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
Approved without change
06/27/2025
05/22/2025
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2028
36 Months From Approved
07/31/2025
349
0
287
2,398
0
1,962
663
0
545
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 811(a)
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
US Code:
30 USC 813(a)
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
Number of Respondents: The estimated number of respondents has increased from 287 to 349 respondents (by 62 respondents). The increase is attributed to actual data taken from the MSHA Report Center rather than estimates made in the previous ICR.
Number of Responses: The estimated number of responses has increased from 287 to 349 responses (by 62 responses). The increase is due to the increase in respondents.
Annual Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden has increased from 1,962 to 2,398 (by 436 hours). The increase is due to the increase in respondents.
Annual Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs have increased from $138,744 to $184,138 (by $45,394). The increase is due to the increase in respondents.
Annual Other Burden Costs: Annual other burden costs have increased from $545 to $663 (by $118). The increase in cost burden is due to the increase in responses.
Federal Hours: The estimated annual federal hours have increased from 144 to 175 (by 31 hours). The increase in cost burden is due to the increase in responses.
Federal Costs: The estimated annual federal costs have increased from $8,867 to $13,159 (by $4,292). 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 Supporting Statement 2025.docx
60-day FRN Comment 2_Jones K.pdf
Ground Control Plan