1557 Availability of technical guidance

Availability of Technical Guidance

[37 Pa.B. 4715]
[Saturday, August 25, 2007]

   Technical guidance documents are available on the Department of Environmental Protection's (Department) website at www.depweb.state.pa.us (DEP Keywords: Technical Guidance). The ''Final Documents'' heading is the link to a menu of the various Department bureaus where each bureau's final technical guidance documents are posted. The ''Draft Technical Guidance'' heading is the link to the Department's draft technical guidance documents.

   The Department will continue to revise its nonregulatory documents, as necessary, throughout 2007.

Ordering Paper Copies of Department Technical Guidance

   The Department encourages the use of the Internet to view and download technical guidance documents. When this option is not available, persons can order a paper copy of any of the Department's draft or final technical guidance documents by contacting the Department at [phone].

   In addition, bound copies of some of the Department's documents are available as Department publications. Check with the appropriate bureau for more information about the availability of a particular document as a publication.

Changes to Technical Guidance Documents

   Following is the current list of recent changes. Persons who have questions or comments about a particular document should call the contact person whose name and phone number is listed with each document.

Draft Technical Guidance--Substantive Revision

   DEP ID: 562-2112-503. Title: Bituminous Coal Surface Mining Near Underground Utility Lines and Blasting Near Underground Utility Lines on All Mining and Construction Sites. Description: This guidance document, formerly titled ''Coal Surface Mining and Blasting Near Underground Utility Lines and Pipelines,'' establishes procedures mine operators should follow when conducting mining and blasting activities near underground utility lines. The procedures identified in the guidance serve to not only ensure the integrity of underground utility lines, but to also protect the safety of workers and the interests of utility line owners. Substantive changes were recently made to the guidance to further enhance the procedures for limiting the effects blasting may have on underground utility lines. These revisions result in a guidance document that more clearly follows the regulatory requirements for blasting activities. The document also includes guidance on the regulation of blasting near underground utility lines in anthracite coal mining, noncoal mining and on construction sites. Written Comments: The Department is seeking comments on the substantive revisions to draft technical guidance #562-2112-503. Interested persons may submit written comments on this draft technical guidance document by September 24, 2007. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. The Department will accept comments submitted by e-mail. A return name and address must be included in each e-mail transmission. Written comments should be submitted to Richard Lamkie, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mining and Reclamation, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P. O. Box 8461, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8461; [e-mail]. Contact: Questions regarding the draft technical guidance document should be directed to Richard Lamkie at [phone], [e-mail]. Effective Date: Upon publication of notice as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Notice To Rescind Technical Guidance

   DEP ID: 700-5600-001. Title: Guidance for Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency Site Assessments. Description: This guidance document was formerly issued by the Department to identify the policy and procedures for which it would conduct pollution prevention and energy efficiency site assessments. Since the guidance document was finalized, the Department has determined that there is insufficient need to maintain the protocol in the guidance document, as it does not reflect current program goals and priorities of the Department and is therefore outdated and invalid. Contact: Questions concerning the rescission of technical guidance document #700-5600-001 should be directed to Richard Illig, Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 15th Floor, P. O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772, [phone], [e-mail]. Effective Date: August 25, 2007.

KATHLEEN A. MCGINTY,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 07-1557. Filed for public inspection August 24, 2007, 9:00 a.m.]