[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 183 (Tuesday, September 22, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 50603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25309]


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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. Independence Coal Company

[Docket No. M-98-79-C]

    Independence Coal Company, HC 78 Box 1800, Madison, West Virginia 
25130 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 
(location of trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, high-voltage cables 
and transformers) to its Justice No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 46-07273) located 
in Boone County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to use high-
voltage longwall mining equipment. The petitioner asserts that the 
nominal voltage of the longwall power circuit(s) would not exceed 4,160 
volts. In addition, the petitioner asserts that the specific terms and 
conditions listed in this petition would be followed and proposed 
revisions that specify initial and refresher training regarding these 
terms and conditions for its approved Part 48 training plan would be 
submitted to the District Manager within 60 days after the proposed 
decision and order becomes final. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

2. Mettiki Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-98-80-C]

    Mettiki Coal Corporation, 293 Table Rock Road, Oakland, Maryland 
21550 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002-
1 (location of other electric equipment; requirements for 
permissibility) to its Mettiki Mine (I.D. No. 18-00621) located in 
Garrett County, Maryland. The petitioner proposes to use nonpermissible 
low horsepower testing and diagnostic equipment within 150 feet from 
pillar workings. The petitioner asserts 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 are encouraged to submit 
comments via e-mail to ``[email protected]'', or on a computer disk 
along with an original hard copy to the Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 4015 
Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments 
must be postmarked or received in that office on or before October 22, 
1998. Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that 
address.

    Dated: September 17, 1998.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 98-25309 Filed 9-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-13-P