Summary of Decisions Granting in Whole or in Part Petitions for Modification
Federal RegisterAug 21, 1998
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Summary of Decisions Granting in Whole or in Part Petitions for
Modification
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor.
ACTION: Notice of affirmative decisions issued by the Administrators
for Coal Mine Safety and Health and Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and
Health on petitions for modification of the application of mandatory
safety standards.
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SUMMARY: Under section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act
of 1977, the Secretary of Labor may modify the application of a
mandatory safety standard to a mine if the Secretary determines either
that an alternate method exists at a specific mine that will guarantee
no less protection for the miners affected than that provided by the
standard, or that the application of the standard at a specific mine
will result in a diminution of safety to the affected miners.
Summaries of petitions received by the Secretary appear
periodically in the Federal Register. Final decisions on these
petitions are based upon the petitioner's statements, comments and
information submitted by interested persons, and a field investigation
of the conditions at the mine. MSHA has granted or partially granted
the requests for modification submitted by the petitioners listed
below. In some instances, the decisions are conditioned upon compliance
with stipulations stated in the decision.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Petitions and copies of the final
decisions are available for examination by the public in the Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, Room 627, 4015 Wilson
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Contact Barbara Barron at 703-
235-1910.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.
Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification
Docket No.: M-97-001-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11926.
Petitioner: Consolidation Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use high-voltage
(4,160 volt) cables inby the last open crosscut considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Shoemaker Mine with conditions for
the 4,160-volt longwall equipment.
Docket No.: M-97-002-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11926.
Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal states that a portion of
the mine has been sealed thus eliminating the need for certain
checkpoints; that checkpoints 3, 4, 7, and 8 are now
[[Page 44928]]
behind seals and, therefore, are no longer necessary; and that
checkpoints 5 and 6 that were used to evaluate a return air course from
2 West Mains will be eliminated due to rehabilitation and ventilation
changes in the seal project which is now being examined as required
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Federal No. 2
Mine with conditions for the monitoring and evaluation of the unsafe-
to-travel segment of the designated return aircourse in Miracle Run
Shaft Bottom area.
Docket No.: M-97-003-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11926.
Petitioner: CONSOL of Kentucky, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-8.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a single overhead
pipe system with \1/2\-inch orifice automatic sprinklers located on 10-
foot centers, to cover 50 feet of fire-resistant belt or 150 feet of
non-fire resistant belt, with actuation temperatures between 200 and
230 degrees Fahrenheit and with water pressure equal to or greater than
10 psi; and to have the sprinklers located not more than 10 feet apart
so that the discharge of water will extend over the belt drive, belt
take-up, electrical control, and gear reducing unit considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Jones Fork 13A-H4 Mine
with conditions for a single overhead pipe sprinkler system.
Docket No.: M-97-004.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11926.
Petitioner: Marrowbone Development Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use 2,400-volt a.c.
electricity to power continuous mining equipment considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Big Branch Mine with conditions for
the 2,400-volt continuous miner.
Docket No.: M-97-005-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11926.
Petitioner: Powderhorn Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use belt air to
ventilate active working places and to install a low-level carbon
monoxide detection system as an early warning fire detection system in
all belt entries used as intake air courses considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Roadside Mine with conditions to
allow air coursed through conveyor belt entries to be used to ventilate
working places.
Docket No.: M-97-006-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11926.
Petitioner: Philippi Development, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to establish an inlet
evaluation point along with an outlet evaluation point at which every
seven days a certified person would measure methane and oxygen
concentrations, air quantity, make tests to determine if the air is
moving in its proper direction and record the results in a book
provided on the surface considered acceptable alternative method.
Granted for the Sentinel Mine with conditions for the evaluation of
airflow through an approximately 600-foot long, unsafe-to-travel
segment of common return aircourse entries.
Docket No.: M-97-007-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11926.
Petitioner: Laurel Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 (18.41(f) of Part 18).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on
battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a
threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector
from accidently disengaging while under load considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Coalburg 7A Mine with conditions
for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in
lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-97-008-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11927.
Petitioner: Laurel Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 (18.41(f) of Part 18).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on
battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a
threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector
from accidently disengaging while under load considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Coalburg 9A Mine with conditions
for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in
lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-97-012-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11927.
Petitioner: Paramont Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to backfill the existing
highwall with scalp rock in an area containing abandoned mine openings
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Deep Mine No.
24 Mine with conditions for the modification of 30 CFR 77.214(a).
Docket No.: M-97-019-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 23797.
Petitioner: C & H Mining Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.342.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use hand-held
continuous-duty methane and oxygen indicators instead of machine
mounted methane monitoring systems on permissible three-wheel tractors
with drag bottom buckets considered acceptable alternative method.
Granted for the No. 8 Mine with conditions for the Mescher permissible
three-wheel battery-powered tractors used to load coal.
Docket No.: M-97-022-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 23797.
Petitioner: Brookside Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1405.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use bar and pin or
link and pin couplers on its underground haulage equipment considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Diamond Vein Slope Mine
with conditions.
Docket No.: M-97-025-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 23798.
Petitioner: CONSOL of Kentucky, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-8.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a single overhead
pipe system with \1/2\-inch orifice automatic sprinklers located on 10-
foot centers, to cover 50 feet of fire-resistant belt or 150 feet of
non-fire resistant belt, with actuation temperatures between 200
degrees and 230 degrees fahrenheit and with water pressure equal to or
greater than 10 psi, so that the discharge of water would extend over
the belt drive, belt take-up, electrical control, and gear reducing
unit considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the E3RF
Mine with conditions for a single overhead pipe sprinkler system.
Docket No.: M-97-028-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 23798.
Petitioner: Maple Meadow Mining Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on
battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a
threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector
from accidently disengaging while under load considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Maple Meadow Mine with conditions
for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in
lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-97-033-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 23799.
Petitioner: Peabody Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use high-voltage
trailing
[[Page 44929]]
cables (2,400-volt) inby the last open crosscut at the sections where
continuous miners are working considered acceptable alternative method.
Granted for the Marissa Mine with conditions for the 2,400-volt
continuous miner used at the Marissa Mine.
Docket No.: M-97-036-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 23799.
Petitioner: Long Branch Energy.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503(18.41)(f).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on
battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a
threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector
from accidently disengaging while under load considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the No. 22 Mine with conditions for the
use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in lieu of
padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-97-040-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 29370.
Petitioner: G & P Contractors, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.342.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use hand-held
continuous-duty methane and oxygen indicators on permissible three-
wheel tractors instead of machine-mounted methane monitors considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for Stoney Fork No. 2 Mine with
conditions for the Mescher permissible three-wheel battery-powered
tractors used to load coal.
Docket No.: M-97-050-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 29372.
Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use high-voltage
(4,160-volt) cables to supply power to longwall equipment used inby the
last open crosscut considered acceptable alternative method. Granted
for the SUFCO Mine with conditions for the 4,160-volt longwall
equipment.
Docket No.: M-97-057-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 29373.
Petitioner: Headache Coal Company, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to install two 5-pound
or one 10-pound portable chemical fire extinguisher in the operator's
deck of each Mescher tractor and to have the fire extinguisher readily
accessible to the operator; to have the fire extinguisher inspected
daily by the equipment operator prior to entering the escapeway; to
have the operator make daily inspections of the fire extinguisher and
keep the records at the mine site; and to have a sufficient number of
spare fire extinguishers maintained at the mine in case an extinguisher
becomes defective considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for
the Mine No. 7 with conditions for Mescher three wheel tractors to be
operated in the primary intake escapeway.
Docket No.: M-97-058-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 34311.
Petitioner: Clark Elkhorn Mining Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.900.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use contactors to
obtain undervoltage protection instead of using circuits breakers
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Sunset Mine
No. 2 Mine with conditions to allow the use of vacuum contactors to
provide undervoltage, grounded phase, and overload protection and
monitor the grounding conductors for 480-volt belt conveyor drive
motors and water pump motors greater than 5 horsepower.
Docket No.: M-97-059-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 34311.
Petitioner: B & B Anthracite Coal.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to visually examine each
seal for physical damage from the slope gunboat during the preshift
examination after an air quantity reading is taken inby the intake
portal and to test for the quantity and quality of air at the intake
air split locations off the slope in the gangway portion of the working
section considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Rock
Ridge No. 1 Slope Mine with conditions for examinations of seals
(conducted from the gunboat) in the intake air haulage slope of this
mine.
Docket No.: M-97-061-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 34311.
Petitioner: B & B Anthracite Coal.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust,
water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Rock Ridge Slope with
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.
Docket No.: M-97-063-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 34311.
Petitioner: Ambrose Branch Coal Company, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.214.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to fill seven (7) drift
openings with refuse material at the abandoned Fleetwood Energy, Inc.,
Mine No. 2 considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the
Preparation Plant with conditions for modification of 30 CFR 77.214(a).
Docket No.: M-97-065-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 34313.
Petitioner: Monterey Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to mine through oil and
gas wells with the longwall system after they have been properly
plugged considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 1
Mine with conditions for mining through or near plugged oil or gas
wells penetrating the Illinois No. 6 Coal Seam.
Docket No.: M-97-066-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 34312.
Petitioner: Turris Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(i)(1).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use the following
materials at its Elkhart Mine: 160 Kennedy Metal Stopping Panels 32
Kennedy Stopping Rib Angles; 3 rolls of tape; 3 twist tools; 2 rolls of
brattice cloth; 3 stopping jacks; 3 dutch heads; 3 shovels; 12 buckets
of Celtite 10-12 Airtite (or equivalent material for stopping); and 5
tons of rock dust considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for
the Elkhart Mine with conditions for emergency materials readily
available at locations not exceeding 2 miles from each working section.
Docket No.: M-97-068-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 34312.
Petitioner: Drummond Company, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's request for an amendment to the
final Decision and Order dated April 1, 1995 was granted for the Shoal
Creek Mine with conditions for the use of belt air to ventilate active
workings.
Docket No.: M-97-080-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 38124.
Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust,
water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 3 Slope Buck Mt.
Vein with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.
Docket No.: M-97-088-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 44723.
Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(g).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to change the longwall
panel
[[Page 44930]]
development to a three-entry system considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for the Federal No. 2 Mine with conditions for the use
of trolley track haulage entries as primary escapeways on longwall
development panels.
Docket No.: M-96-015-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 17733.
Petitioner: Roberts Brothers Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1103-4.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use two belt flights
to be monitored by one identification line considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Cardinal No. 2 Mine with conditions
to allow the extension of the Pyott--Boone Electronics Inc. point type
heat sensor fire detection system installed in panels from which rooms
are driven, to be extended to provide fire detection for a secondary
in-panel belt conveyor without identifying such as separate belt flight
during retreat of the panel by room development.
Docket No.: M-96-018-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 17733.
Petitioner: Eagle Nest, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503(18.41).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on
battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines used inby
the last open crosscut with a threaded ring and a spring loaded device
to prevent the plug connector from accidently disengaging while under
load; to have a tag that states ``DO NOT DISENGAGE PLUGS UNDER LOAD''
on all battery plug connectors used on the machines; and to provide
instructions in the safe practices and provisions to all persons who
are required to operate or maintain the machines considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Eagle Nest Inc. Mine with
conditions for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-019-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 17733.
Petitioner: Consolidation Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(1).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to establish check
points to monitor methane and to ensure passage of air; to maintain the
check points in safe condition at all times; to have a certified person
test for methane and the quantity of air at each check point on a
weekly basis; and to have the certified person making the examinations
and tests place their initials, date, and time in a record book kept on
the surface and made available for inspection by interested persons
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Robinson Run
No. 95 Mine with conditions for the ``North Mains'' aircourse
ventilating eight 1-East seals, two 26-Block seals and six of eighteen
3-Block seals.
Docket No.: M-96-040-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 33141.
Petitioner: Pontiki Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.388.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to drill boreholes when
working places advance to within 30 feet of certain surveyed areas in
the mine unless those areas have been preshift examined considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Pontiki No. 1 Mine with
conditions for the use of administration and engineering controls in
lieu of drilling boreholes when the working place approaches to within
25 feet of an adjacent panel that cannot be preshift examined.
Docket No.: M-96-041-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 33141.
Petitioner: Pontiki Coal Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.388.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to drill boreholes when
working places advance to within 30 feet of certain surveyed areas in
the mine unless those areas have been preshift examined considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Pontiki No. 1 Mine with
conditions for the use of administration and engineering controls in
lieu of drilling boreholes when the working place approaches to within
25 feet of an adjacent panel that cannot be preshift examined.
Docket No.: M-96-062-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 38787.
Petitioner: Cyprus Cumberland Resources Corp.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to permit the velocity
of air in the belt conveyor entries to be increased above 300 feet per
minute (fpm) considered acceptable alternate method. Granted for the
Cumberland Mine with conditions to allow air coursed through conveyor
belt entries to be used to ventilate working places.
Docket No.: M-96-064-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 38787.
Petitioner: West Cameron Mining.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust,
water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lenig Tunnel Mine with
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.
Docket No.: M-96-075-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 47192.
Petitioner: Cumberland Resources Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1103-4(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to install a low-level
carbon monoxide detection system as an early warning fire detection
system in all belt entries used as intake air courses considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Cumberland Mine with
conditions for the use of a carbon monoxide monitoring system that
identifies the location of sensors in lieu of identifying belt flights.
Docket No.: M-96-092-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 47194.
Petitioner: Eastern Mingo Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503(18.41)(f).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on
battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a
threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector
from accidentally disengaging while under load considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Big Branch Mine with conditions for
the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in lieu
of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-093-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 47194.
Petitioner: Western Mingo Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503(18.41)(f).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on
battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a
threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector
from accidently disengaging while under load considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Northern Mingo No. 1 Mine with
conditions for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-094-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 47194.
Petitioner: Western Mingo Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503(18.41)(f).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to replace a padlock on
battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a
threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector
from accidently disengaging while under load considered acceptable
alternative
[[Page 44931]]
method. Granted for the Northern Mingo No. 2 Mine with conditions for
the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in lieu
of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-097-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 47194.
Petitioner: Arch of Illinois.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1107-4(a)(1).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use an operator/
technician, the Archveyor mining system's Program Logic Controlled
(PLC) computer, and the continuous monitoring of the Archveyor mining
system while energized, as a fire suppression device, during secondary
mining considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Conant
Mine with conditions for the Archveyor Mining System.
Docket No.: M-96-098-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57458.
Petitioner: Sidney Coal Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.901(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a diesel
generator to move equipment in and out of its underground mines
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for Freedom Energy
Mine No. 1; Solid Energy Mine No. 1; Clean Energy Mine No. 1; Black
Diamond Mine no. 1 and Rockhouse Mine Energy No. 1 with conditions for
the 480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel powered generator
set.
Docket No.: M-96-104-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 420.
Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use 1,100 feet of 2/
0, type SHD-GC cable on continuous miners, 1,000 feet of #2, type GC
cable on roof bolters, and 1,000 feet of #2, type SHD-GC cable on
auxiliary face fans considered acceptable alternative method. Granted
for the West Elk Mine with conditions for the three-phase, 995-volt
continuous mining machine, 995-volt roof bolting machine, 995-volt
auxiliary fan, 575-volt roof bolting machine, and 575-volt auxiliary
fan.
Docket No.: M-96-105-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57459.
Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to permit the use of the
slope conveyance (gunboat) in transporting persons without installing
safety catches or other no less effective devices, but instead use an
increased rope strength/safety factor and secondary safety rope
connection in place of such devices considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for the No. 3 Slope Buck Mountain Mine with conditions
for the use of the gunboat without safety catches.
Docket No.: M-96-107-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57459.
Petitioner: Old Ben Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use the split-tail
system of face ventilation allowing the belt to be blended with the air
to the faces from the intake entries and to install a low-level carbon
monoxide detection system as an early warning fire detection system in
all belt entries used as intake air courses considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Ziegler No. 11 Mine with conditions
to allow air coursed through conveyer belt entries to be used to
ventilate working places.
Docket No.: M-96-109-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57459.
Petitioner: The Ohio Valley Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to establish evaluation
stations to monitor the affected area; to have a certified person to:
(1) test the evaluation stations on a weekly basis to determine the
volume of air, and methane and oxygen concentrations; and (2) record on
a date board located at each checkpoint the initials of the examiner
and the date and time of the examination; and to maintain the air
measurement stations in a safe and travelable condition considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Powhatan No. 6 Mine with
conditions for the unsafe-to-travel aircourses rended inaccessible by
roof falls and roof deterioration known as MAIN EAST and LOADED SIDE.
Docket No.: M-96-111-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57459.
Petitioner: CONSOL of Kentucky, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-8.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a single overhead
pipe system with \1/2\-inch orifice automatic sprinklers located on 10-
foot centers, to cover 50 feet of fire-resistant belt or 150 feet of
nonfire-resistant belt, with actuation temperatures between 200 and 230
degrees Fahrenheit, and with water pressure equal to or greater than 10
psi and the sprinklers would be located to discharge water over the
belt drive, belt take-up, electrical control, and gear reducing unit
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Loves Branch
H-4 Mine with conditions for a single overhead pipe sprinkler.
Docket No.: M-96-112-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57459.
Petitioner: K & M Coal Company, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.342.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use hand-held
continuous-duty methane and oxygen indicators instead of machine
mounted methane monitors on permissible three-wheel tractors with drag
type buckets considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the
No. 18 Mine with conditions for the Mescher permissible three-wheel
battery-powered tractors used to load coal.
Docket No.: M-96-113-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57460.
Petitioner: Jackstone Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.335(a)(1).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to permit alternative
methods of construction using wooden materials of moderate size and
weight due to the difficulty in accessing previously driven headings
and breasts containing the inaccessible abandoned workings; to accept a
design criteria in the 10 psi range; and to permit the water trap to be
installed in the gangway seal and sampling tube in the monkey seal for
seals installed in pairs considered acceptable alternative method.
Granted for the Buck Mountain Slope with conditions for seals installed
in this mine.
Docket No.: M-96-114-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57460.
Petitioner: Jackstone Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to visually examine each
seal for physical damage from the slope gunboat during the preshift
examination after an air quantity reading is taken inby the intake
portal and to test for the quantity and quality of air at the intake
air split locations off the slope in the gangway portion of the working
section considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Buck
Mountain Slope Mine with conditions for examination of seals (conducted
from the gunboat) in the intake air haulage slope of this mine.
Docket No.: M-96-116-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57460.
Petitioner: Jackstone Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust,
water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for Buck Mountain Slope Mine
with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.
Docket No.: M-96-117-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57460.
Petitioner: Jackstone Coal Company.
[[Page 44932]]
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) and (i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot intervals of
advance from the intake slope; and to limit the required mapping of the
mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the
veins being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for Buck Mountain Slope Mine with
conditions for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines,
limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within
100 feet of the vein being mined.
Docket No.: M-96-118-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57460.
Petitioner: Jackstone Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement
mine maps annually instead of every 6 months, as required, and to
update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for Buck Mountain Slope Mine with conditions for annual
revisions and supplements of the mine map.
Docket No.: M-96-122-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 57480.
Petitioner: Keystone Coal Mining Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(1).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to establish two
monitoring stations to evaluate the affected area; to post a sign in an
adjacent travel entry indicating the safe travel route to each
monitoring station; to have a certified person conduct weekly
examinations at each monitoring station to measure the quantity and
quality of air entering or exiting the monitoring station; to post at
each monitoring station a diagram showing the normal quantity and
quality of methane, oxygen measurements, and the direction of the air
flow; to have the examiner record their initials, date and time of
examinations on a date board provided at the monitoring stations; and
to record the results of the tests in a weekly examination book kept on
the surface and made available to all interested parties considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Urling No. 1 Mine with
conditions for the evaluation of airflow through an approximately 800-
feet long, unsafe to travel, segment of three common intake aircourse
entries of the West Extension area.
Docket No.: M-96-130-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 64372.
Petitioner: Yellow Creek Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to install two 5-pound
or one 10-pound portable chemical fire extinguisher in the operator
deck of each Mescher Tractor operated at the mine; to have the fire
extinguisher readily accessible to the operator; to have the equipment
operator inspect each fire extinguisher daily and keep records of the
inspections; and to replace the fire extinguisher if found to be
defective considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No.
2 Mine with conditions for Mescher three wheel tractors to be operated
in the primary intake escapeway.
Docket No.: M-96-131-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 64373.
Petitioner: Hut Coal Company, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to install two 5-pound
or one 10-pound portable chemical fire extinguisher in the operator's
deck of each Mescher tractor operated at the mine; to have the fire
extinguisher readily accessible to the operator; to have the equipment
operator inspect each fire extinguisher daily and keep records of the
inspection; and to replace the fire extinguisher if found to be
defective considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No.
1 Mine with conditions for Mescher three wheel tractors to be operated
in the primary intake escapeway.
Docket No.: M-96-132-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 64373.
Petitioner: Canfield Energy, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to install two 5-pound
or one 10-pound portable chemical fire extinguisher in the operator's
deck of each Mescher tractor operated at the mine; to have the fire
extinguisher readily accessible to the operator; to have the equipment
operator inspect each fire extinguisher daily and keep records of the
inspections and to maintain a sufficient number of spare fire
extinguishers at the mine in case a defective fire extinguisher needs
to be replaced considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for
the No. 3 Mine with conditions for Mescher three wheel tractors to be
operated in the primary intake escapeway.
Docket No.: M-96-133-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 64373.
Petitioner: Summit Anthracite, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.340.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to permit battery
charging of the mine's locomotive during idle periods when all miners
are out of the mine; and to permit the intake air used to ventilate the
charging station located at the No. 1 Chute of the active gangway level
to continue through its normal route to the last open crosscut and into
the monkey airway (return) considered acceptable alternative method.
Granted for the Tracey Vein Slope Mine with conditions for an
underground battery charging station in the intake (gangway) entry.
Docket No.: M-96-134-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 64373.
Petitioner: Canfield Energy, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to install two 5-pound
or one 10-pound portable chemical fire extinguisher in the operator's
deck of each Mescher tractor operated at the mine; to have the fire
extinguisher readily accessible to the operator; to have the equipment
operator inspect each fire extinguisher daily and keep records of the
inspections and to maintain a sufficient number of spare fire
extinguishers at the mine in case a defective fire extinguisher needs
to be replaced considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for
the No. 4 Mine with conditions for Mescher three wheel tractors to be
operated in the primary intake escapeway.
Docket No.: M-96-146-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 421.
Petitioner: F-M Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to install two 5-pound
or one 10-pound portable chemical fire extinguisher in the operator's
deck of each Mescher tractor operated at the mine; to have the fire
extinguisher readily accessible to the operator; to have the equipment
operator inspect each fire extinguisher daily and keep records of the
inspections and to maintain a sufficient number of spare fire
extinguishers at the mine in case a defective fire extinguisher needs
to be replaced considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for
the No. 2 Mine with conditions for Mescher three wheel tractors to be
operated in the primary intake escapeway.
Docket No.: M-96-153-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 422.
Petitioner: Boone Resources, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use belt air to
provide ventilation for the sections and possibly a longwall system;
and to install a carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early warning
fire detection system in all belt entries used as intake
[[Page 44933]]
aircourses considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the
Boone No. 1 Mine with conditions to allow air coursed through conveyor
belt entries to be used to ventilate working places.
Docket No.: M-96-155-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 422.
Petitioner: Road Fork Development Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.901.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a diesel
generator to power mobile equipment in and out of the mines considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Calloway Mine; Pegs
Branch Mine; Burnwell Energy Mine; and Extra Energy Mine with
conditions for the 480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel
powered generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-156-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 422.
Petitioner: Rawl Sales and Processing.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.901(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a diesel
generator to power mobile equipment in and out of the mine considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Tall Timber Mine with
conditions for the 480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel
powered generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-157-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 422.
Petitioner: Crystal Fuels Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner' proposal to use permanently
installed, spring-loaded locking device to secure battery plugs on
mobile equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of the battery
plugs from battery receptacles and to eliminate the hazards associated
with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1
with conditions for the use of permanently installed, spring-loaded
locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-158-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 422
Petitioner: Vantage Mining Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use permanently
installed, spring-loaded locking device to secure battery plugs on
mobile equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of the battery
plugs from battery receptacles and to eliminate the hazards associated
with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1
with conditions for the use of permanently installed, spring-loaded
locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-159-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 423.
Petitioner: Rawl Sales and Processing Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use permanently
installed spring-loaded locking devices to secure battery plugs on
mobile equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of the battery
plugs from battery receptacles and to eliminate the hazards associated
with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Tall Timber
Mine with conditions for the use of permanently installed, spring-
loaded locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-160-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 423.
Petitioner: Sycamore Fuels, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use permanently
installed, spring-loaded locking device to secure battery plugs on
mobile equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of the battery
plugs from battery receptacles and to eliminate the hazards associated
with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1
with conditions for the use of permanently installed, spring-loaded
locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-161-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 423.
Petitioner: Rawl Sales and Processing Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use permanently
installed, spring-loaded locking device to secure battery plugs on
mobile equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of the battery
plugs from battery receptacles and to eliminate the hazards associated
with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for Rocky Hollow Mine
with conditions for the use of permanently installed, spring-loaded
locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-166-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4331.
Petitioner: D & D Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.335.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to permit construction
of seals using wooden materials of moderate size and weight due to the
difficulty in accessing previously driven headings and breasts
containing inaccessible abandoned workings; to accept a design criteria
in the 10 psi range; and to permit the water trap to be installed in
the gangway seal and sampling tube in the monkey seal for seals
installed in pairs considered acceptable alternative method. Granted
for 7 Foot Drift Mine with conditions for seals installed in this mine.
Docket No.: M-96-167.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4331.
Petitioner: D & D Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust,
water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the 7 Foot Drift Mine with
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.
Docket No.: M-96-170-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4331.
Petitioner: Burnrite Slope Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) & (i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot intervals of
advance from the intake slope and to limit the required mapping of the
mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the
veins being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Burnrite Slope Mine with conditions
for the use of cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the
mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of
the vein being mined.
Docket No.: M-96-171-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4331.
Petitioner: Burnrite Slope Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's request to revise and supplement
mine maps annually instead of every 6 months, as required, and to
update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for the Burnrite Slope Mine with conditions for annual
revisions and supplements of the mine map.
Docket No.: M-96-172-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4332.
Petitioner: Burnrite Slope Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a slope
conveyance (gunboat) in transporting persons
[[Page 44934]]
without installing safety catches or other no less effective devices
but instead use an increased rope strength/safety factor and secondary
safety rope connection in place of such devices considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Burnrite Slope Mine with conditions
for the use of the gunboat without safety catches.
Docket No.: M-96-175-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4332.
Petitioner: Apex Minerals, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use permanently
installed, spring-loaded locking device to secure battery plugs on
mobile equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of the battery
plugs from battery receptacles and to eliminate the hazards associated
with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1
with conditions for the use of permanently installed, spring-loaded
locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-176-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4332.
Petitioner: Rawls Sales and Processing Co.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use diesel generator
to power mobile equipment in and out of its mine, considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Tall Timber Mine with conditions
for the 480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel powered
generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-177-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4332.
Petitioner: Road Fork Development Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use diesel generator
to power mobile equipment in and out of the mines, considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Calloway Mine; Pegs
Branch Mine; Burnwell Energy Mine; and Extra Energy Mine with
conditions for the 480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel
powered generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-178-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4332.
Petitioner: Dry Fork Energy, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use permanently
installed, spring-loaded locking devices to secure battery plugs on
mobile equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of the battery
plugs from battery receptacles and to eliminate the hazards associated
with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1
with conditions for the use of permanently installed, spring-loaded
locking devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.
Docket No.: M-96-179-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4332.
Petitioner: Dry Fork Energy, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use diesel generator
to power mobile equipment in and out of its mine, considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1 with conditions for the
480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel powered generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-180-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4333.
Petitioner: Dry Fork Energy, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.901(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a diesel
generator to power mobile equipment in and out of the mine considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1 with
conditions for the 480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel
powered generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-181-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4333.
Petitioner: Apex Minerals, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use diesel generator
to power mobile equipment in and out of its mine, considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1 with conditions for the
480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel powered generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-182-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4333.
Petitioner: Apex Minerals, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.901(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a diesel
generator to power mobile equipment in and out of the mine considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1 with
conditions for the 480-volt, three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel
powered generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-184-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4333.
Petitioner: M & H Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d)&(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot intervals of
advance from the intake slope and to limit the required mapping of the
mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the
veins being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Mercury Slope Mine with conditions
for the use of cross sections, in lieu of contour lines, limiting the
mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 100 feet of
the vein being mined.
Docket No.: M-96-185-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4333.
Petitioner: M & H Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement
mine maps annually instead of every 6 months, as required, and to
update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for the Mercury Slope Mine with conditions for annual
revisions and supplements of the mine map.
Docket No.: M-96-186-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4333.
Petitioner: M & H Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.335.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to permit the use of
construction of seals using wooden materials of moderate size and
weight due to the difficulty in accessing previously driven headings
and breasts containing inaccessible abandoned workings; to accept a
design criteria in the 10 psi range; and to permit the water trap to be
installed in the gangway seal and sampling tube in the monkey seal for
seals installed in pairs considered acceptable alternative method.
Granted for the Mercury Slope Mine with conditions for seals installed
in this mine.
Docket No.: M-96-187-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4333.
Petitioner: Sheldon Derck.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement
mine maps annually instead of every 6 months, as required, and to
update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for the Slope No. 1 Mine with conditions for annual
revisions and supplements of the mine map.
Docket No.: M-96-188-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4334.
Petitioner: Sheldon Derck.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d)&(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot intervals of
advance from the intake slope and to limit the required mapping of the
mine workings above and below
[[Page 44935]]
to those present within 100 feet of the veins being mined except when
veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100-foot limit
through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative method. Granted
for the Slope No. 1 Mine with conditions for the use of cross sections,
in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above or below
this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined.
Docket No.: M-96-189-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4334.
Petitioner: Sheldon Derck.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust,
water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Slope No. 1 Mine with
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.
Docket No.: M-96-190-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4334.
Petitioner: Jordan Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement
mine maps annually instead of every 6 months, as required, and to
update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for the Jordan No. 1 Slope Mine with conditions for
annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.
Docket No.: M-96-191-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4334.
Petitioner: Jordan Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d)&(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot intervals of
advance from the intake slope and to limit the required mapping of the
mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the
veins being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Jordan No. 1 Slope Mine with
conditions for the use of cross sections, in lieu of contour lines,
limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within
100 feet of the vein being mined.
Docket No.: M-96-192-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4334.
Petitioner: Jordan Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust,
water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for Jordan No. 1 Slope Mine with
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.
Docket No.: M-96-193-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4334.
Petitioner: Consolidation Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to establish two check
points to monitor the affected area; to maintain these check points in
a safe condition; to have a certified person test for methane and the
quantity of air on a weekly basis at each check point; and to have the
person making examinations and tests record their initials, date, and
time in a record book kept on the surface and made available for
inspection by interested persons considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for Shoemaker Mine with conditions for the unsafe-to-
travel 4025-foot segment of the Main East Returns near Seabright Air
Shaft.
Docket No.: M-96-200-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4335.
Petitioner: Sidney Coal Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use diesel generator
to power mobile equipment in and out of its mine, considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Freedom Energy Mine No. 1; Solid
Energy Mine No. 1; Clean Energy Mine No. 1; Black Diamond Mine No. 1;
and Rockhouse Energy Mine No. 1 with conditions for the 480-volt,
three-phase, 150 KW/187.5 KVA diesel powered generator set.
Docket No.: M-96-203-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 4335.
Petitioner: Elk Run Coal Company, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use 2,300-volt cables
to power longwall equipment in the active pillar workings; to implement
additional safety procedures devices; and to provide training to all
mining personnel considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for
the Black Knight II Mine with conditions for the 2,400-volt continuous
miner.
Docket No.: M-96-205-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11925.
Petitioner: Brookside Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d)&(i).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use cross-sections
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot intervals of
advance from the intake slope and to limit the required mapping of the
mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the
veins being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Diamond Vein Slope Mine with
conditions for the use of cross sections, in lieu of contour lines,
limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within
100 feet of the vein being mined.
Docket No.: M-96-206-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11925.
Petitioner: Brookside Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to visually examine each
seal for physical damage from the slope gunboat during the preshift
examination after an air quantity reading is taken in by the intake
portal and to test for the quantity and quality of air at the intake
air split locations off the slope in the gangway portion of the
workings; and physically examine the entire length of the slope once a
month considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Diamond
Vein Slope Mine with conditions for examinations of seals (conducted
from the gunboat) in the intake air haulage slope of this mine.
Docket No.: M-96-209-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11925.
Petitioner: Brookside Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use only portable
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust,
water cars, and other water storage are not practical considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Diamond Vein Slope Mine
with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.
Docket No.: M-96-210-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11925.
Petitioner: Brookside Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1201-1(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement
mine maps annually instead of every 6 months, as required, and to
update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable alternative
method. Granted for the Diamond Vein Slope Mine with conditions for
annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.
Docket No.: M-96-211-C.
FR Notice: 62 FR 11926.
[[Page 44936]]
Petitioner: Brookside Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.335.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to permit the use of
construction of seals using wooden materials of moderate size and
weight due to the difficulty in accessing previously driven headings
and breasts containing inaccessible abandoned workings; to accept a
design criteria in the 10 psi range; and to permit the water trap to be
installed in the gangway seal and sampling tube in the monkey seal for
seals installed in pairs considered acceptable alternative method.
Granted for the Diamond Vein Slope Mine with conditions for seals
installed in this mine.
Docket No.: M-95-047-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 18148.
Petitioner: Jordan Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.335(a)(1).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to permit seals of
construction using wooden materials of moderate size and weight due to
the difficulty in accessing previously driven headings and breasts
containing inaccessible abandoned workings; to accept a design
criterion in the 10 psi range; and the water trap to be installed in
the gangway seal and sampling tube in the monkey seal for seals
installed in pairs considered acceptable alternative method. Granted
for the Jordan No. 1 Slope Mine with conditions for seals installed in
this mine.
Docket No.: M-95-165-C.
FR Notice: 60 FR 64080.
Petitioner: Elk Run Coal Company, Inc.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.333(d)(1).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use electronically
operated Roll-Down Doors constructed of rubber material similar to
those used in conveyor belts to control ventilation within the air
course in the main entries instead of heavy Metal Doors considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the White Knight Mine;
Bishop 2 Mine; Laurel Eagle Mine; and Laurel Alma Mine with conditions
for the installation of flame resistant rubber roll-down doors
installed in the same framing structure with fuse link controlled,
automatic closing steel roll-down fire doors.
Docket No.: M-95-182-C.
FR Notice: 61 FR 8306.
Petitioner: Jacks Branch Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.333(d)(1).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use electronically
operated Roll-Down Doors constructed of rubber material similar to
those used in conveyor belts to control ventilation within the air
course in the main entries instead of using heavy Metal Doors
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Mine No. 1
with conditions for the installation of flame resistant rubber roll-
down doors installed in the same framing structure with fuse link
controlled, automatic closing steel roll-down fire doors.
Docket No.: M-93-004-C.
FR Notice: 58 FR 8065.
Petitioner: Cyprus Mountain Coals Corporation.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.1304(a).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use recycled waste
oil and diesel fuel to form a blasting agent considered acceptable
alternative method. Granted for the Star Fire Mine with conditions.
Docket No.: M-93-029-C.
FR Notice: 58 FR 16553.
Petitioner: Consolidation Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2).
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to establish airway
check points to monitor the quantity and quality of air entering and
leaving the affected area considered acceptable alternative method.
Granted for the Loveridge No. 22 Mine with conditions for the intake
aircourse on the south side of Main West and for the intake aircourse
at the Sugar Run Portal Motor Barn.
Docket No.: M-86-167-C.
FR Notice: 52 FR 46133.
Petitioner: Clinchfield Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.326.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use the velocity of
air in the belt conveyor of 50 feet a minute, or greater, and have a
definite and distinct movement in the designated direction considered
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the McClure No. 1 Mine with
conditions.
Docket No.: M-85-184-C.
FR Notice: 52 FR 46134.
Petitioner: Clinchfield Coal Company.
Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1105.
Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is amended to read: the
velocity of air in the belt conveyor will be 50 feet a minute, or
greater, and have a definite and distinct movement in the designated
direction considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the
McClure No. 1 Mine with conditions.
[FR Doc. 98-22534 Filed 8-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-34-P
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