[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 144 (Thursday, July 25, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38785-38788]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-18947]


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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. Pilgrim Mining Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-47-C]

    Pilgrim Mining Company, Inc., P.O. Box 2046, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901 
(protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used 
underground) to its Voyager Mine Number Two (I.D. No. 15-17639) located 
in Martin County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of 
the standard to allow the use of a 150 K W Diesel Generator Set, Serial 
Number 94-E5913. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific 
terms, conditions, and safety procedures that would be followed when 
using the diesel generator system. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

2. Pilgrim Mining Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-48-C]

    Pilgrim Mining Company, Inc., P.O. Box 2046, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901 
(protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used 
underground) to its Pilgrim Mine Number Three (I.D. No. 15-17359) 
located in Martin County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a 
modification of the standard to allow the use of a 100 K W Diesel 
Generator Set, Serial Number 90-E5260. The petitioner has outlined in 
this petition specific terms, conditions, and safety procedures that 
would be followed when using the diesel generator system. The 
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory 
standard.

3. Martin County Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-49-C]

    Martin County Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 5002, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901 
(protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used 
underground) to its Pegasus Mine (I.D. No. 15- 17330) located in Martin 
County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of the 
standard to allow the use of a 150 K W Diesel Generator Set, Serial 
Number 94-E5913. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific 
terms, conditions, and safety procedures that would be followed when 
using the diesel generator system. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

4. Martin County Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-50-C]

    Martin County Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 5002, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901 
(protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used 
underground) to its 1-C Mine (I.D. No. 15-03752) located in Martin 
County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of the 
standard to allow the use of a 150 K W Diesel Generator Set, Serial 
Number 94-E5913. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific 
terms, conditions, and safety procedures that would be followed when 
using the diesel generator system. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

5. Martin County Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-51-C]

    Martin County Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 5002, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901 
(protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used 
underground) to its White Cabin Mine Number One (I.D. No. 15-17531) 
located in Martin County,

[[Page 38786]]

Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of the standard to 
allow the use of a 150 K W Diesel Generator Set, Serial Number 94-
E5913. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific terms, 
conditions, and safety procedures that would be followed when using the 
diesel generator system. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

6. Martin County Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-52-C]

    Martin County Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 5002, Inez, Kentucky has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.701 (grounding 
metallic frames, casings, and other enclosures of electric equipment) 
to its Pegasus Mine (I.D. No. 15-17330) located in Martin County, 
Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of the standard to 
allow the use of a 100 K W Diesel Generator Set, Serial Number 90-
E5260. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific terms, 
conditions, and safety procedures that would be followed when using the 
diesel generator system. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

7. Martin County Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-53-C]

    Martin County Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 5002, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.701 
(grounding metallic frames, casings, and other enclosures of electric 
equipment) to its White Cabin Mine Number One (I.D. No. 15-17531) 
located in Martin County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a 
modification of the standard to allow the use of a 100 K W Diesel 
Generator Set, Serial Number 90-E5260. The petitioner has outlined in 
this petition specific terms, conditions, and safety procedures that 
would be followed when using the diesel generator system. The 
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory 
standard.

8. Martin County Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-54-C]

    Martin County Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 5002, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.701 
(grounding metallic frames, casings, and other enclosures of electric 
equipment) to its 1-C Mine (I.D. No. 15-03752) located in Martin 
County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of the 
standard to allow the use of a 100 K W Diesel Generator Set, Serial 
Number 90-E5260. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific 
terms, conditions, and safety procedures that would be followed when 
using the diesel generator system. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

9. Pilgrim Mining Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-55-C]

    Pilgrim Mining Company, Inc., P.O. Box 2046, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.701 
(grounding metallic frames, casings, and other enclosures of electric 
equipment) to its Pilgrim Mine Number Three (I.D. No. 15-17359) located 
in Martin County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of 
the standard to allow the use of a 150 K W Diesel Generator Set, Serial 
Number 94-E5913. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific 
terms, conditions, and safety procedures that would be followed when 
using the diesel generator system. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

10. Pilgrim Mining Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-56-C]

    Pilgrim Mining Company, Inc., P.O. Box 2046, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.701 to its 
Voyager Mine Number Two (I.D. No. 15-17639) located in Martin County, 
Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of the standard to 
allow the use of a 150 K W Diesel Generator Set, Serial Number 94-
E5913. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific terms, 
conditions, and safety procedures that would be followed when using the 
diesel generator system. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

11. Garrett Mining, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-57-C]

    Garrett Mining, Inc., P.O. Box 262, Toler, Kentucky 41569 has filed 
a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.350 (air courses and 
belt haulage entries) to its No. 2 Mine (I.D. No. 15-08079) located in 
Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use belt haulage 
entries as intake air courses for ventilation of active working places. 
The petitioner proposes to install a carbon monoxide monitoring system 
as an early warning fire detection system in all belt entries used as 
intake air courses. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

12. Windsor Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-58-C]

    Windsor Coal Company, P.O. Box 39, West Liberty, West Virginia 
26074 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1700 
(oil and gas wells) to its Windsor Mine (I.D. No. 46-01286) located in 
Brooke County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to clean out and 
plug oil and gas wells using specific techniques and procedures as 
outlined in the petition. The petitioner proposes to mine through the 
plugged oil or gas well. Prior to mining through, the petitioner would 
confer with the MSHA District Manager for approval of the specific 
mining procedures, and appropriate officials would be allowed to 
observe the process and all mining would be under the direct 
supervision of a certified official. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

13. Cyprus Plateau Mining Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-59-C]

    Cyprus Plateau Mining Corporation, Buchanan Ingersoll Professional 
Corporation, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant Street, 20th Floor, 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-1410 has filed a petition to modify the 
application of 30 CFR 75.364(a)(1) (weekly examination) to its Star 
Point No. 2 Mine (I.D. No. 42-00171) located in Carbon County, Utah. 
Due to deteriorating roof conditions in certain parts of the mine near 
the Lion Portal and in the Middle Seam/Mudwater, traveling that portion 
of the return air course would be unsafe. The petitioner proposes to 
establish four evaluation points to monitor the methane, and air 
quantity measurements in the worked-out areas; to travel the worked-out 
areas to the point of deepest penetration; to maintain the evaluation 
points in safe condition; and to have a certified person evaluate the 
worked-out areas at each evaluation point on a weekly basis in order to 
identify any potential hazards. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

[[Page 38787]]

14. Shell Energy Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-60-C]

    Shell Energy Company, Inc., P.O. Box 423, Fairmont, West Virginia 
26554 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.380 
(d)(3) and (d)(4) (escapeways; bituminous and lignite mines) to its 
Stacey-Meranda Mine (I.D. No. 46-08086) located in Harrison County, 
West Virginia. Due to adverse roof conditions, the post and cribs 
cannot be removed. The petitioner proposes to use the No. 2 conveyor 
belt entry as an alternate escape. The petitioner proposes to post 
luminous warning signs ``DANGER CLOSE CLEARANCE'' at each end of the 
affected area so that in the event of a fire disabled persons can be 
transported through the affected area safely; to provide the required 
clearance if technology becomes available to remove the post and cribs; 
and to have the mine on a blowing system without power installation in 
the intake escapeway. The petitioner states that the proposed 
alternative method would enhance safety and reduce exposure to 
hazardous conditions for mine personnel.

15. Cyprus Cumberland Resources Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-61-C]

    Cyprus Cumberland Resources Corporation, RD 3, Box 184, Waynesburg, 
Pennsylvania 15370 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.351(b)(2)(i) (atmospheric monitoring system (AMS)) to its 
Cumberland Mine (I.D. No. 36-05018) located in Greene County, 
Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to install a methane monitor on 
the tailgate side of the longwall face that would automatically 
deenergize the longwall face equipment at the stage loader when the 
methane sensor is not operating properly, instead of using a tailgate 
methane sensor; and within 60 days after petition for modification is 
granted submit proposed revisions for its Part 48 training plan to the 
Coal Mine Safety and Health District Manager. The petitioner asserts 
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same 
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

16. Cyprus Cumberland Resources Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-62-C]

    Cyprus Cumberland Resources Corporation, RD 3, Box 184, Waynesburg, 
Pennsylvania 15370 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.350 (air courses and belt haulage entries) to its Cumberland 
Mine (I.D. No. 36-05018) located in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The 
petitioner requests a modification of its previously granted petition, 
docket number M-84-218-C for 30 CFR 75.326 (now 75.350), to permit the 
velocity of air in the belt conveyor entries to be increased above 300 
feet per minute (fpm). The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

17. Enlow Fork Mining Company

[Docket No. M-96-63-C]

    Enlow Fork Mining Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road, 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the 
application of 30 CFR 75.503 (Schedule 2G, Section 18.35) (permissible 
electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Enlow Fork Mine (I.D. No. 
46-07416) located in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner 
proposes to increase the maximum length of the loading machine, shuttle 
car, roof bolter, and section ventilation fan trailing cables to 900 
feet while developing four-entry longwall panels; to provide training 
before alternative method is implemented to all miners designated to 
examine the integrity of seals and verify the short-circuit settings 
and proper procedures for examining trailing cables for damage; and to 
submit proposed revisions for their Part 48 training plan to the Coal 
Mine Safety and Health District Manager. The petitioner asserts that 
the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure 
of protection as would the mandatory standard.

18. West Cameron Mining

[Docket No. M-96-64-C]

    West Cameron Mining, RD #2, Box 630, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1100 
(quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its Lenig Tunnel 
(I.D. No. 36-08288) located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The 
petitioner proposes to use only portable fire extinguishers to replace 
existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water 
storage are not practical. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

19. West Cameron Mining

[Docket No. M-96-65-C]

    West Cameron Mining, RD #2, Box 630, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1200(d) & 
(i) (mine map) to its Lenig Tunnel (I.D. No. 36-08288) located in 
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use 
cross-sections instead of contour 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 
tunnel. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method 
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the 
mandatory standard.

20. West Cameron Mining

[Docket No. M-96-66-C]

    West Cameron Mining, RD #2, Box 630, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a) 
(temporary notations, revisions, and supplements) to its Lenig Tunnel 
(I.D. No. 36-08288) located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The 
petitioner proposes to revise and supplement mine maps annually instead 
of every 6 months, as required, and to update maps daily by hand 
notations. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method 
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the 
mandatory standard.

21. West Cameron Mining

[Docket No. M-96-67-C]

    West Cameron Mining, RD #2, Box 630, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1405 
(automatic couplers) to its Lenig Tunnel (I.D. No. 36-08288) located in 
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use bar 
and pin or link and pin couplers on its underground haulage equipment. 
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would 
provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory 
standard.

22. Ember Contracting, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-68-C]

    Ember Contracting, Inc., Box 446, Betsy Lane, Kentucky 41605 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.342 (methane 
monitors) to its No. 5 Mine (I.D. No. 15-16727) located in Knott 
County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use hand-held continuous-
duty methane oxygen indicators instead of machine mounted

[[Page 38788]]

methane monitors on its permissible DC powered scoop haulage machines. 
The petitioner states that this petition is based on the safety of the 
miners involved and not primarily on economic standpoints.

23. Cyprus Emerald Resources Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-69-C]

    Cyprus Emerald Resources Corporation, 145 Elm Drive, Waynesburg, 
Pennsylvania 15370 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.507 (power connection points) to its Emerald No. 1 Mine (I.D. 
No. 36-05466) located in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner 
proposes to use a non-permissible pump in the longwall bleeder sump 
located near the No. 3 Bleeder shaft, No. 6 Return shaft, and all 
future and/or bleeder shafts as they are developed. The petitioner 
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the 
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

24. Consolidation Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-70-C]

    Consolidation Coal Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road, 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the 
application of 30 CFR 75.804(a)(underground high-voltage cables) to its 
Loveridge No. 22 Mine (I.D. No. 46-01433) located in Marion County, 
West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to uses a high-voltage cable 
with an internal ground check conductor smaller than No. 10 (A.W.G.) as 
a part of its longwall mining system. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

25. Genwal Resources, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-71-C]

    Genwal Resources, Inc., P.O. Box 1420, Huntington, Utah 84528 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.350 (air 
courses and belt haulage entries) to its Crandall Canyon Mine (I.D. No. 
42-01715) located in Emery County, Utah. The petitioner proposes to use 
belt air in a two-entry mining system. The petitioner proposes to 
install low-level carbon monoxide sensors as an early warning fire 
detection system in the intake escapeway entry and the belt entry. The 
petitioner states that application of the standard would result in a 
diminution of safety to the miners. In addition, the petitioner asserts 
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same 
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

26. North American Salt Company

[Docket No. M-96-01-M]

    North American Salt Company, P.O. Box 10, Lydia, Louisiana 70569 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 57.22215(b)(1) 
to its Cote Blanche Underground Salt Mine (I.D. No. 16-00358) located 
in St. Mary County, Louisiana. The petitioner requests a modification 
of the standard to allow the use of flexible ventilation tubing in 
lengths greater than 250 feet. The petitioner states that application 
of the standard would result in a diminution of safety to the miners. 
In addition, 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 may furnish written comments. 
These comments must be filed with the Office of Standards, Regulations, 
and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 627, 4015 
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments must be 
postmarked or received in that office on or before August 26, 1996. 
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.

    Dated: July 18, 1996.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.
[FR Doc. 96-18947 Filed 7-24-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P