Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Underground Retorts

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 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 26, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Theresa O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 715, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to tomalley@msha.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. O'Malley can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice) or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Theresa O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 719, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. O'Malley can be reached at tomalley@msha.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

This regulation pertains to the safety requirements to be followed by the mine operators in the use of underground retorts to extract oil from shale by heat or fire. Prior to ignition of retorts, the mine operator must submit a written plan indicating the acceptable levels of combustible gases and oxygen; specifications and location of off-gas monitoring procedures and equipment; procedures for ignition of retorts and details of area monitoring and alarm systems for hazardous gases and actions to be taken to assure safety of miners.

II. Desire Focus of Comments

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection related to Underground Retorts. 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 submission 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 then choosing “Statutory and Regulatory Information” and “Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions (http:www.msha.gov/regspwork.htm)”,, or by contacting the employee listed above the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice for a hard copy.

III. Current Actions

This request for information contains provisions whereby mine operators can maintain compliance with the safety of mining personnel where underground retorts are used.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Title: Underground Retorts.

OMB Number: 1219-0096.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Frequency: On occasion.

Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22401.

Total Respondents: 1.

Total Responses: 1.

Average Time per Response: 160 hours.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 160 hours.

Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.

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.