[Federal Register: June 15, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 114)] [Notices] [Page 32637] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr15jn98-22] ======================================================================== Notices Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. ======================================================================== [[Page 32637]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection for Disposal of Mineral Materials AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service announces its intent to extend the existing information collection found in 36 CFR Part 228, Subpart C, for the disposal of mineral materials. The current information collection will expire August 31, 1998. DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before August 14, 1998. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Director, Minerals and Geology Management, mail stop 1126, Forest Service, USDA, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, D.C. 20090-6090. The public may inspect comments in the Office of the Director. To facilitate entrance into the building, visitors are encouraged to call (202) 205-1042 to make arrangements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Greeley, Minerals and Geology Management, at (202) 205-1237. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Description of Information Collection Title: Mineral Materials. OMB Number: 0596-0081. Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 1998. Type of Request: Extension of an existing information collection. Abstract: The Secretary of Agriculture has the statutory authority to dispose of petrified wood and common varieties of sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, cinders, clay, and other similar materials on lands administered by the Forest Service. Mineral operators must conduct their activities in accordance with the mineral regulations at 36 CFR Part 228, Subpart C, to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized to the extent practicable. Disposal of mineral materials is administered with an approved form for a sales contract or free use permit, which may include an attached operating plan, if required. This gives the authorized officer the opportunity to determine if the proposed operation is appropriate and consistent with all applicable land management laws and regulations, assures financial accountability, and provides that environmental impacts be minimized. The information also provides the means of documenting planned operations and the terms and conditions that the Forest Service deems necessary to protect surface resources. Purchasers are required to complete the form, Contract For The Sale Of Mineral Materials (FS-2800-9). Information required includes the purchaser's name and address, the location and dimensions of the area to be mined, the kind of material that will be mined, the quantity of material that will be mined, the sales price of the mined material, the payment schedule, the amount of the bond, and the period of the contract. Each applicant is required to complete the form, Application/Permit (R1-FS-2850-1), for the free use or preliminary prospecting of mineral materials. The questions on the form require that the applicant provide their name and address, the type of material for which the applicant intends to mine or prospect, the period for which the applicant wants the permit, the type of structure that will be erected, the description of the construction, the location and dimensions of the area to be mined or prospected, the statement of need and justification for use of Forest Service land and minerals, the local socioeconomic and environmental impacts that may result from the mining or prospecting, and the measures the applicant has taken to protect the environment. Estimate of Burden: 2.5 hours. Type of Respondents: Mineral materials operators. Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,000. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 7,500. Comment is Invited The agency invites comments on the following: (a) 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; (b) 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; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Use of Comment All comments, including name and address when provided, will become a matter of public record. Comments received in response to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. Dated: June 9, 1998. Robert Lewis, Jr., Acting Associate Chief. [FR Doc. 98-15817 Filed 6-12-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-11-P