[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 227 (Friday, November 26, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72787-72788]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-29722]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Dam Owner 
Survey to Support Management of Gulf of Maine Distinct Population 
Segment (GOM DPS) of Atlantic Salmon

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, 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.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before January 25, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fd99b584939896bd99929ed39a928b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85e1cdfcebe0eec5e1eae6abe2eaf3">[email protected]</span></a>).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Tara Trinko, 207-866-4238 or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e4b0859685cab0968d8a8f8ba48a8b8585ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e4b0859685cab0968d8a8f8ba48a8b8585ca838b92">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This is a request for a new information collection.
    In 2009, Atlantic salmon populations from the Androscoggin River in 
South Central Maine to the Dennys River in Eastern Maine were listed as 
Endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) (74 FR 29344, 
June 19, 2009). Dams were identified in the listing as a significant 
threat to the species survival and recovery. In order for recovery to 
occur, Atlantic salmon must have access to sufficient adult spawning 
habitat and juvenile rearing habitat to support the continued existence 
of a recovered salmon population. In furtherance of recovery, the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to conduct a survey 
of dam owners.
    This survey will allow NMFS to identify owners of non-Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulated dams and present to them 
opportunities to participate in programs that will aid them in 
complying with

[[Page 72788]]

the ESA. Owners of non-FERC dams often do not have regulatory oversight 
by a Federal agency and therefore, may not be aware of the requirements 
of the ESA and what this means to them. This survey will identify 
opportunities for fish passage improvements or dam removal that may fit 
into existing funding programs directed towards improving fish passage 
for diadromous fish species. Information from this survey will also be 
collected to educate NOAA on the current use, anticipated use, and 
community interest in small dams. This type of information will aid 
NMFS in developing tools to communicate and work effectively with dam 
owners within the GOM DPS. Information will be collected on current 
uses of dams, anticipated uses of dams, important issues or concerns to 
dam owners, and owners' interest in creating fish passage or removing 
dams. Known associations or organizations with an interest in the dams 
will also be identified.
    Respondents will represent members of state and local agencies, 
private individuals and corporations, and commercial businesses. 
Results will be used to assist NMFS in identifying dam owners who are 
interested in discussing potential enhancements to Atlantic salmon 
habitats.

II. Method of Collection

    The geographic spread of potential respondents is extensive and 
includes residents of Maine as well as nonresidents. Most respondents 
will be contacted via an initial letter and a follow-up telephone call. 
Personal interviews will be scheduled with a few respondents owning 
multiple (in excess of 5) dams and the information collected will be 
recorded electronically.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (new information collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households, non-profit 
institutions; State, local, or tribal government; Federal government, 
business or other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 309.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 7 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 36.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 for record keeping/
reporting.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 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 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
    (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 through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: November 22, 2010.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2010-29722 Filed 11-24-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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