[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 59 (Monday, March 27, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16228-16229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-7474]


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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 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 May 26, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Theresa O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, 
Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 715, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are 
encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet 
E-mail to [email protected], along with an original printed copy. Ms. 
O'Malley can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice) or (703) 235-1563 
(facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa O'Malley, Program Analysis 
Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 719, 
4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. O'Malley can be 
reached at [email protected] (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (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. Desire Focus of Comments

    Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the 
information collection related to 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 submission 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 then choosing ``Statutory and Regulatory Information'' and 
``Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions (http:www.msha.gov/regspwork.htm)'', or by contacting the employee listed above the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice for a hard copy.

[[Page 16229]]

III. Current Actions

    This request for information contains provisions whereby mine 
operators can maintain compliance with the safety of mining personnel 
where underground retorts are used.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Underground Retorts.
    OMB Number: 1219-0096.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22401.
    Total Respondents: 1.
    Total Responses: 1.
    Average Time per Response: 160 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 160 hours.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $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: March 21, 2000.
Theresa O'Malley,
Program Analysis Officer, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 00-7474 Filed 3-24-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M