Petition for Modification
In the matter of
Cannelton Industries Inc.
Mine No. 145
I.D. No. 46-08592 Docket No. M-97-013-C
PROPOSED DECISION AND ORDER
On January 29, 1997, a petition was filed seeking a modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.362(d)(2) to Petitioner's Mine No. 145 located in West Virginia. The Petitioner alleged that application of this standard would result in a diminution of safety to the miners and that the alternative method proposed in the petition would at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded by the standard. Section 75.362(d)(2) was published as a final rule on March 11, 1996 and became effective on June 10, 1996.
Finding of Fact and Conclusion of Law
The petitioned portion of the regulation requires methane tests to be made at the face from under permanent roof support, using extendable probes or other acceptable means.
Production at the mine ceased during November, 1997. The mine was subsequently sealed and permanently abandoned during December of the same year. Accordingly, the petition is unnecessary.
ORDER
Wherefore, pursuant to the authority delegated by the Secretary of Labor to the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health, and pursuant to Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C., sec. 811(c), it is ordered that Cannelton Industries Inc.'s Petition for Modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.362(d)(2) in the Mine No. 145 is hereby:
DISMISSED.
Any party to this action desiring a hearing on this matter must file in accordance with 30 CFR 44.14, 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 Decision and Order will become final and must be posted by the operator on the mine bulletin board at the mine.
_________________________________________
Allyn Davis
Chief, Division of Safety
for Coal Mine Safety and Health