Volume 63, Number 139, Page 39110-39111

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Rock Burst 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 extension of the information collection related to the Rock Burst Control Plan. 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 [[Page 39111]]

  other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

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

  DATES: Submit comments on or before August 20, 1998.

  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: Mrs. Theresa O'Malley, Program Analysis Office, 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. Mrs. O'Malley can be reached at tomalley@dol.gov (Internet E- mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

  I. Background

  When rock bursts occur in an underground mine, they pose a serious threat to the safety of miners in the area affected by the burst. These bursts may reasonably be expected to result in the entrapment of miners, death, and serious physical harm. Recent mining technology has disclosed scientific methods of monitoring rock stresses which will allow the prediction of an oncoming burst. These predictions can be used by the mine operator to move miners to safer locations and to establish areas which need relief drilling.

  Title 30 Section 57.3461 requires operators of underground metal and nonmetal mines to develop a rock burst control plan within 90 days after a rock burst has been experienced.

  II. Current Actions

  This information collection needs to be extended to provide for the protection of miners from entrapment, death, or serious physical harm in metal an nonmetal underground mines with a history of rock bursts.

  Type of Review: Extension.
  Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
  Title: Rock Burst Control Plan.
  OMB Number: 1291-0097.
  Agency Number: MSHA 417.
  Record keeping The control plan must be maintained at all times and updated as conditions warrant.
  Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
  Cite/Reference/Form/etc.: 30 CFR Section 57.3461.
  Total Respondents: 2 per year.
  Frequency: On occasion.
  Total Responses: 2 per year.
  Average Time per Response: 12 hours.
  Estimated Total Burden Hours: 24 burden hours.
  Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
  Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $864.
  Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record.

  Dated: July 15, 1998.
  George M. Fesak,
  Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
  [FR Doc. 98-19352 Filed 7-20-98; 8:45 am]
  BILLING CODE 4510-43-M

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