MSHA Seeks to Continue Seals Standard Collection
OMB approval is required to continue the data collection for its standards governing sealing of abandoned areas in underground coal mines.
MSHA has published its notice seeking comments on the data collection for its standards governing sealing of abandoned areas in underground coal mines. This required step will allow it to obtain OMB approval to continue the collection; these standards are vital to "strengthen the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of seals and monitoring and control of atmospheres behind seals in order to reduce the risk of seal failure and the risk of explosions in abandoned areas of underground coal mines," the notice states.
It estimates there will be 90,234 responses to which stakeholders will devote 9,210 hours annually at a total estimated annual cost of $762,163.
With OMB approval, mines may not be required to respond to an information collection or penalized for failing to comply with one. The OMB approval for this collection is OMB Control Number 1219-0142, which is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2011.
Comments should reference OMB Control Number 1219-0142 and be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, or e-mailed to [email protected].