[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33108-33110]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13127]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0256; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00480-R;
Amendment 39-21596; AD 2021-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a short circuit in a yaw trim
actuator connector that occurred during production electrical tests.
This AD requires replacing certain wire harness trim connector
backshells (backshells), as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 29, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 29,
2021.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this

material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view
this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817)
222-5110. It is also available in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0256.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0256; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-
5353; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0198, dated August 15, 2019
(EASA AD 2019-0198), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD), formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Model MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on April 2, 2021 (86 FR 17322). The NPRM was
prompted by a short circuit in a yaw trim actuator connector that
occurred during production electrical tests. Subsequent investigations
determined that a sharp edge in the backshell damaged the wiring
insulation. The NPRM proposed to require replacing certain backshells,
as specified in an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address an unsafe condition that
could result in yaw or pitch trim runaway and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2019-0198 for additional
background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received comments from one
commenter; however, none of the comments requested a change to the
requirements proposed by the NPRM or the determination of the cost to
the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0198 specifies replacing backshells part number (P/N)
M85049/90-13W02 if manufactured by AMPHENOL or if the manufacturer is
unknown (affected part) with backshells P/N M85049/90-13W02 not
manufactured by AMPHENOL (serviceable part). EASA AD 2019-0198 also
prohibits the (re-)installation of an affected part.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2019-0198 applies to all Model MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters,
whereas this AD applies to that model helicopter with an affected part
installed instead. EASA AD 2019-0198 requires replacing each affected
part with a serviceable part within 9 months, whereas this AD requires
that replacement within 30 hours time-in-service instead.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Replacing each backshell takes about 8 work-hours and parts cost
$220, for an estimated cost of $900 per backshell.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:

2021-12-09 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
21596; Docket No. FAA-2021-0256; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00480-
R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 29, 2021.

(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category,
having an affected part as defined in European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0198, dated August 15, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-
0198).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2700, Flight Control
System.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a short circuit in a yaw trim actuator
connector that occurred during production electrical tests.
Subsequent investigations determined that a sharp edge in the wire
harness trim connector backshell damaged the wiring insulation. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address an unsafe condition that could
result in yaw or pitch trim runaway and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with EASA AD 2019-0198.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0198

    (1) Where EASA AD 2019-0198 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0198 specifies to
replace each affected part with a serviceable part within 9 months,
this AD requires replacing each affected part with a serviceable
part within 30 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD.
    (3) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0198 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0198 specifies to use tooling, equivalent tooling may be used.
    (5) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-0198 does not apply to this
AD; this AD requires compliance with paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0198 does not apply
to this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a wire
harness trim connector backshell identified in paragraph (c) of this
AD on any helicopter.

 (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Katherine Venegas,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA
90712; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0198,
dated August 15, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2019-0198, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0256.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 28, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13127 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76888-76889]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26436]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9102; Airspace Docket No. 16-AEA-6]

Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace, Monongahela, PA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Monongahela,
PA, as the Allegheny VHF Omni-directional Range, (VOR), has been
decommissioned, requiring airspace reconfiguration at Rostraver
Airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management
of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 19, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to: U. S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West
Bldg Ground Floor Rm W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; Telephone: 1-800-
647-5527, or<PHONE_NUMBER>. You must identify the Docket No. FAA-2016-
9102; Airspace Docket No. 16-AEA-6, at the beginning of your comments.
You may also submit and review received comments through the Internet
at http://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final
disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed on line at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of
FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support
Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O.
Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described
in Subtitle VII, Part, A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section,
the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of
airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient
use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority
as it would amend Class E airspace at Rostraver Airport, Monongahela,
PA.

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to comment on this proposed rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and
suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned
regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited
on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and
energy-related aspects of the proposal.
    Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted
in triplicate to the address listed above. You may also submit comments
through the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
    Persons wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on
this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed stamped
postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket
No. FAA-2016-9102; Airspace Docket No. 16-AEA-6.'' The postcard will be
date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
    All communications received before the specified closing date for
comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule.
The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the
comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact
with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.

Availability of NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at http://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Office (see the ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
Holidays. An informal docket may also be examined between 8:00 a.m. and
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays at the office
of the Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, room
350, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016, and effective
September 15, 2016. FAA Order 7400.11A is publicly available as listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11A lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and
reporting points.

The Proposal

    The FAA is considering an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) Part 71 to amend Class E airspace extending upward
from 700 feet or more above the surface within a 6.5-mile radius of
Rostraver Airport, Monongahela, PA, due to the decommissioning of the
Allegheny VOR, and to ensure the safety and management of the modified
IFR operations at the airport.
    Class E airspace designations are published in Paragraph 6005 of
FAA Order 7400.11A, dated August 3, 2016, and effective September 15,
2016, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E
airspace designation listed in this document will be published
subsequently in the Order.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves
an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current.
It, therefore: (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979);
and (3) does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation as the
anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that
will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this proposed rule, when promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    This proposal would be subject to an environmental analysis in
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies
and Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.

Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (Air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

0
1. The authority citation for Part 71 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O.
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11A,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016,
effective September 15, 2016, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700
Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth.

* * * * *

AEA PA E5 Monongahela, PA [Amended]

Rostraver Airport, Monongahela, PA
    (Lat. 40[deg]12'35'' N., long. 79[deg]49'53'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface
within a 6.5-mile radius of Rostraver Airport.

    Issued in College Park, Georgia, on October 21, 2016.
Ryan W. Almasy,
Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic
Organization.
[FR Doc. 2016-26436 Filed 11-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 4651]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01975]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. ER18-713-000]

CA Flats Solar 150, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-
Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204
Authorization

    This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of
CA Flats Solar 150, LLC's application for market-based rate authority,
with an accompanying rate tariff, noting that such application includes
a request for blanket authorization, under 18 CFR part 34, of future
issuances of securities and assumptions of liability.
    Any person desiring to intervene or to protest should file with the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington,
DC 20426, in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's
Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Anyone
filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that
document on the Applicant.
    Notice is hereby given that the deadline for filing protests with
regard to the applicant's request for blanket authorization, under 18
CFR part 34, of future issuances of securities and assumptions of
liability, is February 15, 2018.
    The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper, using the FERC Online links at http://www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic service, persons with internet
access who will eFile a document and/or be listed as a contact for an
intervenor must create and validate an eRegistration account using the
eRegistration link. Select the eFiling link to log on and submit the
intervention or protests.
    Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and
5 copies of the intervention or protest to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426.
    The filings in the above-referenced proceeding are accessible in
the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the appropriate link in
the above list. They are also available for electronic review in the
Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an
eSubscription link on the website that enables subscribers to receive
email notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s).
For assistance with any FERC Online service, please email
[email protected]. or call<PHONE_NUMBER> (toll free). For
TTY, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Dated: January 26, 2018.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-01975 Filed 1-31-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register: February 7, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 25)]
[Notices]
[Page 6298]
[DOCID:fr07fe06-64]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Sunshine Act Meeting

    Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the
Government in the Sunshine Act, Pub. L. 94-409, that the Securities and
Exchange Commission will hold the following meeting during the week of
February 6, 2006:
    A closed meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 2
p.m.
    Commissioners, Counsel to the Commissioners, the Secretary to the
Commission, and recording secretaries will attend the closed meeting.
Certain staff members who have an interest in the matters may also be
present.
    The General Counsel of the Commission, or his designee, has
certified that, in his opinion, one or more of the exemptions set forth
in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c), (3), (4), (5), (7), (8), (9)(B), and (10) and 17
CFR 200.402(a), (3), (4), (5), (7), (8), 9(ii) and (10) permit
consideration of the scheduled matters at the closed meeting.
    Commissioner Nazareth, as duty officer, voted to consider the items
listed for the closed meeting in closed session.
    The subject matter of the Closed Meeting scheduled for Thursday,
February 9, 2006 will be:
    Formal orders of investigations;
    Institution and settlement of injunctive actions;
    Institution and settlement of administrative proceedings of an
enforcement nature; and
    Regulatory matters regarding financial institutions.
    At times, changes in Commission priorities require alterations in
the scheduling of meeting items.
    For further information and to ascertain what, if any, matters have
been added, deleted or postponed, please contact: The Office of the
Secretary at<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Dated: February 2, 2006.
Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 06-1164 Filed 2-3-06; 12:54 pm]

BILLING CODE 8010-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 174 (Thursday, September 8, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55673-55675]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22993]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9460-8; Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-ORD-2011-0485]

Vulnerability Assessments in Support of the Climate Ready
Estuaries Program: A Novel Approach Using Expert Judgment, Volume I:
Results for the San Francisco Estuary Partnership and Volume II:
Results for the Massachusetts Bays Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of Public Comment Period and Letter Peer-Review.

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SUMMARY: EPA is announcing a 30-day public comment period for the draft
documents titled, Vulnerability Assessments in Support of the Climate
Ready Estuaries Program: A Novel Approach Using Expert Judgment, Volume
I: Results for the San Francisco Estuary Partnership (EPA/600/R-11/
058a) and Vulnerability Assessments in Support of the Climate Ready
Estuaries Program: A Novel Approach Using Expert Judgment, Volume II:
Results for the Massachusetts Bays Program (EPA/600/R-11/058b). The EPA
also is announcing that Eastern Research Group, an EPA contractor for
external scientific peer review, will select two independent groups of
experts to conduct a letter peer-review of the same draft documents.
The documents were prepared by the National Center for Environmental
Assessment within EPA's Office of Research and Development, in
collaboration with the San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP), the
San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and the
Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP). The reports are pilot ecological
vulnerability assessments using a novel methodology, based on expert
judgment, to inform adaptation planning under EPA's

Climate Ready Estuaries Program. To demonstrate the novel methodology,
two ecosystem processes were selected for each assessment: sediment
retention in salt marshes (for both SFEP and MBP) and community
interactions (of wading shorebirds and their mudflat prey for SFEP, and
of the saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow and key species of nesting
habitat grasses for MBP). This study assesses (1) Relationships among
key physical and ecological variables that regulate each process, (2)
relative sensitivities of these relationships under current and future
climate change scenarios, (3) degree of confidence about these
relationships, and (4) implications for management. The results of this
study are designed to support the SFEP's and MBP's adaptation planning
efforts as well as those of other estuary managers.
    EPA intends to forward the public comments that are submitted in
accordance with this notice to the external peer-reviewers for their
consideration during the letter review. When finalizing the draft
document, EPA intends to consider any public comments received in
accordance with this notice. EPA is releasing these draft documents for
the purpose of pre-dissemination peer review under applicable
information quality guidelines. These documents have not been formally
disseminated by EPA. They do not represent and should not be construed
to represent any Agency policy or determination.
    The draft documents are available via the Internet on the NCEA home
page under the Recent Additions and the Data and Publications menus at
http://www.epa.gov/ncea.

DATES: The 30-day public comment period begins September 8, 2011, and
ends October 11, 2011. Technical comments should be in writing and must
be received by EPA by October 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES: The two draft documents, Vulnerability Assessments in
Support of the Climate Ready Estuaries Program: A Novel Approach Using
Expert Judgment, Volume I: Results for the San Francisco Estuary
Partnership and Vulnerability Assessments in Support of the Climate
Ready Estuaries Program: A Novel Approach Using Expert Judgment, Volume
II: Results for the Massachusetts Bays Program, are available primarily
via the Internet on the National Center for Environmental Assessment's
home page under the Recent Additions and the Data and Publications
menus at http://www.epa.gov/ncea. A limited number of paper copies are
available from the Information Management Team, NCEA; telephone: 703-
347-8561; facsimile:<PHONE_NUMBER>. If you are requesting a paper copy,
please provide your name, mailing address, the EPA number of the
requested publication, and the document title, Vulnerability
Assessments in Support of the Climate Ready Estuaries Program: A Novel
Approach Using Expert Judgment, Volume I: Results for the San Francisco
Estuary Partnership or Vulnerability Assessments in Support of the
Climate Ready Estuaries Program: A Novel Approach Using Expert
Judgment, Volume II: Results for the Massachusetts Bays Program.
    Comments may be submitted electronically via http://www.regulations.gov, by mail, by facsimile, or by hand delivery/
courier. Please follow the detailed instructions provided in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the public comment
period, contact the Office of Environmental Information Docket;
telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; facsimile:<PHONE_NUMBER>; or e-mail:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    For technical information, contact Jordan West, NCEA; telephone:
703-347-8584; facsimile:<PHONE_NUMBER>; or e-mail<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Information About the Project/Document

    For this project, an exercise was designed to elicit judgments from
experts in a workshop setting, regarding climate change effects on two
ecosystem processes for each pilot assessment: sediment retention and
community interactions. This method is based on a novel application of
expert elicitation (a process for obtaining the judgments of groups of
experts to characterize each expert's beliefs about relationships of
interest) for use in a two-day workshop using two groups of seven
expert participants each. EPA has investigated the utility of expert
elicitation and provides recommendations for ``best practices'' through
an Expert Elicitation Task Force White Paper (see http://www.epa.gov/spc/expertelicitation/index.htm).
    The exercise involved elicitation of qualitative judgments about
the sensitivity of ecosystem processes to physical and ecological
variables, using ``influence diagrams'' to depict the relationships
among variables. For each ecosystem process, an influence diagram was
developed that identified the key process variables and their
interrelationships (influences). Using a coding scheme, each expert
characterized the type and sensitivity of each influence under both
current and future climate change scenarios.
    The experts also discussed the high impact of certain influences on
sediment retention and community interactions, relative to other
influences in the diagram, and the potential for threshold changes.
    These reports show how climate-sensitive pathways can be identified
and linked to management options in the context of planning documents
in order to support adaptation to climate change.

II. How To Submit Technical Comments to the Docket at http://www.regulations.gov

    Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-ORD 2011-
0485, by one of the following methods:
     http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments;
     E-mail<EMAIL_ADDRESS>     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>;
     Mail: Office of Environmental Information (OEI) Docket
(Mail Code: 2822T), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. The phone number is 202-
566-1752; and
     Hand Delivery: The OEI Docket is located in the EPA
Headquarters Docket Center, Room 3334 EPA West Building, 1301
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center's Public
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is<PHONE_NUMBER>. Deliveries are only accepted during the
docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be
made for deliveries of boxed information.
    If you provide comments by mail or hand delivery, please submit one
unbound original with pages numbered consecutively and three copies of
the comments. For attachments, provide an index, number pages
consecutively with the comments, and submit an unbound original and
three copies.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-ORD-
2011-0485. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the
specified comment period. Comments received after the closing date will
be marked ``late,'' and may only be considered if time permits. It is
EPA's policy to include all comments it receives in the public docket
without change and to make the comments available online at http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided,

unless a comment includes information claimed to be Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to
be CBI or otherwise protected through http://www.regulations.gov or e-
mail. The http://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous
access'' system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you
send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through http://www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket
and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic
comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact
information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you
submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties
and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to
consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special
characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or
viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket visit the
EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: Documents in the docket are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other materials,
such as copyrighted material, are publicly available only in hard copy.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
at http://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the OEI Docket in the
EPA Headquarters Docket Center.

     Dated: August 12, 2011.
Darrell A. Winner,
Acting Director, National Center for Environmental Assessment.
[FR Doc. 2011-22993 Filed 9-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


2,617
   R&D
                                      200
                                     5.07
                                    13.925
                                     0.25
                                    19.245
                                     3,849
   Film Articles
                                       1
                                     5.07
                                    11.925
                                       0
                                    16.995
                                     17.00
Bona Fide
                                      181
                                     11.07
                                    26.175
                                       1
                                    38.245
                                     6,922
Section 5(e) Orders with Triggered Testing[1]
                                      66
                                     43.87
                                    132.625
                                     8.75
                                    185.245
                                    12,226
Section 5(e) Orders with Pended Testing/ 5(f) Orders with No Testing[1]
                                      45
                                     24.57
                                    29.175
                                     12.5
                                    66.245
                                     2,981
NOC
                                      198
                                     5.07
                                    11.8375
                                    0.0625
                                     16.97
                                     3,360
New CDX Registration[1]
                                     2,855
                                     0.132
                                     0.528
                                       0
                                     0.66
                                     1,884
Total
                                    148,312
                                                                            [1]
     Based on the 2009 Economic Analysis of the Premanufacture Notification Electronic Reporting Final Rule, EPA assumes that 20 percent of CDX registrants will be managerial employees and 80 percent will be technical employees. Therefore, the per employee registrations burden is split between managerial and technical hours using a 20/80 ratio.
Estimating Respondent Cost
Respondents to TSCA section 5 reporting requirements experience costs associated with (1) reporting, (2) recordkeeping, and (3) compliance with exposure controls and testing requirements included in TSCA section 5(e) and 5(f) orders, when EPA takes regulatory action. The respondent costs associated with this information collection are estimated to total $46,765,613 (Table 7).
Respondent costs for all submissions consist of three components: (1) labor costs, calculated by multiplying the estimated burden hours associated with each submission type by the appropriate labor rate; (2) delay costs, estimated as the cost of the delayed receipt of profits by chemical manufactures as a result of the submission review process, and (3) explicit costs, such as user fees or lab testing fees.
In order to estimate total respondent cost associated with TSCA section 5 submissions, an average cost per notice was first calculated for each type of notice. The cost for each notice type was calculated by summing each of the associated cost components, and then multiplying by the expected number of notice submissions. The total industry cost was calculated by summing the costs across notice types. Table 7 outlines the average cost calculations for the various types of notice submissions and presents the total respondent cost estimate.
Wages for managerial, professional/technical, clerical and production labor were taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (ECEC) data, for December 2017, for manufacturing industries. The cost of fringe benefits such as paid leave and insurance, specific to each labor category, are taken from the same ECEC series. Fringe benefits as a percent of wages are calculated separately for each labor category. For example, for December 2016, the average wage rate for professional/technical labor was $45.82, the average fringe benefit was $24.33. Fringe benefits as a percent of wages were $24.33/$45.82 or approximately 53.1 percent.
An additional loading factor of 17 percent is applied to wages to account for overhead. This approach is used for consistency with Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics economic analyses for two major rulemakings: Wage Rates for Economic Analyses of the Toxics Release Inventory Program (2002), and the Revised Economic Analysis for the Amended Inventory Update Rule: Final Report (2002). This overhead loading factor is added to the benefits loading factor, and the total is then applied to the base wage to derive the fully loaded wage. For example, the December 2016 fully loaded wage for professional/technical labor is $45.82 x (1+0.53099 + 0.17) = $77.94.
As noted above, delay costs reflect the cost of the delayed receipt of profits by chemical manufactures as a result of the submission review process. Industry delay costs used to calculate the average cost per submission were computed using the midpoint of the low and high delay cost estimates (1993 dollars) as presented in the "Regulatory Impact Analysis of Amendments to Regulations for TSCA section 5 Premanufacture Notifications" (1994), and inflated to 2016 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Producer Price Index data for the Chemical Manufacturing industry.
The EPA fees (explicit costs) used to calculate the average cost per submission were taken from the 2011 ICR and have not been adjusted, as fees have remained constant. Laboratory testing costs were inflated to 2016 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Cost Index (ECI) series for private industry workers in all industries and occupations.  As of February 26, 2018, EPA proposed changes to these fees in 83 Fed.Reg. 8212.

Table 7. Total Respondent Cost Calculation
                                Type of Notice
                           Average Annual Responses
   Total Burden (Reporting + Recordkeeping) and Wage Rate by Labor Category
                                Labor Costs[1]
                                Delay Costs[2]
                                    Fees[3]
                            Avg. Cost Per Notice[4]
                           Total Respondent Cost[6]

                                  Managerial
                                   Technical
                                   Clerical

                                     Hours
                                   Wage ($)
                                     Hours
                                   Wage ($)
                                     Hours
                                   Wage ($)

PMN
                                      511
                                      24
                                    $76.67
                                    85.325
                                    $77.94
                                       0
                                    $34.99
                                    $8,490
                                    $31,680
                                    $2,500
                                    $42,671
                                  $21,804,674
SNUN
                                       9
                                      24
                                    $76.67
                                    85.325
                                    $77.94
                                       0
                                    $34.99
                                    $8,490
                                    $31,680
                                    $2,500
                                    $42,671
                                   $384,035
MCAN
                                      30
                                      71
                                    $76.67
                                    235.345
                                    $77.94
                                      0.5
                                    $34.99
                                    $23,804
                                    $31,680
                                    $2,500
                                    $57,984
                                  $1,739,522
Exemptions:

   TME
                                      15
                                      23
                                    $76.67
                                    81.345
                                    $77.94
                                      0.5
                                    $34.99
                                    $8,121
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $8,121
                                   $121,813
   LVE/LoREX
                                      414
                                      24
                                    $76.67
                                    85.325
                                    $77.94
                                       0
                                    $34.99
                                    $8,490
                                    $15,946
                                       -
                                    $24,436
                                  $10,116,700
   TERA
                                       2
                                      135
                                    $76.67
                                    390.345
                                    $77.94
                                      0.5
                                    $34.99
                                    $40,791
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $40,791
                                    $81,582
   Tier I and II
                                       4
                                      29
                                    $76.67
                                    99.345
                                    $77.94
                                      0.5
                                    $34.99
                                    $9,984
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $9,984
                                    $39,935
   Polymer
                                      119
                                     6.32
                                    $76.67
                                    13.425
                                    $77.94
                                     2.25
                                    $34.99
                                    $1,610
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $1,610
                                   $191,546
   R&D
                                      200
                                     5.07
                                    $76.67
                                    13.925
                                    $77.94
                                     0.25
                                    $34.99
                                    $1,483
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $1,483
                                   $296,555
   Film Articles
                                       1
                                     5.07
                                    $76.67
                                    11.925
                                    $77.94
                                       0
                                    $34.99
                                    $1,318
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $1,318
                                    $1,318
Bona Fide
                                      181
                                     11.07
                                    $76.67
                                    26.175
                                    $77.94
                                       1
                                    $34.99
                                    $2,924
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $2,924
                                   $529,207
Section 5(e) Orders with Triggered Testing[1]
                                      66
                                     43.87
                                    $76.67
                                    132.625
                                    $77.94
                                     8.75
                                    $34.99
                                    $14,006
                                       -
                                  $150,319[5]
                                   $164,326
                                  $10,845,488
Section 5(e) Orders with Pended Testing/ 5(f) Orders with No Testing[1]
                                      45
                                     24.57
                                    $76.67
                                    29.175
                                    $77.94
                                     12.5
                                    $34.99
                                    $4,595
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $4,595
                                   $206,779
NOC
                                      198
                                     5.07
                                    $76.67
                                    11.8375
                                    $77.94
                                    0.0625
                                    $34.99
                                    $1,314
                                       -
                                       -
                                    $1,314
                                   $260,076
New CDX Registration
                                     2855
                                     0.132
                                    $76.67
                                     0.528
                                    $77.94
                                       0
                                    $34.99
                                      $51
                                       -
                                       -
                                      $51
                                   $146,383
Total
                                 $46,765,613
                                                                            [1]
Labor costs are calculated by multiplying burden hours by the wage rate for each labor category and summing across labor categories.
                                                                            [2]
Delay costs calculated using the average of low and high estimates from "Regulatory Impact Analysis of Amendments to Regulations for TSCA section 5 Premanufacture Notifications" September 9, 1994 (RIA, 1994), updated to 2016$, using Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index data for the chemical manufacturing industry. MCANs are assumed to have the same delay costs as PMNs.
                                                                            [3]
User fees charged by EPA, except where noted. These were assumed to remain constant since ICR, 2000.
                                                                            [4]
Average cost per notice is the sum of labor costs, delay costs and fees.
                                                                            [5]
This figure is for a representative testing regimen consisting of 835.3110 (ready biodegradability), 850.1010, 850.1075, 850.5400 (aquatic base set), and OECD 407 (28-day repeated dose), based on an analysis of average costs for 277 testing cases and inflated to 2016$ using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Cost Index (ECI) series for all workers in private industry (Series ID CIS2010000000000I (B)).
                                                                            [6]
While companies incur costs for control equipment, such costs are outside the scope of this ICR

Estimating Agency Cost
The Agency costs associated with this information collection are estimated to total $32,791,933 (Table 8). Costs to the government include: (1) review of the chemical substance or significant new use under the conditions of use (circumstances under which the chemical is intended, known or reasonably foreseen to be manufactured, processed, distributed in commerce, used, or disposed of), (2) making a final determination on the chemical substance under TSCA section 5(a)(3), and (3) as appropriate, taking regulatory action under TSCA sections 5(e), 5(f) or 5(g).
The provisions of TSCA, as amended, result in additional TSCA section 5 Agency costs that arise primarily from the requirement to review the intended, known or reasonably foreseen activities associated with the chemical, and the requirement to make an affirmative risk determination, and from development of significant new use rules (SNURs) and orders that result from our analysis and findings under TSCA, as amended. Therefore, the Agency used the cost estimates from prior experience and prior versions of this ICR as a starting point and then added estimates for the costs of these additional responsibilities to calculate the Agency's program costs associated with TSCA section 5 as part of the proposed rule on User Fees for the Administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (2018).
Agency cost estimates include the costs of processing, reviewing, and making determinations, and the Agency's costs of taking any regulatory action, such as with a SNUR or a consent order. Costs of reviewing any data that is submitted to the Agency as a result of an order is also included. Agency cost estimates for administering TSCA section 5 also include the costs associated with processing and retaining records related to NOCs. NOC costs also include the cost of registering the chemical with the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS). These estimates of average cost per notice are based on projected FTE and extramural support needed for these actions divided by the number of notices the Agency assumes will be received each year once fees are in place. Total Agency cost estimates are then calculated as average cost per notice multiplied by the average number of notices estimated in section 6(b) of this ICR.

Table 8. Total Agency Cost Calculation
                                Type of Notice
                           Average Annual Responses
                            Avg. Cost Per Notice[1]
                             Total Agency Cost[2]
PMN[3]
                                      511
                                   $41,000
                                  $20,951,000
SNUN[3]
                                       9
                                   $41,000
                                   $369,000
MCAN[3]
                                      30
                                   $41,000
                                  $1,230,000
Exemption:

TME
                                      15
                                    $5,622
                                    $84,330
LVE/LoREX
                                      414
                                    $5,622
                                  $2,327,508
TERA
                                       2
                                    $5,622
                                    $11,244
Tier I and II
                                       4
                                    $5,622
                                    $22,488
Polymer
                                      119
                                    $5,622
                                   $669,018
R&D
                                      200
                                    $5,622
                                  $1,124,400
Film Articles
                                       1
                                    $5,622
                                    $5,622
Bona Fide[4]
                                      181
                                       -
                                       -
Section 5(e) Orders with Triggered Testing[4]
                                      66
                                       -
                                       -
Section 5(e) Orders with Pended Testing/ 5(f) Orders with No Testing[4]
                                      45
                                       -
                                       -
NOC
                                      198
                                    $5,805
                                  $1,149,390
New CDX Registration[4]
                                     2,855
                                       -
                                       -
Risk Management[5]
                                       -
                                       -
                                  $4,847,933
Total
                                  $32,791,933
                                                                            [1]
Values derived from TSCA User Fees Technical Support Document (2018).
                                                                            [2]
Total Agency Cost per type of notice calculated as average cost per notice multiplied by average number of annual responses per type of notice.
                                                                            [3]
Average of annual responses of PMN/SNUN/MCAN based on historical activity and are expected to decline if fees are increased by the proposed rule on User Fees for the Administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (2018).
                                                                            [4]
Agency costs associated with review of Bona Fide notices, 5(e) orders, 5(f) orders, and new CDX registrations is included in the average cost per notice for PMNs, SNUNs, MCANs, Exemptions and NOCs, as well as in the total Agency cost associated with Risk Management activities.
                                                                            [5]
Includes costs associated with taking regulatory actions under TSCA sections 5(e), 5(f), or 5(g), as well as reviewing data submitted from consent orders.

Reasons for Change in Burden
This renewal reflects an increase in the total estimated respondent burden of 45,465 hours (from 102,846 hours to 148,312 hours) from that currently in the OMB inventory. This increase is driven by several changes.
First, the mix of the estimated number of each type of notice changed, based on the most recent EPA data available. In particular, the number of PMNs and NOCs estimated to be submitted each year was reduced, the estimated number of R&D exemptions and instant photographic film articles did not change, and the estimated number of all other types of notices increased. While the net effect of these changes was that the number of notices decreased by 113, increases in the types of notices with a high associated unit burden led to a net increase in burden.
Similarly, the estimated number of annual CDX registrants also increased (from 392 submissions to 2,855 submissions), reflecting the most recent EPA data available. This change results in increased burden of 1,626 hours.
Finally, Agency program changes since the last ICR have increased the burden. The inclusion of burden associated with CBI substantiation due to the 2016 TSCA amendments adds 29,160 hours, and the inclusion of burden associated with the "Points to Consider" document adds 1,379 hours.
Table 9. Summary of the Change in Burden
Burden Change

Starting Burden
                                                                        102,846
Change due to Adjustments
                                                                         14,927
Change in the annual number of notices
                                                                         13,301
Change in the annual number of CDX registrants
                                                                          1,626
Program changes
                                                                         30,539
Adding CBI Substantiation due to 2016 TSCA Amendments
                                                                         29,160
Adding burden due to "Points to Consider" document
                                                                          1,379
Total
                                                                        148,312
Note: Totals may not be exact due to rounding
Burden Statement
The annual public burden for this collection of information, which is approved under OMB Control No. 2070-0012, is estimated to range between 16.97 hours and 525.85 hours per response (for NOCs and TERAs, respectively), depending upon the type of response. Burden is defined in 5 CFR 1320.3(b). 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 number for this information collection appears above. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register, are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and included on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable.
The Agency has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-update, which is available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov, or in-person viewing at the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC). The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is located in the West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the EPA/DC Public Reading Room is<PHONE_NUMBER>, and the telephone number for the Pollution Prevention and Toxics Docket is<PHONE_NUMBER>.
You may submit comments regarding the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, including the estimates involving the "Points to Consider" document and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of automated collection techniques. Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OPPT-update and OMB Control No. 2070-0012, to (1) EPA online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or by mail to: Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), Mailcode: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20460, and (2) OMB by mail to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20503.

ATTACHMENTS TO THE SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Attachments to the supporting statement are available in the public docket established for this ICR under docket identification number (Revise). These attachments are available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov or otherwise accessed as described in section 6(f) of the supporting statement.

Attachment A:	15 U.S.C. 2604 - Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Also
			available online at the U.S. House of Representatives' U.S. Code website

Attachment B:	40 CFR part 700 - General. Also available online at the National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic CFR website

Attachment C:	40 CFR part 720 - Premanufacture Notification. Also available online at the National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic CFR website

Attachment D:	40 CFR part 721 (excluding subpart E) - Significant New Uses Of Chemical Substances. Also available online at the National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic CFR website

Attachment E:	40 CFR part 723 - Premanufacture Notification Exemptions. Also available online at the National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic CFR website

Attachment F: 	40 CFR part 725 - Reporting Requirements and Review Processes For Microorganisms. Also available online at the National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic CFR website

Attachment G:	EPA Form 7710-25 - Premanufacture Notice. Also available online at http://epa.gov/oppt/newchems/pubs/pmnforms.htm

Attachment H:	Instruction Manual for TSCA Section 5 Reporting. Also available online at https://www.epa.gov/reviewing-new-chemicals-under-toxic-substances-control-act-tsca/instruction-manual-reporting-under

Attachment I:	EPA Form 7710-56 - Notice of Commencement of Manufacture or Import. Also available online at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/noc_print_form070709.pdf

Attachment J:	Points to Consider When Preparing TSCA New Chemical Notifications.  Also available online at: https://www.epa.gov/reviewing-new-chemicals-under-toxic-substances-control-act-tsca/points-consider-when-preparing-tsca


[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 31, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34876-34877]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11522]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-4696-DR; Docket ID FEMA-2023-0001]

Maine; Major Disaster and Related Determinations

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of a major
disaster for the State of Maine (FEMA-4696-DR), dated March 22, 2023,
and related determinations.

DATES: The declaration was issued March 22, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dean Webster, Office of Response and
Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW,
Washington, DC 20472,<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that, in a letter
dated March 22, 2023, the President issued a major disaster declaration
under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the ``Stafford
Act''), as follows:

    I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the State
of Maine resulting from a severe storm and flooding during the
period of December 23 to December 24, 2022, is of sufficient
severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration under

the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act,
42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the ``Stafford Act''). Therefore, I declare
that such a major disaster exists in the State of Maine.
    In order to provide Federal assistance, you are hereby
authorized to allocate from funds available for these purposes such
amounts as you find necessary for Federal disaster assistance and
administrative expenses.
    You are authorized to provide Public Assistance in the
designated areas and Hazard Mitigation throughout the State.
Consistent with the requirement that Federal assistance be
supplemental, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for
Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation will be limited to 75
percent of the total eligible costs.
    Further, you are authorized to make changes to this declaration
for the approved assistance to the extent allowable under the
Stafford Act.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice
that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, under
Executive Order 12148, as amended, William F. Roy, of FEMA is appointed
to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this major disaster.
    The following areas of the State of Maine have been designated as
adversely affected by this major disaster:

    Franklin, Knox, Oxford, Somerset, Waldo, and York Counties for
Public Assistance.
    All areas within the State of Maine are eligible for assistance
under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
    The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers
(CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030,
Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis
Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster
Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management Assistance
Grant; 97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and
Households In Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049,
Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance--Disaster Housing
Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050, Presidentially
Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households--Other
Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants--Public Assistance (Presidentially
Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.

Deanne Criswell,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2023-11522 Filed 5-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-23-P


[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 7, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18617-18618]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07924]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP15-118-000]

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC; Notice of
Application

    Take notice that on March 23, 2015, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line
Company, LLC (Transco), 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056,
filed in the above referenced docket an application pursuant to section
7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), and Part 157 of the Commission's
regulations requesting authorization to construct and operate the
Virginia Southside Expansion Project II (Project). Specifically, the
Project will enable Transco to provide 250,000 dekatherms per day (Dth/
d) of incremental firm transportation service to one shipper, Virginia
Power Services Energy Corp., Inc., all as more fully set forth in the
application which is on file with the Commission and open to public
inspection. The filing is available for review at the Commission in the
Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site web
at  http://www.ferc.gov using the ``eLibrary'' link. Enter the docket
number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to
access the document. For assistance, contact FERC at
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or call toll-free,<PHONE_NUMBER> or TYY,
(202) 502-8659.
    Any questions concerning this application may be directed to
Derrick Hughey, Senior Regulatory Analyst, P.O. Box 1396, Houston,
Texas 77251, by telephone at<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    Transco states that, the firm transportation service on the Project
will be rendered by Transco pursuant to Rate Schedule FT of Transco's
FERC Gas Tariff and Transco's blanket certificate under Part 284(G) of
the Commission's Regulations. Transco states that the Project will
involve the construction and operation of 4.33 miles of new 24-inch
diameter pipeline facilities, 21,830 horsepower of gas turbine driven
compression, 25,000 horsepower of electric motor driven compression and
the construction or modification of associated aboveground and
underground facilities. The cost of the project will be approximately
$190.8 million.
    Pursuant to section 157.9 of the Commission's rules (18 CFR 157.9),
within 90 days of this Notice, the Commission staff will either:
Complete its environmental assessment (EA) and place it into the
Commission's public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or issue a
Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review. If a Notice of Schedule
for Environmental Review is issued, it will indicate, among other
milestones, the anticipated date for the Commission staff's issuance of
the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) or EA for this
proposal. The filing of the EA in the Commission's public record for
this proceeding or the issuance of a Notice of Schedule for
Environmental Review will serve to notify federal and state agencies of
the timing for the completion of all necessary reviews, and the
subsequent need to complete all federal authorizations within 90 days
of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's FEIS or EA.
    There are two ways to become involved in the Commission's review of
this project. First, any person wishing to obtain legal status by
becoming a party to the proceedings for this project should, on or
before the comment date stated below file with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, a
motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of the
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or
385.211) and the Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.10). A person
obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by
the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies of all
documents filed by the applicant and by all other parties. A party must
submit five copies of filings made in the proceeding with the
Commission and must mail a copy to the applicant and to every other
party. Only parties to the proceeding can ask for court review of
Commission orders in the proceeding.

    However, a person does not have to intervene in order to have
comments considered. The second way to participate is by filing with
the Secretary of the Commission, as soon as possible, an original and
two copies of comments in support of or in opposition to this project.
The Commission will consider these comments in determining the
appropriate action to be taken, but the filing of a comment alone will
not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding. The Commission's
rules require that persons filing comments in opposition to the project
provide copies of their protests only to the party or parties directly
involved in the protest.
    Persons who wish to comment only on the environmental review of
this project should submit an original and two copies of their comments
to the Secretary of the Commission. Environmental commentors will be
placed on the Commission's environmental mailing list, will receive
copies of the environmental documents, and will be notified of meetings
associated with the Commission's environmental review process.
Environmental commentors will not be required to serve copies of filed
documents on all other parties. However, the non-party commentors will
not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by
the Commission (except for the mailing of environmental documents
issued by the Commission) and will not have the right to seek court
review of the Commission's final order.
    The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings of comments,
protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the ``eFiling'' link
at http://www.ferc.gov. Persons unable to file electronically should
submit an original and 5 copies of the protest or intervention to the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington,
DC 20426.
    Comment Date: April 22, 2015.

    Dated: April 1, 2015.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-07924 Filed 4-6-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register: March 9, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 46)]
[Notices]
[Page 12222-12223]
[DOCID:fr09mr06-104]

=======================================================================
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon written request, copies available from: Securities and Exchange
Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC
20549.

Extension: Rule 6e-2; SEC File No. 270-177; OMB Control No. 3235-
0177.

    Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the ``Commission'') is soliciting comments on the
collections of information summarized below. The Commission plans to
submit these existing collections of information to the Office of
Management and Budget (``OMB'') for extension and approval.
    Rule 6e-2 (17 CFR 270.6e-2) under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (``Act'') is an exemptive rule that permits separate accounts,
formed by life insurance companies, to fund certain variable life
insurance products. The rule exempts such separate accounts from the
registration requirements under the Act, among others, on condition
that they comply with all but certain designated provisions of the Act
and meet the other requirements of the rule. The rule sets forth
several information collection requirements.
    Rule 6e-2 provides a separate account with an exemption from the
registration provisions of section 8(a) of the Act if the account files
with the Commission Form N-6EI-1, a notification of claim of exemption.
    The rule also exempts a separate account from a number of other
sections of the Act, provided that the separate account makes certain
disclosure in its registration statements, reports to contractholders,
proxy solicitations, and submissions to state regulatory authorities,
as prescribed by the rule.
    Paragraph (b)(9) of rule 6e-2 provides an exemption from the
requirements of section 17(f) of the Act and imposes a reporting burden
and certain other conditions. Section 17(f) requires that every
registered management company meet various custody requirements for its
securities and similar investments. Paragraph (b)(9) applies only to
management accounts that offer life insurance contracts subject to rule
6e-2.
    Since 2003, there have been no filings under paragraph (b)(9) of
rule 6e-2 by management accounts. Therefore, since 2003, there has been
no cost or burden to the industry regarding the information collection
requirements of paragraph (b)(9) of rule 6e-2. In addition, there have
been no filings of Form N-6EI-1 by separate accounts since 2003.
Therefore, there has been no cost or burden to the industry since that
time.

    Written 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 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.
Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted in
writing within 60 days of this publication. The Commission request
authorization to maintain an inventory of one burden hour for
administrative purposes.
    Please direct your written comments to R. Corey Booth, Director/
Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Securities
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE Washington, DC 20549.

    Dated: March 2, 2006.
Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E6-3328 Filed 3-8-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8010-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 57 (Monday, March 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15118-15120]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05231]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9051; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-035-AD;
Amendment 39-18828; AD 2017-06-04]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-
605R and A300 B4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes. This AD was prompted by an in-service detection of cracks in
the fuselage skin lap joints. This AD requires an ultrasonic inspection
of certain skin lap joints, and repair if necessary. We are issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 1, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 1, 2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Internet
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9051.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9051; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>;
fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A300 B4-
603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and A300 B4-622R
airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2016 (81 FR 59530)
(``the NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0057, dated March 18, 2016 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300
B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and A300 B4-
622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. The MCAI
states:

    Prompted by in-service detection on Airbus A300-600 aeroplanes
of cracks in certain fuselage skin lap joints, several studies were
launched to understand the phenomenon and provide the corrective
actions. More recently, new analyses were performed and the results
identified that a new area has to be inspected at the skin lap joint
below Stringer (STR) 28 at Frame (FR) 72 to FR 76.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in
reduced structure integrity of the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus published Service
Bulletin (SB) A300-53-6184 [dated November 12, 2015] to introduce
[ultrasonic] inspections and applicable corrective actions for the
affected areas.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive Special Detail Inspections (SDI) of the affected skin lap
joint and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective action(s) [repairs].

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9051.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Make the Reporting Requirement Optional

    FedEx requested that the reporting requirements in Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12, 2015, be specified in the AD
as optional. FedEx stated that Airbus has received these reports
regularly in the past and they have not provided industry statistics or
benefits to the operators.
    We agree that reporting is not necessary in this AD. The report in
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12, 2015, is
designed to report crack findings. Crack findings are addressed by
paragraph (h) of this AD.
    Because reporting is specified within the procedures of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12, 2015, we have revised
this AD by adding paragraph (i) to specify no reporting is required. We
have redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Request To Include Inspection as an Airworthiness Limitation

    FedEx stated the inspection is best fitted for a maintenance
program and should be included in an airworthiness limitation document.
    We do not agree with the commenter. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
53-6184, dated November 12, 2015, has been issued to address in-service
findings, which can lead to an unsafe condition. For this case, no
airworthiness limitation instructions were introduced by Airbus. To
delay this action until airworthiness limitations were

developed would be inappropriate, since we have determined that an
unsafe condition exists and that inspections must be conducted to
ensure continued safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November
12, 2015. The service information describes procedures for an
ultrasonic inspection of the skin lap joint below STR 28 at FR 72 to FR
76, and repair if necessary. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 29 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost             Cost per product     Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultrasonic inspection..............  6 work-hours x $85 per hour  $510 per inspection     $14,790 per inspection
                                      = $510 per inspection        cycle.                  cycle.
                                      cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have no way to determine the costs to do any necessary repairs
that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have
no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need these
repairs.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

2017-06-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-18828; Docket No. FAA-2016-9051;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-035-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 1, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-620, and B4-
622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and A300 B4-622R airplanes; and
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, certificated in any
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an in-service detection of cracks in the
fuselage skin lap joints. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracks in the skin lap joint below stringer (STR) 28 at
frame (FR) 72 to FR 76. Such cracking could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    Before 29,500 flight cycles since the first flight of the
airplane, or within 2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, do an ultrasonic inspection for
cracks of the skin lap joint below STR 28 at FR 72 to FR 76 and do
all applicable repairs before further flight, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instruction of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184,
dated November 12, 2015, except as required by paragraph (h) of this
AD. Repeat the ultrasonic inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 5,400 flight cycles.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specified in Paragraph (g) of
This AD

    Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12,
2015, specifies to contact Airbus for repair instructions, and
specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for Compliance), this AD
requires repair before further flight using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November
12, 2015, specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, and specifies that action as RC, this AD does not
include that requirement.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Information may be emailed to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
EASA AD 2016-0057, dated March 18, 2016, for related information.
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2016-9051.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12,
2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-05231 Filed 3-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P