[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 6, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40859-40863]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-19994]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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.

    Dated: July 29, 1996.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.

Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification

    Docket No.: M-94-010-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 6975.
    Petitioner: SBM Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(b)(5).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to 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 working section 
and physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month 
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the M and R Slope 
Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air 
haulage slope of this mine.

    Docket No.: M-94-011-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 6975.
    Petitioner: SBM Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a)
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement 
mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval 
and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the M and R Slope Mine with conditions 
for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

    Docket No.: M-94-012-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 6975.
    Petitioner: SBM Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the M and R 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-94-023-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 10172.
    Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(d)(4).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to allow the width of 
the alternate escapeway in the belt entry for each longwall panel to be 
maintained at a width of a minimum of 48 inches for a maximum distance 
of 1,050 feet immediately out by the stageloader; to designate the 
intake entry as the primary escapeway and belt entry as the alternate 
escapeway with both escapeways on intake air and maintained to a 
minimum of 6 feet in width for their entire distance, except for a 
distance of a maximum of 1,050 feet in the alternate escapeway 
beginning at the stage-loader considered acceptable alternative method. 
Granted for the West Elk Mine with conditions for the ``monorail 
area'', the area immediately out by the stage-loader for a maximum 
distance of 1,050 feet, in the belt entry of each longwall panel.

    Docket No.: M-94-042-C.

    FR Notice: 59 FR 21780.

    Petitioner: Peabody Coal 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; and to

[[Page 40860]]

instruct all persons during safety meetings on the requirements for 
operating or maintaining battery-powered machines considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the Big Mountain No. 16 Mine with 
conditions for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking 
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs.

    Docket No.: M-94-044-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 24728.
    Petitioner: K & L Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the 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-94-045-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 24728.
    Petitioner: K & L 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 the No. 1 Slope Mine with 
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-047-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 24728.
    Petitioner: K & L Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(b)(5).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to 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, 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, and to 
physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month 
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope 
Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air 
haulage slope of this mine.

    Docket No.: M-94-072-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 35147.
    Petitioner: Chestnut Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 75.360(b)(5).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to 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, 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 and 
physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month 
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 10 Slope 
Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air 
haulage slope of this mine.

    Docket No.: M-94-075-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 35147.
    Petitioner: Chestnut 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 the No. 1 Slope Mine with 
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-076-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 35147.
    Petitioner: Chestnut Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement 
mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval 
and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the No. 10 Slope Mine with conditions 
for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

    Docket No.: M-94-082-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 35148.
    Petitioner: K & S 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 the First Chance Slope Mine 
with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-083-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 35148.
    Petitioner: K & S Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the First Chance 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-94-088-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 35148.
    Petitioner: Shadle Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement 
mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval 
and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the Shadle Slope Mine with conditions 
for annual revisions and supplements of the mine maps.

    Docket No.: M-94-089-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 35149.
    Petitioner: Shadle Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the Shadle 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-94-090-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 35149. Petitioner: Shadle 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 the Shadle Slope Mine with 
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-092-C.

[[Page 40861]]

    FR Notice: 59 FR 35149.
    Petitioner: Shadle Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(b)(5).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to 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, 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, and to 
physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month 
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Shadle Slope 
Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air 
haulage slope of this mine.

    Docket No.: M-94-097-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 38203.
    Petitioner: Helvetia Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use two portable fire 
extinguishers, or one portable fire extinguisher with twice the 
required capacity, at each temporary electrical installation instead of 
using one fire extinguisher and rock dust at such installations 
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lucerne No. 6 
Extension Mine with conditions for the temporary electrical 
installations provided the Petitioner maintains two portable fire 
extinguishers having at least the minimum capacity specified for a 
portable fire extinguisher in 30 CFR 75.1100-1(e) at each of the 
temporary electrical installations.

    Docket No.: M-94-099-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 38203.
    Petitioner: Keystone Coal Mining Corporation.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use two portable fire 
extinguishers, or one portable fire extinguisher with twice the 
required capacity, at each temporary electrical installation instead of 
using one fire extinguisher and rock dust at such installations 
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Emilie No. 1 
Mine, Emilie No. 4 Mine, Jane Mine, Urling No. 1 Mine, Margaret No. 11 
Mine, and Plumcreek Mine with conditions for the temporary electrical 
installations provided the Petitioner maintains two portable fire 
extinguishers having at least the minimum capacity specified for a 
portable fire extinguisher in 30 CFR 75.1100-1(e) at each of the 
temporary electrical installations.

    Docket No.: M-94-102-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 40924.
    Petitioner: H. L. & W. Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(b)(5).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to 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, 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, and to 
physically examine the entire length of the slope once a month 
considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the No. 2 Slope 
Mine with conditions for examinations of seals in the intake air 
haulage slope of this mine.

    Docket No.: M-94-104-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 40924.
    Petitioner: H. L. & W. 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 the Slope No. 2 Mine with 
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-105-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 40924.
    Petitioner: H. L. & W. Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the Slope No. 2 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-94-106-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 40924.
    Petitioner: H. L. & W. Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement 
mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval 
and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the Slope No. 2 Mine with conditions 
for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

    Docket No.: M-94-124-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 46268.
    Petitioner: C & C Coal Company (now L & R 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 the Primrose Slope Mine with 
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-125-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 46268.
    Petitioner: C & C Coal Company (now L & R Coal Company).
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the Primrose 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-94-126-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 46268.
    Petitioner: C & C Coal Company (now L & R Coal Company).
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement 
mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval 
and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the Primrose Slope Mine with conditions 
for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

    Docket No.: M-94-133-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 46269.
    Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
    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; and to instruct all 
persons on the requirements

[[Page 40862]]

for operating or maintaining battery-powered machines considered 
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Lightfoot 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-94-134-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 46269.
    Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
    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; and to instruct all 
persons on the requirements for operating or maintaining battery-
powered machines considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for 
the Lightfoot 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-94-136-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 5007.
    Petitioner: Triton Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.1607(u).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a portable 
hydraulic unit to supply power to the necessary functions of disabled 
equipment in order to move it safely considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the Buckskin Mine with conditions for the use of a 
portable hydraulic unit for braking and steering and a towing sling or 
choke cable in lieu of a towbar with safety chains.

    Docket No.: M-94-142-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 52839.
    Petitioner: Ram Head 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 the Primrose Slope Mine with 
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-143-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 52839.
    Petitioner: Ram Head Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the Primrose 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-94-144-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 52839.
    Petitioner: Ram Head Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement 
mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval 
and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the Primrose Slope Mine with conditions 
for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

    Docket No.: M-94-146-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 52839.
    Petitioner: Arch of Illinois.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.206(c).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use a SAF-T-CLIMB 
fall prevention system that meets Federal Specifications No. RR-S-
001301, and complies with OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.27 considered 
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Arch of Illinois 
Preparation Plant with conditions for the use of SAF-T-CLIMB fall 
prevention system at every permanently attached vertical ladder used at 
counterweight towers during maintenance work on the overload conveyor 
system.

    Docket No.: M-94-158-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 59434.
    Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b) (2)&(4).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to establish two 
positive return evaluation points, one in the No. 6 entry and one in 
the No. 4 entry, to measure the return airflow; to maintain and check 
evaluation points Nos. 17 and 18 at least once every twenty-four hours; 
and to designate a certified person to make these examinations and 
record the results in an approved book considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the Lightfoot No. 1 Mine with 
conditions for a portion of the return aircourse in the 1 Right Mains 
near the portal, including three of the four adjacent mine seals for 
the worked-out area of 2 Butt Right.

    Docket No.: M-94-161-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 59435.
    Petitioner: Pontiki Coal Corporation.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use belt haulage 
entries as intake air courses 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 
Pontiki No. 1 Mine at the end with conditions to allow air coursed 
through conveyor belt entries to be used to ventilate working places.

    Docket No.: M-94-162-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 59435.
    Petitioner: Pontiki Coal Corporation.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use belt haulage 
entries as intake air courses 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 
Pontiki No. 2 Mine at the end with conditions to allow air coursed 
through conveyor belt entries to be used to ventilate working places.

    Docket No.: M-94-175-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 67736.
    Petitioner: L. V. 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 the No. 4 Slope Mine with 
conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-176-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 67736.
    Petitioner: L. V. Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the No. 4 Slope Mine with conditions for the use of 
cross-sections, in lieu of contour lines,

[[Page 40863]]

limiting the mapping of mines above or below this mine to those within 
100 feet of the vein being mined.

    Docket No.: M-94-177-C.
    FR Notice: 59 FR 67736.
    Petitioner: L. V. Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement 
mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval 
and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the No. 4 Slope Mine with conditions 
for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

    Docket No.: M-94-179-C.
    FR Notice: 60 FR 3436.
    Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.900.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use contactors to 
provide undervoltage grounded phase protection instead of using circuit 
breakers, and to use the breakers for short circuit and overcurrent 
protection considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the 
Lightfoot No. 1 Mine with conditions to allow the use of contactors to 
provide undervoltage, grounded phase, and overload protection and 
monitor the grounding conductors for 480-volt belt conveyor drives and 
other loads from combination power center/belt starter units located at 
the mine.

    Docket No.: M-94-180-C.
    FR Notice: 60 FR 3436.
    Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.900.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use contactors to 
provide undervoltage grounded phase protection instead of using circuit 
breakers, and to use the breakers for short circuit and overcurrent 
protection considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the 
Lightfoot No. 2 Mine with conditions to allow the use of contactors to 
provide undervoltage, grounded phase, and overload protection and 
monitor the grounding conductors for 480-volt belt conveyor drives and 
other loads from combination power center/belt starter units located at 
the mine.

    Docket No.: M-94-181-C.
    FR Notice: 60 FR 3436.
    Petitioner: M & H Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use nonpermissible 
electric equipment within 150 feet of the pillar line and to suspend 
equipment operation anytime methane concentration at the equipment 
reaches 0.5 percent, either during operation or during a pre-shift 
examination considered acceptable alternative method. Granted for the 
Mercury Slope Mine with conditions for the use of nonpermissible 
battery-powered locomotives and non-permissible electric drags and 
associated non-permissible electric components located within 150 feet 
from pillar workings.

    Docket No.: M-94-186-C.
    FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.
    Petitioner: Mt. Top 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 the Mt. Top Coal Company 
Mine with conditions for firefighting equipment in the working section.

    Docket No.: M-94-187-C.
    FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.
    Petitioner: Mt. Top Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d), (h), 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 feet intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the mapping of mine workings 
above and below to those present within 100 feet of the vein being 
mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 
100 feet limit through rock tunnels considered acceptable alternative 
method. Granted for the Mt. Top Coal Company 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-94-188-C.
    FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.
    Petitioner: Mt. Top Coal Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to revise and supplement 
mine maps on an annual basis instead of the required 6 month interval 
and to update maps daily by hand notations considered acceptable 
alternative method. Granted for the Buck Mountain Slope Mine with 
conditions for annual revisions and supplements of the mine map.

    Docket No.: M-94-189-C.
    FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.
    Petitioner: Knott County Mining Company.
    Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.900.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to use contactors for 
undervoltage protection instead of using circuit breakers considered 
acceptable alternative method. Granted for the Brimstone Mine No. 1 and 
the Hollybush Mine No. 1 with conditions to allow the use of 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.

[FR Doc. 96-19994 Filed 8-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P