[Federal Register: August 28, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 167)]
[Notices]
[Page 52131-52135]
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine
Safety and Health Administration
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 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977, the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) may allow the modification of
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.
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, as
designee of the Secretary, has granted or partially granted the
requests for modification listed below. In some instances, the
decisions are conditioned upon compliance with stipulations stated in
the decision. The term ``FR Notice'' appears in the list of affirmative
decisions below. The term refers to the Federal Register volume and
page where MSHA published a notice of the filing of the petition for
modification.
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: August 18, 2000.
Carol J. Jones,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.
Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification
Docket No.: M-2000-005-C
FR Notice: 65 FR 10563
Petitioner: Independence Coal Company, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use air coursed
through the conveyor belt entry to ventilate active working places by
installing a low-level carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early
warning fire detection system in all belt entries used to course intake
air to a working place. This is considered an acceptable alternative
method for the Cedar Grove Mine No. 1. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the Cedar Grove Mine No. 1 with conditions.
Docket No.: M-2000-009-C
FR Notice: 65 FR 10564
Petitioner: Performance Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use air coursed
through the conveyor belt entry to ventilate active working places by
installing a low-level carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early
warning fire detection system in all belt entries used to course intake
air to a working place. This is considered an acceptable alternative
method for the Upper Big Branch Mine-South. MSHA grants the petition
for modification for the Upper Big Branch Mine-South with conditions.
Docket No.: M-2000-010-C
FR Notice: 65 FR 10564
Petitioner: Aracoma Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use air coursed
through the conveyor belt entry to ventilate active working places by
installing a low-level carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early
warning fire detection system in all belt entries used to course intake
air to a working place. This is considered an acceptable alternative
method for the Aracoma Alma Mine No. 1. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the Aracoma Alma Mine No. 1 with conditions.
Docket No.: M-2000-022-C
FR Notice: 65 FR 19928
Petitioner: Black Beauty Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 1909(b)(6)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to in lieu of front
wheel brakes on the Getman Roadbuilder six-wheeled diesel grader, limit
the minimum speed of the grader to less than 10 mph, provide training
for the grader operators on lowering the moldboard for additional
stopping capability in emergency situations, and on recognizing the
appropriate speeds to use on different roadway conditions and slopes.
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Air Quality
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Air Quality
Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-001-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 12183
Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.701
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use portable
diesel generators to move and operate electric powered mobile equipment
and pumps throughout the mine. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the West Elk Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the 480-volt, three-phase, 460 KW diesel powered
generator (DPG) sets supplying power to a 400 KVA three-phase
transformer and three-phase 480-, 575-, and 995-Volt power circuits for
the West Elk Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-002-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 12183
Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use portable
diesel generators to move and operate electric powered mobile equipment
and pumps throughout the mine. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the West Elk Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the 480-volt, three-phase, 460 KW diesel powered
generator (DPG) sets supplying power to a 400 KVA three-phase
transformer and three-phase 480-, 575-, and 995-Volt power circuits for
the West Elk Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-003-C.
Petitioner: Peabody Coal Company.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(4).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to establish
evaluation points to monitor the return air course inby and outby the
seals by establishing evaluation points to monitor the affected area,
have a certified person monitor the evaluation points on a weekly basis
to determine the volume of air and the methane and oxygen
concentrations, and record all examination results in a book maintained
on the surface of the mine. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Camp No. 1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition
for modification for the continuous monitoring using intrinsically safe
sensors installed as part of the mine's Atmospheric Monitoring System
(AMS) and weekly evaluation of air entering and leaving approximately
900 feet of return air course which ventilates the inaccessible 4th
Panel West Mine seals and an inaccessible portion of the North Main
return air course for the Camp No. 1 Mine with conditions.
[[Page 52132]]
Docket No.: M-1999-004-C.
FR Notice: 64 FR 12183.
Petitioner: Peabody Coal Company.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to establish
evaluation points to monitor the return air course inby and outby the
seals by establishing evaluation points to monitor the affected area,
have a certified person monitor the evaluation points on a weekly basis
to determine the volume of air and the methane and oxygen
concentrations, and record all examination results in a book maintained
on the surface of the mine. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Camp No. 1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition
for modification for the evaluation of airflow through an approximately
1,450-foot-long, unsafe-to-travel segment of common return air course
entries in Main North for the Camp No. 1 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-010-C.
FR Notice: 64 FR 16760.
Petitioner: D & D Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use cross-sections
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 foot intervals of
advance from the intake slope, and to limit the required mapping of the
mine workings above and below to those present within 1000 feet of the
veins being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels. This is considered an
acceptable alternative method for the 7 Ft. Drift Mine. MSHA grants the
petition for modification for the 7 Ft. Drift Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-030-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 32551
Petitioner: Snyder Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.360
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to visually examine
each seal for physical damage from the slope gunboat during the
preshift examination after an air quantity reading is taken just inby
the intake portal; air reading and gas test for methane, carbon
dioxide, and oxygen deficiency taken at the intake air split locations
just off the slope in the gangway portion of the working section; and
have the examiner reading the air and gas test record the date, time,
his/her initials, and results of the readings at a sufficient location
on the surface and correct all hazards prior to transporting personnel
into the slope. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for
the Rattling Run Slope Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification
for the Rattling Run Slope Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-031-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 32551
Petitioner: Snyder Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(1), (4) and (5)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to preshift examine
the intake haulage slope and primary escapeway areas from the gunboat/
slope car with an alternative air quality evaluation at the section's
intake gangway level, and travel and thoroughly examine these areas for
hazardous conditions once a month and record the date, time, and his/
her initials at an appropriate location on the surface due to
significant fall hazards. This is considered an acceptable alternative
method in part, for the Rattling Run Slope Mine. MSHA grants the
petition for modification for 30 CFR 75.364(b)(4), to conduct
examinations of the seals located along the return and bleeder air
courses from the ladder on a weekly basis, not on a monthly basis for
the Rattling Run Slope Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-034-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 32552
Petitioner: Snyder Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400(c)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a slope
conveyance gunboat in transporting persons without installing safety
catches or other no less effective devices, but instead use an
increased rope strength/safety factor and secondary safety rope
connection. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the
Rattling Run Slope Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for
the Rattling Run Slope Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-037-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 32552
Petitioner: Mingo Logan Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to install a low-
level carbon monoxide monitoring as an automatic fire detection as an
early warning system in all conveyor belt entries to be used to
ventilate working places. This is considered an acceptable alternative
method for the Mountaineer Alma A Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the Mountaineer Alma A Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-052-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 41139
Petitioner: West Ridge Resources, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-8
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a single overhead
pipe system with \1/2\-inch orifice automatic sprinklers located on 10-
foot centers rather than every 8 feet to cover 50 feet of fire-
resistant belt or 150 feet of non-fire resistant belt with actuation
temperatures between 200 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit, have the automatic
sprinklers located not more than 10 feet apart so that the discharge of
water will extend over the belt drive, belt take-up, electrical control
and gear reducing unit. This is an acceptable alternative method for
the West Ridge Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the
water sprinkler system arrangement installed for fire protection on
belt conveyors for the West Ridge Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-058-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 41140
Petitioner: Knott County Mining Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.900
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use contactors for
undervoltage protection as an alternative to using circuit breakers.
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Panther
Lick Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification to allow the use
of vacuum contactors to provide undervoltage and overload protection
and monitor the grounding conductors for 480-volt belt conveyor drive
motors and water pump motors greater than 5 horsepower located in the
panther Lick Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-064-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 49246
Petitioner: Bowie Resources, Ltd.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.804(a)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use high-voltage
cables that comply with the existing standard or CABLEC/BICC Anaconda
brand KV,3C type SHD+GC or similar 5,000 volt cable with a center
ground check conductor, but otherwise manufactured to the ICEA Standard
S-75-381 for type SHD, three-conductor cables. This is considered an
acceptable alternative method for the Bowie Mine No. 2. MSHA grants the
petition for modification for the Bowie Mine No. 2 with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-074-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 55492
Petitioner: Consol of Kentucky, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-8
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a single overhead
pipe system with \1/2\-inch orifice automatic
[[Page 52133]]
sprinklers located on 10-foot centers rather than every 8 feet to cover
50 feet of fire-resistant belt or 150 feet of non-fire resistant belt
with actuation temperatures between 200 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit,
have the automatic sprinklers located not more than 10 feet apart so
that the discharge of water will extend over the belt drive, belt take-
up, electrical control and gear reducing unit. This is an acceptable
alternative method for the Mousie H4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the water sprinkler system arrangement installed for
fire protection on belt conveyors for the Mousie H4 Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-077-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 55493
Petitioner: Consol of Kentucky, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.701
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to obtain a low- and
medium-voltage, three-phase, alternating current for use underground
from a portable diesel-driven generator and to connect the neutral of
the generator's transformer secondary through a suitable resistor to
the frame of the diesel generator. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Mousie H4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the 480-volt, three-phase, 188W diesel powered
generator (DPG) set supplying power to a 20 KVA three-phase transformer
and three-phase 600-volt and 995-volt power circuits at the Mousie H4
Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-080-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 55493
Petitioner: Wayne Processing, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a spring-
loaded locking device to secure battery plugs to machine mounted
receptacles instead of using padlocks. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the No. 1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs at the No. 1 Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-081-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 55493
Petitioner: Sheep Fork Energy, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a spring-
loaded locking device to secure battery plugs to machine mounted
receptacles instead of using padlocks. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the No. 6 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs at the No. 6 Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-083-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 55493
Petitioner: Garrett Mining, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a spring-
loaded locking device to secure battery plugs to machine mounted
receptacles instead of using padlocks. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the No. 2 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs at the No. 2 Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-084-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57661
Petitioner: Clark Elkhorn Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a spring-
loaded locking device to secure battery plugs to machine mounted
receptacles instead of using padlocks. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Ratliff Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs at the Ratliff Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-085-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57661
Petitioner: Matrix Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a spring-
loaded locking device to secure battery plugs to machine mounted
receptacles instead of using padlocks. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Mohawk Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs at the Mohawk Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-086-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57661
Petitioner: Remington Coal Company, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a spring-
loaded locking device to secure battery plugs to machine mounted
receptacles instead of using padlocks. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Stockburg Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs at the Stockburg No. 1
Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-087-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57661
Petitioner: Goodin Creek Contracting, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to install two ten
pound portable chemical fire extinguishers in the operators' deck of
each Mescher three wheel tractor readily accessible to the operator,
have the operator inspect each fire extinguisher daily prior to
entering the escapeway, maintain records of inspections, and maintain a
sufficient number of spare fire extinguishers at the mine in case the
fire extinguisher becomes defective. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Goodin Creek Mine. MSHA grants the petition
for modification for the Mescher three wheel tractors to be operated in
the primary escapeway at the Goodin Creek Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-088-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57662
Petitioner: Canfield Energy, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to install two ten
pound portable chemical fire extinguishers in the operators' deck of
each Mescher three wheel tractor readily accessible to the operator,
have the operator inspect each fire extinguisher daily prior to
entering the escapeway, maintain record of inspections, and maintain a
sufficient number of spare fire extinguishers at the mine in case the
fire extinguisher becomes defective. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Canfield #5 Mine. MSHA grants the petition
for modification for the Mescher three wheel tractors to be operated in
the primary escapeway at the Canfield #5 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-089-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57662
Petitioner: Canfield Energy, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.342
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a hand-held
continuous duty methane, oxygen, and carbon monoxide detector instead
of machine-mounted methane monitors on three-wheel tractors used to
load and haul coal from the mine faces. This is considered an
acceptable alternative method for the Canfield #5 Mine. MSHA grants the
petition for modification for the Mescher permissible three-wheel
battery-powered tractors used to load coal at the Canfield #5 Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-091-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57662
[[Page 52134]]
Petitioner: Mallie Coal Company, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.342
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a hand-held
continuous duty methane, oxygen, and carbon monoxide detector instead
of machine-mounted methane monitors on three-wheel tractors used to
load and haul coal from the mine faces. This is considered an
acceptable alternative method for the Mine No. 4. MSHA grants the
petition for modification for the Mescher permissible three-wheel
battery-powered tractors used to load coal at the Mine No. 4 with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-093-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57662
Petitioner: RAG Empire Corporation
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a 480-volt
non-permissible pump in boreholes in sealed areas of the mine. This is
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Eagle No. 5 Mine.
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Eagle No. 5 Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-094-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57662
Petitioner: RAG Empire Corporation
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.902
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a 480-volt
non-permissible pump in boreholes in sealed areas at 1 North areas of
the mine. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the
Eagle No. 5 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the
North Angle Pump at the Eagle No. 5 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-097-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57663
Petitioner: Drummond Company, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use its Getman
diesel grader without individual service brakes on all grader wheels;
equip the grader with services brakes on each drive wheel and
stationary emergency brakes; to limit the tramming speed of the grader
to 10 miles per hour; and train grader operators to check the function
of the brakes during pre-operational checks and if required, train the
operators to lower the grader blade to the ground as an additional
braking mechanism and while the grader is parked. This is considered an
acceptable alternative method for the Shoal Creek Mine. MSHA grants the
petition for modification limited in application to the Getman/Model
RDG-1504 (Serial No. 6297) at the Shoal Creek Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-099-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57663
Petitioner: J & A Coal Corporation
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to a spring loaded
locking device to secure battery plugs into machine mounted receptacle
on mobile battery powered equipment instead of using padlocks. This is
considered an acceptable alternative method for the No. 1 Mine. MSHA
grants the petition for modification the use of permanently installed
spring-loaded locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs at
the No. 1 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-103-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57663
Petitioner: Consol of Kentucky, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901(a)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use low- and
medium-voltage, three-phase, alternating current for use underground
from a portable diesel-driven generator and to connect the neutral of
the generator's transformer secondary through a suitable resistor to
the frame of the diesel generator. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the Mousie H4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for use of the 480-volt, three-phase, 188KW diesel powered
generator (DPG) set supplying power to a 200 KVA three-phase
transformer and three-phase 600-volt and 995-volt power circuits at the
Mousie H4 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-105-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 57664
Petitioner: Alex Energy, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to plug and mine
through oil and gas wells and to notify the District Manager or
designee prior to mining within 300 feet of the well. This is
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Jerry Fork Eagle
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for mining through or
near (whenever the safety barrier diameter is reduced to a distance
less than the District Manager would approve pursuant to Section
75.1700) plugged oil or gas wells penetrating the Eagle Coal Seam and
other mineable coal seams at the Jerry Fork Eagle Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-106-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 70054
Petitioner: Energy Fuels Coal, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a diesel
generator to move equipment from section to section, and use a roof
bolter to rehabilitate remote areas of the mine with a genset 480 vac
three-phase, mounted and grounded to a metal sled with an area of 60
square feet that is in contact with damp mine floor at all times. This
is considered an acceptable alternative method for the South Field
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for 480-volt, three-
phase, 135KW diesel powered generator (DPG set supplying power to a 169
KVA three-phase transformer and three-phase 480-volt and 995-volt power
circuits at the South Field Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-111-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 70054
Petitioner: Ohio County Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1103-4(a)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to install a low-
level carbon monoxide system as an early warning fire detection system
in all belt entries where a monitoring system identifies a sensor
location instead of identifying each belt flight. This is an acceptable
alternative method for the Freedom Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for the Freedom Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-112-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 70054
Petitioner: Bledsoe Coal Corporation
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.900
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use contactors for
protection on circuit breakers instead of using under-voltage
protection and continue using short circuit breakers for interrupting
retrips. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the
Mine No. 4, and Mine No. 60. MSHA grants the petition for modification
for the Mine No. 4, and Mine No. 60 with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-113-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 70054
Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to equip its road
graders with service brakes on the rear wheels and limit the speed to a
maximum of 15 miles per hour, train all personnel who operate the
graders on proper techniques for lowering the blade additional slowing
or stopping capability is needed. This is considered an acceptable
alternative method for the West Elk Mine. MSHA grants the petition for
modification for use of the Getman, Serial No. 6275, and Arnold, Serial
No. 7773695, diesel graders with the speed of the grader limited to 10
miles per hour at the West Elk Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-114-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 70055
Petitioner: Snyder Coal Company
[[Page 52135]]
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) & (i)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use cross-sections
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot intervals of
advance from the intake slope and limit the required mapping of the
mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the
veins being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels. This is considered an
acceptable alternative method for the Rattling Run Mine. MSHA grants
the petition for modification 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 at the Rattling Run
Slope Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-115-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 70055
Petitioner: Wabash Mine Holding Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) and (b)(4)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to establish a
permanent monitoring station to monitor the air for oxygen and methane
after it passes the seals and links the monitoring station to the mine-
wide monitoring (DAN) system and evaluate the air that passes through
the seals on a weekly basis due to unsafe roof conditions. This is
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Wabash Mine. MSHA
grants the petition for modification for continuous monitoring using
intrinsically safe sensors installed as part of the mine's Atmospheric
Monitoring System (AMS) and preshift examination and evaluation of air
entering and leaving approximately 900 feet of designated return air
course that ventilates the seven inaccessible Main West Mine seals at
the Wabash Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-121-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 70732
Petitioner: Long Branch Energy
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to replace a padlock
on battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a
threaded ring and a permanently installed spring-loaded device to
prevent the plug connector from accidently disengaging while under
load. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Long
Branch Energy #18 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for
the Long Branch Energy #18 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-124-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 70732
Petitioner: Independence Coal Company, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use belt air to
ventilate active working places by installing a low-level carbon
monoxide detection system as an early warning fire detection system in
all belt entries used as intake air courses. This is considered an
acceptable alternative method for the Justice No. 1 Mine. MSHA grants
the petition for modification for the Justice No. 1 Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-147-C
FR Notice: 65 FR 5701
Petitioner: Old Ben Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.900
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to amend Item #1 of
its previously granted petition for modification, docket number M-96-
147-C, to read as follows: ``The petition for modification shall apply
only to the requirement for under-voltage and grounded phase protection
for three-phase circuits supplying stationary belt drive installations
presently in use or installed in the future.'' This is considered an
acceptable alternative method for the Zeigler #11 Mine. MSHA grants the
petition for modification for the Zeigler #11 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-149-C
FR Notice: 65 FR 5701
Petitioner: Fork Creek Mining Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use air coursed
through the belt haulage entry to ventilate active working places by
installing a carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early warning fire
detection system in all belt entries used to carry intake air to a
working place. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for
the Fork Creek No. 1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification
for the Fork Creek No. 1 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1998-109-C
FR Notice: 64 FR 2519
Petitioner: Meadow River Coal Company
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use belt entry as
an intake airway by installing a low-level carbon monoxide detection
system in all belt entries used as intake air courses as an early
warning fire detection system (carbon monoxide monitoring system). This
is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Meadow River No.
1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification to allow air coursed
through conveyor belt entries to be used to ventilate working places at
the Meadow River No. 1 Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-1999-002-M
FR Notice: 64 FR 23874
Petitioner: ASARCO, Inc.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 56.14100(a)
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to have a single
qualified employee conduct the required pre-shift inspections of the
buses used to transport miners for the oncoming shift, rather than the
individual bus drivers who operate the vehicles on the shift. This is
considered an acceptable alternative method for the ASARCO Ray Complex
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the ASARCO Ray
Complex Mine with conditions.
[FR Doc. 00-21835 Filed 8-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
