[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