Summary of Decisions Granting in Whole or in Part Petitions for Modification [Notices] [08/06/96]

Volume 61, Number 152, Page 40859-40863

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Summary of Decisions Granting in Whole or in Part Petitions for Modification

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Notice of affirmative decisions issued by the Administrators for Coal Mine Safety and Health and Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health on petitions for modification of the application of mandatory safety standards.

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SUMMARY: Under section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, the Secretary of Labor may modify the application of a mandatory safety standard to a mine if the Secretary determines either that an alternate method exists at a specific mine that will guarantee no less protection for the miners affected than that provided by the standard, or that the application of the standard at a specific mine will result in a diminution of safety to the affected miners.

Summaries of petitions received by the Secretary appear periodically in the Federal Register. Final decisions on these petitions are based upon the petitioner's statements, comments and information submitted by interested persons, and a field investigation of the conditions at the mine. MSHA has granted or partially granted the requests for modification submitted by the petitioners listed below. In some instances, the decisions are conditioned upon compliance with stipulations stated in the decision.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Petitions and copies of the final decisions are available for examination by the public in the Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, Room 627, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Contact Barbara Barron at 703- 235-1910.

Dated: July 29, 1996.

Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.

Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification

Docket No.: M-94-011-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 6975.
Petitioner: SBM Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the M and R Slope Mine with conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

Docket No.: M-94-012-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 6975.
Petitioner: SBM Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the M and R Slope Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-023-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 10172.
Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(d)(4).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to allow the width of the alternate escapeway in the belt entry for each longwall panel to be maintained at a width of a minimum of 48 inches for a maximum distance of 1,050 feet immediately out by the stageloader; to designate the intake entry as the primary escapeway and belt entry as the alternate escapeway with both escapeways on intake air and maintained to a minimum of 6 feet in width for their entire distance, except for a distance of a maximum of 1,050 feet in the alternate escapeway beginning at the stage-loader considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the West Elk Mine with conditions for the ``monorail area'', the area immediately out by the stage-loader for a maximum distance of 1,050 feet, in the belt entry of each longwall panel.

Docket No.: M-94-042-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 21780.
Petitioner: Peabody Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector from accidently disengaging while under load; and to

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instruct all persons during safety meetings on the requirements for operating or maintaining battery-powered machines considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Big Mountain No. 16 Mine with conditions for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.

Docket No.: M-94-044-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 24728.
Petitioner: K & L Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-045-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 24728.
Petitioner: K & L Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-047-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 24728.
Petitioner: K & L Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(b)(5).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to examine each seal for physical damage from the slope gunboat during the preshift examination after an air quantity reading is taken in by the intake portal, to test for the quantity and quality of air at the intake air split locations off the slope in the gangway portion of the working section, and to physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air haulage slope of this mine.

Docket No.: M-94-072-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 35147.
Petitioner: Chestnut Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 75.360(b)(5). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to examine each seal for physical damage from the slope gunboat during the preshift examination after an air quantity reading is taken in by the intake portal, to test for the quantity and quality of air at the intake air split locations off the slope in the gangway portion of the working section and physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 10 Slope Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air haulage slope of this mine.

Docket No.: M-94-075-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 35147.
Petitioner: Chestnut Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-076-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 35147.
Petitioner: Chestnut Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 10 Slope Mine with conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

Docket No.: M-94-082-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 35148.
Petitioner: K & S Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the First Chance Slope Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-083-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 35148.
Petitioner: K & S Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the First Chance Slope Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-088-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 35148.
Petitioner: Shadle Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Shadle Slope Mine with conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine maps.

Docket No.: M-94-089-C. FR Notice: 59 FR 35149. Petitioner: Shadle Coal Company. Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Shadle Slope Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-090-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 35149.
Petitioner: Shadle Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Shadle Slope Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-092-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 35149.
Petitioner: Shadle Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(b)(5).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to examine each seal for physical damage from the slope gunboat during the preshift examination after an air quantity reading is taken inby the intake portal, to test for the quantity and quality of air at the intake air split locations off the slope in the gangway portion of the working section, and to physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Shadle Slope Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air haulage slope of this mine.

Docket No.: M-94-097-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 38203.
Petitioner: Helvetia Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use two portable fire extinguishers, or one portable fire extinguisher with twice the required capacity, at each temporary electrical installation instead of using one fire extinguisher and rock dust at such installations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lucerne No. 6 Extension Mine with conditions for the temporary electrical installations provided the Petitioner maintains two portable fire extinguishers having at least the minimum capacity specified for a portable fire extinguisher in 30 CFR 75.1100-1(e) at each of the temporary electrical installations.

Docket No.: M-94-099-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 38203.
Petitioner: Keystone Coal Mining Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use two portable fire extinguishers, or one portable fire extinguisher with twice the required capacity, at each temporary electrical installation instead of using one fire extinguisher and rock dust at such installations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Emilie No. 1 Mine, Emilie No. 4 Mine, Jane Mine, Urling No. 1 Mine, Margaret No. 11 Mine, and Plumcreek Mine with conditions for the temporary electrical installations provided the Petitioner maintains two portable fire extinguishers having at least the minimum capacity specified for a portable fire extinguisher in 30 CFR 75.1100-1(e) at each of the temporary electrical installations.

Docket No.: M-94-102-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 40924.
Petitioner: H. L. & W. Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(b)(5).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to examine each seal for physical damage from the slope gunboat during the preshift examination after an air quantity reading is taken inby the intake portal, to test for the quantity and quality of air at the intake air split locations off the slope in the gangway portion of the working section, and to physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 2 Slope Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air haulage slope of this mine.

Docket No.: M-94-104-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 40924.
Petitioner: H. L. & W. Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Slope No. 2 Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-105-C. FR Notice: 59 FR 40924. Petitioner: H. L. & W. Coal Company. Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Slope No. 2 Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-106-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 40924.
Petitioner: H. L. & W. Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Slope No. 2 Mine with conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

Docket No.: M-94-124-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 46268.
Petitioner: C & C Coal Company (now L & R Coal Company).
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Primrose Slope Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-125-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 46268.
Petitioner: C & C Coal Company (now L & R Coal Company).
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Primrose Slope Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-126-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 46268.
Petitioner: C & C Coal Company (now L & R Coal Company).
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Primrose Slope Mine with conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

Docket No.: M-94-133-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 46269.
Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector from accidently disengaging while under load; and to instruct all persons on the requirements

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for operating or maintaining battery-powered machines considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lightfoot No. 1 Mine with conditions for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.

Docket No.: M-94-134-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 46269.
Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503. XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector from accidently disengaging while under load; and to instruct all persons on the requirements for operating or maintaining battery- powered machines considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lightfoot No. 2 Mine with conditions for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.

Docket No.: M-94-136-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 5007.
Petitioner: Triton Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.1607(u). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a portable hydraulic unit to supply power to the necessary functions of disabled equipment in order to move it safely considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Buckskin Mine with conditions for the use of a portable hydraulic unit for braking and steering and a towing sling or choke cable in lieu of a towbar with safety chains.

Docket No.: M-94-142-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 52839.
Petitioner: Ram Head Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Primrose Slope Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-143-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 52839.
Petitioner: Ram Head Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Primrose Slope Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-144-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 52839.
Petitioner: Ram Head Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Primrose Slope Mine with conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

Docket No.: M-94-146-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 52839.
Petitioner: Arch of Illinois.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.206(c). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a SAF-T-CLIMB fall prevention system that meets Federal Specifications No. RR-S- 001301, and complies with OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.27 considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Arch of Illinois Preparation Plant with conditions for the use of SAF-T-CLIMB fall prevention system at every permanently attached vertical ladder used at counterweight towers during maintenance work on the overload conveyor system.

Docket No.: M-94-158-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 59434.
Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b) (2) & (4). XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to establish two positive return evaluation points, one in the No. 6 entry and one in the No. 4 entry, to measure the return airflow; to maintain and check evaluation points Nos. 17 and 18 at least once every twenty-four hours; and to designate a certified person to make these examinations and record the results in an approved book considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lightfoot No. 1 Mine with conditions for a portion of the return aircourse in the 1 Right Mains near the portal, including three of the four adjacent mine seals for the worked-out area of 2 Butt Right.

Docket No.: M-94-161-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 59435.
Petitioner: Pontiki Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350. XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use belt haulage entries as intake air courses to ventilate active working places and to install a low-level carbon monoxide detection system as an early warning fire detection system in all belt entries used as intake air courses considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Pontiki No. 1 Mine at the end with conditions to allow air coursed through conveyor belt entries to be used to ventilate working places.

Docket No.: M-94-162-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 59435.
Petitioner: Pontiki Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350. XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use belt haulage entries as intake air courses to ventilate active working places and to install a low-level carbon monoxide detection system as an early warning fire detection system in all belt entries used as intake air courses considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Pontiki No. 2 Mine at the end with conditions to allow air coursed through conveyor belt entries to be used to ventilate working places.

Docket No.: M-94-175-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 67736.
Petitioner: L. V. Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 4 Slope Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-176-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 67736.
Petitioner: L. V. Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 4 Slope Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines,

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limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-177-C.
FR Notice: 59 FR 67736.
Petitioner: L. V. Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 4 Slope Mine with conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

Docket No.: M-94-179-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 3436.
Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.900.XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use contactors to provide undervoltage grounded phase protection instead of using circuit breakers, and to use the breakers for short circuit and overcurrent protection considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lightfoot No. 1 Mine with conditions to allow the use of contactors to provide undervoltage, grounded phase, and overload protection and monitor the grounding conductors for 480-volt belt conveyor drives and other loads from combination power center/belt starter units located at the mine.

Docket No.: M-94-180-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 3436.
Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.900. XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use contactors to provide undervoltage grounded phase protection instead of using circuit breakers, and to use the breakers for short circuit and overcurrent protection considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lightfoot No. 2 Mine with conditions to allow the use of contactors to provide undervoltage, grounded phase, and overload protection and monitor the grounding conductors for 480-volt belt conveyor drives and other loads from combination power center/belt starter units located at the mine.

Docket No.: M-94-181-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 3436.
Petitioner: M & H Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002-1(a).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use nonpermissible electric equipment within 150 feet of the pillar line and to suspend equipment operation anytime methane concentration at the equipment reaches 0.5 percent, either during operation or during a pre-shift examination considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mercury Slope Mine with conditions for the use of nonpermissible battery-powered locomotives and non-permissible electric drags and associated non-permissible electric components located within 150 feet from pillar workings.

Docket No.: M-94-186-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.
Petitioner: Mt. Top Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mt. Top Coal Company Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

Docket No.: M-94-187-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.
Petitioner: Mt. Top Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), and (i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mt. Top Coal Company Mine with conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M-94-188-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.
Petitioner: Mt. Top Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Buck Mountain Slope Mine with conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

Docket No.: M-94-189-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.
Petitioner: Knott County Mining Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.900. XX Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use contactors for undervoltage protection instead of using circuit breakers considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Brimstone Mine No. 1 and the Hollybush Mine No. 1 with conditions to allow the use of contactors to provide undervoltage, grounded phase, and overload protection and monitor the grounding conductors for 480-volt belt conveyor drive motors and water pump motors greater than 5 horsepower.

[FR Doc. 96-19994 Filed 8-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P