[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 87 (Friday, May 5, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26568-26569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6857]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Ground 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 pre-clearance 
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 July 5, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and 
Health Administration, John Rowlett, Director, Management Services 
Division, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2134, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. 
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. Rowlett can be reached at (202) 693-9827 (voice), or 
(202) 693-9801 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the employee listed in the 
ADDRESSES'' section of this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Each operator of a surface coal mine is required under 30 CFR 
77.1000 to establish and follow a ground control plan that is 
consistent with prudent engineering design and which will ensure safe 
working conditions. The plans are based on the type of strata expected 
to be encountered, the height and angle of highwalls and spoil banks, 
and the equipment to be used at the mine. Ground control plans are 
required by 30 CFR 77.1000-1 to be filed with the MSHA district Manager 
in the district in which the mine is located. The plans are reviewed by 
MSHA to ensure that highwalls, pits, and spoil banks are maintained in 
safe condition

[[Page 26569]]

through the use of sound engineering design.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is particularly interested in comments that:
     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 in the For Further 
Information Contact section of this notice, or viewed on the Internet 
by accessing the MSHA home page (http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing 
``Statutory and Regulatory Information'' and ``Federal Register 
Documents.''

III. Current Actions

    MSHA is seeking to continue the requirement for mine operators to 
submit ground control plans to ensure that highwalls, pits, and spoil 
banks are maintained in safe condition so that a safe working 
environment is provided for miners.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Ground Control Plan.
    OMB Number: 1219-0026.
    Recordkeeping: Sec.  77.1000-1 states that the operator shall file 
a copy of the ground control plan and revisions with the Coal Mine 
Health and Safety District or Subdistrict office for the District or 
Subdistrict in which the mine is located and shall identify the name 
and location of the mine; the Mine Safety and Health Administration 
identification number if known; and the name and address of the mine 
operator.
    Frequency: On occasion
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Respondents: 925.
    Reponses: 313.
    Total Burden Hours: 2,721 hours.
    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 at Arlington, Virginia, this 27th day of April, 2006.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
 [FR Doc. E6-6857 Filed 5-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P