SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. What Information is EPA Particularly Interested in?

Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically solicits comments and information to enable it to:

1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including ( printed page 64612) whether the information will have practical utility.

2. Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimates of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.

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

4. 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. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.

II. What Should I Consider when I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your comments:

1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific examples.

2. Describe any assumptions that you used.

3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used that support your views.

4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at the estimate that you provide.

5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.

6. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.

7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified under DATES .

8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal Register citation.

III. What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does this Action Apply to?

Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are agricultural employers, including employers in farms as well as nursery, forestry, and greenhouse establishments.

Title: Worker Protection Standard Training and Notification.

ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1759.05, OMB Control No. 2070-0148.

ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on May 31, 2008. 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. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.

Abstract: EPA is responsible for the regulation of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The Worker Protection Standard (WPS), codified at 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 170, established requirements to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from hazards of pesticides used on farms, on forests, in nurseries, and in greenhouses. 40 CFR part 170 contains the standard and workplace practices, which are designed to reduce or eliminate exposure to pesticides and establish procedures for responding to exposure-related emergencies. The practices include prohibitions against applying pesticides in a way that would cause exposure to workers and others; a waiting period before workers can return to areas treated with pesticides (restricted entry interval); basic safety training (and voluntary training verification) and posting of information about pesticide hazards, as well as pesticide application information; arrangements for the supply of soap, water, and towels in case of pesticide exposure; and provisions for emergency assistance. The training verification program facilitates compliance with the training requirements by providing a voluntary method for employers to verify that the required safety information has been provided to workers and handlers.

This renewal ICR estimates the third party response burden from complying with the Worker Protection Standard requirements. Information is exchanged between agricultural employers and employees at farm, forest, nursery, and greenhouse establishments to ensure worker safety. No information is collected by the Agency under this ICR. Responses to this ICR are mandatory. The authority for this information collection is provided under section 25 of FIFRA and 40 CFR part 170.

Burden statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.15 hours (about 9 minutes) per response, ranging from two minutes to 45 minutes for the various types of responses. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal Agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

The ICR provides a detailed explanation of this estimate, which is only briefly summarized here:

Estimated total number of potential respondents: 3,245,393.

Frequency of response: On occasion.

Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 3.

Estimated total annual burden hours: 2,293,364 hours.

Estimated total annual costs: $102,612,181.

IV. Are There Changes in the Estimates from the Last Approval?

There is no change in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB.

V. What is the Next Step in the Process for this ICR?

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 pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. EPA will issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT .

72 FR 64611