[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 23, 2013)] [Notices] [Pages 4978-4981] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2013-01198] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA-2013-0002-N-2] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below. DATES: Comments must be received no later than March 25, 2013. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590, or Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of Information Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, 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-----.'' Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to (202) 493- 6216 or (202) 493-6497, or via email to Mr. Brogan at [email protected], or to Ms. Toone at [email protected]. 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: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493-6292) or Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of Information Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, [[Page 4979]] Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493-6132). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Pub. L. No. 104-13, Sec. 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR Part 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days notice to the public for comment on information collection activities before seeking approval for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites interested respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed information collection activities regarding (i) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (ii) 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; (iii) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public by automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(i)-(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(i)-(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will promote its efforts to reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information mandated by Federal regulations. In summary, FRA reasons that comments received will advance three objectives: (i) Reduce reporting burdens; (ii) ensure that it organizes information collection requirements in a ``user friendly'' format to improve the use of such information; and (iii) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501. Below are brief summaries of the two currently approved information collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as required under the PRA: Title: Track Safety Standards. OMB Control Number: 2130-0010. Abstract: Qualified persons inspect track and take action to allow safe passage of trains and ensure compliance with prescribed Track Safety Standards. In August 2009, FRA amended the Track Safety Standards to promote the safety of railroad operations over continuous welded rail (CWR). In particular, FRA promulgated specific requirements for the qualification of persons designated to inspect CWR track, or supervise the installation, adjustment, or maintenance of CWR track. FRA also clarified the procedure associated with the submission of CWR plans to FRA by track owners. The final specified that these plans should add focus on inspecting CWR for pull-apart prone conditions, and on CWR joint installation and maintenance procedures. The final rule also made other changes to the requirements governing CWR. Form Number(s): FRA F 6180.124. Affected Public: Businesses. Respondent Universe: 728 railroads. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Affected Public: Businesses. Reporting Burden: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total annual Average time per Total annual CFR Section Respondent universe responses response burden hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 213.14--Excepted Track-- 200 railroads...... 20 orders.......... 15 minutes........ 5 Identification. --Notification to FRA--Removal 200 railroads...... 15 notices......... 10 minutes........ 3 of Track Segment From Excepted Statutes. 213.5--Responsibility of Track 728 railroads...... 19 notices......... 8 hours........... 80 Owners--Assignment to Another Person--Notice to FRA. 213.7--Designation of Qualified 728 railroads...... 1,500 names........ 10 minutes........ 250 Persons to Supervise Certain Renewals and Inspect Track. --Individuals Designated under 728 railroads...... 80,000 trained 90 minutes........ 120,000 paragraphs (a) or (b) of this employees. section who inspect CWR and have completed CWR Training Course. --Employees authorized by 31 railroads....... 80,000 auth. + 70 minutes........ 93,333 Track Owner to prescribe CWR 80,000 exams. Remedial Actions. --Designations (Partially 31 railroads....... 250 names.......... 10 minutes........ 42 Qualified under Paragraph c). 213.17--Waiver Petitions.......... 728 railroads...... 6 petitions........ 24 hours.......... 144 213.57--Curves; Elevations & Speed 728 railroads...... 2 requests......... 40 hours.......... 80 Limits--Requests for higher curving speeds. --Implementation Notification 728 railroads...... 2 notifications.... 45 minutes........ 2 to FRA. --Requests For FRA Approval-- 1 railroad......... 2 test plans....... 16 hours.......... 32 Test Plans. 213.110--Gage Restraint Meas. 728 railroads...... 5 notices + 1 tech. 45 minutes + 4 8 Systems--Implementing GRMS-- report. hours. Notice to FRA and Technical Report. --GRMS Output Reports......... 728 railroads...... 50 reports......... 5 minutes......... 4 --GRMS Exception Reports...... 728 railroads...... 50 reports......... 5 minutes......... 4 --Procedures for Maintaining 728 railroads...... 4 procedures....... 2 hours........... 8 GRMS Data. --GRMS Training to Qualified 728 railroads...... 2 tr. programs + 5 16 hours.......... 112 Employees. sessions. --GRMS Inspections--Two Most 728 railroads...... 50 records......... 2 hours........... 100 Recent Records. 213.118--Continuous Weld Rail 728 railroads...... 728 revised plans.. 4 hours........... 2,912 (CWR)--Track Owner Plans to FRA. --Notice to FRA & to Affected 728 railroads...... 728 notices + 15 minutes + 2 2,849 Employees of Plan's Effective 80,000 notices. minutes. Date. --FRA Required Revisions to 728 railroads...... 20 revisions....... 2 hours........... 40 CWR Plans. --Further FRA Amendments to 728 railroads...... 20 plans........... 1 hour............ 20 CWR Plans--Annual Retraining of CWR Employees. 213.119--Continuous Weld Rail 239 railroads...... 12,000 reports..... 10 minutes........ 2,000 (CWR)--Fracture Reports. --Petition to FRA to Conduct 1 RR Association... 1 petition......... 15 minutes........ .25 Technical Conference on Fracture Report Data. [[Page 4980]] --Comprehensive CWR Training 239 railroads...... 240 amended 60 minutes........ 240 Program for Employees Needing programs. Annual Retraining. --Annual Retraining of CWR 31 railroads....... 80,000 workers..... 30 minutes........ 40,000 Employees. --Records of CWR Installations 239 railroads...... 2,000 records...... 10 minutes........ 333 and CWR Maintenance. --Records of Rail Joint 239 railroads...... 360,000 rcds....... 2 minutes......... 12,000 Inspections. --Records of CWR Periodic 239 railroads...... 480,000 rcds....... 1 minute.......... 8,000 Inspections. --CWR Procedures Manual....... 728 railroads...... 239 Manuals........ 10 minutes........ 40 213.233--Track Inspections by 728 railroads...... 12,500 notations... 1 minute.......... 208 Person/Vehicle--Records. 213.241--Track and Rail Inspection 728 railroads...... 1,542,089 records.. Varies with 1,723,941 Records. Inspection Type. 213.303--Responsibility for 2 railroads........ 1 notice........... 8 hours........... 8 Compliance--High Speed Track: Notice to FRA of Assignment of Responsibility. 213.305--Designation of Fully 2 railroads........ 150 designations... 10 minutes........ 25 Qualified Individuals. --Designation of Partially 2 railroads........ 15 designations.... 10 minutes........ 3 Qualified Individuals. 213.317--Waiver Petitions......... 2 railroads........ 1 petition......... 80 hours.......... 80 213.329--Curves, Elevation, and 2 railroads........ 3 notifications.... 40 hours.......... 120 Higher Speed Limits--Notification to FRA of Passenger/Commuter Equipment Operating at Higher Curving Speeds. --Notification to FRA of 2 railroads........ 3 notifications.... 45 minutes........ 2 Service Over More than One Track by Passenger or Commuter Service Operator. 213.333--Automated Vehicle 3 railroads........ 18 reports......... 20 hours.......... 360 Inspection Systems: Track Geometry Measurement System Output Reports. --Exception Printouts......... 2 railroads........ 13 printouts....... 20 hours.......... 260 213.341--Initial Inspection--New 2 railroads........ 2 reports.......... 16 hours.......... 32 Rail and Welds: Mill Inspection-- Report. --Welding Plant Inspection-- 2 railroads........ 2 reports.......... 16 hours.......... 32 Report. --Inspection of Field Welds-- 2 railroads........ 125 records........ 20 minutes........ 42 Records. 213.343--Continuous Weld Rail-- 2 railroads........ 150 records........ 10 minutes........ 253 History--Records. 213.345--Vehicle Qualification 1 railroad......... 2 reports.......... 560 hours......... 1,120 Testing--Results/Records. 213.347--Automotive or RR Crossing 1 railroad......... 2 plans............ 8 hours........... 16 at Grade--Protection Plans. 213.369--Inspection Records....... 2 railroads........ 500 records........ 1 minute.......... 8 --Inspection Records of 2 railroads........ 50 records......... 5 minutes......... 4 Defects and Remedial Actions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Responses: 2,813,581. Total Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,957,927 hours. Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection. Title: Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness. OMB Control Number: 2130-0545. Abstract: The collection of information is due to the passenger train emergency regulations set forth in 49 CFR parts 223 and 239 which require railroads to meet minimum Federal standards for the preparation, adoption, and implementation of emergency preparedness plans connected with the operation of passenger trains, including freight railroads hosting operations of rail passenger service. The regulations require luminescent or lighted emergency markings so that passengers and emergency responders can readily determine where the closest and most accessible exit routes are located and how the emergency exit mechanisms are operated. Windows and doors intended for emergency access by responders for extrication of passengers must be marked with retro-reflective material so that emergency responders, particularly in conditions of poor visibility, can easily distinguish them from the less accessible doors and windows. Records of the inspection, maintenance, and repair of emergency windows and door exits, as well as records of operational efficiency tests, will be used to ensure compliance with the regulations. Form Number(s): N/A. Affected Public: Businesses. Respondent Universe: 25 railroads. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Reporting Burden: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total annual Average time per Total annual CFR Section Respondent universe responses response burden hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 239.13--Waiver Petitions......... 25 railroads....... 1 petition......... 20 hours........... 20 239.107--Marking of Emergency 25 railroads....... 6,525 labels....... 10 minutes......... 706 Window and Door Exits on New Passenger Cars. --Replacement Markings/Decals 25 railroads....... 6,320 decals/1,300 5 minutes/10 744 on Emergency Window and Door decals. minutes. Exits. --Records of Inspections..... 25 railroads....... 1,800 window tests/ 20 minutes......... 1,000 records + 1,200 door test records. 239.101/201/203--Filing of 3 railroads........ 1 EPP.............. 158 hours.......... 158 Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). --Amendments to Emergency 15 railroads....... 5 amendments....... 8 hours............ 40 Preparedness Plan. [[Page 4981]] 239.101(a)(1)(ii)--Maintenance of 2 railroads........ 2 current lists.... 1 hour............. 2 Current Emergency Telephone Numbers. 239.101(a)(3)--Joint Operations 5 railroad pairs... 1 joint plan....... 16 hours........... 16 by Railroads --Joint Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). 239.101(a)(5)--Liaison with 25 railroads....... 25 updated plans... 40 hours........... 1,000 Emergency Responders--Updated Plans Containing Emergency Responder Liaison Information. 239.101(a)(7)(ii)--Passenger 3 new railroads/3 1,300 cards/3 plans/ 5 minutes/16 hours/ 396 Safety Information--Plans and commuter railroads. 3 safety messages/ 48 hours/8 hours/ Posting of Safety Awareness 3 plans/3 safety 24 hours. Messages. messages. 239.105--Debriefing and Critique 25 railroads....... 44 debriefing/ 27 hours........... 1,188 After Each Passenger Train critique sessions. Emergency Situation or Full Scale Simulation. 239.301--Operational (Efficiency) 25 railroads....... 25,000 tests/ 15 minutes......... 6,250 Tests of On-board and Control records. Center Employees and Records of Tests. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Responses: 43,536. Total Estimated Annual Burden: 11,520 hours. Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), 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. Issued in Washington, DC on January 15, 2013. Rebecca Pennington, Chief Financial Officer, Federal Railroad Administration. [FR Doc. 2013-01198 Filed 1-22-13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P