[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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