[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33505-33506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15933]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement


Notice of Proposed Information Collection

AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is 
announcing its intention to request approval for the collection of 
information for 30 CFR part 800, Bond and insurance requirements for 
surface coal mining and reclamation operations under regulatory 
programs.

DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received 
by August 23, 1999, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to John A. Trelease, Office of 
Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1951 Constitution Ave, NW, 
Room 210--SIB, Washington, DC 20240. Comments may also be submitted 
electronically to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request a copy of the information 
collection request, explanatory information and related forms, contact 
John A. Trelease, at (202) 208-2783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
regulations at 5 CFR part 1320, which implementing provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), require that 
interested members of the public and affected agencies have an 
opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping 
activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8 (d)). This notice identifies an 
information collection activity that OSM will be submitting to OMB for 
extension. This collection is contained in 30 CFR part 800, Bond and 
insurance requirements for surface coal mining and reclamation 
operations under regulatory programs.
    OSM has revised burden estimates, where appropriate, to reflect 
current reporting levels or adjustments based on reestimates of burden 
on respondents. OSM will request a 3-year term of approval for this 
information collection activity.
    Comments are invited to: (1) The need for the collection of 
information for the performance of the functions of the agency; (2) the 
accuracy of the agency's burden estimates; (3) ways to enhance the 
quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) 
ways to minimize the information collection burden on respondents, such 
as use of automated means of collection of the information. A summary 
of the public comments will accompany OSM's submission of the 
information collection request to OMB.
    This notice provides the public with 60 days in which to comment on 
the following information collection activity:
    Title: Bond and Insurance Requirements for Surface Coal Mining and 
Reclamation Operations Under Regulatory Programs--30 CFR 800.
    OMB Control Number: 1029-0043.
    Summary: The regulations at 30 CFR part 800 primarily implement 
section 509 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 
(SMCRA or the Act), which requires that persons planning to conduct 
surface coal mining operations first post a performance bond to 
guarantee fulfillment of all reclamation obligations under the approved 
permit. The regulations also establish bond release requirements and 
procedures consistent with section 519 of the Act, liability insurance 
requirements pursuant to section 507(f) of the Act, and procedures for 
bond forfeiture should the permittee default on reclamation 
obligations.
    Bureau Form Number: None.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    Description of Respondents: Surface coal mining and reclamation 
permittees and State regulatory authorities.
    Total Annual Responses: 16,974.

[[Page 33506]]

    Total Annual Burden Hours: 188,736 hours.

    Dated: June 17, 1999.
Richard G. Bryson,
Chief, Division of Regulatory Support.
[FR Doc. 99-15933 Filed 6-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-M