[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 242 (Monday, December 17, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64988-64992]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-30941]


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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 at Arlington, Virginia this 10th day of December 2001.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Enclosures.

Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification

    Docket No.: M-2000-104-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 58819.
    Petitioner: West Ridge Resources, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use an 
alternative method of grounding a diesel generator. The petitioner 
proposes to use a 480-volt, wye connected, 320 KW portable diesel 
powered generator for utility power and to move electrically powered 
mining equipment in and around the mine. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the West Ridge Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the 480-volt, three-phase, 320KW diesel 
powered generator (DPG) set, Serial No. 31545, used to supply power to 
a 400 KVA autotransformer and three-phase 480- and 995-volt power 
circuits for the West Ridge Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-113-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 58820.
    Petitioner: Blue Mountain Energy, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use air coursed 
through conveyor belt entries to ventilate working places. The 
petitioner proposes to install 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 Deserado Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Deserado Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-118-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 58821.
    Petitioner: West Ridge Resources, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002-1(a)
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use nonpermissible 
low-voltage or battery-powered electronic testing and diagnostic 
equipment within 150 feet of pillow workings, and limited to laptop 
computers, oscilloscopes, vibration analysis machines, cable fault 
detectors, point temperature probes, infrared temperature devices and 
recorders, pressures and flow measurements devices, signal analyzer 
devices, ultrasonic thickness gauges, electronic component testers, and 
electronic tachometers. Other testing and diagnostic equipment may be 
used if approved by the District Manager. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the West Ridge Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the use of low-voltage or battery-powered 
nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment within 150 
feet of pillar workings at the West Ridge Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-125-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 64261.
    Petitioner: Snyder Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1405.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use bar and 
pin or link and pin couplers on underground haulage equipment. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Rattling Run Slope 
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Rattling Run 
Slope Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-126-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 64261.
    Petitioner: Three W-M Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 75.1400(c).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use stronger 
rope and secondary safety rope connections in place of safety catches 
or other no less effective devices on a slope conveyance (gunboat) in 
transporting persons. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Orchard Slope Mine. MSHA grants the

[[Page 64989]]

petition for modification for the Orchard Slope Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-128-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 64261.
    Petitioner: Girdner Mining Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use one 
twenty-or two ten-pound portable chemical fire extinguishers on each 
Mescher Jeep, to have the fire extinguishers readily accessible to the 
equipment operator, to instruct the equipment operator to inspect each 
fire extinguisher on a daily basis and replace all defective fire 
extinguishers prior to entering the mine, and to maintain records of 
all inspections. 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-2000-131-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 64262.
    Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company, L.L.C.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use high-
voltage (2,400-volt) cables within 150 feet of pillar workings for 
continuous miners. This is considered an acceptable alternative method 
for the West Elk Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for 
the West Elk Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-134-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 64262.
    Petitioner: Aracoma Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use 4,160-volt 
longwall mining system. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Aracoma Alma Mine No. 1. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Aracoma Alma Mine No. 1 with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-139-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75974.
    Petitioner: R & R Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.335.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use wooden 
materials of moderate size and weight to construct seals, due to the 
difficulty in accessing previously driven headings and breasts 
containing inaccessible abandoned workings. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the R & R Coal Company Mine. MSHA 
grants the petition for modification for the R & R Coal Company Mine 
with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2001-140-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75974.
    Petitioner: R & R Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) and (i).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use cross-
sections in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above 
or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the R & R Coal 
Company Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the R & R 
Coal Company Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2001-141-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75974.
    Petitioner: R & R Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to revise and 
supplement mine maps annually instead of every six (6) months, and to 
update the maps daily by hand notations. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the R & R Coal Company Mine. MSHA 
grants the petition for modification for the R & R Coal Company Mine 
with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-148-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75975.
    Petitioner: D & F Deep Mine Buck Drift.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.2(b).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to reduce its 
mine rescue teams to two teams with three members and one alternate for 
either team instead of two teams with five members and one alternate 
each. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Buck 
Drift Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Buck 
Drift Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-149-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75975.
    Petitioner: D & F Deep Mine Buck Drift.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.335(a)(1).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use wooden 
materials of moderate size and weight to construct seals due to the 
difficulty in accessing previously driven headings and breasts 
containing inaccessible abandoned workings. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Buck Drift Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the Buck Drift Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2001-151-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75975.
    Petitioner: D & F Deep Mine Buck Drift.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) and (i).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use cross-
sections in lieu of contour lines, limiting the mapping of mines above 
or below this mine to those within 100 feet of the vein being mined. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Buck Drift 
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Buck Drift Mine 
with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-152-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75975.
    Petitioner: D & F Deep Mine Buck Drift.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to revise and 
supplement mine maps annually instead of every six(6) months, and 
update the maps daily by hand notations. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Buck Drift Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the Buck Drift Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-154-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75976.
    Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use belt air 
to ventilate active working places. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Skyline Mine No. 3. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification to allow air coursed through conveyor belt haulage 
entries to be used to ventilate working places at the Skyline Mine No. 
3 with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-156-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75976.
    Petitioner: Oxbow Carbon and Minerals, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use an 
alternative method of grounding a diesel generator. The petitioner 
proposes to use a 480-volt, wye connected, 260 KW portable diesel 
powered generator for utility power and to move electrically powered 
mining equipment in and around the mine. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Sanborn Creek Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the 480-volt, three-phase, 260KW/
325KVA diesel powered generator (DPG) set, Serial No. 31475-1/01, used 
to supply power to a three-phase wye connected 300 KVA auto-transformer 
and three-phase 480-volt and 995-volt power circuits for the Sanborn 
Creek Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-157-C.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 75976.
    Petitioner: Oxbow Carbon and Minerals, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901.

[[Page 64990]]

    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use an 
alternative method of grounding a diesel generator. The petitioner 
proposes to use a 480-volt, wye connected, 260 KW portable diesel 
powered generator for utility power and to move electrically powered 
mining equipment in and around the mine. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Sanborn Creek Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the 480-volt, three-phase, 260KW/
325KVA diesel powered generator (DPG) set, Serial No. 31475-1/01, used 
to supply power to a three-phase wye connected 300 KVA transformer and 
three-phase 480-volt and 995-volt power circuits for the Sanborn Creek 
Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-158-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18660.
    Petitioner: Newtown Energy, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use belt air 
to ventilate active working places. The petitioner proposes to install 
a low-level carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early warning fire-
detection system all belt entries used to course air to a working 
place. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the 
Eagle Mine No. 1. MSHA grants the petition for modification to allow 
air coursed through conveyor belt entries to be used to ventilate 
working places for the Eagle Mine No. 1 with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-159-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18660.
    Petitioner: G & P Contractors, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use two ten-
pound portable chemical fire extinguishers on each Mescher Jeep, to 
have the fire extinguishers readily accessible to the equipment 
operator, to instruct the equipment operator to inspect each fire 
extinguisher daily prior to entering the mine and replace all fire 
extinguishers that are defective. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Powers Branch Mine. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification for the Powers Branch Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-160-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18660.
    Petitioner: G & P Contractors, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.342.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use hand-held 
methane and oxygen indicators instead of machine-mounted methane 
monitors on three-wheel tractors with drag bottom buckets. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Powers Branch Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification to use hand-held continuous 
multi-gas detectors for the Mescher permissible three-wheel battery-
powered tractors used to load coal at the Powers Branch Mine with 
conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-161-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18660.
    Petitioner: Rosebud Mining Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use two (2) 
fire extinguishers or one fire extinguisher of twice the required 
capacity at all temporary electrical installations instead of using 240 
pounds of rock dust. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Clementine Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the temporary electrical installations provided the 
petitioner maintains two portable fire extinguishers having at least 
the minimum capacity specified for a portable fire extinguisher in 30 
CFR 75.1100-1(e) at each of the temporary electrical installations for 
the Clementine Mine.
    Docket No.: M-2001-162-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18660.
    Petitioner: Penn American Coal L.P.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use air 
ventilating the belt entry and associated entries in common with the 
belt, to ventilate a working section or sections. The petitioner 
proposes to install a carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early 
warning fire detection system in all belt entries used to ventilate 
active working places. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Burrell Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification 
for the Burrell Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-163-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18660.
    Petitioner: T.J.S. Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use two (2) 
fire extinguishers or one fire extinguisher of twice the required 
capacity at all temporary electrical installations instead of using 240 
pounds of rock dust. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the T.J.S. #1 Mine, T.J.S. No. 4 Mine, Darmac #3 Mine, and 
Darmac #2 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the 
temporary electrical installations provided the Petitioner maintains 
two portable fire extinguishers having at least the minimum capacity 
specified for a portable fire extinguisher in 30 CFR 75.1100-1(e) at 
each of the temporary electrical installations for the T.J.S. #1 Mine, 
T.J.S. No. 4 Mine, Darmac #3 Mine, and Darmac #2 Mine.
    Docket No.: M-2000-166-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18661.
    Petitioner: Straight Fork Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 (18.41(f) of Part 18).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use a 
permanently installed spring-loaded device on mobile battery-powered 
equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of battery plugs from 
battery receptacles instead of using padlocks. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Skullfork Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the Skullfork Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-167-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18661.
    Petitioner: Big Ridge, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to plug oil and 
gas wells and then mine in close proximity or through the plugged wells 
using the specific procedures outlined in its petition for 
modification. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for 
the Willow Lake Portal 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 or gas wells penetrating the 
Illinois No. 5 seam and other minable coal seams at the Willow Lake 
Portal Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-168-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18661.
    Petitioner: D & R Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.342.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use hand-held, 
continuous-duty methane and oxygen indicators on three-wheel tractors 
with drag bottom buckets instead of using machine-mounted monitors. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Mine No. 2. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Mescher permissible 
three-wheel battery-powered tractors used to load coal in the Mine No. 
2 with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-169-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18661.
    Petitioner: D & R Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to install two 
five-pound or one ten-pound portable

[[Page 64991]]

chemical fire extinguisher in the operator deck of each Mescher 
tractor, to have the fire extinguishers readily accessible to the 
equipment operator, to instruct the equipment operator to inspect each 
fire extinguisher on a daily basis and replace all defective fire 
extinguishers prior to entering the mine, and to maintain records of 
all inspections. This is considered an acceptable alternative method 
for the Mine No. 2. MSHA grants the petition for modification for 
Mescher three-wheel tractors to be operated in the primary intake 
escapeway at the Mine No. 2 with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-170-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 9724.
    Petitioner: Aracoma Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to plug and mine 
through oil or gas wells using the specific procedures outlined in this 
petition for modification. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Aracoma Alma Mine No. 1. 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 or gas wells 
penetrating the Alma Coal Seam and other minable coal seams at the 
Aracoma Alma Mine No. 1 with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-173-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 18661.
    Petitioner: Penn View Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use two (2) 
fire extinguishers or one fire extinguisher of twice the required 
capacity at all temporary electrical installations instead of using 240 
pounds of rock dust. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Penn View Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the temporary electrical installations provided the 
petitioner maintains two portable fire extinguishers having at least 
the minimum capacity specified for portable fire extinguisher in 30 CFR 
75.1100-1(e) at each of the temporary electrical installations for the 
Penn View Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-1999-044-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 32553.
    Petitioner: Energy West Mining Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.326 (Now 75.350 and 75.352).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to amend the 
Decision and Order (D&O) for its previously granted petition for 
modification because the requirements in the previous D&O have proven 
to be outdated due to changes in circumstances that originally 
supported the terms and conditions of the D&O. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Deer Creek Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification to the Deer Creek Mine for a two-entry mining 
system, based on compliance with the stipulations from the original D&O 
as modified and supplemented by additional special terms and 
conditions.
    Docket No.: M-1999-046-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 32554.
    Petitioner: Twentymile Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.500(d).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use low-
voltage or battery operated non-permissible electronic testing and 
diagnostic equipment into and inby the last open crosscut and in its 
continuous miner development sections. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Foidel Creek Mine. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification, under controlled conditions, for the Foidel Creek 
Mine upon compliance with the terms and conditions.
    Docket No.: M-1999-095-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 57662.
    Petitioner: Wabash Mine Holding Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.332(a)(2).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to use two 
continuous miners within the same split of air. The petitioner proposes 
to allow one continuous miner to clean up the working face cut it 
previously mined while a second continuous miner on the section starts 
to cut and load coal from another working face on the same working 
section, all on the same single split of intake air. This is considered 
an acceptable alternative method for the Wabash Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the Wabash Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-1999-122-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 70732.
    Petitioner: McElroy Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(1).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to conduct weekly 
examinations of designated monitoring stations instead of traveling and 
conducting weekly examinations in certain intake and return entries of 
the McElroy Mine. The petitioned areas are the same as those already 
granted modifications of the standard (old standard 30 CFR 75.305 for 
weekly examinations now addressed under 30 CFR 75.364) to allow daily 
evaluations of unsafe-for-travel aircourse segments at monitoring 
stations in lieu of travel in previous Proposed Decisions and Orders 
(PDOs) Docket Number M-91-078-C issued June 16, 1992; Docket Number M-
92-142-C issued June 2, 1993; and Docket Number M-93-007-C issued 
October 28, 1993, and Amended December 8, 1997. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the McElroy Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for evaluation of one unsafe-for-examination 
intake aircourse segment and two unsafe-for-travel segments of 
designated return aircourses, one of which includes the B North Mine 
seals near the Fish Creek air shaft for the McElroy Mine with 
conditions.
    Docket No.: M-1999-123-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 70732.
    Petitioner: Blue Mountain Energy, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.500(d).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is use low-voltage 
non-permissible electronic testing or diagnostic equipment in or inby 
the last open crosscut. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Deserado Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification 
for the use of low voltage or battery powered non-permissible 
electronic testing and diagnostic equipment taken into or inby the last 
open crosscut for the Deserado Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-1999-150-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 5701.
    Petitioner: Perry County Mining Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(1).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to establish four 
check points in certain areas of the intake aircourse as air 
measurement stations, due to deteriorating roof conditions. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Eas No. 1 Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the examination of 
approximately 5,600 feet of unsafe-to-travel intake aircourse beginning 
in the mains inby the Big Creek Fan and into the Rolls Mains to allow 
effective evaluation of air flow quantity and quality entering and 
leaving the petitioned, unsafe-for-travel, intake aircourse segment of 
for the Eas No. 1 Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-007-M.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 58821.
    Petitioner: Sierra Minerals Corporation.

[[Page 64992]]

    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 57.17010.
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to eliminate the 
use of cap lamp during daylight hours at its quarry operation because 
there is enough natural lighting in all working areas of the quarry to 
provide illumination under all operating conditions and for safe exit 
from the working areas and that quarry work is done only in daylight 
hours. The petitioner will use cap lamps if it is necessary to extend 
work into hours of darkness. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Yule Quarry Mine. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification for the Yule Quarry Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2000-009-M.
    FR Notice: 65 FR 64262.
    Petitioner: Echo Bay Minerals Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.8(b).
    Summary of Findings: The petitioner's proposal is to participate in 
the Central Mine Rescue (CMR) of Wallace, Idaho, which consists of four 
training sessions per year, once per quarter, for the team in addition 
to annual Refresher and Competition training. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Echo Bay Minerals, Kettle River 
Operations, comprised of the K-2 Mine Site, and the Lamefoot Mine Site. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification with conditions provided that 
all mine rescue members receive at least 40 hours of refresher training 
annually, that any member that is unable to attend a training session 
make up that training within the 30 days following the session missed 
or the mine rescue member will not be eligible until that training is 
made up.

[FR Doc. 01-30941 Filed 12-14-01; 8:45 am].
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