82 FR 26952 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Sealing of Abandoned Areas

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 111 (June 12, 2017)

Page Range		26952-26953
FR Document		2017-12099

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. 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 Sealing of Abandoned Areas.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 111 (Monday, June 12, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 111 (Monday, June 12, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26952-26953]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12099]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0142]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Sealing of 
Abandoned Areas

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. 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 Sealing of 
Abandoned Areas.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before August 11, 2017.

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-2017-0019.
     Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL--MSHA, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452.
     Hand Delivery: USDOL--Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 
22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the 
East elevator.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, 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

    Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 
(Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes MSHA to collect information 
necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of 
miners. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811 
authorizes the Secretary of Labor to develop, promulgate, and revise as 
may be appropriate, improved mandatory health or safety standards for 
the protection of life and prevention of injuries in coal or other 
mines.
    MSHA's standards for sealing abandoned areas in underground coal 
mines include requirements addressing the design and construction of 
new seals and the examination, maintenance and repair of all seals.
    Section 75.335(b) sets forth procedures for the approval of seal 
design applications.
    Section 75.335(c) requires the submission and certification of 
information for seal installation.

[[Page 26953]]

    Section 75.336(a)(2) requires the mine operator to evaluate the 
atmosphere in the sealed area to determine whether sampling through the 
sampling pipes in seals provides appropriate sampling locations of the 
sealed area. The mine operator will make an evaluation for each area 
that has seals.
    Section 75.336(c) requires that mine operators immediately notify 
MSHA after a sample indicates that the oxygen concentration is 10 
percent or greater and methane is between 4.5 percent and 17 percent 
and after taking the required additional sample from the sealed 
atmosphere with seals of less than 120 psi.
    Section 75.336(e) requires a certified person to record each 
sampling result, including the location of the sampling points and the 
oxygen and methane concentrations. Also, any hazardous conditions found 
must be corrected and recorded in accordance with existing Section 
75.363.
    Section 75.337(c)(1)-(c)(5) requires a certified person to perform 
several tasks during seal construction and repair and certify that the 
tasks were done in accordance with the approved ventilation plan. In 
addition, a mine foreman or equivalent mine official must countersign 
the record.
    Section 75.337(d) requires a senior mine management official to 
certify that the construction, installation, and materials used were in 
accordance with the approved ventilation plan.
    Section 75.337(e) requires the mine operator to notify MSHA of 
certain activities concerning the construction of a set of seals. 
Section 75.337(e)(1) requires the mine operator to notify the District 
Manager between 2 and 14 days prior to commencement of seal 
construction. Section 75.337(e)(2) requires the mine operator to notify 
the District Manager, in writing, within 5 days of completion of a set 
of seals and provide a copy of the certifications required in Section 
75.337(d). Section 75.337(e)(3) requires the mine operator to submit a 
copy of the quality control test results for seal material properties 
specified by Section 75.335 within 30 days of completion of such tests.
    Section 75.337(g)(3) requires the mine operator to label sampling 
pipes to indicate the location of the sampling point when the mine 
operator installs more than one sampling pipe through a seal.
    Section 75.338(a) requires mine operators to certify that persons 
conducting sampling were trained in the use of appropriate sampling 
equipment, techniques, the location of sampling points, the frequency 
of sampling, the size and condition of sealed areas, and the use of 
continuous monitoring systems, if applicable, before they conduct 
sampling, and annually thereafter.
    Section 75.338(b) requires mine operators to certify that miners 
constructing or repairing seals, designated certified persons, and 
senior mine management officials were trained prior to constructing or 
repairing a seal and annually thereafter.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Sealing of Abandoned Areas. 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 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 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 USDOL--
Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th South, Suite 4E401, 
Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th 
floor via the East elevator.
    Questions about the information collection requirements may be 
directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION section of 
this notice.

III. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains provisions for 
Sealing of Abandoned Areas. MSHA has updated the data with 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: 1219-0142.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 242.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 15,800.
    Annual Burden Hours: 3,525 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $1,068,083.
    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.

Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-12099 Filed 6-9-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 111 / Monday, June 12, 2017 / Notices 26953

Section 75.336(a)(2) requires the mine the use of continuous monitoring supporting this information collection
operator to evaluate the atmosphere in systems, if applicable, before they request.
the sealed area to determine whether conduct sampling, and annually Type of Review: Extension, without
sampling through the sampling pipes in thereafter. change, of a currently approved
seals provides appropriate sampling Section 75.338(b) requires mine collection.
locations of the sealed area. The mine operators to certify that miners Agency: Mine Safety and Health
operator will make an evaluation for constructing or repairing seals, Administration.
each area that has seals. designated certified persons, and senior OMB Number: 1219–0142.
Section 75.336(c) requires that mine mine management officials were trained Affected Public: Business or other for-
operators immediately notify MSHA prior to constructing or repairing a seal profit.
after a sample indicates that the oxygen and annually thereafter. Number of Respondents: 242.
concentration is 10 percent or greater Frequency: On occasion.
and methane is between 4.5 percent and II. Desired Focus of Comments Number of Responses: 15,800.
17 percent and after taking the required MSHA is soliciting comments Annual Burden Hours: 3,525 hours.
additional sample from the sealed Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper
concerning the proposed information
atmosphere with seals of less than 120 Cost: $1,068,083.
collection related to Sealing of
psi. Comments submitted in response to
Abandoned Areas. MSHA is particularly
Section 75.336(e) requires a certified this notice will be summarized and
interested in comments that:
person to record each sampling result, included in the request for Office of
• Evaluate whether the collection of Management and Budget approval of the
including the location of the sampling information is necessary for the proper
points and the oxygen and methane information collection request; they will
performance of the functions of the also become a matter of public record.
concentrations. Also, any hazardous agency, including whether the
conditions found must be corrected and information has practical utility; Sheila McConnell,
recorded in accordance with existing • Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA’s Certifying Officer.
Section 75.363. estimate of the burden of the collection [FR Doc. 2017–12099 Filed 6–9–17; 8:45 am]
Section 75.337(c)(1)–(c)(5) requires a
of information, including the validity of BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
certified person to perform several tasks
the methodology and assumptions used;
during seal construction and repair and
certify that the tasks were done in • Suggest methods to enhance the
accordance with the approved quality, utility, and clarity of the DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
ventilation plan. In addition, a mine information to be collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the Mine Safety and Health Administration
foreman or equivalent mine official
must countersign the record. collection of information on those who
Petition for Modification of Application
Section 75.337(d) requires a senior are to respond, including through the
of Existing Mandatory Safety
mine management official to certify that use of appropriate automated,
Standards
the construction, installation, and electronic, mechanical, or other
materials used were in accordance with technological collection techniques or AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health
the approved ventilation plan. other forms of information technology, Administration, Labor.
Section 75.337(e) requires the mine e.g., permitting electronic submission of ACTION: Notice.
operator to notify MSHA of certain responses.
activities concerning the construction of The information collection request SUMMARY: This notice is a summary of
a set of seals. Section 75.337(e)(1) will be available on http:// a petition for modification submitted to
requires the mine operator to notify the www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions the Mine Safety and Health
District Manager between 2 and 14 days the commenter against providing any Administration (MSHA) by the party
prior to commencement of seal information in the submission that listed below.
construction. Section 75.337(e)(2) should not be publicly disclosed. Full DATES: All comments on the petition
requires the mine operator to notify the comments, including personal must be received by MSHA’s Office of
District Manager, in writing, within 5 information provided, will be made Standards, Regulations, and Variances
days of completion of a set of seals and available on www.regulations.gov and on or before July 12, 2017.
provide a copy of the certifications www.reginfo.gov. ADDRESSES: You may submit your
required in Section 75.337(d). Section The public may also examine publicly comments, identified by ‘‘docket
75.337(e)(3) requires the mine operator available documents at USDOL—Mine number’’ on the subject line, by any of
to submit a copy of the quality control Safety and Health Administration, 201 the following methods:
test results for seal material properties 12th South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 1. Electronic Mail: zzMSHA-
specified by Section 75.335 within 30 22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s comments@dol.gov. Include the docket
days of completion of such tests. desk on the 4th floor via the East number of the petition in the subject
Section 75.337(g)(3) requires the mine elevator. line of the message.
operator to label sampling pipes to Questions about the information 2. Facsimile: 202–693–9441.
indicate the location of the sampling collection requirements may be directed 3. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery:
point when the mine operator installs to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER MSHA, Office of Standards,
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES

more than one sampling pipe through a INFORMATION section of this notice. Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th
seal. Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
Section 75.338(a) requires mine III. Current Actions Virginia 22202–5452, Attention: Sheila
operators to certify that persons This request for collection of McConnell, Director, Office of
conducting sampling were trained in the information contains provisions for Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
use of appropriate sampling equipment, Sealing of Abandoned Areas. MSHA has Persons delivering documents are
techniques, the location of sampling updated the data with respect to the required to check in at the receptionist’s
points, the frequency of sampling, the number of respondents, responses, desk in Suite 4E401. Individuals may
size and condition of sealed areas, and burden hours, and burden costs inspect a copy of the petition and

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Document Created: 2017-06-10 01:40:47
Document Modified: 2017-06-10 01:40:47

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Request for public comments.
Dates		All comments must be received on or before August 11, 2017.
Contact		Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [email protected] (email); (202) 693-9440 (voice); or (202) 693-9441 (facsimile).
FR Citation		82 FR 26952

82 FR 26952 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Sealing of Abandoned Areas

DEPARTMENT OF LABORMine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 111 (June 12, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration