Request for Public Comments on Information Collection To Be Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

A request extending the collection of information listed below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of the proposed collection of information and related forms may be obtained by contacting the USGS Clearance Officer at the phone number listed below. Comments and suggestions on the requirement should be made within 60 days directly to the USGS Clearance Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 807 National Center, Reston, VA 20192. As required by OMB regulations at CFR 1320.8(d)(1), the U.S. Geological Survey solicits specific public comments regarding the proposed information collection as to:

1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the USGS, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. The accuracy of the USGS estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. The utility, quality, and clarity of the information to be collected; and,

4. How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.

Title: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Current OMB approval number: 1028-0059.

Abstract: The information, required by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), will provide the CTBT Technical Secretariat with geographic locations of sites where chemical explosions greater than 300 tons TNT-equivalent have occurred. Respondents to the information collection request are U.S. nonfuel minerals producers.

Bureau form number: 9-4040-a.

Frequency: Annual.

Description of respondents: Companies that have conducted in the last calendar year, or that will conduct in the next calendar year, explosions with a total charge size of 300 tons of TNT-equivalent, or greater.

Annual Responses: 3,000.

Annual burden hours: 750.

Bureau clearance officer: John E. Cordyack, Jr., 703-648-7313.