In the matter of Petition for Modification
Mettiki Coal Corporation
Mettiki Mine
I.D. No. 18-00621 Docket No. M-98-071-C
PROPOSED DECISION AND ORDER
On June 30, 1998, a petition was filed seeking a modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.804(a) to Petitioner's Mettiki Mine located in Garrett County, Maryland. The Petitioner alleges that the alternative method outlined in the petition will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded the standard.
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. After a careful review of the entire record, including the petition and MSHA's investigative report and recommendation, this Proposed Decision and Order (PDO) is issued.
Finding of Fact and Conclusion of Law
The alternative method proposed by the Petitioner (as amended by the recommendations of MSHA) will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners under 30 CFR 75.804(a).
On the basis of the petition and the findings of MSHA's investigation, Mettiki Coal Corporation is granted a modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.804(a) to its Mettiki Mine.
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 Mettiki Coal Corporation's Petition for Modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.804(a) in the Mettiki Mine is hereby:
GRANTED, for Mettiki Coal Corporation's, Mettiki Mine's longwall system, conditioned upon compliance with the following terms and conditions:
1. The high-voltage cables used for 4,160-volt longwall equipment, shall be CABLEC/BICC Anaconda brand 5KV, 3/C type SHD+GC; Amerciable Tiger Brand, 3/C, 5KV, Type SHD-CGC; Pirelli 5KV, 3/C, type SHD-CENTER-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. The cable shall be MSHA accepted as flame-resistant. The ground check conductor shall not be smaller than a No. 16 AWG stranded conductor.
2. The cable construction shall be symmetrical 3/C, 3/G, and 1/GC.
3. The Petitioner's alternative method shall not be implemented until all electrical personnel who perform maintenance on the longwall have received training in the installation and repair of the cable.
4. Within 60 days after this Proposed Decision and Order becomes final, the Petitioner shall submit proposed revision(s) for its approved 30 CFR Part 48 training plan to the Coal Mine Safety and Health District Manager. These proposed revisions shall include initial and refresher training regarding compliance with the conditions stated in the Proposed Decision and Order.
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.
Robert A. Elam
Deputy Administrator
for Coal Mine Safety and Health