Each operator of a surface coal mine is required under 30 CFR 77.1000 to establish and follow a ground control plan that is consistent with prudent engineering design and which will ensure safe working conditions. The mine operator is required by § 77.1000-1 to file the ground control plan under § 77.1000 for highwalls, pits and spoil banks with the appropriate District Manager. The mining methods employed by the operator are selected to ensure highwall, pit, and spoil bank stability. In the event of a highwall failure or material dislodgment, there may be very little time to escape possible injury; therefore, preventive measures must be taken. Each plan is based on the type of strata expected to be encountered, the height and angle of highwalls and spoil banks, and the equipment to be used at the mine. The plan is used to show how the mine operator will maintain safe conditions around the highwalls, pits, and spoil banks. Each plan is reviewed by MSHA to ensure that highwalls, pits, and spoil banks are maintained in a safe condition through the use of sound engineering design.
Respondents: There has been an decrease of 704 respondents (from 844 to 140) due to a change in the number of surface coal mines.
Responses: There has been a decrease of 704 responses (from 844 to 140) due to a decrease in the number of surface coal mines.
Burden Hours: There has been a decrease of 4,829 hours (from 5,840 to 1,011). The decrease in burden hours is due to the decrease in the number of surface coal mines and responses.
Annual Cost Burden: There has been a decrease of $2,578 (from $2,844 to $266). The decrease in cost burden is mainly due to the decrease in responses.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
1219-0026 PUBLISHED 60 Day FRN June 4 2015 V80 p 31925.pdf
1219-0026 Supporting Statement 9-2015.doc
Technical Assistance for Safe and Healthful Mining.docx
Ground Control Plan