01-27452. Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Rock Burst Control Plan

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.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before December 31, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Gordon J. Burke, Jr., Director, Administration and Management, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 615, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to [e-mail], along with an original printed copy. Mr. Burke can be reached at [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gordon J. Burke, Jr., Director, Administration and Management, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 615, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Burke can be reached at [e-mail] (Internet E-mail), [phone] (voice), or [phone] (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. Desired Focus of Comments

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 Plans. 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 may be viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page (http://www.msha.gov) and selecting “Statutory and Regulatory information” then “Paperwork Reduction Act submission (http://www.msha.gov/​regspwork.htm)”, or by contacting the employee listed above in the For further information Contact section of this notice for a hard copy.

III. 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 and nonmetal underground mines with a history of rock bursts.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Title: Rock Burst Control Plans.

OMB Number: 1219-0097.

Recordkeeping: The control plan must be maintained at all times and updated as conditions warrant.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Frequency: On occasion.

Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.3461.

Total Respondents: 2.

Total Responses: 2.

Average Time per Response: 12 hours.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 12 hours.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $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: October 26, 2001.

Gordon J. Burke, Jr.,

Director, Administration and Management.