[Federal Register: May 9, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 90)]
[Notices]
[Page 25067-25068]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09my03-129]
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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 pre-clearance
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.
DATES: Submit comments on or before July 8, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Jane Tarr, Management Analyst,
Administration and Management 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2171,
Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Commenters are encouraged to send their
comments on computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to Tarr-
Jane@Msha.Gov. Ms. Tarr can be reached at (202) 693-9824 (voice), or
(202) 693-9801 (facsimile).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Tarr, Management Analyst, Records
Management Group, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Room 2171, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939. Ms. Tarr can be reached at Tarr-Jane@Msha.Gov (Internet E-mail),
(202) 693-9824 (voice), or (202) 693-9801 (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, pits, and spoil banks are maintained in
safe condition through the use of sound engineering design.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is particularly interested in comments which:
[sbull] 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;
[sbull] 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;
[sbull] Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
[sbull] 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 can be
obtained by contacting the employee listed in the For Further
Information Contact
[[Page 25068]]
section of this notice, or viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA
home page (http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing ``Statutory and
Regulatory Information'' and ``Federal Register Documents.''
III. Current Actions
MSHA is seeking to continue the requirement for mine operators to
submit ground control plans to ensure that highwalls, pits, and spoil
banks are maintained in safe condition so that a safe working
environment is provided for miners.
Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Ground Control Plan.
OMB Number: 1219-0026.
Recordkeeping: Sec. 77.1000-1 states that the operator shall file
a copy of the ground control plan and revisions with the Coal Mine
Health and Safety District or Subdistrict office for the District or
Subdistrict in which the mine is located and shall identify the name
and location of the mine; the Mine Safety and Health Administration
identification number if known; and the name and address of the mine
operator.
Frequency: On Occasion.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Respondents: 1,401.
Average Time Per Response: 8.5 hours.
Total Burden Hours: 1,718 hours.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $0.
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 at Arlington, Virginia, this 2nd day of May, 2003.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 03-11541 Filed 5-8-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P