[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 23, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4978-4981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01198]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket No. FRA-2013-0002-N-2]


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its 
implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 
hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently 
approved information collection activities. Before submitting these 
information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on 
specific aspects of the activities identified below.

DATES: Comments must be received no later than March 25, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following 
proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of 
Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 
20590, or Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of Information Technology, RAD-20, 
Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 
35, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters requesting FRA to acknowledge 
receipt of their respective comments must include a self-addressed 
stamped postcard stating, ``Comments on OMB control number 2130-----.'' 
Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to (202) 493-
6216 or (202) 493-6497, or via email to Mr. Brogan at 
[email protected], or to Ms. Toone at [email protected]. Please 
refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence 
submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this 
notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information 
collection submission to OMB for approval.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning 
and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 
New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: 
(202) 493-6292) or Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of Information 
Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey 
Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35,

[[Page 4979]]

Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493-6132). (These telephone 
numbers are not toll-free.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Pub. L. No. 104-13, Sec.  2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised 
at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR Part 
1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days notice to the public 
for comment on information collection activities before seeking 
approval for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 
5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA 
invites interested respondents to comment on the following summary of 
proposed information collection activities regarding (i) whether the 
information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly 
execute its functions, including whether the activities will have 
practical utility; (ii) the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden 
of the information collection activities, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (iii) ways 
for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
being collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of 
information collection activities on the public by automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(i)-(iv); 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)(1)(i)-(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will 
promote its efforts to reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens 
associated with the collection of information mandated by Federal 
regulations. In summary, FRA reasons that comments received will 
advance three objectives: (i) Reduce reporting burdens; (ii) ensure 
that it organizes information collection requirements in a ``user 
friendly'' format to improve the use of such information; and (iii) 
accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce 
information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501.
    Below are brief summaries of the two currently approved information 
collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as 
required under the PRA:
    Title: Track Safety Standards.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0010.
    Abstract: Qualified persons inspect track and take action to allow 
safe passage of trains and ensure compliance with prescribed Track 
Safety Standards. In August 2009, FRA amended the Track Safety 
Standards to promote the safety of railroad operations over continuous 
welded rail (CWR). In particular, FRA promulgated specific requirements 
for the qualification of persons designated to inspect CWR track, or 
supervise the installation, adjustment, or maintenance of CWR track. 
FRA also clarified the procedure associated with the submission of CWR 
plans to FRA by track owners. The final specified that these plans 
should add focus on inspecting CWR for pull-apart prone conditions, and 
on CWR joint installation and maintenance procedures. The final rule 
also made other changes to the requirements governing CWR.
    Form Number(s): FRA F 6180.124.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 728 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Reporting Burden:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Total annual      Average time per    Total annual
            CFR Section             Respondent universe       responses            response        burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
213.14--Excepted Track--            200 railroads......  20 orders..........  15 minutes........               5
 Identification.
    --Notification to FRA--Removal  200 railroads......  15 notices.........  10 minutes........               3
     of Track Segment From
     Excepted Statutes.
213.5--Responsibility of Track      728 railroads......  19 notices.........  8 hours...........              80
 Owners--Assignment to Another
 Person--Notice to FRA.
213.7--Designation of Qualified     728 railroads......  1,500 names........  10 minutes........             250
 Persons to Supervise Certain
 Renewals and Inspect Track.
    --Individuals Designated under  728 railroads......  80,000 trained       90 minutes........         120,000
     paragraphs (a) or (b) of this                        employees.
     section who inspect CWR and
     have completed CWR Training
     Course.
    --Employees authorized by       31 railroads.......  80,000 auth. +       70 minutes........          93,333
     Track Owner to prescribe CWR                         80,000 exams.
     Remedial Actions.
    --Designations (Partially       31 railroads.......  250 names..........  10 minutes........              42
     Qualified under Paragraph c).
213.17--Waiver Petitions..........  728 railroads......  6 petitions........  24 hours..........             144
213.57--Curves; Elevations & Speed  728 railroads......  2 requests.........  40 hours..........              80
 Limits--Requests for higher
 curving speeds.
    --Implementation Notification   728 railroads......  2 notifications....  45 minutes........               2
     to FRA.
    --Requests For FRA Approval--   1 railroad.........  2 test plans.......  16 hours..........              32
     Test Plans.
213.110--Gage Restraint Meas.       728 railroads......  5 notices + 1 tech.  45 minutes + 4                   8
 Systems--Implementing GRMS--                             report.              hours.
 Notice to FRA and Technical
 Report.
    --GRMS Output Reports.........  728 railroads......  50 reports.........  5 minutes.........               4
    --GRMS Exception Reports......  728 railroads......  50 reports.........  5 minutes.........               4
    --Procedures for Maintaining    728 railroads......  4 procedures.......  2 hours...........               8
     GRMS Data.
    --GRMS Training to Qualified    728 railroads......  2 tr. programs + 5   16 hours..........             112
     Employees.                                           sessions.
    --GRMS Inspections--Two Most    728 railroads......  50 records.........  2 hours...........             100
     Recent Records.
213.118--Continuous Weld Rail       728 railroads......  728 revised plans..  4 hours...........           2,912
 (CWR)--Track Owner Plans to FRA.
    --Notice to FRA & to Affected   728 railroads......  728 notices +        15 minutes + 2               2,849
     Employees of Plan's Effective                        80,000 notices.      minutes.
     Date.
    --FRA Required Revisions to     728 railroads......  20 revisions.......  2 hours...........              40
     CWR Plans.
    --Further FRA Amendments to     728 railroads......  20 plans...........  1 hour............              20
     CWR Plans--Annual Retraining
     of CWR Employees.
213.119--Continuous Weld Rail       239 railroads......  12,000 reports.....  10 minutes........           2,000
 (CWR)--Fracture Reports.
    --Petition to FRA to Conduct    1 RR Association...  1 petition.........  15 minutes........             .25
     Technical Conference on
     Fracture Report Data.

[[Page 4980]]

 
    --Comprehensive CWR Training    239 railroads......  240 amended          60 minutes........             240
     Program for Employees Needing                        programs.
     Annual Retraining.
    --Annual Retraining of CWR      31 railroads.......  80,000 workers.....  30 minutes........          40,000
     Employees.
    --Records of CWR Installations  239 railroads......  2,000 records......  10 minutes........             333
     and CWR Maintenance.
    --Records of Rail Joint         239 railroads......  360,000 rcds.......  2 minutes.........          12,000
     Inspections.
    --Records of CWR Periodic       239 railroads......  480,000 rcds.......  1 minute..........           8,000
     Inspections.
    --CWR Procedures Manual.......  728 railroads......  239 Manuals........  10 minutes........              40
213.233--Track Inspections by       728 railroads......  12,500 notations...  1 minute..........             208
 Person/Vehicle--Records.
213.241--Track and Rail Inspection  728 railroads......  1,542,089 records..  Varies with              1,723,941
 Records.                                                                      Inspection Type.
213.303--Responsibility for         2 railroads........  1 notice...........  8 hours...........               8
 Compliance--High Speed Track:
 Notice to FRA of Assignment of
 Responsibility.
213.305--Designation of Fully       2 railroads........  150 designations...  10 minutes........              25
 Qualified Individuals.
    --Designation of Partially      2 railroads........  15 designations....  10 minutes........               3
     Qualified Individuals.
213.317--Waiver Petitions.........  2 railroads........  1 petition.........  80 hours..........              80
213.329--Curves, Elevation, and     2 railroads........  3 notifications....  40 hours..........             120
 Higher Speed Limits--Notification
 to FRA of Passenger/Commuter
 Equipment Operating at Higher
 Curving Speeds.
    --Notification to FRA of        2 railroads........  3 notifications....  45 minutes........               2
     Service Over More than One
     Track by Passenger or
     Commuter Service Operator.
213.333--Automated Vehicle          3 railroads........  18 reports.........  20 hours..........             360
 Inspection Systems: Track
 Geometry Measurement System
 Output Reports.
    --Exception Printouts.........  2 railroads........  13 printouts.......  20 hours..........             260
213.341--Initial Inspection--New    2 railroads........  2 reports..........  16 hours..........              32
 Rail and Welds: Mill Inspection--
 Report.
    --Welding Plant Inspection--    2 railroads........  2 reports..........  16 hours..........              32
     Report.
    --Inspection of Field Welds--   2 railroads........  125 records........  20 minutes........              42
     Records.
213.343--Continuous Weld Rail--     2 railroads........  150 records........  10 minutes........             253
 History--Records.
213.345--Vehicle Qualification      1 railroad.........  2 reports..........  560 hours.........           1,120
 Testing--Results/Records.
213.347--Automotive or RR Crossing  1 railroad.........  2 plans............  8 hours...........              16
 at Grade--Protection Plans.
213.369--Inspection Records.......  2 railroads........  500 records........  1 minute..........               8
    --Inspection Records of         2 railroads........  50 records.........  5 minutes.........               4
     Defects and Remedial Actions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Responses: 2,813,581.
    Total Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,957,927 hours.
    Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
    Title: Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0545.
    Abstract: The collection of information is due to the passenger 
train emergency regulations set forth in 49 CFR parts 223 and 239 which 
require railroads to meet minimum Federal standards for the 
preparation, adoption, and implementation of emergency preparedness 
plans connected with the operation of passenger trains, including 
freight railroads hosting operations of rail passenger service. The 
regulations require luminescent or lighted emergency markings so that 
passengers and emergency responders can readily determine where the 
closest and most accessible exit routes are located and how the 
emergency exit mechanisms are operated. Windows and doors intended for 
emergency access by responders for extrication of passengers must be 
marked with retro-reflective material so that emergency responders, 
particularly in conditions of poor visibility, can easily distinguish 
them from the less accessible doors and windows. Records of the 
inspection, maintenance, and repair of emergency windows and door 
exits, as well as records of operational efficiency tests, will be used 
to ensure compliance with the regulations.
    Form Number(s): N/A.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 25 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

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                                                            Total annual       Average time per    Total annual
           CFR Section             Respondent universe       responses             response        burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
239.13--Waiver Petitions.........  25 railroads.......  1 petition.........  20 hours...........              20
239.107--Marking of Emergency      25 railroads.......  6,525 labels.......  10 minutes.........             706
 Window and Door Exits on New
 Passenger Cars.
    --Replacement Markings/Decals  25 railroads.......  6,320 decals/1,300   5 minutes/10                    744
     on Emergency Window and Door                        decals.              minutes.
     Exits.
    --Records of Inspections.....  25 railroads.......  1,800 window tests/  20 minutes.........           1,000
                                                         records + 1,200
                                                         door test records.
239.101/201/203--Filing of         3 railroads........  1 EPP..............  158 hours..........             158
 Emergency Preparedness Plan
 (EPP).
    --Amendments to Emergency      15 railroads.......  5 amendments.......  8 hours............              40
     Preparedness Plan.

[[Page 4981]]

 
239.101(a)(1)(ii)--Maintenance of  2 railroads........  2 current lists....  1 hour.............               2
 Current Emergency Telephone
 Numbers.
239.101(a)(3)--Joint Operations    5 railroad pairs...  1 joint plan.......  16 hours...........              16
 by Railroads --Joint Emergency
 Preparedness Plan (EPP).
239.101(a)(5)--Liaison with        25 railroads.......  25 updated plans...  40 hours...........           1,000
 Emergency Responders--Updated
 Plans Containing Emergency
 Responder Liaison Information.
239.101(a)(7)(ii)--Passenger       3 new railroads/3    1,300 cards/3 plans/ 5 minutes/16 hours/             396
 Safety Information--Plans and      commuter railroads.  3 safety messages/   48 hours/8 hours/
 Posting of Safety Awareness                             3 plans/3 safety     24 hours.
 Messages.                                               messages.
239.105--Debriefing and Critique   25 railroads.......  44 debriefing/       27 hours...........           1,188
 After Each Passenger Train                              critique sessions.
 Emergency Situation or Full
 Scale Simulation.
239.301--Operational (Efficiency)  25 railroads.......  25,000 tests/        15 minutes.........           6,250
 Tests of On-board and Control                           records.
 Center Employees and Records of
 Tests.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Responses: 43,536.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 11,520 hours.
    Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
    Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), 
1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA informs all interested parties that it may not 
conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a 
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB 
control number.

    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

    Issued in Washington, DC on January 15, 2013.
Rebecca Pennington,
Chief Financial Officer, Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013-01198 Filed 1-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P