. To increase response rates from the sample, several contacts will be used, including a prenotice to all recipients, a reminder postcard, and follow-up mailing as needed. Respondent’s obligation to respond: Voluntary. Estimated number of respondents: The number of target responses from each subpopulation within Oregon is 250 households each, or 750 households total. Frequency of response: One-time response. Total estimated burden: For a typical respondent, a conservative estimate of their time to review and respond to survey questions is 30 minutes. Assuming the target of 750 people total respond to the survey, the burden is 375 hours. PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 39283 Total estimated cost: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports average wage rates for Oregon for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011). The average hourly wage for all occupations in Oregon was $21.75, or an average cost per participant of $10.88. Assuming 750 participants fill out the survey, the total estimated respondent labor cost is $8,160. This would be a one-time expenditure of their time. Changes in Estimates: This is the first notice; there is no change in estimates at this time. Dated: June 10, 2013. Thomas D. Fontaine III, Western Ecology Division Director. [FR Doc. 2013–15754 Filed 6–28–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–9829–9] Forum on Environmental Measurements Announcement of Competency Policy for Assistance Agreements—Implementation Extension Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. Announcement of Implementation Extension for Competency Policy for Assistance Agreements. AGENCY: As published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Forum on Environmental Measurements (FEM) is implementing a policy requiring organizations generating or using environmental data under certain Agency-funded assistance agreements to submit documentation of their competency prior to award of the agreement, or if that is not practicable, prior to beginning any work involving the generation or use of environmental data under the agreement. The Policy was originally approved on December 12, 2012 by the Science Technology Policy Council (STPC). Because implementation tools are currently being developed by the Agency based on outreach with internal and external stakeholders, EPA is delaying the required effective date of the Policy to October 1, 2013. Webinars and materials to aid with implementation are available on the FEM Web site (https:// www.epa.gov/fem/lab_comp.htm). Accordingly, this revision means that the policy will apply to: • Awards made under competitive solicitations issued on or after October SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1

Agencies

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39282-39283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15754]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0448; FRL--9825-4]


Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; 
Willingness to Pay Survey for Salmon Recovery in the Willamette 
Watershed (New)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an 
information collection request (ICR), ``Willingness to Pay Survey for 
Salmon Recovery in the Willamette Watershed'' (EPA ICR No. 2489.01, OMB 
Control No. 2080-NEW) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for 
review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. 
Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects 
of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a 
request for approval of a new collection. 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.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 30, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-ORD-
2013-0448 online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or 
by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail 
Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460.
    EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the 
public docket without change including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information 
claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Papenfus, Environmental 
Protection Agency, Western Ecology Division, 200 SW 35th St., 
Corvallis, OR, 97333; telephone number: 541-754-4703; fax number: 541-
754-4799; email address: papenfus.michael@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents which explain in detail 
the information that the EPA will be collecting are available in the 
public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at 
www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, EPA West, 
Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The telephone 
number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional 
information about EPA's public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting 
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

[[Page 39283]]

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. 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. At that time, EPA will issue 
another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR 
to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB.
    Abstract:
    The USEPA Office of Research and Development is investigating 
public values for Chinook salmon and Winter steelhead recovery in the 
Willamette basin of Oregon. These values will be estimated via a 
willingness to pay mail survey instrument. There are two effluent-
dominated perennial reaches considered in the survey. The primary goal 
of conducting economic valuation studies should be to improve the way 
in which communities frame choices regarding the allocation of scarce 
resources and to clarify the trade-offs between alternative outcomes. 
This problem is particularly relevant to salmon conservation efforts in 
the Pacific Northwest. Despite the deep cultural importance of salmon 
to the citizens of the Pacific Northwest, there is a remarkable lack of 
valid empirical economic studies quantifying this importance to the 
general public. This survey will estimate the benefits of salmon and 
steelhead recovery in the Willamette basin as outlined in the Upper 
Willamette River Conservation and Recovery Plan.
    The public benefits associated with several recovery options will 
be estimated in this survey. The first option is labeled 'minimum 
recovery' and represents a permanent increase in the number of wild 
origin Chinook salmon and steelhead that return annually to the 
Willamette basin watershed. The increase in fish abundance is also 
associated with a reduction in the risk of extinction that is great 
enough to 'de-list' these species from the endangered species list. The 
second recovery status evaluated in the survey is labeled 'broadsense 
recovery'. This recovery option also represents a reduction in 
extinction risk great enough to remove both species form the endangered 
species list but also represents an even larger increase in wild origin 
fish than under the `minimal recovery' option. In addition to the 
different recovery options, public preferences for the time to recovery 
will be evaluated.
    For the survey, a choice experiment framework is used with 
statistically designed tradeoff questions. Recovery options for wild 
origin Chinook salmon and steelhead and time to recovery are posed as 
increases in a yearly household tax for the next 25 years. Each choice 
question allows a zero cost ``opt out'' option. A few additional 
questions to further understand respondent choice motivations, their 
river-related recreation behavior, and their attitudes towards wild 
origin versus hatchery origin fish are also included. Several pages of 
background introduce the issue to respondents. A small number of 
sociodemographic questions are included to gauge how well the sample 
respondents represent the target population. A sample from across the 
state of Oregon will receive the survey. The survey will target three 
subpopulations of Oregon to be studied--the urban population of the 
Willamette valley, the rural population within the Willamette valley, 
and the population residing outside the Willamette valley. The primary 
reason for the survey is public value research. All survey responses 
will be kept confidential.
    Form Numbers: None.
    Respondents/affected entities: The target respondents for this 
survey are representatives 18 yrs or older of households across the 
state of Oregon. A sample of household representatives 18 yrs or older 
will be contacted by mail following the multiple contact protocol in 
Dillman (2009). A response rate of 30% will be targeted. To increase 
response rates from the sample, several contacts will be used, 
including a prenotice to all recipients, a reminder postcard, and 
follow-up mailing as needed.
    Respondent's obligation to respond: Voluntary.
    Estimated number of respondents: The number of target responses 
from each subpopulation within Oregon is 250 households each, or 750 
households total.
    Frequency of response: One-time response.
    Total estimated burden: For a typical respondent, a conservative 
estimate of their time to review and respond to survey questions is 30 
minutes. Assuming the target of 750 people total respond to the survey, 
the burden is 375 hours.
    Total estimated cost: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 
average wage rates for Oregon for all occupations (Bureau of Labor 
Statistics, 2011). The average hourly wage for all occupations in 
Oregon was $21.75, or an average cost per participant of $10.88. 
Assuming 750 participants fill out the survey, the total estimated 
respondent labor cost is $8,160. This would be a one-time expenditure 
of their time.
    Changes in Estimates: This is the first notice; there is no change 
in estimates at this time.

    Dated: June 10, 2013.
Thomas D. Fontaine III,
Western Ecology Division Director.
[FR Doc. 2013-15754 Filed 6-28-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

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