[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 82 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19987-19988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9944]


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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 June 29, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to, Debbie Ferraro, Management Services 
Division, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2141, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. 
Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on computer disk, or 
via E-mail to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#410724333320332e6f05242323282401050e0d6f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="541231262635263b7a103136363d3114101b187a131b02">[email protected]</span></a>. Ms. Ferraro can be reached at 
(202) 693-9821 (voice), or (202) 693-9801 (facsimile). Because of 
potential delays in receipt and processing of mail, respondents are 
strongly encouraged to submit comments electronically to ensure timely 
receipt. We cannot guarantee that comments mailed will be received 
before the comment closing date.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The employee listed in the ADDRESSES 
section of this notice.

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

[[Page 19988]]

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 that:
    <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.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request can be 
obtained by contacting the employee listed in the For Further 
Information Contact section of this notice, or viewed on the internet 
by accessing the MSHA home page (http://www.msha.gov/) and selecting 
``Rules & Regs'', and then selecting ``FedReg. Docs''. On the next 
screen, select ``Paperwork Reduction Act Supporting Statement'' to view 
documents supporting the Federal Register Notice.

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: 925.
    Reponses: 327.
    Total Burden Hours: 2,841 hours.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $520.
    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 24th day of April 2009.
John Rowlett,
Director of Management Services Division.
[FR Doc. E9-9944 Filed 4-29-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P


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