[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 102 (Thursday, May 28, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 30494]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12841]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0096]


Proposed Information Collection; Underground Retorts

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

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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 collections of information 
in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A). This program helps to assure 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. Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration 
(MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection for 
Underground Retorts.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before July 27, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements 
of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below.
     Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket 
number MSHA-2015-0011.
     Regular Mail: Send comments to MSHA, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, 
Arlington, VA 22209-3939.
     Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 201 12th Street S., Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22202-
5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the East 
elevator bank.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Acting Director, 
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at 
[email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 
202-693-9441 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Title 30 CFR 57.22401 sets forth the safety requirements for using 
a retort to extract oil from shale in underground metal and nonmetal I-
A and I-B mines (those that operate in a combustible ore and either 
liberate methane or have the potential to liberate methane based on the 
history of the mine or the geological area in which the mine is 
located). At present, this applies only to underground oil shale mines. 
The standard requires that prior to ignition of underground retorts; 
mine operators must submit a written ignition operation plan to the 
appropriate MSHA District Manager which contains site-specific 
safeguards and safety procedures for the underground areas of the mine 
which are affected by the retorts.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Underground Retorts. MSHA is particularly 
interested in comments that:
     Evaluate whether the collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information has practical utility;
     Evaluate the accuracy of the MSHA's estimate of the burden 
of the collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
     Suggest methods to 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.
    The information collection request will be available on MSHA's Web 
site and on http://www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions the commenter 
against providing any information in the submission that should not be 
publicly disclosed. Full comments, including personal information 
provided, will be made available on www.regulations.gov and 
www.reginfo.gov.
    The public may also examine publicly available documents at MSHA, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA. Sign in at the 
receptionist's desk on the 21st floor.
    Questions about the information collection requirements may be 
directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains provisions for 
Underground Retorts. MSHA has updated the data in respect to the number 
of respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs supporting 
this information collection request.
    Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved 
collection.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    OMB Number: 1219-0096.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 1.
    Annual Burden Hours: 160 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: None.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and 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: May 21, 2015.
Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-12841 Filed 5-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P