[Federal Register: November 19, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 223)] [Notices] [Page 63344-63345] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr19no99-98] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Notification of Commencement of Operations and Closing of Mines ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Notification of Commencement of Operations and Closing of Mines. 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 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 January 18, 2000. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Diane P. Hill, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 715, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to dhill@msha.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Hill can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane P. Hill, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 719, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Hill can be reached at dhill@msha.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Under 30 CFR 56.1000 and 57.1000, operators of metal and nonmetal mines must notify the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) when the operation of a mine will commence or when a mine is closed. Openings and closings of mines are dictated by the economic strength of the commodity mined, and by weather conditions which prevail at the mine site during various seasons. MSHA must be aware of openings and closings so that its resources can be used efficiently in achieving the requirements of the Mine Act. II. Current Actions Section 103(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813, requires that each underground mine be inspected in its entirety at least four times a year, and each surface mine at least two times per year. Mines which operate only during warmer weather must be scheduled for inspection during the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Mines are sometimes located a great distance from MSHA field offices and the notification required by this standard precludes wasted time and trips. Type of Review: Extension. Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration. Title: Notification of Commencement of Operations and Closing of Mines. OMB Number: 1219-0092. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit. Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 56.1000 and 57.1000. Total Respondents: 2,300. Frequency: On occasion. [[Page 63345]] Total Responses: 2,070. Average Time per Response: 0.125 hours. Total Burden Hours: 259 hours. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $1,438. 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: November 12, 1999. George M. Fesak, Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources. [FR Doc. 99-30244 Filed 11-18-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-43-M