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[June 28, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 123)]
[Unified Agenda]
[Page 37818]

Department of Labor (DOL)
(Completed Actions)

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

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1966. UNDERGROUND COAL MINE VENTILATION--SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE BELT ENTRY AS AN INTAKE AIR COURSE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 961

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule would give a coal mine operator the option of using air from a belt entry (belt air) in mines with three or more entries (parallel tunnels), as an intake air course to ventilate working sections and areas where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed. Current standards require belt air to be separated from intake and return air courses for mines opened after 1970, unless a mine operator is granted a petition for modification of a safety standard (30 CFR 75.350) as set forth in the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (Mine Act) of 1977 section 101(c), 30 USC 811(c) (1998). For three or more entry mines, regardless of the date they were opened, the proposed rule would eliminate the need for mine operators to seek a petition for modification to use belt air and establish safety requirements for its use.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

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NPRM                            01/27/88                     53 FR 2382
Public Hearing Notice           01/27/03                     68 FR 3936
Second NPRM                     01/27/03                     68 FR 3936
Second NPRM                     03/28/03
  Comment Period 
  End  
Final Rule                      04/02/04                     69 FR 17480 
Final Action Effective          06/01/04


Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: The final action effective date is 6/1/04 with the exception of sections 75.351(e)(3) and 75.35(r) which are effective 8/2/04.

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov

RIN: 1219-AA76

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