September 18, 2007
In the matter of: Petition for Modification Little Buck Coal Company
Bottom Split Slope
I.D. No. 36-09491 Docket No. M-2007-024-C
PROPOSED DECISION AND ORDER
On April 17, 2007, a petition was filed seeking a modification of the application of 30 C.F.R. § 75.1202-1(a) to Petitioner's Bottom Split Slope, located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. 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 by 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, this Proposed Decision and Order is issued.
Finding of Fact and Conclusion of Law
The investigation revealed that Petitioner’s proposed alternative method will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded by 30 C.F.R. § 75.1202-1(a).
MSHA’s investigation verified, “Since the mine was opened, there has been approximately 300 feet of slope and gangway development. This averages out to 300 feet per year. The mine averages 25 tons production per day.” MSHA’s investigation also determined that the mine uses non-mechanized, hand loading methods of mining and that the mine will maintain adequate survey control on the gangway level using contract engineering services.
On the basis of the petition and the findings of MSHA's investigation, Little Buck Coal Company is granted a modification of the application of 30 C.F.R. § 75.1202-1(a) to its Bottom Split Slope 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. § 811(c), it is ordered that Little Buck Coal Company s Petition for Modification of the application of 30 C.F.R. § 75.1202-1(a) in the Bottom Split Slope mine is hereby:
GRANTED, for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map, conditioned upon compliance with the following terms and conditions:
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The mine map shall be revised and supplemented based on a survey made or certified by a registered engineer or a registered surveyor at intervals of not more than twelve (12) months. The annual due date shall coincide with that of the ventilation plan/map approval date.
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The mine map shall also be revised and supplemented on the basis of a survey made or certified by a registered engineer or registered surveyor prior to final retreat mining or from the point of deepest penetration of gangway advance or breast advance if not connected to a surveyed location.
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Within 60 days after this Proposed Decision and Order becomes final, the Petitioner shall submit proposed revisions for its approved 30 C.F.R. 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 Proposed Decision and Order.
Any party to this action desiring a hearing on this matter must file in accordance with 30 C.F.R. 44.14, within 30 days. The request for hearing must be filed with the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939. 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.
Terry L. Bentley
Acting Deputy Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health