Proposed Collection; Comment Request

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

Proposed Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing

effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general

public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment

on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by

the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.

3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning

the Environmental Information and Supplemental Information on Water

Quality Considerations.

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 16, 1999

to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Barnes, Bureau of

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.,

Washington, DC 20226, (202) 927-8930.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or

copies of the form(s) and instructions should be directed to David

Brokaw, Regulations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms,

650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226, (202) 927-8230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Environmental Information and Supplemental Information on

Water Quality Considerations.

OMB Number: 1512-0100.

Form Number: ATF F 1740.1 and ATF F 1740.2.

Abstract: The environmental forms are necessary in order to comply

with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C.

4332 (ATF F 1740.1) and the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1341(a) (ATF F

1740.2). Information regarding solid and liquid waste, air pollution,

noise, etc. as collected on ATF 1740.1 is evaluated to determine if a

formal environmental impact statement or an environmental permit is

necessary for a proposed operation. The environmental type information

is collected from manufacturers, namely distilled spirits plants,

wineries, breweries, and tobacco products factories. ATF F 1740.2 is

also submitted by manufacturers but only those who discharge a solid or

liquid effluent into navigable waters. Applicants are required to

describe any biological, chemical, thermal, or other characteristic of

the discharge as well as any methods or equipment used to monitor the

condition of the discharge. Based upon this data, ATF makes a

determination as to whether a certification or waiver by the applicable

State water quality agency is required. Should a manufacturer be

required to submit both forms (ATF F 1740.1 and 1740.2) he may

incorporate by reference any redundant information especially regarding

solid and waste. The record retention period for this information

collection is 15 years after discontinuance of business for distilled

spirits plants having production facilities. All others, 4 years after

discontinuance of business.

Current Actions: There are no changes to this information

collection and it is being submitted for extension purposes only.

Type of Review: Extension.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,000.

Estimated Time Per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,400.

Request for Comments

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized

and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will

become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether

the 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 collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the

quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d)

ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on

respondents, including through the use of automated collection

techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates

of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and

purchase of services to provide information.

Dated: January 10, 1999.

William T. Earle,

Assistant Director (Management) CFO.

[FR Doc. 99-944 Filed 1-14-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4810-31-P