Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 70264-70265 [2019-27462]

Download as PDF 70264 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 245 / Friday, December 20, 2019 / Notices Issued on: December 11, 2019. Richard J. Marquis, New York Division Administrator, Albany, New York. [FR Doc. 2019–27420 Filed 12–19–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–RY–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2019–0004–N–22] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding the Information Collection Requests (ICRs) abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICRs describe the information collections and their expected burden. On October 7, 2019, FRA published a notice providing a 60day period for public comment on the ICRs. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before January 21, 2020. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the ICRs to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503, Attention: FRA Desk Officer. Comments may also be sent via email to OMB at the following address: oira_ submissions@omb.eop.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Hodan Wells, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Railroad Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, (telephone: (202) 493–0440) or Ms. Kim Toone, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Information Technology, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, (telephone: (202) 493–6132). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to issue two notices seeking public comment on information collection activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:30 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 250001 See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. On October 7, 2019, FRA published a 60-day notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comment on the ICRs for which it is now seeking OMB approval. See 84 FR 53556. FRA has received no comments in response to this notice. Before OMB decides whether to approve these proposed collections of information, it must provide 30-days’ notice for public comment. Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove paperwork packages between 30 and 60 days after the 30-day notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 3507(b)–(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); see also 60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. OMB believes the 30-day notice informs the regulated community to file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to digest public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure having their full effect. Comments are invited on the following ICRs regarding: (1) Whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The summaries below describe the ICRs that FRA will submit for OMB clearance as the PRA requires: Title: Remotely Controlled Switch Operations. OMB Control Number: 2130–0516. Abstract: Sections 49 CFR 218.30 and 218.77 require remotely controlled switches be properly lined to protect workers who are vulnerable to being struck by moving cars as they inspect or service rolling equipment on track or occupy camp cars. Creating required notifications promotes safety by minimizing the mental lapses of workers who are simultaneously handling several tasks. These sections require the operator of remotely controlled switches to maintain a record of each blue signal protection request for 15 days. Operators of remotely controlled switches use the information PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 as a record documenting blue signal protection of workers or camp cars. This record also serves as a valuable resource for railroad supervisors and FRA and State inspectors monitoring regulatory compliance. Type of Request: Extension with change (revised estimates) of a currently approved collection. Affected Public: Businesses. Form(s): N/A. Respondent Universe: 53 railroads. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Total Estimated Annual Responses: 1,934,650. Total Estimated Annual Burden: 24,183 hours. Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $1,378,431. Title: Bad Order, Home Shop Card, and Stenciling Reporting Mark. OMB Control Number: 2130–0519. Abstract: Under 49 CFR part 215, railroads are required to inspect freight cars placed in service and take remedial action when defects are identified. A railroad freight car with a part 215 defect may be moved to another location for repair only after the railroad has complied with the process under 49 CFR 215.9. Section 215.9 requires railroads to affix a ‘‘bad order’’ tag describing each defect to each side of the freight car. It is imperative that a defective freight car be tagged ‘‘bad order’’ so it can be readily identified and moved to another location for repair purposes only, and so that the maximum speed and other restrictions necessary for safely conducting the movement are known. At the repair location, the ‘‘bad order’’ tag serves as a notification of the defective condition of the freight car. Railroads must retain each tag for 90 days to verify that proper repairs were made at the designated location. When inspecting a freight car, FRA and State inspectors review all pertinent records to determine railroads’ compliance with the movement restrictions of 49 CFR 215.9. Additionally, section 215.301 1 requires railroads and private car owners to stencil or otherwise display identification marks on freight cars. FRA uses the identification marks to determine the railroads affected, the number and type of cars involved, the commodities being carried, and the territorial and speed limits within which the cars will be operated. FRA reviews this information to determine if the freight car is safe to operate and if the operation qualifies for dedicated 1 Burdens associated with section 215.301 were formerly covered under OMB Control Number 2130–0520. E:\FR\FM\20DEN1.SGM 20DEN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 245 / Friday, December 20, 2019 / Notices service and is excluded from the requirements of part 215. Railroads use the required information to provide identification and control so that dedicated cars remain in the prescribed service. Type of Request: Extension with change (revised estimates) of a currently approved collection. Affected Public: Businesses (railroads). Form(s): N/A. Respondent Universe: 752 railroads. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Total Estimated Annual Responses: 300,000. Total Estimated Annual Burden: 38,250 hours. Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $2,187,900. Title: Bridge Worker Safety Rules. OMB Control Number: 2130–0535. Abstract: Subpart B of 49 CFR part 214 establishes minimum workplace safety standards for railroad employees as they apply to railroad bridges. Specifically, 49 CFR 214.105(c) establishes standards and practices for safety net systems. Safety nets and net installations must be drop-tested at the job site after initial installation and before being used as a fall-protection system, after major repairs, and at 6month intervals if left at one site. If a drop-test is not feasible and is not performed, then the railroad or railroad contractor, or a designated certified person, must provide written certification the net complies with the safety standards of 49 CFR 214.105. FRA and State inspectors use the information to enforce Federal regulations. The information maintained at the job site promotes safe bridge worker practices. Type of Request: Extension with change (revised estimates) of a currently approved collection. Affected Public: Businesses (railroads). Form(s): N/A. Respondent Universe: 746 railroads. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Total Estimated Annual Responses: 3. Total Estimated Annual Burden: 15 minutes. Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $19. Under 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b) and 1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:30 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 250001 Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520. Brett A. Jortland, Acting Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. 2019–27462 Filed 12–19–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2019–0004–N–23] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before February 18, 2020. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the ICR activities by mail to: Ms. Kim Toone, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Information Technology, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, ‘‘Comments on OMB Control Number 2130–0593,’’ and should also include the title of the ICR. Alternatively, comments may be faxed to Ms. Toone at Kim.Toone@ dot.gov. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information collection submission to OMB for approval. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Kim Toone, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Information Technology, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, (telephone: 202–493–6132). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00120 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 70265 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days’ notice to the public to allow comment on information collection activities before seeking OMB approval of the activities. See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. Specifically, FRA invites interested parties to comment on the following ICR regarding: (1) Whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (4) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1). FRA believes that soliciting public comment may reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information that Federal regulations mandate. In summary, FRA reasons that comments received will advance three objectives: (1) Reduce reporting burdens; (2) organize information collection requirements in a ‘‘user-friendly’’ format to improve the use of such information; and (3) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501. The summary below describes the ICR that FRA will submit for OMB clearance as the PRA requires: Title: Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service. OMB Control Number: 2130–0593. Abstract: This collection of information is necessary to enable FRA to garner customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient, timely manner, consistent with its commitment to improving service delivery. The information collected from FRA’s customers and stakeholders will help ensure users have an effective, efficient, and satisfying experience with FRA’s programs. This feedback will provide insights into customer or stakeholder perceptions, experiences and expectations, provide an early indicator of issues with service, and focus attention on areas where communication, training or changes in operations might improve delivery of products or services. This collection will allow ongoing, collaborative, and E:\FR\FM\20DEN1.SGM 20DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 245 (Friday, December 20, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70264-70265]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27462]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket No. FRA-2019-0004-N-22]


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its 
implementing regulations, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding 
the Information Collection Requests (ICRs) abstracted below to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICRs 
describe the information collections and their expected burden. On 
October 7, 2019, FRA published a notice providing a 60-day period for 
public comment on the ICRs.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
January 21, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the ICRs to the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 
725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503, Attention: FRA Desk Officer. 
Comments may also be sent via email to OMB at the following address: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Hodan Wells, Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Railroad Safety, Federal 
Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 
20590, (telephone: (202) 493-0440) or Ms. Kim Toone, Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Information Technology, Federal 
Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 
20590, (telephone: (202) 493-6132).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, and its 
implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to 
issue two notices seeking public comment on information collection 
activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. See 44 U.S.C. 
3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. On October 7, 2019, FRA 
published a 60-day notice in the Federal Register soliciting public 
comment on the ICRs for which it is now seeking OMB approval. See 84 FR 
53556. FRA has received no comments in response to this notice.
    Before OMB decides whether to approve these proposed collections of 
information, it must provide 30-days' notice for public comment. 
Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove paperwork packages 
between 30 and 60 days after the 30-day notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 
3507(b)-(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); see also 60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 
1995. OMB believes the 30-day notice informs the regulated community to 
file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to digest 
public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 
1995. Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to 
OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure having their full 
effect.
    Comments are invited on the following ICRs regarding: (1) Whether 
the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly 
execute its functions, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden of 
the information collection activities, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (3) ways 
for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
being collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of information 
collection activities on the public, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    The summaries below describe the ICRs that FRA will submit for OMB 
clearance as the PRA requires:

    Title: Remotely Controlled Switch Operations.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0516.
    Abstract: Sections 49 CFR 218.30 and 218.77 require remotely 
controlled switches be properly lined to protect workers who are 
vulnerable to being struck by moving cars as they inspect or service 
rolling equipment on track or occupy camp cars. Creating required 
notifications promotes safety by minimizing the mental lapses of 
workers who are simultaneously handling several tasks. These sections 
require the operator of remotely controlled switches to maintain a 
record of each blue signal protection request for 15 days. Operators of 
remotely controlled switches use the information as a record 
documenting blue signal protection of workers or camp cars. This record 
also serves as a valuable resource for railroad supervisors and FRA and 
State inspectors monitoring regulatory compliance.
    Type of Request: Extension with change (revised estimates) of a 
currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Form(s): N/A.
    Respondent Universe: 53 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 1,934,650.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 24,183 hours.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: 
$1,378,431.

    Title: Bad Order, Home Shop Card, and Stenciling Reporting Mark.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0519.
    Abstract: Under 49 CFR part 215, railroads are required to inspect 
freight cars placed in service and take remedial action when defects 
are identified. A railroad freight car with a part 215 defect may be 
moved to another location for repair only after the railroad has 
complied with the process under 49 CFR 215.9. Section 215.9 requires 
railroads to affix a ``bad order'' tag describing each defect to each 
side of the freight car. It is imperative that a defective freight car 
be tagged ``bad order'' so it can be readily identified and moved to 
another location for repair purposes only, and so that the maximum 
speed and other restrictions necessary for safely conducting the 
movement are known. At the repair location, the ``bad order'' tag 
serves as a notification of the defective condition of the freight car. 
Railroads must retain each tag for 90 days to verify that proper 
repairs were made at the designated location. When inspecting a freight 
car, FRA and State inspectors review all pertinent records to determine 
railroads' compliance with the movement restrictions of 49 CFR 215.9.
    Additionally, section 215.301 \1\ requires railroads and private 
car owners to stencil or otherwise display identification marks on 
freight cars. FRA uses the identification marks to determine the 
railroads affected, the number and type of cars involved, the 
commodities being carried, and the territorial and speed limits within 
which the cars will be operated. FRA reviews this information to 
determine if the freight car is safe to operate and if the operation 
qualifies for dedicated

[[Page 70265]]

service and is excluded from the requirements of part 215. Railroads 
use the required information to provide identification and control so 
that dedicated cars remain in the prescribed service.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Burdens associated with section 215.301 were formerly 
covered under OMB Control Number 2130-0520.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Type of Request: Extension with change (revised estimates) of a 
currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Businesses (railroads).
    Form(s): N/A.
    Respondent Universe: 752 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 300,000.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 38,250 hours.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: 
$2,187,900.

    Title: Bridge Worker Safety Rules.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0535.
    Abstract: Subpart B of 49 CFR part 214 establishes minimum 
workplace safety standards for railroad employees as they apply to 
railroad bridges. Specifically, 49 CFR 214.105(c) establishes standards 
and practices for safety net systems. Safety nets and net installations 
must be drop-tested at the job site after initial installation and 
before being used as a fall-protection system, after major repairs, and 
at 6-month intervals if left at one site. If a drop-test is not 
feasible and is not performed, then the railroad or railroad 
contractor, or a designated certified person, must provide written 
certification the net complies with the safety standards of 49 CFR 
214.105. FRA and State inspectors use the information to enforce 
Federal regulations. The information maintained at the job site 
promotes safe bridge worker practices.
    Type of Request: Extension with change (revised estimates) of a 
currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Businesses (railroads).
    Form(s): N/A.
    Respondent Universe: 746 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 3.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 15 minutes.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $19.

    Under 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b) and 1320.8(b)(3)(vi), 
FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or sponsor, 
and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

Brett A. Jortland,
Acting Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2019-27462 Filed 12-19-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P


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