Federal Register: March 7, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 45)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Ground Control Plan

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed reinstatement of the information collection related to Ground Control Plans. MSHA is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
  
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
  
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
  
• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

A copy of the proposed information collection request may be obtained by contacting the employee listed below in the For Further Information Contact section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before May 6, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to psilvey, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Silvey can be reached at (703) 235- 1910 (voice) or (703) 235-5551 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George M. Fesak, Director, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 715, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Mr. Fesak can be reached at Fesak.George@dol.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Each operator of a surface coal mine is required under 30 CFR 77.1000 to establish and follow a ground control plan that is consistent with prudent engineering design and which will ensure safe working conditions. The plans are based on the type of strata expected to be encountered, the height and angle of highwalls and spoil banks, and the equipment to be used at the mine. Ground control plans are required by 30 CFR 77.1000-1 to be filed with the MSHA District Manager in the district in which the mine is located. The plans are reviewed by MSHA to ensure that highwalls and spoil banks are maintained in safe condition through the use of sound engineering design.

II. Current Actions

MSHA is seeking to continue the requirement for mine operators to submit ground control plans to ensure that highwalls and spoil banks are maintained in safe condition so that a safe working environment is provided for miners.

Type of Review: Reinstatement (without change).
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Ground Control Plan.
OMB Number: 1219-0026.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 77.1000 and 77.1000-1.
Total Respondents: 159.
Frequency: On occasion.
Total Responses: 159.
Average Time per Response: 39 hours.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 6,204 hours.
Estimated Total Burden Cost: $204.

    Dated: February 27, 1997.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-5647 Filed 3-6-97; 8:45 am]
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