In the matter of Petition for Modification
Knife River Corporation
Savage Mine
I.D. No. 24-00106 Docket No. M-2001-023-C
30 CFR 77.900
PROPOSED ORDER OF DISMISSAL
On February 13, 2001, Knife River Corporation, filed a petition pursuant to 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. sec. 811(c), and 30 CFR 44 et seq., for the modification of the application of 30 CFR 77.900, to its Savage Mine, located near Savage, Montana in Richland County, Montana.
MSHA personnel conducted an investigation of the petition and filed a report of their findings and recommendations with the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health. A subsequent review was conducted which concluded that the petitioner is in compliance with the requirements of 30 CFR 77.900 and that the petition is not necessary.
The circuits supplying power to the 480 volt surface de-watering pumps are protected by circuit breakers which are equipped with devices that provide protection against undervoltage, grounded-phase, short-circuit, and over current as required by 30 CFR 77.900. Undervoltage is provided with a UV coil which trips the circuit breaker under loss or reduction of voltage. When the power is restored to normal, the motor-operated circuit breaker re closes the breaker. Prior to automatic restarting of the pumps, visible and audible alarms are initiated. Also, visible signs are located at the pump controller and at the pumps warning of the automatic restart of the pumps. Electrical faults that involve grounded-phase, short-circuit, and over-current conditions require manual resetting of the breaker.
Therefore, pursuant to the authority delegated by the Secretary of Labor to the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health, Knife River Petition for Modification of 30 CFR 77.900 to its Savage Mine is dismissed.
Any party to this action desiring a hearing on this matter must file in accordance with 30 CFR 44 within 30 days. The request for hearing must be filed with the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203.
If a hearing is requested, the request shall contain a concise summary of position on the issues of fact or law desired to be raised by the party requesting the hearing, including specific objections to the proposed decision. A party other than Petitioner who has requested a hearing shall also comment upon all issues of fact or law presented in the petition, and any party to this action requesting a hearing may indicate a desired hearing site. If no request for a hearing is filed within 30 days after service thereof, the Order of Dismissal will become final.
_________________________________________
Michael P. Miano
Chief, Division of Safety
Coal Mine Safety and Health