80 FR 35712 - Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 119 (June 22, 2015)

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 the information collection requests (ICRs) below for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 119 (Monday, June 22, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35712-35715]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15214]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket No. FRA-2015-0007-N-17]


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of 
Transportation (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 the 
information collection requests (ICRs) below 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 August 21, 2015.

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 17, 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 17, 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, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493-
6132). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law 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

[[Page 35713]]

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 is a brief summary of currently approved information 
collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as 
required under the PRA:
    Title: Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards and Event Recorders.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0004.
    Abstract: The Locomotive Inspection requires railroads to inspect, 
repair, and maintain locomotives and event recorders so that they are 
safe, free of defects, and can be placed in service without peril to 
life. Crashworthy locomotive event recorders provide FRA with 
verifiable factual information about how trains are maintained and 
operated, and are used by FRA and State inspectors for part 229 rule 
enforcement. The information garnered from crashworthy event recorders 
is also used by railroads to monitor railroad operations and by 
railroad employees (locomotive engineers, train crews, dispatchers) to 
improve train handling, and promote the safe and efficient operation of 
trains throughout the country, based on a surer knowledge of different 
control inputs.
    Form Number(s): FRA F 6180.49A.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 754 Railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Total annual       Average time per    Total annual
           CFR section             Respondent universe       responses             response        burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
229.9--Movement of Non-Complying   44 Railroads.......  21,000 tags........  1 minute...........             350
 Locomotives.
229.15--Remote control             44 Railroads.......  3,000 tags.........  2 minutes..........             100
 locomotive--tagging to indicate
 in remote control.
    --Repair record of defective   44 Railroads.......  200 records........  5 minutes..........              17
     OCU linked to remote control
     locomotive.
229.17--Accident Reports.........  44 Railroads.......  1 report...........  15 minutes.........             .25
229.20--Electronic Recordkeeping-- 44 Railroads.......  21,000               1 second...........               6
 Automatic notice to RR each time                        notifications.
 locomotive is due for inspection
 or maintenance.
29.21--Daily Inspection..........  754 Railroads......  6,890,000 insp.      16 minutes or 18          1,911,780
                                                         reports/records.     minutes.
    --Written Reports of MU        754 Railroads......  250 written reports  13 minutes.........              54
     Locomotive Inspections.
Locomotive Inspection and Repair   754 Railroads......  4,000 forms........  2 minutes..........             133
 Record--Form FRA F 6180.49A.
229.23--Periodic Inspections of    754 Railroads......  9,500 tests/forms..  8 hours............          76,000
 Locomotives.
    --Secondary record of          754 Railroads......  9,500 secondary      2 minutes..........             317
     information on Form FRA F                           records.
     6180.49A.
    --List of defects/repairs      754 Railroads......  4,000 lists + 4,000  2 minutes + 2                   266
     during inspection provided                          copies.              minutes.
     to RR employees + copies of
     lists.
    --Document from railroad to    754 Railroads......  9,500 documents/     2 minutes..........             317
     employees of all tests                              records.
     conducted since last
     periodic inspection.
229.33--Out of Use Credit for      754 Railroads......  500 out-of-use       5 minutes..........              42
 Locomotives.                                            notations.
Recordkeeping Requirements:
    229.25--Periodic Inspection    754 Railroads......  200 amendments.....  15 minutes.........              50
     of Event Recorders: Written
     Copy of Instructions--
     Amendments.
    --Data Verification Readout    754 Railroads......  4,025 readout        90 minutes.........           6,038
     of Event Recorder.                                  records/reports.
    --Pre-Maintenance Test         754 Railroads......  700 test failure     30 minutes.........             350
     Failures of Event Recorder.                         notations.
229.135--Removal of event          754 Railroads......  1,000 removal tags.  1 minute...........              17
 recorder from service--Tags.
    --Preserving Locomotive Event  754 Railroads......  10,000 data reports  15 minutes.........           2,500
     Recorder Accident Data--
     reports.
Other Requirements:
    229.27--Annual tests of event  754 Railroads......  700 tests/records..  90 minutes.........           1,050
     recorders w/self-monitoring
     feature displaying a failure
     indication--tests.
229.29--Calibration of Locomotive  754 Railroads......  88,000 tests/        15 seconds.........             367
 Air Flow Meter--Tests.                                  records.
229.46--Tagging locomotive with    754 Railroads......  2,100 tags.........  2 minutes..........              70
 inoperative or ineffective
 automatic/independent brake that
 can only be used in trailing
 position.
229.85--Marking of all doors,      754 Railroads......  1,000 re-paintings/  1 minute...........              17
 cover plates, or barriers having                        decals.
 direct access to high voltage
 equipment with words ``Danger
 High Voltage'' or with word
 ``Danger''.

[[Page 35714]]

 
229.123--Locomotives equipped      754 Railroads......  20 markings/         2 minutes..........               1
 with a pilot, snowplow, end                             stencils.
 plate with clearance above 6
 inches--Marking/stenciling with
 words ``9 inch Maximum End Plate
 Height, Yard or Trail Service
 Only''.
    --Notation in Remarks section  754 Railroads......  20 notations.......  2 minutes..........               1
     of Form FRA F6180.49A of
     pilot, snowplow, or end
     plate clearance above 6
     inches.
229.135--Re-manufactured           754 Railroads......  1,000 certified      2 hours............           2,000
 locomotives equipped with                               memory modules.
 certified crash-worthy event
 recorder.
229.140--Alerters--Visual          754 Railroads......  74,880,000 visual    4 seconds..........          83,200
 indication to locomotive                                indications.
 operator at least 5 seconds
 before audio alarm--New
 Locomotives.
SUBPART E--229.303--Requests to    754 Railroads......  20 requests........  8 hours............             160
 FRA for on-track testing of
 products outside a facility.
    --Identification of all        754 Railroads......  20 product           2 hours............              40
     products developed by                               identification
     Railroads and Vendors.                              documents.
229.307--Safety Analysis for each  754 Railroads......  300 safety analyses  240 hours..........          72,000
 product subject to this Subpart.
229.309--Safety critical changes   754 Railroads......  10 notifications...  16 hours...........             160
 to product subject to this
 Subpart--Notice to FRA.
    --Report by product suppliers  3 Manufacturers....  10 reports.........  8 hours............              80
     and private owners to
     railroads of any safety-
     critical changes to product.
229.311--Railroad Notification to  754 Railroads......  300 notifications..  2 hours............             600
 FRA of intent to place product
 subject to this Part in Service.
    --Railroad document provided   754 Railroads......  300 documents......  2 hours............             600
     to FRA upon request
     demonstrating product meets
     Safety Analysis requirements
     for life cycle of product.
    --Railroad maintenance of      754 Railroads......  300 databases......  4 hours............           1,200
     data base of all safety
     relevant hazards encountered
     after product is placed in
     service.
    --Written report to FRA        754 Railroads......  10 written reports.  2 hours............              20
     disclosing frequency of
     safety relevant hazards for
     product exceeding threshold
     set forth in Safety Analysis.
    --Final Report to FRA on       754 Railroads......  10 written final     4 hours............              40
     results of analyses and                             reports.
     counter measures to reduce
     frequency of safety related
     hazards.
219.313--Product testing results   754 Railroads......  120,000 product      5 minutes..........          10,000
 and records.                                            testing records.
219.315--Railroad maintenance of   754 Railroads......  300 manuals........  40 hours...........          12,000
 Operations and Maintenance
 Manual containing all documents
 related to installation,
 maintenance, repair,
 modification, and testing of a
 product subject to this Part.
    --RR Configuration Management  754 Railroads......  300 plans..........  8 hours............           2,400
     Control Plan.
    --Positive ID of safety-       754 Railroads......  60,000 Identified    5 minutes..........           5,000
     critical components.                                components.
229.317--RR Establishment and      754 Railroads......  300 programs.......  40 hours...........          12,000
 Implementation of Training
 Qualification program for
 products subject to this Subpart.
    --Employees trained under RR   754 Railroads......  10,000 trained       30 minutes.........           5,000
     program.                                            employees.
    --Periodic refresher training  754 Railroads......  1,000 re-trained     20 minutes.........             333
     of employees.                                       employees.
    --RR regular and periodic      754 Railroads......  300 evaluations....  4 hours............           1,200
     evaluation of effectiveness
     of its training program.
    --RR record of individuals     754 Railroads......  10,000 records.....  10 minutes.........           1,667
     designated as qualified
     under this Section.
Appendix F to Part 229--Guidance   754 Railroads/3      1 3rd party          4,000 hours........           4,000
 for Verification and Validation    Manufacturers.       assessment.
 of Products--3rd Party
 Assessments.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 82,168,698.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 2,213,623 hours.
    Status: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.

[[Page 35715]]

    Title: FRA Emergency Order No. 31, Notice No. 1.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0611.
    Abstract: On May 21, 2015, FRA issued Emergency Order No. 31 (EO or 
Order) to require that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation 
(Amtrak) take actions to control passenger train speed at certain 
locations on main line track in the Northeast Corridor (as defined by 
49 U.S.C. 24905(c)(1)(A)). Amtrak was required to immediately implement 
code changes to its Automatic Train Control (ATC) System to enforce the 
passenger train speed limit ahead of the curve at Frankford Junction in 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where a fatal accident occurred on May 12, 
2015. Amtrak was also required to identify all other curves on the 
Northeast Corridor where there is a significant reduction (more than 20 
miles per hour (mph)) from the maximum authorized approach speed to 
those curves for passenger trains. Amtrak was then required to develop 
and comply with an FRA-approved action plan to modify its existing ATC 
System or other signal systems (or take alternative operational 
actions) to enable enforcement of passenger train speeds at the 
identified curves. Amtrak also had to install additional wayside 
passenger train speed limit signage at appropriate locations on its 
Northeast Corridor right-of-way. FRA is continuing this Emergency Order 
in full force and effect, and is now seeking regular clearance for the 
information collection associated with this Emergency Order.
    Form Number(s): N/A.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 1 Railroad.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Total annual       Average time per    Total annual
  Emergency Order No. 31--Item:    Respondent universe       responses             response        burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Amtrak survey of Northeast     1 Railroad.........  1 list.............  32 hours...........              32
 Corridor (NEC) main line track
 system to create list
 identifying each main track
 curve where there is a reduction
 of more than 20 mph from the
 maximum authorized speed to that
 curve.
(2) Development and submission of  1 Railroad.........  1 action plan......  80 hours...........              80
 Amtrak Action Plan to FRA.
(3) Installation of Additional     1 Railroad.........  186 NEC wayside      15.4839 minutes per              48
 Wayside Signs throughout NEC,                           signs.               sign.
 particularly along curve
 locations, to alert engineers
 and conductors of maximum
 authorized train speed.
    --Notice by Amtrak to FRA of   1 Railroad.........  6 notices..........  15 minutes.........               2
     Installation of Signs along
     NEC designated in its.
(4) Relief Petition to FRA to      1 Railroad.........  1 petition request.  80 hours...........              80
 take action not in Accordance
 with this Emergency Order.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 195.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 242.
    Status: Regular Review.
    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.

Rebecca Pennington,
Chief Financial Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-15214 Filed 6-19-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P