[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 218 (Thursday, November 9, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67410-67414]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-28816]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


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 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 
1977, the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) may allow the modification of 
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.
    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, as 
designee of the Secretary, has granted or partially granted the 
requests for modification listed below. In some instances, the 
decisions are conditioned upon compliance with stipulations stated in 
the decision. The term ``FR Notice'' appears in the list of affirmative 
decisions below. The term refers to the Federal Register volume and 
page where MSHA published a notice of the filing of the petition for 
modification.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: 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: November 1, 2000.
Carol J. Jones,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.

Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification

    Docket No.: M-2000-003-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 10563.
    Petitioner: Big Ridge, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to plug and mine in 
close proximity to, or through oil and gas wells and to notify the 
District Manager or designee: prior to mining within 300 feet of the 
well; in sufficient time to have an opportunity to have a 
representative present; and when a specific plan is developed for 
mining through each well. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Big Ridge Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for mining through or near (whenever the safety barrier 
diameter is reduced to a distance less than the District Manager would 
approve pursuant to Section 75.1700) plugged oil and gas wells 
penetrating the Illinois No. 5 seam and other mineable coal seams at 
the Big Ridge Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-004-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 10563.
    Petitioner: Aracoma Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a 2,400 volt 
continuous mining system inby the last open crosscut and within 150 
feet from pillar workings using the specific terms and conditions 
listed in the petition for modification. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Aracoma Alma Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the Aracoma Alma Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-006-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 10563.
    Petitioner: Marrowbone Development Company (Eastern Mingo Coal 
Company).
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use 2,400-volt AC 
continuous mining equipment. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Drautz Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Drautz Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-011-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 10564.
    Petitioner: Alex Energy, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use air coursed 
through the belt haulage entry to ventilate active working places by 
installing a carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early warning fire 
detection system in all belt entries used to carry intake air to a 
working place. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for 
the Jerry Fork Eagle Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification 
for the Jerry Fork Eagle Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-016-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 16966.
    Petitioner: Elk Run Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use air coursed 
through the conveyor belt entry at a velocity of at least 50 feet per 
minute to ventilate active working places installing a low-level carbon 
monoxide system as an early warning fire detection system in all belt 
entries used to course intake air to a working place. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the White Knight Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the White Knight Mine 
with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-017-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 16966.
    Petitioner: FKZ Coal, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to conduct mine 
surveys and revise and supplement mine maps annually instead of every 6 
months as required, and to update maps daily by hand notations, and 
conduct subsequent surveys prior to commencing retreat mining and 
whenever a drilling program under 30 CFR 75.388 or plan for mining into 
inaccessible areas under 30 CFR 75.389 is required. This is considered 
an acceptable alternative method for the No. 1 Slope Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the No. 1 Slope Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-023-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 19928.

[[Page 67411]]

    Petitioner: Crystal Fuels Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1103-4.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to install a low-
level carbon monoxide detection system as an early warning fire 
detection system in all belt entries used to ventilate active working 
places instead of using monitoring systems that identify each belt 
flight. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the No. 
1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the No. 1 Mine 
with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-027-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 31611.
    Petitioner: Hopkins County Coal, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a spring-
loaded device with specific fastening characteristics instead of a 
padlock to secure plugs and electrical type connectors to batteries and 
to permissible mobile powered equipment, to prevent the battery plugs 
from accidentally separating from the receptacle during normal 
operation of battery equipment. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Island Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the use of permanently installed spring-loaded locking 
devices in lieu of padlocks on battery plugs at the Island Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-032-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 31611.
    Petitioner: Sidney Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use air coursed 
through belt haulage entries to ventilate active working places by 
installing a low-level carbon monoxide detection system as an early 
warning fire detection system in all belt entries used to course intake 
air to a working place. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Rockhouse Energy Mining Company, Mine No. 1. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the Rockhouse Energy Mining Company, 
Mine No. 1 with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-035-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 31612.
    Petitioner: West Ridge Resources, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.352.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use the belt entry 
as a return air course during two-entry longwall development, and as an 
intake during longwall extraction to ensure adequate ventilation to 
dilute and render harmless any methane or other noxious gases that may 
accumulate. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the 
West Ridge Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the West 
Ridge Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-042-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 31610.
    Petitioner: Marfork Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use an automatic 
fire detection system based on carbon monoxide monitoring of the 
underground belt conveyor entries and to install a low-level carbon 
monoxide monitoring system as an early warning fire detection system in 
all belt entries used to course intake air to a working place. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Brushy Eagle Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Brushy Eagle Mine 
with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-044-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 31610.
    Petitioner: Appalachian Eagle, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a carbon 
monoxide monitoring system to monitor belt air used in the face. The 
petitioner proposes to use a carbon monoxide monitoring system as an 
early warning fire detection system in all belt entries used to course 
intake air to a working place. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Mine No. 1. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Mine No. 1 with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-056-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 40142.
    Petitioner: Dominion Coal Corporation.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to cover abandoned 
mine openings with coarse refuse material for the Dominion Mine No. 22, 
MSHA Site ID #1211-VA5-0335-01. The petitioner proposes to construct a 
refuse bench fill in abandoned mine openings using the specific plans 
and procedures listed in the petition for modification. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Dominion Mine No. 
22. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Dominion Mine No. 
22 with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-007-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 16760.
    Petitioner: Energy Fuels Coal, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a 135 kw/169 
kva, 480-volt diesel powered generator set to move equipment in and out 
of the mine and operate a roof bolter for roof rehabilitation in remote 
areas of the mine. This is considered an acceptable alternative method 
for the South Field Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for 
the 480-volt, three-phase, 135kw Diesel Powered Generator (DPG) set 
supplying power to a 169 KVA three-phase transformer and three-phase 
480-volt and 995-volt power circuits with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-012-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 16760.
    Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use high-voltage 
(2,400 volt) cables on continuous miner sections. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the SUFCO Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the SUFCO Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-021-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 23874.
    Petitioner: Jim Walter Resources, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to establish 
evaluation points inby and outby the return air course and have a 
certified person examine the evaluation points for methane and oxygen 
concentrations and the volume of air and record the results in a book 
maintained on the surface of the mine. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the No. 4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the examination of approximately 2,000 feet of unsafe-
to-travel air course between Shafts 4-1 and 4-2 (Southern Area) and the 
Shaft 4-5 (Northern Area) which ventilates the A Panel off of 3 East 
mine seals at the No. 4 Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-026-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 25518.
    Petitioner: West Ridge Resources, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use two-entry 
longwall development, use the belt entry as a return air course during 
longwall development and as an intake during longwall extraction, to 
ensure an adequate quantity of ventilation to dilute and render 
harmless methane or noxious gases that may accumulate. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the West Ridge Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the West Ridge Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-028-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 25518.
    Petitioner: Peabody Coal Company.

[[Page 67412]]

    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(4).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to establish 
evaluation points to monitor its bleeder system due to hazardous 
conditions that hinder continued travel to conduct examinations, and 
conduct daily examinations at various evaluation points, have a 
certified person check for methane and oxygen and the volume of air and 
record the results in a book kept on the surface of the mine. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Camp No. 11 Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the continuous monitoring 
using intrinsically safe sensors installed as part of the mine's AMS 
and daily evaluation of air, entering the worked out longwall panels 
and approximately 5600 feet of bleeder/return air course which 
ventilates the inaccessible 9th North mine seals at the Camp No. 11 
Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-039-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 32553.
    Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is use a 420 KW/525 KVA, 
480-volt diesel-powered generator system to move equipment in and out 
of the mine and perform minor mining activities in the mine, and to 
conduct proper testing procedures training for all operators prior to 
using the generator system. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the SUFCO Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the 480-volt, three-phase, 420KW/525KVA diesel-powered 
generator (DPG) set supplying power to a three-phase transformer and 
three-phase 480-volt and 995-volt power circuits at the SUFCO Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-040-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 32553.
    Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is use a 420 KW/525 KVA, 
480-volt diesel-powered generator system to move equipment in and out 
of the mine and perform minor mining activities in the mine, and to 
conduct proper testing procedures training for all operators prior to 
using the generator system. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the SUFCO Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the 480-volt, three-phase, 420KW/525KVA diesel-powered 
generator (DPG) set supplying power to a three-phase transformer and 
three-phase 480-volt and 995-volt power circuits at the SUFCO Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-053-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 41139.
    Petitioner: West Ridge Resources, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a nominal 
voltage of longwall power circuits not to exceed 2,400 volts to supply 
power to the permissible longwall mining equipment. This is considered 
an acceptable alternative method for the West Ridge Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the West Ridge Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-070-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 49247.
    Petitioner: RAG Emerald Resources Corporation (Originally Cyprus 
Emerald Resources Corporation).
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use trailing 
cables greater than 500 feet in length for mining equipment taken in by 
the last open crosscut with the cable length not to exceed 1,000 feet. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Emerald No. 
1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Emerald No. 1 
Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-076-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 55493.
    Petitioner: Consolidation Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use trailing 
cables greater than 500 feet in length on face equipment during 
longwall panel development with the cable length not to exceed 1,000 
feet. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the 
Shoemaker Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the 
Shoemaker Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-078-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 55493.
    Petitioner: Consolidation Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use trailing 
cables greater than 500 feet in length on face equipment during 
longwall panel development. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Dilworth Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Dilworth Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-090-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 57662.
    Petitioner: Canterbury Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to ventilate working 
sections. The petitioner proposes to install a carbon monoxide 
monitoring system as an early warning fire detection system in all belt 
entries where air coursed through the belt entry is used to ventilate 
active working places. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the DiAnne Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification 
for the DiAnne Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-092-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 57662.
    Petitioner: Marfork Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use 4,160 volt 
longwall face equipment using specific terms and conditions listed in 
the petition for modification. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Brushy Eagle Mine. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification for the Brushy Eagle Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-096-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 57663.
    Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a nominal 
voltage of longwall power circuits not to exceed 2,400 volts to supply 
power to permissible longwall equipment. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Dugout Canyon Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the Dugout Canyon Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-101-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 57663.
    Petitioner: RAG Emerald Resources Corporation.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use 4,160 volt 
high-voltage longwall equipment. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Emerald Mine No. 1. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification for the Emerald Mine No. 1 with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-108-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 70054.
    Petitioner: Energy West Mining Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use an alternative 
method for service brakes on diesel powered graders. The petitioner 
proposes to install a speedometer on diesel graders in order to limit 
the speed to 25 miles per hour when operating graders in an underground 
coal mine or on the surface of an underground coal mine,

[[Page 67413]]

and train all miners who operate the graders in the proper procedures 
for lowering the blade in order to restrict the speed and stop the 
grader, in proper gear selection for grading, and in the proper speed 
for grading. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for 
the Deer Creek Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the 
Deer Creek Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-126-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 70732.
    Petitioner: Mingo Logan Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a high-voltage 
cable within 150 feet of pillar workings to power a 2,400 VAC longwall 
mining machine. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for 
the Mountaineer Alma-A Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification 
for the Mountaineer Alma-A Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-136-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 1914.
    Petitioner: Twentymile Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use an alternative 
method of compliance for service brakes on diesel-powered graders. The 
petitioner proposes to equip the diesel-powered graders with devices to 
limit the speed for operating the graders to 10 miles per hour, and 
train each miner who operates the grader on the proper techniques for 
lowering the blade in order to restrict the speed and stop the grader. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Foidel 
Creek Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Foidel 
Creek Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-139-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 1914.
    Petitioner: RAG Shoshone Coal Corporation.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use an alternative 
method of compliance for service brakes on diesel-powered graders. The 
petitioner proposes to equip the diesel graders with devices to limit 
the speed for operating the graders to 10 miles per hour, and train 
each miner who operates the grader on the proper techniques for 
lowering the blade in order to restrict the speed and stop the grader. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Shoshone 
No. 1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Shoshone 
No. 1 Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-143-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 5700.
    Petitioner: Consol of Kentucky, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a diesel-
generator source of low and medium voltage, three-phase electrical 
power during transportation of certain mobile equipment underground. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Rhoades 
Branch H-4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the 
Rhoades Branch H-4 Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-144-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 5700.
    Petitioner: Consol of Kentucky, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a diesel-
generator source of low and medium voltage, three-phase electrical 
power during transportation of certain mobile equipment underground. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Rhoades 
Branch H-4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the 
Rhoades Branch H-4 Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-145-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 5700.
    Petitioner: Consol of Kentucky, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-8.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a single line 
of automatic sprinklers for its fire protection system on main and 
secondary belt conveyors. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Rhoades Branch H-4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Rhoades Branch H-4 Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-148-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 5701.
    Petitioner: Consolidation Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to establish 
evaluation check points in certain area of the return air course due to 
deteriorating roof conditions and have a certified person test for 
methane and the quantity of air at the check points on a weekly basis. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Shoemaker 
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Shoemaker Mine 
with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1998-056-C.
    Petitioner: 63 FR 44291.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a portable 
diesel powered generator to move electrically powered mining- equipment 
from one section of the mine to another and incorporate a ground fault 
system for the power circuits that would deenergize mining equipment if 
a phase to frame fault occurs. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Foidel Creek Mine. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification for 480-volt, three-phase, 320KW/400KVA Diesel Powered 
Generator (DPG) set supplying power to a three-phase transformer and 
three-phase 480-volt, and 995-volt power circuits at the Foidel Creek 
Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1998-100-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 2520.
    Petitioner: Cyprus Plateau Mining Corporation.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.804(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to: use specially 
designed high-voltage cables on longwall equipment that would comply 
with the existing standard, or use type CABLE/BICC Anaconda brand 5KV, 
3/C type SHD+GC; Amercable Tiger Brand, 3/C, 5KV, type SHD-CGC; Pirelli 
5KV, 3/C, type SHD-CENTER-GC; or similar 5,000 volt cable with center 
ground check conductor, manufactured to the ICEA Standard S-75-381 for 
type SHD, three-conductor cables; use MSHA accepted as flame-resistant 
cable; use a ground check conductor not smaller than a No. 16 AWG 
stranded conductor; use cable construction of symmetrical 3/C, 3/G, and 
1/GC; train all qualified electrical personnel who perform maintenance 
on the longwall on the installation, splicing, repair, and 
permissibility requirements of high-voltage cables; and submit proposed 
revisions for part 48 training to the District Manager within 60 days 
after the proposed decision and order becomes final. This is considered 
an acceptable alternative method for the Willow Creek Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the use of high-voltage longwall 
cables at the Willow Creek Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2000-005-M.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 40142.
    Petitioner: Frontier-Kemper Constructors, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 57.9360.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to install and use 
safety platforms instead of shelter-holes mounted along the rib at 
regular intervals throughout the ASARCO Mineral Creek Water Diversion 
Tunnel using the specific construction procedures outlined in the 
petition for modification. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the

[[Page 67414]]

ASARCO Ray Complex Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for 
the ASARCO Ray Complex Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-004-M.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 32554.
    Petitioner: Dally Slate Company and American Bangor Slate & Stone.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 57.19007.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a stand-by 
engineer, instead of a mechanical device, to prevent overtravel or 
overspeed in the event the hoist operating engineer has a sudden health 
problem that impairs his/her ability to operate the hoist. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Dally 2-Pit Diamond 
Mill Doney Mine and the American Bangor Slate & Stone Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the Dally 2-Pit Diamond Mill Doney 
Mine and the American Bangor Slate & Stone Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-005-M.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 32554.
    Petitioner: Williams & Sons Slate & Tile, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 57.19007.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a stand-by 
engineer, instead of a mechanical device, to prevent overtravel or 
overspeed in the event the hoist operating engineer has a sudden health 
problem that impairs his/her ability to operate the hoist. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Sreebs Slate & 
Stone Co., Inc. Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the 
Sreebs Slate & Stone Co., Inc. Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: 1999-015-M.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 55494.
    Petitioner: Lyons Salt Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to maintain six (6) 
approved apparatuses at its mine-rescue station rather than twelve as 
required by the standard. The four members of the Kansas Mine Rescue 
Association (Association) (of which Lyons Salt is one) have an 
agreement that Association members will respond to mine emergencies at 
other member mines, which means there are 24 mine-rescue apparatuses 
available for mine emergency. The association member mines each have 
their own rescue stations, which are equipped with six complete mine-
rescue apparatuses. These apparatuses could be used immediately or 
transported to another mine within 30 minutes to 2 hours ground travel. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Lyons Salt 
Company Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Lyons 
Salt Company Mine with conditions. This is an underground salt mine 
using conventional room-and-pillar mining methods. The petitioner 
amended this petition on February 21, 2000, to change the standard for 
which it was seeking modification from 30 CFR 49.6(a)(4) to 30 CFR 
49.6(a)(1).
    Docket No.: M-1999-016-M.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 55494.
    Petitioner: Hutchinson Salt Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to maintain six (6) 
approved apparatuses at its mine-rescue station rather than twelve as 
required by the standard. The four members of the Kansas Mine Rescue 
Association (Association) (of which Hutchinson Salt is one) have an 
agreement that Association members will respond to mine emergencies at 
other member mines, which means there are 24 mine-rescue apparatuses 
available for mine emergency. The association member mines each have 
their own rescue stations, which are equipped with six complete mine-
rescue apparatuses. These apparatuses could be used immediately or 
transported to another mine within 30 minutes to 2 hours ground travel. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Hutchinson 
Salt Company Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the 
Hutchinson Salt Company Mine with conditions. This is an underground 
salt mine using conventional room-and-pillar mining methods. The 
petitioner amended this petition on February 22, 2000, to change the 
standard for which it was seeking modification from 30 CFR 49.6(a)(4) 
to 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1).

    Docket No.: M-1999-17-M.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 55494.
    Petitioner: G-P Gypsum Corporation.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to maintain six (6) 
approved apparatuses at its mine-rescue station rather than twelve as 
required by the standard. The four members of the Kansas Mine Rescue 
Association (Association) (of which G-P Gypsum corporation is one) have 
an agreement that Association members will respond to mine emergencies 
at other member mines, which means there are 24 mine-rescue apparatuses 
available for mine emergency. The association member mines each have 
their own rescue stations, which are equipped with six complete mine-
rescue apparatuses. These apparatuses could be used immediately or 
transported to another mine within 30 minutes to 2 hours ground travel. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Blue Rapids 
Mine & Mill. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Blue 
Rapids Mine & Mill with conditions. This is an underground salt mine 
using conventional room-and-pillar mining methods. The petitioner 
amended this petition on February 10, 2000, to change the standard for 
which it was seeking modification from 30 CFR 49.6(a)(4) to 30 CFR 
49.6(a)(1).

    Docket No.: M-1999-019-M.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 55495.
    Petitioner: Independent Salt Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to maintain six (6) 
approved apparatuses at its mine-rescue station rather than twelve as 
required by the standard. The four members of the Kansas Mine Rescue 
Association (Association) (of which Independent Salt Company is one) 
have an agreement that Association members will respond to mine 
emergencies at other member mines, which means there are 24 mine-rescue 
apparatuses available for mine emergency. The association member mines 
each have their own rescue stations, which are equipped with six 
complete mine-rescue apparatuses. These apparatuses could be used 
immediately or transported to another mine within 30 minutes to 2 hours 
ground travel. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for 
the Independent Salt Company Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Independent Salt Company Mine with conditions. 
This is an underground salt mine using conventional room-and-pillar 
mining methods. The petitioner amended this petition on February 22, 
2000, to change the standard for which it was seeking modification from 
30 CFR 49.6(a)(4) to 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1).
[FR Doc. 00-28816 Filed 11-8-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-U