[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 212 (Thursday, November 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55207-55208]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-27452]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Rock Burst 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 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 [email protected], along with an original printed copy. Mr. Burke can be 
reached at (703) 235-1383 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (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 [email protected] 
(Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1383 (voice), or (703) 235-1381 
(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

[[Page 55208]]

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.
[FR Doc. 01-27452 Filed 10-31-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M