[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 252 (Tuesday, December 31, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 69113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-33224]



[[Page 69113]]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Underground Retorts

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 (PRA5) (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 Underground Retorts. 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 Contact section 
of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 3, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Written comments shall be mailed 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 
[email protected], along with an original printed copy.
    Ms. Sivley 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 [email protected] (Internet E-mail), 
(703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    This regulation pertains to the safety requirements to be followed 
by the mine operators in the use of underground retorts to extract oil 
from shale by heat or fire. Prior to ignition of retorts the mine 
operator must submit a written plan indicating the acceptable levels of 
combustible gases and oxygen; specifications and location of off-gas 
monitoring procedures and equipment; procedures for ignition of retorts 
and details of area monitoring and alarm systems for hazardous gases 
and actions to be taken to assure safety of miners.

II. Current Actions

    This request for information contains provisions whereby mine 
operators can maintain compliance with the regulations and assure the 
safety of mining personnel where underground retorts are used.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Underground Retorts.
    OMB Number: 1219-0096.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22401.
    Total Respondents: 1.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 1.
    Average Time per Response: 160 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 160 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: none.
    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: December 23, 1996.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 96-33224 Filed 12-30-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M