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.