[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 45 (Friday, March 7, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10590-10591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5647]


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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 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:
    <bullet> 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;
    <bullet> 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;
    <bullet> Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    <bullet> 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.

[[Page 10591]]

    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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b9c9cad0d5cfdcc0f9d4cad1d897ded6cf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f0f0c1613091a063f120c171e51181009">[email protected]</span></a>, 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6403020117050f2409170c054a030b12"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0166676472606a416c7269602f666e77">[email protected]</span></a> 
(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.
    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: February 27, 1997.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-5647 Filed 3-6-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M


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