[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4331-4336]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-2122]
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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. D & D Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-166-C]
D & D Coal Company, 139 E. Independence Street, Shamokin,
Pennsylvania 17872 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 75.335 (construction of seals) to its 7 Foot Drift Mine (I.D.
No.36-08092) located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner
requests a modification of the standard to permit alternative methods
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. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
2. D & D Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-167-C]
D & D Coal Company, 139 E. Independence Street, Shamokin,
Pennsylvania 17872 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 75.1100 (quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its 7
Foot Drift Mine (I.D. No. 36-08092) located in Schuylkill 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.
3. Apogee Coal Company dba Arch of Illinois
[Docket No. M-96-168-C]
Apogee Coal Company dba Arch of Illinois, P.O. Box 308, Percy,
Illinois 62272 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.901(a) (protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits
used underground) to its Conant Mine (I.D. No. 11-02886) located in
Perry County, Illinois. The petitioner requests a modification of the
standard to allow a diesel powered generator to be operated for
supplying power to mobile mining equipment when such equipment is being
moved from one area of the mine to another without grounding the
neutral to a low resistance ground field. The petitioner states that
mining personnel would be trained in the proper testing procedures to
be used at the mine whenever this practice occurs. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
4. Burnrite Slope Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-169-C]
Burnrite Slope Coal Company, 325 Mulberry Street, Atlas,
Pennsylvania 17851 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 75.1100 (quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its
Burnrite Slope (I.D. No. 36-08547) located in Columbia 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.
5. Burnrite Slope Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-170-C]
Burnrite Slope Coal Company, 325 Mulberry Street, Atlas,
Pennsylvania 17851 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 75.1200 (d) & (i) (mine map) to its Burnrite Slope Mine (I.D. No.
36-08547) located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner
proposes 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. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
6. Burnrite Slope Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-171-C]
Burnrite Slope Coal Company, 325 Mulberry Street, Atlas,
Pennsylvania 17851 has filed a petition to modify the
[[Page 4332]]
application of 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a) (temporary notations, revisions, and
supplements) to its Burnrite Slope Mine (I.D. No. 36-08547) located in
Columbia 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.
7. Burnrite Slope Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-172-C
Burnrite Slope Coal Company, 325 Mulberry Street, Atlas,
Pennsylvania 17851 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 75.1400 (hoisting equipment; general) to its Burnrite Slope (I.D.
No. 36-08547) located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner
proposes to use a 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. 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-96-173-C]
Martin County Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 5002, Inez, Kentucky 41224
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.513-1
(electric conductor; size) to its Pegasus Mine (I.D. No. 15-17330)
located in Martin County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to install
current limiting devices in conveyor belt drive electrical
installations to ensure deenergization of the circuit before a rise in
temperature from normal operation will damage the insulating materials
of electrical conductors. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
9. Mallie Coal Company. Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-174-C]
Mallie Coal Company, Inc., Route 1, Box 173, Woodbine, Kentucky
40771 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.380(f)(4)(i) (escapeways; bituminous and lignite mines) to its Mine
No. 5 (I.D. No. 15-17314) located in Knox County, Kentucky. The
petitioner proposes to install two five-pound or one ten-pound portable
chemical fire extinguisher in the operators deck of each Mescher
tractor operated at the mine; to have the fire extinguisher readily
accessible to the operator; and to have each fire extinguisher
inspected daily by the equipment operator prior to entering the
escapeway. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the
mandatory standard.
10. Apex Minerals, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-175-C]
Apex Minerals, Inc., P.O. Box 117, Kimper, Kentucky 41539 has filed
a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 (permissible
electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-
02096) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use
permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on mobile battery-
powered equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of battery plugs
from battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards associated with
difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations. 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.
11. Rawl Sales and Processing Company
[Docket No. M-96-176-C]
Rawl Sales and Processing Company, P.O. Box 722, Matewan, West
Virginia 25678 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 Tall Timber Mine (I.D. No. 15-13720) located
in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a diesel
generator to power mobile equipment in and out of its mine. The
petitioner asserts that the use of this generator as a mobile unit used
in conjunction with the tramming of mobile equipment does not enable
attaching the unit to the mine's ground fields. The petitioner has
outlined in this petition specific changes and adjustments that would
be made to the generator set to ensure that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would
the mandatory standard.
12. Road Fork Development Company
[Docket No. M-96-177-C]
Road Fork Development Company, P.O. Box 565, Matewan, West Virginia
25678 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 Calloway Mine (I.D. No. 15-17252); its Pegs Branch
Mine (I.D. No. 15-17541); its Burnwell Energy Mine (I.D. No. 15-16599);
and its Extra Energy Mine (I.D. No. 15-15386) all located in Pike
County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to
power mobile equipment in and out of the mines. The petitioner asserts
that the use of this generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction
with the tramming of mobile equipment does not enable attaching the
unit to the mine's ground fields. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
13. Dry Fork Energy, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-178-C]
Dry Fork Energy, Inc., P.O. Box 157, McCarr, Kentucky 41544 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503
(permissible electric face equipment) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-
17385) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use
permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on mobile battery-
powered machines to prevent unintentional loosening of battery plugs
from battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards associated with
difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations. 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.
14. Dry Fork Energy, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-179-C]
Dry Fork Energy, Inc., P.O. Box 157, McCarr, Kentucky 41544 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 Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-17385) located in Pike County, Kentucky.
The petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to power mobile
equipment in and out of the mines. The petitioner asserts that the use
of this generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction with the
tramming of mobile equipment does not enable attaching the unit to the
mine's ground fields. The petitioner has outlined in this petition
specific changes and adjustments that would be made to the
[[Page 4333]]
generator set to ensure that the proposed alternative method would
provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
15. Dry Fork Energy, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-180-C]
Dry Fork Energy, Inc., P.O. Box 157, McCarr, Kentucky 41544 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901(a)
(protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used
underground) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-17385) located in Pike
County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to
power mobile equipment in and out of its mine. The petitioner asserts
that the use of this generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction
with the tramming of mobile equipment does not enable attaching the
unit to the mine's ground fields. The petitioner has outlined in this
petition specific changes and adjustments that would be made to the
generator set to ensure that the proposed alternative method would
provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
16. Apex Minerals, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-181-C]
Apex Minerals, Inc., P.O. Box 329, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 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 Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-02096) located in Pike County, Kentucky.
The petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to power mobile
equipment in and out of its mine. The petitioner asserts that the use
of this generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction with the
tramming of mobile equipment does not enable attaching the unit to the
mine's ground fields. The petitioner has outlined in this petition
specific changes and adjustments that would be made to the generator
set to ensure that the proposed alternative method would provide at
least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
17. Apex Minerals, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-182-C]
Apex Minerals, Inc., P.O. Box 329, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 has filed
a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901(a) (protection of
low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used underground) to its
Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-02096) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The
petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to power mobile equipment
in and out of its mine. The petitioner asserts that the use of this
generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction with the tramming of
mobile equipment does not enable attaching the unit to the mine's
ground fields. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific
changes and adjustments that would be made to the generator set to
ensure that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
18. Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation
[Docket No. M-96-183-C]
Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation, Caller Box 3013, Gillette, Wyoming
82717 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
77.1304(a) (blasting agents; special provisions) to its Jacobs Ranch
Mine (I.D. No. 48-00997) located in Campbell County, Wyoming. The
petitioner proposes to use petroleum-based lubrication oil, which would
be drained from its Jacobs Ranch Mine equipment, blended with fuel oil
to create an Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) blasting agent. The
petitioner also proposes to submit proposed revisions to its part 48
training plan, which include initial and refresher training regarding
compliance to its petition, to the District Manager within 60 days
after granting of this petition. The petitioner has outlined in this
petition specific procedures that would be followed in creating the
ANFO and using the blasting agent. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
19. M & H Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-184-C]
M & H Coal Company, P.O. Box 559, Hegins, Pennsylvania 17938 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1200 (d) & (i)
(mine map) to its Mercury Slope (I.D. No. 36-01920) located in
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes 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. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
20. M & H Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-185-C]
M & H Coal Company, P.O. Box 559, Hegins, Pennsylvania 17938 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a)
(temporary notations, revisions, and supplements) to its Mercury Slope
(I.D. No. 36-01920) located in Schuylkill 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. M & H Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-186-C]
M & H Coal Company, P.O. Box 559, Hegins, Pennsylvania 17938 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.335
(construction of seals) to its Mercury Slope (I.D. No. 36-01920)
located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a
modification of the standard to permit alternative methods 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. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
22. Sheldon Derck
[Docket No. M-96-187-C]
Sheldon Derck, 133 E. Academy Street, 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 Slope No. 1
Mine (I.D. No. 07018) 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.
[[Page 4334]]
23. Sheldon Derck
[Docket No. M-96-188-C]
Sheldon Derck, 133 E. Academy Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1200 (mine
map) to its Slope No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 07018) located in Northumberland
County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes 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. The petitioner asserts
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
24. Sheldon Derck
[Docket No. M-96-189-C]
Sheldon Derck, 133 E. Academy Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1100
(quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its Slope No. 1
Mine (I.D. No. 07018) 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.
25. Jordan Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-190-C]
Jordan Coal Company, 133 E. Academy Street, 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 Jordan
No. 1 Slope Mine (I.D. No. 07681) 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.
26. Jordan Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-191-C]
Jordan Coal Company, 133 E. Academy Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania
17872 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1200
(mine map) to its Jordan No. 1 Slope Mine (I.D. No. 36-07681) located
in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes 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. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
27. Jordan Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-192-C]
Jordan Coal Company has filed a petition to modify the application
of 30 CFR 75.1100 (quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to
its Jordan No. 1 Slope Mine (I.D. No. 36-07681) 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.
28. Consolidation Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-193-C]
Consolidation Coal Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) (weekly examination) to its
Shoemaker Mine (I.D. No. 46-01436) located in Marshall County, West
Virginia. Due to deteriorating roof and rib conditions in certain areas
of the return aircourse, traveling the area in entirety would be
unsafe. The petitioner proposes 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. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
29. Apogee Coal Company dba Arch of Illinois
[Docket No. M-96-194-C]
Apogee Coal Company dba Arch of Illinois, P.O. Box 308, Percy,
Illinois 62272-0308 has filed a petition to modify the application of
30 CFR 75.333(b)(3) (ventilation controls) to its Conant Mine (I.D. No.
11-02886) located in Perry County, Illinois. The petitioner requests a
modification of the standard to allow permanent stoppings to be built
and maintained to a point not to exceed 900 feet from the point of
deepest penetration in the conveyor belt entry or to a distance from
the point of deepest penetration in the conveyor belt entry not to
exceed 1\1/2\ time the length of the Archveyor continuous face haulage
system. 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.
30. Sargent Hollow Mining Corporation
[Docket No. M-96-195-C]
Sargent Hollow Mining Corporation, P.O. Box 2560, Wise, Virginia
24293 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.364(b)(2) (weekly examination) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 44-06795)
located in Wise County, Virginia. Due to deteriorating roof conditions
in certain areas of the return aircourse, traveling the area in
entirety would be unsafe. The petitioner proposes to evaluate the
quality and quantity of air in the affected area at S.S. No. 323 inby,
and S.S. No. 270 outby the dangerous roof area. The petitioner asserts
that the proposed alternative method would not result in a diminution
of safety to the miners.
31. Freedom Energy Mining Company
[Docket No. M-96-196-C]
Freedom Energy Mining Company, P.O. Box 239, Sidney, Kentucky 41564
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503
(permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Mine No. 1
(I.D. No. 15-07082) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner
proposes to use permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on
mobile battery-powered equipment to prevent
[[Page 4335]]
unintentional loosening of battery plugs from battery receptacles to
eliminate the hazards associated with difficult removal of padlocks
during emergency situations. 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.
32. Rockhouse Energy Mining Company
[Docket No. M-96-197-C]
Rockhouse Energy Mining Company, P.O. Box 239, Sidney, Kentucky
41564 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503
(permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Rockhouse
Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-17651) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The
petitioner proposes to use permanently installed, spring-loaded locking
devices on mobile battery-powered equipment to prevent unintentional
loosening of battery plugs from battery receptacles to eliminate the
hazards associated with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency
situations. 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.
33. Solid Energy Mining Company
[Docket No. M-96-198-C]
Solid Energy Mining Company, P.O. Box 368, Sidney, Kentucky 41564
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503
(permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Mine No. 1
(I.D. No. 15-07475) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner
proposes to use permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on
mobile battery-powered equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of
battery plugs from battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards
associated with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency
situations. 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.
34. Clean Energy Mining Company
[Docket No. M-96-199-C]
Clean Energy Mining Company, P.O. Box 267, Sidney, Kentucky 41564
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503
(permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Mine No. 1
(I.D. No. 15-10753) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner
proposes to use permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on
mobile battery-powered equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of
battery plugs from battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards
associated with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency
situations. 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.
35. Sidney Coal Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-200-C]
Sidney Coal Company, Inc., P.O. Box 299, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 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 subsidiaries: the Black Diamond Coal Company, Mine No. 1 (I.D.
No. 15-17356); the Clean Energy Mining Company, Mine No. 1 (I.D. No.
15-10753); the Freedom Energy Mining Company, Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-
07082); the Rockhouse Energy Mining Company, Rockhouse Mine No. 1 (I.D.
No. 15-17651); and the Solid Energy Mining Company, Mine No. 1 (I.D.
No. 15-07475) all located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner
proposes to use a diesel generator to power mobile equipment in and out
of these mines. The petitioner asserts that the use of this generator
as a mobile unit used in conjunction with the tramming of mobile
equipment does not enable attaching the unit to the mines' ground
fields. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific changes
and adjustments that would be made to the generator set to ensure that
the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure
of protection as would the mandatory standard.
36. Golden Oak Mining Company, L.P.
[Docket No. M-96-201-C]
Golden Oak Mining Company, L.P., HC 85, Box 177, Whitesburg,
Kentucky 41858 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.362(d)(2) (on-shift examination) to its Tango Mine (I.D. No. 15-
13294), its Golden Oak 3-A Mine (I.D. No. 15-02046), its Golden Oak No.
3 Mine (I.D. No. 15-17372) all located in Letcher County, Kentucky; and
its Black Oak Mine No. 10 (I.D. No. 15-17592) located in Knott County,
Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a 20-foot probe to conduct
methane tests in all unbolted places; in all working places where roof
bolting is being performed; in working places where a continuous miner
is actively cutting coal, and to attach a device to the continuous
miner holding a methane detector to conduct the test within 36 inches
of the deepest point of penetration in the cut, if the cut is deeper
than 20 feet; and to calibrate the methane monitor on the continuous
miner to warn the operator at 1.0% methane and to deenergize the
machine at 1.5% methane. The petitioner has outlined in this petition
specific procedures to be followed when using its alternative method.
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.
37. Blue Mountain Energy, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-202-C]
Blue Mountain Energy, Inc., Box 1067, Rangely, Colorado 81648 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 Deserado Mine (I.D. No. 05-03505) located in Rio
Blanco County, Colorado. The petitioner proposes to use 2,400-volt
cables to power longwall equipment in the active pillar workings; to
implement additional safety procedures and devices; and to provide
training to all mining personnel before the proposed alternative method
is implemented. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would
the mandatory standard.
38. Elk Run Coal Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-203-C]
Elk Run Coal Company, Inc., P.O. Box 497, Sylvester, West Virginia
25193 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002
(location of trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, and high-voltage
cables and transformers) to its Black Knight II Mine (I.D. No. 46-
08402) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes
to use 2,300-volt cables to power longwall equipment in the active
pillar workings; to implement additional safety
[[Page 4336]]
procedures devices; and to provide training to all mining personnel
before the proposed alternative method is implemented. 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 February 28, 1997.
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.
Dated: January 22, 1997.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 97-2122 Filed 1-28-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P