Petitions for Modification

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Petitions for Modification

The following parties have filed petitions to modify the

application of mandatory safety standards under section 101(c) of the

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

1. Alex Energy Company

[Docket No. M-98-116-C]

Alex Energy Company, P.O. Box 150, Leivasy, West Virginia 26676 has

filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1700 (oil and

gas wells) to its Flying Eagle Mine (I.D. No. 46-08576) located in

Nicholas County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to mine through

gas wells using the specific procedures outlined in this petition. The

petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide

at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory

standard.

2. Independence Coal Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-98-117-C]

Independence Coal Company, Inc., HC 78, Box 1800, Madison, West

Virginia 25130 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR

75.1002 (location of trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, high-voltage

cables and transformers) to its Allegiance Mine (I.D. No. 46-08735)

located in Boone County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to use

2,400 volt cables to power its new model continuous mining machines

using specific procedures outlined in this petition. The petitioner

asserts that the proposed alternative method would not result in a

diminution of safety to the miners.

3. Parcoal, Inc.

[Docket No. M-98-118-C]

Parcoal, Inc., P.O. Box 218, Isom, Kentucky 41824 has filed a

petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(a) (weekly

examination) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-17963) located in Perry

County, Kentucky. Due to hazardous roof conditions in certain areas of

the return air course, the affected area is unsafe to travel. The

petitioner proposes to establish check points at two locations outside

the unsafe area to check the air quantity and quality on a daily basis

and record the results as a part of the pre-shift inspection. The

petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide

at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory

standard.

Request for Comments

Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit

comments via e-mail to ``[email protected]'', or on a computer disk

along with an original hard copy to the Office of Standards,

Regulations, and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 4015

Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments

must be postmarked or received in that office on or before March 22,

1999. Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that

address.

Dated: February 5, 1999.

Carol J. Jones,

Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.

[FR Doc. 99-3908 Filed 2-17-99; 8:45 am]

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