Ground Control Plans for Surface Coal Mines and Surface Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
06/15/2022
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
07/31/2022
287
270
1,962
1,848
545
513
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.
US Code:
30 USC 813(a)
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
US Code:
30 USC 811(a)
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
Respondents: There has been an increase of 17 respondents (from 270 to 287) due to an increase in the number of active surface coal mines.
Responses: There has been an increase of 17 responses (from 270 to 287) due to an increase in the number of respondents in the form of surface coal mines.
Burden Hours: There has been an increase of 114 hours (from 1,848 to 1,962). The increase in burden hours is due to the increase in the number of surface coal mines and responses.
Annual Cost Burden: There has been an increase of $32 in cost (from $513 to $545). The increase in cost burden is due to the increase 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 1-26-22.pdf
1219-0026 Sup Statement 12-2021.docx
Ground Control Plan