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 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 king.darrin@dol.gov, 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 king.darrin@dol.gov (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.