[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 54 (Friday, March 19, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13068-13069]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6176]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans

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

[[Page 13069]]

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 18, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Darrin King, Chief, Records Management 
Branch, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2139, 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. King can be reached at (202) 693-9838 (voice), or 
(703) 693-9801 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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 Darrin King, Records 
Management Branch, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, Room 2139, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-
1984. Mr. King can be reached at [email protected] (Internet e-mail), 
(703) 693-9838 (voice), or (703) 693-9801 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The standard 30 CFR 77.1900 was enacted in 1971 and was amended in 
1982 and again in 1995. The standard requires underground coal mine 
operators to develop a prudent engineered design plan to develop a 
slope or shaft whenever an operator decides to open such a coal mine. 
The plan is required by the standard and is to be reviewed and approved 
by MSHA before the actual hazardous work begins.

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 Slope and Shaft Sinking 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 ``Rules and Regs'' then ``Paperwork Reduction Act 
Supporting Statements'' (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

    The 78 slope or shaft development plans that MSHA receives on an 
annual basis, are reviewed to ensure that the required work is 
performed in a safe manner, and it protects those miners performing the 
work. Prudent engineering design does evolve along with improved 
machinery to perform the work, but there has not been any revision to 
the requirements for such a plan. Currently, the Mine Safety and Health 
Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed 
extension of the information collection related to Slope and Shaft 
Sinking Plans.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans.
    OMB Number: 1219-0019.
    Recordkeeping: Records are normally required to be kept for 3 
years.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 77.1900.
    Total Respondents: 78.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 78.
    Average Time per Response: 20 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,560.
    Total Burden Cost (Operating/Maintaining): $1,170.
    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 in Arlington, Virginia, this 11th day of March, 2004.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 04-6176 Filed 3-18-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P