Notification of Methane
Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
12/10/2024
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
02/28/2025
213
319
18
28
0
0
Title 30 CFR 57.22004(c) requires
operators of underground M/NM mines to notify the Mine Safety and
Health Administration (MSHA) as soon as possible if any of the
following events occur: (a) there is an outburst that results in
0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere, (b) there is a
blowout that results in 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine
atmosphere, (c) there is an ignition of methane, or (d) air sample
results indicate 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine
atmosphere of a I-B, I-C, II-B, V-B, or Category VI mine. Under §§
57.22239 and 57.22231, if methane reaches 2.0 percent in a Category
IV mine or if methane reaches 0.25 percent in the mine atmosphere
of a Subcategory I-B, II-B, V-B, or VI mine, MSHA shall be notified
immediately. Although the standards do not specify how MSHA is to
be notified, MSHA anticipates that the notifications would be made
by telephone. Title 30 CFR 57.22229 and 57.22230 require that the
mine atmosphere be tested for methane and/or carbon dioxide at
least once every seven days by a competent person or atmospheric
monitoring system or a combination of both. Section 57.2229 applies
to underground M/NM mines categorized as I-A, III, and V-A mines
where the atmosphere is tested for both methane and carbon dioxide.
Section 57.22230 applies to underground M/NM mines categorized as
II-A mines where the atmosphere is tested for methane. Where
examinations disclose hazardous conditions, affected miners must be
informed. Title 30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c) require that the
person performing the tests certify by signature and date that the
tests have been conducted. Certifications of examinations shall be
kept for at least one year and made available to authorized
representatives of the Secretary of Labor.
US Code:
30
USC 811 Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
(Mine Act)
US Code: 30
USC 813(h) Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977 (Mine Act)
Respondents: The estimated
annual number of respondents decreased from 6 to 4. Responses: The
estimated annual number of responses decreased from 319 to 213 due
to a decrease in the number of respondents. Time Burden: The
estimated annual time burden decreased from 27 hours to 18 hours
due to a decrease in the number of responses. Burden Costs: The
estimated annual burden costs decreased from $1,796 to $1,153 due
to a decrease in the number of responses. Other Burden Costs: The
estimated annual other burden costs remained unchanged at $0.
Federal Hours: The estimated annual federal hours decreased from 29
to 27 due to a decrease in the number of respondents. Federal
Costs: The estimated annual federal costs increased from $1,791 to
$2,030 due an increase in federal wages and an increase in the
federal benefit and overhead multiplier.
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.
1219-0103 Supporting Statement 2025.docx
1219-0103 PUBLISHED 60 DAY FRN 6 10 21.pdf
Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres